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tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2016:blogdestructoidhttp://bulk2.destructoid.com/ele2/images/destructoid/favicon.ico2016-01-15T01:00:00Ztag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=334453Steven Hansenhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Steven+HansenMonster Monpiece gets Naked for cell phones2016-01-15T01:00:00Z2016-01-15T01:00:00Z

Compile Hearts is forgoing the PlayStation Vita for the next entry in the Monster Monpiece series. The company just announced Genkai Tokki: Monster Monpiece Naked for iOS and Android.

Pre-registration is open up on the site, where you can also find a waify girl with animal ears curled up on some hay. Naked boasts all new characters, monsters, and 3D battles according to Gematsu, as well as functionality designed to fit on mobile. It's an understandable landing point for the card battler, given the Vita's decline.

 tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=295860Mike Martinhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Mike+MartinContest: Win a copy of Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth 2!2015-07-12T16:30:00Z2015-07-12T16:30:00Z
Our friends at Idea Factory International have been kind enough to hook us up with 4 copies of Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth 2! 2 for Steam and 2 for Vita! How awesome is that? What is Hyperdimension you ask? Well here is the official synopsis from it's Steam page:

"Gamindustri has been taken over by a new threat, and the CPUs are nowhere to be found! It's now up to their younger sisters to step into the spotlight and save the day in this hilarious, deeply customizable JRPG!"

I don't know what any of that means, nor did I play the first game much. I have been quite enjoying this one and would give it a recommend though. So what do you have to do to win a copy? Leave a comment with either your favorite character from the first game, or if you're new to the series: Why it looks interesting to you! Include what system you want it for and viola! Done! Contest ends July 26 @ 11:59 PST! Good luck.

 tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=293010Kyle MacGregorhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Kyle+MacGregorOtome game Norn9 coming to Vita this autumn2015-05-30T09:00:00Z2015-05-30T09:00:00Z
Once upon a time, an employee at a well known localization house told me there wasn't a market for otome games in the west. The men in charge just didn't believe folks in North America or Europe would buy romantic visual novels that were created (primarily) for a female audience.

It seems Aksys Games didn't get the memo, though. The publisher has released a decent amount of otome games recently -- Hakuoki and Sweet Fuse come to mind -- and now here's another.

It's called Norn9: Var Commons and here's the set-up:

"While on a school field trip, child prodigy Sorata Suzuhara wanders off after hearing a mysterious song and blacks out. When he comes to, he finds himself in unfamiliar place, and soon encounters a girl who informs him that he's currently in turn of the century Japan! In order to help him get home, Sorata follows her to a ship that she's waiting for but when it appears it is not a wooden sailing ship, but a round aircraft that flies using technology that is beyond Sorata's imagination.

Even stranger, he discovers that the other 12 passengers - 3 young women and 9 men - are all supposedly espers with special powers, and are on some kind of journey at the behest of a multinational entity only known as The World. What is the purpose of their journey? What is their destination? Who is The World? Before Sorata can even begin to take stock of his situation, the ship is attacked, and the mystery surrounding the ship only deepens. Delve into the story of the ship and its occupants through the point of views of each of the three girls, and unravel the mysteries trapped within."

Aksys plans to release the PlayStation Vita exclusive in North America and Europe this fall.

 Read more...tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=291761Chris Carterhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Chris+CarterReview: Hyperdimension Neptunia U: Action Unleashed2015-05-08T14:00:00Z2015-05-08T14:00:00Z
Over the years, I've developed a cautionary approach to Compile Heart projects. As a fan of Eastern games in general I'm always receptive to the idea of them, but as a development studio, they don't always follow through as well as they should. Hyperdimension Neptunia U: Action Unleashed might be another checkbox in the Neptunia saga, but it's not your typical series entry.

In fact, besides going in an action-oriented direction, it's developed by another studio entirely -- Tamsoft, who has been crafting quality franchises since the '90s such as Battle Arena Toshinden and, more recently, the Senran Kagura series. Because of this, Action Unleashed is a cut above its brethren.

 Read more...tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=290971Josh Tolentinohttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Josh+TolentinoReview: Omega Quintet2015-04-29T13:30:00Z2015-04-29T13:30:00Z
Omega Quintet is a game of firsts. Chronologically, it's the PlayStation 4's first exclusive Japanese RPG (Final Fantasy Type-0 originally being a PSP game). It's also developer Compile Heart's first PS4 game, and by certain logic, the first JRPG to plumb Japan's idol subculture.

If only being such a pioneer had resulted in a game that actually put its best foot forward.

 Read more...tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=291105Kyle MacGregorhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Kyle+MacGregorRomance Frankenstein, Van Helsing in this Vita game2015-04-29T13:00:00Z2015-04-29T13:00:00Z
Your skin is poisonous. It rots and/or melts anything you touch. You haven't seen your pops in two years and live alone in a derelict mansion near London. Then, one day, Royal Guards try to capture you for some reason, and master thief Arsène Lupin comes to the rescue!

That's the premise of Code: Realize: Guardian of Rebirth, the latest otome game to get announced for western audiences. Yes, Aksys Games is back in the habit with another adventure brimming with hunky dudes for our tragic heroine to fawn over.

This time around the reverse harem is populated by iconic Victorian era literary figures, like the aforementioned Arsène Lupin, Mary Shelley's mad scientist Victor Frankenstein, scholarly vampire hunter Abraham Van Helsing, and Jules Verne's gun enthusiast Impey Barbicane. You can also court actual historical person Count Saint-Germain, who seems a tad out of place, given he passed away a century before most of his peers were even twinkles in their creators' eyes. Oh well, it's fiction, my dear Watson.

Apparently it also has that steampunk thing going on, which by now is either a selling point or makes you want to climb into a cannon and fire yourself toward the moon. At any rate, it's coming to PlayStation Vita here in North America sometime this autumn.

Code: Realize ~Guardian of Rebirth~ Hits PS Vita This Fall [PlayStation Blog]

 tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=288199Kyle MacGregorhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Kyle+MacGregorReview: Hyperdevotion Noire: Goddess Black Heart2015-04-28T14:00:00Z2015-04-28T14:00:00Z
Falling in love with potential can be dangerous. A mistake people make far too often when forging new relationships is placing undue expectations on others. People grow and change, but it's impossible to know how or when that will happen, let alone control it. Counting on some sort of metamorphosis (or trying to trigger one) is usually a recipe for disappointment or disaster.

It's the same with videogames. Acceptance is the basis of any good relationship. So, if you're loath to put up with the bad times to get to the good and hoping something will eventually turn the corner, well, let's just say it's probably not going to work out in the end.

I've come to learn this lesson the hard way with the Hyperdimension Neptunia series. Idea Factory's burgeoning role-playing game franchise has such a promising premise. However, having given it a few chances now, I'm convinced it will never mature or develop into what I dreamed it, one day, could be.

 Read more...tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=285874Kyle MacGregorhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Kyle+MacGregorHyperdimension Neptunia SRPG hits Vita next month2015-01-07T18:00:00Z2015-01-07T18:00:00Z
Gamindustri's goddesses go to war next month in Hyperdevotion Noire: Goddess Black Heart.

In this strategy role-playing game, a first for Idea Factory's cult Hyperdimension Neptunia series, the ladies must, once again, put aside their petty squabbles to defeat a common enemy.

The CPUs of each of the four nations are locked in heated battle against one another for dominion over this world. Just as Noire is one step away from complete domination, the CPUs are suddenly robbed of their powers by an unknown force. Now in order to save the world from destruction, the four CPUs must unite Gamarket and defeat the onslaught!

The PlayStation Vita exclusive is forecast to release across North America on February 24, with the European launch starting out at retail on February 27 and the digital version coming March 4.

 Read more...tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=285501Kyle MacGregorhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Kyle+MacGregorNeptunia Re;Birth and Fairy Fencer coming to Steam2014-12-29T15:00:00Z2014-12-29T15:00:00Z
Idea Factory International has announced plans to bring a handful of its role-playing games to PC. Hyperdimension Neptunia, Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth 2: Sisters Generation, and Fairy Fencer F will all be headed to Steam in the near future.

Re;Birth and Re;Birth 2: Sisters Generation are remakes of the first pair of Hyperdimension Neptunia games, which parody the games industry via moe anthropomorphism. They were originally designed for PS Vita and feature a number of improvements, such as enhanced visuals, new music and voice acting, and the battle system from Hyperdimension Neptunia Victory.

Fairy Fencer F, released on PS3 this autumn, siphons the essence of the Neptunia games into a fantasy setting, telling a tale about magical weapon users caught up in a battle between gods.

Re;birth 2 launches for Vita across North America and Europe in February.

 tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=284011Kyle MacGregorhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Kyle+MacGregorIdol RPG Omega Quintet hits PS4 in spring 20152014-11-18T20:30:00Z2014-11-18T20:30:00Z
Omega Quintet is coming to North America and Europe next spring, publisher Idea Factory International announced today. The PlayStation 4 role-playing game stars a group of idols who must save the world from darkness with their sonic weapons.

The title is both Compile Heart's first foray into the new generation and the first PS4 title to take advantage of PlayStation Move. It released in Japan this October, selling in excess of 9,000 copies in its opening week.

Idea Factory International [Twitter, Omega Quintet]

 Read more...tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=274606Brittany Vincenthttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Brittany+VincentMonster Monpiece rubbing Vita owners the right way on May 272014-05-09T14:45:00Z2014-05-09T14:45:00Z
It's finally here! Monster Monpiece, that deliciously risqué card battler brought to us by Idea Factory, is hitting North America on May 27 and Europe on May 28. For $29.99, you too can collect all the Monster Girls and level them up to your heart's content. Yes, with copious amounts of screen-rubbing on your Vita, too. what's not to love?

This card-battling strategy game looks like a ton of fun, even if the more "adult" cards have been cut from the North American release. I'm all about some cute monster girls (and boys), so May 27 can't come quickly enough. In the meantime, Dale and I will be salivating over it while the rest of the staff call us weebs. But come on! A strategic RPG-lite card game with adorable anime character illustrations for Vita? The Vita's practically an anime fan's dream machine right about now, and if loving it is wrong, I don't wanna be right.

 tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=274494Kyle MacGregorhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Kyle+MacGregorCompile Heart still teasing PS4 RPG Omega Quintet2014-05-07T22:30:00Z2014-05-07T22:30:00Z

Oh good, another teaser for Omega Quintet, the next entry in Compile Heart's Galapagos RPG brand. Because we haven't had quite enough of those. Nope. Nope. Nope. We need more!

The latest morsel of footage showcases the role-playing game's five eponymous superstars doing their idol thing on stage. And we get our first look at the dark entity called "beep," which can apparently only be stopped by the power of song. Because, you know, reasons.

Omega Quintet will debut on PlayStation 4 come September 18 in Japan.

 tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=274097Dale Northhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Dale+NorthHyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth1 comes to Vita in both physical and digital forms2014-05-01T12:45:00Z2014-05-01T12:45:00Z
Rejoice! New RPG Vita games keep coming. The newest is Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth1 (no typos there -- that's really what they're going with) which Idea Factory says is coming in both physical and digital forms to North America later this summer. Europe will only get the digital form.

This is a remake of Hyperdimension Neptunia, a PS3 title. This new version gets new events, graphics, and game mechanics. The battle system has been upgraded, taking from Hyperdimension Neptunia Victory. A new ending and DLC are also planned.

Here are some screenshots (English!) to hold you over until then.

Also, the official website for this game is now live. Check it out.

 Read more...tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=272952Kyle MacGregorhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Kyle+MacGregorHyperdimension Neptunia PP dances west this June2014-04-06T23:00:00Z2014-04-06T23:00:00Z
Hypderdimension Neptunia: Producing Perfection is shimmying over to North America on June 3 and then Europe just three days later, NIS America has announced.

The PlayStation Vita idol game stars the heroines of Compile Heart's RPG series, and asks players to manage the ladies' dancing and singing careers. Are you up to the challenge?

 Read more...tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=272468Chris Carterhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Chris+CarterHyperdimension Neptunia Re:Birth 1 coming to the US2014-03-26T13:00:00Z2014-03-26T13:00:00Z
Idea Factory has just confirmed the western localization of Hyperdimension Neptunia Re:Birth 1. It's a Vita remake of 2011's Hyperdimension Neptunia, and is set to launch in the summer of this year.

This version will sport a new ending, as well as updated battle systems (from Neptunia Victory). It'll also feature new event conversations, updated visuals, and a bunch of DLC, which includes new monsters, quests, and dungeons.

Hyperdimension Neptunia Re:Birth 1 [Idea Factory]

 Read more...tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=270539Kyle MacGregorhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Kyle+MacGregorFairy Fencer F takes a stab at PS3 later this year2014-02-14T10:15:00Z2014-02-14T10:15:00Z
It's happening! Fairy Fencer F is headed to North American and European shores this fall, courtesy of the localization-smiths at NIS America.

The turn-based role-player comes by way of Compile Heart, the studio behind the Hyperdimension Neptunia games, and features contributions from Final Fantasy artist Yoshitaka Amano and legendary composer Nobuo Uematsu.

Set in a fantasy world, the story follows a young man (named Fang of all things) who pulls a sword from a stone and suddenly finds his journey through life set on an exciting new trajectory as he becomes caught up in a struggle between warring deities.

 tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=269314Dale Northhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Dale+NorthVita card game Monster Monpiece comes to NA, EU2014-01-21T11:15:00Z2014-01-21T11:15:00Z

Idea Factory International's first Vita game, Monster Monpiece, has been confirmed for North America and Europe today. This tactical card battle with RPG elements comes to PSN this spring.

If the name sounds familiar, it's probably because we've shown you this Vita... er, stroking game before. I assure you that there's tactical card play systems and a story line beyond all of this screen whacking. You can rub magic power into cards by going at it on the Vita's touchscreen!

Idea Factory International has discloused that they've removed some images from this North American and European version. While the gameplay and story are intact, some monster girls have been cut due to their "strong sexual nature." We have a list of the cut card images below.

Also be sure to check out our gallery of English screenshots from Monster Monpiece.

Ready to rub?

 Read more...tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=268073Kyle MacGregorhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Kyle+MacGregorSo this is a 'rubbing, pinching, panty-wearing RPG'2013-12-26T23:30:00Z2013-12-26T23:30:00Z
Compile Heart has created a treasure trove of strange and unsavory things in its time, but this just make take the cake. Wait. Actually, no. Never mind. It's definitely up there though.

The purveyors of games such as Hyperdimension Neptunia and that other one where you stroke a Vita in a rather inappropriate fashion are back to their old tricks with a title called Genkai Totsuki Moero Chronicle. The upcoming Vita project is billed as a "rubbing, pinching, panty-wearing RPG." Sometimes there just are no words.

Genkai Totsuki Moero Chronicle is slated to hit Japan on April 24.

Genkai Totsuki Moero Chronicle (NSFW) [Amiami via Gematsu]

 tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=266495Kyle MacGregorhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Kyle+MacGregorHyperdimension Neptunia spin-off for Vita is super chibi2013-11-27T10:30:00Z2013-11-27T10:30:00Z
Hyperdimension Neptunia spin-off Hyper Goddess Faith Noire: Extreme God Black Heart is slated to bring another dose of Compile Heart's inexplicably popular franchise to PlayStation Vita on May 29 in Japan, Dengeki reports.

The simulation role-playing game is being developed by Sting, the studio behind a number of Atlus-published SRPGs like Gungnir and Yggdra Union. The game features chibi characters and apparently "moe" plays into the battle system somehow. Because of course it does.

『超女神信仰 ノワール 激神ブラックハート』最新情報が解禁! 『ネプテューヌ』シリーズのスピンオフタイトルはスティング開発のSRPG!? [Dengeki Online via Gematsu]

 tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=264812Wesley Ruscherhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Wesley+RuscherIdea Factory International website officially launched 2013-11-03T09:00:00Z2013-11-03T09:00:00Z
Fans of Idea Factory games rejoice, the official international website for all things Idea Factory is finally open for public consumption. As reported by our sister site Japanator, the focus of the site is to provide news and updates for upcoming Idea Factory properties.

Currently the Japanese publisher is dependent on third party companies like NIS America, Aksys Games, and Rising Star Games to localize and publish their games in western markets. As we reported back in September, the formation of Idea Factory International aims to strengthen the company's global identity.

To help celebrate the launch and build awareness, Idea Factory International is currently running a promotion for following their Twitter and Facebook pages. Lucky followers have a chance to win free prizes and gifts, with winners being directly contacted through either social media site.

Idea Factory international website launched [Japanator]

 tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=263468Kyle MacGregorhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Kyle+MacGregorAksys looks to curry favor with new Sorcery Saga trailer2013-10-12T18:00:00Z2013-10-12T18:00:00Z

Aksys Games' upcoming roguelike dungeon crawler certainly seems good-humored. In Sorcery Saga: Curse of the Great Curry God, an adventurous young chef sets out on a quest to save a local restaurant by whipping up the greatest curry of all time.

Fittingly, the culinary-themed Compile Heart and Zerodiv-developed PlayStation Vita title will receive a tasty limited edition, which includes a spoon, plate, and bib. A bib! Does that sound appetizing to you?

 Read more...tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=263035Kyle MacGregorhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Kyle+MacGregorFairy Fencer F strikes PlayStation 3 in Japan this week2013-10-06T13:00:00Z2013-10-06T13:00:00Z

Fairy Fencer F is cleaving its way onto PlayStation 3 in Japan this week. The fantasy role-playing game was developed in conjunction with Final Fantasy concept artist Yoshitaka Amano and composer Nobuo Uematsu, and sports an enhanced version of the Hyperdimension Neptunia battle system.

The story follows a pair of powerful warriors, the eponymous fencers, on an adventure where they become caught up in a conflict between a pair of warring deities. The title will be available starting October 10 in Japan. An international release has not been announced at this time.

 Read more...tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=262754Kyle MacGregorhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Kyle+MacGregorIdea Factory charters Western satellite studio2013-09-30T23:15:00Z2013-09-30T23:15:00Z
Idea Factory is establishing an outpost in California. The Tokyo-based publisher announced the creation of Idea Factory International today, which expressly aims to strengthen the company's brands around the globe. Former NIS America president Harusato Akenaga will act as CEO.

Players might be familiar with the group's otaku-centric franchises, which include the Record of Agarest War, Hyperdimension Neptunia, and Hakuoki series.

Until now Idea Factory and its subsidiary Compile Heart have relied on studios such as Aksys Games and NIS America to localize its titles for Western audiences, a practice that figures to change moving forward once Idea Factory International gets off the ground.

Idea Factory International [IF]

 tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=262705Chris Carterhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Chris+CarterDisgaea 4 director working on new Vita RPG2013-09-30T07:30:00Z2013-09-30T07:30:00Z
You want more RPGs on your Vita? Your wish is granted! In addition to Phantasy Star Nova, Natural Doctrine, and a number of other games, Idea Factory is teaming up with the director of Disgaea 4 (Masahiro Yamamoto) for a brand new Vita RPG.

Apparently the game is on its way in terms of development, and we'll have some new info at some point in 2014. For now, we have a shadowy picture of the game's protagonists. I can't wait to hear more!

RPG [Idea Factory via Gematsu]

 tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=262574Dale Northhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Dale+NorthCompile Heart has a Vita announcement coming Monday2013-09-27T11:00:00Z2013-09-27T11:00:00Z
All we can do is wonder until Monday (Japan Time) about Compile Heart's brief message on their homepage about a new Vita announcement. So see you back here on September 30.

I hope it's something about Galapagos. They've thrown teases out a couple of times, but we've yet to hear anything else.

Regardless, we're always glad to see a Vita announcement. We'll take anything!

 tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=261318Kyle MacGregorhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Kyle+MacGregorFeast your eyes on Fairy Fencer F opening film2013-09-06T04:00:00Z2013-09-06T04:00:00Z

Compile Heart has unveiled the opening film for its PlayStation 3 exclusive role-playing game, Fairy Fencer F. It looks, well, familiar. Despite boasting contributions from Final Fantasy illustrator Yoshitaka Amano and legendary composer Nobuo Uematsu, the title could still easily pass for the next Hyperdimension Neptunia game. Yep.

 tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=258759Kyle MacGregorhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Kyle+MacGregorSweet Fuse: At Your Side hits PSP in August2013-07-26T13:30:00Z2013-07-26T13:30:00Z
Sweet Fuse: At Your Side will arrive on August 27, Aksys Games has announced. In addition to being among the last games join the PlayStation Portable's library, the title's release marks something of a rarity, as otome visual novels scarcely find their way to Western shores.

The story follows Saki Inafune, the fictional niece of Mega Man creator Keiji Inafune, who, along with seven sexy dudes, enters into a deadly game of complex puzzles to save her famous uncle's theme park from a malevolent hostage-taking hog.

While Sweet Fuse is a PSP title, PlayStation Vita owners are in luck, as the game will also release digitally via PlayStation Network in both Europe and North America. However, those with a penchant for swag might want to pick it up on UMD format, as Amazon pre-orders will include a bonus necklace resembling that of the game's piggish villain. Sweet.

Strut it like you're Count Hogstein [Aksys Games]

 tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=257277Kyle MacGregorhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Kyle+MacGregorHyperdimension Neptunia to be reborn on PS Vita this fall2013-06-30T14:00:00Z2013-06-30T14:00:00Z
Compile Heart is trying its best to keep the PlayStation Vita library stuffed to the gills with ports, remakes, and the like. The company has joined forces with Summon Night team Felistella to release an enhanced version of the original Hyperdimension Neptunia on Sony's portable system in Japan this October. Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth 1 features the improved visuals and combat system from the most recent entry in the series, Hyperdimension Neptunia Victory.

NIS America, Compile Heart's western publishing partner, has yet to announce a localized release for the remake or fellow Neptunia projects Hyperdimension Idol Neptunia PP and Hyper Goddess Faith Noir: Extreme God Black Heart, which are also both coming to PS Vita in Japan later this year.

Hypderimension Neptunia Re;Birth 1 [Compile Heart]

 tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=255601Kyle MacGregorhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Kyle+MacGregorTake another peek at PS3 role-playing game Fairy Fencer F2013-06-07T16:00:00Z2013-06-07T16:00:00Z
Compile Heart has released a new set of screenshots and environmental concept art for Fairy Fencer F. Showcasing the fantasy role-playing game's characters, dialogue, and battle system, it's looking like the forthcoming title will be at least superficially similar to the studio's last effort, Hyperdimension Neptunia Victory.

Fairy Fencer F releases in Japan on September 19 exclusively for PlayStation 3.

Fairy Fencer F [Compile Heart]

 Read more...tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=254811Kyle MacGregorhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Kyle+MacGregorCompile Heart's latest RPG Fairy Fencer F is such a tease2013-05-30T16:00:00Z2013-05-30T16:00:00Z

Compile Heart has served up a morsel of gameplay footage for its upcoming fantasy role-player Fairy Fencer F. And, well, it looks like a Compile Heart game.

Despite resembling just about everything else the studio has put out in recent memory, Fairy Fencer F is something of an interesting release, if only for its impressive pedigree. Developed by the Hyperdimension Neptunia team, the PlayStation 3 title features artwork by Final Fantasy illustrator Yoshitaka Amano and music from Nobuo Uematsu and the Earthbound Papas.

Fairy Fencer F is scheduled to launch on September 19 in Japan.


text:
Featured news
Security warning too quick for comfort?
Network protection company Internet Security Systems published a security advisory for Apache, the Internet's most popular Web server, and gave the Apache Foundation, which created the software, less than two hours to respond.
Considering the potential seriousness of the issue, the company's public announcement of the problem without first talking to the Apache developers wasn't responsible, said Mark Cox, a founding member of the Apache Foundation.
[ Read more ]
Related items
- Article: Apache Chunk Handling Roundup (18 June 2002)
- Advisory: Apache Web Server Chunk Handling Vulnerability (18 June 2002)
- Vulnerability: Apache httpd: Vulnerability With Chunked Encoding (18 June 2002)
- Vulnerability: Remote Compromise Vulnerability in Apache HTTP Server (18 June 2002)
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Currency conversions are estimated and should be used for informational purposes only.
Explore something Different
Pickup at the store!
Full Range Pairing Set
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Evolved Design for Opitmum Performance
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All elements of the Canadiano are designed to be sourced locally from our studio.


text:
Baseball season is just days away, so it's time to take a look at some of the Pirates' competition in 2014. The team's first 26 games will be played against NL Central opponents… here's a look around the division.
Chicago Cubs
Coming off a 66-96 last place finish, it doesn't appear to be getting any better on the north side of Chicago. There's a bright future there though, with a farm system that features some of the best prospects in baseball (Kris Bryant, Javier Baez, etc.) Give the Cubbies a couple of years.
New guys: former Buc Jose Veras, Justin Ruggiano, Clark the Cub
Player who will end up killing the Pirates: Jeff Samardzija… He seems to always find a way to dominate the Pirates: 2.11 ERA and 58 K in 64 innings vs. Pittsburgh. He'll be on the mound at PNC on Monday.
Reasons to hate the Cubs: This song is the worst:
Let's make fun of their new mascot too (even though the performer was the Pirate Parrot until a few weeks ago…)
[divider type=""]
Cincinnati Reds
Watching the Pirates sweep the Reds in Cincinnati during the last weekend of the regular season, then winning again on Tuesday in the Wild Card game was just plain awesome. The Redlegs fired skipper Dusty Baker soon thereafter, promoting to pitching coach Bryan Price to the managerial role for 2014. Like the Pirates, Cincy had a quiet winter, but should be competitive with some of their top players still in place.
New guys: Skip Schumaker, Brayan Pena
Player who will end up killing the Pirates: Billy Hamilton… That speed.
Reasons to hate the Reds: Brandon Phillips, Aroldis Chapman, beanball, Great American Smallpark
[divider type=""]
Milwaukee Brewers
A tough start to the season crushed the Brew Crew in 2013, and losing their best player to suspension certainly didn't help. Still, they played good ball in the second half of the season with a 36-32 record. Milwaukee could have a decent squad in 2014 with Braun returning, a few guys like Gomez and Segura hitting their stride, and the addition of Matt Garza in the rotation.
New guys: Garza, Will Smith (not him)
Player who will end up killing the Pirates: Gomez crushed Pirates pitching in 2013 (.338/.377/.606) so watch out for him as he continues to break out.
Reasons to hate the Brewers: Ryan Braun obviously, Gomez is pretty annoying, Miller Park (aka House of Horrors for the Pirates)
[divider type=""]
St. Louis Cardinals
A National League contender year in and year out, the Cardinals will continue to be a pain for the Pirates in the Central. A World Series runner-up squad wasn't good enough for GM John Mozeliak, as he went out early in the offseason and strengthened the Redbirds at shortstop with Jhonny Peralta and in the outfield with Peter Bourjos. It'll be tough to build upon 97 wins, but St. Louis looks to take the division again this year.
New guys: Peralta, Bourjos, Mark Ellis
Player who will end up killing the Pirates: Michael Wacha, who dominated the Bucs a couple of times in 2013, including a near perfect performance in Game 4.
Reasons to hate the Cardinals: they're almost too good (almost), crushing our dreams in the NLDS
[divider type=""]
Standings? I think they have a good chance to look a lot like last year.
1. Cardinals
2. Pirates
3. Reds
4. Brewers
5. Cubs
First and last seem to be taken… Holding out for another second place finish for the Bucs, though that could easily be the Reds. Can't see the Brewers finishing any higher than third, but they could make some noise. It all starts on Monday…
Go Bucs


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Our companies include one of the nation's largest electric utilities and providers of industrial and commercial energy services nationwide.
About Edison International's Companies
Southern California Edison®
Our subsidiary SCE is one of the largest electric utilities in the United States and a longtime leader in renewable energy and energy efficiency. With headquarters in Rosemead, Calif., SCE serves more than 14 million people in a 50,000 square-mile area of central, coastal and Southern California. SCE has provided electric service in the region for more than 125 years.
Did You Know?
- SCE maintains grid assets valued at more than $20 billion, including 1.4 million power poles, 700,000 transformers and 103,000 miles of distribution and transmission lines.
- In the past 5 years, SCE's energy efficiency programs have helped customers save enough energy to power 1.2 million homes for a year.
- SCE delivered approximately 15 billion kilowatt-hours of renewable power to its customers in 2012. That's nearly 20 percent of all the electricity delivered that year — and more than any other U.S. utility.
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How SCE helps customers go solar
Edison Energy Group®
Our subsidiary Edison Energy Group provides new products and services in an ever-changing energy marketplace, and invests in and partners with technology leaders in the energy space. Edison Energy Group's goal is to build on Edison International's core strengths to provide commercial and industrial customers with a range of energy services including power management and electric transportation. Edison Energy Group operations are completely independent of and unconnected to Southern California Edison.
Edison TransmissionSM
Edison Transmission, a wholly owned subsidiary of Edison Energy Group, will pursue competitive electric transmission projects nationwide. This business intends to sponsor, develop, own, operate and maintain transmission projects that will enhance the reliability of regional transmission systems and provide for the delivery of energy from renewable generation projects.
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Edison Water Resources, a wholly owned subsidiary of Edison Energy Group, will develop, construct, own and operate water treatment facilities. The business was established in 2015 with a focus on two primary areas of water treatment: desalination of brackish water for water districts and agencies at localized sites, and on-site wastewater recycling and reuse for commercial, industrial, and institutional customers. Pilot projects in both of these areas are currently in development. The company's initial efforts are focused in Southern California, with plans to expand nationwide in the future.
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SoCore Energy is a market leader in commercial and industrial solar portfolio development. With hundreds of solar solutions designed and installed across 19 states, SoCore offers multisite retailers, REITs and industrial companies portfolio-wide solar solutions that provide energy cost savings and carbon reduction opportunities. As a wholly owned indirect subsidiary of Edison International, SoCore combines Edison's Fortune 500 stability with entrepreneurial creativity in order to provide energy solutions that our customers genuinely want and need.
Investments by Edison Energy Group
Clean Power Finance
Recognizing the rapidly growing demand for solar power, Edison Energy Group is a minority investor in this leading financial services and software provider, which serves the solar industry and capital markets.
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Optimum Energy provides optimization solutions for heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to large, multi-site corporations. Through Edison Energy Group's minority investment we're working with a fast-growing company that provides key energy services to commercial and industrial customers.
Edison Energy Group is a minority investor in this leading manufacturer of electric-drive buses and zero-emission commercial vehicles. Proterra's products help transit agencies deliver clean, quiet, rider- and neighborhood-friendly vehicles that also meet government regulations and local mandates, and establish it as the first company to deliver a full-size transit vehicle that meets California's Zero Emission Bus Rules. Proterra is based in Greenville, S.C.
SCIenergy integrates technology, service providers, and capital markets to transform how building owners and occupants interact with energy. Edison Energy Group's minority investment will help SCIenergy develop the first Energy-Infrastructure-as-a-Service integrated platform, combining cloud-based software and project capital, to drive the mass deployment of comprehensive energy solutions in large buildings.
Enbala Power Networks
Edison Energy Group is a minority investor in Enbala Power Networks, a developer of industry-changing solutions for distributed energy resource management. The platform developed by Enbala Power Networks provides electric utilities and grid operators with a technology platform that features a heightened level of control and flexibility needed to manage the technical challenges posed by an increasingly distributed grid.
Edison Mission Energy®
Founded in 1986, Edison Mission Energy developed and operated a portfolio of renewable and conventional generating facilities. In April 2014, substantially all of EME's assets were sold to NRG Energy.


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Actor Krishna's engagement with Kaivalya on Nov 20
Post successful Kazhugu, Krishna is busy with Vannavarayan Vallavarayan, Vizhithiru and RS Infotainment's upcoming production film Illa Analum Irukku. Meanwhile, Vishnuvardhan is enjoying the success of Ajith's Arrambam with Nayantara, Arya, Taapsee and Rana.
KollyInsider wishes the yet-to-be-wedded couple all the happiness in their life ahead...


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GET OUT OF THE COLD!!!!!! COME IN AND PLAY SIMULATOR GOLF! OPEN WEEKDAYS 11am to 9pm WEEKENDS 7am to 9pm FULL KITCHEN SERVING BURGERS ,TENDERLOINS, CHIX STRIPS, PIZZAS ETC. CALL 319-393-9915 TO RESERVE TIME.
St. Andrews Golf Club is open for golf year round if the weather permits. Normal hours of operation are from 6 AM until 1 hour after dark spring, summer, and fall. Winter hours depend on course playability.
We do not take tee times. Play is first come first serve. Call for course availability and best times to play. We do reserve time for larger groups. Fivesomes are allowed as long as pace of play is maintained.


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1 Park near Long Beach, California
Torrance, California 2.85 miles NW
Seal Beach Naval Weapons Station, California 11.51 miles SE
Playa del Rey, California 16.52 miles NW
Westminster, California 16.6 miles SE
Garden Grove, California 19.6 miles E
Long Beach, California (map) | (562) 435-4646
Sites: 80 | Latest Rate: $50.00 | 39 Reviews
|Clean Restrooms:
|Clean Showers:
Oct 2015 - $50.00
This park is in an urban area right next to the Long Beach Convention Center. Despite that, it has a nice vibe that is very comfortable. Sites are fairly tight, but fine. There is landscaping to make things pretty. There's a nice pool and hot tub, a little store, horseshoes, and shuffleboard. It's a fairly short walk to the Catalina Express or a dozen good restaurants. It is also right on the waterfront, a bit of a jog from the bay. - Maxine and Cinder
May 2015 - $50.00
This park is nice resort with a Long Beach harbour. Spaces are nice, with palms and nice lawn in the middle. Jacuzzi and pool are clean. Laundry machine is just $1, the same is drying machine. We came at night and they seem to have very strict policy paying in advance, so the host visited us even at 9PM to solve the payment for nights ahead. Wifi is not for free, you pay $1 a day. But is very slow and most time non-existent. Using very nice words here. Other than that, it is very close the Long Beach lighthouse and harbour, with the bike trail right by the RV park. - Katka
Nov 2014 - $49.00
A clean, well-maintained park with lush landscaping. The office staff is efficient and welcoming, and the friendly maintenance staff is constantly working. Perfect location on the bay, and bicyclers will appreciate the extensive Los Angeles/beach bicycle trail that connects outside the gate. We did not give a perfect score because there is a charge for internet and because this was the lowest voltage we have had in 3+ years of full-timing. - User3773


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Los Angeles, CA, February 20, 2014 – Grammy Award winning artist Beck has teamed up with FILTER Creative Group and The Playlist Generation, one of the nation's leading curated in-store music companies, to bring fans a first listen of his new album, Morning Phase. The album will be streamed on February 23 at 180 company-owned The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® locations across Southern California and Arizona from 9am to 12pm PST.
Morning Phase is Beck's twelfth studio album and is set to release February 25. The album is a companion piece to the 2002 album Sea Change. This first-of-its-kind in-store listening party from a major recording artist is the joint brainchild of FILTER Creative Group and The Playlist Generation. The Playlist Generation provides curated music programming for company-owned locations of The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf®. Artwork and additional information about Beck and Morning Phase will be displayed on the in-store screens simultaneously as the album plays throughout the store via their sound system.
"The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® is the perfect canvas for the exclusive in-store first listen as we are home to many discoveries," said Diane Kuyoomjian, vice president of marketing, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf®. "From innovating new beverages to groundbreaking music, we strive to bring exciting, new experiences to our customers. We're thrilled to bring Beck's latest album directly to our stores for our customers to preview."
To find a participating The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® location, please visit CoffeeBean.com.


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Are you P. Coxon?Claim your profile
Publications (1)4.1 Total impact
Article: Metallic ring-disc microelectrode fabrication using inverted hollow cylindrical sputter coater[Show abstract] [Hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: A novel method for the fabrication of metallic ring-disc microelectrodes is presented. In this method, an inverted cylindrical sputter coater is used to continuously coat micron sized insulated wires. The cylinder shaped target used in the sputter coater ensures a uniform and symmetrical coating of the wire and its small size improves the deposition rate as well as minimising the cost and waste of the target. Further design features such as the coater's ability to deposit all conducting materials, its small dimensions and ease of assembly are presented. Following the optimisation of the coater's operating parameters, namely the cathode voltage and chamber pressure, the deposition rate achieved for platinum is 1 nm/s. The smallest electrodes produced have outer diameters less than 27 μm and rings as thin as 0.5 μm. The electrochemical measurements made with these Pt/Pt microelectrodes are shown and highlight the quality of the electrodes made and the opportunities that arise from this new fabrication technique.


text:
James M. McElfish, Jr., Dr. Rebecca Kihslinger, and Michael Ng
Date Released:
November 2009
ELI has collaborated with the Friends of the Capt. John Smith Chesapeake Trail, and the National Geographic Society to produce this special report, along with an appendix and map, recommending the development of a bold and coordinated strategy for conserving the Chesapeake's treasured landscapes and calling for more federal investment in land conservation. The report, titled Conserving Treasured Landscapes in the Chesapeake: A Special Report, bases its findings on the Environmental Law Institute's careful analysis of more than 25 federal and state conservation programs.


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Alan Sidney Patrick Rickman (born 21 February 1946) is an English actor.
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realmagick.com The shrine of knowledge.
Dream Dictionary Honesty
A selection of articles related to dream dictionary honesty.
Original articles from our library related to the Dream Dictionary Honesty. See Table of Contents for further available material (downloadable resources) on Dream Dictionary Honesty.
- A History Of Dreaming - From Ancient Egypt To Modern Day
- Dreams have been an important part of the human experince since time immemorial. Fragments of the earliest books come from Egypt, where dreams were considered to be the messages sent from the gods. The Egyptians divided their dreams into three categories: 1....
Parapsychology >> Dreams
- Hulse, David Allen
- From an early age, David Allen Hulse has made a diligent study of the alphabets of the ancient world. Even as a child, David possessed a great affinity for the alphabets of Egypt, Phoenicia, and Greece. In college, a reading of MacGregor Mathers' Kabbalah...
Real Interviews >> Authors
- Hulse, David Allen
- >From an early age, David Allen Hulse has made a diligent study of the alphabets of the ancient world. Even as a child, David possessed a great affinity for the alphabets of Egypt, Phoenicia, and Greece. In college, a reading of MacGregor Mathers' Kabbalah...
Real Interviews >> Authors
- What does it mean if I have nightmares about being ill?
- According to a report from the Menninger Clinic Detecting cancer in dream content . Horton PC, Child Guidance Clinic for Control Ct., Meriden, CT, USA. A woman was 3 years post mastectomy when she presented a dream whose manifest content suggested a new...
Parapsychology >> Dreams
- A Treatise on Astral Projection, Part 4: More Rope Techniques
- ROPE is a very effective projection technique, but it still has to be learned to be effective. I would like to elaborate on a couple of points about the technique, inspired by the feedback I have received so far. There is NO visualization required - AT ALL -...
Parapsychology >> Astral Projection
- Apple Divination
- We have all heard and used the expression "An apple a day keeps the doctor away." This expression is based on a very old superstition and is one of many associated with apples. I am quite sure that you have all held an apple in one hand and twisted...
Psychic Abilities >> Divination
- Software of the Mind #2: Adopting Natural Software
- Connection with Nature faded away as humanity removed itself physically and mentally from natural living. Thought replaced direct knowledge, (intuition) and ego replaced the mode of the natural mind. This is becoming increasingly the case not only at the...
Mystic Sciences >> Mind
Dream Dictionary Honesty is described in multiple online sources, as addition to our editors' articles, see section below for printable documents, Dream Dictionary Honesty books and related discussion.
Suggested Pdf Resources
- I HAD THE STRANGEST DREAM... The Dreamer's Dictionary for the
- symbols or synthesized the realm of dream interpretation in the life-affirming way she did, .
- www.kellysullivanwalden.com
- Using Dreams As A Pathway To Your Soul
- all depends on the perception you have about a specific dream symbol.
- www.laurahyde.com
- The Lenape / English Dictionary
- Dictionary httt: //www.gilwell.com/lenape version 1.
- www.gilwell.com
- Dream Dream Dream
- you are.
- www.life.arizona.edu
- Dictionary of Islamic Terms
- I felt the need for a dictionary of Islamic terms while I was writing some English books on Islam to This dictionary contains the terms related to the Holy Quran, the. Sunna, worship wet dream !$!
- cdn.almaany.com
Suggested Web Resources
- * Honest - (Dreams): Definition
- Cherry - To see cherries in your dream, symbolize honesty and truthfulness or sweetness and good fortune.
- en.mimi.hu
- Dream dictionary - mirror - dream analysis
- www.unclesirbobby.org.uk
- Dream Moods Dictionary: Words That Begin With T
- Aug 20, 2011 It also symbolizes honesty, loyalty, and chivalry. To dream that you are lying . * Please See Dream Moods' interpretation of Suntan.
- www.dreammoods.com
- Christian Dream Dictionary: Created for Christians given spiritual
- Airline Pilot = Self: if the pilot is a teacher in the dream, then the passengers usually ..
- www.cddictionary.com
- Dream Dictionary - Hannah's Cupboard
- Christian Dream Symbols Dictionary. Christian Dream Dictionary . ashamed, stubborn, temptation, lust, sexual control, exhibitionism, truth, honest, nature.
- hannahscupboard.com
Great care has been taken to prepare the information on this page. Elements of the content come from factual and lexical knowledge databases, realmagick.com library and third-party sources. We appreciate your suggestions and comments on further improvements of the site.
Dream Dictionary Honesty Topics
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American Federation of Government Employees, Local 704 (Union) and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 5, Chicago, Illinois (Agency)
[ v57 p468 ]
57 FLRA No. 88
September 21, 2001
Before the Authority: Dale Cabaniss, Chairman;
Carol Waller Pope and Tony Armendariz, Members.
Decision by Chairman Cabaniss for the Authority.
I. Statement of the Case
This matter is before the Authority on exceptions to an award of Arbitrator Daniel G. Jacobowski filed by the Union under § 7122(a) of the Federal Service Labor-Management Relations Statute (the Statute) and part 2425 of the Authority's Regulations. The Agency filed an opposition to the Union's exceptions.
The Arbitrator denied a grievance alleging that the grievant's non-selection for promotion to an Environmental Protection Specialist (EPS) position, GS-9, violated the parties' collective bargaining agreement and applicable law, namely, 42 U.S.C. § 2000 (the Civil Rights Act, Title VII) and merit systems principles. [n1]
II. Background and Arbitrator's Award
On June 12, 1998, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) published a merit promotion vacancy announcement for two EPS positions, a grade 9 and a grade 11. The announcement closed on July 2, 1998. [n2] The grievant, employed as an Environmental Protection Assistant (EPA), GS-7 in the Super Fund Division, sought promotion to the EPS position, GS-9. A co-worker also applied for the position. OPM certified four names as eligible, including the grievant. Grievant's co-worker's name was not listed. However, based on the co-worker's successful appeal, OPM included her name on a revised certification list that included five names.
In October 1998, the grievant filed an unfair labor practice (ULP) charge claiming that after her return from a detail, her supervisor had not returned her to her regular duties but had assigned her file clerk type work and had harassed her. [n3] On November 10, 1998, the grievant's supervisor selected her co-worker for the EPS, GS-9 vacancy. On February 24, 1999, the ULP charge was settled. On March 17, 1999, the grievant filed a grievance alleging that her supervisor's failure to select her for the EPS position was a reprisal for previously-filed ULP and EEO charges and that she was entitled to the position and back pay for EPS duties she performed from October 1995 through December 1997. In August 1999, the grievant voluntarily resigned from her position. However, the grievance remained unresolved and the matter was submitted to arbitration.
The Arbitrator framed the issue as:
Did the [A]gency violate the contract and applicable law by wrongfully failing to select grievant . . . for a promotion vacancy, and wrongfully give preferential treatment to the person instead selected? If so, what is the appropriate remedy?
Award at 1.
The Arbitrator found that the Union ha[d] failed to prove its case, and that the evidence fully support[ed] the [A]gency determination that [the supervisor] was not unfair to the grievant and [chose the selectee] for the promotion as the best qualified candidate. Id. at 8. In so finding, the Arbitrator first found that the evidence did not show that the supervisor exhibited racial bias to the grievant. The Arbitrator credited the supervisor's testimony that he was unaware that the grievant claimed an identity of being a black African-American until so informed by the [Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)] officer. Id. According to the Arbitrator, his own observation of the grievant`s appearance and her [ v57 p469 ] admission at the hearing that she is light skinned added confirmation to [the supervisor's] credibility. Id. The Arbitrator further found that the fact that the selectee was an intern under the Environmental Careers Organization (ECO) program and is an African American further refuted the claim of bias.
The Arbitrator also found that the grievant's claim of harassment by the supervisor was not supported by the evidence. The Arbitrator credited the supervisor's explanation that disputed the grievant's claim of harassment and further found that the evidence established that the supervisor complied with the prior settlements and afforded the grievant training and opportunities for limited site work. The Arbitrator also found that three supervisory levels, including the current supervisor, found certain problems or shortcomings on the part of grievant including attendance problems, frequent visitors, too many personal phone calls, and being away from her desk.
The Arbitrator found that the evidence refuted the Union's claim the selectee was given preferential treatment. He found that the selectee's certification was made by OPM and not the Agency. Accordingly, he concluded that the evidence fully supports the [A]gency position that it was not unfair to the grievant and that the selection . . . was made on a proper basis as the best person qualified. Id. at 9. The Arbitrator denied the grievance.
III. Positions of the Parties
A. Union's Exceptions
The Union raises a number of contentions it claims show that the Arbitrator denied it a fair hearing and that the award was based on nonfacts.
First, the Union challenges the Arbitrator's credibility determinations. The Union contends that the Arbitrator credited the supervisor's testimony that he was not aware that the grievant was an African American until informed by the EEO officer and did not credit grievant's crucial testimony showing that the supervisor had visited her work station and seen pictures of her family that indicated her race. Exceptions at 4. According to the Union, this evidence alone shows pretext by the Agency. Id. The Union contends that the Arbitrator never addressed this evidence. The Union also asserts that the Arbitrator's observation of the grievant's and the selectee's complexions shows his perception that color was relevant regardless of testimony and documentary evidence. Id. at 7. This evidence, according to the Union, establishes that the Arbitrator denied it a fair hearing.
The Union's next contention concerns the Arbitrator's rulings on its witness requests. The Union contends that it objected to the Arbitrator permitting the supervisor, who it claims was a key witness, to remain in the hearing during other witnesses' testimony but the Arbitrator overruled its objection. The Union asserts that the supervisor was not an Agency representative and his presence during the hearing disadvantage[d] the Union. Id. at 6. The Union references statements it contends certain witnesses made after the hearing that it believes support this position. The Union also contends that the Arbitrator denied its request for the EEO officer to testify based on confidentiality claims raised by the Agency.
The Union disputes the Arbitrator's finding that the grievant's harassment claim was not supported by the evidence. According to the Union, the Arbitrator disregarded evidence showing the grievant's supervisor did not comply with the ULP and EEO complaint settlements. Additionally, the Union claims that this evidence shows the award is based on a nonfact. Exceptions at 9. The Union also claims there was evidence rebutting the Arbitrator's finding that three supervisory levels found problems concerning the grievant's attendance, phone calls, visitors to her work site, and absence from her desk, but the Arbitrator ignored this evidence. [n4]
The Union further contends that the leave issue only surfaced prior to the vacancy posting and after the filing of the EEO complaint, and that it was prepared to address this issue with the aid of the EEO officer witness. The Union contends the Arbitrator ignored evidence that the grievant had received continuous ratings of exceed expectations and fully successful.
The Union further disputes the Arbitrator's finding that the selectee's certification determination was made by OPM and not the Agency. According to the Union, it submitted evidence showing that the selectee did not meet the necessary qualifications; that she falsified her application by stating she was a grade 7, and a GS 9, when clearly she was a GS-6; and that the certification came 33 days after the announcement closed. Id. at 10 and 11. The Union asserts that the Agency acknowledged that the selectee made a mistake on the application, and contends that such mistake resulted in a flawed selection. Id. at 11. The Union contends that this evidence establishes that it was denied a fair hearing and the award is based on a nonfact. [ v57 p470 ]
The Union also refers to a document identified as a request for personnel action and argues that this document shows the supervisor took steps to insure that the selectee met the qualifications for the position. [n5] The Union claims that the Arbitrator disregarded this document showing preferential treatment by the supervisor. Id. at 13.
The Union lists certain actions that it contends show that the Arbitrator was biased, including the Arbitrator's response to its request for an alternate hearing date due to the death of its representative's relative, his denial of its witness requests, and his alleged ignoring of relevant evidence.
Referring to its prehearing brief, the Union contends that the award is contrary to law and regulation. The Union asserts that the award is contrary to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, 42 U.S.C. Section 2000e-16, because the Agency, in filing the position discriminated against the grievant based on race and reprisal for filing an EEO complaint. The Union asserts that the Arbitrator's reliance on his finding that the selectee was an African American shows his perception, which is erroneous, that discriminatory actions can be masquerade[d] . . . by hiring a member of the same race or gender. Id. at 7.
The Union further asserts that the Agency produced no evidence to show the selectee was an intern during her appointment, and references arguments in its brief and certain testimony that it claims show the selectee was not chosen because of her involvement in a training program.
The Union also contends that the award is contrary to 5 U.S.C. §§ 2302(b)(4) and (b)(6) because the supervisor knew the selectee's grade was incorrect on her application and knew of this intended deceit but did nothing to alert OPM and gave the selectee preferential treatment. [n6] Id. at 17 (referencing post hearing brief).
B. Agency Opposition
According to the Agency, the Union is attempting to show that the Agency violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act based on reprisal and race.
Citing Fodale v. Dep't of HHS, EEOC Request No. 05060344 (October 16, 1988), the Agency sets forth the test for establishing a prima facie case of reprisal discrimination. Opposition at 5. Referring to testimonial and documentary evidence, the Agency asserts that the Arbitrator relied on the record in finding that the Union's allegation of harassment was not supported by the evidence. [n7] The Agency refers to other documents and testimony and contends that the evidence further shows that the supervisor gave grievant assignments consistent with her EPA responsibilities and afforded her training and that he did comply with the EEO and ULP settlements. [n8]
Further, citing AFGE, Local 3615, 55 FLRA 1160, 1162 (1999) (citing McDonnell Douglas v. Green, 411 U.S. 792, 802 (1973), the Agency sets forth the test for showing discrimination based on race. The Agency states that the evidence relied on by the Arbitrator to support his determination that the supervisor did not exhibit racial bias included the supervisor's testimony that he was unaware of grievant's minority status until [ v57 p471 ] the EEO officer informed him of the basis of the EEO complaint and the grievant's race. According to the Agency, the Arbitrator found the supervisor credible because the fact that the grievant is African American is not evident by her appearance. Moreover, according to the Agency, the Union believed it necessary to clarify this point by asking the grievant her race. Opposition at 6 n.3 (citing Transcript (Tr.), Vol. 2 at 32). The Agency asserts that the supervisor testified that he did not make any assumptions about [the grievant's] race, based on pictures in her work space, because he `didn't think that was a concern.' Id. (quoting Tr. Vol. 3 at 101).
The Agency contends that the Arbitrator correctly found that it did not violate merit principles in choosing the selectee. The Agency asserts that the selectee's application is clear that she was a `federal civilian employee' [previously] with the Social Security Administration [SSA], and that her highest grade at SSA was a GS-6. Id. at 9 and Attachment 5, Agency Exhibit OF 612, Application. The Agency also asserts that the record shows her highest civilian grade overall was a GS-7, when she worked as a summer intern in the Agency's Office of Regional Counsel (ORC).
Further, the Agency asserts that the selectee did not receive an advantage because of the mistakes in her application. According to the Agency, while she incorrectly answered GS-9 to the question What is the General Schedule grade level of your current Federal civilian position[,] she answered GS-7 to the question What is the highest grade level you have held for a minimum of at least one year in a nontemporary civilian Federal position. Id. The Agency asserts that while the selectee was not a Federal employee at the GS-9 level, the position she held through ECO was an EPS position and she performed work in ORC. The Agency contends that the selectee clarified her work experience in a July 29 letter to OPM and that, as found by the Arbitrator, OPM included her name on the best qualified list after a second review of her application and consideration of her appeal. Therefore, the Agency asserts that the award is consistent with merit principles.
The Agency contends that the Union was not denied a fair hearing because the Arbitrator did not refuse to hear or consider pertinent and material evidence presented by the Union. The Agency states that the Arbitrator sustained its objection to the EEO officer's testimony because the Union did not know the time frame of the information about which it wanted her to testify and alleged statements [she] was to testify about were a part of . . . the 1998 EEO settlement[,] and, thus, the Arbitrator questioned the relevancy of her testimony. Id. at 11. The Agency asserts that the Arbitrator allowed the supervisor to be present during the hearing because he was assisting the Agency in its defense and because he was accused of discriminating against the grievant.
The Agency next disputes the Union's bias contention, arguing that the record shows the Arbitrator allowed the Union great latitude in the presentation of its case. Id. at 12. The Agency asserts that the affidavit submitted by the grievant does not establish that the Arbitrator was biased.
The Agency construes the Union's assertions that the evidence was not fully considered by the Arbitrator, and that race, reprisal, and preferential treatment for the selectee . . . were contributing factors in the selection process as a nonfact claim. Id. at 14. The Agency contends that the supervisor's nondiscriminatory reasons for choosing the selectee are supported by the Arbitrator's findings that she: had excellent experience and recommendations from SSA; worked in the ORC office as a paralegal and received high praise for her work; and was the best qualified based on her skills and demonstrated ability.
The Agency also contends the evidence shows that OPM scrutinized [the selectee's] application and determined her eligible for the `best qualified' list. Id. at 15 (citations omitted).
IV. Analysis and Conclusions
A. The Arbitrator Conducted a Fair Hearing
The Union cites various instances that it contends demonstrate that the Arbitrator denied it a fair hearing. In particular, the Union contends that the Arbitrator ignored or disregarded evidence that refuted the Agency's contention that the grievant's non-selection for the EPS position was not based on discrimination or reprisal.
The Authority will find an award deficient when it determines that an arbitrator failed to conduct a fair hearing by refusing to consider pertinent and material evidence or by other actions which prejudice a party and affect the fairness of the proceeding as a whole. AFGE, Local 1668, 50 FLRA 124, 126 (1995). Arbitrators have considerable latitude in the conduct of the hearing, and the fact that an arbitrator conducts a hearing in a manner that a party finds objectionable does not, in and of itself, provide a basis for finding an award deficient. AFGE, Local 22, 51 FLRA 1496, 1497-98 (1996). Additionally, disagreements with an arbitrator's findings of fact and evaluation of evidence and testimony, including the credibility of witnesses and the weight to [ v57 p472 ] be given their testimony, will not establish that an award is deficient. SSA, Baltimore, Md., 55 FLRA 498, 501 (1999).
In addressing the grievant's claim that the supervisor discriminated against her in the filling of the EPS position based on race, reprisal, and the preferential treatment of the selectee, the Arbitrator conducted an intensive review of the lengthy record. Award at 8. The Arbitrator also considered the grievant's testimony at the hearing. He also stated that the Union had intensively examined [the] supervisor . . . in an attempt to show racial bias and harassment by him to the grievant . . . in spite of his denials. Id. at 5.
Having observed the witnesses and examined the evidence, the Arbitrator credited the supervisor's testimony that he was unaware that the grievant claimed an identity of being a black African-American until so informed by the EEO officer. Id. Thus, contrary to the Union's contention, the record shows that the Arbitrator did not ignore or disregard evidence that the grievant claimed indicated her race to her supervisor. As stated above, a union's disagreement with an Arbitrator's findings of fact and evaluation of the evidence and testimony, including the credibility of witnesses and the weight given their testimony, does not establish that an award is deficient.
The Union further contends that the Arbitrator disregarded evidence that shows the supervisor harassed the grievant and did not comply with the ULP and EEO complaint settlements. The Arbitrator summarized evidence in the record put forth by the Union on the issue of harassment, including the grievant's claim that the supervisor failed to live up to the settlement terms on her prior complaints, for example, by failing to return her to her cubicle and prior duties after a detail and by limiting her to file clerk type work. Award at 4. This shows that the Arbitrator did not disregard evidence as asserted by the Union. Rather, the Arbitrator found the evidence did not support a conclusion that the supervisor failed to comply with the settlement agreements. Id. at 8. Accordingly, the Union has not established that this exception provides a basis for finding the award deficient. See, e.g., NFFE, Local 1437, 55 FLRA 1166, 1172 (1999).
The Union also contends that the Arbitrator ignored evidence that rebutted testimony concerning the grievant's conduct at work, including her attendance, phone and leave usage. The records shows that the Arbitrator did not ignore such evidence. The Arbitrator specifically considered the grievant's response . . . that these [matters] were not called to her attention at the time and that she disagreed with these evaluations when later made. Award at 5. The Arbitrator also examined other evidence in the record, including the testimony of the grievant's former supervisor, in finding that the grievant had certain problems at work. The Union, therefore, has not established that the Arbitrator ignored evidence that rebutted testimony concerning the grievant's work performance. See, e.g., NFFE, Local 1437, 55 FLRA at 1172.
The Union claims that the Arbitrator ignored evidence showing the selectee falsified her application and received preferential treatment. The Arbitrator examined the evidence presented by the Union to show that [the selectee] failed to meet the required qualifications for the promotion, including the testimony of various witnesses, the vacancy announcement, the selectee's qualifications and those listed on her application, and the claim that the selectee was given preferential treatment. Award at 5, 6, and 8. However, the Arbitrator found that the evidence as a whole fully refute[d] the attempt of the [U]nion to discredit the qualification and certification of [the selectee] and its claim that she was given preferential treatment. Id. at 8. The Union, therefore, has not established that the Arbitrator ignored evidence relating to the grievant's application and treatment. See, e.g., NFFE, Local 1437, 55 FLRA at 1172.
The Union also has not established that the Arbitrator failed to conduct a fair hearing by his rulings on its witness requests. First, concerning the supervisor's presence at the hearing, the Arbitrator, after hearing the Union and Agency arguments, denied the request because he determined that the supervisor was assisting the Agency in its defense and also was the subject of the accusations of discrimination and reprisal. See Exceptions, Volume 1, TR. at 40-43. As to the EEO officer, the Agency objected to her testimony as irrelevant, arguing that it concerned matters not within the time frame of the grievance. See id. at 29. In responding to the Agency's objection, the Union stated that it did not know the time frame of the EEO officer's testimony and requested time to look into it. See id. at 29-32. The Arbitrator, noting that if the testimony concerned matters not within the time frame of the grievance it would not be allowed, granted the Union's request. The Union stated that if it found that the testimony concerned such matters, it would withdraw the request. Id. The Union has provided no evidence to show that it provided the Arbitrator any further information concerning this witness.
Accordingly, the Union has not established that the Arbitrator, by his rulings, denied it a fair hearing. See, e.g., NATCA, Local NKT, 49 FLRA 499, 504-06 (1994) [ v57 p473 ] (arbitrators have considerable latitude in the conduct of hearings, and the fact that an arbitrator conducts a hearing in a manner that a party finds objectionable does not, in and of itself, provide a basis for finding an award deficient).
Accordingly, the Union's exceptions provide no basis for finding that the Union was denied a fair hearing.
B. The Award Is Not Based on A Nonfact
The Union asserts that the award is based on a nonfact because the Arbitrator disregarded its evidence as described above.
To establish that an award is based on nonfact, the appealing party must demonstrate that a central fact underlying the award is clearly erroneous, but for which a different result would have been reached by the arbitrator. See United States Dep't of the Air Force, Lowry AFB, Denver, Colo., 48 FLRA 589, 593 (1993). However, the Authority will not find an award deficient on the basis of an arbitrator's determination of any factual matter that the parties disputed at arbitration. Id. at 594 (citing Nat'l Post Office Mailhandlers v. Postal Serv., 751 F.2d 834, 843 (6th Cir. 1985)). Additionally, "[t]he mere fact that the appealing party disputes an arbitral finding does not provide a basis for finding that an award is based on a nonfact." AFGE, Local 1923, 51 FLRA 576, 579 (1995).
Also, an arbitrator is not required to specify or discuss specific items of evidence on which an award is based or which otherwise were considered by the arbitrator. AFGE, Local 1592, 49 FLRA 1508, 1509-10 (1994). These principles appropriately accord deference to an arbitrator's factual findings, because the parties have bargained for the facts to be found by an arbitrator chosen by them. See AFGE, Local 2459, 51 FLRA 1602, 1607-08 (1996).
In the instant case, the matters of whether the supervisor complied with the ULP and EEO complaint settlements and was aware that the grievant was African American, as well as whether there were problems with the grievant's past conduct and the facts concerning the selectee's application, were disputed by the parties at arbitration. Accordingly, the Union's exception does not provide a basis for finding the award deficient.
C. The Arbitrator Was Not Biased
To demonstrate that an award is deficient because of bias on the part of the arbitrator, a party must show that the award was procured by improper means, that the arbitrator was partial or corrupt, or that the arbitrator engaged in misconduct that prejudiced the party's rights. See, e.g., United States Dep't of Veterans Affairs, Med. Ctr., North Chicago, Ill., 52 FLRA 387, 398 (1996).
Although the Union asserts that the Arbitrator's response to its representative's request for an alternate hearing date shows bias, the Union has not referenced any pages in the transcript or provided any documents that reflect the Arbitrator's statements. These assertions, without more, do not show that the award was procured by improper means, that the Arbitrator was partial or corrupt, or that the Arbitrator engaged in misconduct that prejudiced the Union's rights. See, e.g., NAGE, Local R4-45, 55 FLRA 695, 700-01 (1999).
Also, the Union's contentions that the Arbitrator denied its witness requests and ignored certain evidence, that was discussed above, does not establish that the Arbitrator was biased or partial under any of the tests applied by the Authority. See, e.g., United States Dep't of Veterans Affairs, Med. Ctr., Ann Arbor, Mich., 56 FLRA 216, 220-21 (2000). Further, the assertion that the Arbitrator showed bias by his statement concerning the grievant's race and complexion does not establish that he was biased. The Arbitrator's statement was made to clarify the record in response to a question by the Union representative asking the grievant her race. See Exceptions, Volume II, Tr. at 32.
Accordingly, the Agency has not demonstrated that the Arbitrator was biased.
D. The Award Is Not Contrary to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act
The Authority reviews the questions of law raised by the Union's exceptions de novo. See NTEU, Chapter 24, 50 FLRA 330, 332 (1995) (citing United States Customs Service v. FLRA, 43 F.3d 682, 686-87 (D.C. Cir. 1994)). In applying the standard of de novo review, the Authority assesses whether the arbitrator's legal conclusions are consistent with applicable standards of law. See NFFE, Local 1437, 53 FLRA 1703, 1710 (1998). In making that assessment, the Authority defers to the arbitrator's underlying factual findings. See id.
The Union asserts that the award is contrary to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, 42 U.S.C. Section [ v57 p474 ] 2000e-16, because the Agency discriminated against the grievant based on race in making the selection.
In McDonnell Douglas Corp. v. Green, 411 U.S. 792, 802 (1973) (McDonnell Douglas), the Supreme Court set forth the order of presentation and allocation of burdens in a Title VII case alleging discriminatory treatment in hiring. First, an employee must establish a prima facie case by showing: (1) membership in a protected class; (2) qualifications for the position; (3) adverse employment action; and (4) some evidence that would allow the inference of improper motivation. See AFGE, Local 3615, 55 FLRA 1160, 1162 (1999) (citing Barge v. Anheuser Bush, Inc., 87 F.3d 256, 258 (8th Cir. 1996)). Once a prima facie case has been established, the burden shifts to the employer "to articulate some legitimate, nondiscriminatory reason for the employee's rejection." McDonnell Douglas, 411 U.S. at 802. Finally, if the employer articulates a legitimate nondiscriminatory reason for not selecting the employee, the burden shifts to the employee to show that [the employer's] stated reason for [the employee's] rejection was in fact pretext." McDonnell Douglas, 411 U.S. at 804.
The Court in St. Mary's Honor Center v. Hicks, 509 U.S. 502, 509 (1993) (Hicks), clarified that the employer has discharged its burden if it produces evidence that, if taken as true, would permit the conclusion that there was a nondiscriminatory reason for the adverse action. If this occurs, then the fact finder must "decide the ultimate question: whether . . . [the employer] intentionally discriminated against the [employee]." Id. at 511. In cases where the employer has proffered a legitimate, nondiscriminatory reason for its actions, the issue of whether a prima facie case had been established is immaterial. United States Postal Service Board of Governors v. Aikens, 460 U.S. 711, 715 (1983) (Aikens).
The Union asserts that the evidence discussed previously in the nonfact section shows that the grievant was discriminated against on the basis of race, and further argues that the fact that the selectee was African American does not refute the discrimination claim.
The Arbitrator found that the Agency had established a legitimate, non-discriminatory reason for its action, specifically, that the selectee was the best qualified candidate. Award at 9. The Arbitrator's finding that the promotion was on that basis, and not from any reprisal nor unfair considerations to the grievant, id., constitutes a rejection of the Union's claim that the reason given was a pretext for discrimination. The Union has not established its claim that various facts underlying these conclusions are based on nonfacts, as noted above, and has not established any other error in the Arbitrator's conclusion.
Furthermore, the Arbitrator did not err in finding, id. at 8, that the fact the selectee was African American further refute[d] the claim of racial discrimination. See, e.g., Johnson v. Wegman's, 1998 WL 15954 *4 (W.D.N.Y.) (mem.) (in determining whether employer discriminated against plaintiff, an African American applicant, court found, among other things, that evidence showing other African Americans were hired further refuted plaintiff's claim of discrimination).
The Union also claims that the Agency harassed the grievant for filing previous EEO and ULP complaints. In McKenna v. Weinberger, 729 F.2d 783 (D.C. Cir. 1984) (McKenna), the court applied the framework set out in McDonnell Douglas, 411 U.S. at 802, to a retaliation claim under Title VII. The D.C. Circuit stated that to establish a prima facie case of unlawful retaliation, a plaintiff must show: "1) that she engaged in a statutorily protected activity; 2) that the employer took an adverse personnel action; and 3) that a causal connection existed between the two." McKenna, 729 F.2d at 790 (footnote omitted). As relevant here, "[t]he causal connection component of the prima facie case may be established by showing that the employer had knowledge of the employee's protected activity, and that the adverse personnel action took place shortly after that activity." Mitchell v. Baldridge, 759 F.2d 80, 86 (D.C. Cir. 1985) (footnote omitted).
The Union asserts that certain evidence discussed with respect to its nonfact exception shows that the grievant was harassed because she filed the aforementioned complaints. As previously stated, however, the Union has not established that the award is based on a nonfact. The Arbitrator specifically found that the grievant's claim of harassment was not sustainable nor supported by the evidence because the supervisor did comply with the prior charge settlements and . . . did afford [the grievant] training and opportunities for limited site work of which she was capable and when available. Award at 8. The Arbitrator concluded, therefore, that the evidence established that the supervisor did not harass the grievant for filing the prior complaints. Based on these factual findings, to which we defer, the Union has not established that the award is contrary to law. See, e.g., NTEU, Chapter 168, 52 FLRA 1354, 1361-62 (1997). [ v57 p475 ]
E. The Award Is Not Contrary to 5 U.S.C. § 2302(b)(4) and (b)(6)
A prohibited personnel practice within the meaning of 5 U.S.C. § 2302(b)(6) requires an intentional or "purposeful taking of a personnel action in such a way as to give a preference to a particular individual for the purpose[] of improving her prospects for employment." NFFE, Local 1658 and U.S. Dep't of the Interior, BIA Albuquerque, New Mexico, 55 FLRA 668, 672 (1999) (BIA Albuquerque) (citing Special Counsel v. Byrd, 59 M.S.P.R. 561, 570 (1993)). Where an arbitrator finds that there is no evidence indicating that the agency's consideration of an applicant was the result of a personnel action intended to give the applicant a preference, the Authority will hold that the award is not contrary to section 2302(b)(6). NFFE, Local 1904, 56 FLRA 196, 198 (citing BIA Albuquerque, 55 FLRA at 672).
The Arbitrator found the evidence refute[d] the Union's claim that the Agency gave the selectee preferential treatment in the filing of the vacancy. Award at 8. Specifically, he found that: the applications were reviewed and the certifications were made by OPM rather than by the Agency; the selectee was properly considered as a candidate of other status and as a reinstatement eligible; and the Agency proved that she was selected because she was the best qualified. The Authority defers to an arbitrator's factual findings supporting a conclusion that an award is consistent with 5 U.S.C. § 2302(b)(6). NFFE, Local 1904, 56 FLRA at 198. Accordingly, this exception provides no basis for finding the award deficient.
With respect to § 2302(b)(4), the Union contends that the supervisor violated this section because he knew of the selectee's intention to deceive OPM with respect to the grade and position provided in her application, but


text: Comments (33) + Add comment Comments (33) Featured mochachino + 1061d ago Only thing that can make it possible IMO - free online MP for silver. #1 Agree(16) | Disagree(11) | Report | Reply vishant101 + 1061d ago Xbox doesn't have to be more powerful then ps4 it just needs to be better value to anyone buying it that means games and functionality as well as reasonably good hardware. The most powerful game system has not won the console war in a very long time all ms needs to do is open new more studios make more games its perfectly ok for them to make kinect games as long as they bring out core games as well. #1.1 Agree(12) | Disagree(11) | Report | Reply zebramocha + 1060d ago @vish only thing Ms had over Sony this gen is better third party games and a slightly better online,so it would be hard for Ms to counter unless they were significantly cheaper than Sony. #1.1.1 (Edited 1060d ago ) | Agree(10) | Disagree(6) | Report AngelicIceDiamond + 1060d ago I agree with you. But the whole deal with the PS4 is not only is it really strong but its easy to develop for. But that power probably wouldn't mean much if the new Xbox is similar in strength. And it is said that the new Xbox is, once again easy to develop on. We'll have to wait and see. #1.1.2 Agree(1) | Disagree(3) | Report Gimmemorebubblez + 1060d ago I just don't see that happening. Microsoft outsources the production of Xbox consoles. They sell the Xbox at a very low profit margin. The Xbox division's primary source of income is Xbox Live Gold. If SIlver enables online play than Gold subscriptions will drop. So unless MS changes their business model, I am pretty certain the Xbox's online will be subscription based. #1.2 Agree(16) | Disagree(2) | Report | Reply ATi_Elite + 1060d ago How Microsoft Can Outdo Sony's AnnouncementSimple......... Show an actual Xbox720 running Halo 5 that would blow the MS fans away and impress non MS fans like me! #1.3 Agree(4) | Disagree(5) | Report | Reply rainslacker + 1060d ago Halo 5 couldn't hurt to be sure. A new Forza couldn't hurt either. I would like to see some new IP's, because while Halo is one FPS that I actually enjoy, it would be nice to know if MS is going to go into actually creating new ideas for us to play. Have to remember, the next gen is what we'll be playing for the next 6-7 years, and bringing something new is always good. I'm reasonable enough though to know they won't say everything that they will do right up front, but a little hope would be nice.:) #1.3.1 (Edited 1060d ago ) | Agree(2) | Disagree(0) | Report mochachino + 1060d ago Halo is popular and a system seller but the franchise is not nearly as big as it was when Halo 3 came out. More FPS fans like COD and BF more now. #1.3.2 Agree(0) | Disagree(2) | Report MysticStrummer + 1060d ago Free online gaming and exclusive games I'm interested in. #1.4 Agree(1) | Disagree(0) | Report | Reply _FantasmA_ + 1060d ago Not even. Free online has already been done before. It would sell for ameericans who have really gotten more racist and xenophobic after the economy went in the toilet, but the rest of the world knows where the games are at. What good is free online if there still aren't any games to play? Only Xbots will pick free online in Halo 57 and Gears 62. #1.5 Agree(1) | Disagree(1) | Report | Reply MultiConsoleGamer + 1061d ago They're not concerned with Sony. #2 Agree(8) | Disagree(30) | Report | Reply cyberninja 1060d ago | Trolling | show | Replies(1) Wizziokid + 1060d ago well judging how defensive they got with the PS4 reveal I would say they are concerned. and even without that logic of course they are concerned, that's their competition they need to sell the console to consumers and they wont do that by ignoring sony they need to learn and adapt and showcase a better console otherwise people will go to sony for the value. it's how business works #2.2 Agree(21) | Disagree(5) | Report | Reply Septic + 1060d ago Oh yes they are, unless of course they want to hammer down the nails in their own proverbial coffin. Past responses via Twitter etc alone are proof contrary to your point. Sony are MS' direct competitors; believe me, they have sized up the competition to a greater degree than any of us on here. The reasons for doing so should be obvious. OT- MS can outdo Sony in several ways: 1) Technical Specs- The PS4 is quite a powerhouse and on raw specs alone, I'm skeptical as to how MS can achieve it. But we all know that it isn't simply about the specs, its how you incorporate them into your machine. 2) Games- The potential library of first party games that MS has at its disposal is quite formidable. It remains to be seen whether they will even utilise this. Here's hoping 3) Hardware- Illumiroom and Kinect may seem gimmicky but that's only because we they do not appear to be of little use to core gamers. If MS can, somehow, prove naysayers wrong about its applications, then we could be in for a real treat. However, skepticism seems to be more than justified at this point 4) Features- The share button for example, on the PS4 is absolutely brilliant. We need features like that, that really enhance the social functionality of the console and really feel like it is a decisive step into the next-generation. Exciting times ahead. #2.3 Agree(9) | Disagree(11) | Report | Reply XaviorZ 1060d ago | Spam Septic + 1060d ago @XaviorZ Well, I was going to post a longer reply but then I noticed you created your account a couple of days ago. So what is your original account's name or are do you not have the courage of your convictions to mention that? Desperate? I don't follow a certain brand of console manufacturers religiously so I have no reason to be desparate. Also, regarding my so-called 'high hopes', I was merely listing what I thought MS COULD theoretically do to outdo Sony. In fact, I even elaborated on my skepticism in my post but your lack of comprehension skills (among other things) clearly came into play. I've wasted too much time on the likes you as it. Ciao. #2.3.2 (Edited 1060d ago ) | Agree(4) | Disagree(2) | Report AngelicIceDiamond + 1060d ago I agree with Septic. As for @Xavior he fails to use any proper logic Like most on this site, sheesh. You see if he was even remotely smart he would know that MS has allot more studios going on next gen To handle allot more. If he was smart he wouldn't make a stupid assumption like he just did. "MS will try to draw their cards right to satisfy the hardcore fans but only at the beginning after that they will focus on the casual gamer "KINECT" exactly like they did with 360." That's stupid comment how do you know? "Ohhh because the Xbox 360 did it." Get out of here, if you were smart you wouldn't make that assumption and you wouldn't worry about a "change of direction" on future unannounced console which is something you don't know anything about. Your getting Waaayy ahead of your self. But, I'm using the same logic again to further make my point clear in conjunction to my first statement. MS created more studio's to handle allot more. They created entertainment studios, casual studios and more importantly, more CORE studios. So, the likely hood of MS doing what they did with the 360 isn't likely. MS tried to do allot with the 360 and even sacrificed creating new Ip's later in the gen they didn't have the studio power to cater to the core but they did have the power to give its fans Gears, Halo, Forza and many, many critically acclaimed XBL Arcade titles. MS will have more studios next gen, the more studios the better for everyone. Are we clear? #2.3.3 (Edited 1060d ago ) | Agree(4) | Disagree(3) | Report rainslacker + 1060d ago I agree with Septic on all his points, although I don't consider the share button all that interesting from a game play standpoint. @Angelic It's not so much that some of us believe MS will repeat what they did this gen with abandoning the core, it's more that because of what they've been doing the past couple years it gives cause for concern that they will do it again. Typically you can look at a companies history and know how they will behave in the long run. Nintendo pushes out a steady supply of their staple game IP's, along with some great gems which mostly go unnoticed by the mainstream. Sony fully supports both core and casual players with a diverse library of IP's, and continuously seems to be trying to push the games industry forward. Right now MS has gone and focused mostly on Kinect with little new IP development for the core. Since the original Xbox was dropped fast, we only have one generation to really see how MS behaves in regards to it's outlook on the gaming industry. The acquirement of "core" studios is a good sign, no doubt, but as I recall MS also acquired Rare, and we saw what happened to them. Until the games are announced we can only speculate on what those studios are doing. We can also only speculate on what MS is doing for next gen because they have been silent on everything. It's not to say that we don't want them to do well, because quite honestly I do. I want them to blow me away and give me a reason to become a MS gamer. In order to do that they will have to deliver something that I want, and that's a great core experience overall, along with new IP's to keep things fresh, and a reasonable value to make it worth picking up the system in the first place. I'm not rooting for or against MS. I'm looking at what kind of gaming experiences they can deliver for my own personal enjoyment. Something they've failed to deliver for me this gen. #2.3.4 Agree(1) | Disagree(0) | Report Cocozero + 1060d ago Just announcing it would be enough. And showing something othercthan better graphics wether that be Kinect 2 or Illumiroom #3 Agree(5) | Disagree(21) | Report | Reply OlgerO + 1060d ago whatever helps you sleep at night #3.1 Agree(16) | Disagree(7) | Report | Reply mrmancs + 1060d ago why is this in the ps4 section? It is Sony who does not case about microsoft , we got final fantasy + tons more exclusives to look forward too :) #4 Agree(3) | Disagree(5) | Report | Reply Wizziokid + 1060d ago They can do a good presentation by following sony and saying here's the console it's going to focus on games and we want it to be for games. cut all of the we have all this built in crap and make it about the games again please! oh and don't focus on kinect. #5 Agree(4) | Disagree(2) | Report | Reply clintagious650 + 1060d ago I think they should atleast make xbl free to play but if u want all the other stuff added then let ppl who want to pay for all the other stuff pay for gold. #6 Agree(2) | Disagree(1) | Report | Reply stuna1 + 1060d ago I will eat my hat, if xbox live is free! It just won't happen! Xbox live is a goldmine plain and simple, 1 billion a year and counting. They could use free online for the nextbox to sell the console though, think about it, draw the current fanbase away from the 360 to upgrade, then later down the line institute a subscription fee. #6.1 Agree(2) | Disagree(1) | Report | Reply mcstorm + 1060d ago No one knows what MS are going to do with the next Xbox and to say they will only have a few exclusives may not be true. Look at the Original Xbox it had lots of Exclusives but they could not match the sales of the PS2 because it had a big hold on the market. Nintendo and Microsoft knew they had to change things to get there consoles noticed this gen and Nintendo went for a new market and Microsoft hit the ground running with games like gears but also took the big name 3rd party games from being exclusive and had Tekken, FF, GTA ect released on there console. Sony kind of messed up at the beginning of this gen with the quality of there games and 3rd party thought of the PS3 as 2nd best because it was hard to program for. But part the way through the gen gave us some amazing new IP's like LBP ect and are now trying to get a bigger 1st party set of games Like Nintendo have as they know this can be a big reason for people to buy there console over the other 2. I think there will be room for all 3 this gen though as I seem them all offering different experiences and all 3 will be going for the core and none core from day one. #7 Agree(3) | Disagree(2) | Report | Reply ps3_pwns + 1060d ago the simple anwser to the question is they cant. I think MS will have always online drm for everything. live will cost 60 dollars just to play and get some features but if u dont have internet conection they will make you pay an extra 40 bucks for 4g wireless internet. so 100 bucks for to start and 40 a month for the 4g internet and then they probably gonna have extra fees and such for other things. #8 Agree(8) | Disagree(6) | Report | Reply SonyPS4 + 1060d ago Can't wait to see what MS has in store just out of curiosity. Both systems need to succeed and remain competitive. It is the gamer that wins in the end. #9 Agree(6) | Disagree(2) | Report | Reply ZBlacktt + 1060d ago No RROD this time around for the first few years. #10 Agree(3) | Disagree(1) | Report | Reply LOL_WUT + 1060d ago If they show off real time Ground Zeros gameplay on the next xbox. #11 Agree(5) | Disagree(0) | Report | Reply MysticStrummer + 1060d ago A multiplat? smh EDIT - That would be cool and all, I'm just saying a multiplat alone wouldn't win MS anything. #11.1 (Edited 1060d ago ) | Agree(1) | Disagree(0) | Report | Reply DigitalRaptor + 1060d ago Free online, a good number of diverse exclusives, minimal focus on Kinect, displaying more impressive specs than Sony, showing off live cloud features, and confirmation going against recent rumours of used games and "always on". #12 (Edited 1060d ago ) | Agree(1) | Disagree(0) | Report | Reply _FantasmA_ + 1060d ago So basically it needs to be like a Sony in order to beat a Sony console. Microsoft is too stupid be make smart business decisions and I doubt they will stop being the greedy and restrictive bass turds they've always been? Why would they change now? #12.1 Agree(0) | Disagree(1) | Report | Reply Add comment You need to be registered to add comments. Register here or login Username Password Remember Rules & guidelines Login