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In Memory of TGxMudpath

As first reported by @TG-MAJOR-TGHQORG and @TGxKrojak  on Discord, one of our members has fallen to Cancer. @TGxShadowghost had a great idea to submit a request for the Purple Heart.  @OhMcGawGaming was able to restore his TG profile which allowed us to do so. 
 
 
 
 


To all who shall see these presents, greeting:

Know Ye, that reposing special trust and confidence in the fidelity and abilities of
 
@TGxMudpath

I hereby award  one Instance of the Legion of the Purple Heart
 



TG Medals Descriptions
 
Given under all of TG's hands on 06-06-2023

Signed by: ALL OF TG

Insight into Vanguard Division

Good day one and all, in today's article we take a look into Vanguard Division. 
The goal is to hopefully answer some questions which could be on your mind: what is Vanguard Division, who runs it and are any future goals in place?
 
I am joined by The Division Officer, @mikepaluso, & @TG Datdamsniper , Squad Leader of the Rocket League Squad Octane (IN).
Between the two of them, they have years of experience here in TG, both having been Division Staff, so they are perfect to answer a few questions.
 
 
But, before we get to that, what exactly is Vanguard Division?
 
 
Vanguard Division is comprised of various game titles ranging from Apex, Hell Let Loose, Valorant, Escape from Tarkov, Rocket League, and the revival of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO).
It is the birthplace of possible new titles that TG can support.
 
In the past, for a new Division to be created, there were various requirements that had to be met in order for a game to be considered as a division, with the implementation of Vanguard Division these requirements have been reviewed and adjusted
to fit for a more streamlined experience for its members and staff to achieve the ultimate goal of that title becoming a fully-fledged division here within Tactical Gaming.
 
A suggested Non-TG Game is added to Vanguard Roster once there are at least enough recruits for a squad, then the growth can really commence.
Once there are 3 squads filled with Staff and members, then it can be considered to become its own Division.
 
 
Q&A with Mike & Sniper
 
1 - Firstly, can you both please introduce yourselves?
Mike Paluso - My name is Mikepaluso. I have been in and out of TG since around 2008 and am currently the DO for the Vanguard Division.
TG Datdamsniper - My name is TG Datdamsniper.  I have been around TG about the same time frame as MikePaluso,
holding a few different positions during my time from BGC of CoD to BGC of Vanguard.  Currently enjoying building Rocket League as the SL after MikePaluso convinced me to come back and take the lead.
 
2 - Can you describe what is Vanguard Division?
Mike Paluso - The Vanguard is a division where members can begin to grow squads for games that do not have the needed numbers to become a division yet.  It is also a place where divisions that are dying can get a chance for revival.
 
3 - Do you currently have any goals set?
Both - We are currently in the process of growing Rocket League with goals to have it become a full fledge division.
 Mike Paluso - We just opened a CS:GO squad, so we are working on learning the game better and then we will be recruiting to have it also become a full fledge division.
 
4 - Do you have any events planned or in the near future?
Both - Not currently at the moment, but we have had some Friday fun nights before.  We are open to ideas for events!
 
5 - What games have you seen so far grow into supported Divisions?
Mike Paluso - Arma was the first vanguard game to grow into a division. We also were able to regrow Halo and Destiny back into Divisions as well. 
 While Halo unfortunately is no longer a division.  Destiny and Arma have pushed strong, showing the Vanguard's strengths with games and members TG could have lost.
 
6 - How can a new game be added to Vanguard Division?
Mike Paluso - A member can suggest a new game in the Non-TG game area of the forums. To open it, it has to meet the requirements including squad size +2.
 
7 - What would you like to see added?
Both - We would like to see Final Fantasy XIV, World of Warcraft, and Star Citizen. We have plans to revive Escape from Tarkov once arena comes out. It is very seasonal and that would add consistency back to it again.
 
8 - Is there anything else you wish to add?
Both - We are always open to adding new games or new ideas! The Friday fun nights were great for trying out new potential games.  More ideas like that are always welcome and recruit your friends!
 
 
 
Now, there is a CS:GO squad by the name of Inferno (IN) and is led by Sinlow.
It is great to see a title that once dominated TG's Roster returning, in very capable hands of its Staff, we should see it grow and one day, grow into a Division that will be ready for the release of Counter-Strike 2!
 
 
If you want to see a title join the Vanguard Divisions roster, have the support of its staff to have the potential to become its own division, you can do so by creating a topic in the Non-TG Games section of the forums.
Be sure to check out the requirements prior to creating the topic which can be located in TG's FAQ.
 
 
Please comment below what you would like to see join the Vanguard Divisions roster as a future title.
 

The most hyped games for 2023

The video game industry is constantly evolving, with new titles and technology being released every year. 2023 promises to be an exciting year for gamers, with a number of highly anticipated titles set to hit the market. In this article, we will take a look at some of the biggest upcoming games in 2023.
 
CLICK ON EACH INDIVIDUAL PICTURE TO READ THE LATEST NEWS FOR THE GAME YOU WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT
 
The Elder Scrolls VI
The Elder Scrolls franchise is one of the most beloved and successful series in gaming history, with millions of fans around the world. The sixth installment in the series has been highly anticipated since it was first announced in 2018. The game is being developed by Bethesda Game Studios, the same studio behind the previous Elder Scrolls titles, as well as the Fallout series.
While details about the game are scarce, it has been confirmed that it will be set in a new location, separate from the previous games in the series. It is also expected to feature improved graphics, more realistic physics, and a larger game world than previous entries. Fans of the series will no doubt be eagerly awaiting the release of The Elder Scrolls VI.
 

CLICK ME
Grand Theft Auto VI
Grand Theft Auto V was released in 2013, and since then, fans of the series have been eagerly awaiting a new installment. In 2023, it looks like they will finally get their wish, as Grand Theft Auto VI is set to be released.
Not much is known about the game yet, as Rockstar Games, the developer behind the series, is notoriously secretive about its projects. However, rumors suggest that the game will be set in Vice City, the fictional location from Grand Theft Auto: Vice City. It is also expected to feature a larger open world, more vehicles, and more activities than previous games in the series.
 

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God of War: Ragnarok
God of War was one of the biggest games of 2018, and it left fans eagerly anticipating a sequel. In 2023, they will finally get their wish, as God of War: Ragnarok is set to be released.
The game is expected to pick up where the previous installment left off, with Kratos and his son Atreus continuing their journey through the world of Norse mythology. It is also expected to feature improved graphics, larger and more diverse environments, and more challenging enemies than the previous game. Fans of the series will no doubt be excited to see what new adventures await Kratos and Atreus.
 

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Horizon Forbidden West
Horizon Zero Dawn was one of the biggest surprises of 2017, with its unique setting, compelling story, and innovative gameplay. The sequel, Horizon Forbidden West, is set to be released in 2023, and fans of the series are eagerly anticipating its arrival.
The game is set in a post-apocalyptic world, where humans coexist with robotic creatures. It is expected to feature improved graphics, more diverse environments, and new robotic creatures to fight. It is also expected to continue the story of Aloy, the game's protagonist, as she explores new territories and discovers the secrets of the world.
 

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The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild was one of the most critically acclaimed games of 2017, and fans of the series have been eagerly anticipating a sequel. In 2023, they will finally get their wish, as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2 is set to be released.
Not much is known about the game yet, but it is expected to continue the story of Link and Zelda as they explore the world of Hyrule. It is also expected to feature improved graphics, more diverse environments, and new enemies to fight. Fans of the series will no doubt be excited to see what new adventures await them in the sequel.
 

CLICK ME
 
2023 is shaping up to be an exciting year for gamers, with several highly anticipated games set to be released. The titles mentioned above are just a few of the many games that fans are looking forward to. Other notable titles that are expected to be released in 2023 include Starfield, the upcoming space-faring RPG from Bethesda Game Studios, and Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora, a game set in the world of James Cameron's Avatar.
 
With the next generation of consoles firmly established, developers are pushing the boundaries of what is possible with improved graphics, larger game worlds, and more advanced gameplay mechanics. As a result, fans can expect to see some truly amazing games in 2023 and beyond.
In addition to these big-budget releases, indie games and smaller studios are also likely to produce some standout titles in 2023. The gaming industry is always evolving, and it is exciting to see what new ideas and innovations developers will bring to the table in the coming years.
Of course, delays and setbacks are always possible, and release dates can change at any time. However, with so many highly anticipated games on the horizon, 2023 is shaping up to be a great year for gamers. Whether you're a fan of RPGs, action-adventure games, or first-person shooters, there is sure to be something for everyone in the coming year.
 
Let us know in the comments which games you are most hyped about this year. Would any of these see the light in TG?
 

Dead Island Returns

One of the most memorable zombie slayers is returning to our screens April 21st.
Coming to Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 and PC.
 
Original Plot
To recap, Dead Island 1 was initially released back in 2016 for Xbox 360 & PlayStation 3.
 After a high-profile party in a hotel, 4 playable characters awaken after a voice on the emergency intercom directing them to evacuate the hotel.
After finding uninhabited Rooms, luggage and clothing trailing the hallways and no sign of life, they discover that the Island has become overrun with a contagious and infectious plague, turning them into psychopathic, flesh-eating creatures. 
The survivors discover that they are apparently immune from infection, and with "The Voice" out of contact, the survivors are tasked by Sinamoi to try to find supplies and contact the outside world. As it becomes evident that the resort lacks enough supplies to survive for long, Sinamoi instead has them travel to the city of Moresby to find help. The survivors take along Jin, the daughter of the bitten mechanic who modifies an armored car they use to break out of the resort.
 
 
What's new in Dead Island 2
You are bitten, and infected, but immune and stronger for it. You Learn how to harness the virus coursing through your veins as you paint LA red with the insides of countless zombie enemies on a path to discover the truth about the outbreak, about who – or what – you are and survive. Slice, pulverize and smash your way through the horror-soaked streets of the city of Angels, dispatching the undead who get in your way. No biggie but the fate of the city – and all of humanity – is in your infected hands.
 
Set in the streets of LA, awesomely named HELL-A, you will discover historic and famous sites along your travels, such as the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Beverly Hills to the quirky promenade of Venice Beach.
 
 
 

 
 
 
New Weapons
As you'll expect, with a new title comes an array of new weapons to use as you choose. 
From a range of Hammers to katanas and even bear claws. You'd be surprised what is kept in the homes of Hollywood.
But for you old-fashioned gun power enthusiast, you'd be happy to hear of the wide variety of shell-loading, damage-inducing guns you can find and craft along the way.
From assault rifles, marksman rifles, pistols and shotguns. There is much to be desired in your very capable hands.  
 
 
 

 
 
 
Skills
As witnessed in the first Dead Island title, this new addition brings a new, overhauled skill system. Gone is the days of building a skill tree.
Dead Island 2 introduces a system we have experienced in a similar Zombie title.
Skill cards are becoming more and more popular in today's zombie-slashing games.
With a whole library of skills at your disposal. My 2 picks to tell you about are;
ThunderStruck - Gives the players heavy attacks whuch trigger a forceful explosion on impact 
along with Bloodlust - a Card that grants the ability to regain health when you are slaying multiple zombies in quick succession
 
 
 
With so much to explore, new story lines and a vast variety of weaponry. This continuation is going to be a blast!
So, grab your boots, and don't forget your bear claws, because this is going to get messy!
 
 
 
Are you excited for this next addition of Dead Island?
Let us know in the comments below!
 

No More BC Forums

The following is a big milestone in TG's history. Speaking of TG's history, as you know, everyone who joins TG must complete Boot Camp (BC). Well, many moons ago, BC was given in game or on the gaming platform's voice comms by Drill Instructors (DI). The two main issues with that was that training was not given the same way across the board which defeated the purpose of ensuring the correct information was given the same way to everyone. There were also scheduling conflicts to get BC completed. The online test was created to resolve these issues. Alright, history lesson completed 
 
In the last several months, we’ve been implementing various solutions to reduce workload and improve our processes all over TG and now we have another improvement for the Training Office (TO) and Recruits (REC). As you know, once BC has been completed, the REC had to notify the TO by posting in the BC forums. Well, no more… 
 
Once the BC test has been completed, the TO is now automatically notified via Discord!!! After successfully completing the test, they will still receive a private message with their squad assignment and check-list. If they fail, the training office will  contact them via private message informing they need to redo the test.
 
This will reduce the amount of work for the TO and the RECs. More importantly, will avoid losing new members  because they were not aware they had to post in the BC forums. 
 
As President, I don’t often get the chance to award my Presidential Coin as the impact needs to be TG wide. Well, I’m very happy to award one to @Shroomage for the initiation and implementation of this project!!! 
 


To all who shall see these presents, greeting:

Know Ye, that reposing special trust and confidence in the fidelity and abilities of
 
@Shroomage

I hereby award  one Instance of the Tactical Gaming Presidential Coin
for the  initiation and implementation of TG's Discord Notifications of TG's online tests which alllowed us to remove the BC forums



TG Coins Descriptions
 
Given under my hand on November 15, 2022

Signed by: @TGxBiggy
President of TG 

 

A Sitdown with TG HSquared

When I was sitting down and thinking about what I wanted to write about for my next article, I wanted to touch base on something that I feel we could also use more of in Tactical Gaming.  I wanted to close gaps in knowledge about one another.  Members of TG–being that as we are a large gaming community–should always strive to better the “community” aspect.  So, I’d like to routinely interview differing members of TG, from the top and the bottom, to help us all get to know one another, and be comfortable approaching each other as friends as much as comrades on our respective virtual battlefields.
 
That said, I felt there was one member I wanted to spotlight this time.  A member of our community that is in fact in charge of closing social gaps in our community, as well as creating new opportunities to create more relationships in and out of Tactical Gaming itself.  And that is TG HSquared!  I’d like to let her explain what I mean by this herself with her own words.
 
 
Let’s get the basics out of the way.  Why don’t you introduce yourself and what you do in Tactical Gaming for those who may not be familiar.
TG HSquared here! I've been in TG for just over 7 years. I started my time in TG in the Halo Division, and then after almost a full year transferred to Overwatch. While there I held numerous positions, but most notably I was Division Officer for just over 3 years. At that time, I transferred to the Public Relations Office (PRO) as the Public Relations Assistant. I was then given the opportunity to become a Corps Commander (CC) and also the opportunity to be Public Relations Head (PRH), holding both of these positions requires a lot of time and dedication.

As CC for 1st corps, I am currently in charge of overseeing Battlefield, Call of Duty, Overwatch, and Vanguard Divisions (a total of 447 members). Thankfully I have amazing Division and Battalion Staff under me that do a great job with the day-to-day operations along with their Squad Staff and Members. This allows me to focus more on the big picture items for first corps along while assisting them any time that trouble may arise and helping them brainstorm how best to grow their divisions. 
 
As PRH, we are undergoing a transition period. The PRO used to mostly focus internally on TG, but instead we are going to focus more externally. We want to make a bigger impact on the gaming world and get the TG name out there. Along with my PRA, Vet, we are working with the Digital Media, News, Social Media, and Stream Teams to make this happen! We are hoping to bring more content that will appeal to a broader audience (including TG) which will include articles, interviews, graphics, gameplay, charity streams, and more!
 
 

Current breakdown of the Public Relations Office leadership, with TG HSquared and the newly appointed Vet as her assistant.  Source: Tactical Gaming's Roster

 
What keeps you staying with TG?  What do you most enjoy about being a part of this community?
Honestly, the people keep me here. I have made some amazing friends over the years thanks to TG. When I first joined TG, I was mostly a solo gamer, which was not a very fun experience especially as a female gamer. I met a lot of rude people when using in-game voice, but then when I ran into a group of TG guys in a game of Halo- they were welcoming and wanted to play as a team, focus on the game, and it was just truly a different experience. This is what brought me into TG, why I am still here, and definitely the part I enjoy the most about TG. It is nice to be able to join our members even if I don't know them, but I know that I will be welcomed, respected, and will have a good time!
 
What are you hoping for the future of this community and yourself?  Where do you see yourself in TG down the road?
I am definitely hoping for a lot of growth. There have been a lot of games that have been released in a less than mediocre state recently, which I believe has hurt our gaming community. OW2 and CoD MW2 have been a welcomed change from that. They both had some issues upon release, but it seems as though the developers are quickly addressing them, and we are seeing a great deal of growth in these two divisions already. I'd love to see that growth continue and for us to be bigger and stronger than we were before. 
 
I'm definitely planning on staying around in TG for the indefinite future. Where will I be? That's a great question. I enjoy both of my current roles, but it is a lot. Hard to say what I will do!
 
Is there something you would want to say to new recruits or prospective members upon their first foray into TG?
Come in with a positive attitude, be respectful, and be ready to have some fun while working as a team! Don't be afraid to give feedback on practices; your feedback is how we can improve the experiences! 
 
Let’s get personal.  I’ve known you for a bit and know you are big into sports.  What sport do you enjoy the most, and what team?
I love baseball and am a diehard Houston Astros fan!
 

TG HSquared is a huge fan of Major League Baseball’s team, the Houston Astros.  Every time we talk, she always has something going on surrounding a game or other.  Source: Official Houston Astros Website | MLB.com
 

Are there other things outside sports you enjoy doing in your free time?  Maybe, outside gaming?
I have two pups, Cortana and Goliath! I enjoy spending time with them as much as possible- going for walks, playing fetch, and taking naps! In addition to my amazing pups, I enjoy going out to dinner (especially for sushi), playing board games with my friends, traveling, relaxing in the pool, watching Netflix, spending time with family, and pumpkin carving. 
 
 


 Top, TG HSquared’s dogs, Goliath (left) and Cortana (right).  Bottom, TG HSquared’s collection of carved pumpkins of different designs she has carved herself.
 
Are there any last thoughts you want to make, let our readers know, or want to shout out?  Something you want to trigger a discussion on?
I actually have a few things I'd like to add. The first is I'd like to thank all of my staff and members; many of you give me gray hair, but I really do appreciate you guys!  Also, we offer some amazing games in TG, but we are always looking for more options. What games would you be interested in seeing in TG? Finally, GO STROS!!!!!!
 
 
Thanks TG HSquared for agreeing to sit down with me and answer some questions about yourself.  As a writer, I would love to spend more time in the future to get other members their own time in the spotlight.  And, like TG HSquared said, what games would you be interested in seeing Tactical Gaming support?  Please let me know and more in the comments!
 
**Houston Astros and Major League Baseball are trademarks™ or registered® trademarks of their respective holders. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by them. 
 

The TG Future of Overwatch2 with DO Primestrike

Overwatch has been with us since 2016. Now, still going strong under the leadership of our fearless Division Office, @primestrike, whom I am interviewing today. So, let’s delve deep into the future of Overwatch2.
 
Before we start talking about the game, let’s talk a bit about you. So, you have been with us for quite a while. How does it feel to be a member of Tactical Gaming?
To be honest, I didn’t expect to be anywhere near where I am at the moment. I met some nice people who recruited me, and I was literally expecting to just be a squad member playing the game. I never expected to be any further than that when I first joined.  
Well, you are now our DO, so how does it feel?
It has been an amazing journey. I had so many people who showed confidence in me when I had no confidence in myself, and they sort of said I should go for it. Along the way, I feel like I have grown stronger as a person being part of TG.  
That’s great to hear! Now that Overwatch 2 has come, are you confident in making our TG team shine again?
Since the launch, we have seen some growth already. Also, as the game is free-to-play and back in the public eye, it will make things easier for us to find more people. I am personally learning the new aspects of the game and being open to new people while playing together with my staff this will be one of the ways to make Overwatch TG better again. I look forward towards the excitement that Overwatch2 will bring us, just as Overwatch has done so in the past.  
I don’t think that will ever change. Now, let’s go a bit deeper into your experiences. How was your first personal experience when Overwatch started?
It was a game that, at the time appealed to me, and my first couple of games were without any comms. People weren’t really cooperating; however, after a month of playing the game, I met the people from TG.  
I bet that was a major change for you.
         In TG, I saw people that would talk to you and give you advice and support. It was a friendly atmosphere that I got from them, and it was one that I wanted to continue.
 
Of course, we also have the Overwatch PRO League. Do you have a favourite team that you follow?
Of course, the first one that I followed is the London Spitfire, from my own region. I also enjoyed watching Boston Uprising and New York Excelsior. I switch favourites mainly depending on what kind of playstyle they play in.  
When Overwatch 2 was announced, did you follow the process of Overwatch 2 on the foot? I think we can both agree on the fact that it took quite a while before it came out.
I took some information here and there and took the release date with a grain of salt. I wasn’t following it constantly and would just wait until stuff came out.  
Did you have a lot of discussions about it with your members?
The main discussion was about the transition from Overwatch 1 to Overwatch 2. It wasn’t going to be carried on from Overwatch 1 where we would have a second game down the line. Instead, Overwatch 1 would be turned off, and 2 would come straight in.  
Do you feel that Overwatch 2 will have a great influx of new players?
I have personally seen people playing Overwatch 2 who have never touched Overwatch in the past. The main reason for this is that Overwatch 2 is free to play, and people didn’t want to spend money on the first one.  
And now a tough question; what are your plans for the future of Overwatch community members; how do you want Overwatch to become the biggest of TG?
That is a really hard question. I want to continue with our community to keep them up and running. Give them a feeling of what Overwatch has in the space that TG can offer them. I think it is important that new people should feel welcome in TG.  
I found that to be one of the biggest advantages TG has to offer me. Anything you would like to shout out to our new members?
We have a new game in our hands; everybody is still learning the mechanics. So let’s do this together as a team to be the best!  
Do you have some wise words for the existing members?
There will be some tough challenges along the way, but we will deal with those like we always have and only come out stronger.  
This was Primestrike talking about his feelings towards Overwatch. If you want a moment on the board or you just want to be interviewed for the sake of TG (or the free coffee), share your voice about your game, or even share your own personal experiences about Overwatch with a comment down below!
 

ATO - PRA

To all who shall see these presents, greeting:

Know Ye, that reposing special trust and confidence in the fidelity and abilities of
 
@Vet

I hereby promote 
to the Position of Public Relations Assistant
 


The Public Relations Assistant Badge identifies the second highest-ranking officer in TG's Public Relations Office (PRO).

The PRA's main duties and responsibilities are to support the Public Relations Head in the completion of his/her duties and responsibilities.
The PRA also brings forward any issues regarding recruiting, tournament sponsorships, and negotiations for 3rd party hardware and software directly to the PRH.
 
 
Given under my hand on this 23rd day of October, Two Thousand and Twenty-Two.
 
 
Signed:

TG HSquared
Public Relations Head
Public Relations Office
 

Super-ships in World of Warships (Part II)

Super-ships in World of Warships
 
 
                                                                                                                     
               Hello all, it’s been a while since my last article about these new additions and there are some more additions than this, but it might be a while before I do another work about World of Warships. That’s been settled out of the way, lets jump into this topic.
 Now that the very first two Super-ships, been explained; here are some of the newer vessels that were announced later date than Satsuma and Hannover.
          One of the ships that will be looked at in this list is the Patrie, which is a French super battleship. The other two vessels I’ll be explaining more in detail about gameplay of those two vessels. 
 
 
 
 
Annapolis
 
 

 
 
 
 
                 Annapolis is a U.S super cruiser that was announced early to mid-2021. This ship did not take part in the original legendary battle event, as this vessel was introduced later. The Annapolis stands for a follow-up design of the Des Moines class heavy cruiser. (Which the Des Moines is a cruiser that players can get in the game as it’s a tier 10 of the U.S heavy cruiser tech tree line). Des Moines class heavy cruisers was the last gun cruisers constructed by the U.S Navy, learning lessons from Solomon Islands campaign during the 2nd World War. The navy realized that the, then current, 8-inch guns had a long reload and thus didn’t perform as well in close range actions. It was decided to develop a new gun that has a higher rate of fire. The Annapolis is a follow-up design to this, drawn up in 1949, using the newest anti-aircraft armaments including the new dual purpose 5-inch Mk16 guns, found on the Forrest Sherman class destroyers. The design for Annapolis called for increased armor, main armament and anti-aircraft armaments, but utilizing the same 8-inch 55 caliber RF guns that the Des Moines uses. Annapolis has 4x3 8-inch guns and a 7-inch armor belt, armed with then state-of-art AA defenses; however. With the advent of missiles and jet planes, the days of gun cruisers were numbered, thus the U.S Navy ultimately cancelled the design. The name that Annapolis was given is a city in the U.S state of Maryland, home to the U.S Naval academy that was first established in the 1790s and is still in operation today. Wargaming’s name for the vessel is in line with U.S naval name traditions of the period, with cruisers being named after cities.
           
                 The game play of the Annapolis is similar to the tier 10 Des Moines, and with the same 5 second reload giving her and Des Moines the fastest rate of fire of any heavy cruiser in the game. Annapolis, like other U.S heavy cruisers, is armed with super-heavy shells which gives U.S heavy cruisers some of the best armor penetration capabilities of any heavy cruiser. The Annapolis also has a grand total of 12 main guns, and combine this with her high rate of fire, she can put out a very high volume of fire, something that other heavy cruisers can’t boast about.
               
                The armor of the Annapolis is better than Des Moines, which means she can survive well under fire. However, despite this her armor scheme is the same as Des Moines which means her armored citadel is above the water line making her easy to severely damage should the armored belt be penetrated. The Annapolis also has similar problem that many U.S cruisers in the game have, which is an extremely high arching ballistics, though this allows the ships to hit the more vulnerable areas of other vessels on their decks. However, this means that the player must give a great deal of lead to the target in order for the shells to hit the target. What makes Annapolis and other super cruisers unique is the ability to have an alternate firing mode; this is a temporary boost to vessel’s reload giving them a 1 second reload that only lasts for a few shots, once the few shots are fired, the reload is increased to 40 seconds, thus this firing mode should be used sparingly. Overall, the Annapolis plays similarly to Des Moines, only except with a special mechanic and better dimensions. 
 
 
 
 
Condé 
 

 
                Condé was announced in mid-2021, she was announced around the same time as the 2 other vessels (Annapolis and Patrie). The name Condé is a common French name for a place and is also a person’s name. Condé’s design is a hypothetical follow-up design to the cruiser C5 project (Saint-Louis Class). Condé’s armament calls for, 3x4 9.4-inch guns and 8x2 5-inch guns. 
 
                 Condé’s main armament is the 9.4-inch 55 caliber Mle 1930 guns, these guns are a pure fabrication as there were no actual designs for 1930s 9-inch gun within the Marine Nationale (French navy). However, the closest historical gun to this fictional gun is the 9.4-inch 50 caliber Mle 1902, these guns were used to arm the Danton Class Semi-Dreadnoughts. This ship is unique in the fact that it has quadruple gun turrets instead of the normal triple, this gun turret design is reminiscent to gun turrets found on the Richelieu and Dunkerque Classes. The Marine Nationale never considered using a 9.4-inch gun to arm cruisers thus this design should be viewed as a fictional hypothetical vessel. Condé plays similarly to the previous French cruisers of the line, as this vessel does get a speed boast consumable which allows its maximum speed to be increased for a brief time allowing it to withdraw should it take too much damage. French cruisers are thinly armored with typically good firing ranges and good speeds; thus, they should look at as “glass cannons”. The Condé’s 9-inch guns can overmatch the front of most light cruisers, these do pack a punch, but there AP shells do suffer a little bit however they do gain increased HE shells effectiveness. Condé, like Annapolis also gains a similar alternative firing mode, allowing the ship to fire very volleys in quick succession. Condé, however, does suffer of having a longer reload times than other cruisers and by far weakest in armor terms to other super cruisers in the game. 
 
 
 
 
Patrie 
 

 
               Patrie is the French word for “Country”. The name comes from a pre-dreadnought of the Republique class that was launched in December of 1903. The Patrie that we see in-game is based on a design proposal for the Alsace class battleships. The Alsace class was the French answer to the H-Proposals of Germany; the French (believing false intelligence reports) believed that the Germans were already building other ships of the H-Proposals thus they wanted a vessel to counter these ships. A series of armament proposals for the Alsace class were proposed, from 3x4-15-inch guns, 3x3-16-inch guns, to 3x4-17-inch guns. The Patrie represents the 17-inch gun proposal, (with some design liberties on Wargaming’s part). However, unfortunately for France, not a single vessel of the Alsace class was laid down due to the rapid fall of France during the 2nd World War. 
 
 
               Nevertheless, Patrie’s armament comprises of: 3x4-17-inch guns, 3x3-6-inch guns, 8x2-4-inch guns and as well as numerous AA gun batteries. Patrie has the most numerous main guns of any Super battleship currently in the game; however, they are also the smallest of the Super battleships. The Patrie enjoys access to the engine boast consumable, similar to other French battleships, which gives them high top speed of 35 knots (when active) gives this vessel similar speed to cruisers. Combine this with a strong secondary armament and with above average rate of fire for main guns, she can easily chase down cruisers and even some destroyers; however. Patrie does suffer from having weaker overall armor effectiveness making it relatively fragile (though still more durable than all the other French battleships). Thus, the Patrie plays well on the flanks where its firepower is more than enough to overwhelm most fast-moving ships and still have the speed to fall back if taking too much damage. 
 
 
 
 
 

Overwatch 1 to 2: A Review

With Overwatch 2 having just landed on October 4th, 2022, many are questioning the need for the moniker of “2” being attached to it due to its similarities to the first game.  As with any new major game launch, numerous first-time players are also jumping into the game.  With that, new and old opinions are being made about the game.  I have had the opportunity to play about 25 hours so far in the new title, so let’s explore what is new, and what has carried over so far with the launch of Overwatch 2.
 
Briefly summarized in a previous article in TG News by TG HSquared, there have been some changes to the formula of Overwatch 2 compared to its predecessor.  Most importantly, the change from a 6v6 to a 5v5 setting.  This change was made with the removal of one tank per team.  With this change, in my time playing so far, there is a much bigger emphasis on outplay potential by DPS.  I have found that there is more freedom for flanking, pressuring the backline of the opposing team to break down their foundations.  Along with this, one tank lends to more aggressive plays as well, with team fights won and lost on the skill of the individuals as much as the team.  
 
Another new aspect of Overwatch 2 is the addition of the new “Push” mode.  It has both teams leave spawn at the same time on opposite ends of the map, with a robot in the middle meant to push the objective to the opposing team’s spawn room by means of escorting the robot.  Along the way, teams will find themselves in team fights to fight for control of the robot, with the victor coming out as the advantageous team in pushing the robot further than the other team.  This is a very unique take on a tug-of-war game mode with team fights as the deciding factor of winning thrown in the mix, and control of the map around the robot at any one time in the game meaning the difference between a win or a loss.  This has been a really fun new addition to the Overwatch formula, while not feeling so alien compared to existing modes that you are left scratching your head on how it works.
 

The robot pushing the objective during a team fight in the new "Push" mode.
 
Of course, we should also briefly discuss the new heroes that make up the other half of the Overwatch formula.  With the release of Overwatch 2, we have three new hero additions: the in-your-face and brutal Tank Junker Queen, the sharp-eyed and mobile DPS Sojourn, and the foxy and mischievous Support Kiriko.  All of these heroes feel fresh and new in their own way, catering to existing players with new ways to play that they may want to try.  Junker Queen is very much a brawler Tank, wielding a shotgun, throwing blades, and a crude axe.  Sojourn is a spin on Soldier 76 with more emphasis on burst damage rather than sustain, trading heals for a railgun that charges over the course of primary auto fire with a secondary that one-shots squishies with a well-placed headshot.  Finally, the new Support hero Kiriko feels like a complete package of burst heals, mobility, high-DPS potential, and utility, but with a high skill ceiling.
 

Three new heroes from left to right: DPS Sojourn, Support Kiriko, and Tank Junker Queen.
 
 
Blizzard seems to have gotten the server issues from launch ironed out mostly, with a few known issues still to handle, which you can review here if needed.  Aside from its rocky launch, Overwatch 2 evolves its predecessor’s formula with a breath of fresh air, revamping the pace of the game and adding new elements to it, realizing the full potential of what the previous game wanted to be.
 
Have you been enjoying playing Overwatch 2?  What has been your favorite new addition or overhauled change?  Let’s discuss these and more in the comments!

Discord x Xbox: A New Way of Communication

Discord has become a major communications hub for gamers on many platforms including within our community. The ability to organize events and allow for seamless text and voice chats to organize events have been huge. In a major move, Microsoft and Discord have teamed up to bring Discord Voice to Xbox chats. This feature has been a highly requested feature since Discord became the go-to app for all things communication within the gaming world. 
 
As a personal user of the Discord app to communicate with my fellow team members regardless of  their game or platform, the ability to manage all of this through one headset is a lifesaver in terms of ensuring I have the best sound through my headset and the best voice communications with the squads within my Division. It does require a smartphone however to allow this all to work. 
 
The Discord-Xbox integration requires the Xbox application and the Discord application on a smartphone to work. When you log into a Discord voice chat, you are given the option to “Transfer to Xbox” which opens a Xbox party chat through the Xbox dashboard to allow voice to passthrough. It is not the best solution to allow this as there is no native Discord application on the Xbox at the time of this writing. However, the Xbox team at Microsoft and the Discord team are actively working on simplifying the experience for Xbox players. 
 
This is a major step forward as compared to what Xbox players have been used to with dual headphone setups or in my case, a soundbar and an AirPod setup through an iPhone or other device. The update is live now for all to test and try out. It is a major leap forward for quality of life for the Xbox and Discord userbase as the gaming community increasingly turns to Discord as the de facto communications app for Crossplay gaming.

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