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ARCHIVE FOR: Tuesday, September 13th, 2005
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By Andrew 'Talon' Wilson @ 07:00 PM :: In-House: Screenshots :: Comment Now |
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Tonight, we have a set of four screenshots from X-Men Legends II: Rise Of Apocalypse.
Following the original title, X-Men Legends II: Rise Of Apocalypse follows the X-Men as they team up with their Brother hood rivals to defeat Apocalypse. The game will feature over 100 enemy types, 16 playable characters with 10 superpowers each, and online multiplayer support for 2 - 4 player coop, or 2 - 6 multiplayer skirmish modes.
X-Men Legends II: Rise Of Apocalypse will ship across the Xbox, PlayStation 2, GameCube and PC platforms during Fall 2005. |
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By Andrew 'Talon' Wilson @ 04:19 PM :: PSP: General :: Comment Now |
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( READ ATTACHED PRESS RELEASE ) As this unusually busy news day continues, it seems Electronic Arts has shipped Burnout Legends to retail outlets across North America for the PlayStation Portable. The series first portable debut and developed by Criterion Games, Burnout Legends builds on the series with eight modes of play, including crash, road rage and pursuit. The game also includes multiplayer support via Wi-Fi, and a GameShare option allowing players to wirelessly share any level of the game with other players.
Though the shipping news itself is interesting, the most noteworthy bit from the shipping story was the side note that Burnout Legends will ship for the Nintendo DS. The game will ship during November 2005.
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By Andrew 'Talon' Wilson @ 04:13 PM :: General Gaming :: Comment Now |
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Seems the last couple days have seen quite a bit of Sega news and this afternoon, as the latest, Sega of America has signed a distribution agreement with Empire Interactive, one that gives Sega the rights to publish Taito Legends for the Xbox, PlayStation 2 and PC. Covering North and South America, Taito Legends will include 29 classic arcade titles, spanning 30 years of gaming. The list includes: Space Invaders (1978), Phoenix(1980), Space Invaders Part 2 (1980), Colony 7 (1981), Electric Yoyo (1982), Jungle Hunt (1982), Zoo Keeper (1982), Elevator Action (1983), Great Swordsman (1984), Return of the Invaders (1985), Bubble Bobble (1986), Gladiator (1986), Tokio (1986), Exzisus (1987), Plump Pop (1987), Operation Wolf (1987), Rainbow Islands (1987), Rastan (1987), Super Qix (1987), The New Zealand Story (1988), Operation Thunderbolt (1988), Battle Shark (1989), Continental Circus (1989), Plotting (1989), Volfied (1989), Ninja Kids (1990), Space Gun (1990), Thunderfox (1990) and Tube It (1993). The compilation will also include bonus material such as a history of Taito, and interviews. Taito Legends will ship across all three platforms on October 25th, 2005. |
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By Andrew 'Talon' Wilson @ 03:54 PM :: General Gaming :: Comment Now |
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With the release of Blitz: The League just around the corner, Midway Games today announced a pre-order deal for the game. The deal has those pre-ordering the game for either the Xbox or PlayStation 2 receiving a 8.5’ x 11’ wall calendar with various cheerleaders from The League. The calendars are of limited supply, and will be available at retail outlets such as GameStop, EB Games and GameCrazy.
Reiterating past reports, Blitz: The League is in development at Midway’s Chicago studio, in collaboration with a writer from ESPN’s Playmakers show, and will follow the behind-the-scenes stories of a fictional professional football league. The game will have a campaign mode in which players, play through on-field violence, office politics and similar football-related events. The game will support online play for both the Xbox and PlayStation 2. Blitz: The League is slated for release next month for both platforms.
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By Andrew 'Talon' Wilson @ 03:54 PM :: PS2: Action :: Comment Now |
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It seems the shipping stories just keep coming in today, with Agetec now announcing the release of Armored Core: Nine Breaker for the PlayStation 2. The latest in From Software's long running Armored Core series, Armored Core Nine Breaker gives players a bit more control over direction, letting players go through single player missions, teamed up battles in multiplayer or head to head. The game includes over 20 battle arenas, over 400 parts to customize mechs with, and carries the ESRB rating of "T" for teen. The Armored Core Nine Breaker page has more on the game. |
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By Andrew 'Talon' Wilson @ 03:53 PM :: PS2: Action :: Comment Now |
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( READ ATTACHED PRESS RELEASE ) Namco Hometek this afternoon announced that it has shipped Urban Reign to retail outlets for the PlayStation 2. Urban Reign puts players in the middle of a full blown turf war in gang-controlled Green Harbor. Victory on the streets means doing whatever it takes to achieve victory, and players will be able to take on the city's thugs with vicious double-team attacks, unlockable special moves and more than 30 street weapons including bats, blades and 2x4's. Urban Reign carries the “T” for teen rating from the ESRB. |
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(HOT ITEM)
By Andrew 'Talon' Wilson @ 01:16 PM :: GameBoy Advance DS :: Comment Now |
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( READ ATTACHED PRESS RELEASE ) Earlier today, 3Publisher of America announced plans to bring Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi to the Nintendo DS and Game Boy Advance. Based on Cartoon network’s animated series of the same name, Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi for the Nintendo DS will be a fighting game in which players can summon the power of … you know what, on second thought, why not check out a snippet of plot info below. Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi for the Nintendo DS introduces a brand new gaming genre - the 'Rock 'n' Roll Brawler' - targeted primarily for kids 6-11. This action packed adventure allows players to call upon the powers of rock and roll to defeat their enemies as they travel the globe using only their instruments as weapons! With the Nintendo DS, action is presented on the upper screen while the actual control takes the form of a guitar located on the Touch Pad, and players can enjoy the action solo, or with 2-Player WiFi cooperative mode.
Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi will ship for the GBA during Q4 2005, with the Nintendo DS version following during Q1 2006.
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By Andrew 'Talon' Wilson @ 01:15 PM :: PC: General :: Comment Now |
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This afternoon, CDV Software announced that Blitzkrieg 2 has gone gold for the PC platform. Developed by Nival Interactive, and on track for a September 28th, 2005, release, Blitzkrieg 2 sets players in World War II, letting players take control of German, Russian and American commanders throughout three campaigns. The game will include over 250 troop types, including 60 types of ground infantry; as well as over 75 missions, 10 multiplayer maps, and a new mission editor. As usual, the official Blitzkrieg 2 website has more on the game for those interested. |
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By Andrew 'Talon' Wilson @ 01:15 PM :: XBox: Action :: Comment Now |
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( READ ATTACHED PRESS RELEASE ) As this news day continues, THQ has launched Evil Dead Regeneration for the Xbox, PlayStation 2 and PC platforms. Scheduled to ship on September 20th, 2005, Evil Dead Regeneration is based off the classic horror film Evil Dead 2, taking place after the end of the movie on a "what if..." scenario, one in which Ash is arrested and convicted of the crime of murder, after discovering the Necronomicon; the book of the dead. the game has players fighting as Ash and his dwarf sidekick. A bit more on the plot for Evil Dead Regeneration can be seen below.Evil Dead Regeneration follows Ash, the lone survivor of a camp discovering the Necronomicon -- the wholly evil book of the dead. Thought to have murdered his companions, Ash is arrested, convicted of the crime, and sentenced to Sunny Meadows, an institute for the criminally insane, but not for long. Ash's peaceful stay is about to end -- thanks to the perverted experiments of his very own psychiatrist. Hell-bent on using science to harness the Necronomicon's powers, the mad doctor unleashes the book's all-powerful Evil on the world -- releasing a new slew of Deadites, monsters and spirits, twisting reality into a hellish strudel and leaving mankind with that not-so-fresh, apocalyptic feeling. Evil Dead Regeneration carries the “T” for teen rating from the ESRB. |
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By Andrew 'Talon' Wilson @ 01:14 PM :: PSP: General :: Comment Now |
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Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) today shipped MediEvil Resurrection throughout North America for the PlayStation Portable. Developed by SCEE's Cambridge Studio, MediEvil Resurrection is the latest in the action game series, putting players in the role of Sir Daniel Fortesque, while trying to defeat the evil Sorcerer Zarok. A bit of plot info can be seen below. One hundred years have passed since the evil Sorcerer Zarok was defeated at the Battle of Gallowmere when he was heroically cut down by a mortally wounded Sir Daniel Fortesque, or at least, that's what the people were told. In fact, poor Sir Daniel Fortesque was a bit of a coward, falling in the very first wave of arrows. Now Zarok has returned, turning day into night, and raising an undead army to conquer the land. As a side effect, Sir Daniel Fortesque also has been resurrected, and now has the chance to defeat Zarok and in death become the hero he never was in life. MediEvil Resurrection includes 19 levels, eight mini-games, over 100 moves and over 30 enemy types. Additionally MediEvil Resurrection includes a demo for Wipeout Pure. The demo is featured in the game sharing mode of MediEvil Resurrection, and has the Elite Force Cross the Line track with multiplayer support. MediEvil Resurrection carries the ESRB rating of “T” for teen. |
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By Andrew 'Talon' Wilson @ 11:34 AM :: PC: General :: Comment Now |
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( READ ATTACHED PRESS RELEASE ) Electronic Arts today shipped the latest expansion pack for The Sims 2, The Sims 2 Nightlife, to retail outlets across North America for the PC platform. The second expansion pack, The Sims 2 Nightlife has players taking their Sims into exploring the nightlife of an all-new downtown location. The game lets players make use of new dating gameplay, and includes over 125 new objects, including: a DJ booth and poker table, objects that can be used to design nightclubs and VIP lounges. The Sims 2 Nightlife carries the ESRB rating of “T” for teen. |
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By Andrew 'Talon' Wilson @ 11:33 AM :: PC: General :: Comment Now |
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On the heels of Funcom launching a free offer for Anarchy Online sometime ago, the company today issued word that it's extending the free Anarchy Online offer, as a result of its success. The extension will see the deal running through all of 2006 and 2007.“The free initiative has been a great success,” says Trond Arne Aas, CEO of Funcom. ”More than 400.000 new players have signed up during the last ten months, and extremely few MMO titles can show a similar increase in registrations in the same timeframe. Seeing the great feedback from the free offer we are thus going to extend it into 2007 and beyond.” As we've said in past reports, the free deal lets anyone download the massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) for ... well free. See this link for more information ... and for the download link. |
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By Andrew 'Talon' Wilson @ 11:32 AM :: General Gaming :: Comment Now |
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( READ ATTACHED PRESS RELEASE ) Following the SSX On Tour soundtrack news yesterday, Electronic Arts today announced the soundtrack for NBA Live 06. Including 16 songs spanning various genres, the NBA Live 06 soundtrack will feature songs from groups including The Black Eyed Peas, Jurassic 5 and Afu-Ra to name a few. See below for the soundtrack listing.
Afu-Ra - God of Rap
Bishop Lamont featuring Chevy Jones - We Got Next **
Black Eyed Peas - My Style
Chali 2na featuring Anthony Hamilton - Don't Stop
Chamillionaire - Grind Time **
Fort Minor - Remember The Name
Jae Millz - Streetz Melting
Jurassic 5 - In The House
Lupe Fiasco - Tilted
M.I.A. - Bucky Done
N.O.R.E. featuring GemStar and Big Mato - Deportes EA **
Q-Tip featuring Busta Rhymes - For The Nasty
Spider Loc - Elementary **
Stat Quo - Like Dat
Tego Calderón - Mil Cosas **
The Perceptionists - Let's Move NBA Live 06 is in development for the Xbox, PlayStation 2, GameCube, PlayStation Portable, and PC platforms. The game will ship throughout North America on September 28th, 2005, with the Xbox 360 version set to follow later in the year.
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(HOT ITEM)
By Andrew 'Talon' Wilson @ 04:24 AM :: PS2: General :: Comment Now |
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( READ ATTACHED PRESS RELEASE ) This morning, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) announced that its recalling certain AC Adaptors used with the black slimline PlayStation 2. The recalled adaptors were manufactured between August 2004 and December 2004, and were supplied with slimline PlayStation 2 models SCPH70002, 70003 and 70004. The reason for the recall is due to the risk of overheating. As a result, the recall covers affected AC Adaptors in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Australia. Additional indicators people should look for is the product ID code of HP - ATH048H03, and the following date stamps: 2004.8, 2004.9, 2004.10, 2004.11 and 2004.12.
Those needing to replace their adaptor (check your system model number) can either contact a recall Helpline, which will be published in newspapers in Europe on Wednesday September 14th, 2005, or by visiting this newly launched PlayStation 2 Adaptor website.
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By Andrew 'Talon' Wilson @ 12:30 AM :: General Gaming :: Comment Now |
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( READ ATTACHED PRESS RELEASE ) Majesco has released its financial results report for the third quarter and nine-months ended July 31st, 2005. Attributed to weak sales of titles, during the quarter Majesco reported net revenues of $4.6 million, compared to $34.0 million this time last year. The quarter saw an operating loss of $38.6 million, compared to an operating income of $3.1 million, with a net loss of $37.5 million, or $1.69 per share; as supposed to a net income of $20.5 million, or $1.06 per share this time last year. Meanwhile, the nine-month perios saw net revenues of $55.1 million, down from $75.6 million; with net operating loss of $35.8 million and net loss of $37.8 million or $1.87 per share.Jesse Sutton, Majesco's President, said, "The lower than expected sales of some of our key products combined with the effects of the upcoming console transition and overall industry softness have made this a very challenging year."
Sutton continued, "As a result of our disappointing results, we are re- evaluating our business model. In the meantime, we will maintain our focus on digital entertainment with an emphasis on video games. Our value product line will remain a core part of our business and we will selectively publish frontline titles. Additionally, our strategy includes pursuing low-risk opportunities in the mobile and online markets with our existing intellectual properties as well as new products."
Looking ahead, Majesco's game line up includes the following titles.Teen Titans (Game Boy Advance: 2005)Teen Titans (Xbox, PlayStation 2, GameCube: fiscal 2006)Infected (PlayStation Portable: Holiday 2005)Aeon Flux (Xbox, PlayStation 2: 2005)Jaws Unleashed (Xbox, PlayStation 2, PC: early 2006) On the financial side of things, Majesco updated its fiscal 2005 guidance, with the company now expecting revenues of $60.0 - $65.0 million and an operating loss of $40.0 - $45.0 million. Stay with us for more news throughout the day.
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By Andrew 'Talon' Wilson @ 12:30 AM :: General Gaming :: Comment Now |
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As the latest game violence story, it seems that Michigan Governor Jennifer M. Granholm signed into law legislation that makes the sale and rental of mature and or adult-rated video games to children illegal. Set to take effect December 1st, 2005, and applying to children 17-years of age and younger, House Bill 4702 and House Bill 4703 were sponsored by Representative Phil Pavlov (R-St. Clair Township) and Tom Pearce (R-Rockford); and come as part of a four bill package, the remaining two (Senate Bill 416 and Senate Bill 463) having passed the Legislature and will be signed later this week.“Making sure that our children are protected is an essential function of government,” Granholm said. “This new common-sense law is one more tool we can provide to help parents protect their children from the effects of violence and graphic adult content.”“The graphic nature and wide availability of these games should disturb all of us, whether or not we are parents,” Granholm said. “I am proud to sign legislation that will protect children from this kind of content.”
Questions about freedom of something, parenting responsibilities and censorship aside, those wanting to read more on the matter should refer to this link. We’ll of course keep you posted with more news as it develops.
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By Andrew 'Talon' Wilson @ 12:30 AM :: General Gaming :: Comment Now |
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Through The Hollywood Reporter, it was revealed last night that Bits Studios has picked up the rights to develop a game based off the three movies that often go under the name "The Man With No Name" trilogy. The deal with MGM Interactive will see Bits Studio creating a game based on the 1966 classic "Good, Bad," which Clint Eastwood, Lee Van Cleef and Eli Wallach. A release date of course isn’t yet known, but we'll keep you posted as more information surfaces. |
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By Andrew 'Talon' Wilson @ 12:30 AM :: PC: General :: Comment Now |
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Although we reported a week or so ago that Black & White 2 would launch throughout North America on September 30th, 2005, with the European date on October 7th, today it appears that the scheduling has changed slightly. According to the official Black & White 2 website, the game will now ship throughout the world on October 7th, 2005, for the PC platform. Reiterating past reports, Black & White 2 has players once again taking a god role as various large animals in the world of Eden, this time as the world's at war. The game will support a number of player persona via its AI system. The game will also include revamped visuals, new miracles, and the ability to access resources. As always, we’ll have more news throughout the day. |
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By Andrew 'Talon' Wilson @ 12:30 AM :: GameCube: Action :: Comment Now |
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( READ ATTACHED PRESS RELEASE ) Last night, Bandai Games announced the shipping of One Piece: Grand Battle for the PlayStation 2 and GameCube. Based on the series of graphic novels from Viz Media and marking the series debut in North America, One Piece: Grand Battle is a fighting game, one in which players step into the roles of Monkey D, Luffy and the rest of his crew, while battling through East Blue Sea. The game includes 16 playable characters, and an additional 32 support characters, over 20 regular moves and special attacks/ultimates per character, collectible special items, and modes of play including: Grand Battle and Versus. One Piece: Grand Battle carries the ESRB rating of “T” for teen. |
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By Andrew 'Talon' Wilson @ 12:30 AM :: Industry Charts :: Comment Now |
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Starting off the day at another odd time, we kick off another Tuesday with the latest UK chart from the ELSPA and Chart Track. Covering the week ending September 10th, 2005, this week saw Ubisoft's Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six: Lockdown taking the top spot, pushing Namco's Ridge Racer down to 4th place. Starting off the day at another odd time, we kick off another Tuesday with the latest UK chart from the ELSPA and Chart Track. Covering the week ending, this week saw Ubisoft's Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six: Lockdown taking the top spot, pushing Namco's Ridge Racer down to 4th place. Overall, this was an odd week as far as the charts go, with Delta Force: Black Hawk Down shooting up to 3rd from 15th place, and 5th being taken by VU Games Incredible Hulk: Ultimate Destruction. As far as unexpected titles go, the week also had Super Monkey Ball Deluxe jumping back into the top 20, from 25th to 10th place; with Konami's Coded Arms rounding off the chart at 19th place.
1. Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six: Lockdown (Xbox, PlayStation 2: Ubisoft)
2. Brian Lara International Cricket 2005 (Xbox, PlayStation 2, PC: Codemasters)
3. Delta Force: Black Hawk Down (Xbox, PlayStation 2, PC: NovaLogic)
4. Ridge Racer (PSP: Namco)
5. Incredible Hulk: Ultimate Destruction (Xbox, PlayStation 2, GameCube: VU Games)
6. Virtua Tennis World Tour (PSP: Sega)
7. Midnight Club 3: DUB Edition (PSP, Xbox, PlayStation 2: Take-Two)
8. Wipeout Pure (PSP: SCEE)
9. Need For Speed Underground Rivals (PSP: Electronic Arts)
10. Super Monkey Ball Deluxe (Xbox, PlayStation 2: Sega)
11. Madagascar (Xbox, PlayStation 2, GameCube, Nintendo DS, Game Boy Advance, PC: Activision)
12. Spider-Man 2 (Xbox, PlayStation 2, GameCube, PC, Nintendo DS, GBA, PSP: Activision)
13. Everybody’s Golf (PSP: SCEE)
14. World Tour Soccer (PSP: SCEE)
15. TOCA Race Driver 2 (PSP: Codemasters)
16. Metal Gear Acid (PSP: Konami)
17. Gametrak – Real World Golf (PC, PlayStation 2: In2Games)
18. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Xbox, PlayStation 2, GameCube, Game Boy Advance, PC, Mac: Take-Two)
19. Coded Arms (PlayStation Portable: Konami)
20. Cricket 2005 (Xbox, PlayStation 2, PC: Electronic Arts)
Official UK Leisure Software Charts (c) ELSPA compiled by Chart-Track.
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By Andrew 'Talon' Wilson @ 12:00 AM :: In-House: Morning Brief :: Comment Now |
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Free drinks for everyone … that can find me, for it appears I’m covering the morning brief for awhile. Not much to report from Talon Town, except perhaps for the fact that I’m soon going to be doing some volunteer stuff. It seems like something new to try, and it’s not like my schedule’s super packed so what’s the heck (yes, I just said heck). Oh yeah, and one more matter before the day begins. In response to a comment made yesterday by one of the readers (I think it was comment #30), I’ll post one on my birthday, November 12th, 2005. Currently Listening To: Nothing. Forgot to turn on radio or put in music CD.
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