It began with the forging of the Great Threads. Three were given to the Developers; immortal, wisest and fairest of all beings. Seven, to the Moderators, great miners and craftsmen of the forum halls. And nine, nine threads were gifted to the race of Posters, who above all else desire power. For within these threads was bound the strength and the will to govern over each forum.

But they were all of them deceived, for a new thread was made. In the land of Xbox, in the fires of the Red Rings, the Dark Lord MO MOSS forged in secret, a master thread, to control all others. And into this thread he poured all his wisdom, his insight and his will to dominate all forums. One thread to rule them all. One by one, the free peoples of Xbox Forums fell to the power of the Thread. But there were some who resisted.

A last alliance of Posters and Moderators marched against the armies of MOSS, and on the very slopes of Red Rings, they fought for the freedom of the GamerParents thread. Victory was near, but the power of the thread could not be undone. It was in this moment, when all hope had faded, that Ethanjude, son of the king, took up his father's sword. And MO MOSS, enemy of the free threads of Xbox forums, was defeated.

The Thread passed to Ethanjude, who had this one chance to destroy off-topic spam forever, but the hearts of men are easily corrupted. And the thread of power has a will of its own. It betrayed Ethanjude, to his death. And some things that should not have been forgotten were lost. History became legend. Legend became myth. And for two and a half thousand Posts, the thread passed out of all knowledge.

Until, when chance came, the thread ensnared another bearer. The thread came to the creature JD BUCK, who took it deep into the tunnels under the Gamerscore Mountains, and there it consumed him. The thread gave to JD BUCK unnaturally high completion percentage. For five hundred Posts it poisoned his mind; and in the gloom of JD BUCK's cave, it waited. Darkness crept back into the forests of the world. Rumor grew of a shadow in the East, whispers of a nameless achievement, and the Thread of Power perceived. Its time had now come. It abandoned JD BUCK. But then something happened that the Thread did not intend. It was picked up by the most unlikely creature imaginable. An iconless hobbit, Nien Numb, of the Forum. For the time will soon come when hobbits will shape the fortunes of all...

The veiling shadow that glowers in the East takes shape. MO MOSS will suffer no rival. From the summit of Xbox.com his eye watches ceaselessly. But he is not so mighty yet that he is above fear. Doubt ever gnaws at him. The rumor has reached him. The heir of Major Nelson still lives. He fears what he may become. And so he will strike hard and fast at the world of Posters.

War is coming. the GamerParents must defend themselves, and therein lies our first challenge, for the last thread is weak and ready to fall. The OP's mind is enslaved; it's an old device of MOSS's. But, for all their cunning, we have one advantage. The Thread remains hidden. And that we should seek to destroy it has not yet entered their darkest dreams. And so the weapon of the Enemy is moving towards an Icon in the hands of a hobbit Ambassador. Each day brings it closer to the fires of Red Rings. We must trust now in Xenocidic. Everything depends now upon speed and upon the secrecy of his quest. Do not regret your decision to leave him. Xenocidic must finish this task alone.

One Thread to rule them all,
One Thread to find them,
One Thread to bring them all
and in the greenness bind them.

---

This is a reproduction of the newest GamerParents thread (5.0), which I am humbled to have been nominated to create. Feel free to join us at the Xbox.com forums here: http://forums.xbox.com/26008503/ShowPost.aspx

Greetings commanders. In this post, I am going to be providing daily updates as to the current status of the ongoing battles in the Theatre of War mode of Tom Clancy's EndWar. Bookmark this page to follow the progress of the massively-multiplayer online world war. This page can be accessed by visiting http://endwar.xenocidic.com

Sources are the web-based TOW viewer and h0b0 or Supad's live XML feeds.

Latest information from the front lines

TURN 27 (December 31, 2020): Russia was unsuccessful on both their fronts (3MI & Copenhagen), and lost to the JSF at Springfield, so the tug of war in the American north continues. As expected, the Euros were beaten back at Reagan. They were also unsuccessful in landing at Okefenokee. The JSF is launching a three-prong attack out of Springfield (at Ft. Campbell, Grissom & Shenandoah Valley) while Russia attempts to take it from them. The Euros are engaged with the Spetsnaz at Arrabida and the JSF at Copenhagen. Will the New Year bring better tidings for the Americans? Stay tuned...

RSGB: 23
EFEC: 12 (-1)
JSF: 4 (+1)

SecondWar Timeline

TURN 26: The Russians successfully defended Grissom (JSF's primary front) thus retaking Springfield even though they lost their assault upon the territory. Since the JSF's primary front failed, they did not receive Shenandoah Valley or Ft. Campbell. They were also beaten back at Copenhagen; however the margin was slim even though the Euros had both air and ground supports. The Euros retook Arrabida and are making an attempt at Okefenokee today. Today, the Spetsnaz are giving Copenhagen a go and attempting to take 3 Mile Island while defending Springfield and Ft. Campbell from a JSF assault and a raid (respectively). The Euros are throwing themselves upon the JSF's spears at the U.S.S. Reagan Seabase.
RSGB: 23     EFEC: 13 (+1)     JSF: 3 (-1)

TURN 25: The JSF, refusing to go down without a fight, retook Springfield from the Spetsnaz by a slim margin and successfully defended 3 Mile Island and the raid on Reagan (but were unsuccessful at Glen Albyn). The Russians successfully defended the raid on Grissom and the European conquest on Okefenokee, receiving Arrabida in return. The JSF is launching a 3-pronged attack from Springfield, at Grissom, Shenandoah Valley and Ft. Campbell, while the Russians attempt to retake Springfield. Copenhagen, having defaulted back to the Euros after the bear lost Springfield, is now under attack by the JSF. The Euros are attempting to retake Arrabida.
RSGB: 23 (-1)     EFEC: 12     JSF: 4 (+1)

TURN 24: Except for Arrabida, Russia won all of their engagements again, including a knuckle-biting victory by a mere 20 points in Springfield that secured them the previously US-held territory of Copenhagen due to its isolation. The Americans are making a last ditch effort attempting to secure Glen Albyn from the Euros, while raiding Grissom Air base and trying to retake Springfield from the SPZ. The Euros are attacking Okefenokee, trying to reinsert themself into the U.S. region. The bear is raiding the U.S.S. Reagan Seabase while attempting to cut it off from Washington by attacking 3 Mile Island. If things go well for Russia today, the Spetsnaz could begin their three-stage annex of Washington tommorow.
RSGB: 24 (+1)     EFEC: 12 (+1)     JSF: 3 (-2)

TURN 23: Russia won all of their engagements (save for the raid on Ft. Campbell), stifling the U.S. and European presence in the American south. Today sees Russia defending multiple attacks out of Springfield, while trying to take it themselves. The Europeans have a single engagement, attempting to retake Arrabida from the Spetsnaz in western Europe.
RSGB: 23 (+2)     EFEC: 11 (-1)     JSF: 5 (-1)

TURN 22: Christmas Day saw Russia securing the vital Maxwell air base. Today, the JSF are finally able to defend Copenhagen, possibly leading to a campaign in Europe... time will tell. Detailed report to follow.
RSGB: 21 (+2)     EFEC: 12     JSF: 6 (-2)

TURN 21: Europe is dealt quite a blow, and has lost all their prescense in the U.S. There is a new SPZ-Euro front at Wiltermarsch, just south of the U.S. foothold in Copenhagen. Detailed report to follow.
RSGB: 19 (+2)     EFEC: 12 (-3)     JSF: 8 (+1)

TURN 20: Europe's footprint in America grows. Detailed report to follow.
RSGB: 17 (-2)     EFEC: 15 (+2)     JSF: 7

TURN 19: Some shuffling but everything still looks familiar... Detailed report to follow.
RSGB: 19 (-1)     EFEC: 13 (+1)     JSF: 7

TURN 18: Much of the same... Detailed report to follow.
RSGB: 20     EFEC: 12     JSF: 7

TURN 17: Deja vu. Detailed report to follow.
RSGB: 20     EFEC: 12     JSF: 7

TURN 16: The Russian's primary frontline was an attack on Okefenokee out of JFK. This attack was successful, which means that the JSF attack on JFK out of Maxwell air base did not secure them the territory even though the Russian attack on Maxwell failed as well. Furthermore, since the attack on U.S.S. Reagan Seabase by the Euros originated from "nowhere", the JSF did not receive the defensive spoil of Glen Albyn. They did, however, win at Pascagoula against the Russians to gain more ground in their occupied south. Meanwhile, the Spetsnaz successfully defended both Shenandoah Valley and Chattanooga to receive Pamlico as a defensive spoil from the EF, though they failed to defend against the raid on Ft. Campbell so will be without army support in the U.S. for the near future. Today sees the Europeans making another doomed attack on the Reagan seabase, while trying to regain a foothold in America with the front lines of SPZ-held Okefenokee and Arrabida colliding. Also colliding are the frontlines between the JSF-held Maxwell airbase and the Russian-held JFK. The Americans are also attempting to take Chattanooga out of Maxwell.
RSGB: 20 (+1)     EFEC: 12 (-2)     JSF: 7 (+1)

N.B. Insight on this turn report was kindly provided by TThomaso here.

TURN 15: The Russians were finally able to best the Americans at JFK Space Centre, which should help solidify their position in the southern U.S. They also were finally able to move into Thessaly after winning there for three straight turns. The JSF lost at their primary frontline of Ft. Levski, so they did not receive Okefenokee even though they won the engagement against the Euros. Meanwhile, the EF took Pamlico back from the Russians but were unable to secure Maxwell airbase from the JSF. Today we are seeing many colliding frontlines resulting in mostly assault battles as opposed to conquests. The Euros are making a suicide assault on the U.S.S. Reagan Seabase. They are also trying to knock out the Spetsnaz' army support out of Ft. Campbell by raiding it from Pamlico while also harassing the Russian held territories of Shenandoah Valley and Chattanooga. The Spetsnaz, on the other hand, are trying to secure Okefenokee which would isolate Pamlico, nullifying any victories from there while simultaneously attempting to secure Maxwell air base from the Americans. The JSF are fighting outward from the isolated territory of Maxwell trying to retake JFK and Pascagoula from the Russians. Needless to say, where the primary frontlines fall may make or break any of the three factions this turn.
RSGB: 19 (+1)     EFEC: 14     JSF: 6 (-1)

TURN 14: Both the Spetsnaz and the JSF lost against each other on their primary colliding frontlines of JFK and Ft. Levski, respectively. This means that the Euros were able to keep both Thessaly and Okefenokee even though they lost in these engagements. However, their failed attacks on Chattanooga and Shenandoah Valley let Russia take Pamlico as a defensive spoil. Today sees the Euros trying to capitalize on their reprieve at Oke by attempting to steal the Maxwell air base from the Americans and fighting northward into Pamlico against the Russians. Meanwhile the JSF are attempting to take Oke out of JFK while fighting the colliding frontline of JFK/Levski against SPZ (a risky endeavour). The Russians will fight for Thessaly again.
RSGB: 18 (+1)     EFEC: 14 (-1)     JSF: 7

TURN 13: The Euros were able to gain more ground in the U.S. by taking Pamlico from the Russians. While the Americans were successful in Okefenokee which should have pushed the Europeans out of America, they lost on their primary frontline of Ft. Levski so they did not receive the territory, and are making another attempt today. They did repel the SPZ and EF attacks at JFK and Maxwell to retain those isolated territories in the south. Russia won at Thessaly but lost at their primary frontline of JFK, so must fight in Thessaly again today. The EFEC is trying to branch out from Pamlico to take Shenandoah Valley and Chattanooga from the Russians, however they will find stiff resistance from the bear as it has both air and ground supports. The JSF are seeking to retake Okefenokee which would isolate the Euros and send them packing. The frontlines of JFK and Ft. Levski are colliding again.
RSGB: 17 (-1)     EFEC: 15 (+1)     JSF: 7

TURN 12: Russia definitely celebrated with a little too much vodka after turn 10 because turn 11 saw them give back all of their gains. They lost to the Euros in Okefenokee and Matera, and the Americans at JFK. They successfully defended Pascagoula and Chattanooga, but the JSF were able to disable army support out of Ft. Campbell. The JSF pounded the Euros at U.S.S. Reagan Seabase by a margin of nearly 6 to 1. Today is another day with many encounters with the Europeans trying to extend northward into the U.S. at Pamlico by taking it from the Russians while trying to secure air support in the region by taking Maxwell from the Americans.  The JSF are trying to retake the lost territory of Okefenokee from the Euros while making a risky play on Ft. Levski army base in east Russia from their isolated territory in the south. Meanwhile, the Spetsnaz have launched a counter-offensive, colliding the front lines. Of course, Thessaly is once again being taken back by the Russians after losing it to Europe at Matera.
RSGB: 18 (-3)     EFEC: 14 (+2)     JSF: 7 (+1)

TURN 11: Russia continues its campaign of world domination.They defended the JSF raid on Grissom, ensuring air dominance in the region. They also defended the European attacks on Pamlico and JFK, taking Okefenokee as a result. Furthermore, they drove back the JSF attacks on Pascagoula and Ft. Campbell and took control of Chattanooga. They also retook Thessaly and will be fighting again for Matera. The JSF defended the EF attack on Maxwell and retain the territory even though it is now surrounded by bears. They are launching several attacks from there (on Pascgaoula, Chattanooga, and JFK). They are also attempting to raid Ft. Campbell. The Euros are trying to take Okefenokee from the Russians out of Arrabida while making a doomed attempt on the Americans posted at U.S.S. Reagan Seabase.
RSGB: 21 (+3)     EFEC: 12 (-2)     JSF: 6 (-1)

TURN 10: The Spetsnaz beat back the American attack at Carpathia, receiving Pascagoula for their efforts. The EF (once again) defended Matera and received Thessaly from the Ruskies (which SPZ will no doubt promptly take back today). The Americans defeated the raid on Maxwell Air force base and the conquest of Chattanooga by the European agressors. The Russians beat the Euros in Shenadoah Valley and received Pamlico in return. Today, the JSF are making an attempt at raiding Grissom, while simultaneously taking Ft. Campbell and Pascagoula, all out of Chattanooga. The Euros using Okefenokee as a staging ground, attempting to take Maxwell from the JSF while attacking the Russians to the north and south at Pamlico and JFK, respectively.
RSGB: 18 (+1)     EFEC: 14     JSF: 7 (-1)

TURN 9: The Euros were able to take Pamlico from the JSF, but lost at Maxwell Air base and JFK. They were able to retain Okefenokee however, and have now launched a raid on Maxwell and are attempting to take Chattanooga from the JSF. The Russians retook Thessaly and again are attacking in Matera. The JSF are attacking Russian soil in Carpathia from out of Pacagoula. The JSF failed to retake Shenandoah from the Spetsnaz, and now the EF are having a go.
RSGB: 17 (+1)     EFEC: 14     JSF: 8 (-1)

TURN 8: Russia successfully drove off the JSF raiders at Grissom, retaining their air support in the northern U.S. and also defended Ft. Campbell, receiving Shenandoah Valley in return. The Europeans reestablished a foothold in America at Okefenokee while defending (once again) the Russian attack on Matera to receive Thessaly (which the Spetsnaz will no doubt retake again today). The remaining engagements are being fought in the United States, with the JSF attempting to retake Shenandoah from SPZ while raiding Ft. Campbell army base. The EFEC have launched a risky three-pronged attack out of Okefenokee targeting the JSF in Pamlico and Maxwell and the SGB at JFK Space Centre. A loss in any three of these encounters will nulllify victories in the remaining two and push them back off the continent.
RSGB: 16     EFEC: 14 (+2)     JSF: 9 (-2)

TURN 7: In the closest call yet, the JSF defended Maxwell Air base by a single point (1430 to the EF's 1429). They also successfully defended Pamlico and received Okefenokee in return. The Spetsnaz were finally able to retain control of Grissom Air base and received Ft. Campbell for their efforts. They also took back Thessaly again. Today, the JSF are raiding Grissom to disable the Russian's air support while trying to take back Ft. Campbell and defending Okefenokee from a European attack. Russia and Europe are again fighting in Matera. As the Americans pushed the Euros out of America, the Russians received JFK Space Centre back by default due to its isolation.
RSGB: 16 (+3)     EFEC: 12 (-3)     JSF: 11

TURN 6: While the Euros were successful in their raids on Maxwell Air base and Ft. Campbell Army base; they encountered stiff resistance from the JSF in Shenandoah and Chattanooga and were pushed back to Okefenokee, forfeiting Pamlico back to the Americans. The never-ending tug of war over Matera/Thessaly continued, with Europe defending Matera yet again to set the stage for Russia's retaking of Thessaly today. Another case of history repeating was the Spetsnaz repelling the JSF from Rondane to take control of Grissom, which is under contention again today. In the southern U.S., the EF is attempting to take Pamlico back and secure Maxwell air base to aid their campaign in the region. No overall change in territory count.
EFEC: 15     RSGB: 13     JSF: 11

TURN 5: Europe and JSF together pushed the Russians out of America, winning in JFK and Grissom respectively. Europe also took Pamlico from the Americans, but lost at Maxwell Air Base. The Russians once again retook Thessaly from the EF. Today, the expanded European campaign in America is underway with multiple raids at Maxwell and Fort Campbell ongoing while they attempt to take Shenandoah and Chattanooga. The Spetsnaz are trying yet again to take Matera from the Euros while they defend Rondane from the JSF out of Grissom.
EFEC: 15 (+1)     RSGB: 13 (-1)     JSF: 11

TURN 4: Russia was unsuccessful yet again in Matera, forfeiting Thessaly for the second time to the Euros. Fortunately, they repelled the JSF from Rondane and took control of Grissom again. They were unsuccessful in Pascagoula, though JSF were not given the attacking territory of Carpathia. The Europeans seized Okefenokee from the JSF and are using it as a staging area in the region attempting to take Maxwell Air Base and Pamlico from the Americans and JFK from the Russians. The Russians must defend Grissom again and try to retake Thessaly.
RSGB: 14     EFEC: 14 (+2)     JSF: 11 (-2)

TURN 3: Surprisingly, the JSF were successful in retaking Grissom Air Base from the Russians. However, they lost JFK to the bear. The Russians also had success on their homeland, retaking Thessaly from the European invaders. Europe also retook home ground from the Americans at Arrabida, meanwhile the JSF have landed in Northern Europe at Copenhagen. Continuing their offensive, the JSF are seeking a foothold in northern Russia as well, at Rondane; while defending attacks from both opposing forces in the southern U.S. at Pascagoula (vs Rus) and Okefenokee (vs. Euro). The Spetsnaz are once again attempting an incursion into southern Europe at Matera.
RSGB: 14 (+1)     JSF: 13     EFEC: 12 (-1)

TURN 2: The Europeans were unsuccessful in landing at the U.S.S. Reagan Seabase, however, the JSF did not receive the attacking territory of Glen Albyn. The JSF defense of Okefenokee awarded them Arrabida in western Europe. Meanwhile the Euros were successful in their defense of Matera and received Thessaly in return. The Spetsnaz successfully defended Rondane from the Americans and received the defensive spoils of Grissom Air Force base, which is now under JSF attack. The JSF is also attacking Europe at Copenhagen and defending Arrabida from the EF, while the Russians attempt to retake Thessaly and land in America at the JFK Space Centre. No change in overall territory count.
EFEC: 13     RSGB: 13     JSF: 13

WAR 2, TURN 1 (December 5, 2020): The stage is set for the second World War III. Each faction has their initial 13 territories including the capital cities of Washington, D.C. (JSF), Paris, France (EFEC), and Moscow, Russia (RSGB). Victory conditions are set at 30 territories & 2 capitals. Russia is on the offensive in southern Europe, attemping to take Matera. The JSF are making an attempt at gaining a foothold in Northern Russia at Rondane. The Euros are attempting to take and hold the U.S.S. Reagan Seabase in the northeastern U.S.as well as Okefenokee in the south. Who shall be declared victorious in the SecondWar?
EFEC: 13     RSGB: 13     JSF: 13

Regarding the FirstWar

The FirstWar is over and EFEC has been declared the victor...

QuidProKuo, the EndWar community manager wrote -

After careful consideration the EndWar dev team has decided to bring the First War on the Xbox 360 to a conclusion. We’ll be doing this by changing the victory conditions from 30 territories and three capitals to 30 territories and only two capitals. This will make the European Federation Enforcer Corps the official winner of the First War. Congratulations guys!

We’re doing this so that we can get as many people as possible back into playing EndWar over the upcoming weekend when we start up the second war. We know there has been some frustration with people replaying the same territories over and over again and this is the best way to get EndWar players facing each other on new territories.

We hope the Spetsnaz Guard Brigade players understand why we went with this decision and want to assure all EndWar gamers that during the entire First War we were completely hands-off with the TOW system. Everything that has happened in the TOW up till now has been fully automated by the TOW system.

The end of the First War will be followed by a 24 hour EndPhase. This will give everyone a chance to check out how the war unfolded using the Theater of War viewer at www.endwargame.com/tow. The second war will be starting shortly after the EndPhase. All battalion experience levels, ranks, and upgrades will be kept. If you have any questions, feel free to post them on the forums.

Most importantly, the dev team would like to let each of you know that all your feedback has been invaluable. EndWar has been incredibly fortunate to have such a dedicated, passionate, and intelligent group of gamers. Keep it up and keep on gaming!

FirstWar timeline

To view the entire FirstWar timeline, click here.

An update on my status - as of 2008-11-19, I`ve unlocked the Total War achievement - 100 2 v 2 TOW matches (I also happened to unlock Command & Control during TOW as well - not even realizing it as I went). Army of One was three days earlier. Current leaderboard rank is 81, with 82 wins 9 losses and battalion statistics indicate 139 wins, 25 losses, 1107 hostiles defeated, 62 casualties. Current rank Lt. General (10).

By the end of the FirstWar, using "Bravery and Discipline", the European Assault Battlegroup 28 and sacrificing 152 brave souls, I defeated 2395 hostiles, fought 366 battles and won 304. The actual leaderboard listed 167 wins and 25 losses (persistent rank 45). I would like to commend everyone I fought with and against - good game all around.
                   

The FirstWar is over and EFEC has been declared the victor...

QuidProKuo, the EndWar community manager wrote -

After careful consideration the EndWar dev team has decided to bring the First War on the Xbox 360 to a conclusion. We’ll be doing this by changing the victory conditions from 30 territories and three capitals to 30 territories and only two capitals. This will make the European Federation Enforcer Corps the official winner of the First War. Congratulations guys!

We’re doing this so that we can get as many people as possible back into playing EndWar over the upcoming weekend when we start up the second war. We know there has been some frustration with people replaying the same territories over and over again and this is the best way to get EndWar players facing each other on new territories.

We hope the Spetsnaz Guard Brigade players understand why we went with this decision and want to assure all EndWar gamers that during the entire First War we were completely hands-off with the TOW system. Everything that has happened in the TOW up till now has been fully automated by the TOW system.

The end of the First War will be followed by a 24 hour EndPhase. This will give everyone a chance to check out how the war unfolded using the Theater of War viewer at www.endwargame.com/tow. The second war will be starting shortly after the EndPhase. All battalion experience levels, ranks, and upgrades will be kept. If you have any questions, feel free to post them on the forums.

Most importantly, the dev team would like to let each of you know that all your feedback has been invaluable. EndWar has been incredibly fortunate to have such a dedicated, passionate, and intelligent group of gamers. Keep it up and keep on gaming!

To view the current war's status and timeline, visit http://endwar.xenocidic.com

FirstWar timeline

Victory conditions amended to 30 territories & 2 capitals: Europe declared victorious.

TURN 31: The previous evening, the front lines of Grissom and Rondane repelled themselves yet again. Europe was victorious in Washington and Brenner Pass which would have given them Mahilyow, but an armistice agreement was reached between the two remaining factions, so no territories changed hands into the final turn when the victory conditions were changed.
EFEC: 30 (2 capitals)     RSGB: 9 (1 capital)     JSF: 0

TURN 30: Has the bear finally come out of hibernation? Russia took back Carpathia from the Euros, cutting off their conduit to the U.S. from southeast Russia. The colliding front lines at Grissom/Rondane repelled eachother yet again. The JSF were contained in Washington. Today, Russia attempts to strike into the heart of blue territory with an attack on Brenmer Pass out of their recently re-acquired Mahilyow.
EFEC: 30 (-1)     RSGB: 9 (+1)     JSF: 0

TURN 29: With Washington firmly in hand, EFEC commanders turned their eyes to the eastern front dividing Europe and Russia. However, the Spetsnaz having been waiting for this moment, performed well in their attack on Mahilyow, retaking the critical territory in Belarus which had been held by Europe since turn 6. The colliding fronts at Rondane and Grissom repelled eachother. The Americans attempted to retake Washington by sieging it without air or ground support, but the Euros held the capital by a margin of nearly 2 to 1. Today, the Russians attempt to move southward into Carpathia out of Sevastopol. Fronts collide again at Grissom/Rondane. The JSF are sieging Washington again, attempting to retake their lost capital.
EFEC: 31 (-1)     RSGB: 8 (+1)     JSF: 0

TURN 28: Victory for Europe! While the Americans fought valiantly in their last stand of the three-stage battle (losing by a slim margin of 39), the European Federation flag has been flown on the White House lawn and Washington is under EFEC occupation. The JSF now have the option to launch insurgencies in their capital city. Although the JSF were successful in Shenandoah Valley; with their command and control taken out, the territory stays blue. They were unsuccessful at 3MI. While the Russians were successful in their attack on Ft. Campbell, they were unsuccessful in Springfield which forfeited Grissom Air Base and therefore Ft. Campbell as well, turning the entire American continent blue. Now all eyes turn to Moscow as the EF seeks to put an end to this war. Front lines are colliding at Grissom and Rondane with the EFEC and the SPZ respectively attacking eachother from those territories. The Russians are on the offensive at Mahilyow, attempting an incursion into European territory.
EFEC: 32 (+2)     RSGB: 7 (-1)     JSF: 0 (-1)

TURN 27: The EFEC won part two of the three-part battle for Washington seting the stage for a final siege upon D.C.  The JSF were successful in their raid upon Ft. Campbell which disabled force recon support in the northwest and they won in 3MI but as they did not push the agressors out of their capital, they were not given the territory. They were unsuccessful in Shenandoah Valley. The Russians were successful in their landing at Grissom Air Base and are now attacking Springfield and Ft. Campbell. The JSF are defending D.C. and making another attempt to battle outwards at 3MI and SV. However, tonight they could find themselves under European Federation occupation. The EF commander was quoted as saying "Ready your breakfast and eat hearty...for tonight...we dine in WASHINGTON!"
EFEC: 30 (-1)     RSGB: 8 (+1)     JSF: 1

TURN 26: The EFEC has won the first of three engagements in Washington, D.C. seeking to claim the U.S. capital for Europe. They also squashed the JSF raid on the Reagan Seabase to solidify their aerial support in the northeast and defended both 3 Mile Island (3MI) and Shenandoah Valley (SV) from the Americans, continuing to isolate the JSF command and control in D.C. The Russians won at Ft. Campbell but because they were unsuccessful in their attack on Springfield, they gave up the attacking territory of Grissom Air Base, thus forfeiting the army base due to it being cut off from the SPZ supply line. Having been pushed off the continent, the Spetsnaz are now making an attempt to re-take Grissom from out of Rondane. The Americans are once again attempting to fight out of their capital with assaults on 3MI and SV and a raid at the newly blue Ft. Campbell army base. Stage 2 of the three-stage attack on Washington is underway with an assault on the capital. Will the JSF be extinguished this somber Thanksgiving weekend? Stay tuned...
EFEC: 31 (+1)     RSGB: 7 (-1)     JSF: 1

TURN 25: Having defended the American counter-attack at 3MI, the European Federation has finally beaten a path into D.C. and are in phase 1 of their 3 turn campaign on the capital city of Washington. They also took the two SPZ-held territories of Shenandoah Valley and Ft. Campbell, securing force recon support out of the army base to assist in their offensive on the U.S. capital and meeting 1 of 2 victory conditions with 30 EF-held territories . The Russians, not willing to leave the continent without a fight, have re-taken Grissom Air Base out of Rondane and are attempting to use the base as a staging area to re-establish their prescence in the Northern U.S. with incursions into Ft. Campbell and Springfield. The JSF have taken a page from the playbook that claims "the best defense is a good offense" and are attempting a raid on the Reagan Seabase to disable the European air support in their capital, while simultaneously attempting to retake Shenandoah Valley and Three Mile Island. As of this report, the EFEC leads in Washington - will Black Friday come to be known as the day that the Americans were defeated in their capital by the European war machine? Only time will tell...
EFEC: 30 (+1)     RSGB: 8 (-1)     JSF: 1

TURN 24: The unstoppable force that is the European Federation Enforcer Corps continues to roll northward through the United States, successfully defending Okefenokee and Chattanooga from the JSF and snatching the last American non-capital territory of Pamlico. The Spetsnaz repelled the American offensive on Shenandoah Valley but the attack originated from the capital so no defensive spoils were to be had. Meanwhile, the Russians faltered in Springfield (even with the advantage of three off-map supports to the Euro's two) and gave up the attacking territory of Grissom Air Base, handing the EF complete air dominance in the region save for D.C. The JSF raid victories in Ft. Campbell and Maxwell AFB surely do little to warm American hearts on this demoralizing Thanksgiving as they watch their continent turn to blue. In fact, disabling the Russian's army support only serves to soften the way for the Europeans in mopping up the remaining green in central U.S. with help from the new air support out of Grissom as they move to annex Washington. Once again, the day's battles will occur exclusively in North America, with the JSF attempting to fight an uphill battle out of D.C. into the EF's 3 Mile Island while the Russians make a final attempt to salvage their once intimidating prescence in the West by retaking Grissom Air Base in the north while the Euros move in from the south to secure the remaining SPZ territories of Shenandoah Valley and Fort Campbell.
EFEC: 29 (+2)     RSGB: 9 (-1)     JSF: 1 (-1)

TURN 23: Victory bells sound in Europe as they secure the largest 1-day advance since the start of the war! Their win in Okefenokee cut off the JSF line of attack to Arrabida (the only territory the blues lost in), resulting in the territory to being returned to the EF all the same for a flawless turn. The wind has been taken out of the Russian sails as well, with them losing all their engagements incuding a punishing 3 to 1 defeat at the Reagan Seabase and a loss in 3MI which gave up the attacking territory of Springfield and returned Copenhagen to the European hands. The JSF is making a last ditch effort to reclaim some of their homeland with an attack on the Russians at Shenandoah Valley, while staging a lightning raid on Ft. Campbell. They are also attempting to take back the territories recently acquired by the EFEC at Okefenokee, Chattanooga,  most notably the Maxwell Air Base which is crucial to the European campaign in the region. Meanwhile, the Spetsnaz are making an attempt to restore their line towards Washington, D.C. with an attack on the recently forfeited territory of Springfield held by the EF. The Europeans are seeking to extinguish the second-last remaining JSF territory of Pamlico and surround the American capital city. Once again, all battles are being fought in the U.S.
TURN 23 ADDENDUM: It should be noted that the Maxwell Air Base engagement is a raid, so no territory will change hands, but it would disable the European air support from the base, possibly softening their offensive.
EFEC: 27 (+5)     RSGB: 10 (-2)     JFC: 2 (-3)

TURN 22: Europe achieved victory on most fronts, most significantly their assault on Maxwell Air Base, depriving the Americans of their air support on the entire continent save for Pamlico and D.C.. The Russians came close to winning their 5th conquest attempt on Washington D.C., and were winning for most of the day but ended up losing by 119 (admittedly representing an improvement from their last attempt). The Euros successfully defended JFK and Arrabida, but lost their attack on Okefenokee so that territory stays with the JSF. The EF also defended the Reagan Seabase from the Russians and were finally given their defensive spoils, namely 3 Mile Island which should give them a chance at taking the U.S. capital if they push back the Russian counter-offensive from Springfield. Today's battles are exclusively being fought in the United States. For some reason, the Russians have decided to raid the Reagan Seabase which could deprive the EFEC of crucial air support in any potential campaign on Washington. The southern U.S. has erupted in many battles as the European Federation attempts to suffocate the JSF and continue to chip away at their territory count while they contend with Russia in the north.
EFEC: 22 (+2)     RSGB: 12 (-1)     JSF: 5 (-1)

TURN 21: If anyone ever doubted that an individual commander can turn the tides of war, yesterday's battle in Copenhagen surely squashed those doubts with the Spetsnaz taking it from the Euros by a mere 2 wins (2427 to 2425). The Russians also handily took 3MI and Shenandoah Valley from the Americans, leaving the JSF with the lowest territory count since the start of this war. The JSF retook Okefenokee from the Euros and are making another attempt assaulting Arrabida but now have to contend with them in their newly acquired territory in the southern U.S. at JFK Space Centre which is the origin of the EFEC assault on Maxwell Air Force Base. This is the least of their concerns as Russia is making a 5th attempt at Washington, D.C. while simultaneously attempting to take the U.S.S. Reagan Seabase from the Euros to secure the air support from the offshore carrier.
EFEC: 20     RSGB: 13 (+2)     JSF: 6 (-2)

TURN 20: JSF successfully defended D.C. from the Russians, however it was the slimmest margin (+151) of the 4 attempts by the bear on the U.S. capital. The Euros defended the U.S.S. Reagan Seabase by a huge margin of 2 to 1, however once again they did not receive the attacking territory for their efforts. The JSF narrowly defended Pascagoula, giving them a territory in Russia for the first time in the nearly three-week war. The EFEC has pushed the Americans out of Arrabida once again to make another attempt at Okefenokee while simultaneously attacking JFK Space Centre to attempt to seize control of the critical airbase which has proved to be a hurdle in the aforementioned territory. Although Europe was successful against the Russians in Sevastopol, the new JSF prescence in Eastern Russia has cut off their line of attack, so the territory remains with the SPZ by default.
EFEC: 20     RSGB: 11 (-1)     JSF: 8 (+1)

TURN 19: 2008-11-22 7:15 PM EST - The Euros are successfully defending both Reagan Seabase by a margin of over 1800 and Arrabida by about 500. The battle for Washington, D.C. rages on, currently the JSF hold a slim lead of about 175 over the Spetsnaz. In Eastern Russia, the EFEC is slightly ahead (~100) in the battle for Sevastopol and their assault on the western U.S. is proving fruitful as they are leading by about 150. Everything except Reagan is too close to call.
(START) The Americans reclaim Okefenokee giving them another chance at an attempt to land at the west coast of Europe, meanwhile the EFEC captured the critical territory of Carpathia giving them access to Moscow in the north and JSF held Pascagoula on the US West coast.. The SPZ has taken 3MI and have launched another attack at the Euro-held USS Reagan seabase. Even though the Euros successfully defended Copenhagen from the SPZ, they were not given the attacking territory of Springfield (?) so no change in territories occured this turn. For the 4th time, the Russians are making a charge for the U.S. capital.
EFEC: 20     RSGB: 12     JSF: 7

TURN 18: The deadly tug-of-war continues as the Europeans take a territory each off the JSF and the SPZ to reclaim their losses of the previous day and begin a new campaign the U.S. at Okefenokee. The Russians took Springfield from the Americans to put them back on the offensive at 3 Mile Island while the JSF attempt to reclaim Shenandoah from them.
EFEC: 20 (+2)     RSGB: 12     JSF: 7 (-2)

TURN 17: Both the JSF and the SPZ bested the Euros this turn, though only the JSF gained ground as the Russians gave up their gains to the JSF in other battles.
EFEC: 18 (-2)     RSGB: 12     JSF: 9 (+2)

TURN 16: JSF successfully repelled the attack on DC, taking back 3 Mile Island in the exchange, but lost to the Euros to be pushed back to their continent. EFEC gained more ground, taking two territories at the expense of the Russians and now must hold their new ground in the USA at Okefenokee. EFEC prepares to continue their conquest in Eastern Eurasia, seeking a corridor north to Moscow and east across the Pacific. The SPZ have launched an attack in Northern Europe, attempting once again to gain control of Copenhagen. Battles between the JSF and the Spetsnaz are raging all across the Northeastern United States.
EFEC: 20 (+2)     RSGB: 12 (-2)     JSF: 7

TURN 15: 2008-11-19 02:05 EST: EFEC will defend USS Reagean from the SPZ by a margin of ~1700 (which should give the EFEC 3 Mile Island and a road into Washington), JSF will defend Washinton from the SPZ by approximately 400 as well giving them Shenandoah Valley 3 Mile Island. EFEC is set to take Vlore with a current spread of around 60 which would give the Euros access to the Western seaboard of the United States and hopefully provide an avenue for a jog northward to Moscow. JSF is also currently winning Arrabida by a slim margin of 30, if this holds they will have a foothold in Europe. EFEC has pulled ahead by about 30 in their defence of Arrabida - if the the JSF attack fails, the Euros would be back in the Eastern USA and have three possible routes towards D.C.
(START) The JSF are once again defending Washington DC as the Russians have launched their initial conquest of the American capital. Not to be outdone, the EFEC have launched a strike upon the continent as well seeking to wrest control of the Reagen Seabase from the communist invaders. Only a slight change in territories occured (+1 RSGB -1 JSF).
EFEC: 18     RSGB: 14     JSF: 7

TURN 14: Last turn was somewhat shortened due to the "cease fire" agreement. EFEC held strong, and both the Euro's and the Ruskies took new territories in America which had the result of lowering the JSF territory count.
EFEC: 18     RSGB: 13     JSF: 8

TURN 13: Europa continues its campaign of global domaination, taking two territories to penetrate the front lines of both America and Russia. Note: This turn was plagued by a database hiccup, so it was a shortened turn after a backup was restored.
EFEC: 18     RSGB: 11     JSF: 10

TURN 12: The bear, having been provoked, rears its vicious head and roars, taking back 3 territories and sending JSF back down to the lowest rung of the ladder.
EFEC: 16     RSGB: 13     JSF: 10

Turn 11: EFEC comes back with a vengeance, retaking 3 territories from Russia while JSF snags one from the communists nearly entirely reclaiming its western homeland. Has the bell tolled over Moscow?
EFEC: 18     JSF: 11     RSGB: 10

Turn 10: JSF continues to claw back its lost ground as EFEC and RSGB continue their battle over Europe and Russia.
EFEC: 15     RSGB: 14     JSF: 10

TURN 9: EFEC has been pushed back somewhat. JSF remains static, with RSGB picking up 3 extra territories.
EFEC: 17     RSGB: 14     JSF: 8

TURN 8: Russia's slide continues as they lost two territories last turn! For Europa!
EFEC: 20     RSGB: 11     JSF: 8

TURN 7: EFEC is winning the war with JSF becoming increasingly marginalized.
EFEC: 19     RSGB: 13     JSF: 7

TURN 6: The European Federation Enforcer Corps turns up the heat, taking four territories from Russia to place them in a neck and neck race for world domination.
RSGB: 16     EFEC: 16     JSF: 7

TURN 5: Russia`s warmachine appears unstoppable as it takes three territories and begins its conquest on JSF`s capital city.
RSGB: 20     EFEC: 12     JSF: 7

TURN 4: Europe takes a step back as, handing a territory to each of Russia and the USA.
RSGB: 17     EFEC: 13     JSF: 9

TURN 3: JSF loses more ground to both the Russians and the Euros.
RSGB: 16     EFEC: 15     JSF: 8

TURN 2: Russia takes an early lead, snagging two territories from the JSF.
RSGB: 15     EFEC: 13     JSF: 11

TURN 1 (November 4, 2020): The stage is set. Each faction holds 13 territories and their respective capitals of Moscow in Russia (RSGB), Paris in Europe (EFEC) and Washington, D.C. in the USA (JSF).
RSGB: 13     EFEC: 13     JSF: 13


After the FirstWar, QuidProKuo described some of the new measures that Ubisoft would implement going forward -

Server Side Patch to Address Cheating in Theater of War

In an attempt to curb cheating in the online Theater of War (TOW) mode, the dev team has implemented a number of server-side changes to the TOW rules (changes are for both PS3 and X360 versions of EndWar):

1.Matches that last less than 3 minutes will no longer be counted in the TOW. This is to prevent people from logging into the game and losing on purpose.
2.The Theater of War status will have a 30-minute delay before being displayed at www.endwargame.com/tow and on the in-game TOW browser.
3.The XML TOW feed will now display percentages instead of the exact score in territories. (With 30-minute delay)
4.The victory bar in the in-game TOW browser will no longer be locked at 50/50 and will display accurate percentages on each territory. (Also with a 30-minute delay.)

This sever side patch will also revise victory conditions in TOW and make it so that one faction only needs to secure 2 capitols and 30 territories to win.

As to my own efforts in the FirstWar, using "Bravery and Discipline", the European Assault Battlegroup 28 and sacrificing 152 brave souls, I defeated 2395 hostiles, fought 366 battles and won 304. The actual leaderboard listed 167 wins and 25 losses (persistent rank 45). I would like to commend everyone I fought with and against - good game all around.

Greetings fellow commanders! Today, I'm going to answer most of the frequently asked gameplay questions regarding Tom Clancy's EndWar. Feel free to ask any questions I might have missed in the comment section and I'll do my best to find the answer your question. Also please let me know of any errors you find or answer other frequently asked questions and I'll add them. Note: While I am playing on the Xbox 360 version, most of these answers will also apply to the PS3 (and eventually PC) version(s).

1. What's this Theatre of War all about?
"The Theater of War mode is an online persistent campaign of World War III where thousands of players compete to lead their nation to world domination. Your victories contribute to your faction’s overall war effort, ultimately allowing it to move the frontline forward and come one step closer to winning the war. You can fight alone or cooperatively along with another human commander, bringing units from your respective battalions and sharing command points, Uplink benefits, and supports. After each battle your surviving units gain ranks, and you can review and upgrade them in the barracks. At the end of each day of fighting, territories are won or lost and new fronts open and new battlegrounds become available. Watch the turn report to hear the latest news from the front lines and check the status of the war at http://endwargame.com/tow to oversee your faction’s expansion or demise, and prepare for the next battle."(Source)

2. Is there a web-based Theatre of War viewer? What about more detailed stats about each individual map?
The web-based Theatre of War viewer is at http://endwargame.com/tow. A dedicated fan of the game, Supad, has also deciphered Ubisoft's XML feed in order to give us dynamically updated win/loss details for each map, at http://supad.net/endwar/stats/index.php5?gs=XBOX360 (note this site is not affiliated with Ubisoft, so visit at your own risk, see caveats here). I am also providing turn by turn reports in this Xbox.com Forums thread: http://forums.xbox.com/23825041/ShowPost.aspx. Another live XML viewer is available here: http://www.endwar.h0b0.org/?

3. Why did (insert faction here) seem to get a free territory that wasn't contested? Why did we lose the territory we were attacking from? Can you explain the TOW rules in a little more detail?
See the post by Kuldean, an EndWar developer here for some more details on the peculiarities of the Theatre of War. Note that the rules of the TOW are subject to change at Ubisoft's discretion. ( http://forums.ubi.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/8911019745/m/5791010507 )

4. Why can't I upgrade my uplink to (air support/force recon) / What do the icons on the maps mean?
Certain off-map supports such as Air strike and Force recon can only be used when you have an air or army base nearby. When choosing a map, you will see an airplane icon if there is an airbase and a soldier icon for an army base. If there is a building icon, this indicates the map is in proximity to a capital city, so both contextual offmap supports will be available. Electronic warfare is available on every map.

5. I want to change my battalion / faction - what penalties will I incur? How do I change my faction?
If you change your battalion but stay within your faction, you will keep your upgrades and credits but all your unit ranks will be reset. If you change your faction (i.e. from JSF to RSGB or EFEC), you will be completely reset and have to start over fresh (though you may get some credit reimbursement). To change your faction, select "Change battalion" in the Barracks menu. The first option presented is which faction you wish to fight for.

6. Are the battlions reset in between each Theatre of War phase?
No - not at all. After the Theatre of War is completed the map is reset, but your battalion retains all of its ranks, upgrades, and credits earned.

7. How do I play in a 2v2 match? / I only want to play 1v1 but quick match puts me in a 2v2! also, How can I find fellow commanders from my faction for 2v2 matches?
If you use the "Quick match" feature, you may get automatically placed in a 1v1 or 2v2. In order to force the game to put you into a 1v1 or 2v2 you must select an individual map. Press "Start" to select the options and you can change it to either 1v1 or 2v2 according to your preference. Note there are several gamertags set up to help find commanders from a specific faction. For EFEC, send a friend request to "EFEC" and for RSGB, send a friend request to "SPETSNAZ Russia". I'm not aware of a JSF tag at the present time. I control the EFEC account so if your friend request goes unanswered, feel free to drop me a line and remind me.

8. I am having trouble finding games in the Theatre of War. Is there any way to speed this up?
Personally I find it's often best to try using the "Quick match" feature at first, and then wait a few minutes in the map it puts you into. If you don't get opponents joining, try "quick match" again. If you still don't find opponents, consider queueing up manually into a map against the most populous opposing faction (as of 11-17 the JSF is the most populated faction on the 360). If you find yourself waiting for too long, quit out, and try quick match again. If you are on the most populated faction and find yourself always waiting for games, you might consider switching to a less populated faction.

9. I won a game in the Theatre of War but I did not receive credits for the victory! What gives?
This typically occurs in 2v2 matches when one of your opponents leaves very early in the match. You are not given credit for the match because you have been fighting 2v1+AI. You do, however, still have the ability to lose units ranks if they are killed (a bit of a one-sided equation). See more on this, or post your own experience about not receiving credits at the EndWar Technical Help forum.

10. There are some achievements for "killing" or not killing units. What is the difference between "downing" a unit and "killing" it?
You will notice that typically when you defeat an enemy unit, or have a unit defeated, they remain on the battlefield for a short period of time while a helicopter evacuates them. This unit is "downed" and if they are evacuated successfully, they will be available for use in future battles and retain their rank and any XP earned in that battle will be credited to them. If you command your units to continue firing on this unit, it can be killed entirely. When units are killed they lose their rank completely and are replaced by a fresh recruit unit.

11. Is there any bonus or penalty for killing units (other than the achievements)?
There is no XP or other bonus for killing an enemy unit other than the fact that you possibly depriving the enemy of a ranked unit to use in future battles. This may be a strategically sound decision in terms of the overall MMO battle - you are helping your fellow commanders by taking the enemy down a notch. While there is no "game-imposed" penalty, you may find that some commanders will retaliate in kind and kill your units. Sometimes they will even shift their focus from winning the battle to killing off your units. Personally, I don't kill units unless they've killed mine. It's typically not the best decision as your units likely have something more important to be doing rather than killing off a unit that is out of the battle. In the end, this is decision is left up to the individual commander.

12. Can I choose the order of deployment in terms of lower/higher ranks? / Can I select a specific unit from my battlion in the initial deployment?
You can choose to deploy your units in order of "highest ranked first" or "lowest ranked first" from the Settings which is accessed from the Main menu of the game. This will allow you to either deploy your strongest units, in order to give you the best chance of defeating your enemy, or your weakest units, in an attempt to keep your battalion balanced. Keep in mind this cannot be changed on the fly, so choose wisely. There are pros and cons to each option. During initial unit deployment, you can select any of your units from your battalion by continuing to press "Up" on the D-pad.

13. How do I put my infantry into a transport to move them around faster?
Infantry fighting vehicles, more commonly known as transports, can be used to move your infantry quickly around the map. In order to load your units into a transport, select them and point at the transport and click "Enter". Alternatively, you can use the voice command "Unit (X) plus Unit (Y) [command]" where X and Y are the unit numbers for the infantry and transport (order does not matter) and [command] is what you want them to do - i.e. move to, secure, etc.

14. How do I change my deployment location to deploy my units closer to the front lines?
One of the most valuable upgrades (in my opinion) is the "Forward command" ability, purchasable in the Barracks under "Mission support". This allows you to change your deployment area, so that you can deploy your units closer to the front lines. It costs 6 CP. To use it, simply press "LB" and select the icon and then choose which captured uplink you wish to deploy from. Alternatively, you can issue the voice command "Landing zone (X)" where X is the desired uplink. Your units will then deploy there instead of at your end of the map. Note that if the uplink is crashed or captured, you will revert to the default deployment location.

15. How do I use the deep strike ability to deploy my rifleman anywhere on the map?
After purchasing the upgrade in the battacks, you can use the deep strike ability. You'll need at least 10 command points to use deep strike normally and 8 during the defcon stage (2 or 4 CP to pay for the rifleman, and 6 CP for deep strike itself). As soon as you deploy your rifleman, select their unit card, and then point at where you want them to go and press A twice. Alternatively, you can use the voice command "Unit (X) move to (Y)" where X is the unit number and Y is the desired location (being an uplink, or simply "target" if your cursor is pointing where you want them to land). You must do this before they descend from the chopper into your default deployment area.

16. How the heck am I supposed to stop an airstrike with electronic warfare for the "Air Defense" achievement?
The air strikes come in from behind the enemy deployment area. You have to have a spotting unit near there and hit the incoming fighter jets (they will have a red IFF icon) with an EMP. You need to be fast, and the target of the air strike has to be somewhere between halfway and all the way across the map otherwise the EMP won't hit in time. Needless to say this is bloody difficult and damn near impossible to do in the heat of battle. It is possible to obtain this achievement in skirmish mode, though I've never been a huge advocate of boosting. (Source: barbarism2008) Note that you do not actually need to prevent the strike fighters from dropping their payload; as long as the EMP hits them before they fly off the map, it counts towards the 5.

17. I've purchased the "Target designator" upgrade for my rifleman and the secondary attack (MLRS/Grid smashers) for my artillery. So how do I use the rifleman to laser designate a target for my artillery's special attack?
This is a passive ability. Camera to your rifleman ("Unit (X) camera" or hit X while selecting the unit card) and then select the artillery's unit card. From your rifleman's point-of-view, you can now select any unit in their line of sight and fire the artillery's secondary Y-button attack even if the enemy would be out of range of the artillery on its own. (Source)

That's all folks! As I said above, feel free to ask questions in the comment section, point out errors, or answer other frequently asked questions.

Note: Please do not reproduce this document elsewhere without permission. Feel free to link to it, as it will be updated regularly.

Showcasing the VIP demo of Tom Clancy's EndWar, xenocidic defeats his opponent in just over 10 minutes with speed, supremacy, and violence of action.

Tomorrow is All Hallow's Eve, more commonly known as Hallowe'en - my favourite holiday! In anticipation of this frightful occasion, RARE has released the following special edition Hallowe'en piñata vision card for Viva Piñata: Trouble in Paradise. According to X3F, you should wait until October 31st to scan it in for a special surprise... Have a safe and Happy Hallowe'en everyone!

Well folks, looks like the xenoSHEEP achievement train has come to a stop. Someone messaged me for the achievement, and after I invited them, claimed they couldn't get into my room and asked me to mail it to them.



Having the utmost of faith in humanity I mailed off the brave and noble xenoSHEEP, never to be seen again. While the individual initially claimed to have sent it back, upon further pressing he changed his story - telling me someone had taken the piñata from him:



After further questions, he then claimed that his friend had sold the famous piñata. (Yes, apparently a priceless famous pinata was sold for a mere 2200 chocolate coins).



And so ends a month-and-a-half-long legacy of steadily unlocking achievements for folks thanks to one selfish lad and his daft friend (I hope it was worth it). Sorry all...

The name of the accused has been obscured to protect the guilty. For what it's worth, this individual is not active in the Viva Piñata community.

One of the best games I've played for the 360, and probably ever, is BioShock. The game was just incredible. A teaser trailer for BioShock 2: Sea of Dreams has been recently discovered in the PS3 version of the game... Behold!



Source: Xbox 360 Fanboy

P.S. Another great game, Portal: Still Alive, weighing in at 1200 Microsoft points, is coming to XBLA next week! (Source: Gamerscore Blog)

Oh, and check out these cool Killer Instinct themed piñata vision cards... not sure what they get you (Source: X3F):

Update 10/26: Someone has neglected to send xenoSHEEP back to me after borrowing him, so it seems the achievement train has rolled to a stop. My apologies. If you're interested, read on at http://xenocidic.com/2008/10/26/xenosheep-kidnapped.aspx

Hey folks! So far xenoSHEEP has unlocked the Famous Piñata achievement for well over 100 people. At first, I was mailing him out, but then I realized it's much easier for everyone involved just to invite you into my garden for you to get the achievement.



In order to visit my garden to catch a glimpse of the famous reddhott, simply leave a comment below with your gamertag and then send a friend request to xenoSHEEP. Through the magic of the Friends of Friend feature, I will then invite you into my garden the next time I'm online and see you on.

Please note that LadyJai is also helping out so if you get an invite from her, you know what it's for!

Kindly remove xenoSHEEP from your friend's list after you get the achievement whether you get it from me, LadyJai, or elsewhere.

Well, the VIP demo/stresstest for Tom Clancy's EndWar has *finally* launched after numerous delays. I received the following email:

We apologize for the repeated delays on the EndWar VIP demo and we are pleased to confirm that the demo is now LIVE !!
As a thank you for your continued patience we are sending a second code for you to share with a friend.
We hope you will enjoy this advanced look at the game and appreciate your support.
- Let The End Begin -

So, Loyal Reader, I am now giving you the opportunity to win this extra demo code of mine simply by making a comment below that includes your gamertag. I will select a name at random (using an Excel randomizing algorithm) to receive this code. The entry period will end at 6:00 PM EST on October 13, 2008 and the code will be distributed by midnight the same day.

Note: 1 entry per person - please do not enter if you are already in the demo. Entries will only be accepted from pre-existing gamertags with a gold subscription.

Good luck all - and Happy (Canadian) Thanksgiving =)

P.S. If you don't win, you may still be able to get into the VIP demo by pre-ordering from EB Games/GameStop and perhaps BestBuy.

Winner: Tallpaul by way of Excel randomizing spreadsheet, thanks all for entering.

tallpaul	0.997354
Colint1978	0.977555
lostassassin13	0.951998
DarkComesRising	0.785108
DC 06	0.780084
Snip3r2	0.752086
Saint Azzy	0.70067
Patty	0.63596
DJ Atomix	0.56215
Zinacef	0.550904
Finchx1	0.535871
sG Batousai	0.492238
DragonReborn	0.484547
AROS	0.473677
Christo	0.451008
Stone37	0.420051
YouGotFarked	0.413217
illusion	0.268838
TallestColin	0.223502
Sitmus	0.195505
Shaun	0.192581
candiso	0.083289

Words cannot describe the awesomeness you are about to experience.

How?!

Well, it's been 1 year since my baby boy was born. Diapers, baby formula, clothes, toys... your life really changes when you have a child. For him, everything needs to be tasted, and then chewed. Oh, and he loves to bite... you think he's giving you a hug, but he really just wants to chomp on your shoulder - he's like a little puppy! He even bit a chunk off of the left thumbstick on one of my wireless controllers. Needless to say, that's the "guest" controller now =) Oh and then there's this:


Yes, that's my boy crawling ON TOP of my Xbox and in behind my TV with all the wires and cords. Why his mom figured it would be a better idea to snap a few pictures rather than grab him and pull him away from the electrocution hazard and OFF my $300 game console is beyond me... Anyways, he loves playing with wires... Especially the wire that runs from my headset to my controller... So I figured, well, if he wants it so much...



Yep, he loves Viva Piñata too. Whenever I pause the game, he dances to the pause music. I think he also likes the animal noises. But when he's not sitting quietly with me, he's into everything... Kitchen cupboards - loves pots and pans. We've had to constantly move things higher and higher off the ground as he explores his surroundings. And you can't take your eyes of him for a second because as I said - everything goes in the mouth. Especially paper. He loves paper. But how can you get angry at this:



Parenthood - it ain't easy, but I wouldn't give him up for the world.

Happy first birthday AJ

Love daddy

Update 10/11: According to ms. kleaneasy the demo is apparently live (finally!) but I've yet to receive my code. The codes should be delivered by 9 AM PST (12 noon EST). If you have your code already, get downloading! @3:45 PM Well, I got my codes, and I'll be giving away the extra one I got at random to someone who posts a comment in my latest entry.

Update 10/10: According to Raide, the Ubisoft UK Forum manager, the demo will go live today. "We apologize for the repeated delays on the EndWar VIP demo. We are pleased to confirm that the demo will go live today (10th October, US Time), and that you final activation codes will be sent at the same moment. Thank you for your patience, enjoy the demo! Ubi". Which is good because, I was getting a little antsy... @10:30 PM Delayed again... "We are now planning for the EndWar VIP Demo to be up and live at 9AM (US Pacific time) on Saturday, October 11th."





Update 10/08: Still waiting... practicing voice commands -



Update 10/07 @ 11:15 AM: Apparently the demo IS being rolled out but is not live in all regions yet... So we'll just have to be patient. Thanks to H2O Hydr8 for the intel. @ 4:20 PM I received an email from Ubisoft which unfortunately quoted a further delay of "a few more days". Oh well - more time for piñatas.

Update 9/30: It looks like the demo has been pushed back a week! Oh well... more time to play VP:TIP! We've also got some details on what will be included - "One single-player story mission, one map that is playable in skirmish mode either 1 versus 1 or 1 versus AI. The Voice Command Trainer is also included."

Well folks, it's been a few months since I've played Tom Clancy's EndWar and unfortunately I wasn't able to tell you anything at all about it since I was under a non-disclosure agreement. In fact, this NDA is still in effect, so I still can't tell you anything about it! What I can tell you is that I am very excited about the upcoming launch of the game and the Stress Test aka VIP demo which will be starting this Tuesday, September 30 October 7.

Want in on this exclusive chance to try the game before it comes out in November? Simply pre-order the game ($5 minimum) at any EB Games/Gamestop and you will receive a code to enter at http://endwargame/stresstest to receive a redeem code for the game. If you can't/don't want to pre-order, you can also register for a chance to win entry here.

See you on the battlefield!

-xenocidic of the JSF 35th Airborne "Death From Above" (102 wins 50 losses)


Source: Xbox 360 Fanboy

Well, late last night I obtained the last few piñatas I needed to complete the entire 97 pinata collection topping off my set with the enormous Choclodocus.


As you can see, I chose a green triceratops with a spiky tail:



Now I'd like to help out my loyal readers by sending them almost any species they may need, if they are having trouble getting one to reside. (I know not everyone has vision cameras!).

( * If you're looking to borrow xenoSHEEP, the famous piñata, please post here instead: http://xenocidic.com/2008/09/10/hooking-you-up-with-the-famous-pinata-cheevo-vp2-trouble-in-paradises-viral-achievement.aspx * )

Please note:

1) Up to 2 piñata species per request, 1 request per week.

2) Donations are not required but gladly accepted.

3) Please post here stating which type of piñata and send a friend request along with a message repeating which type of pinata you need.

Estimated turnaround time: 24-72 hours

Happy gardening!

- xeno's pinata farm -

N.B. If you want me to send you a wildcard piñata, I may be able to accommodate you, but I'm afraid I must ask for the purchase price of the piñata in return - otherwise, you will probably receive a standard non-wc piñata.

If you're curious, these were my stats after landing the last piñata. Note the zero co-op hours and very low number of scanned cards =). I only ever used one card to scan in a piñata, and that was Jerome, the pretztail that came with the game (I had already resided the pretztail legitimately). Mostly, I just tried to get Costalot to give me that 10% discount but she's a cheapo ;>

Gardener Level: 101	Gardener Cash: 50639615	Number of Gardens: 14
Time in Gardens: 310d 3h 4m	Photos Taken: 54	Cards Scanned: 34
Highest Piñata Value: 68070	Total Piñatas Unlocked: 109	Highest Garden Value: 343394
Awards: 397	Total Crates Sent: 99	Total Crates Received: 110

Just for Fun Gardens: 0	Awards Left: 444	Pinometers of Long Grass: 0
Pinometers of Grass: 1	Pinometers of Water: 0	Pinometers of Soil: 0
Pinometers of Hard Soil: 0	Pinometers of Snow: 6.009254E-05	Pinometers of Sand: 0
Surface That is Locked: 0	Piñatas in Garden: 5	Most Piñatas in Garden: 40
Props in Garden: 16	Most Props in Garden: 19	Helpers in Garden: 6
Most Helpers in Garden: 7	Traps Triggered: 0	Desert Visits: 10
Arctic Visits: 11	Animals Scared: 94	Trees Grown: 31
Plants Grown: 442	Vegetables Grown: 306	Weeds Grown: 101

Most Valuable Piñata Tag: Bonboon	Tricks Learned: 8	Tricks Performed: 13
Variants Created: 12	Variants Discovered: 12	Evolutions Created: 107
Evolutions Discovered: 13	Fights: 30	Piñatas Sent to a Party: 83
Things Eaten: 3618	Most Prominent Piñata: 66	Most Prominent Piñata Tag: Taffly
Largest Piñatas Family: Buzzenge2	Largest Family Tag: Reddhott	Current Largest Family: 37
Current Largest Family Tag: Reddhott	Longest Romance Walk: Twingersnap	Longest Fight Walk: 566.02
Piñatas Given Names: 47	Piñatas Sold: 130	Age of Oldest Piñata: 83d 22h 1m
Most Traveled Distance: 5577.67	Most Travelled Tag: Bispotti	Zombie Piñatas: 10

Harvested by Harvester: 22	Watered by Sprinkler: 100	Weeded by Weedling: 0
Weeding Mistakes: 0	Produced by Mine: 86	Times Ruffians Bribed: 161
Spent Bribing: 75509	Times Helper Tipped: 47	Spent Tipping Helpers: 12020
Challenges Completed: 28	Wool Produced: 0	Milk Produced: 1
Honey Produced: 35	Times Piñatas Hit: 174	Times Helpers Hit: 2
Times Ruffians Hit: 23	Times Piñatas Poked: 6	Times Piñatas Watered: 90
Times Helpers Watered: 0	Times Ruffians Watered: 0	Piñatas Smashed: 34
Pests Smashed in Credits: 0

Online: 0d 0h 0m	Online in Full Garden: 0d 0h 0m	Couch Social: 0d 0h 0m
Longest Time Online: 0d 0h 0m	Offline Sessions: 98	Online Sessions: 5
Sessions Joined: 0	Joined Your Sessions: 0	Couch Social Cursors: 1
Races Completed: 2	Races Won: 1	Shows Completed: 5
Shows Won: 1	Holes in One: 5	Balls Hit: 19
Holes Scored: 9	Long Shots: 2	Longest Golf Shot: 5.53

Cards Scanned: 34	Piñatas Scanned: 1	Trees Scanned: 0
Plants Scanned: 0	Seeds Scanned: 0	Eggs Scanned: 0
Pests Scanned: 0	Wildcards Scanned: 0	Variants Scanned: 1
Time Warps Scanned: 0	Weather Changes Scanned: 0	Biggest Balance Scanned: 0
Biggest Credits Scanned: 0	Most Valuable Card Scanned: 750	Ruffians Summoned: 0
Yellow Cards Shown: 0	Red Cards Shown: 0	Cutscenes Watched: 0
Crates Sent to Self: 565	Piñatas Unpacked: 461	Trees Unpacked: 2
Plants Unpacked: 0	Seeds Unpacked: 0	Eggs Unpacked: 1
Pests Unpacked: 18	Wildcards Unpacked: 56	Variants Unpacked: 9
Biggest Credits Unpacked: 9999999	Most Valuable Piñata Unpacked: 39274

Romances: 196	Biggest Romancer: 36	Biggest Romancer Tag: Reddhott
Piñatas Hatched: 277	Twins: 86	Wildcards Hatched: 174
Wildcard Twins: 81	Illnesses: 175	Illness from Guardians: 0
Illness from Poisoning: 4	Illness from Trampling: 0	Illness from Spade: 29
Illness from Trapping: 70	Illness from Overcrowding: 0	Illness from Unhappiness: 0
Illness from Bad Sweets: 52	Illness from Fighting: 20	Healed: 41

FLUTTERSCOTCHTRAVAGANZA!
============================
I have for your bidding pleasure, a lot of 70 flutterscotches, 7 of each of the 10 colours.

Black, Blue, Orange, Brown, Yellow, White, Green, Pink, Purple, Red.

This should allow you to skip the tedium of romancing or fetching and then varianting 70 flutterscotches to get the master romancer awards ;p

The starting bid is 50,000.

Each bid should be at least 10% over and above the previous bid (i.e. if the bid is at 50,000, the next bid would be at least 55,000).

If the bid reaches at least 500,000, I will ensure that at least two of each colour of flutterscotch are ready for romancing, so that you can also get the romance award without having to grow fruit or visit Costalot. I will also throw in the flutterscotch home ;>

This auction will end Saturday September 27 at 7:00 PM eastern time, or when 24 hours have passed with no new bids (subject to change without notice). Flutterscotches will be posted upon receipt of payment.

Bids should be made below in the comments and are also accepted at PinataIsland.info and the Xbox.com forums. Any questions, feel free to ask. Cheers, and happy bidding!

---

Winning bid: 50 million cc's by a1w1o1o1p1w1n1s - cheers!

Update 10/14/08: This entry is now closed, please comment at the updated post here: http://xenocidic.com/2008/10/14/visit-xenosheep-to-get-the-famous-pinata-achievement.aspx

As you may know, one of the achievements to be unlocked in Viva Piñata: Trouble in Paradise is the Famous Pinata achievement.



BIGsheep, a RARE developer on the Viva Piñata team was kind enough to send me a "Famous" reddhott (one of my favourite types of piñata!). I named him xenoSHEEP.



Now, I'm passing along the favour to you. If you need to borrow the famous xenoSHEEP, simply leave a comment below with your Xbox Live gamertag and send a friend request to xenoSHEEP and then eventually accept mine as I will use the xenoSHEEP tag to see who is online. I'll mail you the reddhott and you can mail him back (to me, xenocidic) afterwards.

I just gotta ask a few things:

1. Don't rename him
2. Feed him a happy or joy candy after unpacking
3. No parties
4. No variations or feeding him anything that would make him unhappy
5. Don't add or change the accessories
   
6. Feel free to romance him if you can be swift (note: no variations in wildcards produced were detecting during my romancing trials when cross-romancing the famous piñata with generation 1st & 2nd wildcards)
   
7. Send him back promptly once you're finished

Once I'm done fulfilling all the requests, I'll pick a name at random from the comments and give you the famous piñata to do with as you please. (Hopefully to pass along the achievement love!) Any questions, let me know. Thanks again BIGsheep!

Update 09/11/08: I should be home tonight around 8:00 PM Eastern to send the reddhott out in order of those who commented here, priority given to those who are online at the time in order of the comments. Please note that you must make a comment on this blog post in order to receive the pinata - this is so that I can keep track of where he's been and also for the raffle at the end. (Feel free to use a fake email address, there's no verification required - but either way I won't divulge your address or spam you)

Update 09/12/08: I should be home from work around 3:45 PM Eastern and can hopefully fulfill some more requests then. I think all the requests as of 9:45 AM have been sent friend requests.

Update 09/13/08: After an extended visit with someone, xenoSHEEP is back and I should hopefully have some time throughout today to send him out to more folks. @6:45 PM I'm off for the evening, had a pretty productive day with at least 26 people getting the achievement. I'm not sure how much time I'll have tomorrow to play but I'll try to squeeze in some more folks.

Update 09/14/08: Only 12 gamers served, didn't have much time to play. Just a general note, it is getting very tough to respond to all the messages, but as long as you post here, I will get around to you =).

Update 09/15/08: I should be home around 5:30 or 6 PM EST and should hopefully have some time to hook up some more people. I must stress that you must make a comment here in order to receive the famous piñata. It's the only way for me to keep track of the dozens of messages and friend invites I get per day. I soon might switch over to an invite-to-my-garden method because it's getting pretty tough to keep room on my FL and figure out who is online and next on the list.

Update 09/16/08: I've created a new gamertag, xenoSHEEP, to help me see who is online and ready to receive the piñata. However I will still be sending it from my gamertag, and please send it back to my gamertag (xenocidic). Tonight I won't be home until 8 PM EST and I'm not sure how much time I will have to fulfill requests. Update @ 2:15 PM: I just received a message from Scarlet Purls (a fellow gamerparent extraordinaire) who has a famous custacean and she is going to be helping me clear some of this backlog =) Just make sure to follow the rules above and send the piñata back to Scarlet once you've got the acheivement! She will be checking for people who are friends with xenoSHEEP and online and in their garden.

Update 09/17/08: It doesn't look like I'm going to have time to fulfill any requests this evening, as my brother-in-law just flew in. Though, Scarlet Purls has been diligently fulfilling requests from anyone who is friends with xenoSHEEP. Thanks, Scarlet! =)

Update 09/20/08: Just a note to say that I am still at it, though I haven't had a chance to update the comments with all the fulfillment notices. Scarlet is as well, but I believe has switched to a mostly co-op invite method. As before, you must comment here and send a FR to xenoSHEEP. Also keep in mind that the crate will often appear to be "from someone else" (the last person that had it) but still send it back to me (or Scarlet - depending on which one of us sent it to you).

Update 09/22/08: I've now also switched to a mostly co-op garden invite method - it's so much faster! So if you get an invite from me, obviously you know what it's for. The permissions will be set to "look only" and if I'm talking, I'll be happy to answer any other questions you have - but after that I would appreciate you backed out so I can get others in (feel free to snap a few photos of xenoSHEEP if you like ;>). If I'm not talking, it's probably because wifey is around or maybe I was tired of my son pulling my headset wire so much =) Also, LadyJai has also started helping me fulfill the requests of people who are on xenoSHEEP's friend's list. Not sure if I'll have time tonight to get on but if I do it'll probably be around 5:30 - 6 PM EST.

Update 10/07/08: I am still at it... Going to make a fresh post soon, the following folks still need to be fulfilled from this list: Diesel69er (maybe - his son's gamertag), Rex Awesome, sik tactikz, Pelerin, jurpv1, just one jedi, top40, RikstaG, haveagdaym8, Kearneyweard, II GoDeSS II, Lord Wake, haveagdaym8, Pika360

Update 10/14/08: This entry is now closed, please comment at the updated post here: http://xenocidic.com/2008/10/14/visit-xenosheep-to-get-the-famous-pinata-achievement.aspx

OK folks, as promised, here I am with the answers to some frequently asked questions about Viva Piñata: Trouble in Paradise. This is going to be a dynamic entry, which means I will update it as I go with new questions as it will be linked from the Forums.Xbox.com and other forums such as PinataIsland.info. Some of these answers have been sourced from those two forums. Oh, and just to get this out of the way also

WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD!

Q: How do I get Willy Builder to appear? I can't romance my piñatas if I can't build houses!
A: This has been a cause of much frustration, especially among returning VP veterans who decided to skip the new "player guide" tutorial system. In order to get Willy builder to come back from vacation, you will need to ensure that you either fully complete Langston's initial three lessons, or explicitly skip them entirely. Langston is the lickatoad accessed from the village menu by pressing X -> Village -> Langston (he's at the bottom). His challenges include trapping a sweetle, romancing bispottis (ensure you feed them both daisies) and sending the overjoyed sweetle to a party. Which leads me into the next question...

Q: How do I send a piñata to a party? or: I sent the requested piñata to the party but didn't get credit!
A: In TiP, rather than dropping a new box in your garden whenever it's time to send a pinata to a party, there is a stationary box just outside the borders of your garden. When you accept a party challenge from Langston, you first need to overjoy your pinata, which can be done in a number of ways: naming it, feeding it some of its favourite foods (they will usually be happy to eat the foods mentioned in their visit/reside/romance requirements) or candies. Then you click the box, press "Y" to pack and select the pinata. Keep in mind that you must send a regular non-variant pinata, unless requested otherwise or you will not receive credit for the challenge.

Q: Professor Pester and his band of ruffians are ruining my day! How do I get rid of them?
A: Well, you could always play in the Just for Fun mode... =) Anyhow, there's a number of ways to deal with Ruffians and Professor Pester -

1. Pay them off with some "protection money". Ruffians will leave for 200 cc a piece, and Professor Pester will accept 500 cc to leave you alone (for now...).
2. Ruffians can be whacked with an appropriately upgraded shovel.
3. Mallowolves can scare them off, and the Limeoceros, Choclodocus, and Dragonache all have different ways of dealing with Professor Pester.
4. Purchasing the Captain's Cutlass for 11,000 from Costalot's General Store (available at level 30) will keep the ruffians (but not P.P.!) out of your garden)
5. Keeping in mind that this may be the most expensive item in your garden, if you don't pay off Professor Pester in time, he may break the Captain's Cutlass, which could become quite costly... To avoid this, set up one or more Decoy piñata in your garden, also available from the General Store for 825 coins. (Or use the vision card I made and it only costs 750!)
6. ISSI Yetizai of the PinataIsland.info forums has devised a clever method of keeping Professor Pester at bay with stone fencing (pictured below). I'm told that "he just kind of stands there Sometimes he'll laugh and such but he just stands there, never enters or leaves."
   
   

Q: Storkos keeps telling me that the "House [was] removed" and won't deliver my eggs! The house is there! What gives?
A: In TiP, Storkos seems to be a lot more careful about where she drops the eggs. In this regard, she won't drop an egg at a house if there is already an unhatched egg there. The "House removed" is simply a poor error message for this problem. Pick up and move the egg and Storkos will drop the next one. If she really wanted to be careful, she should place the eggs rather then dropping them, but alas...

Q: How do I get the 1st, 2nd and 3rd types of wildcard?
A: There are three types of wildcard for each species. The first you get by romancing when your garden has 6 or more of that species, collecting all the hearts and finishing the mini-game with a certain amount of time left on the clock. The second type of wildcard is done by romancing two of the first type, in addition to all of the above.

As for the 3rd type: on your own, you can only actually get two types of wildcard; the third you must get by trading or co-operative play. (Source: BIGsheep at PIF)

Q: I'm hopelessly poor. How do I make some quick cash?
A: In addition to selling off piñata (especially wildcards, which are worth more), here's a few ways to make money:

• Tafflies & Reddhotts: Plant a fruit tree or bush in your garden. This should attract tafflies to your garden on a regular basis. When they become residents, you can evolve them into reddhotts by flying them onto a firebrand and dousing them with water when they catch on fire (no joke! =). These reddhotts can be sold for 2200 cc each. Since you're constantly evolving the tafflies, they should keep coming on a regular basis for a constant passive cashflow. (Reddhott wildcards also go for 33,000 a piece if they're twins, so you should consider romancing them as well)
  
• Plants: Plant garlic and fertilize them three times with yellow fertilizer. They can then be sold for 400 cc. You should be able to plant them fairly closely together so that one dose of fertilize hits a few garlic plants at once. This also works with chilis and red fertilizer. In the later levels, Bird of Paradise and Orchid plants can also be a decent source of quick cash.

Q: I can't get these cards to scan! What am I doing wrong? Oh, and will they work when printed in black and white?
A: Make sure you have good lighting when you are trying to scan cards. There is a HOWTO in the journal that you should take a look at but basically here's how its done:

• First, turn the focus all the way counter-clockwise (may need further adjustment later)
• Prop the card up against something in landscape position with the barcode at the bottom (you can hold it, but unless you've got surgeon-steady hands, you'll have trouble)
• Point the camera at the card ensuring that all four borders are visible to the camera
• It should now start to draw a box around the borders, adjust the position as needed
• It will either flash green for successful, yellow for a problem and red if the card is invalid or is a single-use card that has already been scanned

It should be noted that cards can be scanned directly off your computer monitor, or iPod, smartphone etc. Cards printed in blank & white should work, but the camera does seem to use the red corner of cards as a visual clue. Consider buying some light card stock paper so that you can print the cards in high quality and they will be more durable (and easier to work with).

Q: I uploaded a piñata vision card to the VivaPinata.com web site but I can't find it anywhere! Where is it?
A: Because this game is rated "E for everyone", anything that is submitted to the VP website must be moderated before it will go on public display. This typically takes around 24-48 hours and moderation does not occur on the weekends.

Q: How do I get the famous piñata achievement?
A: The famous piñata achievement is a viral achievement that you must get by receiving a famous pinata from a developer or someone who got it from a developer, or you can also unpack the piñata from a crate whilst in their garden via Xbox Live co-op (if they don't want to give it up ;>). There are a number of people on the forums willing to help with this, or simply make a post asking about it.

That's all folks! As I said, this is going to be a dynamic post, so I will add more frequently asked questions as they come up. You can also check out this post from the Xbox.com forums with other answers to questions including those for people considering a purchase. Also, feel free to ask anything you need answered in the comments! Happy gardening =).

Well folks. All I gotta say is...Trouble in Paradise rocks =) I'm so glad that RARE was able to develop this sequel to Viva Piñata. The last few days I've just been grinding through acquiring as many of the pinata species as I can, though I have been romancing several species as I went, enough to earn the Wildcard Variant Master achievement for 10 different wildcard species. Some more things I love about TiP.

• The shops have really been streamlined. In Classic, you would always have to return to the shop after you were done buying stuff to say goodbye ( ? ) to the shopkeeper (or perhaps buy more items). In TiP, once you're done you just hit "Back" and you're in the garden with your stuff.
• The labelling of crates is a godsend, now I mail stuff to myself pretty much all the time. Especially the lower level "prey" pinatas that keep coming into your garden (flutterscotches, mothdrops, tafflies, etc.) In this regard, I can go right to the "master romance wildcard hunt" part of the romancing by residing 6 of a species before romancing them. I've also got a bunch of the tinkered stuff in my mail too for whenever I need it.
• People have been complaining that the wildcards are too easy to obtain. While this is true for the lower level species, I would gather the higher level ones take a lot of practice in the minigame. On that note, I love the ability to retry the mini-game for 50 cc's. In my opinion, the wildcards really add a lot of variety and longevity to the game. Can you collect them all? (Oh, and we still don't know if they've put something in for those people that liked the grinding aspect for wildcards in Classic).
• The pinata finder is great. Not only does it show you the pinata, but you can just hit "A" and it will select the pinata for you. Then, while you've got the pinata's attention, you use the pinata finder again to find a suitable target (like another pinata or seed/flower) and off it goes.
• Statistics tracking! Here's a breakdown of my statistics after 5 days (including a marathon weekend):
  

Gardener Level: 58	Gardener Cash: 154483	Number of Gardens: 4
Time in Gardens: 133d 13h 54m	Photos Taken: 26	Cards Scanned: 21
Highest Piñata Value: 39691	Total Piñatas Unlocked: 72	Highest Garden Value: 328918
Awards: 262	Total Crates Sent: 4	Total Crates Received: 1

(I'm currently ranked 64 for highest garden value)

Just for Fun Gardens: 0	Awards Left: 579	Pinometers of Long Grass: 0.1399555
Pinometers of Grass: 1	Pinometers of Water: 0	Pinometers of Soil: 0
Pinometers of Hard Soil: 0	Pinometers of Snow: 0	Pinometers of Sand: 0
Surface That is Locked: 0	Piñatas in Garden: 19	Most Piñatas in Garden: 38
Props in Garden: 11	Most Props in Garden: 14	Helpers in Garden: 1
Most Helpers in Garden: 7	Traps Triggered: 0	Desert Visits: 9
Arctic Visits: 10	Animals Scared: 92	Trees Grown: 19
Plants Grown: 205	Vegetables Grown: 213	Weeds Grown: 42

(Not sure which garden the above applies to...probably my most recently visited, grassy groves)

Harvested by Harvester: 22	Watered by Sprinkler: 100	Weeded by Weedling: 0
Weeding Mistakes: 0	Produced by Mine: 10	Times Ruffians Bribed: 70
Spent Bribing: 30209	Times Helper Tipped: 2	Spent Tipping Helpers: 700
Challenges Completed: 22	Wool Produced: 0	Milk Produced: 0
Honey Produced: 2	Times Piñatas Hit: 89	Times Helpers Hit: 2
Times Ruffians Hit: 13	Times Piñatas Poked: 4	Times Piñatas Watered: 74
Times Helpers Watered: 0	Times Ruffians Watered: 0	Piñatas Smashed: 23
Pests Smashed in Credits: 0

(I'm still not a big fan of the helpers... I've fired them all except for the diggerling.)

Online: 0d 0h 0m	Online in Full Garden: 0d 0h 0m	Couch Social: 0d 0h 0m
Longest Time Online: 0d 0h 0m	Offline Sessions: 24	Online Sessions: 1
Sessions Joined: 0	Joined Your Sessions: 0	Couch Social Cursors: 0
Races Completed: 1	Races Won: 0	Shows Completed: 0
Shows Won: 0	Holes in One: 0	Balls Hit: 0
Holes Scored: 0	Long Shots: 0	Longest Golf Shot: 0

(I don't really want to go online until I've beaten the game myself =)

Cards Scanned: 21	Piñatas Scanned: 1	Trees Scanned: 0
Plants Scanned: 0	Seeds Scanned: 0	Eggs Scanned: 0
Pests Scanned: 0	Wildcards Scanned: 0	Variants Scanned: 1
Time Warps Scanned: 0	Weather Changes Scanned: 0	Biggest Balance Scanned: 0
Biggest Credits Scanned: 0	Most Valuable Card Scanned: 0	Ruffians Summoned: 0
Yellow Cards Shown: 0	Red Cards Shown: 0	Cutscenes Watched: 0
Crates Sent to Self: 272	Piñatas Unpacked: 149	Trees Unpacked: 0
Plants Unpacked: 0	Seeds Unpacked: 0	Eggs Unpacked: 0
Pests Unpacked: 15	Wildcards Unpacked: 14	Variants Unpacked: 4
Biggest Credits Unpacked: 0	Most Valuable Piñata Unpacked: 15584

(I haven't been using the cards much... I think they tend to bypass gameplay. Though I will be using a decoy pinata card a lot now that I've created it, to avoid having to go to the general store each time.)

Romances: 115	Biggest Romancer: 17	Biggest Romancer Tag: Reddhott
Piñatas Hatched: 151	Twins: 42	Wildcards Hatched: 86
Wildcard Twins: 39	Illnesses: 87	Illness from Guardians: 0
Illness from Poisoning: 4	Illness from Trampling: 0	Illness from Spade: 15
Illness from Trapping: 19	Illness from Overcrowding: 0	Illness from Unhappiness: 0
Illness from Bad Sweets: 37	Illness from Fighting: 12	Healed: 30

So there you have it - Level 58 in five days... And 220 gamerscore (note I have not been gaming for gamerscore - just playing normally, without very much "looking up" answers - just experimenting and such). Not too bad for a guy with fatherly responsibilities =) Anyways, I'm still highly suggesting anyone pick up this title. For only $39.99, it's amazing value. I'll be back later today or tommorow with some answers to frequently asked questions. Feel free to leave any questions in the comments and I'll do my best to answer them.

Well folks, after harassing about 20 different game stores all day on the 2nd and coming up empty handed, I finally snagged a copy of Viva Piñata: Trouble in Paradise (hereafter referred to as "TiP") yesterday at lunch. "Encouraged" wifey to spend the evening with the littl'un at her cousins, rushed home after work and threw that bad boy in the console as soon as I filled my belly with some "life candy" (read: pizza).

Right off the bat, you can tell the load times have been greatly improved. The transition screens have also received a facelift and are a bit more "techy" looking instead of just flower petals or leaves encircling the screen. In the original game (hereafter referred to as "Classic"), the first garden was covered in cracked earth and littered with broken-down houses, ornaments and rock outcroppings. You had to beat down the earth into soil and smash this refuse before you could get down to business. In TiP, the initial garden already has a complete basic landscape, with short grass, a few planting areas surrounded by stone tiles with pre-grown flowers and even a small gated wooden enclosure with a (what I believe is a random) piñata inside. Mine was a fudgehog. I called him Fudgeo.



Leafos makes her triumphant return suggests you visit Langston (a new character who wasn't present in Classic, he is a lickatoad from the TV series) who offers to lead you through a few short tutorial-type challenges. They're pretty painless for experienced users and I gather they would help new users get up and running fairly well. The first challenge involves attracting one of the new species, a Bispotti (ladybug) by planting another poppy in the garden. After that, you're off to the Dessert Desert, one of the new "visitable" regions (you can't garden here) where you are taught how to trap one of the new desert pinata, a Sweetle. It's fairly simple: you lay down a trap that initially looks like a square wooden tile, and then you place bait on top of it. Then you wait for a pinata (hopefully the one you're after) to walk onto the trap, eat the bait and the trap to set at which point it expands into a box and locks the pinata up tight. Then it is whisked off to the post office, and you can accept it into your garden. You still have to meet a residence requirement (in this case, laying some sand) before the foreign pinata decides to stick around. The final challenge involves sending a certain pinata off to a party (this is part of the "storyline", by sending specific pinatas to various regions on a world map you are rebuilding the Piñata Central records) by increasing its candiosity to the maximum level which can be done in a number of different ways including changings its name and feeding it.

Once you've completed the challenges (or maybe part way through it, I can't quite remember) things start to get pretty hectic, (!) with new pinatas showing up left and right depending on what kinds of plants or pinatas you've put in your garden. Even as an experienced player, I felt a little overwhelmed. However, as usual you can typically just ignore whatever is going on in your garden and focus on the task at hand...which is...whatever you want! Staying true to it's sandbox nature, there's really no "wrong way" to play TiP. The good news is that with the influx of appearing, visiting, and residing species you tend to level through the initial levels quite quickly, receiving various upgrades to your tools along the way.

While the overall graphics have only received a slight improvement (apparently the shadows render more realistically now), I believe most of the classic pinatas have received subtle makeovers. For example, the "non-resident" lickatoad has a purple tongue which is a nice touch from its usual black-and-white self. The "appearance" of each pinata is also a little bit more exciting, with each pinata doing something expected of their species and interacting more with the beyond-the-garden-border environment (going with the lickatoid example again, it does some acrobatic jumping along water lillies in the pond). The music is still very soothing and calming with appropriate changes during interpiñata conflict (those newtgats and lickatoads just never get along!). All the original voice actors reprise their roles and have new lines interspersed with old favourites. Costalot is still greedy, Petula is still tired and apathetic and Seedos is still...well, he's still Seedos. I haven't given him a good whacking yet because he's been pretty loose with the seeds, if you know what I mean.

Anyhow, I still haven't really gotten into much of the "new" content - I'm still trying to gain a foothold in my garden, really, and get some of the basic stuff out of the way. I played from 6 PM until about 1:30 AM in the morning with only a brief break when the better half got home to help her get AJ upstairs and tucked in bed. I got up to level 22, which means I have the max garden size (which hasn't increased from Classic, by the way). I did learn a few tricks (using the new trick stick) serendipidously just by feeding pinatas various seeds, flowers and fruits. Even though the load times to go to the store have been improved ten-fold, the new seed pouch is wicked convenient. It's accessed from the menu, or by invoking a real-time tool change by moving the D-pad left again from the water can. You then just use the bumpers to scroll to the seed of your choice and can place or plant it in your garden straight away. You can also access the fertilizers by hitting left one more time. I tested out the Piñata Vision to get my "Card Sharp" achievement - it did take me a while to get it going because it's tough to get the camera to read the card. Some tips for that: prop the card up against something in landscape (horizontally), barcode down, and point the camera at it. It should nearly fill the entire picture-in-picture box that pops up. I gather practice will make this process easier, though I don't think I'll be using vision cards it's basically cheating yourself out of achieving stuff on your own.

Other than the vision cam issue, the only other problem I've noticed so far is that sometimes Storkos will claim there's no house to deliver an egg to. I'm not sure if it's too crowded, or what, but she wouldn't deliver an egg or two. Oh, and the Cluckles romance requirements says they have to eat two "worms". Worms?! Don't you mean whirlms? =) Wildcards (at least in the early stages) are pretty easy to come by as well, which is a nice change of pace from my romancing of 500 buzzenges and coming up empty =). Pictured are my twin wildcard cluckles'es. Anyhow, it's still great piñata fun and a faithful sequel with the same stunning visuals and I'm looking forward to diving into some more of the new features in the coming days and week and will post again. Feel free to ask any questions in the comments and I'll answer them as best I can.

OK folks, I know it's been a long while since I wrote to you. I guess I've just been caught up doing other things, like adminning on the English Wikipedia. I also think my previous entry schedule was a little ambitious, especially the "news digest" which got to be a bit of a drain typing up every week... So from now on, I'll try and just shoot out a post whenever the mood strikes me. But more than once every 4 months!

Anyhow, today is the release date for Viva Piñata: Trouble in Paradise, the subject of my last entry, so I figured today would be a good day to jump back into the blogosphere. Since last time, we've learned some new things about VP2, most notably would be the inclusion of four-player online co-op! The co-op participants will have full access to all the tools, except you can restrict them to "look only", "everything but sell/smash" and "no restrictions" - presumably to prevent griefing. We've also learned that wildcards are no longer based on some ridiculously miniscule 1 in 1000 chance, but will be based upon performance in the romancing minigame. There's also three different types of wildcard per pinata, which means each pinata can have 16 different (1 normal, 3 variants, 3 wildcards, 9 wildcard variants) iterations! There's also minigames that you can play alone or with the co-op players called P-Factor and Piñata Papercase. You can also design a garden for playing minigolf! Anyhow, these are just a few of the new features revealed over the past four months. Did I mention this title only costs $39.99?! This is a must-buy for both old fans and newcomers to the Viva Piñata universe.

Now, onto some quick reviews. Both XBLA titles I'll be reviewing this week are 1200 Microsoft points, so they're in that "steep" range, but I think they're both well-worth it.

Braid is a delightful title for anyone who has embraced the "videogames as art" movement. The graphic design is straight out of an impressionist painting and beautifully integrated into the videogame genre. The music fits perfectly with the graphics and overall mood of the game. The game's story is presented as a series of somewhat disconnected thoughts written into novel pages. These can have the effect of invoking an abstract emotional response in the player. You also collect puzzle pieces that you must piece together into a painting that presumably shows some stage in the main characters' life. The gameplay is reminiscent of platform titles like Super Mario Bros., with a twist: you can manipulate the flow of time, similar to Prince of Persia - except you can do so right back to the beginning of a level. Thus the game is at once a platformer and a puzzler as you must use this device not only to save yourself from death, but to complete puzzles within the game. Some elements in the game are affected by the time manipulation; others are not. I'm going to admit here, I found 58 of the 60 puzzle pieces without help, the last two I required a guide. This game is tough! Kudos to anyone who finds all 60 pieces on their own. A game like this is very difficult to sum up in words and at the end of the game, you still have to piece together the story on your own: everyone will likely have their own interpretation. The game is somewhat on the short side, but so was Kurt Vonnegut's "Cats Cradle" - and that was worth the price of entry, as is Braid.

Castle Crashers involves much less philosophical musing, and is a classic "beat-em'up". This game is like Legend of Zelda meets Super Mario 3 meets Ninja Gaiden meets World of Warcraft. I chose the "orange guy" who is basically like a fire-specced mage from WoW who can also deal melee damage. In fact, you spec your character however you like, I put lots of skill points into magic, so I excel at doing damage from afar, but if you prefer to fight close 'n' dirty, you can spec in strength and defense, or if you fancy yourself an archer, you can put points into agility. The soundtrack to this game is great and keeps you pumped, and the artistic style is cartooney but sharp. There's also lots of humour sprinkled into the game, including some "toilet humor", I'll leave that up to the reader to discover. Anyhow, there's really not much to this game, you travel through the levels, coming up against various bosses and minibosses along the way, levelling up, collecting new weapons and "animal orbs", which are pets that provide various upgrades such as the ability to jump higher, finding buried treasure or regenerating health. One caveat would be that the online co-operative play is sorely in need of a patch, the few times that I've tried, I had trouble finding and connecting to games, and when I invited players, the connection would drop fairly regularly. However, if you're looking for a great single-player experience and are willing to wait for a patch to get into some co-op action (or deal with the drops), I'd say pick this gem up right away.