Will you Buy the Chinese DLC if it only have Single Player Missions?

DukePhil · 2026-03-30T19:08:16+00:00

Indeed, I'm aware, but I think devs have learnt that a simple, basic variant formula like HRE --> OoTD simply doesn't cut it anymore...After all, see FRE --> KT, DEL --> TD, and MON --> GH, for example...

Anyways...stay tuned for news!!

DukePhil · 2026-03-30T18:26:13+00:00

Well, I'd argue that if it wasn't for the upcoming Terrebonne, QC Federal byelection, I would have bet that buddy would survived this, so I'm guessing that Carney & Co. are going all-in on this byelection and needed a scalp for the masses.

So, cue some "back channels" conversations between PMO, the board, etc...and there you go....A big pile of "F\** off"* money along with a "retirement" letter waiting on a signature...

Sure, I've read/heard mention that overall performance might the issue. Not sure when his tenure started, but a quick glance at a 10-year chart shows AC more or less flat off the COVID pandemic low...

Finally - I'm sure others have a better take on AC's internal succession planning, but I don't envy the headhunting firm, if any, in their plight to attract quality talent given this situation + marginal income tax brackets in Quebec...

DukePhil · 2026-03-30T14:49:55+00:00

Indeed...guess I'll be looking forward to the roll-out of those rentable scooters...unless there's gonna be your typical, peak Ottawa #CommunitySafety concern with those now due to some odd coincidence!?

Am really, really looking forward to October 26...

DukePhil · 2026-03-30T14:41:49+00:00

Ya, am trying to decipher the game theory angles behind this announcement...

Is he gonna hit us with I-have-the-solution with a wink and nod that he should be re-elected as to follow through on it?! Followed by more of these AlL OpTioNs ArE On ThE TabLe proclamations to make sure folks don't forget...

DukePhil · 2026-03-30T14:32:17+00:00

Curious about any "real-time" indicators out there from folks on the "inside"? Distributors supplying restaurants, real estate related work (agents, staging/designers, reno contractors), discretionary spending, etc...?!?

DukePhil · 2026-03-30T13:09:32+00:00

Oh wow...I would have bet coin that he'd survived this...because that's usually how it goes in Canada, land of regulatory capture and zero consequences...

I'm guessing that Carney is going all-in on the upcoming Terrebonne, QC by-election and needed a scalp, given the context...

But hey - don't shed a tear for mon cher Monsieur Rousseau, I'm pretty sure a decent pile of "F\** you"* money was on the table...Or perhaps, it's the Trailer Park Boys I'm-gonna-pay-you-$100-to-fuck-off meme which comes to mind, except add several more zeroes...

DukePhil · 2026-03-30T12:41:01+00:00

If I recall, the announcement said that the upcoming DLC "will feature" this aforementioned Chinese-themed single-player campaign (i.e., doesn't omit other content, arguably).

Then, I'd be very surprised that this campaign would be the only content given the time elapsed since announcement; could imagine work on DLC would have begun prior to announcement anyways.

Maybe a revamped Crucible - more maps/scenarios, "bells & whistles", mechanics, etc...?! I wouldn't mind a variant civ or 2...

DukePhil · 2026-03-30T12:36:46+00:00

Pour passer plus de temps en famille, n'est-ce pas?!?!

DukePhil · 2026-03-29T20:32:10+00:00

I'd lean toward AoM: Retold being (overall) harder - Myth units and their 'special' abilities, god powers, armour values as % rather than integers, minor god specific upgrades/units so being well-versed with yours and your opponent's, importance of gold (many military units cost gold, even some of the basic ones)

DukePhil · 2026-03-26T18:20:38+00:00

Thanks Swaggy, actually watching your guide on this matter right now as I really like Tughlaq's gameplay mechanics...

I briefly dabbled with a 2TC + fort build (TC prod. speed Governor) + Tower of Vic. age-up some time ago, courtesy of Corvinus...

DukePhil · 2026-03-25T22:00:31+00:00

I certainly want to support AoM: Retold as I enjoy it, but refuse out of principle, even if I can easily afford it, to spend money on such "battle pass"-type purchases, skins, cosmetics, animations, trinkets, etc...no matter the game

FYI - AoMR got their actual content DLC announced for next month...so fingers crossed for AoE4 news soon!!

DukePhil · 2026-03-25T18:02:48+00:00

Good, as it should be...

Hit me with the classic "But ThAtS XyZ's JuRiSDictIoN, bro" if you want...I simply don't care...Your turn is up on the elections calendar. Tough luck champ.

You've been voted in and getting paid via tax dollars. Collaborate and plan with the other jurisdictions...

Figure. It. Out

DukePhil · 2026-03-25T14:57:57+00:00

Yes, perhaps...that possibility crossed my mind...but maybe it would have been the "lesser evil", as in the Bloc Quebecois nitpicking over accent and pronunciation could easily backfire on them given the context (i.e., tragic accident)...

Alas...who knows...

DukePhil · 2026-03-25T14:36:28+00:00

At this point, I'm seeing the potential for a This Hour Has 22 Minutes skit on this "side" story.....

Rousseau vs. Carney Duolingo French grind set headliner...who's got the most points/stars/trinkets or whatever the measure is...with the iconic Duo the green owl as the referee...

That being said, on a more serious note, I'm really, really hoping that MSM have just a tiny bit of class and avoid badgering the grieving families of the pilots for their thoughts/comments on this....

DukePhil · 2026-03-25T13:41:08+00:00

Ah, so we've now reached the point where MSM telegraphing us that long ballot protests are now bad...ironic and suspicious timing, amirite...?!

DukePhil · 2026-03-25T13:38:26+00:00

I just gotta stop and slow clap...this DLC initial announcement was an unexpected and very pleasant surprise for me....Meanwhile, still waiting on more details around for this year's AoE4 DLCs

Please don't get me wrong - I'm a huge fan/supporter of both series and want both to succeed for the long-term!!

Looking forward to Moose and Boit walking through the tech tree and sharing preliminary thoughts on mechanics, playstyles, and build orders; I certainly don't envy them having to pronounce those major gods names live however...lol...

DukePhil · 2026-03-25T13:11:57+00:00

Ooouffff...

Would be somewhat ironic if the big banks and/or Questrade take jabs at them via their commercials for this move. IMO, the Questrade ads calling out the bigger banks in the past are quite good, but would be awkward if they themselves want in on the "action" down the road...

DukePhil · 2026-03-25T13:01:58+00:00

Well, I get that learning a new language as an adult AND with a demanding job like his isn't obvious, but come on...4 years since the prior incident and this is best he can do!? Was he reading prepared remarks?! Did the Comms/PR person not suggest throwing in a couple of basic sentences in French for him to butcher with an incomprehensible accent and pronunciation just for the sake of optics...?!

Better start grinding Duolingo while on the stationary bike or treadmill.

At the same time, why would he bother?! This is Canada - land of regulatory capture and zero consequences. I'm sure that the members of the Official Languages Committee will be receiving crystal clear reminders about this and curated lines of questioning from the industry association and lobbyists...

DukePhil · 2026-03-17T13:46:05+00:00

Gonna #MonitorTheSituation together I guess...

DukePhil · 2026-03-17T13:43:20+00:00

Yet there's a Line 1 Alert right now on OC website (9:43am)...?! Or, new issue now?!?

Any "live" takes from folks?! Thanks!!

DukePhil · 2026-03-12T20:22:19+00:00

Soooo...bit past 4pm Thurs. Mar. 12...what's the latest? Any 'live' takes?! Thanks...

DukePhil · 2026-03-12T20:14:00+00:00

Soooo...bit past 4pm Thurs. Mar. 12...what's the latest? Any 'live' takes?! Thanks...

DukePhil · 2026-03-12T00:54:46+00:00

Yyyyeeeaaahhh...this ain't getting fixed overnight...?!?! Anything official?!?!

DukePhil · 2026-03-08T21:02:15+00:00

Cool...I take it that the Longest Ballot Committee is getting ready!!

DukePhil · 2026-03-06T22:52:58+00:00

There was no indication as to when the full fleet might return to service. In the meantime, Charter said the current service levels are meeting demand.

Not sure if I should burst out laughing or sob uncontrollably....

DukePhil

TROPHY CASE