Author: Tee

Episode #012: All About the Beta! (Part One — “Homecoming”)

Wasn’t that Destiny 2 Beta awesome?!

Okay, okay, okay, maybe not all Guardians would agree that the Beta was perfect, and even Nick, Brandon, Tee, and Ron would admit there were flaws.

It is a Beta, though.

Fresh from the experience, your Guardians are talking about what they liked — and what they didn’t like — in this week of awesome from Bungie. Instead of dropping all our thoughts in one massive show, we’ve got word from the Vanguards to run on a weekly schedule in order to take our time and enjoy our look at this incredible sneak peek at what’s coming on September 6th!

Sound off, Guardians! What were your favorite parts of the Destiny 2 Beta? What do you think needs work? Talk to us at 703.791.1701 (reachable through WhatsApp now) or podcast (at) happyhourfromthetower (dot) com. We’d love to hear from you!

00:00 — Introduction 

  • Right — Let’s get some serious SEO accomplished here…
    • No, Coach. Don’t spoil the Punch Line!
    • The fans love Nathan Fillion!
    • Welcome to the Nathan Fillion Is Awesome! podcast. And did we mention that we love Nathan Fillion? We sure do!!!
  • Ron, you want to drive?
  • Tee Morris: Rant the First
  • We go hot with the mics…and NOW Nick wants to re-decorate!
  • Tee Morris: Rant the Second

02:45 — Episode #12: All About the Beta (Part One — “Homecoming”)

  • Tee can’t quite get the reveal of the Farm as a great way to end a Beta
  • There were some issues reminiscent of Destiny: Year One
    • Not this again? (No, thankfully…)
    • Problems logging on…
    • …for everyone except, Tee. Tee was patient. (For once.)
    • “Hey, Twitch Guy…I gotta go play! Thanks!”
  • Yeah, Tee took a whole day off from work for this. No regrets.
  • Nick, on the other hand, had bigger issues.
  • Tee streamed his experience! Take a look here at archived Twitch streams.
  • Brandon is our resident Beta expert, so we want to know how the Destiny 2 Beta compared to other Betas he played.
  • Nick doubles down over Ghaul: Ghaul’s a jackass!
  • Some other problems in the Beta
    • Cooldown times were ridiculous…but not if you ask Coach who has a different perspective on this.
    • The new abilities are very cool, provided you remember you have them.
    • Like it or not, this is part of “starting over” in Destiny 2.
    • Transitioning with the mechanics is a little tricky.
    • All weapons felt nerfed. Especially when Nick compares ballistic damage to punching aliens in the face.
  • Sadly though, Tee is still shooting like a stormtrooper.
  • Now that we’ve seen her fly, Nick has a new nickname for Amanda Holliday: #BlondeSolo

15:21 — GameStop of Innovation Center (Manassas, Virginia)

16:03  —Episode #12: All About the Beta (Part One — “Homecoming”)

  • How could I have startled Coach when he speaks to me this way in the Crucible?!
  • And Nick watches us nerd out…
  • So who else had all the Feelz when you reached out for your Ghost?
  • Let’s talk about “Homecoming”…
    Not this one…although it is a REALLY good movie!
  • The opening mission is extremely well-directed
    • Beautiful cinematography
    • More storytelling in this mission than in all in Year One of Destiny
    • DAT SCORE!!!
  • Dr. Stacia Kelly has a tough time walking through the Tower now
  • Tee has a theory about Sweeperbot.
  • Security Sentries seen everywhere in “Homecoming” and at The Farm.
  • So much to see walking through what remains of the Tower…
    • The tipped-over urn of Eris Morn
    • Did you see Shaxx’s Trophy Room?
    • The only banners still flying in the hangar: The Future War Cult
  • There’s too much for one show, so expect more installments just about the Beta experience.
  • Okay, let’s talk about Gary…
    • Nick still thinks he’s a jackass.
    • When Ghaul makes an entrance, nothing else matters. It’s a terrific villain for a terrific game.
    • Ghaul returns fear to the game.

25:05  — Guardian Feedback

  • All the way from the Great White north, Steve Saylor a/k/a The Blind Gamer, taking his first crack at Destiny with the Destiny 2 Beta!
    • Oh, Steve…what’s waiting for you…
    • Totally new to Destiny? Start with Destiny 2, or go back to the original?
  • Another voicemail, this one from Jonathan Jett-Parmer, going deep into the mechanics. AND SOME SERIOUS “COUNTDOWN” LOVE!
    • What is it with the hate for the Arcstrider? (I love it.)
    • Tee and Brandon go back and forth about the Sentinel’s super…
    • …and we discuss more mechanics that we should have a place to practice, but we didn’t have it.
    • Destiny 2 Beta. Not really for the lone wolf?
    • The purpose of a Beta: A Bug Hunt
  • Twitter feedback from Episode #011
    • A simple message…
    • …from an unexpected listener: #BlondeSolo herself, Courtenay Taylor
    • This is what happens when no one else but Tee checks the podcast’s Twitter account!
    • Nick may need a moment…
    • An appeal to #BlondeSolo to come on the show.
    • Why didn’t Shohreh Aghdashloo tweet Tee? Nick knows.
  • What did you think of the Beta? Let us know at…
    • Voicemail/WhatsApp — 703.791.1701 (And Brandon’s rolling his eyes about the “WhatsApp” connection. Whatev’s.)
    • Email — podcast (at) happyhourfromthetower (dot) com
  • Where to find us online…

Remember to leave us a comment or questions
for the show at 703.791.1701, or here at the blog.
We’ll talk about it!

And remember, you can find the show on iTunes, Stitcher, and Google Play!
Subscribe, listen, and review.

Eyes up, Guardian!
Time to give up the Ghost.
Thanks for listening. 

 

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Episode #011: Who’s Who Behind The Cast of Destiny

 

You getting ready for the Destiny 2 Beta to drop? Well, while you wait, how about enjoying this latest episode with all the Guardians — Nick, Brandon, Tee, and Ron — in the studio, talking about the incredible voice talent that is featured in this game. You may think you know Destiny, but do you know who voices your favorite characters? We do. (Thanks, IMDb!)

Sound off, Guardians! Who’s your favorite voice actor in Destiny and why? Talk to us at 703.791.1701 (reachable through WhatsApp now) or podcast (at) happyhourfromthetower (dot) com. We’d love to hear from you!

00:00 — Episode #11: Who’s Who Behind the Cast of Destiny

  • Let’s talk about the amazing voice talent…
    • In this podcast? Why not!
    • No-no-no, in Destiny. Oh. okay, sure…
  • Jumpin’ right in…
  • Voicing the Vanguard
  • Lord Shaxx we know from The Crucible, but in Lennie James’ spare time…
  • Debating over The Ghost
  • Taking a break on account of the perkiness…

14:36 — Monster Kid Radio

15:38 —Episode #11: Who’s Who Behind the Cast of Destiny (Part Two)

  • Maybe you don’t Know James Remar by name, but listen to the voice of Executor Hideo of the Ne wMonarchy and you might recognize him from…
    • Dexter
    • The Legend of Korra
    • Sex and the City
    • …and all the way back to 48 Hours and The Warriors.
    • This guy’s got the chops!
  • Also with the impressive resume — Bill Nighy. You know him as The Speaker, but you might also know him from…
    • The Underworld Series
    • The Pirates of the Caribbean series
    • Shaun of the Dead
    • The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy
  • Tee discovers Claudia Black was in the cast, and he didn’t know that!
  • More Walking Dead alumni in Destiny as well…
  • And now…our Voice Crushes in Destiny.
  • Nick offers up a chance for the Guardians to hold a Dream Casting in Destiny 2…
    • Kevin Spacey
    • T.J. Storm
    • Leonard Nimoy (posthumously)
    • T.J Miller
    • Stephen Amell
  • Who would you like to hear contributing their voice to the Destinyverse? Let us know at…
    • Voicemail/WhatsApp — 703.791.1701 (And Brandon’s rolling his eyes about the “WhatsApp” connection. Whatev’s.)
    • Email — podcast (at) happyhourfromthetower (dot) com
  • Where to find us online…

Remember to leave us a comment or questions
for the show at 703.791.1701, or here at the blog.
We’ll talk about it!

And remember, you can find the show on iTunes, Stitcher, and Google Play!
Subscribe, listen, and review.

Eyes up, Guardian!
Time to give up the Ghost.
Thanks for listening. 

 

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Episode #010: Gameplay Review with Tee Morris

We’ve broken into double digits with this episode, and we wanted to do something different. So Tee is putting himself out there with his own gameplay, breaking down what went right and what wrong during his first crack at Wrath of the Machine.

What did you think of this, Guardians? Want to see more gameplay from us? Let us know what you think at 703.791.1701 (reachable through WhatsApp) or podcast (at) happyhourfromthetower (dot) com. We’d love to hear from you!

Remember to leave us a comment or questions
for the show at 703.791.1701, or here at the blog.
We’ll talk about it!

And remember, you can find the show
on iTunes, Stitcher, and Google Play!
Subscribe, listen, and review.

Eyes up, Guardian!
Time to give up the Ghost.
Thanks for listening. 

 

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For the Little Lights…

GuardianCon 2017 is coming to Tampa, Florida, running from June 30-July 1, but things have already kicked off with a special charity drive, happening right now on Twitch.tv.

The goal is to raise $1,000,000 for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and we want to do our part. Go to http://bit.ly/HHFTT-GC2017 and make your donation today. Every little bit — one dollar, five dollars, or digging deeper for more — will make a difference.

And for Happy hour from the Tower listeners, go on and make a donation. In the “Comments” field, write “From the listeners of Happy Hour from the Tower, for the Little Lights” and then send us a screen shot. We will enter your name in a drawing for something from our Vault of Geeky Goodies.

Make your donation before June 29 as that is when this GuardianCon fund raiser comes to a close. So eyes up, Guardians. Time to give for the Little Lights out there. Give to GuardianCon today.

 

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Episode #009: Nick’s Master Plan

 

Our episode begins with the presentation of a PS4 to Nick Kelly, He’s now able to play alongside Brandon, Tee, and Ron…but not before he gets his numbers up to snuff.

So…Nick’s got a blank canvas in front of him. What now?

Sound off, Guardians! Do you spark it in Destiny or do you troll? Talk to us at 703.791.1701 (reachable through WhatsApp) or podcast (at) happyhourfromthetower (dot) com. We’d love to hear from you!

00:00 — Introduction

  • Tee is getting his Heath Ledger on…
  • Ron reminds Nick of Shepherd Book from Firefly…and you know, he’s got a point.
  • When Ron gives advice in game, it’s tough love.
  • Shout out to +2 Charisma who made us these wicked-cool glasses for our podcast!
  • And suddenly we get plug heavy…

3:52 — Nick’s Master Plan

  • If you ever wondered what makes for bad audio…
  • Tee presents Nick with a non-gift because, well, Nick’s purchased Tee’s old PS4.
  • Does anyone need a LAN Cable? How about a toe?
  • Nick’s beginning a band new adventure on his household’s second PS4.
  • Now, a breakdown on where to find us all…
  • Ron puts down an ultimatum about The Crucible.
  • Music tangent, featuring composer Blake Neely on Twitter
  • The question to Nick: Are you going to spark it, or are you going to troll it?
  • One advantage of trolling to 40: Experiencing the Cinematics. Again.
  • Making a connection that takes Tee completely off-guard…

13:43 — Headshots

15:19 — Nick’s Master Plan (Part Two)

  • Coach makes everybody happy.
  • Ron’s definition of trolling in Destiny…and it’s eeeeeevil.
  • Other oddities of Destiny…
  • Anyone need a LAN cable?
  • Another way Nick can organically troll: His Grimoire.
  • And there goes Tee, breaking the Fourth Wall.
  • Advantages of working through levels, and what Nick can’t do presently (a/k/a pining for Archon’s Forge).
  • Waxing nostalgic. It’s what you do…
  • Quick shout out to Subifan05 who represented Guardians with respect at AwesomeCon!
  • Share with us your stories on how you decide to start over…
    • Voicemail — 703.791.1701
    • Email — podcast (at) happyhourfromthetower (dot) com
  • Where to find us online…

Remember to leave us a comment or questions
for the show at 703.791.1701, or here at the blog.
We’ll talk about it!

And remember, you can find the show on iTunes, Stitcher, and Google Play!
Subscribe, listen, and review.

Eyes up, Guardian!
Time to give up the Ghost.
Thanks for listening. 

 

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Episode #008: Play Smart. Play Efficiently.

 

It’s been a challenge recording this episode, but third time’s the charm! Ron had so much fun in studio with us that he decided to come back for more, but in this episode we talk about playing efficiently. What exactly does that entail, and when is it a good time to stay away from your comfort zones?

Sound off, Guardians! How do you play Destiny and where do your preferences lie? Auto? Pulse? Scout? Talk to us at 703.791.1701 (reachable through WhatsApp) or podcast (at) happyhourfromthetower (dot) com. We’d love to hear from you!

00:00 — Introduction

  • Man, Chief Wigam 49 and Halo Is My Bitch 12 are throwing serious gremlins in the mix!
  • Ron decides to pick apart a line from The Empire Strikes Back…
  • …and the show is already off the rails.
  • Brandon’s take on Friday the 13th: The Game.
    • Worth the wait!
    • Disturbing chats in hardware stores after playing Jason Voorhees…
    • Wait, this is not the podcast for that game. This is!
  • Destiny accomplishments for the week
    • Some of us got together with Michi. Some of us…
    • Damn social life.
    • Takeaways from the week’s Nightfall Strike
    • No, Tee…that’s not a Troll. That’s…oh, never mind…

7:09 — Play Smart. Play Efficiently

  • Brandon brings up a painful memory on why Tee wasn’t even able to play Destiny inefficiently on Day One…
  • A Titan’s mantra
  • Tee is convinced that certain weapons go with classes. Tee’s delusional.
  • #FloofingOff
  • However, some classes and races “fit” better together.
  • Ron’s Kryptonite: Sniper Rifles.
  • Lessons learned in the Challenge of Elders
    • Tee surprises himself with headshots.
    • Brandon wants a better indication of a precision kill…and we are back in Jason territory…
    • #Not aStormtrooper

12:47 — The Nerd Out App

13:58 — Play Smart. Play Efficiently. (Part Two)

  • Bless you, Brandon.
  • Ron dealt Tee during a loot review a Boot to the Head.
    • And Ron and Nick rub salt into Tee’s 400 Light wound.
    • A look into a new perspective on how to level up.
    • Pew-pew-pew-pew-pew…
    • Ron’s Tough Love. We all feel it when we run with him.
  • No, Tee…Ether Seeds, not Exot—oh, never mind.
  • The Plight of a “Part Time” Player…
  • Tee breaks the Fourth Wall, derails the episode, and turns it into a segue.

21:11 — Guardian Transmissions

  • Tee started up a chat with Spartan Jenzii after seeing a work-in-progress of hers appear on the Destiny Facebook Community.
  • Jenzii’s jam is EPIC cosplay builds.
  • Her current work: Aksis from Tee’s favorite raid, Wrath of the Machine!
  • Spartan Jenzii shares her story of her Aksis, Archon Prime build on the HHFTT Blog…
  • Sharing some Cosplay Melee love.
  • Wrapping-up and winding-down the episode…
    • AwesomeCon
    • Escape Velocity 2017
    • BlerDCon
  • We can take our act on the road, so if you want HHFTT at your event, reach out to us!
    • Voicemail — 703.791.1701
    • Email — podcast (at) happyhourfromthetower (dot) com
  • Where to find us online…
    • All these different locations…some of which ask for reviews, and we would appreciate that.
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Pinterest (No, really, Pinterest!)
  • Ron, you want to take that call?

Remember to leave us a comment or questions
for the show at 703.791.1701, or here at the blog.
We’ll talk about it!

And remember, you can find the show on iTunes, Stitcher, and Google Play!
Subscribe, listen, and review.

Eyes up, Guardian!
Time to give up the Ghost.
Thanks for listening. 

 

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Wrath of the Cosplayer: Spartan Jenzii Creates Aksis

As you may have heard on our last podcast, I am absolutely enamored if not slightly obsessed with the last of the raids from Destiny: Wrath of the Machine. The Rise of Iron expansion ramped up everything in this far-off future of our world, and its accompanying raid does not disappoint. Throughout the epic cyberpunk event is Aksis, the Big Boss behind the Devil Splicers. This transformed Fallen can be best described in its own words…

“We are they who created themselves out of themselves and died in the creation. No longer merely the god in the machine, but the machine in the god. ~consume enhance replicate~ Here we rise, made equal at last to that which we worship. ~consume enhance replicate~”
When it comes to monsters, Archon Prime ranks alongside the Alien Queen as one of the most terrifying from science fiction. It would take a Guardian without fear to face such a boss, let alone try to cosplay it.
Meet Spartan Jenzii, a Guardian and cosplayer without fear.
With her experience in creating the fantastic, Spartan Jenzii (Jennifer) knew the supreme leader of the Splicers would be an incredible undertaking. She brings her story behind the cosplay to HHFTT…
“Aksis has to be one of my favorite characters in Destiny, the very first time I encountered him was love at first sight and that moment I knew that was going to be my next cosplay. I’ve been playing Destiny since Beta and I can’t wait for Destiny 2.“

“Aksis took me around 5 months to build. It was the most challenging cosplay I’ve ever encountered, especially when considering the size of the build, my height (5’2″), and how it will be put together. My only references were taking screenshots while playing the raid (which was difficult since I had to keep moving!) and art from the Grimoire and fans. My Aksis, Archon Prime Build, is made out of mainly EVA foam, Modelling Foam, fabrics, PVC, all painted with spray paints and primers. I use Revit to draw the templates and patterns to my size. Aksis had so much detail but I was to find I could scale it to my height.”

“My biggest challenges were the legs and tail, as they were the biggest part of the costume. I had to figure out a way to balance the legs without collapsing or falling, so I used little wheels and placed metal rods in between to separate them so they wouldn’t fall. The tail was really heavy, so I used metal profiles and brackets to prevent it from falling. It does move but it will prevent it from falling. Overall I am so excited that I took on Aksis. The costume is done,  all made by me including some of the lights in Aksis’ head and legs.”

If you find yourself in Australia, Spartan Jenzii will be presenting her Aksis, Archon Prime at Supanova this June! Take pictures, and tell Jenzii the HHFTT crew said “G’day, Guardian!”

Congratulations, Jennifer. This is cosplay on an epic scale!

 

Welcome to the Cosmodrome.

There’s an old saying about art imitating life. When it comes to Destiny, though, it’s a little creepy to think that’s true as we’re playing in a post-apocalyptic world.

But WIRED Magazine has the evidence: The Cosmodrome is real.

Photographer Danila Tkachenko created Restricted Areas, a visual essay of  “secret” cities that hosted the former Soviet Union’s most sensitive military and scientific programs. Many of these monuments to an age gone by are now abandoned and falling into ruin.

Read the article here, and take a tour of our present-day Cosmodrome. Keep an eye out for Fallen, Guardian.

Funko Pops FINALLY Launch a Destiny Line!

You may not have known this about Tee, but he’s got a thing about Funko Pops. However, he assures everyone that he can stop…

…at any time.

But that time will not be in August when Funko releases their new Destiny Pop!s Collection.

From the Funko blog:

You can now add your favorite Guardians Cayde-6,
Ikora and Zavala to your Pop! vinyl collection.

In addition, the antagonist Oryx.

Collect them all this Summer!

Oh, Tee will. Tee most assuredly will…

 

Episode #007: The Reveal of Destiny 2 and Tee’s Raid Revelations

Brace yourselves! This episode of Happy Hour from the Tower: A Destiny Podcast is YOUGE! BIGLY! SUPER-SIZED FOR YOUR PLEASURE!

Let’s just be honest here: We had a lot to say about that Twitch stream from Bungie!

We’re breaking down the big reveal from May 18 with Special Guardian Guest Ron Dauphin jumping in on the conversation.

And…wait…Tee’s got a reveal of his own? And it’s got something to do with the Listener Feedback? What’s he revealing to his fellow Fireteam mates?

Enjoy this double-sized engram, encoded with all sorts of thoughts, opinions, and feedback from Bungie’s big day! Share with us your own thoughts on the big changes, new storylines, and incredible surprises from Destiny 2 at 703.791.1701 or podcast (at) happyhourfromthetower (dot) com. We’d love to hear from you!

00:00 — Introduction

  • Big nod to the Red Legion!
  • Nick sharing his love for Amanda while Brandon gives his most serious of faces.
  • Check it out — ObiOrion is in studio!
  • Let’s talk about May 18, 2017…IT WAS NICK’S BIRTHDAY!!!
  • But we think something else was going on that day…

1:52 — The Reveal of Destiny 2 (Part One)

  • Bungie unveiled Destiny 2 on Twitch…and Guardians were pretty happy about it.
  • Piper watched me watch the gameplay…and she loved it.
  • How many times did you watch the gameplay?
  • Do you feel the tension between the classes?
  • Reactions to “Homecoming” from the collected crew…
  • Sweeperbot FTW!!!
  • These Guardians were taking notes!
    • Celebrating the Best of Cayde-6
    • New Special Abilities: The Sentinel, the Dawnblade, and the Arcstrider
    • More news from Mr Fruit’s Gaming Channel on surviving subclasses.
  • Representation matters, especially in Destiny!
  • What we’re digging from the opening cinematics…
  • What we want to see more of in Destiny 2…
  • What’s with the salt on Forums and Facebook Discussion Boards?
  • Tee gives good Lance Reddrick.

14:20 — Washington Metropolitan Gamers’s Symphony Orchestra on Twitch

15:01 — The Reveal of Destiny 2 (Part Two)

  • You were expecting this show to be a half an hour? This is the Destiny 2 reveal, thank you VERY much!
  • More about the Red Legion and their leader, Gary…
  • And ObiOrion brings the gravitas to Happy Hour from the Tower.
  • Where’s Eris Morn?
  • Speculating on what happens after the “Homecoming” mission…
  • If Orion had that armor, he would be wearing the new armor.
  • Does your power come from Experience or Light?
  • Tee needs to practice a bit at the jumping for Destiny 2…
  • Nick features the new maps coming in September
    • On Earth, we rendezvous at the European Dead Zone
    • On Nessus (Cayde-6’s hideout)
    • Saturn’s moon, Titan (Zavala’s hideout)
    • Jupiter’s Io (Ikora’s hideout)
    • …and getting from place to place has gotten a touch easier.
  • Destiny 2 introduces sidequests into the mix.
  • Tee’s theory as to why Guardians never had a map in Destiny 1.
  • Tee owns his inability to navigate current maps in game.
  • Changes in The Crucible
    • All matches are 4v4
    • Ron’s take on it: Destiny now compels players to work harder.
    • Coordination will be key
    • The H.U.D. is even more effective and dangerous…
  • We’re not going to let Nick slink away from the Crucible this go-round…
  • Nick covers changes in Social Matchmaking.
  • Bungie wants people to play in Fireteams.
  • And the Beta is coming….when?
  • Another break…but Nick gets in the last word.

31:14 —  The Phil Rossi Experience

32:24 — The Reveal of Destiny 2 (Part Three)

  • Nope…we’re not done. We’re NOT — DONE.
  • The new subclasses have some great abilities that encourage cooperative play.
  • Some Warlock love featured in the new Strike! (Love your Warlocks!)
  • Can we just take some time and enjoy the world designed for us?
  • Reflections on the Vault of Glass…
  • The debate between Dedicated and Peer-to-Peer Servers
    • No love for Division on this podcast, apparently…
    • Connections are a bit of a dice roll with Peer-to-Peer connections
    • Why would Bungie fix something that isn’t broken…for them?
  • Nick continues his descent into Destiny’s Grimlore
    • The backstory of SIVA
    • A Hardcore Destiny Guardian has collected all the cards and created bound volumes.
    • What happens when you go exploring in the Plaguelands…
    • Tee’s #DestinyGoals: Writing a tie-in novel.
  • Shout-out the THIS GUY in the audience…
    You, sir, are Legend!
  • Closing thoughts. Finally…
    • Tee draws a line in the sand. Truly, he does.
    • Some thoughts on the Defender subclass
    • Zavala’s moment in the opening cinematic
    • No, seriously, Ron wants to know where is Eris Morn?
  • One more segment to go…

46:48 — The Shared Desk

47:48 — Feedback & Tee’s Raid Revelations

  • Yikes! We’re still going!!!
  • #IMissMyDinklebot
  • Listener Email from TurtleSnake75…in Germany!
  • Listener Voicemail from our Fireteam’s own WikiReedia! (The one and only, Nobilis Reed.)
  • And now comes to the reveal as to how all this ties in with Tee’s surprise…but Nick steals the thunder momentarily with some lovely art for the studio!”
  • Tee’s big reveal: He got busy last week.
  • Mad love to ZGPhoto (Zac) and the Photobombers on Twitch!
  • Are you curious as to what Tee got up to? Well, guess what — this adventure was broadcast on Twitch for all to see.
  • Tee waited for the call from Team Leader ZG of “A good effort, but you’re done…” but nevertheless, the Photobombers persisted.
  • When Tee found his groove, he found it in Wrath of the Machine…but when he didn’t…
  • Then there were the directional challenges.
  • And in the end, we made it the final phase only to be outdone by Bungie.
  • Tee’s Revelations
    • Destiny’s Community rocks my world hard.
    • Zac and the Photobombers were patient, kind, and good guys—all of them.
    • Tee’s been playing Destiny all wrong.
      • He needs to master jumping.
      • “Wrong Way” needs to end. Now.
      • He’s got two months…and a standing invitation to return to the Wrath of the Machine Raid with ZGPhoto.
    • Another Takeaway: Watching the Raid is not the same as running the Raid.
    • Practice, practice, practice…
    • Thanks again, Zac.
  • Now it’s time to get practicing.
  • Remember, we want to hear from you…
    • Voicemail — 703.791.1701
    • Email — podcast (at) happyhourfromthetower (dot) com
  • We need to have Ron on more often…

Remember to leave us a comment or questions
for the show at 703.791.1701, or here at the blog.
We’ll talk about it!

And remember, you can find the show on iTunes, Stitcher, and Google Play!
Subscribe, listen, and review.

Eyes up, Guardian!
Time to give up the Ghost.
Thanks for listening. 

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Episode #006: Baby’s First (Successful) Raid

If you’ve been tracking with us on Happy Hour from the Tower: A Destiny Podcast then you know that Brandon, Nick, and Tee have never been on a Raid.

Check that — never been on a successful Raid.

When Bungie revealed their new armor for the Age of Triumph, the guys knew they had to up their game, one Raid at a time; and recently, Tee and Brandon got a fireteam together and headed into the original (vanilla) edition of Vault of Glass.

Here’s how things went…

Share with us your own favorite (or least favorite) Raids at 703.791.1701 or podcast (at) happyhourfromthetower (dot) com. We’d love to share them with the Guardians on the show!

00:00 — Introduction

  • Nick has his own soundtrack. Did you know that?
  • Brandon kills Demigods for the fun of it.
  • If Orion is the foundation, then Brandon is the gravel.
  • #TankLife
  • #DieOmnigoulDie

3:15 — Baby’s First (Successful) Raid

  • Holy Cow — we completed a Raid! And yet Brandon’s salty about it…
  • Nick did not join Tee and Brandon on this Raid. Our team included…
    • WikiReedia (never completed a Raid)
    • TheTeeMonster (never completed a Raid)
    • Th3rmalw0lff (never completed a Raid)
    • Nitrolad (Veteran of Raids)
    • ObiOrion (Veteran of Raids)
    • ZoneMudKip (Veteran of Raids)
  • Heading into the Vault of Glass, we — looked — great!
  • The Vault of Glass with Nick Kelly as EmCee
    • Digging into the Grimlore about the Vault via the Destiny app…
    • Six Guardians total
    • Brandon’s first Raid, depicted with drop-in’s
    • Subclass Breakdown
    • Nobilis’ strategy, similar to OneActual’s on Twitch: Have a Defender on call.
  • A few words on Sherpas
    • What makes a bad Sherpa
    • What makes a good Sherpa
    • Shameless plug for Rev3
    • ObiOrion, ZoneMudkip, and Miss Anubis — ideal Sherpas
  • Brandon is jonesing for that AoT Vault of glass armour.
  • Tee faces a nasty jumping puzzle that eats away at his final nerve….
  • Why did we go with Vault of Glass?

15:27 — Nutty Bites

16:07 — Baby’s First (Successful) Raid: Part Two

  • Why did we go with Vault of Glass? (continued)
    • Nick will get to do a Raid…eventually.
  • Could we do this again at 390?
    • Well, maybe?
    • Tee wants a Light buffer before giving it a shot.
    • If Orion had that armor, he would be wearing the new armor.
  • So, how did we get along?
  • The Key to Raid Success: Communication and Coordination
    • Tee learned a lot when watching an H1Z1 Event.
    • On OneActual’s feed, one person is making the call.
    • Another #DestinyGoal: A chain of command.
  • Vault of Glass’ Boss Battle: Atheon
    • Just let Brandon do his thing…
  • Was the Raid worth it?
    • Did WikiReedia have somewhere else to be?
    • Enjoy the scenery…
    • Anyone else think the Vault looks like this?
    • The adrenaline crash is nuts!
  • What’s next?
    • Please avoid “easy” when describing these Raids…
    • Leaning towards Crota’s End…
  • What is your favorite Raid? LET US KNOW!
    • Voicemail — 703.791.1701
    • Email — podcast (at) happyhourfromthetower (dot) com
  • Brandon sounds so sad. Cheer him up, will you?

Remember to leave us a comment or questions
for the show at 703.791.1701, or here at the blog.
We’ll talk about it!

And remember, you can find the show on iTunes, Stitcher, and Google Play!
Subscribe, listen, and review.

Eyes up, Guardian!
Time to give up the Ghost.
Thanks for listening. 

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Episode #005: How Do You Play Destiny?

It’s that kind of Tuesday where Happy Hour from the Tower: A Destiny Podcast is live! Brandon, Nick, and Tee are talking this episode about how we play Destiny. There are different approaches to the game, and everyone has a favorite way to play. In the second half of the show, they discuss ways they can improve their game.

Have a listen and feel free to share with us your own approaches to the Cosmodrome, the Dreadnaught, or the Plaguelands at 703.791.1701 or podcast (at) happyhourfromthetower (dot) com.

00:00 — Introduction

  • Tee is trying hard to make everybody feel good about the show in its infancy…
  • Carving out time for Destiny sucks when you adult on a regular basis.
  • Brandon inches closer and closer to 400 Light. (UPDATE: He made it Monday night.)
  • Who’s coming out on top? Cayde-6 or this guy?

3:30 — How Do You Play Destiny?

  • Nick sums up his style-of-play with the Titan succinctly. (#TankLife)
    • There are other classes out there for the Kellys, and their KinderGuardian is a Warlock
    • Nick’s Advice: Don’t play a Hunter like a Titan.
  • A quick visit from the Studio Cat. (One of them anyway…)
  • Where to find us on the PSN…
    • Nick Kelly — TBA
    • Brandon Kelly — Th3rmalw0lff
    • Tee Morris — TheTeeMonster
    • Nick and Tee are making Brandon squirm…
    • How does Brandon play?
      • One word — He’s a Baller.
      • Crucible Doubles is Brandon’s jam.
    • Nick likes to farm the Forge.
    • “Titan no jump good.”
    • Why Brandon prefers Nightstalker over Gunslinger
  • Tee’s approach to Destiny
    • Thanks to Nick, Tee’s working up the Defender with his Kinderguardian Titan.
    • Tee’s more confident with the Hunter in the Crucible, but he’s got mad-love for his Warlock.
    • Brandon hates the Warlock melee…especially when he’s on the other side of it.
    • Before anyone says it, yes, Tee knows the Telesto is a FUSION Rifle. He was buzzing hard off the Rev3.
  • Thanks, Clark Gregg.

15:07 — The Phil Rossi Experience

16:20 — How Can We Be Better Guardians?

  • We love this game…but what can we do better?
  • Tee volunteers as Tribute
    • When the E becomes a P, Tee’s aim makes him ready for the Imperial Armed Forces.
    • And here comes the hump-busting…
    • Tee’s other problem: He missed his calling and should have played hockey..like Nick.
    • The Rage isn’t directed at other players. It’s all on me.
  • Sebastian (the Cat) returns, and loves on the plug bell.
  • Tee got an awakening about “aggressive styles” of playing when watching the H1Z1 Event.
  • What makes Tee unravel: The voices in his head(set).
  • Brandon’s Room for Improvement
    • Channeling an Inner Leroy…
    • Brandon hates Pulse Rifles and Shotguns.
    • SIDENOTE: Tee’s a sword guy.
  • Nick looks at where he can improve.
    • “Titan no jump good.”
    • Patience is a virtue….and a measure for how much Heavy Ammo synthesis you have.
    • Can Nick get over those jump puzzles? He’s confident.
    • #DestinyGoals 
  • How do you play Destiny?
    • Voicemail — 703.791.1701
    • Email — podcast (at) happyhourfromthetower (dot) com

Remember to leave us a comment or questions
for the show at 703.791.1701, or here at the blog.
We’ll talk about it!

And remember, you can find the show on iTunes, Stitcher, and Google Play!
Subscribe, listen, and review.

Eyes up, Guardian!
Time to give up the Ghost.
Thanks for listening. 

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Episode #004: The Destiny App

Episode #004 of Happy Hour from the Tower: A Destiny Podcast is sticking on the every-other-week schedule, so to do that we’re dropping this episode like it’s hot. We’re spending some time talking about the Destiny app. Yeah, when it comes to managing your KDR and trying to figure out what steps you have left on your quests from The Speaker, did you know there’s an app for that?

Yessir, there is an app for all that and more!

00:00 — Introduction

  • Anyone else ever flashback to Firefly when Cayde-6 brings the snark?
  • A desperate call for Nathan Fillion—you never know, he might be listening!
  • Jumping right into the shop topic….

1:24 — Play Destiny? There’s an app for that. (Part One)

  • The Destiny App
  • It’s amazing how many people don’t know about this app!
  • What do you love about this app?
  • Jumping into the stats
    • Tee’s KDR stats are all over the place.
    • Brandon’s are at a nice, high plateau. (I hate him.—Tee)
    • Do you play the Iron Banana?
  • Nick’s clocked in a lot of time with his Titan…but not in the Crucible.
  • So where do you find all these stats? Follow along with us…
  • A nice charm of the app: Breaking down what kind of player you are.
  • Brandon and Nick enjoy a true Father-Son moment.

12:20 — Washington Metropolitan Gamers’s Symphony Orchestra on Twitch

 13:02 —Play Destiny? There’s an app for that. (Part Two)

  • Nick and Brandon….still working through competitive issues.
  • Nick walks through Quests and Missions, and you want to track and what you don’t.
  • The app is also great for people who are on Twitch.
  • Does your Warlock need something your hunter has? Quick—to the app!
  • Tee and Brandon compare sizes…
  • The reason Tee picks on the teenager: Because he started it! 
  • Want to know how you performed in the Crucible? Follow Tee’s follow through…
  • The app is also a walking library of the lore behind Destiny
  • What do you know? We have a board! (And Brandon is sending us Instant Messages through our Clan.)
  • The Destiny app has been rock solid on mobile devices.
  • It’s nice to have access like this, not only to Destiny but to Bungie, as well.
  • English hard. Titan no jump good.
  • How is the Destiny app working for you?
    • Voicemail — 703.791.1701
    • Email — podcast (at) happyhourfromthetower (dot) com
  • Got a little tongue-tied…
  • Brandon’s feeling a little bummed out by Tee’s badgering. Let’s take it to the Crucible!

Remember to leave us a comment or questions
for the show at 703.791.1701, or here at the blog.
We’ll talk about it!

And remember, you can find the show on iTunes, Stitcher, and Google Play!
Subscribe, listen, and review.

Eyes up, Guardian!
Time to give up the Ghost.
Thanks for listening. 

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Episode #003: The First Week of Age of Triumph and Destiny 2

Episode #003 of Happy Hour from the Tower: A Destiny Podcast was not supposed to happen for another week but let’s be honest— Bungie had a pretty jam packed week last week and we needed to get back to the Tower and talk about it.

What a week, indeed!

00:00 — Introduction

  • How about those new drop-in’s?
  • This is so NOT a weekly podcast…
  • …but HOLY HANNAH IN A HELICOPTER, Bungie is keeping us busy!

2:05 — The Age of Triumph: Week One 

  • So what do we think?
    • Nick’s got some catching up to do…
    • What is up with that “From the Beginning” accomplishment?!
    • Tee sums up the Age of Triumph.
  • Brandon is closing in to the coveted 400 Light Level with his Huntress after five days. Five. Days.
  • Shout out to Obi Orion!
  • Inching closer to our own six-person fireteam…
  • Tee hopped on to Twitch to celebrate AoT…
  • Whatever Tee is drinking, he’s having a wild ride with this episode.
  • With the Husk of the Pit, Tee was making poor Destiny choices.
  • Brandon is a man of few words…
  • Nick’s First Impression: Don’t leave the house without your Sunbreaker!
  • Brandon was getting a lot of Ogre Love.
  • Where was Vin Diesel on today’s strike?
  • Tee learns something new about rocket launchers from OneActual on Twitch
  • Age of Triumph, baby — it’s on!

13:25 — The Steamrollers Adventure Podcast

 14:36 — Destiny 2: Electric Boogalloo

  • On the FIRST TAKE…
  • Summing up Tee’s misadventures today…
  • When you need to mine for loot…
    • Tee and Nick prefer Archon’s Forge.
    • Brandon is all about the Crucible.
    • Quick Tip for the Crucible: How’s your Three of Coins stash?
  • So you think people are digging Cayde-6?
  • Who doesn’t love the SweeperBot?
  • Thoughts on the teaser trailer and then the trailer for Destiny 2
  • How can you purchase Destiny 2?
  • Have you picked up a Cayde-6 from GameStop yet?
    • What we know about Destiny 2?
      • The Tower has fallen.
      • When heading into the hot zones, get ready to go Cabals-deep!
      • Bungie’s word on the importing of characters.
      • Destiny 1 is not going anywhere soon, but no new content after AoT.
      • A few other upgrades to the game itself.
      • PC Gamers are jumping into the Cosmodrome on Day One.
    • Remember— April 1: Don’t believe anything you read on the Internet.
    • The Internet has got this. Seriously.
    • Want to share your thoughts with the Tower?
      • Voicemail — 703.791.1701
      • Email — podcast (at) happyhourfromthetower (dot) com
    • Shout out to the Headshots podcast!

Signing off from the Tower…

Remember to leave us a comment or questions
for the show at 703.791.1701, or here at the blog.
We’ll talk about it!

And remember, you can find the show on iTunes, Stitcher, and Google Play!
Subscribe, listen, and review.

Eyes up, Guardian!
Time to give up the Ghost.
Thanks for listening. 

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Episode #002: Welcome to the Age of Triumph!

Episode #002 of Happy Hour from the Tower: A Destiny Podcast is going “Cabals Deep” into what Bungie is calling their “Victory Lap” prior to the release of Destiny 2. Age of Triumph is a new record book—the biggest Bungie has ever released—and Tee, Nick, and Brandon are nostalgically looking ahead to what’s in store.

00:00 — Introduction

  • Once again? But this is our second episode.
  • Age of Triumph in one Twitch stream? Don’t be ridiculous…

1:32 — Welcome to the Age of Triumph 

  • This is the celebration from Bungie for Destiny.
    • Why Twitch is called Twitch, according to Nick…
    • A bit of the community is upset about all this new gear coming.
    • Let’s enjoy the Farewell Tour
  • Stream One: Let’s talk about RAIDS
    • Deej (David Dague), Community Manager
    • Ryan Paradis, Lead Designer
    • Joe Blackburn, Senior Raid Designer
  • All of Destiny’s raids are back…but there is a catch.
  • For any new Destiny players, what is a Raid?
  • Brandon discovers the hard way how matchmaking works: It doesn’t.
  • Horror Stories of Failed Raids
  • There is more to Age of Triumph other than Raids. Let’s talk about Strikes.
  • Smoked Meat analogies work for this game.
  • Stream Two: All About STRIKES and QUESTS
    • Deej (again)
    • Tim Williams, Story Developer from Rise of Iron
    • Joe Sifferman, Strike Developer
  • New weekly Quest Playlists
    • 12 steps to new treasures and cool stuff
    • Where is your Record Book? (Just in case you don’t know.)
    • This is a 12-Step Program that is no help whatsoever.
  • Treasures of the Ages: available at EverVerse or playing the AoT challenges.
  • A few notes on finding Silver Dust
  • Feeling the pain of the grind…
  • New Weekly Offerings
    • Challenge of Elders (Level 42 Arena)
    • Nightfall Strike (Level 42/380 Light)
    • Some Daybreak Modifier Love
  • Can you smell the nostalgia? We can.
  • Daybreak Modifier drops on Day 1…and we are counting down…
  • Nick’s Lament…

13:10 — Geek Radio Daily

14:11 — The Age of Triumph (Part Two)

  • When does this Age of Triumph madness begin today? Wait…TODAY?!
  • So how close are we to that coveted 390 Light Level? Yeah, about that…
  • Stream Three: All the GOODIES
    • Deej (as always)
    • Ian Macintosh, Artist
    • Josh Hammrick, Senior Designer.
  • Apparently, Deej is your huckleberry.
  • We do love MAGFest on this podcast.
  • The armor of the Age of Triumph is insane…
  • The Vault of Glass armor

    Brandon covets it, but Tee’s got issues.
  • Verizon will not be sponsoring this podcast anytime soon.
  • We also love Rev3 on this podcast.
  • The Crota’s End armor
  • And you know what’s another great analogy that works for Destiny?
  • The Wrath of the Machine: Age of Triumph Armor…

    Tee wants this. BAD.
  • Tee is continuing baby steps with his KinderGuardian…
  • The Moment of Triumph armor…sexay!

  • So how did Bungie pull this off without putting on additional demands on the consoles?
  • And then you have the Exotic weapons…
    • It’s great listening to Nick and Brandon covet gear.
    • Foreshadowing to Episode #3
  • Nick goes there…

23:06 — Guardian Feedback

  • Comments from the Cosmodrome already?!
    • A question from Steve Saylor, The Blind Gamer — Where to start on Destiny?
    • A comment from author P.C. Haring — Why do you play Destiny?
    • What happens when Guardians tie the knot? You get epic photos like this! (Props to Sandy Pataray/illbeyourpal on Xbox)

  • Want to share your thoughts with the Tower?
    • Voicemail — 703.791.1701
    • Email — podcast (at) happyhourfromthetower (dot) com

Signing off from the Tower…

Remember to leave us a comment or questions
for the show at 703.791.1701, or here at the blog.
We’ll talk about it!

And remember, you can find the show on iTunes, Stitcher, and Google Play!
Subscribe, listen, and review.

Eyes up, Guardian!
Time to give up the Ghost.
Thanks for listening. 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Episode #001: Meet the Guardians!

Welcome to Episode #001 of Happy Hour from the Tower: A Destiny Podcast. This is the first episode of a passion podcast featuring Titans, Hunters, and Warlocks. It’s three guys who just love the game and ant to share that with you. This is the “Meet the Guardians” episode where Tee, Nick, and Brandon give you a lowdown on who they are, how they play, and what they are looking to accomplish with this brand new podcast.

00:00 — Introduction

  • Once again? But this is our debut episode.
  • Happy (Belated) Birthday, Brandon Kelly!
  • Commit now, retcon later.

2:00 — What am I listening to?

  • It’s all Tee’s fault, starting with bad assumptions…
  • If you’re looking for an in-depth, hardcore, all-about-getting-to-the-Lighthouse Destiny podcast, we got bad news for you…
  • Who are we?
    • Tee Morris — author, podcaster, Reluctant Gamer, and lover of MAGFest thanks to Nick
    • Nick Kelly — author, cybersecurity specialist, podcast, and a gamer of all kinds
    • Brandon Kelly — resident teenager and digital native
  • A few thoughts on games Brandon is crushing…

10:49 — The Melting Podcast

11:43 — Now that you know us, what is this podcast all about?

  • This is more than an excuse for the grown-up’s to drink…
  • When you need a pick-me-up… #Crucible
  • For Nick Kelly, this podcast is a celebration of Destiny.

13:30 — First Steps into Destiny

  • Brandon is the seasoned veteran of the three of us.
  • Nick purchased a PS4 for Christmas (You know — THAT Christmas) with good intentions…
  • Riding the Skylanders wave to Disney Infiniti (which, yes, Tee still misses…)
  • Tee’s entrance into Destiny. A bit of a bumpy one for a reluctant gamer…

17:27 — Why do we still play in the Cosmodrome?

  • The storytelling continues to get better and better.
  • The Splicers from Rise of Iron — scarier than the Borg?
  • As Brandon is the gamer, what brings him back to the game outside of others?
  • Nick does not care for PvP. Here’s why…
  • Quick plug for Rev3, the drink that powers us through the Crucible.

22:06 — We want to hear what you think!

  • Voicemail — 703.791.1701
  • Email — podcast (at) happyhourfromthetower (dot) com

Signing off from the Tower…

 

Remember to leave us a comment or questions
for the show at 703.791.1701, or here at the blog.
We’ll talk about it!

And remember, you can find the show on iTunes or Stitcher!
Subscribe, listen, and review.

Eyes up, Guardian!
Time to give up the Ghost.
Thanks for listening. 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download