Commander Fury

For the first time ever, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leonidas_I">King Leonidas</a> will be brought to life in <a href="http://us.playstation.com/games-and-media/games/god-of-war-ascension-ps3.html?CMP=soc_us__ac_sm_05_21_12">God of War Ascension</a>’s multiplayer as depicted by Gerard Butler in the blockbuster film “<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/300_(film)">300</a>.†If you pre-order God of War: Ascension standard or collector’s edition at <a href="http://www.gamestop.com/">GameStop</a>, you will receive a voucher code that gives you access to history’s most heroic Spartan. We are very excited to partner with Warner Bros Interactive Entertainment to offer you the chance to play as one of the biggest badasses in Greek history on the God of War: Ascension multiplayer battlefield. More...

We interrupt your regular scheduled blog content with a gentle reminder from Helghast Autarch Scolar Visari: “My people... Sons and daughters of Helghan... Today is a glorious day for our nation. For many years, our history was incomplete – divided, fragmented, and split up over multiple platforms. But on this day, the record of our great struggle is made whole. On this day, <strong><a href="http://blog.us.playstation.com/tag/killzone-trilogy/">Killzone Trilogy</a> is released for <a href="http://blog.us.playstation.com/category/ps3/">PlayStation 3</a>!</strong> Experience the power of the Third Helghast Army in the original Killzone, remastered in majestic HD. Witness the tyranny of the ISA as it attempts to seize Helghan in Killzone 2. More...

Our <a href="http://us.playstation.com/day-1-digital/">Day 1 Digital</a> program continues this week with Medal of Honor Warfighter, sequel to 2010’s Medal of Honor. The Darkness II also makes its way onto the store this week, along with the single-player campaign of Starhawk. If you do end up purchasing Starhawk’s single-player campaign and decide you want in on the multiplayer action, please purchase the separate multiplayer item in the store, not the online pass. Another highly anticipated release this week is The Unfinished Swan. This artistic game is receiving positive reviews, so check it out. Killzone HD joins The Unfinished Swan as a PSN release this week, so if you’ve been itching to replay it with trophies, here’s your chance. Finally, there’s a bunch of new releases on <a href="http://blog.us.playstation.com/category/ps-vita/">PS Vita</a>. Street Fighter X Tekken hits the platform, along with a plethora of downloadable content. More...

<a href="http://blog.us.playstation.com/tag/frobisher-says/">Frobisher Says!</a> is a collaboration between the independent developer <a href="http://www.honeyslug.com/">Honeyslug</a>, and the artist and designer <a href="http://h099.com/">Richard Hogg</a>. Frobisher was a strange little man we met a few years back. At first, he seemed to be the imaginary friend of an artist pal of ours, Roger Kelly. But it turns out he's real! And the next thing we knew we were making a game for him! Frobisher is a rather demanding person -- and while not actually cruel, his demands tend toward the mischievous... and you really don't want to get on the wrong side of him! So the PlayStation team approached us to ask if we were interested in creating something for <a href="http://blog.us.playstation.com/category/ps-vita/">PS Vita</a> that would demonstrate its unique features. We'd recently been to a PS Vita demonstration day at their offices, where the hardware was revealed to developers -- and found the whole thing quite bewildering! PS Vita has motion controls, front and rear cameras, front and rear touch, a microphone, face detection and Augmented Reality powers, as well as all the traditional controls from a DualShock controller. So many options that thinking about what to do was confusing... until artist and Honeyslug-collaborator Dick Hogg said “let's make a game that uses everything!†and it went from there. More...

At <a href="http://www.insomniacgames.com/">Insomniac</a>, we’re big fans of some of amazing artists out there creating incredible screen-printed posters for movies and games. Being able to work with <a href="http://ollymoss.com/">Olly Moss</a> on the cover for <a href="http://blog.us.playstation.com/tag/resistance-3/">Resistance 3</a> was a highlight for all of us here. For Ratchet & Clank’s 10th Anniversary, we wanted to work with some more of our favorite artists to create amazing, limited-edition screen-print posters celebrating everyone’s favorite Lombax and his robot companion. (If you’re curious about how screen-printing works, <a href=" ">this video</a> is informative.) We partnered with our friends and collaborators <a href="http://www.fb.com/iam8bitproductions">iam8bit</a> to create this highly limited edition series of posters. Each poster will be coming from a different artist, and will be hand-screened here in Los Angeles. More...

<a href="http://www.orgarhythm.com/">Orgarhythm</a> drops today! Don those headphones because you’re going to want to turn up the volume on this one. To make this easy for the uninitiated, the curious, or those of you scratching their heads, here’s the bottom line on <a href="http://blog.us.playstation.com/tag/xseed-games/">XSEED</a>’s latest <a href="http://blog.us.playstation.com/category/ps-vita/">PS Vita</a> offering. Music! Strategy! The unholy union of rhythm and little tribal guys that you can send into battle! <a href="http://blog.us.playstation.com/tag/orgarhythm/">Orgarhythm</a> is a hybrid rhythm/real-time strategy game where you direct your own personal army by using the touchscreen to keep the beat. Destruction and creation vie for dominance on this fledgling world. You play as the God of Light, boogieing through each level in your quest to take down your brother, the God of Darkness, and you do it with style. More...

<a href="http://us.playstation.com/games-and-media/games/the-unfinished-swan-ps3.html?CMP=soc_us__ac_sm_05_21_12">The Unfinished Swan</a> is now finished and I think it's a pretty amazing game. You probably shouldn't take my word for it though. See, making a game is like having a baby. You put a lot of yourself into it, there's a mad scramble to push it out at the end, and once it's out there's no way you can ever be objective about it. So I'm not the best judge of whether this game is any good. What I can say though is that it's definitely the game we wanted to make. We set out to create a game about a sense of wonder, about what it feels like to discover astonishing new things. We wanted to create an experience where as soon as players started getting the hang of something the game would shift and they'd be on to something new. I'm still surprised we managed to pull it off because making a game like that is crazy. More...

I am super excited for <a href="http://us.playstation.com/games-and-media/games/sports-champions-2-ps3.html?CMP=soc_us__ac_sm_05_21_12">Sports Champions 2</a> to launch on <a href="http://blog.us.playstation.com/category/ps3/">PS3</a> on October 30th, and hope you feel the same! So start warming up with your <a href="http://us.playstation.com/ps3/playstation-move/?CMP=soc_us__ac_sm_05_21_12">PlayStation Move</a> motion controllers, because the team at Zindagi and San Diego Studio have been hard at work packing the title with five all-new sporting events including Skiing, Boxing, Tennis, Golf and Bowling – plus an <a href="http://blog.us.playstation.com/2012/08/10/sports-champions-2s-improved-archery-mode-hits-the-mark/">updated Archery experience</a>, a new Party Play Mode, an Avatar Creator feature, and more. Check out our trailer below to see these new features in action! Today, we’re excited to give you a free taste of the experience with a demo on PSN. In the demo, you’ll have a chance to start working up a sweat in a singles Tennis match against the AI, play a hole of Golf for one to two players, and try out a fast flying and jumping Ski run for up to two players. More...

<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benedict_Arnold">Benedict Arnold</a>’s secret plot to betray West Point and sabotage the American Revolution earned him the ultimate mark of infamy: a name that will forevermore be synonymous with deceit and treachery. And on October 30th, the most reviled turncoat in American history will be virtually resurrected in <a href="http://us.playstation.com/games-and-media/games/assassin-s-creed-iii-ps3.html?CMP=soc_us__ac_sm_05_21_12">Assassin’s Creed III</a> to pay his dues once more -- but only on <a href="http://blog.us.playstation.com/category/ps3/">PlayStation 3</a>. The <a href="http://us.playstation.com/ps3/systems/assassin-s-creed-bundle.html">PS3-exclusive</a> four-mission arc begins with a special request from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Washington">General Washington</a> in exposing a rumored plot to overthrow West Point, a critical link in the defense of the Colonies against Great Britain. Across four missions, Connor will flush out Loyalist spies and work undercover for Benedict Arnold, culminating in a full-blown assault on West Point that Connor must halt at all costs. More...

Over the past few days we’ve released three short teasers filled with clues and a suspicious 10/23/12 date. As expected, nothing gets past the faithful members of the PlayStation Nation, as you quickly pieced together that these teasers are about <a href="http://us.playstation.com/games-and-media/games/playstation-all-stars-battle-royale-ps3.html?CMP=soc_us__ac_sm_05_21_12">PlayStation All-Stars: Battle Royale</a>. Last year, we released “<a href="http://youtu.be/mdWkKKSckNk">Michael</a>,†a campaign which paid homage to <em>you</em>, the gamer. We like to think of PlayStation All-Stars as a continuation of that as it was made as a tribute to gamers, tapping into PlayStation’s legendary history and featuring some of the your most beloved franchises in our first ever cross-over fighting game. We’ve created this short live-action film called “The All-Star†to celebrate PlayStation All-Stars' upcoming launch. More...

It’s been a little over a month now since we announced the <a href="http://us.playstation.com/games-and-media/games/god-of-war-ascension-ps3.html?CMP=soc_us__ac_sm_05_21_12">God of War: Ascension</a> Beta and we know you’ve been anxiously awaiting news on when you’re going to get a chance to slash, disembowel, and crush your way into the pantheon of Olympus... The God of War: Ascension Multiplayer Beta is coming this winter, <em>only</em> on <a href="http://us.playstation.com/psn/playstation-plus/">PlayStation Plus</a>. Keep reading to find out the only other way to get in, and how to get in early. Some of our fans have already had the chance to play the Desert level of our new multiplayer mode at <a href="http://blog.us.playstation.com/tag/e312/">E3</a>, <a href="http://blog.us.playstation.com/tag/gamescom12/">Gamescom</a>, and <a href="blog.us.playstation.com/tag/pax12">PAX</a>. However, the multiplayer action has come a long way since then and this winter, Plus subscribers get to go hands-on with all-new multiplayer action that we haven’t yet shown. More...

This Wednesday, October 24th, we have a “fang-tastic†line-up in store for you. Our Adventure District has been possessed by ghouls, ghosts, an evil bartender named Chuck, vampires, and wolves, plus a few mini-games and tons of rewards to earn. Crackle is serving up a free slasher flick spectacular, Heavy Water has made the first item you can spy and snap pics with, Juggernaut and Konami bring new hair-raising things to enjoy, and nDreams introduces the first ever beast mounts. Check out all this and more, starting this Wednesday. <strong>Halloween, Monster Style:</strong> There are spooky goings-on as night falls upon the PlayStation Home Adventure District. Every fifty years, fiends and ghouls alike come together to celebrate Halloween and throw a huge party. Carved skull tiki statues decorate the island as well as banners, flags and fiendish decorations that are scattered around as B-Movie Monsters gather at (Evil) Chuck’s Beach Bar. More...

What a month it’s been for <a href="http://us.playstation.com/psn/playstation-plus/">PlayStation Plus</a> in October. With <a href="http://us.playstation.com/games-and-media/games/nfl-blitz-ps3.html?CMP=soc_us__ac_sm_05_21_12">NFL Blitz</a>, <a href="http://us.playstation.com/games-and-media/games/the-king-of-fighters-xiii-ps3.html?CMP=soc_us__ac_sm_05_21_12">King of Fighters XIII</a> and <a href="http://us.playstation.com/games-and-media/games/payday-the-heist-ps3.html?CMP=soc_us__ac_sm_05_21_12">PAYDAY: The Heist</a> all free to download for Plus members, there’s a lot to play. You also got early access to <a href="http://us.playstation.com/games-and-media/games/the-unfinished-swan-ps3.html?CMP=soc_us__ac_sm_05_21_12">The Unfinished Swan</a> as well as an exclusive <a href="http://us.playstation.com/games-and-media/games/playstation-all-stars-battle-royale-ps3.html?CMP=soc_us__ac_sm_05_21_12">PlayStation All Stars Battle Royale</a> Beta on <a href="http://blog.us.playstation.com/category/ps3/">PS3</a> and <a href="http://blog.us.playstation.com/category/ps-vita/">PS Vita</a>, and an assortment of discounts to boot. This week, we want to remind you of some of the great perks you’ll see in Plus, along with a bit of news on additional discounts. <h5>Need for Speed: Most Wanted </h5> It’s not often you get to save some cash on new releases, but with your Plus membership you can nab Need for Speed: Most Wanted for $53.99, as opposed to the usual new release price point. The discount is only applicable on preorders for Plus members, so get ready for its release on 10/30 next week and make sure your preorder is in to get the Limited Edition version of the game. More...

<a href="http://us.playstation.com/games-and-media/games/littlebigplanet-karting-ps3.html?CMP=soc_us__ac_sm_05_21_12">LittleBigPlanet Karting</a>'s newest trailer is here, and it's all about Story Mode. In LittleBigPlanet Karting, LittleBigPlanet is again under siege, this time by a group of ne'er-do-wells known as The Hoard. These venomous villains have travelled to Craftworld from far, far away on speedy go-karts to seek out and steal its most precious prizes - and it's up to you to stop them. So grip the steering wheel, put the pedal to the metal, and beat those Greedy Gregs back to where they came from! We have chosen the top 10 videos of the <a href="http://blog.us.playstation.com/2012/09/19/sack-it-to-me-calling-all-video-directors/">LittleBigPlanet Karting commercial entries</a> and want you to help decide who will take 2nd place. While the grand prize winner will be chosen by our expert judges, we want the LittleBigPlanet community to join the race and decide which video will win the $5,000 prize. The more popular you make a video, the better chance it has at winning! More...

<a href="http://blog.us.playstation.com/tag/corpse-party/">Corpse Party</a> on <a href="http://blog.us.playstation.com/category/psp/">PSP</a>. What more can you say about it? In my previous PlayStation.Blog <a href="http://blog.us.playstation.com/tag/corpse-party/">entries</a>, I’ve likened it to horror classics such as Clock Tower and Fatal Frame. I’ve talked about how it’s one of the creepiest, most effective horror games I’ve ever played, and how its unique visuals, its 3D binaural audio and its storytelling methods help give it an uncomfortable, unforgettable atmosphere. And you, fair players... you agreed with me. You played it late at night with headphones on, just as I suggested, and it kept you awake. It haunted your nightmares and made you jump every time your house creaked or your neighbor’s kids smacked the wall... until you realized, wait a minute, <em>I don't have any neighbors!</em> And then you were never heard from again...Presumably because you were too busy getting every wrong end in the game, of course. It’s hard to resist the charm of those horrible, horrible deaths, after all! More...

Next Tuesday, October 23rd, we will be releasing a new system software update for <a href="http://blog.us.playstation.com/category/ps3/">PlayStation 3</a> (version 4.30). With this update we have made several changes to how Trophies are displayed on your PlayStation 3. The Trophy Collection will now reside under PlayStation Network on the XMB. Trophies that you have earned playing <a href="http://blog.us.playstation.com/category/ps-vita/">PlayStation Vita</a> games are now displayed on your PlayStation 3. You will also be able to see your Trophy level and progress towards the next level while viewing your trophy collection. By the beginning of November 2012, we will retire the services available through the <em>Life with PlayStation</em> application. In conjunction with its retirement, we will stop offering the <em>Life with PlayStation</em> application to new users with the 4.30 update. More...

<p style="text-align: justify;">On*<a href="http://blog.us.playstation.com/category/ps3/">PS3</a>*on Blu-ray and a PSN download, tackle the legendary might of the Helghast army in three blockbuster adventures in Killzone HD. Renowned for its ground-breaking cinematic visuals, powerful storylines, and dynamic multiplayer modes, get ready for the ultimate world space warfare experience, each crammed with relentless action, danger and excitement.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">On <a href="http://blog.us.playstation.com/category/psn/">PSN</a> this week, enter the surreal world of The Unfinished Swan and explore a mysterious, hidden kingdom. Your journey will be led by a runaway swan who guides you through strange levels filled with bizarre creatures. Discover the land through innovative new game mechanics such as splatting paint on a white surface to uncover your surroundings. Each level will bring new twists, challenges, and puzzles until you eventually come face-to-face with the eccentric King that built this realm.*Enjoy this week <a href="http://blog.us.playstation.com/tag/the-drop/">The Drop.</a></p> More...

I'm running a little late on the Recap this week (sorry!), but it's for good reason -- I've been unable to rip myself away from the all-consuming world of <a href="http://blog.us.playstation.com/tag/xcom-enemy-unknown/">XCOM: Enemy Unknown</a>. I haven't played an RPG-tinged tactical game in nearly a decade, and XCOM has awoken the old hunger with a vengeance. Even if turn-based tactical games aren't your cup of xenoblood, XCOM is not a game to miss. If you don't believe me, give the PSN demo a whirl and then share your experiences in the comments! This week saw us in the full swing of the fall release madness: PS3 James Bond shooter <a href="http://blog.us.playstation.com/2012/10/16/007-legends-celebrates-bond-history-today-ps3-exclusive-multiplayer-characters/">007 Legends</a>, PS Vita undead platform-puzzler <a href="http://blog.us.playstation.com/2012/10/16/dokuro-a-bone-a-fide-hero-emerges-today-on-ps-vita/">Dokuro</a>, <a href="http://blog.us.playstation.com/2012/10/16/breakquest-extra-evolution-breaking-questing-exclusively-onto-playstation-minis-today/">Breakquest Extra Evolution</a>, new DLC for a well-liked <a href="http://blog.us.playstation.com/2012/10/16/lights-camera-party-dlc-out-today/">PlayStation Move party game</a>, three-in-one charmer <a href="http://blog.us.playstation.com/2012/10/15/arkedo-series-three-games-in-one-bless-your-ps3-tomorrow/">Arkedo Series</a>, free-to-play <a href="http://blog.us.playstation.com/2012/10/17/uproar-free-to-play-shooter-hits-home-today/">PlayStation Home shooter Uproar</a>, and PSN indie sensation <a href="http://blog.us.playstation.com/2012/10/17/dig-deep-into-the-art-and-design-of-the-unfinished-swan/">The Unfinished Swan</a> (for PlayStation Plus members) all debuted this week alone. More...

Any of you playing the <a href="http://blog.us.playstation.com/2012/10/15/playstation-all-stars-battle-royale-beta-access-begins-tuesday-for-ps3-ps-vita/">PlayStation All-Stars: Battle Royale beta</a> going on right now? While I think that the ultimate experience with the game is 4 people huddled around a single TV, talking trash and pummeling each other on the PS3 version, I've been putting a lot of time into the PS Vita beta this weekend. I'm finding it a very impressive experience to be sitting on my couch, watching TV, and enjoying a smooth online fighting game experience on a handheld. I just wish you all weren't getting so good so fast. <strong>The PS.Blog weekly reading list (Week of October 15th, 2012)</strong> <ul> <li><A HREF="http://www.brainygamer.com/the_brainy_gamer/2012/10/crafting-wonder.html" ADD_DATE="1350772424" PRIVATE="0" TAGS="">Crafting wonder - Brainy Gamer</A></li> <li><A HREF="http://www.gamespot.com/derrick-the-deathfin/reviews/derrick-the-deathfin-review-6398473/" ADD_DATE="1350772362" PRIVATE="0" TAGS="">Derrick the Deathfin Review - GameSpot.com</A></li> <li><A HREF="http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/16/deadly-premonition-the-directors-cut-arrives-on-ps3-in-q1-2013/" ADD_DATE="1350772263" PRIVATE="0" TAGS="">Deadly Premonition: The Director's Cut arrives on PS3 in Q1 2013 [update: Move confirmed] - Joystiq</A></li> </ul> More...

It's been some time since we've caught a new glimpse of Irrational Games' long-awaited follow up to BioShock, but it's clear Ken Levine and company haven't let time go to waste. This flashy new <a href="http://blog.us.playstation.com/tag/bioshock-infinite/">BioShock Infinite</a> trailer sheds a bit more light on the backstory for protagonist Booker DeWitt, a former Pinkerton detective working to track down a missing woman on the floating city of Columbia. You'll catch a glimpse of some new Tonic powers (including one that bears a passing resemblance to BioShock's Electro Bolt Plasmid) and some intense new action sequences, interspersed with the polish and panache Irrational is known for. What are you waiting for? Click play already! BioShock Infinite comes out in February for PS3 complete with <a href="http://blog.us.playstation.com/tag/playstation-move/]">PlayStation Move</a> motion controller support and a bonus copy of the original <a href="http://blog.us.playstation.com/tag/bioshock/">BioShock</a>. More...

As you may know, we launched the <a href="http://blog.us.playstation.com/2012/10/17/take-a-look-inside-the-new-playstation-store/">new PlayStation Store</a> for PlayStation 3 earlier this week in Australia, New Zealand and several countries in Europe. Although the new PS Store is operating smoothly in most countries, there have been some issues that caused inconvenience for users. While we’ve already solved many of these issues, we’ve decided to postpone the October 23rd launch of the new store in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Brazil. We want to be certain that you have an exceptional experience with the new store, so we appreciate your patience as we complete the final phases before launch. We’ll update you as soon as a new release date has been set. Until then, the existing PS Store will be fully operational with the game, movie and TV content that you enjoy today. More...

On October 12, 2012 in New York City, at a panel during New York Comic Con, <a href="http://www.darkhorse.com/">Dark Horse Comics</a> and <a href="http://blog.us.playstation.com/tag/naughty-dog/">Naughty Dog</a> announced The Last of Us: American Dreams. We are stoked to be working with Dark Horse and really excited to reveal the first details about the prequel to the public. To the right is the first promotional image for the comic book series (click for full-size). The Last of Us: American Dreams is a four issue comic book series that peels back the layers on the early days of Ellie as it dives into her backstory. It will expose her personality and the motivations that drive her as it explores the first steps of the journey that leads to becoming the character we ultimately meet in the game. The series will be made by collaboration between Naughty Dog Creative Director <a href="https://twitter.com/Neil_Druckmann">Neil Druckmann</a>, artist and writer <a href="https://twitter.com/faitherinhicks">Faith Erin Hicks</a>, and colorist <a href="https://twitter.com/christinastrain">Christina Strain</a>. More...

Hey, it’s great to be back on the PlayStation.Blog. We’ve been working hard on <a href="http://blog.us.playstation.com/tag/need-for-speed-most-wanted/">Need for Speed Most Wanted</a>, our second Need for Speed game after 2011’s <a href="http://blog.us.playstation.com/tag/need-for-speed-hot-pursuit/">Hot Pursuit</a>. I’m pleased to tell you that we’ve just put the finishing touches on the game, and we’re winding up the online servers to take a beating from you guys come launch day -- October 30th. It’s a pretty exciting time for PlayStation fans, and we’re really excited to be able to talk not just about the <a href="http://blog.us.playstation.com/category/ps3/">PS3</a> game, but also our first for <a href="http://blog.us.playstation.com/category/ps-vita/">PS Vita</a>. If you don’t know anything about Most Wanted, here’s the deal. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Need_for_Speed:_Most_Wanted_(2005_video_game)">The original Most Wanted</a> was our favorite Need for Speed game. We loved the epic cop chases, hot cars, and most of all that unbeatable sensation of fast, reckless driving while on the run from the law. More...

Hey gang - I’m back to announce a great new game that features a killer twist on the bubble genre. Something messy and contagious is festering in suburbia, and there’s only one hero who can save the day: The Germinator! No more of that old school Match-3. While three of a kind won’t help you in Germinator, you will need to crash your germ bubbles into those of the same color. Upon collision, they’ll combine and grow, GROW, <strong>GROW</strong> until they POP -- gooey, splotchy, splattering pops. Be sure to pop them quickly before they get too big and overrun the house. Timing and accuracy is the key to preventing the various germs from rising too high. Germinator features a crazy cast of multi-colored bubble germs with their own personalities and traits. Making them pop the right way triggers combos to explode them all and make a mess of your screen. Dozens of levels and power-ups will keep you coming back to clean house. Local multiplayer lets you battle your friends or the AI. More...

If you pick just one unique, fun element that truly stands out in a Hitman game, it's got to be the ability to suit up in various disguises in order to fool passersby and infiltrate protected areas undetected. At <a href="http://www.ioi.dk/">IO</a>, we've always had a lot of fun with disguises, which probably culminated in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hitman:_Blood_Money">Hitman: Blood Money</a>’s white suits, clown outfits, and full-body chicken costumes. With <a href="http://blog.us.playstation.com/tag/hitman-absolution/">Hitman: Absolution</a>, we're following up on that tradition and we're adding new wrinkles as well. Most importantly, we've added the ability to “blend in,†which allows you to act out your disguise more convincingly. Whereas a disguise would fool people at a distance in the old games, Agent 47 can now use his Instinct powers to fool people up close. More...