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A Noob’s guide to Day of Infamy
This is Day of Infamy.
*ding*
This 2017 game made and published by New World Interactive using the Source engine, is a game that I am sad about. Not because it is sad, but because it is an interesting gem. It’s like finding a brownie shaped like a piece of turd, but it is made with the most exquisite of fudge and chocolate. It is a good game, even with a few flaws (we’ll get to those, don’t worry). In fact, I dare say that this had to be both one of my favorite first person shooters and my favorite World War 2 games. So here is a quick introduction and tutorial of how to survive this game.
First thing to know is that Day of Infamy is a multiplayer tactical first-person shooter, set in the European theatre of the Second World War. With different game mods, with most of them being some variant of finding a point on the map, and politely telling the enemy already there, to shod off. This gentle persuasion is achieved with the liberal application of both high explosives, and small automatic firearms. The maps range from The beaches of Normandy in 1944, the Streets Salerno in 1943, all the way to Crete in 1941. With such a breadth of time (6 calendar years), and a vast swath of maps (mostly France, Italy, and one Greek map), factions are vast, at the number of 3. The different factions play on certain maps, so don’t expect to see Americans at Dunkirk. Each faction has unique weapons, and units. These units don't affect gameplay all that much admittedly, as it is mostly cosmetic, but they are still nice. You can earn them through leveling up, or alternatively, you can just buy them.
First is the Americans, because of course there is.
With all the classic American WW2 weaponry, like M1 Garand, and Thompson, they will be familiar for many. As for units, once again, many of them will be familiar for those that dabble in WW2 history and/or media, such as the 101st Airborne, or the 1st Infantry Division (better known by the nickname “The Big Red One”). I also want to give a shout out, because I’m pretty sure that this is one of the only games that actually remembered that African Americans actually fought in WW2, in the form of including the 92nd Infantry Division, and the 761st Tank Battalion.
Next is everyone's favorite member of the second world war, the Wehrmacht (Germany).
I say Wehrmacht, because the vast majority of their units are Wehrmacht, such as the 272nd Volksgrenadier Division, or the 29th Panzergrenadier Division. The only exception is the 17th Panzer division, who while listed as Wehrmacht, were historically Waffen SS, so now you guys know which unit not to get. Again, most of the weaponry will be familiar for those who play WW2 shooters, such as the MP40, and MG42.
The last faction are the British… or should I say Commonwealth.
This is another reason why I like this game. You see, NWI remembered that the Brits in the second world war, had an empire, and they are willing to bring said empire into their scuffles. This means that while they do have British units like the famous/infamous Black Watch, they also have many units of Canada, such as the Princes’s Patricia’s Canadian Light infantry, as well as Australians (2/17th Battalion, who also happen to be my favorite) and Indians (12th Frontier Force Regiment). As for weaponry, most will be familiar… provided you are familiar with the British in WW2, such as the Bren, or the Lee-Enfield No. 4. They also have the one exception of where units do affect load out (we’ll get to that) with only the 2/17th Battalion being allowed to use the Owen Mk. 1.
Now that you have been familiarized with the factions, one must remember that as this is a team based game, it becomes like medieval Europe, where class matters. There are 9 classes, each with unique load outs, and purposes. Most of them also have limited slots.
Firstly, we have the basic class, the rifleman. The only class to not have a limit for slots, they are armed with a rifle. It should be noted that just because you are using a bolt action for the most part, you’re still deadly. With extra stamina, and access to rifle grenades, it is a very solid class.
Next is the assault class, who solves your issues at close range with the liberal application of an smg. Following that, is Support, who provides support by using a light machine gun, like a Bren or BAR. After that is the trifecta of basic shooter classes of Engineer (use explosives), Machinegunner (MOAR DAKKA!), and Sniper (one shot, one kill). Now the unique classes for the game starts now. After that, is Flamethrower, who decides that turning people into a barbeque is only a war crime the first time.
Now, here is the interesting part. You get one Officer, who has the ability to call support of any sort, from the innocent supply drop and smoke screens, to less innocent ones, such as artillery barrages, aerial strafings, and bombing runs. However, they can’t actually call these in, without a radio, which is accomplished with the last class, radioman. With a radio on their back, all they do is stand next to the officer, while they call in an artillery strike that will wipe the enemy team, and half of your team who were caught in the blast. (rule of thumb, you should always have both an officer and a radioman).
After choosing game mod, faction and units, and class, you have your loadout. Everyone has a primary weapon, secondary weapon, access of up to two different types of grenade, and a melee weapon. Furthermore, attachments to your weapon such as slings, bayonets, or scopes. Furthermore, you also have access to vests that can increase the amount of ammo you have. So what’s the catch? Well, weight is a factor, as in the more stuff you carry, the slower you are. Furthermore, your access to this is determined by supply points. You gain more supply points by playing the objective, so play. The. BLOODY. OBJECTIVE!!!
Anyway, items cost certain amounts of supply points, so this means you have to compromise about what you bring in. For example, if you play an American assault, an M3 Grease Gun with a sling, costs 5 supplies, while a Thompson M1A1 by itself costs 6 supplies. So, with this knowledge, prepare to compromise, especially with your first rounds.
After all that has been said, many of you might remember what I have said earlier about their flaws. Well, here they are. Map designs can be kind of poor, and lack of content update. They still support the game, but don’t hold your breath for new content that isn’t fan made (remember, this is the source engine. It’s super easy to mod… so I’ve been told), considering that the last update was back in December of 2017. This ties into the big elephant in the room… lack of players. Because of the lack of long term support, due to it being released just before another major NWI release, Sandstorm Insurgency (also a really good shooter), player counts can be pretty low. This is in spite of the fact that the vast majority of reviewers like the game. Many players often complain that the game is dead, but that isn’t quite the truth. A lot of the players for some reason seem to be on European servers. Of course, this is also the reason why I’m talking about this game.
So in summary, if you want to try a good team-based fps, or a good WWII game, I strongly recommend giving Day of Infamy a try. It comes cheaply too, being 15 USD for the base game, and 20 USD for the deluxe edition, and it can be cheaper during sales. Also, final note, this game also has amazing voice acting, of various types for the various American, German, and Commonwealth units, using a mixture of your typical fps voices, but also many witty, and genuinely funny lines (in that regards, shout out to the commonwealth voice actors, with my favorites being the Scottish and Australian voice) Many of these voices can be found on Youtube.
So take a dive into Day of Infamy, and this has been a Noob’s guide to Day of Infamy, which can be found on Steam. Enjoy the rest of your day.
Hey, so to the surprise of many, I do in fact write stuff, so if you’re interested in a mixture of humor, wit, and maybe learning something from your fanfic reading, then check my works out. Or don’t, you have free agency.
History memes #53
Grave of Fireflies (Setsuko and Seita) (2022)
Two souls together again. Grave of the Fireflies (2022)
Here's a photo of two American soldiers messing around during WW2.
The amazing pacifist who will bravely defend democracy with a weapon if necessary when it comes to an emergency. Adapted from the brilliant Albert Einstein.
mod
The world is a dangerous place to live; not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don't do anything about it.
Albert Einstein
I am not only a pacifist but a militant pacifist. I am willing to fight for peace. Nothing will end war unless the people themselves refuse to go to war.
Albert Einstein
We always say we rehabilitate and educate with compassion and understanding, but when it really comes down to it, it's going to be hard!
Red lines are not to be crossed, full stop
mod
We are not into culture war and panic, we are only into the clear signal of denial that democracy is weak. To all those who follow the path of blindness, hatred and misanthropy!
The Odesa Opera and Ballet Theatre, Ukraine during the Nazi invasion and the russian invasion. X
The Odesa Opera and Ballet Theatre, Ukraine during the Nazi invasion and the russian invasion. X
One of the rooms of the nazi bunker in Pallasstrasse, Berlin. Totally dark, the only light was the flash of my camera. The bunker is currently closed. Some history at http://goo.gl/WuRFg9 - Google Street View https://goo.gl/maps/EB6G0
ViviWebTv - Mottola | Ciak si gira: due mottolesi con Pierfrancesco Favino
2 Mottolesi con Pierfrancesco Favino ,si tratta di Nicola Digregorio 24 anni e Stefano Vernengo 19 anni..Nicola è il saldatore del Sommergibile "Cappellini", mentre Stefano è uno dei membri dell'equipaggio...tutto il resto è nell'articolo ⚓️🎬
31 October "Comandante"
“Let our fate is a warning for you” The Monument to Struggle and Martyrdom at the State Museum at Majdanek in Lublin, Poland On second photo is the Mausoleum which stands on the axis of the Road of Homage and Remembrance that runs from the Monument-Gate along the prisoner fields to the crematorium. It has the shape of an old Slavic urn in which remains of Majdanek prisoners have been placed. Along the frieze of the copula runs a text reading “Our fate is a warning to you,” from Franciszek Fenikowski’s poem “Requiem”.
The life you lived
You watch the officers take him away, tears streaming down your cheeks.
You then turn around and walk away. Your mother follows you inside the house. She grabs your arm, making you turn around.
"How could you?" You ask.
"I had to.."
"No, you didn't have to!" You interrupted her.
"I love him, more than you ever could think!"
"No, you don't, you just think you do"
You let out a sigh, kneeling down to take off your heels. You straighten up again, looking straight at your mother with glistening eyes.
Then you walk away to your room, this time your mother doesn't follow you. She just watches you go.
5 years later, the war has started. You're nurse at hospital, which is located on the country side. You just needed to get as far as you could get from your family, from your old life, from your past.
You are putting the supplies away at the storage room, when nurse running by says that there are soldiers coming. You run out of the room, following her, rounding the corners until you reach the lobby, which is swarmed with soldiers and nurses. You get right to helping the soldiers as best as you can. Then you are asked to tend to one specific soldier. They say he's asking you, you hurry towards the room, where the injured soldiers are located in.
You see the area secluded from the other area with plain light brown curtains. You move the curtains, slipping inside. You turn around, seeing him lying on the bed. You stare at him, he looks at you.
"Robbie" You whisper.
"Y/N" He whispers back.
You walk to his bedside, sitting down. He grasps your hand, squeezing it gently. You let your eyes check him out for any injuries. Only one you can see is that he has his arm bandaged. You put your lips against his, kissing him. He puts his arm around your shoulders, pulling you closer. You break the kiss, putting your foreheads together.
"You have to back to the battlefront, don't you?"
"I don't know, but I hope not"
You nod.
"Can you walk?"
"Yes"
"Then follow me"
He gets up and follows you.
"Now, we'll go and ask someone if you have to go back"
He nods.
"Hey, sir, we have a question for you!" You call out to the higher rank soldier.
"Yes, ma'am?"
"I'd like to know if he has to back to the battlefront?"
"I'm afraid so, we need every single man we can get"
"Alright, thank you, sir"
He raises his hat for you, walking away.
You turn to Robbie, sad look on your face.
He pulls you in for a hug, whispering in you ear:
"Marry me?"
You grab his hand, going to find a church. Soon you're inside the church, holding hands, standing in front of the priest. Robbie's two soldier friends, Nettle and Mace are there as witnesses.
"Now I pronounce you husband and wife, you may kiss the bride"
Robbie pulls you closer to him, pressing his lips to yours.
*small timeskip*
You're at the trailway station, saying goodbye to Robbie.
"Come back to me" You whisper in his ear. He says nothing, just kisses you from the train window.
You step down to the ground, holding his hand until it slips from your grasp. You see the train go further and further away, watching it go until it has disappeared from sight.
*another timeskip*
You're at a small house in the village you spent your time with Robbie until he had to leave to go back to the war.
You stand on the balcony, staring at the sea, you haven't heard from him from a long time.
But you know that he'll come back. You go back inside, seeing the higher rank soldier through the window you encountered earlier at the hospital. He's holding a letter, you already know what it reads. You open your front door, collapsing down to your knees, as the notifier approaches you.
"I'm sorry, ma'am, but your husband has died of septicaemia"
You thank him in whisper, he kneels in front of you, putting the letter in your palm, shutting your hand around it. Then he kisses your head, standing up and leaving. You stay on your knees on the ground. Then you hear small footsteps coming towards you.
"Mommy, where's daddy?"
You look up at your and Robbie's children with glistening eyes.
"Daddy isn't coming back"
Your children walk to you, wrapping their small arms around you.
You let out a small cry, whispering:
"Daddy is never coming back"
You shut your eyes, memories flashing through your mind. The day you first met him, the happiest moments of your life with him and last time you ever saw him.
You whisper into the air:
"If you must die, die knowing that your life was my life's best part"
Weeks later after you have buried him, you receive a small package in the mail.
You open it, seeing Robbie's few belongings, including the stack of letters and photos, cigarettes and a lighter. And of course his wedding ring.
You let single tear roll down your cheek, dropping down on the letter on top. It was never delivered to you. You read the text in it.
"I'm coming back to you"
Except he never did.
You're lying on your bed, surrounded by your children and grandchildren, your eldest child is holding your hand.
"Mom, it's okay, go meet dad, you deserve it" The eldest one says, smiling at you.
You smile at them, looking at every and each one of them. You then look up and mouth:
"I'm coming to you, my love"
You shut your eyes and let out your last breath on Earth. Then you open your eyes, letting out your first breath in Heaven, standing inside the house, you smile. You then look around the small house, it's just like you remembered it. Even the knife Robbie did leave on the table is there just like the day he left to go back to the war. You open the balcony door, stepping out. You breathe in the sea air. You lower your gaze to the beach, seeing him standing near the waterline. You smile, running down the balcony stairs.
You come to a stop right in front of him.
"Hello, my love" Robbie says as he turns around to face you. He pulls you into a hug, vowing to himself that he'll never ever let go again.
You pull back, looking up at his dazzling blue eyes.
"I've missed you so, so much"
"I know, love, I know, I've missed you too"
He pulls you against his chest, wrapping his arms around you, watching the sunset together, for the first time but certainly not the last time in forever.
The end.
Come back to me
You're standing in your small cottage, all alone with your newborn baby in your arms, gently swaying back and forth, lulling the baby to sleep. You look out of the window to the raging sea. The sea perfectly reflects how you're feeling on the inside. You look down at the child in your arms, you softly lie him down into his crib. Then you open the balcony door, stepping outside. The rain quickly soaks through your blue cotton dress. Then you hear a knock on the front door, you go in, shutting the other door behind you. You open the front door, dripping wet.
"Yes?"
"Are you Y/N Turner?"
"I am"
"Then I believe this belongs to you" The courier says, giving you a small package.
Then he turns and leaves. You turn the package around, you see handwriting on it. You shut the door, walking to the table, sitting down. You read the text on the package.
It simply reads "goodbye, my love"
You let out a cry, realizing that you'll never see him again.
You gently open it, seeings his wedding ring on top of his other belongings.
You take the ring and turn it around in your fingers. Then you get up, retrieving a necklace from your drawer. You slip the ring on it, putting the chain around your neck. You sit back down going through the remainings he left.
"Oh god" You whisper.
You move the lighter and cigarettes, seeing his uniform jacket under them. You grab it and pull it on. It still faintly smells like him, you bury your face into your hands. Then you feel a hand on your shoulder.
You turn your head towards the hand.
Robbie is smiling at you. He doesn't say anything, just kisses your head,checking on your child on his way out and then walks through the balcony door. You follow him but by the time, you're outside, Robbie is already on the beach. He turns around and you hear his words in the wind.
"I'll come back to you one day and this I'll promise to you"
The wind tousles up your hair, tears streaming steadily down your cheeks as you watch him go until he fades from view. And he kept his promise, he came back to you again, it just took some time. You got your happy ending, after all the obstacles you had to go through, together and alone.
The end.
Live without shame
"Hello, Grace" You say to Robbie's mother. You are standing at the stairs of her small house, at Robbie's childhood home, holding your children's hands.
"Come on in, darlings"
You nod, letting go of your children's hands, they cautiously go inside.
"This was your daddy's home" You say with slight break in your voice. Grace puts her hand on your shoulder.
"Go make things right with your family, I'll look after them" She whispers in your ear.
You place your hand on top of hers, squeezing it gratefully.
Then you kiss your children's heads as goodbye.
You walk to the door, putting your hand on handle. You turn towards Grace, saying that you'll be back. She promises you to look after them as long as you need. You nod and leave the house. You walk the short distance from the small house to mansion.
You then pull the bell, Cecilia comes and opens the door.
"Cee"
"Y/N?"
"May.. May I come in?"
She steps aside to let you in. You look sadly around the lobby, looking towards the library. Cee squeezes your hand in comforting manner.
"Where's mother and Leon?"
"In the drawing room"
You walk slowly towards it, hesitating to open the door.
"I'll be there the whole time" Cee whispers. You and Cee have kept in touch during these five years, but you swore that you wouldn't contact any other member of your family, especially not Briony. But now has come the time to do that, as you promised Robbie that you would make things right with your family. You open the door, stepping in.
Leon and your mother look up.
"Hello"
"Hello" Leon says.
"What are you doing here?" Your mother asks.
"I.. I promised him that I would come and make things right between us"
"Well, then, sit down"
Hours later, you have spoken everything through, your family met your children and you're preparing to leave.
"Darlings, remember to behave, okay?
Mommy loves you very, very much"
You kiss their heads once again. Then you leave the mansion. You walk to the tree which has gravestone under it.
"Hello, my love" You say while crouching down to touch the stone. You leave wild flowers on top of the grave. Then you turn and leave.
Days later, you're lying among people at Balham tube station. Then you see the lights flickering and hear the thunderous roar of water.
You are seen gracefully floating through the water, hair fantailed around your head. Then the scene fades to black and to older Briony.
"In the end they had their happiness"
Now there are two gravestones side by side under the tree at Tallis grounds. The leaves of the tree move in the wind, the wind whispering the story of two lovers who were at last reunited.
The final act of kindness/I gave them their happiness
Tired voice can be heard saying: "I never made that journey to Balham. So the scene in which I confess to them is invented, imagined."
"And, in fact, could have never happened because Robbie Turner died of septicemia at Bray Dunes on the first of June, 1940, the last day of evacuation"
Months later, you're lying amongst people at Balham tube station. Then you see the lights flickering and hear the thunderous roar of water. The water drowns everything under it.
"And I was never able to put things right with my sister, Y/N, because she was killed on 15th of October, 1940, by the bomb that destroyed the gas and water mains above the Balham tube station"
You are seen gracefully floating through the water, hair fantailed around your head. Then the scene fades to black and to older Briony.
"So my sister and Robbie never had the time together they both longed for and deserved, which, ever since I've always felt like I prevented. But what sense of hope or satisfaction could reader derive from an ending like that? So, in the book, I wanted to give Robbie and Y/N what they lost out on in life. I'd like to think this wasn't weakness or evasion, but a final act of kindness"
She thinks for a moment.
"I gave them their happiness"
Robbie and Y/N crunch across the pebbles and splash gleefully through the waves, below the towering white cliffs on their way back to their white clapboard cottage.
The end.
