Software:Xeno Crisis
Xeno Crisis | |
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Developer(s) | Bitmap Bureau[lower-alpha 1] |
Publisher(s) | Bitmap Bureau[lower-alpha 2] |
Director(s) | Matthew Cope Mike Tucker |
Programmer(s) | Matthew Cope Mike Tucker |
Artist(s) | Henk Nieborg Catherine Menabde |
Composer(s) | Daniel Bärlin |
Platform(s) | Sega Mega Drive/Genesis, Linux, macOS, Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Dreamcast, PlayStation Vita, Neo Geo, Neo Geo CD, Nintendo 64, GameCube, Super Nintendo Entertainment System |
Release | |
Genre(s) | Multidirectional shooter |
Mode(s) | Single-player, multiplayer |
Xeno Crisis is a 2019 multidirectional shooter homebrew video game developed and published by Bitmap Bureau for the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis, Linux, macOS, Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One. It was later ported to Dreamcast, PlayStation Vita, Neo Geo, Neo Geo CD, Nintendo 64, GameCube, and Super Nintendo Entertainment System. The premise takes place in Outpost 88, a scientific research facility overrun by aliens. The facility sent a distress signal, leading Commander Darius dispatching space marines John Marsh and Sarah Ridley to confront the aliens. Gameplay revolves around players defeating enemies, rescuing survivors, collecting in-game currency for upgrades, and facing against bosses.
Critical reception for Xeno Crisis has varied depending on the version; the Mega Drive/Genesis release garnered generally favorable reviews, while the Switch port received average reviews. Praise was given to its graphical presentation, soundtrack, arcade-style gameplay, controls, and cooperative multiplayer, but some reviewers felt mixed regarding the bosses and certain design decisions. Criticism was geared towards its difficulty, short length, and issues when playing with the Mega Drive's three-button controller.
Gameplay
Xeno Crisis is a multidirectional shooter game similar to Robotron and Smash TV.[1][2][3][4] The premise begins with Commander Darius receiving a distress signal from Outpost 88, a scientific research facility overrun by aliens. The space marines John Marsh and Sarah Ridley are dispatched on a drop ship to confront the aliens at the facility.[2][5] One or two players control either Marsh or Ridley, and work their way through seven procedurally generated levels. There are a number of enemies of various difficulty in each room, concluding with a boss battle at the end of most levels.[1][2][4][5] After enemies onscreen are killed, a chance of an item, a weapon drop, health, or dogtags are dropped to aid the player. Dogtags are used as in-game currency to buy upgrades such as additional health or increase the player character's speed. The starting machine gun has limited ammunition, and weapon pickups have a time limit, requiring players to stay on the move and on the lookout for ammunition boxes. Along the way, players will come across with survivors of the facility that can be rescued and released to safety.[1][2][3][4][5]
The game employs a twin-stick control scheme, which allows for an eight-way input direction; the d-pad or left joystick controls the on-screen character's movement, while the buttons or right joystick controls the direction the character's weapon fires.[1][2][4][5][6] The player character is equipped with a limited supply of grenades, capable of obliterating any enemy caught within its blast radius.[1][2][3][5][6] If a player character runs out of bullets and grenades, they can perform a close-range melee attack against enemies.[1][2][4][5][6] The player character can also perform an evasive roll maneuver to dodge enemies and enemy fire.[1][3][5][6] There are over ten weapon pickups, each with their own characteristics, ranging from flamethrowers, homing shots, lasers, rocket launchers, and shotguns.[4][5][6] The characters can withstand a limited number of enemy hits but the game is over once their health are depleted, though players have the option to continue playing using elixirs that can also be purchased.[1][2][3][5][6] The player can access the game's options screen to change configurations such as controls, difficulty, among other settings.[2][5]
Development
Xeno Crisis was developed by Bitmap Bureau.[7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16]
Release
Xeno Crisis was launched by Bitmap Bureau via Kickstarter in December 2017, and met its initial £18,261 ($20,000) funding goal days later.[17][18][19][20] The game was initinally in development for Sega Mega Drive/Genesis, but ports for Dreamcast, Linux, macOS, Microsoft Windows, and Nintendo Switch were confirmed after the funding reached previously established stretch goals.[9][20][21][22] The campaign ended on January 10, 2018, raising £72,569 ($92,271) in total.[7][23] It was first slated for October 2018, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of the Mega Drive's Japanese launch.[17][18][19] Bitmap Bureau announced that the game would not be ready by 2018, due to production slowing down.[24] Ports for Neo Geo, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One were later confirmed.[24] Physical copies for Switch and PlayStation 4 were confirmed in partnertship with Strictly Limited Games.[25][26] In December 2018, pre-orders for digital and physical editions of the Mega Drive, Dreamcast, and Neo Geo versions opened up.[27] The Neo Geo port was available in MVS (arcade), AES (home), and CD (Neo Geo CD) formats.[27]
Xeno Crisis was published by Bitmap Bureau for the Mega Drive, Linux, macOS, Windows, Switch, and PlayStation 4 on October 28, 2019.[28][29] The Xbox One port was published two days later on October 30, 2019.[29] The Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One ports were handled by DO Games.[30] Strictly Limited Games later opened up pre-orders for physical copies of the Switch and PlayStation 4 ports as two editions: a regular edition and a collector's edition, featuring an artbook, a CD album containing the original soundtrack, among other extras.[31] The Dreamcast port went gold and was published on June 16, 2020, featuring additional content including a narrated introductory sequence and support for the VMU.[32][33] Eastasiasoft announced a PlayStation Vita port, and opened up pre-orders via online retailer Play-Asia in July 2020.[34] The Vita port was first published in Japan on September 17, 2020, and later in North America on September 22, 2020, as a limited edition of 2000 copies.[34][35][36] Eastasiasoft also distributed the Switch and PlayStation 4 ports in Japan.[36]
The Mega Drive version was included as part of the Xeno Crisis & Tanglewood compilation for Evercade, released by Blaze Entertainment on November 6, 2020.[37][38][39][40] The Neo Geo and Neo Geo CD versions were completed and published in October 2021, but their retail price was increased due to the global chip shortage as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.[41][42][43] Xeno Crisis became available via Xbox Game Pass on August 6, 2020 for PC and Xbox consoles, but was later delisted in January 2022.[44][45] On April Fools' Day 2023, Nintendo 64 and GameCube ports were confirmed and published that same month.[15][46][47] The GameCube port requires a modded system in order to boot the disc.[48] A Super Nintendo Entertainment System port was later unveiled and scheduled for launch in the fourth quarter of 2023.[49][50] Bitmap Bureau also confirmed Game Boy Advance and PlayStation ports were nearing completion as well.[15]
Reception
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Xeno Crisis on Nintendo Switch garnered "mixed or average" reviews, according to review aggregator site Metacritic.[51] Nintendo Life's Jason Brown reviewed the Switch port, praising the game's design, fast-paced gameplay, and cooperative mode, but criticized its difficulty for being off-putting for inexperienced players.[2] Vandal's Ramón Nafria praised the game's graphical presentation, audio, and two-player mode, but noted that it can be difficult for one player.[54] 4Players' Matthias Schmid highlighted the game's visuals, controls, soundscape, challenge, and rudimentary character leveling system. Nevertheless, Schmid saw aspects such as the "down-to-earth" playability, scope, and bosses as shortcomings.[52] Sega-16's Ken Horowitz gave the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis version positive remarks for its engrossing arcade-style gameplay, artwork by Henk Nieborg, and soundtrack by Daniel Bärlin (Savaged Regime), but noted its difficulty and faulted its short length.[6]
M! Games' Thomas Nickel reviewed the Switch port, commending the game's frenetic action, large bosses, difficulty, controls, multiplayer, and pixel art.[1] Retro Gamer's Darran Jones regarded it as one of the best arena shooters on the Mega Drive, highlighting its "ridiculous" action, co-op play, and bosses, but noted its difficulty and issues when playing with the Mega Drive's three-button controller.[3] Jones also called the Nintendo 64 version "superb", comparing it favorably with the Dreamcast version, but felt that an option for customizable controls would have been a nice addition.[53] Reviewing the Mega Drive version, Wireframe's Ryan Lambie praised the game's polish and gameplay, but criticized some design decisions like the weapon upgrades and the melee attack feature.[4] Hardcore Gamer's Marcus Estrada analyzed the Mega Drive version as part of the Xeno Crisis & Tanglewood compilation for Evercade, stating that the difficulty and random-generated stages made it a replayable title.[37]
Notes
- ↑ Ported to Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One by DO Games
- ↑ Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation Vita versions were published in Japan by Eastasiasoft
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 1.9 Nickel, Thomas (December 18, 2019). "Xeno Crisis – im Test (Switch)" (in de). Cybermedia. https://www.maniac.de/tests/xeno-crisis-im-test-switch/.).
- ↑ 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 Brown, Jason (November 4, 2019). "Xeno Crisis Review (Switch) — Standup fight or just another bug hunt?". Nintendo Life. Gamer Network. http://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/nintendo-switch/xeno_crisis.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 Jones, Darran (December 31, 2019). "Retro Rated - Retro Roundup: Xeno Crisis (Mega Drive [tested])". Retro Gamer (Future Publishing) (202): 102.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 Lambie, Ryan (February 27, 2020). "Rated - Review: Xeno Crisis — Remember: short, controlled bursts (Format: Mega Drive [tested)"]. Wireframe (Raspberry Pi Foundation) (33): 59. https://archive.org/details/Wireframe33/page/n58/mode/1up. (Transcription by Wireframe. ).
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6 5.7 5.8 5.9 Xeno Crisis (Instruction Manual) (European ed.). Bitmap Bureau. 2019.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 6.6 Horowitz, Ken (November 18, 2019). "Xeno Crisis". Sega-16. https://www.sega-16.com/2019/11/xeno-crisis/.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 "Xeno Crisis for Sega Mega Drive, Dreamcast, Switch and Steam". Kickstarter. December 11, 2017. https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1676714319/xeno-crisis-a-new-game-for-the-sega-genesis-mega-d/.
- ↑ Horowitz, Ken (January 8, 2018). "Interview: Bitmap Bureau (Xeno Crisis Developer)". Sega-16. https://www.sega-16.com/2018/01/interview-bitmap-bureau-xeno-crisis-developers/.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 Rick, Christophor (January 10, 2018). "Xeno Crisis Crushes Kickstarter Goals". RETRO Video Game Magazine. RETRO Media Network, GameGavel LLC. https://readretro.com/xeno-crisis-crushes-kickstarter-goals/.
- ↑ "Entrevista exclusiva com Bitmap Bureau, produtora de "Xeno Crisis", novo jogo para Mega Drive!" (in pt). Tectoy. January 29, 2018. https://blogtectoy.com.br/entrevista-exclusiva-com-bitmap-bureau-produtora-de-xeno-crisis-novo-jogo-para-mega-drive/.
- ↑ Battison, Jamie (March 1, 2018). "RVG Interviews: Bitmap Bureau". Retro Video Gamer. Zaps Media. https://www.retrovideogamer.co.uk/rvg-interviews-bitmap-bureau/.
- ↑ McFerran, Damien (June 18, 2019). "Feature: Xeno Crisis Is Smash TV Meets Aliens, And It's Looking Incredible". Nintendo Life. Gamer Network. http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2019/06/feature_xeno_crisis_is_smash_tv_meets_aliens_and_its_looking_incredible.
- ↑ Keil, Alyssa (July 12, 2019). "Xeno Crisis: An Interview with Mike Tucker from Bit Map Bureau". Mega Cat Studios. https://megacatstudios.com/blogs/gaming-news/xeno-crisis-an-interview-with-mike-tucker-from-bit-map-bureau.
- ↑ Linneman, John (October 25, 2020). "DF Developers: Brand New Mega Drive/Genesis Games With Bitmap Bureau and Big Evil Corp [Sponsored"]. Digital Foundry. Gamer Network. https://www.digitalfoundry.net/df-developers-brand-new-mega-drivegenesis-games-with-bitmap-bureau-and-big-evil-corp-sponsored.
- ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 "Retro Interview: Xeno Crisis". Debug (Boss Mode Ltd.) (1): 72–73. April–June 2023.
- ↑ Freeman, Will (August 3, 2023). "The Making of: Xeno Crisis". Retro Gamer (Future Publishing) (249): 52–57.
- ↑ 17.0 17.1 Lopes, Gonçalo (December 11, 2017). "Retro Alert! Mega Drive Is Getting A New Arcade-Style Shooter In 2018". Nintendo Life. Gamer Network. https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2017/12/retro_alert_mega_drive_is_getting_a_new_arcade-style_shooter_in_2018.
- ↑ 18.0 18.1 Verdin, Guillaume (December 16, 2017). "Xeno Crisis, un somptueux run and gun pour les 30 ans de la Mega drive !" (in fr). MO5.com (fr). Association MO5.COM. https://mag.mo5.com/128495/xeno-crisis-un-somptueux-run-and-gun-pour-les-30-ans-de-la-mega-drive/.
- ↑ 19.0 19.1 Moyse, Chirs (December 20, 2017). "Xeno Crisis is a brand new Sega Mega Drive/Genesis game coming from British studio". Destructoid. Enthusiast Gaming. https://www.destructoid.com/xeno-crisis-is-a-brand-new-sega-mega-drive-genesis-game-coming-from-british-studio/.
- ↑ 20.0 20.1 Lopes, Gonçalo (January 7, 2018). "Kickstarter Retro Sensation Xeno Crisis Targeting Switch". Nintendo Life. Gamer Network. https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2018/01/kickstarter_retro_sensation_xeno_crisis_targeting_switch.
- ↑ Wong, Alistair (January 4, 2018). "Xeno Crisis Is A New Top-Down Shooter Coming To Mega Drive, Genesis, Dreamcast". Siliconera. Curse LLC. https://www.siliconera.com/xeno-crisis-new-top-shooter-coming-mega-drive-genesis-dreamcast/.
- ↑ Moyse, Chirs (January 11, 2018). "Sega Mega Drive/Genesis shooter Xeno Crisis confirmed for Steam and Switch". Destructoid. Enthusiast Gaming. https://www.destructoid.com/sega-mega-drive-genesis-shooter-xeno-crisis-confirmed-for-steam-and-switch/.
- ↑ "Thanks everyone!". Kickstarter. January 12, 2018. https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1676714319/xeno-crisis-a-new-game-for-the-sega-genesis-mega-d/posts/2089546.
- ↑ 24.0 24.1 Verdin, Guillaume (September 8, 2018). "Xeno Crisis en retard sur Mega Drive, mais bientôt sur Neo·Geo !" (in fr). MO5.com (fr). Association MO5.COM. https://mag.mo5.com/146903/xeno-crisis-en-retard-sur-mega-drive-mais-bientot-sur-neo%c2%b7geo/.
- ↑ Craddock, Ryan (November 14, 2018). "Mega Drive Kickstarter Success Xeno Crisis Is Getting A Limited Physical Edition On Switch". Nintendo Life. Gamer Network. https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2018/11/mega_drive_kickstarter_success_xeno_crisis_is_getting_a_limited_physical_edition_on_switch.
- ↑ Verdin, Guillaume (November 19, 2018). "Xeno Crisis, un jeu Mega Drive aussi en boîte sur PlayStation 4 et Switch" (in fr). MO5.com (fr). Association MO5.COM. https://mag.mo5.com/151514/xeno-crisis-un-jeu-mega-drive-aussi-en-boite-sur-playstation-4-et-switch/.
- ↑ 27.0 27.1 Verdin, Guillaume (December 23, 2018). "Xeno Crisis sur Mega Drive, Dreamcast et Neo·Geo ouvre sa boutique" (in fr). MO5.com (fr). Association MO5.COM. https://mag.mo5.com/154116/xeno-crisis-sur-mega-drive-dreamcast-et-neo%c2%b7geo-ouvre-sa-boutique/.
- ↑ Peeples, Jeremy (October 29, 2019). "Xeno Crisis Now Available on Consoles, PC". Hardcore Gamer. Hardcore Gamer LLC. https://hardcoregamer.com/news/xeno-crisis-now-available-on-consoles-pc/360825/.
- ↑ 29.0 29.1 Verdin, Guillaume (October 29, 2019). "Xeno Crisis enfin dispo sur Mega Drive, mais aussi PC, Mac et consoles HD" (in fr). MO5.com (fr). Association MO5.COM. https://mag.mo5.com/172410/xeno-crisis-enfin-dispo-sur-mega-drive-mais-aussi-pc-mac-et-consoles-hd/.
- ↑ "Games: Xeno Crisis". DO Games. 2021. https://do-games.com/games/xeno-crisis.
- ↑ Verdin, Guillaume (January 25, 2020). "Xeno Crisis, le homebrew Mega Drive aussi en boîte sur PS4 et Switch" (in fr). MO5.com (fr). Association MO5.COM. https://mag.mo5.com/175993/xeno-crisis-le-homebrew-mega-drive-aussi-en-boite-sur-ps4-et-switch/.
- ↑ Rick, Christophor (May 19, 2020). "Xeno Crisis for Dreamcast goes gold". RETRO Video Game Magazine. RETRO Media Network, GameGavel LLC. https://readretro.com/xeno-crisis-for-dreamcast-goes-gold/.
- ↑ SmokeMonster (June 16, 2020). "Dreamcast Xeno Crisis Released". https://admin.retrorgb.com/dreamcast-xeno-crisis-released.html.
- ↑ 34.0 34.1 Pearson, Ryan (July 6, 2020). "Xeno Crisis Limited Edition Heads to PlayStation Vita, Pre-Orders Begin July 9". Niche Gamer. Pretentious Media Network. https://nichegamer.com/xeno-crisis-limited-edition-heads-to-playstation-vita-pre-orders-begin-july-9/.
- ↑ "Xeno Crisis for PlayStation Vita Reviews". Metacritic. Red Ventures. September 22, 2020. https://www.metacritic.com/game/xeno-crisis/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-vita.
- ↑ 36.0 36.1 ginger (September 10, 2023). "見下ろし型アクションシューティング「ゼノ・クライシス」が9月17日に発売。海兵隊員となってエイリアンの群れを殲滅せよ" (in ja). 4Gamer.net. Aetas Inc.. https://www.4gamer.net/games/528/G052845/20200910054/.
- ↑ 37.0 37.1 Estrada, Marcus (November 6, 2020). "A Look Inside Evercade's Xeno Crisis and Tanglewood Cartridge". Hardcore Gamer. Hardcore Gamer LLC. https://hardcoregamer.com/features/a-look-inside-evercades-xeno-crisis-and-tanglewood-cartridge/391504/.
- ↑ McFerran, Damien (February 28, 2020). "Evercade Lineup Grows Thanks To "Modern Retro" Titles Xeno Crisis And Tanglewood". Nintendo Life. Gamer Network. https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2020/02/evercade_lineup_grows_thanks_to_modern_retro_titles_xeno_crisis_and_tanglewood.
- ↑ Estrada, Marcus (June 30, 2020). "Pre-Orders Now Live for Two New Evercade Cartridges". Hardcore Gamer. Hardcore Gamer LLC. https://hardcoregamer.com/news/pre-orders-now-live-for-two-new-evercade-cartridges/381989/.
- ↑ Verdin, Guillaume (November 13, 2020). "TEST : Xeno Crisis & Tanglewood Dual Game Cartridge" (in fr). MO5.com (fr). Association MO5.COM. https://mag.mo5.com/187858/test-xeno-crisis-and-tanglewood-dual-game-cartridge/.
- ↑ Verdin, Guillaume (May 24, 2021). "L'épatant Xeno Crisis enfin en approche de la Neo·Geo" (in fr). MO5.com (fr). Association MO5.COM. https://mag.mo5.com/199434/lepatant-xeno-crisis-enfin-en-approche-de-la-neogeo/.
- ↑ "Neo Geo released! (October 2021)". Kickstarter. October 16, 2021. https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1676714319/xeno-crisis-a-new-game-for-the-sega-genesis-mega-d/posts/3331960.
- ↑ Nickel, Thomas (March 28, 2022). "Xeno Crisis für Neo Geo" (in de). Cybermedia. https://www.maniac.de/news/xeno-crisis-fuer-neo-geo/.).
- ↑ Reynolds, Matthew (2023-08-04). "Xbox Game Pass games list for August, all games currently available for Xbox consoles — A complete list, including Xbox Game Pass Core games". Eurogamer (Gamer Network). https://www.eurogamer.net/xbox-game-pass-games-list-this-month-price-6400.
- ↑ Carey, Sean (January 18, 2022). "Xbox Game Pass loses Nowhere Prophet, Cyber Shadow, and more soon". TrueAchievements (TrueGaming Network Ltd). https://www.trueachievements.com/n48393/xbox-game-pass-leaving-soon-mid-january-2022.
- ↑ Verdin, Guillaume (April 4, 2023). "Le chouette Xeno Crisis également sur Nintendo 64 et GameCube !" (in fr). MO5.com (fr). Association MO5.COM. https://mag.mo5.com/240062/le-chouette-xeno-crisis-egalement-sur-nintendo-64-et-gamecube/.
- ↑ Yarwood, Jack (April 6, 2023). "Yes, Xeno Crisis For The N64 And GameCube Are The Real Deal". Time Extension. Hookshot Media. https://www.timeextension.com/news/2023/04/random-yes-xeno-crisis-for-the-n64-and-gamecube-are-the-real-deal.
- ↑ McFerran, Damien (April 28, 2023). "Xeno Crisis Continues Its Quest To Be Released On Every Gaming System Ever Made". Time Extension. Hookshot Media. https://www.timeextension.com/features/hands-on-xeno-crisis-continues-its-quest-to-be-released-on-every-gaming-system-ever-made.
- ↑ McFerran, Damien (July 28, 2023). "Xeno Crisis Is Finally Coming To The SNES". Time Extension. Hookshot Media. https://www.timeextension.com/news/2023/07/exclusive-xeno-crisis-is-finally-coming-to-the-snes.
- ↑ Matsumoto, Ryuichi (July 30, 2023). "ドット絵・高難度のアリーナシューター「Xeno Crisis」,スーパーファミコン版を2023年Q4にリリース。予約受付を開始" (in ja). 4Gamer.net. Aetas Inc.. https://www.4gamer.net/games/999/G999903/20230730013/.
- ↑ 51.0 51.1 "Xeno Crisis for Switch Reviews". Metacritic. Red Ventures. October 28, 2019. https://www.metacritic.com/game/xeno-crisis/critic-reviews/?platform=nintendo-switch.
- ↑ 52.0 52.1 Schmid, Matthias (November 12, 2019). "Test: Xeno Crisis (Arcade-Action)" (in de). 4Players. 4Players GmbH. https://www.4players.de/4players.php/dispbericht/Allgemein/Test/39360/84091/0/Xeno_Crisis.html.
- ↑ 53.0 53.1 Jones, Darran (May 11, 2023). "Retro Rated - Retro Roundup: Xeno Crisis (N64 [tested])". Retro Gamer (Future Publishing) (246): 96.
- ↑ 54.0 54.1 Nafria, Ramón (November 7, 2019). "Análisis Xeno Crisis, disparos de la vieja escuela (PC, Switch, Xbox One, PS4)" (in es). Vandal. El Español. https://vandal.elespanol.com/analisis/pc/xeno-crisis/56020#p-13.
External links
Original source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xeno Crisis.
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