While the Western was dying a slow death across the cultural landscape, it was blazing back to life as a video game in the early twenty-first century. Rockstar Games' Red Dead franchise, beginning with Red Dead Revolver in 2004, has grown into one of the most critically acclaimed video game franchises of the twenty-first century. Red Dead Redemption: History, Myth, and Violence in the Video Game West offers a critical, interdisciplinary look at this cultural phenomenon at the intersection of game studies and American history. Drawing on game studies, western history, American studies, and cultural studies, the authors train a wide-ranging, deeply informed analytic perspective on the Red Dead franchise-from its earliest incarnation to the latest, Red Dead Redemption 2 (2018). Their intersecting chapters put the series in the context of American history, culture, and contemporary media, with inquiries into issues of authenticity, realism, the meaning of play and commercial promotion, and the relationship between the game and the wider cultural iterations of the classic Western. The contributors also delve into the role the series' development has played in recent debates around working conditions in the gaming industry and gaming culture. In its redeployment and reinvention of the Western's myth and memes, the Red Dead franchise speaks to broader aspects of American culture-the hold of the frontier myth and the "Wild West" over the popular imagination, the role of gun culture in society, depictions of gender and ethnicity in mass media, and the increasing allure of digital escapism-all of which come in for scrutiny here, making this volume a vital, sweeping, and deeply revealing cultural intervention.

The Next Big Idea in Faith-Based Adult Activity Books! In this age of creative fun for adults, "extreme" dot-to-dots are ready to take the stage! You'll be amazed by the intricate dot art in this unique collection as you draw animals, trees, landscapes, and other beautiful images that connect you to the blessings of our creator God. Accompanying each image is a short devotion filled with the wisdom and truth of God's Word. Each piece of art in this book is made up of 400 to 1000 dots, providing entertainment and artistic stimulation you've been looking for. And when you've completed the pictures you can have fun coloring them, giving them to friends, or sharing them on social media. Take your creative pursuits to the next level as you draw these beautiful images while being reminded of God's amazing promises to you!

Time: Depends how long you last! Number of players: 2 Includes: 52 playing cards, plus an instruction card Ages: 18+ Assembly required? No Batteries required? No Warning: Not suitable for persons under 18 years. For adult use only. Who cares about winning? In this game, it's the taking part that counts... This X-rated version of the classic game of Snap is all about speed, spontaneity and paying close attention to the sex positions on the cards. It'll leave you and your opponent gagging for more.

Discover the war-ravaged lands of Dormus, the exciting world setting for the international bestselling gamebook series, DestinyQuest. Dormus is a world riven with strife and conflict, it's very fabric of reality under threat from otherworldly forces and cataclysmic events. These are dark and perilous days, where fractious tensions threaten to bring down kingdoms and empires, and demonic invaders sow seeds of chaos to hasten the fall of humanity. This is a time when great heroes will rise - legendary men and women of fame, who will spin the web of destiny anew, changing lives and history, influencing kings and nations, and becoming beacons of hope amidst a desperate world teetering on the brink of ruin. Inside this beautifully illustrated hardback volume you will find: * A detailed history of the world, from its creation by the celestial Fates, to the current End Days of crumbling empires and war-weary kingdoms. * A comprehensive timeline that charts the key events that have shaped the world of Dormus, right up to the present - interlinking with the narratives of the gamebook series. * An overview of the magic system, detailing the chaotic forces of the Shroud and the effects of its demonic taint, as well as the runic magic of the dwarves and the dangerous arts of channelling elemental forces. * Exciting character stories and biographies, exploring some of the key heroes (and villains) who have influenced the DestinyQuest world, including the legendary witchfinder, Eldias Falks, and the enigmatic archmage, Avian Dale. * Detailed summaries of the main factions that vie for power and influence within the kingdom of Valeron, from the secretive enclaves of the Arcane Hand to the scheming masters of shadow, the Nevarin. Whether you are a fan of the DestinyQuest series or a gamemaster looking for a new and immersive setting for your homebrew roleplaying campaigns, the World Companion delivers a wealth of exciting secrets and discoveries - everything you need to arm yourselves for epic adventures ahead. So, are you ready to embrace your destiny?

Chirp up your card games with the most beautiful birds in the world. Includes 52 playing cards featuring illustrations of birds ranging from the familiar to the exotic, plus two jokers. From the cheerful red cardinal to the majestic white swan, the imposing California condor to the flamboyant great blue turaco, these delightful birds may make you forget your poker face