Diogmites

@Joeynator3000 Yeah, i think Gary Oldman is a killer actor and Shen is a layered villain. Thanks for the reply!

I have a soft spot for the KFP films, and the second one is my favorite for its beauty and villain. Though it is heartbreaking at times.
I might grab this at one point.
I keep buying these marketplace packs but never can bring myself to replace my ewok skin in MC.
His name is Buttonz btw
Thanks for the beans, Liam!

Those minis do look sweet…

@dugan I am early into the game and i love it too. I gotta prepare to DM in dnd late tonight so had to stop playing. I imagine JS&B is gonna get difficult! I hope i can persevere and thanks for the reply and well wishes!
p.s. will update you if i get stuck!

Keza is great and this interview is awesome.
Thanks to Jim and Keza!

Just played it in-between rounds of Just Shapes and Beats. Penny’s Big Breakaway seems pretty awesome.
Iz so colorz…
Thanks for the heads up on the demo!

@dartmonkey Playing this (Just Shapes and Beats) now. Sick beats, clever as heck, and i do love weaving in between projectiles…Played the demo for under a minute and purchased it.
Love your review! Thanks, man!

I just wana hear Shadow say, “I know Kung Fu.”

I see Starbound above. I’ve been hoping for this to come to switch for so long.
Where is Teleglitch ? I’m not gonna stop mentioning it. Am i the only one here who loves this game?
Gunfire Reborn They said it was coming. It has textureless polys and the environments aren’t that big. not a lot of crazy effects… you’d think 30fps would be so do-able. This fps roguelike with animals is a perfect fit for the hybrid.

@batmanbud2 Thanks! I haven’t played the pinball one. I will edit as necessary!

I was very late to Kirby with Triple Deluxe being my first game, and i have played quite a few titles starring the pink pellet since.
I bought Kirby and the Forgotten Land not long after it released, and still haven’t played it. It’s weird, but it’s nice to know that when i need him, he’s waiting for me.
Also, i maintain that Kirby is without teeth, as because of his excessive chewy-ness, temptation would be succumbed to, and the loveable lil fella would be forever forestalled, masticating upon himself, and Popstar and Dreamland would fall prey to the machinations of perhaps, the insatiable King Dedede, the mischievous Marx or other like-minded schemers.
Addition- I dug up my top 5 Kirby list:
1. Kirby Triple Deluxe
2. Planet Robobot
3. Kirby Super Star
4.Kirby’s Dreamland
5. Super Kirby Clash (strange entry but it was co-op mplayer so..)

@AlanaHagues The last time i went through Dark Souls , i had taken a long hiatus, and i think i died to Bed of Chaos more than in even my first playthrough. Not a well-designed boss from my perspective as well. Very frustrating!
The dlc is a high point, for sure! Also, the transition to Anor Londo is a favorite moment of mine.
I still have never played Bloodborne as i never owned a Playstation past 2. Someday!
I’m happy you found enjoyment in the game, despite its frustrations. Thank you for the reply. Alana!
Apologies for the long note!

“The wood is good.”
Japan.

Seeing Snufkin here makes me feel cozy.
I usually seek out cozy games to escape from harrowing challenge. But a game that was once challenging to me can become cozy with familiarity.

Or whatever. lol
I love the phrase “or whatever.”
In the reader’s letter it offsets their well-wishes and now the lot of us have been exposed to top-shelf “or whatever”.
Or whatever.
Another use allows one to lend doubt to an entire swath of words, which can be particularly effective if you are making what seems to be a significant point, only to impede one’s own momentum as well as the reader’s investment.
Or whatever.
Whichever(careful now) way one decides to use it is best done so sparingly as one will see diminishing returns on its comedic effect.
Or whatever.
Anyways, i gotta get going as i have some work to do or whatever.
(Thanks for the letter, MetaCrystal and to NLife for the selection and use of the word geddit. Mischief Makers is a great game and i need to try Just Shapes and Beats.(has a demo!)My “obscurer” game is The Speed Rumbler).

@Grail_Quest You’re welcome! I pulled an all-niter the first time i played Actraiser. One of my fondest memories of gaming.
I was there for the jump to 16 bit too! My first system was an Atari 5200.
Every hardware generational leap was a sight to behold!
As someone who can find beauty in every console’s graphics, i am with you.
Thank you for the thoughtful reply and have a good weekend!

I got to watch our boy, Damien, defend his journalistic integrity this week, and i am still proud of him.
Switch: Been playing a lot of small stuff.
Neodori Forever : I’m in-between horipads right now and my joycons were drifting so while this seemed like a fun 90s style racer, it was painful. I gotta wait.
Death’s Hangover: i am surprised this gets such low user reviews here. It’s a solid Arkanoid clone. But i did only pay twenty cents for it.
Bee Simulator is awful on Switch. Also, there’s no robber flies(f.Asilidae)… how do you have a bee game with no robber flies? There’s wasps.. spiders, dragonflies, humans(ewwww) and birds.. all bee predators… but no asilids.. not a one. Rgh!
I saw Lady Charlie mixing it up in the comments this week and it had me thinking of the great, Terror of Hemasaurus(cuz she recommended it, not cuz she’s a raging kaiju!), so i went to see if the dev had made anything else: i got Super Blood Hockey. On NES , i really gelled with the OG Ice Hockey, but wished it had the violence offered by Blades of Steel. And this is basically that. Plus funny writing, franchise mode etc. I love it. Just wish i had some skill at it. And thanks to Ollie’s excellent review, my expectations were tempered perfectly.
PC - Crazy Taxi I had a Dreamcast(bought it used) but never had CT. Guess what? It’s a gas. Glad i gave it a chance.
Also Vermintide 2 has a new map. Will play through it with a friend.
The Table: So, i made this tavern in DnD with all these playable events and she ignored them all and moved onto the rest of the town. sigh But that’s DMing. I’ll gently try to nudge her back, but won’t force it.
Take care all!

@Grail_Quest As someone who decided not to battle the final, secret boss in Octopath , i extend my utmost congratulations and respect to you!
Also, since i’m already messaging you: i love Actraiser too. It was a blind rental back in the day that turned out to be a top tier SNES title. Still have never gotten tired of it. Happy gaming!

During the pandemic in 2020, my partner was stuck in Japan, and online gaming was a great boon to us.
I did not consider it to be an adequate replacement for being in her presence while we played.
Everyone else, i would just prefer stay on the other side of whatever screen i am staring at.
Thank you for the article, Kate!

@FishyS Ah, i hadn’t checked the poll yet as i was in a hurry earlier.
It took me longer than some roguelikes to beat because of the difficulty which really ramps up in the later stages, but i did feel compelled to play it, so i did get that addictive feel that you find missing.
As you say, the cramped space is a huge factor . I find it also helps though, as one needs to be aware of all the enemies, projectiles and objects on screen at all times.
Either way, i had spotted you were playing it and couldn’t let it go unacknowledged. Best of luck with it and thanks for the reply!

@FishyS I saw last week you were playing Scourgebringer. It’s one of my favorite roguelikes, though quite difficult. I think the combat is perhaps the most intense I’ve experienced in that genre, without thinking too hard on it.

@AlanaHagues The first Dark Souls is my favorite of those games (not a common opinion, i think), and i consider it a (however flawed)masterpiece. My feelings would not be hurt if you wrote that the Bed of Chaos was the worst thing ever.

Note- I forgot to type congratulations on defeating a trying game!

@Rozetta That was my memory of it. I played it back in 2020 so it has been awhile. What genre would you suggest it be described as?

I had thought the new one was another 3d entry until recently. So hopefully i’ll soon be able to score another title!

@OorWullie That sentence had me gritting my teeth a little too. I am willing to bet that of the gamers i know irl, maybe one of them is aware of GC Sands of Time. While all but the youngest have played og PoP.
But all of us, we run with different crowds, so no biggie. Still, i get the cut of your gib!

Mana Spark is a decent little rogue-like(maybe not?) and i just picked up Death’s Hangover.
So far, seems like a game anybody who digs Arkanoid or Super Breakout! would enjoy. It has power ups and a mechanic where you can speed up or slow down the ball. There’s also enemies, bosses and obstacles to add gameplay variety. Not bad for twenty cents.
Seems like others have found some titles they enjoyed. I too, hear Rekt is good.
There’s probably a few more gleaming nuggets nestled amongst the rubble…

Getting Grounded if it runs well enough, as i’ve mentioned before.
The Botany Manor review made it seem interesting, and really i dig the Botany of it all, but i’m not sure i will be able to overcome its puzzling demands.
Thank you for compiling this and for the game descriptions!

@Solomon_Rambling Wanted to let you know before i turn in, i realise you might be doing research. I was curious and read your Reventure review. Good stuff! Clever. Anyways, good luck on the book! ✌️

@Inaroomalone Thanks for the recommendation! I’ve already decided i’m going to play it if it gets a remaster, but it’s good to hear another opinion.

Man, i was never gonna play this again, but for Contra…
Back in the saddle May 9th!

Also, i considered the Castlevania DLC to be built into the game already…

@Solomon_Rambling You’re welcome! I don’t really have any books that offer deep intellectual insights into the hobby or the people in it and how and why they do what they do, other than what i have gleaned.
But, i hope you find some good books that suit your tastes! ✌️

@Jhena I’ll remember your words next time i have a chance to play it. Thank you for the reply and recommendation! ✌️

Edited for safety

@Solomon_Rambling I also have less base reasons, but i am very tactile and i have a connection to the feel and look of a physical volume.
I understand that there are oodles of lists online, but i prefer book form.
I am an avid and compulsive lister, and i tend to make a lot of lists(i actually have journals filled with them) and find they are good for tracking my changing interests over time as well as reminding me of events from the past. And reading other people’s lists appeals to me.
As far as what i would get out of it, i dunno, the perspective of another gamer, pretty pictures, maybe i’ll learn about a game i didn’t know about…
That is all ancillary to the much more enjoyable process of drinking in the heady scent of binding glue, rubbing my hands over the barely perceptibly pitted cover and thumbing the velvety pages.
Regarding the lack of the outro and a more conceptual picture it could have provided: i would miss it too, especially if the author can write, but i won’t know if i care about those thoughts at this point. I’d have to read a bit first.
In summary: i like books and lists and i want more.
Thanks for the reply!

Oooh books! Like video games but when you touch the pictures it feels different!
I have quite a few books on games: art, encyclopedic and historical, and this appeals to me.
I hope it shows up somewhere where i can pick it up in the States easily. I picked up one of Scullion’s console books off US Amazon and it still had the White Owl imprint, so maybe i’ll see this there. It seems like a rad book!
Anyways, lovely review! Thanks, Ollie! (I like horror films too!)

@Franc001 Thank you! That is quite helpful, actually! ✌️

@Jhena I just really liked the look of it. It seemed to have a darker tone. I know next to nothing about it. I think there’s a wolf and a lil freaky lookin character.
I just went and read a bit and saw it was the best selling Zelda game until BOTW. That doesn’t exactly scream “unlikeable game” so i’m guessing it was just my friend’s personal take.
Maybe they’ll shove out a remaster to help ease the wait until the next Switch…

Honestly, i didn’t expect a reply to my rambling thoughts from anyone lol

Majora’s Mask is a Zelda game i actually regret not playing. I never played Twilight Princess either. A Zelda fan actually persuaded me not to, even though i liked Wind Waker.
Is this a common thing, is TP regarded as a lesser Zelda by the fans?
If i was ever going to pick up a 3d Zelda i missed and play it, i would try one of those two titles before BotW of TotK.
Anyways, best wishes to Felix on his journey!

@RJCW You’re welcome! ✌️

Did i miss the year of Cream and Cheese the chao?
Is Cream the rabbit liked among Sonic fans?
Does Cheese the chao have a partner? Does Cheese have children? Are they named after various kinds of cheese? Is there a child named Smoked Gouda?
Smoked Gouda is my favorite Sonic character if there is. Followed by his impetuous sibling Cheddar…
I haven’t eaten breakfast yet, so sorry.

Oh yeah, congratulations, Shadow!

I shower with water, but i don’t think i would be opposed to being showered with bugs.
Repetition tho, can’t see past that.
Thank you for the review!

Top photo, far right: if i take off my glasses, it looks like a bust of Optimus Prime viewed from his left side.
That Oddish is cute.
I don’t like being ensconced in crowds, so i would never go, but it’s fun to read about your experiences! Thanks for the article, Jim!

Another insanely awesome looking Vanillaware game i haven’t played. Gimmie on Switch!
And an excellent and lovely collection of words. Thank you!

@KateGray You’re welcome and thanks for the reply! I anxiously await that review! I think that game is a ways off… i will be patient!
Also, me and mine are excitedly anticipating Moonstone Island on Switch.

@RJCW She’s a great writer! Forgive me if you’re aware, but Kate was a staffer here and she left to pursue other endeavors over a year ago.
One of which was a game called Moonstone Island, which she worked on! It was released on steam in September and is set to release this year on Switch.
But yeah, it’s a happy day here at NL when Kate graces us with her words.

@InTree I have enough on my gaming plate as is, but maybe someday i’ll play them. Fire Emblem in particular looks cool, although i think i would pick up Unicorn Overlord first.
I know i was being a fool. I have some mental glitches i need to iron out, sometimes i just lose my head. It’s really weird. I typed many stupid things, i am aware. Thanks for the reply!

This was a great read, Jim! Though the catalyst was different, a couple decades ago i resurrected my Magic: TG collecting and playing.
My wallet still shudders when we pass Magic packs in the store.
I want to say sorry for being a jerk in your last comments section, Jim.
Anyways, thanks for the article!

This was a great review to read!
The game still seems pretty rough even though a lot of issues have been improved upon.
It’s cool they added female players.
Thanks PJ! 👍

@DreamlandGem You’re welcome! And thank you much for the reply! ✌️

“it's a solid four hours of exploration and deep thinking”

Oh lordy!

I wish i lived where burros live. I never get to say burro. I wonder if people are happier in places where burros tread.

Kate’s already a bankable star as far as i’m concerned, but this paragraph made it special : “But these days, cosy games have become a dominant part of gaming culture, and the conflict-free alternatives they once offered as a respite from the status quo are now a lucrative part of the status quo. This is what happens when counter-culture becomes culture: it forgets its roots and its purpose, and instead becomes about aping what's already popular. In the process, many cosy games fail to understand that a player's desire for softness and kindness does not mean that they want a completely toothless game. Challenge is not conflict. Challenge is fun.”

Thank you for the wonderfully written review!

Edit-changed tense of (trod)

@DreamlandGem Early last year i had a brief encounter with you in the forums here and I complimented your art. I was very specific in my compliment and i lauded the way you put breaks in your lines. I noticed you didn’t respond to the compliment and i began to panic as i often fail miserably at social interactions. So i went and looked at other Kirby art, fearing my compliment might be taken as an insult, and sure enough, every piece of kirby art had that style. It did stand out to me, and the compliment was genuine, i just wish i had made it broader.
It’s been bothering me for some time now, but i wasn’t sure if i was being a nut, or if my suspicions were correct.
Apologies if i read the situation wrong and this is all just a surprise to you. Either way, i think you are a very talented and kind person, and an excellent artist.

@dartmonkey I saw you mentioned What They Don’t Sea in this past weekend’s What Are You Playing and i appreciate that ✌️❤️

Edited - fixed the game title!