In the last few years my brain has gravitated towards gaming systems as experiences. Similar to the deck-builder Dominion, a fantastic feedback loop sometimes makes for just as compelling a game experience as the deepest story.
And then there’s Balatro: A simple card game that is already my 2024 Game of the Year. It’s also one of the most maddening gaming experiences I’ve had in a while.
Balatro, you’re perfect. Balatro, you’re the worst.
Continue reading
Spoiler warning: Life Is Strange and Episodes 1 and 2 of Life Is Strange: Before The Storm
I cringe and shout in the anticipation of pain to come at the glowing screen. The truly terrifying moments come from the build towards an inevitable end that a character can’t see coming. Like a voyeur, the audience must sit in silence, an accomplice in the plot’s attempt to ruin lives. Continue reading
Want to hook with the best of the best? Watch me as I teach you to pass the Stitches Hook test. This is my first commentary and tutorial video for Heroes of the Storm, talking all about the best ways to position, play, and hook as everyone’s favorite abomination, Stitches. Continue reading
There’s a classic cognitive psychological study involving a patient, a button, and a reward. The point of the trial is to leave the patient alone in the room with the button, to test how long they’ll go without hitting the switch. The test is a window into the ability — and in some cases, inability — to handle delayed gratification.
Similar trials with monkeys and dogs exist, showing that even the animal kingdom only has so much patience. Continue reading
Tired, dripping with sweat, and feeling somewhat vacuous, three thoughts entered my mind as Kyle, Rachel, and myself shut the storage container door. Continue reading
So, how did you like my guide on Chromie? Did you find it informative?
….
What do you mean “I haven’t read it”?
Oh, right. I forgot that I could time travel and that this version of you, dear reader, hasn’t delved into the deep, dark secrets that my guide has to offer.
This means I still have to write the thing, doesn’t it? Bollocks. Continue reading
I never had the typical family vacation growing up. Where most families went to theme parks, historical sites, or tourist attractions, mine went to remote locations like the North Carolina hills and towns deep in the heart of Mississippi.
I don’t fault my parents. Having two kids that are five years apart in age must be hard. That said, every trip and tour I took as a kid centered around what mom and dad wanted to do.
I spent a lot of time at NASCAR tracks, ski resorts, and beach towns. I never told them, but the only thing I ever wanted was to go to Disney World. Continue reading
I have a confession: the Dark Souls 3 tutorial area boss killed me 15 times before I achieved victory. Continue reading
Backlog Adventures 