Other thoughts: - Toby, you can't just add lyrics to your songs. They'll never leave my brain. - Gold > Yellow > Green > Seth > Blue > Aqua > Orange - I wish every chapter had a pink coin hunt and secret shop. - WAY UP HIGH IN THE SKY WITH THE SUN IN HIS EYES

What I disliked: - Getting a single chapter after the 3+4 combo from last year makes this release feel much lighter. - While I enjoyed the story, the major plot doesn't progress as much as I'd prefer. Chapter 5 seems to be more of a setup chapter for bigger twists to come.

What I liked: - The new traversal method spices up the journey and leads to lots of fun challenges and puzzles. - Humorous dialogue guarantees another rewiring of my brain. - An Undertale-heavy chapter, but callbacks are subtle enough and not required experience. - Bangin' soundtrack, my man.

Belated #GameReview of Deltarune Chapter 5: Spirits are lifted and playlists are filled once again by the latest chapter in the RPG series. It's funny, heartfelt, and filled with clever writing and originality. It plays its game fairly safely, but its depths are definitely worth diving into.

#MovieReview for Avatar Aang: The Last Airbender (2026): It feels like a filler episode of the classic series polished to a mirror sheen. The story is very predictable and there are too many meme callbacks, but great visuals. I loved the fight scenes and use of color, at least this one is pretty!

#MovieReview of Legend of Hei (2019): A beautifully animated adventure with some amazing fight choreography, a cute cat, and a fascinating world of spirits to explore. I appreciated the quieter moments too and it's a great chance to get to know the characters better.

Other thoughts: - Minigames (no matter how mini) are always appreciated. - A good jump scare doesn't need to be scary, it can just be weird. - Always support small teams who clearly love the craft.

What I disliked: - Several choices arbitrarily lead to instant death. There's no real consequence to dying, but it's annoying. Fuck me for turning left, I guess. - Combat is dependent on grinding high dice rolls against the enemy over strategy. - Player choices have little impact on the story.

What I liked: - The commitment to the tactile TTRPG experience is endearing. Number values are erased and penciled in, dice are rolled across the table, etc. - The artwork is beautiful and keeps the story engaging. - Inventory management is important and leads to some fun decisions.

#GameReview of Veritas Tales: Witch of the Dark Castle: A colorful visual novel comes to life as a wizard guides the player through a fantasy world of swords and sorcery. It's fairly short, pretty simple, but the novelty of the experience is worth adding to your library.

My coworker for the day:

Another Street Fighter 6 character has been mastered! I'm not sure Ingrid is a "villain", but she's going to have to learn to get along with my AKI, JP, and Bison.

Feels so good to know I can still shoot em up with the best - 1997 me would be proud!

Other thoughts: - It's a faithful remake, so the game is very short. Missed opportunity to add a couple planets. - Barrel rolls don't deflect lasers with that "tang" sound. - The minor script changes definitely messed with my quote-along. - Murder is fun. War is a game and I'm winning.

What I disliked: - The new voices are fine, but the performances are notably less animated. I miss the 90's anime over-the-topness. - Bosses don't flash or shake when they take damage, so it can be difficult to determine weak spots. There are specific hitsounds/effects, but they're more subtle.

What I liked: - Arwing feels strong but fragile, so flying missions are always exciting. - New cutscenes are great, gives me hope for future remakes/sequels. - Character models took some time to warm up to, but it's cool to see my friends. - Laser spam is easier? Maybe my N64 controllers are weary.

#GameReview for Star Fox (2026): A good game continues to be good! This remake of the N64 shooter is just as fun as it was 30 years ago and the new cutscenes add to the characterization and world building. There are lots of quality of life improvements, but not all the changes are for the better.

#MovieReview for I Love Boosters (2026): Boots Riley's latest is smart, hilarious, and completely unpredictable. I love the colorful, cartoony world and its crazy sci-fi magic. The message isn't subtle, but at this point, it's refreshing to see something genuine and honest on the screen.

Spooky meets a gnome:

#MovieReview of Adolescence of Utena (1999): The classic tale of love, roses, swords, sports cars, and precarious architecture. I loved the use of color, insane costumes, and beautifully surreal story. It's reassuring to know it makes just as much sense to me as it did 20 years ago!

Bingo sheet printed, ready for Deltarune Chapter 5! Initiate internet blackout until complete!

Other thoughts: - BONE UP - The jumpscares are well executed. Nothing is safe, nothing is sacred. - Solid characters and dialogue, but the overall story is predictable. - Endless replayability thanks to open level design, shortcuts, and tools available. - Deadlock patron voice, "MINA HA...LLOWER"

What I disliked: - Finding a specific subweapon can be tedious, particularly when trying a specific solution to a puzzle or tactic on a boss. - Perhaps an unavoidable quirk of the isometric camera, but moving and dodging on the z-axis feels rough, especially behind tall enemies or larger geometry.

What I liked: - Nothing has one single use. Weapons can aid traversal, equipment can find new loopholes in quests and puzzles. - Combat is exhilarating and bosses always bring something unique. Shield coffin rules! - Verticality is always clear even when something is underground or flying above.

#GameReview of Mina the Hollower: This gothic world is packed with ingenious puzzles and a combat system bursting with possibilities. While its retro inspirations are apparent, the innovative systems at work make this adventure truly one of a kind and it absolutely should not be missed!

Another batch of Pokemon cards join the collection! Shoutout to the gold-border Meowth that originally came with a box of Fruit Roll Ups.

#MovieReview for I Am Frankelda (2025): This beautiful stop-motion film follows a girl's journey to a world of nightmares and bizarre creatures. The story drifts into more style than substance, but it's worth watching for the artistry and character design alone. Don't sleep on this one!

I picked up some insane Pokemon cards at the show today, the collection is almost complete!

Other thoughts: - I would like to see a version of this game that's more linear and less "Metroidvania". - I didn't expect this level of furry nudity, this better not awaken anything in me. - The final boss has the sauce, single-handedly improved my opinion of the game. - Parry improves everything!

What I disliked: - A very frustrating map system. The map isn't detailed enough to navigate and there's no HUD minimap. There's no way to mark areas and it doesn't differentiate between blocked paths and unexplored ones. - Fast travel requires teleporting to the safe house first, waste of time.