February 2023 - Reconstruction In Death, The Boundaries of the "Natural World," And Robot Girls In Space
Hello everyone!
Hope this dreary winter month served you well. I turned 29 this month and my wife threw multiple parties that made me feel very loved and special. Hope you got to have something that made you feel the same way this month!
Hope this dreary winter month served you well. I turned 29 this month and my wife threw multiple parties that made me feel very loved and special. Hope you got to have something that made you feel the same way this month!
As for general updates, the next Angel Looking Backward should be out soon. Hoping to "catch up" a bit on the column over the next month or so. I also have some bigger pieces for sure dropping in March. You'll find out all about it here of course!
Writing in February
I reviewed the Dead Space Remake for Paste, trying to think through the ways it resembles its subject. Shambling horrible undead with teeth and claws that still cut.
For Uppercut, I wrote a big analysis of Sephonie's natural world, in particular how it breaks down the barriers between the natural world and technology.
On Safe Room this month, we covered one of last year's indie hits: Signalis. A deliciously well-crafted game that wears its influences on its sleeve, but manages to impress on its own terms.
I guested on Scanline Media's podcast Novel Not New to talk about Disco Elysium. One of the most discussed games of recent years, I think this is still a lovely and novel discussion. It's behind a $5 paywell, but please throw them some money if you want to listen!
For Uppercut, I wrote a big analysis of Sephonie's natural world, in particular how it breaks down the barriers between the natural world and technology.
On Safe Room this month, we covered one of last year's indie hits: Signalis. A deliciously well-crafted game that wears its influences on its sleeve, but manages to impress on its own terms.
I guested on Scanline Media's podcast Novel Not New to talk about Disco Elysium. One of the most discussed games of recent years, I think this is still a lovely and novel discussion. It's behind a $5 paywell, but please throw them some money if you want to listen!
Bits And Bobs
Pocket Card Jockey: Ride On! - Downloaded this Apple Arcade exclusive, a remake of the 3DS classic, on a whim. It's a really impressive distraction, building out its solitaire mechanics into something both lean and expressive. It comes off as a little complex, but playing it makes all its edges readable. It's nice to play a simple, mobile game that has some drama, that feels plugged into a kind of "real world" storytelling. A race is a common structure point for games across mediums, but this manages to feel uniquely sharp and clever nevertheless.
A video review of Alice Is Missing - So I've been getting back into Shut Up & Sit Down, the classic board game review website. A review is like the basic unit of modern criticism, almost like a happy meal is to dining out. However, a video review from Shut Up & Sit Down is like being treated to a great meal by your friends. They can swing from heartfelt ode to absurd story to profound common sense, all over multiple courses that feel solidly crafted and paced. Mostly importantly, it just doesn't take itself too seriously. Writing criticism is a silly job! And I, for one, could stand to be sillier about it. This review of the role playing game Alice Is Missing is a fantastic example of what makes their criticism work. Constantly funny, but never insincere. A "how to play" that feels like a story in-and-of itself. The basic craft just oozes out of this and it's enough to make me green with envy.
A video review of Alice Is Missing - So I've been getting back into Shut Up & Sit Down, the classic board game review website. A review is like the basic unit of modern criticism, almost like a happy meal is to dining out. However, a video review from Shut Up & Sit Down is like being treated to a great meal by your friends. They can swing from heartfelt ode to absurd story to profound common sense, all over multiple courses that feel solidly crafted and paced. Mostly importantly, it just doesn't take itself too seriously. Writing criticism is a silly job! And I, for one, could stand to be sillier about it. This review of the role playing game Alice Is Missing is a fantastic example of what makes their criticism work. Constantly funny, but never insincere. A "how to play" that feels like a story in-and-of itself. The basic craft just oozes out of this and it's enough to make me green with envy.
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