You know what they say, April showers... heh...
As we’re nearing the end of April, I feel like it’s important to inform you all on what I’m doing, my timeframe will become less available next month. This means the updates will probably be smaller, but still frequent. I'll get into why but I hope you're willing to understand! We all know what we're here for!
I know it’s been a solid month and in comparison to my previous two posts on the development of this comic, there’s nothing to say as I’m going into the final stages of it… unfortunately the thing is I... for now, will not be spoiling any writing details and emotions on it. After all, it would ruin the surprise. I will say that this might be the quickest one to finalize. It’s ironic in a way given the fact that its sketching process took longer than it's lines.
…BUT have this Jackie I made at the beginning of the month if you're really wanting new content, since a decent amount of people haven't seen it! I know, lame cop out but seriously check it out!
I also have to say something, why haven't I been really... showing my work? Well it just kinda feels I kinda feel paranoid that I'll be seen as an egotist for even sending it to places. Obviously I don't blame anyone for my failures, but a lot of people say that they like and are deeply interested in my work but never truly elaborate. I get it, there's work that I really don't care for either. Hearing that you guys want my work to be acknowledged and noticed as a huge project but I just... for some reason, don't get that growth. I'm really hoping near the end that Psychescapes really does land, because it's gonna need all the support it needs.
and just to make a fake hypothetical comment so I can just argue with myself for no reason... "Oh but you don't feel that way when others send i-"
Yes. That's exactly how I feel! It shows that you are supportive of my work and want it to gain attention!
You know what? I WILL send a teaser of it.
Why is he looking down? Well I guess you're gonna have to see on May 11th!
Anyways, after Psychescapes 3, I feel like doing an art competition of Psychescapes! I feel like it's too early to do something like a comic dub (Which are 100% encouraged if you want to do one btw!) but arguably since it would easily be something I could keep track of, an art contest with a cash prize might be worth it! Honestly July might be the perfect time for it... or August, whatever comes first for me to judge.
As you might know, a few months back I mentioned that I was scripting for something huge. It isn’t a personal project, but I do believe that it is important to cover it and at least someway due to… in my opinion, being hidden aspects we've ultimately forgotten.
I might've mentioned that originally, the scripts were done, that was because they were in their rough draft form, I have cleaned up the first script because I wasn't proud of it initially. I guess I'll give you a sense of what you're in for by heeding this...
This first video will have to handle the topics with a sensitive consideration, but also be blunt within its presentation… I feel like a huge problem about modern YouTube is that we sensationalize and mislead viewers on information. I don’t like doing that, sure I like speculating and having fun interactions with my audience, that’s as natural as any showmanship goes.
The thing about most videos on the platform a lot of people don’t consider or think about what they just consumed. I want my work to make the audience think or to offer a valid grounds as both an entertaining video and an informative and open essay. You could say I have to make it presentable.
We really don’t question media and its applicable uses anymore. Does anybody remember like how Ancient Aliens basically gaslit a ton of people into random made-up bullshit? I want to be the opposite of that, to open the mind carefully and make one's thoughts form a sense of individuality, something which arguably, the internet needs more of.
This was something I never really processed initially when starting to make content, stuff which was supposed to be intentionally weird and niche just for a quick laugh. After all, laughter is the best way to commuicate joy. Now I realize that honestly I could use my skills to my advantage to bring unity and open people to new experiences... probably the most important aspect within creating new content.
It's funny, because I actually talked to a very talented content creator the other day, known as Reubzzz72 which has a very similar ideology and gave him an excerpt of this very section. He deeply appreciated my effort since his very ideology is the same, he deeply researches his works and talks about them with passion or sheer importance, responding to the community which he so deeply loves. Seriously, check out this dudes work, it's phenomenal.
You know, other than probably a few stories about Easter, I don’t really remember too much of anything regarding stories in April. With my family, it would mostly consist of drinking Bloody Mary’s and eating (what I'm assuming is) brunch. I guess today is special since it is A TON of events, today is 4/20, I remember constantly hanging out with friends which smoked joints in the public park. That was a cool time not because I indulged in it, but I just kind of chilled with them. It’s Mother 3’s anniversary today, I bet you didn’t know that… that generally, it was a huge inspiration for me in terms of RPGs given, it’s pacing and storytelling.
...I don’t know, April itself is filled with so many negative thoughts because usually it was near the end of the school year for me AND a lot of interpersonal drama kept happening that I don’t really have any positives that I can remember.
I guess the best way to remember April is via a few short stories.
I remember every Easter hanging out with my cousin, ultimately playing a spy game with little lore, I think we were all orphans and had to rid evil or something like that? Think Spy Kids except without literally knowing anything about the films.
I remember a dream when I was really young where I snuck downstairs and found a door which lead me basically to a place similar to this place in OFF's remaster (spoilers!) and something reminiscent of an M. C. Escher painting. I was lost in there for hours until ultimately finding the way out and falling back to sleep.
I remember being stuck in a pet zoo and feared of being ground up into animal food pellets because we couldn't find their poorly described exit, mixed with the old 1800s building feel, it made me so uncomfortable.
Is that enough, no?
I remember streaming two years ago, that was a weird time given how much there was on the screen.
I remember blowing a lot of bubbles, thousands as a matter of fact of various volumes and formations, seeing the color reflect from the light onto the bubble juice. Being astounded by its visual clarity.
I used to constantly look up to the skies, wondering what was out there, sure I knew space existed, but I wanted to feel the coldness of such, twirl around the bright emptiness of space and appreciate it's silence.
I remember seeing the St. Louis City Museum Ferris Wheel, and I think I rode it, it blew my mind what lied on top of there. Unlike that Magic House... which lost its charm after a long time with overpriced items and admission for a subpar experience.
Now is that enough?
Well too bad, I've had enough.
Before I begin the section, I had said that the finale of Chainsaw Man was the point if I wanted to continue with the series. I already heard that the second part was pretty bad and to be honest I didn’t feel like I should’ve read it if it just continued to be bad.
To be honest, it was a good call to say that the finale was going to determine how I was going to read it... mainly because I saved myself over 200 chapters, which is like what, over 2,000 pages? Already coming from a mindset of “okay art is good but I’m not a huge fan of the writing” for certain chapters really forbodes my experience.
I’ll be honest, I previously said in the script section that my work is inherently made to make people think. In a very similar way I have to think about my work as well and how to lay that out. I don’t know if this was a problem with the industry that has been presented or if it’s the very creator which ultimately rushed himself... I myself can’t believe that I could make something which lasts for a decade in terms of writing. I mean, it’s arguably the main reason why we defined stuff by "golden ages" and peaks, not because of a human sharpness, but rather the perseverance of a piece of work for its impact.
I believe we humanize and symbolize themes because we the audience like decrypting...
I streamed this game around last month, and was planning to this month but unfortunately problems arose, so I just played it on my own. finally my thoughts of formulated on it. What’s the opinion?
Well… echo is always awkward to talk about given its presence. If you play really well, the Genesis version will only last an hour while the CD version lasts 2, even then it took me way longer than that, this game is brutal. A huge problem about this game early design is the fact that there is an incredibly huge difficulty curve and labyrinth design. It depends on the idea of the Sega design philosophy, it has an air meter so you still have the risk of death constantly if you don't go fast. I will say something, though, visually, it's one of my favorite Genesis games, gameplay wise though, yeah there's dozens of games which are better. I don't think it's bad but it's just... there. Playing the Sega CD version made me feel absolutely immersed, I actually felt like I wanted to play more after the stream was over. I wanted to see more of its visuals and stage design because it was genuinely beautiful. I loved the look of the stages, especially with how the palette changed when you went deeper within the ocean, I loved the usage of science fiction clashing with realism of the marine. I loved its sound design and music, so it’s unfortunate that the gameplay is very rough with its control. Not only that, but there are just some sections which feel unfair, even in the Sega CD version, which ultimately made me use save states and walk-throughs, I don’t know if that’s technically cheating given the fact that the safe states were sort of supposed to be a checkpoint system so I didn’t lose a massive amount of progress and the walk-throughs were more so something that you could get out of a guide. I personally referred to it as cheating even though it really isn't to save state and look for guides.
I will say... I am very excited for the remake to improve on the problems of the original, I guess we'll see in a day or so! Overall I thought it was an okay experience but definitely had its flaws.
Beeny is a game which is sold for around a dollar on multiple platforms, it has caught my eye a couple times. Why I didn't play it sooner is probably because I was worried about quality.
I knew it was gonna be short, under 2 hours short in fact. I do believe that at least for some point that Beeny is an OK game.
The visuals, which take inspiration from the DKC era of pre-rendered graphics really makes the game look beautiful and the music and gameplay are very solid, you play as the bee which has to hop from platform to platform in a vertical platformer.
There’s still some issues in my opinion. Structurally the game is too easy because of a couple reasons. First of all, if you fall, a bee platform will be below you. It does raise every jump, but it’s only 2 to 3 jumps down, the problem is there’s no learning curve when you do this, the base itself is the sparing aspect, the fact that there’s no bottomless pit mixed in with a lot of platforms, gives the player a large chance to actually save themselves anyways, it’s a confusing design choice which feels pointless, Beeny is also invulnerable which is a fun idea, but arguably it has no learning curve as well to dodge obstacles. Like I said, the ideas are there it just needed flashing out and more input.
As speaking about that… usually it’s not encouraged to make games too long, if you’re choosing quantity more than quality, then that causes problems, but I do believe that honestly they should’ve done like how nest games were done and make the game longer via reusing assets. I know it follows the DKC formula of "stages must be unique from one another" but arguably I think DKC isn't exempt from reusing anyways.
The game is also very faulty on PC, it’s definitely a game intended for keyboard controls as there’s no way to properly exit out of it via an actual controller, in fact, there’s nothing like a pause screen to exit out of... which sucks. I guess it makes sense for Switch but it doesn't for computer devices.
My main gripe is about the ending actually, it’s not the ending for the base game because it’s basically a teaser/ad for Super Kiwi 64. It’s really charring to see a complete shift gameplay without any context or explanation. Like I said, the game isn’t bad, I really enjoyed what it offered, but I wish they took a little more time to fully establish it. The feeling of wanting more usually is a good thing because that means that you have a good formula and that most of the time you shouldn’t milk it. This is the exception because of how small the game is, maybe it was because it was developed in Unity, which can be awful to work with, or maybe its small because its a prequel to another small game... either way it's just fine.
So… starting off with the month, I decided to watch a little show which has become kind of like a cult classic for the internet, with various memes. I knew some things about it, and recently, I found out that the Blu-ray went on sale, (I was not spending $70 on 26 episodes of an anime.) I decided to spend my hard-earned cash on it and watch the entire series. So… what do I think? Was it worth the price?
I’ll be frank with you and say that since I’m probably not a part of the main audience for this, and that'll be hard to form an opinion.
I just watched to the show in the background while working, maybe it’s just me not understanding how the show works at a core level, but like most slice of life, it's mostly chill humor with the frequent sense of absurdism or energetic chaos.
I think my only complaints about the show is the character designs, despite trying to stand out, kind of feel too samey...
Okay… you know what I have to say, my favorite character is Yukari. Maybe it’s the fact that I can relate to the character more since they’re an immature adult, also like, she has this awesome sweater I would totally get. It’s weird how many characters I kin or feel like I want to be for anime? Who knows maybe I should talk to a psychologist about that.
I will say that every time I watch a show like this, that I’m more so fond (yet a little anxious) because if it’s style. When anime became digital, it feels like you could easily point it out yet deeply appreciate its nature. I feel like when anime became more digital that it became more exaggerated and comedic before it was generally normalized for stylistic choice. So obviously there’s going to be bias from that standpoint... but I do believe it's good... pave the way for comedy good? Nah. Still enjoyable though. Don't understand why the fandom is so annoying though.
With that being said though, soon after I'm done watching all of this, I'm probably gonna give this genre a break. Sure, the ideas of this are pretty neat, but there’s only so much that you could do in so much that I could consume about it without me going insane. I highly appreciate my time with these types of series but arguably it’s insanity to watch nearly like what... 60 22 segments of this type of stuff in such a short time?
I have only watched a few segments and scenes from Cow and Chicken, yet I had not watched the entire 52 episode series yet. For some reason, seeing it marked as like $10 with my spare gift card credit ultimately made me decide to buy it.
First of all, I have to state this simply because it’s important, I really appreciate David Feiss’s style. I feel like his work always has the right amount of everything, it’s these crazy uses of shapes and color that really makes the characters express and animate well. Seriously, check out this commercial and the Cow and Chicken pilot.
I was extremely worried that this show would go down the route of its era though, you know what I mean, a show about two characters with a ton of gross out. Thankfully, and surprisingly, though I feel like its pacing was probably one of the most addicting experiences that I’ve had for a TV show and it’s so weird.
The show is defined by 3 seven minutes segments, 2 be based off of the show itself... then a I Am Weasel segment. The formatting of the show made it absolutely bingeable for me for some reason. It’s definitely aged a lot better than half of the 90s shows that I’ve seen and it's comedy is fine.
You know that one scene of Family Guy where Peter tries comprehending the absolute horrors of Catdog having no end?
Surprise! They answer this by the first episode.
Catdog is a weird show because they tried cashing it in as Nick’s SpongeBob… right before SpongeBob got popular. In retrospect, I don’t know why they wanted to make this show more popular than Spongebob. In fact… I don’t remember too much about this show! Honestly, watching it, the show deeply makes me think that this was a transitionary phase for animation when things were getting more focused on action/comedy more than grossout.
Honestly? Underrated. I don’t know if it’s me but it reminds me of a mix between golden age and modern SpongeBob, probably because a decent amount of people from Rocko AND Spongebob actually worked on it. Honestly if you really do like classic Spongebob, I would heavily recommend it because for some reason, this was also bingeable with it's episodic yet consistent nature.
It's just one of those shows which honestly made me shocked, it was better than my expectations. Are there still blunders? Well yeah. It's just really weird that this was the show that hit for me I guess. One thing which shocked me was the music, it's REALLY good for a show and I wish there was a soundtrack for it.
I think the main problem about it, something which I talked to a friend about, it when the show eventually gets kinda flanderized... Cat basically becomes a punching bag by the end of the first season, which is something which I've heard a lot of people don't like. I still think it's a great cartoon though despite it's flack and it's repetitive elements. Huge shout out to Eddie by the way, his screwy expression always gets to me.
Actually, the first game in the series. Toree 3D, it’s actually well known for its low price and bite-size content. Honestly, I feel like this is a very fleshed out game though because if it’s formatting. You're handed nine stages (per each OG game) and you basically experiment with that formula. The game usually offers two stages of each theme in order to have balance will also showing its beauty. My favorite stages were actually the city stages as they offered some fun and unique mechanics I could get down with.
There’s a few nitpicks with a game that I have, though, the ranking system is cool and all, and I think the unlockables guarantee the philosophy of going out of your way in order to get these things. Honestly, it reminds me of, out of all things, Sonic Adventure 2, given the fact that both have ranking systems and very linear levels.
My main gripes is the fact that it doesn’t really buy into its "early low poly" aesthetic, though. Sure thats a niche critique, but it doesn’t even really have a story other than you need to get your ice cream back. There’s one stage which tries subverting itself as a horror stage but fails because it’s so abrupt and doesn’t really concede with the story.
It’s a really fun, unique game! Even though 100% is not usually for these types of reviews, I was just kind of immersed in it just to get a faster time and that’s what takes with me specifically for this game, the stages are so short and is so simple to control that it doesn’t feel enraging or upsetting in case I fail because I know that I’ll just take me another couple of minutes. Would heavily recommend getting this game.
Back to back with Toree 2! This game is kind of like an expanded Toree, which makes sense, but arguably I feel like they could’ve easily made the stuff into the original game. It’s basically like an expansion as gimmicks become more complicated, but puts Toree into more interesting locations. I mean it’s a mix between science fiction elements such as a secret base or space station, or something more nostalgic like basically what is a “pool aesthetic” or lava temple. To be honest, with the design ultimately improved upon, there’s nothing to complain about stages anymore other than things which were overlooked like one of the space station stages throwing you away from the stars you can get.
The only true complaint that I have about the game in comparison to the original is actually the final boss… It’s ridiculously awkward, since you’re in a 3-D space but you’re still being followed by a camera. You don’t really walk forward across the loop. In fact, it’s very easy to fall. Especially when the orbs circle around you, it’s just very annoying attacks. Overall, enjoyable improvement.
Probably my most anticipated game of the year, Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream was a love letter from Nintendo to the audience, which have stuck to the series ever since the beginning, and it was worth the wait and the money.
Miis have been in an integral part of Nintendo’s all identity, given the fact that it allowed for custom creativity, that’s when the sleeper hit known as Tomodachi Life released in the US with a phenomenal idea, given the fact that you can create in customize your Miis to your very liking as well as have these little absurd events. Of course it was heavily restricted though, and despite its fun, I am extremely happy we have a modernized sequel.
To put it loosely in order to give no spoilers, this game might be one of the best life simulators that I’ve ever played. No, I'm not kidding. The problem about many games is that there's a grounding for it, sure I love Simcity and Animal Crossing, but my experience with those games is that I personally felt limited or a I had lack of sustainment to even care, it even happened with OG Tomodachi Life!
Tomodachi Life was a game about waiting for the next mindless request, and sure, it's fun seeing characters interact but it felt like the 3DS was limiting its amazing concept. Obviously you can’t really encapsulate a whole life (or lives at that point) into a video game no matter how much you could try. Arguably, LTD's nature is a different approach. Not too many life simulation games focus on absurdity, they may exagerate... but they never truly unhinged their full potential. Thankfully, this game takes "absurd" and "custom" to new strange places.
For the first time ever, I got immersed into my little Miis. I adored their little actions and conversations. Every single detail I spotted made me glee a little more.
As you might notice, Jackie looks a little... too on model in comparison to his old Mii, obviously, there's a new thing called face paint and it's glorious. There's so much in the customization aspect that you could make anything and everything, oh you think I'm kidding?
Oh but damn is such a tame word, anyone can say-
Jackie! Why did you say that?! That literally can't be allowed here! Besides everyone knows that I'm in 2nd!
That's right! As a thank you to people which bypassed in the original, they just straight up... gave up and EVERYTHING is unfiltered! This means that the freedom of speech wins again and that I completely understand why they sacrificed internet sharing.
The entire instance of this game is beautiful, it feels like an entirely different world of characters you ultimately decide, I made a ton already, like... 20 at the time we're speaking here.
The only problems I have with it is well... it's not like Miitopia's customization where it allows you to replace facial features for usage like eyes and such. I'm guessing it'sa performance thing because of how it's supposed to run well on OG Switch hardware, same thing with the 70 Mii limit, I hope one day we see some features (and possible content updates) in the future, hell, anything's possible. I mean... we won't have to worry about it for a while. It's just... peak.
After finding out that the film was lowered down from its initial price everywhere, I got it after hearing a positive review from a friend.
Honestly, I don’t know if this is a bad or good thing, but it honestly feels more like an episode of SpongeBob. In fact, it’s comedy, pacing, and themes feel more like a sequel to the original film in comparison to something like Sponge Out of Water. I think it’s okay.
The Flying Dutchman stuff seemed very interesting as they went a completely different direction from the one of the show, but honestly… that’s the problem, there were some jokes that I laughed at. I really appreciate how Mr. Krabs is told in this film because instead of focusing on pure greed, they portray him as an insecure crustacean, someone who gloats about themselves when you clearly can tell he's just too rambuxious about his ego. It’s nothing too special, but I do believe that it is better than the second and third films, the visuals are honestly some of the better compared to those. (except for the final scene, but I'm guessing that’s intentionally supposed to look weird.) Overall, if you're offered to watch this with a friend and don't have to pay, it doesn't hurt to watch if you enjoy Spongebob.
Wow, a fun pocket sized game?! Tiny dangerous dungeons is a light Metroidvania. What I mean by this is the game backtracks a lot similar to games like Metroid... but unlike it, it isn’t the exploration aspect which defines this game, but rather its platforming.
Originally inspired by Gameboy era Metroidvanias, it would soon evolve to become a remake releasing around last year. Surprisingly, it’s not half bad! Its gameplay at a core value is removing basically the defining elements of a 2-D platformer and making the player build up their way back into a standard platforming moveset. For example, you can’t even push crates or jump on enemies, something so standard for platforming it changes your entire perspective on it.
Although it’s ideas are very simplistic, for example, most puzzles will be based off of the improvement of your moveset and experimentation, it’s nothing too much to dislike. I feel like its style is a modern entry in the genre, something which I like. It has some more cartoony flat pixel art style, which makes it work out, in fact it kind of reminds me of early some 2010s flash and mobile games!
I will say that Tiny Dungeons still does have a couple problems, I feel like exploring an area can sometimes still feel daunting, despite them trying to minimize that aspect. I also feel like bosses honestly are not the best crafted, the first boss is actually a fun unique it’s subversion to most standard bosses, but I feel like later bosses try getting into bullshit by basically spawning a ton of enemies instead of making unique design.
I would highly recommend checking out this game, it’s sold for really cheap and gives a decent amount of playtime, it’s also very accessible well also trying to be challenging near the end. It’s a phenomenal balance of both easy and hard.
Yes, this is obviously a real video game you can play. But unfortunately it’s nothing special despite it’s really good idea.
You can get this game for three bucks and it seems like they try offering a huge playability. Unfortunately, though there are a list of problems that I personally have with it, most clickers and idle games basically think outside of the box in order to proceed. For example, Cookie Clicker has a lot of thought out mechanics blended with a hidden horror element interlaced with comedy. The “Capitalist” games are very humorous for exaggerating the ridiculous elements of the past in order to play it off as humor, Clicker Heroes has fun RPG mechanic in order to make you idle less… et cetera.
The thing about it is that it had the potential of being a really good release, you basically have a core mechanic there, the idea of DVDs and physical media themselves, what if it could relate to writing speeds? To be honest, the main problem is that there was just pretty much nothing to do except either click on the DVD logo or wait around. It initially starts off pretty fast which I thought was going to be the general pace of the game, but like most clickers, eventually it gets repetitive and tedious.
If there was anything defining of a “Spring” game, it would probably be Gimmick! Only releasing in Japan and… Scandinavia? 1992 classic was supposed to be a test to time showing that the NES still had a lot of stuff that many developers never used it for.
It’s a seven stage game (boss for each) and is generally known as one of the hardest games in the NES library, it really depends on what you define as hard. Simply beating the game is an OK experience, it is harder on the traditional end, but it is not the hardest game that I’ve played on the NES.
In order to get the good ending of the game, you can’t even continue, which I guess makes sense but its the collectibles which get you when trying to beat it.
There’s very specific tricks that you have to do to defeat bosses and you have to fully learn how to use your stars. Honestly, I really like the idea that gimmick tries experimenting with, standing on stars in order to gain height and momentum is pretty important to its identity, at the same time, though the gameplay of Gimmick probably should’ve been improved on, this was during a peak time of video games where game systems were extremely difficult on purpose to avoid a rental period. It’s in the same way that Ecco is difficult. It’s where the game can’t really discern itself from unfair moments but still is a well crafted game.
Honestly, that would be my only complaint, I think it’s fine for a game to master its elements, but it should be probably more sparing of that idea. There are sections which I highly appreciate from the time, but there’s no indication or appreciation of it in order to get a cheap trick in the end. (Stage 3’s secret item for example which is the easiest to get for sure, but tries pulling a fast one on you.) It’s also restrictive and it’s bosses, I understand what point they were trying to do, bosses and video games were Hella simplistic after all so we’re having bosses with these complicated structures actually benefit benefits the game BUT at the same time, it can also be a little jank.
I’ve heard about this game on Newgrounds back in 2025 during August and September. As it describes itself, it’s a 2-D animated Shoot ‘Em Up, and it’s an animation quality remind me of The Behemoth’s games, or rather to be simpler, that one late niche era of 2000s games which fully caved in on NG art styles. But gameplay wise, goddamn its smooth. It has a Gunstar Heroes vibe with you choosing stages and slowly upgrading yourself against enemies and bosses.
Another thing which I deeply appreciate is the fact you don't have to play as just Cynthia. There's multiple characters which all add their own unique mix of gameplay. You also don't have to play every stage which also is something that's highly appreciated, for it gives the player to play however they'd like.
Honestly if you can, you shouldn't sleep on this game and pick it up, it is worth the price its asking. (When I was writing this, they also got picked up by publisher 2 Left Thumbs and is getting a free update, that's freakin' huge!)
When I was initially recommended the series under a friend, I didn’t really think too much about it. There was a game made by Namco during the peak PS1 era, and honestly it was overlooked for its time. I mentioned that I was a huge fan of the original style, which makes it ironic that I chose the remake instead because it was just easier for me to access.
This game is an interesting hybrid, it’s basically a 2.5D puzzle platformer which uses the third dimension to its advantage by making multiple pathways. It’s main gimmick being mechanically heavy on the four main ways the character can face, in fact, it benefits the game tenfold by experimenting with puzzles and layouts.
I feel like on a mechanical level, it doesn’t try lingering on beyond two stages for each world so it doesn’t overstay its welcome. Each theme feels fun and unique as each world and stage has its own mechanic pretty much. I will say the only thing that I honestly don’t really appreciate out of it is actually some of it’s later design choices (a lot of meticulous platforming) and specifically it’s 100% aspect, which is the fact that you have to collect 150 (or higher) gems in a stage, this is always optional, hence why I'm not really complaining.
I think this is still an underrated or overlooked piece of work today, even if some of that sentiment is lost given the fact that it has been highly appreciated under the game community. It’s ending compared to a lot of work that I’ve seen is kind of unexpected, which makes it pertain longer in the mind. Honestly I can see why Namco tries bringing this series back constantly.
This game caught my eye and I gotta say… it’s… weird. Virus Crashers is inspired by NES-styled arcade games. (Limited lives, what is supposedly endless gameplay, et cetera) The thing about it is that it’s not truly what it can be up to be.
Its control philosophy is very loose, people describe it as a mix of Bubble Bobble and Joust, but honestly for me, it’s more so Bubble Bobble and Balloon Fight. It’s very accurate visually and musically to NES games of the mid-80s but it’s very sloppy within its implementation. Its controls are ridiculously loose, which would be a good thing if it was horizontal and had more control BUT unfortunately it does the same thing vertically, making enemies unbearable. Some stage designs feel half baked, and most importantly… it kinda wastes a really good idea by limiting itself to something which just doesn’t feel right but never bothered to improve it. Honestly, that can’t do in a modern era, well some of the stuff could be overseen initially because technology and game design were not what they are now.
To be honest, it’s one of those games that I don’t think you should get if you’re paying money for it, it feels like a game jam submission or a piece of homebrew. Even for a dollar, it's unfortunately not worth it... and unlike the description, I couldn't get addicted. The character sprites are cute though.
NOW that’s what I’m talking about! The intro has been optimized, but I feel like a few things had trouble converting the stream into the video. Cuts are VERY apparent but arguably are… okay. The final section being 14 minutes long is brutal, I feel like it could’ve been trimmed down more because generally the last part is just generally messing around. That's all I realy have to say because the video is pretty similar to the stream other than pacing issues.
So... about act 2 huh? Guess the team was sick so unfortunately so the stream is delayed until the 22nd, which means it will be added to May's update! (I hope they're doing okay!)
Hmm... what else to add...
With that, Smiling Friends concludes… to be honest I feel like I could talk about each season, but honestly, the show as a whole is pretty strong in my personal opinion.
Throughout its 27 episodes or so, the show as both creators felt like it was… it’s supposed to let you space out and just laugh at a few jokes... and I highly appreciate that ideology, given the fact that stuff comes to an end eventually.
I'll be completely honest with you though, I believe if the show went any farther, it would lose what it had going for it... how could I tell? The final 2 episodes of Smiling friends were honestly mediocre in comparison to what I deeply appreciated about the series. It kinda became very generic jokes, don't get me wrong I do like some jokes of the last 2, but man, they were the weakest I've seen.
Overall, it's a good series with a bummer ending, something I've been seeing with a lot of media lately... it's not like it's "the end" end, I mean it wasn't cancelled, it simply reached a blockade. I can't really pick favorites since all of them stand out in their own way... I mean stylistically and writing wise it felt like it had importance. I will admit the show was wearing off by the third season, the jokes kinda made me shrug and I rather just appreciated the higher quality of animation and settings.
NOTE: STILL HAVEN'T COMPLETED IT ALL!! IN FACT I'M ON LAYER 5!!!!
Kinda hard to get into, maybe because I chose normal (which is actually hard mode?) BUT I'm finally hooked. This game is very weird to explain in a natural way, sure, I could say it's an ultra-gory homage to boomershooters like Quake and Half Life mixed with modern captivating mechanics defining of a unique one of a kind experience that doesn't happen anymore.
First of all, huge fan of the settings, seriously, you have to check these out.
They all have these unique, defined identities and all of them feel dreamlike, I didn't specify what type of dream but... it allows for so much.
The selection of weapons as well... oh my god it's so good. Sure I don't have "everything" yet but I do have a general gist and they give the right amount of oomph with each and every weapon and sub-type having their drawbacks and advantages. Arguably though what you should be using most is actually your parrying and dashes, it's very smooth and give a sense of feedback, hell, it even heals you! V1 is simply incredible, but none of this means that the game isn't challenging. The enemies have these good patterns and distinctions from one another.
Think of the game like a big puzzle, you try and try again in order to beat a boss or gain a higher rank for more currency. It's a fun, unique romp which I cannot recommend high enough, dare I say... it feels like the next step for shooters despite its retro feel. I know it's a weird thing to say, especially when the game itself is unfinished, but it's already shown that it's an incredible experience.
I can’t believe I’m saying this, yes I did play this game. If any of you were questioning why this was in my Steam library, I decided to find a Steam key for it and found it was marked at the convenient price of $.50. You see, despite not being religious exactly, there’s usually that one piece of media… the one despite not liking the idea just fascinate you deeply. Super Noah’s Ark 3-D was a complicated way in order to bypass an extremely secure system at the time. You see, Super 3-D Noah’s Ark was built on the Wolfenstein engine and was simply a Christian Wolfenstein.
For the first time ever, I ultimately decided to stop playing this after 90 minutes. It’s port is phenomenal, it makes everything consistent and run extremely well, which is what you want from a port, but arguably the game itself is deeply flawed with hyper simplistic maze like design, which will get you lost for minutes on end with no real curveballs. The enemies can range from pretty much boring to unfair. It was a game that I decided to play two hours of and then just give up on. Maybe that’s my fault because of the fact that I was playing in hard mode… but honestly, it still was deeply boring, I can see this being impressive for 1994… and then DOOM would release on the SNES the year after… and honestly? Not too much of a fan. I know this is supposed to be a Wolfenstein reskin, but arguably what stands out for me for most shooters is what gimmick they sell, and to be honest the selling point of a religious quiz isn’t doing it for me. Why not play a real christian game about killing demons, like DOOM? (/hj)
Zeri factory is an interesting game hybrid that I heard of before, it recently went on sale in to be honest I… partially believe that it’s worth its price. It’s definitely worth $5 but not $15, it barely runs on Steam Deck due to its use (and installation) of Unreal. Besides, this game is probably best played with keyboard. It’s not hard, just… definitely not meant to be played with Steam Deck. What I will say is controlling the blob character is fun and breaking crates and pushing blocks got me into a huge groove I liked. Maybe if I played more I'd actually be a pro at it with its two modes.
Overall it is a fun game, but very flimsy and simple, you should most likely get this game on a sale over 70% off.
A game that I’ve always wanted to revisit... even if it isn't a traditional one. Originally releasing on the Apple App Store. This game is a very complicated thing to understand. I decided to play this game for around two hours or so as the game isn’t about completion but rather building worlds. In fact, it’s very similar to some of the ideas seen in Minecraft such as creative mode.
The thing which makes me deeply appreciate it though is that it’s not a simple Minecraft game. Simply put it. It’s kind of like a hybrid between creative and survival. You can still get hurt by certain things such as mobs and certain elements, but honestly, there’s no punishment for it, it’s just about building and exploring, i’m guessing originally they wanted to go down a route similar to Minecraft, but eventually because they stopped progress on it, it just completely became its own thing. There’s a lot of cool and unique worlds out there in Eden. It honestly shocks me to my core to see entire cities built from just a block game. Honestly, there’s a lot of things that you can personally respect out of this little small game. Not only are the creatures very unique and weird, but its piano/fake orchestral music gives it an ethereal feel. Seriously, go listen to it.
I know that this game series is long gone, there was a sequel game in early access before eventually getting taken down and probably getting canceled. Meanwhile, Eden itself has not really any community anymore. Honestly, it’s reached a status where it’s almost lucid. The people which still remember this game don’t really get the recognition they deserve for trying to maintain it still. Fortunately, enough, since it’s kind of obscure, it’s kind of like a neat time capsule of downloading an uploading worlds. Eden after 2018 has been open source which honestly gives it a lot of hope for any PC ports, I’ve seen that they tried making a sequel, but it was VERY off from the original by detaching its core identity. In retrospect, I’m happy that I got to revisit such an important game from my past.
This interesting project was made back in 2024 and was supposed to be remake of Super Mario Bros. in GB studio. Basically it was supposed to be a showcase of dynamic tiling and metatiles, but arguably, they also showcase that you could do a proper full screen Mario Bros on Game Boy Color, something that Nintendo couldn’t.
As a remake, it's okay. Honestly, the physics are different enough to throw a curveball, which makes the character feel a little floaty, and it just felt weird having a full control jump. This actually does improve the game, but accuracy was definitely not supposed to be the main point. To be honest it’s way better than you would expect from micro-sized Mario, there’s only a few complain complaints about its disconnect from accuracy, I don’t like how the Jugemus control in this version. The way that they throw it is not instantaneous, which causes the work to be a little more annoying. Overall, the remake aspect of it is really fun, but if you’re trying to play a remake… I do believe that Remastered is better in nearly every way.
On the other hand though, there’s a few other modes that the player can play after beating the game. This includes a Quest B, that is an entirely new game, it might start off simplistic, but it’s changes in themes is really clever and fun, World 11 is straight up a water-based world where all the stages are underwater. There’s also a ton of new aspects of the game, which the original probably couldn’t do under its engine. It’s a very impressive piece of homebrew with an even more impressive use of core Mario.
If you have a GBC or GBA, try it out, or if you're just looking for a classic-esque experience while trying to make a spin on it, you can also try it out. Pretty solid and fun time for an hour or two.
I know, very concerning name but very discerning video! Usually, I’m not one to put Video Essays here for most video essays are just a regurgitation of understanding a piece of media. Uses a better formatting compared to what I’ve seen most. As a gay man, I never have truly felt the urge and insecurity that most of my peers have today. This is a really good video discussing such regarding the role models of this type of media, it shifts from example to example, but arguably the problem about most of these types of people is the fact that they try asserting their snake oil scheme to make you feel like you’re a hyper-masculine man by ultimately asserting your backwards bigotry, objectification, and ultimately harassment of the other gender.
The video was very comedic in nature, although usually I’m not a fan of self-depriving comedy, I do think this was generally funny given the fact that it was a fictional element sliced in with some truth. I generally believe that it is a really successful routine to do such, it gives a relatability element to your audience in a way that you’re both not downtalking them and more so in an empathetic way. To be honest, my only real complaint is that there’s no conclusion, I guess it makes sense given the fact that these types of people have existed forever probably will exist still but arguably I feel like a condensation of collected thoughts about these POS’s would really benefit from this.
Overall, a very good video that I would recommend if you're just bored and need to watch something.
Ironic playing a game known as April Grove in April…
Definitely inspired by something like Link’s Awakening mixed with Animal Crossing, April Grove is a very unique game in its structure is it slowly unveils the world that you play in. I really like its concept, you're basically chopping wood and learning.
The very game itself is very charming in nature, it’s visuals are beautiful and it’s music is very chill, something that you actually want out of a game like this, it’s only problem is the fact that it’s supposed to be an "RPG"… this doesn’t sound like a bad idea because it really isn’t, the problem isn’t the game but rather the pacing of it.
The thing about it is that you’ll explore more and more very slowly. Some of this was because I didn’t know what to do… other times it was just because I needed to grind. It isn’t bad per se… I think the idea of all these elements could work well as long as either the pace was picked up or there was a different focus here. Hell as a game for like 3 bucks, it's pretty good. It's just... really slow and you have to really get past the struggles of the core to appreciate the game.
A horrifyingly beautiful experience made by Jon Bois. This story is a contemplation of immortality which makes Jon Bois’ interest of sports.
Originally guiding you to something known as what will football look like in the future before ultimately the text grows and covers the entire screen unveiling the first chapter, this half-text half-video story has a lot to it.
Not getting into spoilers, but it’s something so detached from reality that it’s a good quick read. Every single chapter is only a few minutes long out of its 25. It mixes many, many themes that I’m guessing the author was very interested in and wanted to guide within.
For example, immortality, not only is this the main point of the entire story, the fact that every being cannot die anymore but the contemplation of such similar to how we perceive death in our lives. An interesting chapter that I would like to give some interest is chapter 19, it explores the idea of how humans perceive death now despite its impossibility now.
There’s these very intricate ideas which shows how far humans have gone in an ironic way. Football is a very overcomplicated sport now. Instead of just a football field, the game is played across the nation with hundreds of people and is intended to last a long time. You also get to humanize with artificial beings, I’m not going to explain how since I highly recommend this for a read, it’s only the length an hour to 90 minutes or so… it’s also the only time where I’ve gotten deeply interested in sports, I’m not a sports fan by the way… it was always an annoying aspect given the fact that people treated it way more seriously than what it actually is.
This might be a little different from usually what I talk about in these sections, but remember… what I’ve generally consumed is defined by only the word media, which means that anything can be possible. Friend recently gave me an a recommendation after talking in the middle of the night.
Obviously, you know the idea of an AU swap, it isn’t a complete role reversal, but rather a swap between characters in a unique and interesting way in order to make basically what is a new story while keeping its core whole... and to be honest, Tory Fox Underswap does it well... making this fake hypothetical alternate universe where this is Undertale.
It's a pretty damn good soundtrack! There's some sleepers for me... but generally thats because it does it's idea of a swap so faithfully... besides it's a hundred songs or so... Sure it might shift around the melodies, but it's probably one of the best ways they did it.
My favorite songs honestly were ones which made me feel strangely nostalgic, PAPYRUS feels like a game song I'd hear from the 2000s for an antagonist, Blades of Justice reminds me of the first time I fought Asgore in UT, with an energetic, arrogantly strength which I cannot describe within it's song, With You is so accurate, I listen to it back to back with the original Undertale song, RED, CRIMSON DEATH is so atmospheric and... honestly heartfelt it actually made me tear up, and of course... HEIR OF GRIEF, a phenomenal, almost ethereal song which deeply reminds me of Anamanaguchi's greatest songs mixed with the ambitious edge of this almost... melancholic feel. Oh, and lets not forget The Medium... which you should totally listen to.
It seems like now after the primary soundtrack is complete, they’re officially starting development on a game. It seems like they already have a site set up for info about the game, but if you’re deeply interested in Undertale, I would totally recommend checking out and keeping an eye on this project.
With that, I think the main theme of this month's consumption was "subversion." A decent amount of stuff I felt I wasn't gonna like but tried honestly was the inverse, and sure, I wouldn't say there's blunders either so it isn't really a subversion, but I did think when starting out that I wouldn't really care about some of this stuff... when in fact it grew to be the opposite.
Oh yeah, and similar to what I said about briefly, I've decided to make a submission form as of today! I want to see what you guys would like me to cover, sure this might be "engagement" but it's engagement to open my mind up! It's linked earlier within this very page or linked on the main home screen.
Bastian95 (Newgrounds/Bluesky) is a talented individual which i’ve been friends with through the years. They’re a very nice and humorous person which honestly has face some rough shit through the years. That works consistently use watercolor and light pens, it honestly reminds me of an “early anime feel”, maybe like 80s or 90s anime? Honestly, it has a rough edge to it that I don’t see from too many other artists of the “early anime” style while mixing western influence… it’s really cool!
This a selection of their works out I deeply appreciated from them for the past few years or so. Just for example of what Bastian has made...
Bastian is really talented with their work at such a young age, even though we really haven't talked too much for the past few months... I know they're an astounding, funny, and have a great sense of values! If you can, please check out their work and give 'em a follow!
Buzz1035 (Bluesky/Deviantart/Newgrounds) I haven’t really talked to them despite lurking in their server, but I’ve always been fascinated with their art, and honestly, it’s been a partial inspiration for some of my philosophy on character design.
Generally Buzz makes character art. Personally speaking I don’t really have too much to say on that end, it’s rather what they do with their work which is important. Their art style kind of as this blending method, which I really like. It gives a pencil-like quality to it on the lines, making it have so much more detail down to its very lines. I also appreciate the work on making “Gajinkas” (humanoid versions of non-human things) and their usage of character design to make these generally appealing characters.
I’m not kidding when I say that this made me think really differently on character design as a whole. Not only did it make me appreciate the spectrum of body shape and size, but it also made me realize how to draw plus sized characters in a non-stereotypical way but still cartoony enough where it feels well-rounded and aesthetically pleasing.
They're a really nice and fun person to talk to as well, very supportive of art and their friends as a whole. Go give them a follow on whatever platform you're on.
Before you go, I would like to talk... April is always rough, but this one's an outliar. I usually keep people's hopes up... and I still want to do that. I just hope you understand that I'm human... and that I have emotional ups and downs as well.
Maybe thats just life... but I want you guys to know that you are loved, appreciated, and you are deeply admired for everything you've done. Life is rough... and that's okay. Take a deep breath, in, out, in, out, assure yourself that you are a good person. Hell... reward yourself, maybe with something edible or even just a break, you've lived for this long and deserve it. It's healthy and helpful to do so...
I guess I just can't wait for May to come soon enough, I'm very excited myself! I hope the rest of April suits you well, and that May offers something good to you!
Post Scriptum, nothing really special but I still really like shitty sketches. He just has really good posing here and had to show it to you.
Your pal, John.
