Wednesday, January 29, 2020

Wishlist Wednesday: Lost Ember


In this weekly feature, I share game titles from my various gaming wishlists. I share screenshots and video from the developer, talk about my expectations, and generally just ramble about why the title made it onto my list in the first place. This week's choice is Lost Ember by Mooneye Studios.



THE STATS

Name: Lost Ember
Developer: Mooneye Studios
Publisher: Mooneye Studios
Release Date: November 22, 2019
Genres: Exploration-adventure
Wishlist Location: Steam


MEDIA FROM MOONEYESTUDIOS.COM









(Newsletter subscribers click here to view embedded video.)



WHY I WANT IT

This game has been on my Steam wishlist since last September. Surely it's easy to see from the media above why I would want this game. It's beautiful, and if exploring a beautiful world wasn't intriguing enough--I get to do it as different animal forms! It has a very unique style to it that lets the game world shine in a glory of colors and across the spectrum of nature. 

Yeah, I'll go with that. (I have the flu this week, so please forgive me if that doesn't convince you!) 


If that isn't enough to pique your interest, then this probably isn't your genre -- and that's okay! Check back next week for another title and let me know what you think of my selection!

Saturday, January 25, 2020

Soundtrack Saturday: Child of Light


In this weekly feature, I recommend game soundtracks. I share a few of my favorite tracks, talk about why everyone should listen to the soundtrack, and a little bit about the composer. This week's choice is Child of Light by Ubisoft Montreal.



THE STATS

Name: Child of Light
Developer: Ubisoft Montreal
Publisher: Ubisoft
Release Date: April 30, 2014
Genres: Platformer, role-playing
Composer(s): Cœur de pirate (Béatrice Martin)


MY FAVORITE TRACKS

(The titles link to YouTube videos... and I highly recommend some good headphones to best enjoy all of the subtle elements of the music!)

Pilgrims on a Long Journey
This song, like the other 17 tracks of the album, is both sad yet optimistic in sound. It's so beautiful that it was even used in the first part of a pairs' free dance piece in figure skating. Fittingly, the pair was from Canada and this soundtrack was composed by a Canadian artist.

Aurora's Theme
This is the song everyone thinks of when the game is mentioned. Not only is it the theme for the main character, Aurora, but it is the song most-used in trailers and promotional videos for the game. Coming directly after the Pilgrims track, this piece opens up the musical narrative in a spectacular way. We are given the sense of adventure and hope.

Dark Creatures
This is the first battle music players encounter in the game, and it aptly sets the tone of an intense meeting and the epic fight held by a little girl and her allies against dangerous and dark creatures.

Leave Your Castle
This. Is. My. Favorite. Track.
Writers everywhere are scolding me for that broken sentence, but I truly feel the emphasis was needed. Maybe it's the flute. Maybe it's the moving piano. Maybe it's the subtle guitar in the background, or the strings that broaden the sound a third of the way in. I'm not entirely sure why it's my favorite. It feels like I'm a kid again, riding my bike recklessly down the streets of my hometown, wind in my face, and I'm having the best day of my life.

Metal Gleamed in the Twilight
There is no mistaking that this is another battle piece. The intensity has increased with some percussion and rather anxious strings. I love how it expands at :54 and keeps building... and then at 1:30 it changes rhythm entirely with some added brass. The theme at that point sounds like some kind of pirate theme, and that tickles me because of the composer's stage name -- Pirate's Heart. For an even more intense ride through this piece that almost makes you think of the Souls games, try the version with full choir support.

Woods Darker than Night
This one reminds me of a quasi-waltz (though it's not written in the right time measure for that). This piece accompanies one of the early parts of the game where you are wandering through woods and very uncertain about where you are -- or what may be in the woods around you. So there is a level of elegance but a great measure of uncertainty that is portrayed through the music.

Off to Sleep
"And I'll be waiting for the light/ That guides us through the worst of nights..."
This is my second-favorite track, mostly because of the lyrics, but also because of the guitar -- it reminds me of a lot of 90's songs I adored (and still adore). 


You can listen to the full soundtrack on Cœur de pirate's Bandcamp page



WHY I RECOMMEND IT

As far as game soundtracks go, this one is easily one of the greats. Honestly, if you listen to this soundtrack it really speaks for itself -- though only one track has lyrics. The rest is a beautiful journey through emotion-laden musical themes. 


THE COMPOSER: BÉATRICE MARTIN

Better known by her stage name, Cœur de pirate (French: Pirate's Heart), she is a singer-songwriter and pianist from Montreal, Canada. I honestly don't know much else about her. She's certainly an active singer-songwriter and pianist, but she largely sings in French and is praised for it. (The Quebec province in Canada is like that -- I grew up just south of it in Vermont.) I think if I understood and liked the sound of the French language then I would probably listen to more of her work. I may still explore it based solely on the instrumental composition of this soundtrack!

I know that you've seen the worst 
Your heart's been torn before
Those creatures won't let you go
So hang onto what you know
So sail on you golden girl
And fight against those fears

Wednesday, January 22, 2020

Wishlist Wednesday: Neverwinter Nights 2


In this weekly feature, I share game titles from my various gaming wishlists. I share screenshots and video from the developer, talk about my expectations, and generally just ramble about why the title made it onto my list in the first place. This week's choice is Neverwinter Nights 2 by Obsidian Entertainment.



THE STATS

Name: Neverwinter Nights 2
Developer: Obsidian Entertainment
Publisher: Atari, Inc.
Release Date: October 31, 2006
Genres: Role-playing
Wishlist Location: GOG.com



MEDIA FROM GOG.COM









(Newsletter subscribers click here to view embedded video.)



WHY I WANT IT

The first and obvious reason is because I own and have played the first game, Neverwinter Nights. Secondly, I am a Dungeons & Dragons nerd. I love the stories that take place in Faerûn, and the city of Neverwinter is often mentioned among other notorious locales of the Sword Coast. It received GameSpot's "Best Story" award for 2006, apparently beating the reader's choice of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (yeah, it beat THOSE guys!). It is also praised for being absolutely faithful to the 3.5 Edition D&D rule set. If you weren't aware, a lot of D&D players are rules sticklers, so this was a big deal.

Yeah, that about sums it up. I mean, I could also mention that it was developed by Obsidian Entertainment, who have since worked on some other great titles like Fallout: New Vegas, Pillars of Eternity, Tyranny, and Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire. But really -- it's another chapter of the Neverwinter series set in the D&D campaign setting I enjoy most. I have to have it!


If that isn't enough to pique your interest, then this probably isn't your genre -- and that's okay! Check back next week for another title and let me know what you think of my selection!

Saturday, January 18, 2020

Soundtrack Saturday: Dark Souls


In this weekly feature, I recommend game soundtracks. I share a few of my favorite tracks, talk about why everyone should listen to the soundtrack, and a little bit about the composer. This week's choice is Dark Souls by FromSoftware.



THE STATS

Name: Dark Souls
Developer: FromSoftware
Publisher: Namco Bandai Games
Release Date: September 22, 2011
Genres: Action role-playing
Composer(s): Motoi Sakuraba


MY FAVORITE TRACKS

(The titles link to YouTube videos... and I highly recommend some good headphones to best enjoy all of the subtle elements of the music!)

Firelink Shrine
The first 30 seconds honestly sounds like a smoother, elongated variation of the beginning of Vivaldi's "Winter" from The Four Seasons because of the chord progression. That is not me accusing Motoi Sakuraba of any kind of plagiarism -- that is my way of bestowing high praise.

Gwynevere, Princess of Sunlight
This sounds like the capitulation of an epic opera or musical where there is a magnificent wedding scene. The building of angelic voices and organ, punctuated with harp and assorted stringed instruments leads to a point halfway through where percussion, plucked strings, and bell chimes make this clearly sound like a processional. It has an uplifting sound the rest of the soundtrack lacks.

Great Grey Wolf Sif
I've heard all about Sif's story from my husband, and knowing the story definitely gives this track an added layer of emotions. (No spoilers from me -- I'll join the Souls fans by saying you should go play the game.) Without the story information, listening to the track still takes you across a spectrum of sounds and implied feelings. This is my favorite track. It is suspenseful, flowing, harmonic... and an overall pleasure to listen to.

The Ancient Dragon
An incredibly impressive track making use of vocals and minimal instruments. This is is sound that can haunt you.

Dark Sun Gwyndolin
The feminine vocals with the harp make this track sad and ethereal (the minor chords help, too). I don't recommend listening to this if you're depressed or prone to overdramatic melancholy -- but it is a beautiful piece nonetheless. This is my #2, easily.

Gwyn, Lord of Cinder
I had to include this one... because it's entirely piano. Don't click the link expecting something light like George Winston, however. As a reminder, the game title is Dark Souls.



You can listen to the full soundtrack on YouTube by clicking here: 




WHY I RECOMMEND IT

You have to be in a particular mood to listen to this, but it's easily a great soundtrack to listen to in the background as you write or read something of the fantasy genre. It's epic on many levels, and the deep richness of the compositions that make up the entire soundtrack is a joy to listen to.

THE COMPOSER: MOTOI SAKURABA

My husband is one of the die hard Souls fans who has been in love with the series from day one. As such, I've learned a lot about the series from him. One of the things I learned first was that the soundtracks are epic and really help to capture specific moments that take place in the game. I don't have this kind of experience, but listening to the compositions is enough for me as a musician to appreciate the craft that went into the music.

If you're a gamer of any kind, you've probably played or heard of several of the games Motoi has composed for. Aside from the Souls games, he has also composed for the Tales series, Star Ocean, Valkyrie Profile, Golden Sun, and various tracks for Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Donkey Kong Country, Mario Tennis, Mario Golf, Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire, Super Mario Bros. 3, Phantasy Star Nova, and many others. He has also done many arrangements for franchises he has had previous involvement with.

I'm kind of interested to find and listen to his first band's only studio album from 1988, Baroque in the Future, just to see what kind of musical journey he's been on. Perhaps also because the band, Clashed Ice, was formed the year I was born (1984). My curiosity aside, Motoi has clearly made an impact on video game music over the span three decades. It will be interesting to see how far he goes in the future.

Wednesday, January 15, 2020

Wishlist Wednesday: Tokyo Dark


In this weekly feature, I share game titles from my various gaming wishlists. I share screenshots and video from the developer, talk about my expectations, and generally just ramble about why the title made it onto my list in the first place. This week's choice is Tokyo Dark by Cherrymochi.


THE STATS

Name: Tokyo Dark
Developer: Cherrymochi
Publisher: Square Enix
Release Date: September 7, 2017
Genres: Point-and-click adventure, Visual novel
Wishlist Location: Steam


MEDIA FROM TOKYODARK.COM


  

   



  




 (Newsletter subscribers click here to view embedded video.)


WHY I WANT IT

I am an extremely particular person when it comes to visual novels. At first glance, that's what I thought this game was. I saw a friend had acquired it on Steam and the name intrigued me, so I had a look at it. Then I saw that there was point-and-click adventure style gaming in the mix, as well as an anime style. That it is also a horror genre and promises 11 different ending depending on difficult decisions... I was sold. I like to have options, but not in the Choose Your Own Adventure novel style. I want the options to really be meaningful, and it feels like this game has that covered.

I'm also usually pleased with games that are funded by Kickstarter, like this one was. There is often a lot of blood, sweat, and tears that go into games that get off the ground via crowdfunding because the creators are working hard to (a) get the funding, and (b) deliver the goods when it's funded. The seal of approval by Square Enix choosing to publish the game (with a 94% rating by the Collective members) only emphasizes their success.

I want to see why it received a 94%.


If that isn't enough to pique your interest, then this probably isn't your genre -- and that's okay! Check back next week for another title and let me know what you think of my selection!

Saturday, January 11, 2020

Soundtrack Saturday: The Banner Saga


In this weekly feature, I recommend game soundtracks. I share a few of my favorite tracks, talk about why everyone should listen to the soundtrack, and a little bit about the composer. This week's choice is The Banner Saga by Stoic Studio.


THE STATS

Name: The Banner Saga
Developer: Stoic Studio
Publisher: Versus Evil
Release Date: January 14, 2014
Genres: Tactical role-playing
Composer(s): Austin Wintory


MY FAVORITE TRACKS

(The titles link to YouTube videos... and I highly recommend some good headphones to best enjoy all of the subtle elements of the music!)

This track has several different moods that it draws the listener through, with underlying currents the entire way. It manages to sound like a soundtrack all on its own. 

"In the shadows of the great bridge, a long walk stills our hearts..."
Short, but the strings are captivating and lead us to the also-brief lyrics. There is only a little bit of movement in the melody -- that, coupled with drawn-out notes, helps to paint the picture of both a long walk and stilled hearts.

If the flute singing its heart out doesn't grab you, then the following strings and woodwinds are clearly falling on deaf ears. The repeating theme helps give that sense of time doing one particular thing, alluding to the track's title. 

This is a fairly short track, but the ethereal sound achieved with the instruments, vocals, and effects made this one I absolutely had to include in my list. 

"A noble name shall never perish..."
Even if you don't understand the Icelandic lyrics (in full at the end of this entry), the vocals here are powerful. Despite this game being funded by Kickstarter, the talent is unquestionable. Vocals by Johann Sigurdarson, Peter Hollens, and Malukah.

"Onward/ Atonement rests beneath the stars/ For those who earn the night..."
It's hard to know if the whimsical instruments or the vocals are the more compelling part of this song.


You can listen to the full soundtrack on YouTube by clicking here: 



WHY I RECOMMEND IT

Truth be told, I haven't finished playing The Banner Saga (even though it is a complete trilogy now). I had asked friends for recommendations for the Soundtrack series and The Banner Saga was one of the first listed (thanks, Mel!). Having spent a few hours listening to the soundtrack and letting it soak in, it was definitely the right choice to add it to my schedule.

So, do you like the rustic sound of epic sagas featuring vikings, fighting on horseback, medieval settings, and sometimes mythical creatures? Then this is probably a great soundtrack for you to listen to. It is very similar in sound to the Riders of Rohan expansion OST for Lord of the Rings Online, but darker and lonelier in tone. The last two tracks (the last two I listed above) are particularly powerful with the tone of their vocals. They also coincide with poignant parts of the game's story, so it's great that the lyrics are in Icelandic (unless you happen to be fluent, then you might not want to pay attention and possibly spoil the plot for yourself).


THE COMPOSER: AUSTIN WINTORY

I'd honestly never heard of Austin before researching for this entry. (I have the feeling I'm going to learn a lot the more I post these entries!) He has a website with a plethora of information about who he is and the projects he has worked on (though the page has not been maintained well -- it's behind by a few years on certain details). His accolades and musical accomplishments aside, the information I enjoyed learning best was that he's a huge supporter of education and does public speaking events at schools. One of the struggles I had when pursuing music even as just my minor in college was that the arts have been getting less and less in the way of funding in favor of athletics (which turn a profit better, or something). This was actually a large part of why I transferred halfway through college!

Austin's work clearly speaks for itself, and I'm going to look into the other games he has composed music for now that I know his name. If you like what you hear here, you should do the same!


Öll erum við gestir hér á grund. | We are all guests upon the land.
Aldrei að gista á einum stað.  | Never to stay in one place.
Göfugt nafn gleymist aldrei. | A noble name shall never perish.
Mín verður minnst. | I will not be forgotten.

Wednesday, January 8, 2020

Wishlist Wednesday: GRIS


In this weekly feature, I share game titles from my various gaming wishlists. I share screenshots and video from the developer, talk about my expectations, and generally just ramble about why the title made it onto my list in the first place. This week's choice is Gris by Nomada Studio.



THE STATS

Name: Gris
Developer: Nomada Studio
Publisher: Devolver Digital
Release Date: December 13, 2018
Genres: Platform-adventure
Wishlist Location: Steam



MEDIA FROM NOMADA.STUDIO








 (Newsletter subscribers click here to view embedded video.)


WHY I WANT IT

As I've said before--many times--I am not very good at platformer games. Despite that fact, there are always some I am drawn to. This one, in particular, comes with the benefit of there being no danger or death involved. It is a risk-free adventure through an artistic world full of some very creative visuals and a gorgeous soundtrack that reminds me of Child of Light (more on that title later) or a more cinematic experience like Fantasia, without the obligatory mouse cameo.

This is definitely a gaming experience for casual gamers, or even just the gamer who wants something to relax to. Since its initial release, it is now also available on iOS and PS4, making it accessible to everyone who isn't a die hard Linux enthusiast or Android-user-without-a-computer.

If the trailer doesn't convince you this game deserves to be on my wishlist, then nothing I can add will persuade you.


If that isn't enough to pique your interest, then this probably isn't your genre -- and that's okay! Check back next week for another title and let me know what you think of my selection!

Saturday, January 4, 2020

Soundtrack Saturday: To The Moon


In this weekly feature, I recommend game soundtracks. I share a few of my favorite tracks, talk about why everyone should listen to the soundtrack, and a little bit about the composer. This week's choice is To The Moon by Freebird Games.


THE STATS

Name: To The Moon
Developer: Freebird Games
Publisher: Freebird Games
Release Date: November 1, 2011
Genres: Adventure
Composer(s): Kan Gao


MY FAVORITE TRACKS

(The titles link to YouTube videos... and I highly recommend some good headphones to best enjoy all of the subtle elements of the music!)

They're making an animated film of To The Moon, and I really hope this theme is playing during opening or closing credits.

Uncharted Realms
Mystery! Suspense! Something potentially sinister! This short track has it all.

I always enjoy a good moving harmony. This song is simple and beautiful.

There's something elegant and inherently emotional about piano pieces. The composition of this one just sings to the listener that it has a story to tell you. That's what I love about this soundtrack so much. Every snippet of  composed music has a purpose, and you can hear it.

Possibly not everyone's favorite, but I've always liked how hopeful it sounds. It's telling you that tomorrow is going to be another day, so relax, smile, and see what tomorrow brings. The part of the game this plays in is also important, but I'm certainly not going to spoil it here.

Everything's Alright
"Short steps, deep breath/ Everything is alright"
This is my favorite track in the entire game, and I never get tired of listening to it. The vocals are done by Laura Shigihara (whom you might know as the composer for Plants vs. Zombies or her own game, Rakuen -- I'll write more about her in an upcoming entry!), and she composed the song as well.* If you have played this game, listening to this song makes you cry. I haven't played the game in 6 years, and I'm tearing up right now while listening to it. [*Edited for correction. Thank you, @Cerra!]


You can listen to the full soundtrack on YouTube by clicking here: 


WHY I RECOMMEND IT

First of all... I'M NOT CRYING, YOU'RE CRYING. [Insert all of the 'crying' gifs here.]

Anyone who has played this game knows exactly what I'm talking about. While the majority of the tracks are a minute or less in length, the ones that are two minutes and longer are key elements of pivotal moments in the game. In the interest of avoiding spoilers, I'm going to tell you to go play the game so you understand what I mean. To The Moon is deceptive in appearance -- just a little adventure game made with RPG Maker where you click through dialogue and on key objects, all with simple sprite-based artwork. Despite that, it is a game that will make you laugh and cry. It will shake you at the roots of your humanity. People who used to be stoic were made to cry by this game. They're making an animated film of it (though the details are frustratingly vague still). This is a game everyone should experience. And I do mean experience.


THE COMPOSER CREATOR: KAN GAO

Look, there are dozens of articles on the internet about Kan Gao and his works -- notably all after To The Moon became an indie darling and put Kan on the map. They all focus on how he took not-well-looked-on RPG Maker and created with it. But not just your average pixellated RPGs -- he made precise, specific experiences. He somehow makes the pixels tell stories far larger than themselves, and therein lies the magic of Kan Gao. He's expanded Freebird Games over time, but still has a very small crew (4 in-house, last I knew), but that makes it remarkably easy for him to craft his work and see the big picture, meaning his music matches his story and artwork like you often don't see in larger, AAA games. I'm not a huge fan of the works before To The Moon, but I can recommend every title since. If you're reading this, you magnificent gem of a lost person on the internet, I will buy you a copy of To The Moon if I have managed to sell you on it. If not, I hope you'll take the time to browse the soundtrack and enjoy what you hear.

Kan, if you ever read this: Thank you for making such a beautiful game. I have gifted several copies to friends over the years, shared the updates and mini-sodes excitedly with the other adults you have brought to tears, and I promise I will finish playing Finding Paradise before Impostor Factory comes out. I hope you continue to make your wonderful games for many years to come!


When this world is no more 
The moon is all we'll see 
I'll ask you to fly away with me 
Until the stars all fall down 
They empty from the sky 
But I don't mind 
If you're with me, then everything's alright

Wednesday, January 1, 2020

State of the Blog: 2020 Edition


A new decade has begun! It's time to discuss the plans, objectives, and loose ideas I have in mind for this blog in the coming months.


On A Personal Note

First of all, I have to address something on a personal level. I try to keep personal things out of this blog because I know all two or three of you read it for the game-centric content--or at the very least to disagree with me in a later conversation. However, since I don't stream on Twitch, and things are very iffy in the YouTube realm with their new policies they won't give legal counsel on, this blog is it for me. Since it does mean so much to me, it will be impacted by personal things as a matter of course.

My health has been on the decline over the last few years. I was, in one breath from a physician, told I had hypertension (high blood pressure), hypothyroidism (my thyroid is lazy), and diabetes (insert Wilford Brimley joke here). That was in 2016. Since then, it's been a struggle to have a consistent physician, so it's taken entirely too long for various issues related to these diagnoses to be treated. My blood pressure is doing great thanks to one medication. Even when I'm stressed out or irritated they tell me I'm at 120/79 or thereabouts. My thyroid has been at good levels since I was put on medication for it.

My diabetes has been something else entirely. I was finally put on a medication that didn't make me feel sick in 2017, but it only brings my A1C down to a 6.5 (the ideal is 6.0 or below). Because of this ongoing struggle, I've been dealing with neuropathy in my feet--basically nerve damage that makes my feet hypersensitive to temperatures and painful to walk on every day. I was recently referred to a neurologist for treatment, but I won't have anything to go on until mid-January when I have an EMG (electromyography) and NCS (nerve conduction study).

The tests are supposed to help the physicians determine if the neuropathy is diabetic in origin or not. It will dictate how they proceed with treatment. This is important for me to mention because the pain already makes it difficult for me to sit at my computer some days. Additionally, if it is diabetic and progresses it can start to happen in my hands. I use my hands for a lot more than just gaming, so I am praying for a turnaround in my healthcare this year.


Previous Milestone Incentives

Yeah, I'm still chipping away at the ones I owe everyone for 2018, as well as the new set for 2019. The following is the list I have yet to deliver on and how ready I am to make good on them.


  • 2018 Milestone: $300 Says "I know Shaq-Fu" -- I have the game installed, I just need to sit down and play so I can blog about it. It looks ridiculous!
  • 2018 Milestone: Getting Over It for $600 -- This refers to "Getting Over It with Bennett Foddy," the rage-inducing game that made Markiplier throw a chair. I have it installed, it's a matter of sitting down to play it. I have thought about recording it and posting the video.
  • 2018 Milestone: Praise the $800 Sun -- I have started to play both Dark Souls and Dark Souls III, but couldn't decide which one would be better for me to suffer through. In either case, it's begun.
  • 2019 Milestone: It's What's Inside That Counts for $100 -- This refers to wearing equipment appearances only in LOTRO, no cosmetics. This one is really hard for me. The goal is to last 2 weeks.
  • 2019 Milestone: These $300 Boots Are Made For Walking -- This refers to no stable rides in LOTRO for 2 weeks. Also very hard for me, especially with how large the game has become. But I suppose if I focus on a lower level character for a couple weeks that it won't be so bad.
  • 2019 Milestone: Ain't No Zorah Magdaros High Enough for $400 -- My original goal was to make it to hunter rank 6 in Monster Hunter World, but I don't think I'll make it that far. I will do my best!
  • 2019 Milestone: $500 Digital Art -- Didn't get it done for Christmas, so you'll have to settle for it being tardy again. 
  • 2019 Milestone: $600 Country & Rap for Melody's Escape -- Can't seem to settle on 3 titles from each genre to play in Melody's Escape, but once I do I just have to ace them and share the screenshot of the final score. 
  • 2019 Milestone: $700 Dead Space 3 -- Originally the idea was to play a zombie game, but my husband said this would be better and I trust him. It's not my usual genre, and that's what matters!
  • 2019 Milestone: $800 Alien -- I let my husband choose a horror movie for me to watch. I have to be careful about what I watch because my imagination can give me absolutely horrific and realistic nightmares. This one seemed safe, so I approved of his choice.
  • 2019 Milestone: $900 Fanfic -- I haven't nailed down a genre yet, mostly because I hate the idea of fanfic and don't want to sully anything original. Expect this to be one of the last ones I deliver on in this list.
  • 2019 Mielstone: $1,000 Eat Sushi -- One day, when we have our ducks in a row and not squirrels at a rave, I'll sit down at the nearby sushi place and get a sampler to go with a regular meal and blog all about it.
  • 2019 Milestone: $1,200 Kin Reward for Away Shall Fade in LOTRO -- This mostly involves waiting to hear back from the Community Manager after requesting goodies. 

Consistency

If you follow GR, you've seen that I've been keeping a consistent schedule of thematic entries on Wednesdays and Saturdays. This was a fantastic suggestion (thank you, Kii!) that has given me wiggle room to work on harder content without stressing that nothing is getting posted. I hope you are enjoying the thematic entries because I have a schedule set through mid-April.

In addition to those thematic entries, I hope to add some regular review-style entries about adventure or puzzle games I have tried. I have ideas I want to explore for the format of those entries, so I hope you'll give me lots of feedback when I get to them.

Reader Rewards

I've mentioned rewards for my readers before. I am in the process of reconfiguring my failed Patreon attempt and hashing out details for solid rewards. This may or may not involve Teespring. If you have ideas for what you'd like to see as rewards, please feel free to leave a comment or contact me directly through email.

Extra Life

I have already registered for Extra Life 2020, but I plan to let it be backseat to my blogging efforts this year. I want to show that I have something unique to say about gaming and let that be the reason people choose to support my Extra Life efforts. There is no team this year for a similar reason. The team members I recruited in the past have, as a whole, not reached their goals. I think only one person ever did, but has since stopped being an active gamer. So this year I plan to join a big team later in the year -- maybe Standing Stone Games (Lord of the Rings Online and Dungeons & Dragons Online), or Trion (RIFT). I get incentives from them for raising money for the team, as well as healthy competition with other people who are actively trying to raise money for the kids. And this way I don't have to worry about being a motivator or giving back to a group of people. I can just enjoy gaming and putting effort into my blog as I'm able to.

A Focal Point

If you've read everything up until this point, I'm amazed. Are you my husband? I don't know who else would read all of that. Thank you. My big struggle, after deciding all of that and considering my strengths and limitations, is figuring out what to refocus on for Gamer Reverie. It's always been my blog for Extra Life and now I'm not sure what personality it has the capacity for. I've always taken a certain amount of pride in being a casual gamer, and that may be the key. People watch gamers on Twitch mostly to be entertained. People watch gamers' videos on YouTube to be entertained or to see how to accomplish something in the same game. What can I do differently? Well, I can share why I thought a game was fun and why I feel it's worth spending time and money on it. That's valuable information for casual gamers -- which most gamers are these days.


I hope this wasn't too boring -- well, okay, I know it was likely INCREDIBLY boring, but now you can't say I didn't mention any of this before. Happy 2020, everyone! Let's all play some games!

Wishlist Wednesday: Rain World


In this weekly feature, I share game titles from my various gaming wishlists. I share screenshots and video from the developer, talk about my expectations, and generally just ramble about why the title made it onto my list in the first place. This week's choice is Rain World by Videocult.


THE STATS

Name: Rain World
Developer: Videocult
Publisher: Adult Swim Games
Release Date: March 28, 2017
Genres: Platformer
Wishlist Location: Steam



MEDIA FROM ADULTSWIM.COM












(Newsletter subscribers click here to view embedded video.)


WHY I WANT IT

I'm not very good at platformers usually, but something about this one just... interests me! Maybe it's the adorable slugcat. The trailer really gives a number of reasons to be interested. First, it's a fallen world where only those who have adapted and are smart are going to survive. Second, there's some mystery about the past -- I'm guessing something about why the world fell. The search for answers seems to be a very compelling reason to struggle through platforming and survival!

The art is amazing, also. It conveys the dismal, run-down, ruined state of the world that these creatures are trying to survive in, but still shows off how the habitats, creatures, and flora have changed and thrived. The developer puts us in the role of the slugcat, where we learn how to survive, or we follow the path of those who passed out of the world and left their ruins behind.

"What fate a Slugcat? Prey... und predator?"




If that isn't enough to pique your interest, then this probably isn't your genre -- and that's okay! Check back next week for another title and let me know what you think of my selection!