• A world that’s absolutely gorgeous

• A world that pulls you in completely

• A world where every frame feels like a painting

Imagine scenes with sweeping fields of red maple leaves, drifting cherry blossoms, misty bamboo forests, and cinematic weather effects. All that makes Tsushima one of the most artistically striking game worlds that I have played so far.

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Quick Facts

📅 Released: PS4: 2020, PS5: 2021, PC: 2024
📄 Genre: Action-Adventure
🎮 Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC
🗨️ Metacritic Score: 87
🔗 Steam Reviews: Overwhelmingly Positive
📖 Publisher: Sony (Developer: Sucker Punch)
✌️ I play it on my PlayStation 5 Pro

Sidenote: Ghost of Tsushima is far more loved by players than by critics, with user scores reaching 9.1 on Metacritic. However, some outlets, such as IGN Japan, praised it and gave it a 9.5 while calling it a stunning masterpiece of open-world design.

Good to know: The spiritual successor ‘Ghost of Yōtei’ will be released on October 2, 2025.

The game’s real beauty is in the aesthetic. Sweeping fields of red maple leaves, drifting cherry blossoms, misty bamboo forests, and cinematic weather effects make Tsushima one of the most artistically striking worlds in gaming.

The way the wind moves through the grass, the golden leaves drifting in the air, the quiet beauty of a sunlit shrine… it often feels like I am walking through a dream I didn’t want to wake up from.

One thing that will probably stay with me forever is that early flashback, the one under the red maple trees: Jin is still a boy, and his uncle, Lord Shimura, is teaching him how to fight.

The leaves fall around them like fire in slow motion. It’s beautiful, but also filled with emotion. A moment that somehow blends jaw-dropping visuals, memory, honor, and heartbreak in a single scene. That was the point where I realized: this game isn’t just visually stunning. It’s emotionally rich, too.

Immersion

A brilliant design choice in Ghost of Tsushima is how it guides you through the world: without a traditional HUD, minimap, or compass on the screen.

Instead, you follow the direction of the wind, which you can summon with a swipe on the touchpad (on Playstation). The wind flows across the landscape, bending trees, stirring leaves, and gently pulling you toward your next objective.

• No HUD

• No minimap

• No compass

It’s a subtle but powerful mechanic that blends perfectly with the environment. Rather than staring at a waypoint marker, you’re looking at the movement of the grass and the sway of the trees. To me, this is truly immersive and elegant, and it lets the landscape shine without distraction.

That was it for today. I just wanted to tell you how breathtakingly beautiful this game world is. Now, I have to continue playing!

Thanks for reading, and keep playing great games!

Michael

Disclaimer: This post/email may contain Amazon affiliate links (ads). I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

It had nothing to do with ray tracing, photorealism, or massive open worlds. This happened in the 1980s, on my third computer.

I actually wrote a little more about those early days, in this post, if you want to check it out:

My first ‘gaming machine’ was the Sinclair ZX 81, the second one was the ZX Spectrum. Then came the Commodore 64, and with it, a game that fascinated me:

Flight Simulator II by a company called SubLOGIC. It was developed by a guy named Bruce Artwick, back when most games were made by solo developers.

Even though it ran at maybe one or two frames per second on the C64, we were amazed. It came with something like 90 or 100 pages of documentation, which made it feel important.

Then came 1986, the release of the Commodore Amiga. We got one right away, and soon after, Flight Simulator II was ported to it.

And then it happened.

I loaded it up on the Amiga. I took off. And I saw the runway glide by in fluid graphics. It was only 10 or maybe 15 frames per second, but to me, that felt like flying into the future.

I WAS BLOWN AWAY BY THOSE FLUID GRAPHICS! That moment, that one moment, I’ll never forget.

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Compared to the C64 version, it was a huge leap. You have to imagine: we had been flying for years in that stuttering, low-frame world with one or two fps. And now it was smooth, and it had more color. It actually felt like flying! It honestly stunned us.

If you ever played both versions, the C64 and the Amiga ones, you know what I mean.

I also made a video about it. You can watch it here:

That was it for today …. a retro gaming moment that blew my socks off. And I still get goosebumps when I think about it.

Thanks for reading, and keep playing,

Michael

That said, there’s one core element in both games that I want to talk about real quick: the cutscenes.

Please note that this article is 100% free of story spoilers. So it’s safe to read!

Honestly, throughout my gaming career I’ve never really liked cutscenes and I skip them more often than I watch them. Yes, there are exceptions, and besides the recently released Clair Obscure: Expedition 33 there are a few other games I would add as ‘cutscene worthy’, including Death Stranding.

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My thoughts so far on the first part: I never thought I would love a game like this so much. Maybe that will change after another 10 or 20 hours, but all I can say is: what an incredible experience. Many call it a walking simulator. I call it a masterpiece that mixes calmness, an intriguing storyline, and cinematics like in the movies. And not to forget, the main character is played by Norman Reedus. I’m a big fan of him, and besides being a great actor, he’s also down to earth. I am already so excited for part two.

In Death Stranding, cutscenes don’t interrupt the gameplay, instead, they are woven into the gameplay flow, they add emotion, and last but not least, it feels like watching a real movie du to Kojimas directing and the amazing actors.

So, in a nutshell: The cutscenes in Death Stranding (1 and 2) are not there just to tell the story, but to make you feel it, through performance, pacing, and sheer emotional weight.

There’s something strangely calming and powerful about these scenes. One moment you’re walking through quiet, empty landscapes, and the next you’re watching a slow, emotional conversation that really pulls you in. I’m not even sure why it works. Maybe it’s the long pauses, the way the camera moves, or how the characters feel real without saying much. Whatever it is, it got me. And that’s coming from someone who usually skips the story parts whenever possible.

I already mentioned it, but Norman Reedus as the main character alone would be a no-brainer for me to not skip them.

But still, sometimes they remain long with dialogue-heavy content, which still divides players. I totally understand.

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And here is the main reason why I wanted to write this newsletter/post in the first place: A video posted by IGN with a wild cutscene from Death Stranding 2 you won’t forget. It does not have any story spoilers and it’s a must-watch in my opinion:

Another must-watch is the last part of the following video where Norman Reedus talks about Hideo Kojima and his experience when he was directing Norman (I added the timecode, so it starts right there):

That was it for today. Thanks for reading and please share this article on social media:

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Keep playing awesome games,

Michael

Disclaimer: My posts and emails may contain Amazon affiliate links. I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

About a week ago, 11 bit studios released a new game called The Alters. But it seems as if not enough players took notice. Maybe because Dune: Awakening was released around that time, and others are still focused on the Switch 2?

I discovered The Alters by accident after it showed up on Game Pass on release day, and immediately fell in love with it, although I am not into typical survival-crafting games.

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📅 Released: June 13, 2025

📄 Genre: Sci‑Fi / Survival / Base‑Building

🎮 Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S

🏷️ Price: $34.99, included in Game Pass

🗨️ Metacritic Score: 84

🔗 Steam Reviews: Very Positive

📖 Publisher & Developer: 11 bit studios

✌️ I play it on: my Xbox Series X

Many players are loving it and agree it hasn’t gotten the attention it deserves.

In a nutshell: To survive on the planet, you create alternate versions of Jan, called “Alters,” each with unique skills. You build, craft, gather resources, and try to escape before the rising sun ends it all.

Here is the kicker: Via a quantum computer in your mobile base, you select from your own life a key moment with a certain decision. Now, with your new decision made, you create a version of yourself with a different life path and a totally different career, skill set, and so on.

These ‘clones’ you created will join your crew, and they are essential for your survival and solving tasks.

Still not sure what the game is about and if it’s for you? Check out my overview:

• Sci-fi setting on a distant planet

• You’re stranded and must survive

• Manage your mobile base and gather resources

• Craft tools, upgrades, and essential survival gear

• Create and manage alternate versions of yourself (“Alters”)

• Each Alter has unique skills and memories

• No combat, it’s about survival and smart decisions

• Make meaningful choices with emotional consequences

• Story-driven, character-focused experience

• Slow-paced but full of tension and exploration

• There’s time pressure, but it doesn’t feel stressful

Essentially, it’s a mix of survival, base-building, and emotional storytelling. And while it looks like a sci-fi game on the surface, it’s also about identity, regret, and the question: what if you had made a different decision in your life?

The emotional part is so intriguing. When you talk to your alternates, they might show negative emotions, which makes you immediately think: ‘How can I make him happy? I need him for …. soon ….”.

The Studio

11 bit studios is a Polish indie game developer. So far, they have developed and published:

• This War of Mine

• Frostpunk

Both are games with emotional stories and some tough moral choices you have to make. They had a huge success with them and showed how video games can deal with serious topics. Personally, I haven’t played Frostpunk, but This War of Mine is still one of my favorite smaller titles.

They make everything in-house, without outsourcing, so they can keep full control over quality and story. 11 bit games deal with topics such as survival, hard decisions, and how people react under pressure.

The Alters started as a small idea from game director Tomasz Kisilewicz and a few team members. They even made a board game version first to test the concept. Over time, it grew into a full game with a much bigger team.

All the different versions of the main character, Jan, are voiced by one actor: Alex Jordan. That adds a personal, emotional touch to the story.

Once again, 11 bit showed that an AA title from a smaller team can be a much better game than those super AAA titles from big studios with at least one hundred people working on it.

Someone recently wrote: “The Alters Just Humiliated the AAA Industry”.

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Please share this newsletter/post so games like this get more attention. They deserve it!

Thanks for reading and keep playing,

Michael

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I haven't felt this way about a video game in years!

And I’m not the only one who’s blown away, as it’s got the highest Metacritic user rating ever!

📅 Released: April 24, 2025​

📄 Genre: Fantasy RPG

🎮 Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S, PC

🏷️ Price: $49.99​ (or via Game Pass)

🗨️ Metacritic Score: 91 (User Score: 9.7)

📖 Developer: Sandfall Interactive (France)

🥷Team Size: 30 (new studio)

✌️I play it on my Xbox Series X

So, yes, the hype about Clair Obscure is 100% real. For me, it’s the kind of gaming experience that sticks with you long after you stop playing every single time.

As usual, I don’t write reviews, but this truly outstanding and captivating game deserves some insights. However, I won’t tell you any details about the story, except for the prologue, since I highly recommend experiencing how this intriguing story unfolds by yourself.

The Story | Prologue

I don’t consider the prologue a spoiler, but if you would rather experience the whole story by yourself, feel free to skip this part.

The world of Clair Obscure is dying, literally. Every year, a god-like being known as "The Paintress" paints a number onto her monolith on a distant island, and everyone of that age simply fades from existence. That event is called ‘Gommage’. This year, it’s the number 33.

Like every year, a new expedition sets out on a mission to break that cycle and stop the Paintress before she writes the next number on her monolith.

And this mysterious, unique, and creative premise is just the starting point for one of the most gripping and unpredictable stories in video games.

Gameplay | Combat

You will find a mix of intriguing exploration of the gorgeous world and strategic, turn-based combat, but with QTE (Quick-Time-Elements) that keeps you engaged. It also keeps the fights more tense: You dodge and parry in real time during combat. Also, some attacking abilities include a timing mechanic.

So, you're not just selecting a move and watching it play out. Instead, you're engaged, active, and trying to learn enemy patterns for the perfect dodging/parrying.

Honestly, before Expedition 33, I never really liked turn-based games. I usually get bored, quit early, and never look back. But here, I’m definitely hooked!

Storytelling | Atmosphere

What makes Clair Obscure: Expedition 33 truly unforgettable is the storytelling.

The characters are incredibly well written, full of depth, struggles, and real emotions. Every conversation and every step you take reveals a bit more about their inner battles, and it never feels forced.

An early example: Although I already knew what was going to happen to Sophie, I almost cried! That is outstanding!

It’s that rare kind of story that stays with you long after you put the controller down.

Visually, it’s a work of art, as stunning as its intense story, with almost every scene somehow more jaw-dropping than the last. Developed with Unreal Engine 5 and using Lumen, Nanite, and Virtual Shadow Maps, the devs created a gorgeous world rich in detail, realism, and vivid color.

The soundtrack is equally impressive and could carry this game alone. Every piece feels perfectly tuned to the mood of the scene, whether it’s quiet despair, growing determination, or fleeting moments of peace.

The Developers

Everybody says it’s so unusual that a team of only 30 developers can create such a big and fantastic AAA title!

AAA game development teams typically range from 100 to over 500 people, depending on the project's scope and complexity the can even be bigger. For example, major titles like Assassin's Creed IV involved around 900 developers, while Grand Theft Auto V had about 1,000 team members.

The people behind Expedition 33 include many former Ubisoft developers, with experience on games like Beyond Good and Evil 2, The Division 2, and Ghost Recon.

The studio, Sandfall Interactive, was co-founded by Tom Guillermin, who worked as a gameplay programmer at Ubisoft Montpellier and Massive Entertainment.

CEO Guillaume Broche also came from Ubisoft, where he was a narrative lead and brand manager. Some team members come from outside gaming, including a COO who previously worked at a French ride-sharing company.

Despite their varied backgrounds, the people at Sandfall seem to share a passion for games, and with Clair Obscure, they were able to make one on their own terms.

In my opinion, they created something that Ubisoft or any other large publisher/developer would never give them the freedom to make.

Drawbacks

Yes, there are two tiny drawbacks. which almost nobody mentions, so I will do it :)

• The character animations while walking or running, and only then, can sometimes feel a little stiff and unnatural.

• Also, the lip-sync doesn’t always match the dialogue, but it didn’t break the immersion for me.

Do those things really matter? Honestly, when I started playing, I thought it would bother me. But after like 20 minutes, I couldn’t care less, as the whole game felt so amazing!

Conclusion

There are two final things I would like to say:

Sandfall, please make more games like this and follow your passion!

Gamers, if you're still on the fence, don't be; just buy it.

Thanks for reading!

Keep playing,

Michael

I am aware that many titles can be played with a friend, but I think there is only one studio that develops the most incredible co-op games: Hazelight from Sweden!

Their latest title, Split Fiction, instantly became a mega-success and sold over 2 million copies in the first week after its release.

📅 Released: March 6, 2025​

📄 Genre: Co-Op Action Platformer

🎮 Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S, PC

🏷️ Price: $49.99​

🗨️ Metacritic Score: 91 (User Score: 9.0)

🔗 Steam Reviews: Overwhelmingly Positive

📖 Publisher: EA (Developer: Hazelight)

✌️I play it on my Xbox Series X

The main guy behind the studio is Josef Fares, who founded the company and is actually a filmmaker. He is the director of the most impressive co-op games I know:

• 2013: Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons (Starbreeze Studios)

• 2018: A Way Out (Hazelight Studios)

• 2021: It Takes Two (Hazelight Studios)

• 2025: Split Fiction (Hazelight Studios)

The first game he directed was at Starbreeze Studios. After that, he left the company and founded Hazelight, where he created three outstanding titles that you can only play together with someone.

Further down, you'll find some fascinating insights about Josef Fares, his studio, and the game from a special Q&A session.

As usual, I am not writing a review since you can already find tons of them on the internet. Instead, you will get some fascinating background information and details about this title.

But first, here are some essential things you should know about Split Fiction:

1. It’s co-op only, either online or local. You cannot play it alone vs. AI.

2. It’s split screen, regardless of whether you play locally or online with someone.

3. Only one person needs to buy the game (more about that later).

4. I am completely blown away by this game!

What is the game about? In Split Fiction, two writers named Mio and Zoe are about to publish their sci-fi and fantasy stories, but a shady publishing company secretly uses advanced technology to steal their manuscripts by putting both of them into a simulation. To escape that simulation, they must cooperate closely, solving puzzles and overcoming unique challenges drawn from both story genres.

Playing with a friend: One really cool thing is the fact that you can play with someone else who doesn’t own the game. They just need to download the ‘Friends Pass’ version of the game and connect with you via the EA ID/name if she/he is not already in your friends’ list. This even works cross-platform. For example, I bought it for my Xbox Series X and played with a friend who owns a PS5.

I know I said that this is not going to be a review, but I couldn’t help writing at least a short one for this masterpiece:

This game is a love letter to video games! Offering an incredible co-op experience, it introduces fresh ideas and mechanics in every chapter. Both sci-fi and fantasy themes are masterfully done, and the worlds are beautifully designed.

It’s also packed with Easter eggs and references to movies and other video games.

The game has stunning visuals and engaging storytelling. It's an unbelievable co-op experience. BUY IT, please! :)

As promised, here is the interview with the director and owner of Hazelight Studios. This guy has a very special energy:

Additionally, I have summarized the best questions and answers for you:

Q: How would you describe the ending of Split Fiction without spoiling it?
Josef: It's [ __ ] up in the right Hazelight way.

Q: Is it possible you'll ever release a bad game?
Josef: No, it's not possible.

Q: Split Fiction's characters Mo and Zoe are named after your daughters?
Josef: For sure, yeah.

Q: How big is Hazelight Studios?
Josef: Around 80 people.

Q: If characters die in Split Fiction’s simulation, do they die in real life?
Josef: No, not really.

Q: Any message for players hesitant to play a game starring two women?
Josef: Previous Hazelight games had men; this one stars my daughters. Only guys would make no sense.

Q: Is the grapple hook available throughout the Sci-Fi levels?
Josef: Yes, it's core to movement.

Q: Are you shape-shifting in all fantasy levels?
Josef: Only in one.

Q: How long is the game?
Josef: Around 12-14 hours, including worthwhile side content.

Q: Sci-Fi levels reference Akira and Tron, but not Blade Runner or Total Recall?
Josef: Blade Runner-ish, but no Total Recall.

Q: Is crossplay available across consoles?
Josef: Yes, crossplay is fully supported.

Q: Rank your games?
Josef: Split Fiction first, then 'A Way Out' and 'It Takes Two' together, 'Brothers' last, but still great.

Q: How did 'It Takes Two' sell 23 million copies?
Josef: Passion resonates. Half the sales were from China, surprisingly.

Q: Would you ever sell Hazelight Studios?
Josef: No, we'll never sell or go public.

Q: Was Split Fiction's budget similar to 'It Takes Two'?
Josef: Almost double.

Q: Favorite Co-op game not from Hazelight?
Josef: Resident Evil 5.

Q: Would you ever make movies?
Josef: Yes, someday when I find time.

Q: What was the runner-up name for Split Fiction?
Josef: Worlds Apart, but it was too generic.

Q: If someone genuinely got bored playing Split Fiction, what's your financial offer?
Josef: $10,000 due to inflation.

Q: Any criticisms of Split Fiction now that it's done?
Josef: No, it's a perfect game.

Q: Final hyperbolic statement on Split Fiction?
Josef: Get ready to enjoy one of the greatest games you've ever played.

Q: Think you'll win Game Awards 2025?
Josef: Not if GTA 6 comes out. But that's fine, I love GTA.

Q: If you had to make a sequel, which game would it be?
Josef: Probably 'It Takes Two.'

Q: What's next for Hazelight?
Josef: Another genre jump, maybe something surprising. Co-op will remain part of our DNA.

That was it for today!

Thanks for reading, and keep playing,

Michael

Sometimes, there are brilliant games that only cost a few bucks. Today, I am sharing my thoughts on two more brilliant budget games.

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I usually discuss games that are available on most platforms. This time, however, only the third title is available on all current systems:

1. Bleak Sword DX (previous newsletter)

2. Lethal Company (this newsletter)

3. Balatro (this newsletter)

So, let’s dive into #2 and #3 in this article. Please keep in mind that I do not write typical reviews, as you can already find tons of these all over the internet.

Instead, I am sharing insights, thoughts, and experiences with games that I think are outstanding:

2. Lethal Company

📅 First Released: October 23, 2023

🎮 Platforms: PC/Steam (Steam Deck)

🏷️ Price: $9.99

🔗 Steam: Overwhelmingly Positive

📱 Steam Deck: Playable

Lethal Company became an overnight success right after its release on Steam in late 2023. Sadly, it’s only available on Steam and not on other platforms.

Lethal Company is an online co-op horror game where you and your teammates scavenge valuables in spooky facilities while dodging deadly creatures. It relies on proximity chat for survival, so communication and teamwork are absolutely crucial.

When released, it looked like just another small indie title by a solo developer with unattractive graphics. However, its hilarious co-op chaos and immersive proximity chat drew me and other curious players in.

I remember it exploded in popularity through word-of-mouth and viral social media posts.

One of Lethal Company’s best features is its proximity chat, where you can hear your teammates’ screams and jokes up close for extra chaos.

It lets you clearly hear your teammates up close but makes their voices fade the farther away they are. This often results in a mix of hilarious miscommunication and tense moments… when a creature is lurking nearby, for example.

There are always between 16k and 20k players online in this game. That’s why it’s super easy to find a group you can join. Here is how it works:

• Form or Join a Lobby: You and up to three friends (or strangers) link up in an online co-op session.

• Depart: Launch your ship and fly to a moon.

• Gear Up & Scout: Grab scanners, flashlights, or weapons from the ship’s stash, then head into the facility.

• Collect Valuables & Avoid Monsters: Work as a team to snatch loot while evading the eerie creatures roaming the area.

• Return & Cash In: Survive back to the ship with your haul and earn credits to upgrade gear for the next run.

To give you an idea of why this game is so awesome, it’s best to read a short ‘player transcript’:

• I am looking for scraps with my buddy co-worker

• We see a landmine on the edge of a dark hallway

• My co-worker walks past it and tells me to not step on it, as he learned that the hard way

• A few seconds later I hear him screaming, "***** a spider!!!… ahhhh"

• His scream gets cut off by an explosion from the very landmine he warned me about

• His body flies through the hallway, followed by a giant spider that quickly retreats into the darkness

• I quickly hide behind a corner in silence, thinking about whether I should laugh or cry

I promise that you will experience similar hilarious moments when trying this game. Here is a really cool collection I found on YouTube:

And here is an excellent guide if you are considering buying this exceptional game: Lethal Company Beginner Tips

Bottom line: It never gets old to please the company!

3. Balatro

📅 First Released: February 20, 2024 (iOS/Android: September 26, 2024)

🎮 Platforms: PC/Steam, Nintendo Switch, PS4/PS5, Xbox Series X/S, iOS, Android

🏷️ Price: $14.99 ($10 on mobile)

🗨️ Metacritic Score: 90

🔗 Steam: Overwhelmingly Positive (Overall)

📖 Publisher: Playstack

📱 Steam Deck: Verified ✅

You have probably heard of this top-selling indie game or maybe even own it. In this article, I would like to share my thoughts about this phenomenon because usually, this is not my type of game.

The poker roguelike Balatro is a hypnotically satisfying deckbuilder where you play illegal poker hands, discover game-changing jokers, and trigger adrenaline-pumping, outrageous combos.

I know that only the mobile version is $10, but I still recommend it over the others. This game is just perfect for quick, satisfying sessions anywhere, and the mobile version’s touch controls make it especially seamless on the go.

That said, no matter which platform you choose, the game’s addictive deck-building and its satisfying scoring animations make it really addictive.

I asked AI to write a summary of who might like Balatro:

♠️ Deck-building enthusiasts – If you love roguelike deck-builders like Slay the Spire or Monster Train, you’ll enjoy crafting powerful poker hands with unique Joker cards.

♦️ Poker and card game fans – While Balatro isn’t traditional poker, it rewards those who recognize hand strengths and enjoy optimizing card combos.

♣️ Strategy and roguelike lovers – The game’s randomized elements, unlockable Jokers, and strategic upgrades make each run feel fresh and challenging.

♥️ Fans of high-score chasing – If you love breaking games with powerful synergies and watching numbers skyrocket, Balatro delivers that satisfying feeling.

Honestly, none of those points apply to me, and I don’t usually play any card games, but still, I immediately fell in love with this title.

Before Balatro, my poker knowledge basically consisted of just knowing what a Full House was. I only installed it by chance on my iPhone because it was included in my Apple Arcade trial. … and now? Not only can I actually play poker now, but I’m also completely hooked.

Even as someone who never cared for deck-builders, Balatro is pure addiction: the sound, the animations, the way the numbers multiply when you trigger a combo. It’s unbelievably satisfying and keeps you hooked.

If you haven’t already, please give this game a try. It’s one of the most addicting mobile games I’ve ever played.

Thanks for reading, and keep playing,

Michael

Sometimes, there are brilliant games that only cost a few bucks. Today, I would like to show you the first of three budget titles that I love.

As you might know, I usually try to cover games that are available on most platforms. This time, however, only the third title is available on all current systems.

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Keep in mind, this is just the first of three budget-friendly gems I’m sharing. Soon, I’ll send you games #2 and #3 in a separate newsletter. So, be sure to check your inbox (or Gmail’s Promotions folder).

1. Bleak Sword DX (this newsletter)

2. Lethal ??? (next newsletter)

3. Ba????? (next newsletter)

I’m only dropping hints for #2 and #3; that’s just to keep the suspense alive! 😎

So, let’s dive into my first budget tip:

1. Bleak Sword DX

📅 First Released: June 8, 2023 (iOS: 2019)

🎮 Platforms: PC/Steam, Nintendo Switch, iOS Apple Arcade

🏷️ Price: $9.99

🗨️ Metacritic Score: 78

🔗 Steam: Very Positive (Overall)

📖 Publisher: Devolver Digital

✌️I played it on my Steam Deck

… and my Asus Rog Ally.

You might have never heard of this game. I discovered it by accident during an Apple Arcade trial period on my iPhone (the first edition was an Apple Apple Arcade-only title). After playing it for about 10 minutes, I immediately bought the Steam version.

Before you check the recent Steam reviews of Bleak Sword that might say ‘mostly negative’ (as of early 2025), please don’t be discouraged by these. This game definitely ranks very high on my list of budget titles and it deserves a lot more love 😊

Bleak Sword DX is a dark, arena-based action game combining pixel art with modern effects, featuring varied diorama-style battlefields, fluid combat mechanics, and a soundtrack that immerses you in the quest to lift a sinister curse.

Before sharing my reasons for loving this game, here is a great video review of the Nintendo switch version I found on YouTube:

I am aware that this title is not for everyone, especially because of its unique visual 8-bit style.

Personally, I love it, and I think I've never played anything before that matches the aesthetic of Bleak Sword. It mixes retro pixel art with fantastic, moody effects that create a haunting atmosphere.

While you ‘only’ fight in diorama arenas, the particle effects, foliage, and many different areas create a unique atmosphere and immersion.

You're tasked with lifting the Curse of the Bleak Sword that's corrupted Prince Rail and brought darkness to the land.

Although the game relies on those old-school, minimalistic visuals, it has a wide range of environments that I loved while playing:

• Eerie forests

• Deserted towns

• Murky swamps

• Snowy peaks

• Bloody realms

• … and more

In addition to the diverse areas, the variety of enemies keeps things interesting throughout, and I loved referencing the bestiary for that extra bit of lore.

The combat is simple but also satisfying, with attack, roll, and parry mechanics, plus a stamina bar that forces you to be strategic.

Just keep in mind that its difficulty level is often soulslike. However, even for me, who doesn’t like extremely challenging combat, it was manageable. The great thing about it is that you can pick it up for a 5-minute gaming session, which makes it a perfect game for handhelds.

The game is tense, often unforgiving, demands skill, and has tons of atmosphere, but it is incredibly rewarding to overcome.

I found this game to be a wonderfully immersive experience thanks to the moody retro visuals with cool effects, as well as the variety of areas.

What’s Next?

The other two highly recommended $10 games will be covered in my next newsletter. Here is a hint for #2:

Thanks for reading, and keep playing,

Michael

Let’s discuss my favorite method to score free PC games!

I will show you my favorite way to acquire awesome games for a PC, Steam Deck, Legion Go, Asus Rog Ally, or any other handheld for free. In my opinion, this method usually offers the best AAA, AA, and Indie titles you can get without paying a dime.

I’ll soon be sending out a dedicated newsletter with even more ways to get free games. So, if you’re an Xbox, PlayStation, or other console gamer, stay tuned for an upcoming edition!

💡 Plus, don’t miss the special tip at the end of this article for a fantastic game available on most platforms.

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Ok, my preferred method to get really great free PC games is via Prime Gaming. Some of the most recent titles included

• Dredge

• A Plague Tale: Innocence

• Mafia - Definitive Edition

• The Outer Worlds

• Elite Dangerous

.. and many more.

Most of them are still available on

• Prime Gaming

How Does It Work?

Amazon Prime Gaming is available if you are an Amazon Prime subscriber, offering free games every month.

💡 Once claimed, these games are yours to keep forever, even if you cancel your Amazon Prime subscription later. That means you can use a Prime trial month if you are not a member yet, claim your games, and keep them forever.

How to Access Free Games Through Prime Gaming

1. Set Up Prime Gaming:

   • Go to Prime Gaming.

   • Log in with your Amazon Prime account credentials.

2. Claim Your Free Games:

   • On the Prime Gaming homepage, navigate to the "Games" section.

   • Select the free games you want and click "Claim".

3. Download or Redeem the Game:

   • Some games are downloaded through the Amazon Games app.

   • Others provide keys redeemable on platforms like GOG, Epic Games Store, or Steam.

A Tip for Steam Deck Owners

If you own a Steam Deck, you can also benefit from this method and redeem those free non-Steam keys. It’s pretty easy to access all the platforms below on your Deck. Just install the great Heroic Games Launcher. Get it here!

Platforms for Freebies via Prime Gaming

1. GOG (Good Old Games)

• What is it?

  • A home for building and playing your curated game collection, GOG is a digital distribution platform that puts you as a gamer first and respects your need to own games.

• How to Redeem a GOG Key:

  • Claim the game on Prime Gaming.

  • Copy the redemption key provided.

  • Visit GOG.com and log in.

  • Navigate to "Redeem Code," paste the key, and add the game to your library.

  • To play and easily access the games, download the official GOG Galaxy Client.

  • My experience: This platform works great. Most of the free keys I redeem from Prime Gaming are for GOG.

2. Epic Games Store

• What is it?

  • If you are a gamer, I am quite sure that you know about Epic Games.

• How to Redeem:

  • After claiming a game, you may receive a key or be directed to link your Epic account.

3. Amazon Games App

• What is it?

  • Amazon’s own game launcher for titles exclusively available through Prime Gaming.

• How to Use:

  • Download the Amazon Games app.

  • Log in, and you’ll find your claimed games ready to install.

Tips for Maximizing Prime Gaming Free Games

1. Check Monthly Updates:

   • New games are added on the first of every month. Set a reminder to log in and claim them.

2. Don’t Miss Expiring Games:

   • Claimed games are permanent, but you must claim them before the offer expires. The expiration date is displayed on each game.

3. Check for Bonus Content:

   • In addition to full games, Prime Gaming offers exclusive in-game loot for popular titles like League of Legends, Valorant, and Grand Theft Auto Online. Grab these to enhance your gaming experience.

4. Install the Amazon Games App:

   • Some games are only available via the Amazon Games launcher. Install it early so you don’t miss out.

5. Watch for Big Promotions:

   • Prime Day and Black Friday often include special giveaways or bonus games.

6. Link Your Accounts:

   • Some games or loot require you to link your Amazon account to platforms like Epic Games or Riot Games. Keep your credentials handy.

My Personal Tip

That was it for today! I hope you enjoy your free games. By the way, my top tip for a free ‘hidden’ gem this month is

• Planet of Lana (available FOR FREE until Jan 15, 2025)

It is a visually stunning cinematic puzzle platformer that combines stunning hand-painted art with a heartfelt story of friendship and survival. It has some clever puzzles and an immersive soundtrack to create an emotional and memorable gaming experience. I played it on my Xbox and loved it!

It’s also available for Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5.

Thanks for reading, and keep playing,

Michael

This is the second part of our article about one of the most outstanding games within this video game genre. Check out part 1 in case you missed it: Super Mario Galaxy - A Masterpiece Part 1/2

💡 Not interested in Super Mario or Nintendo? Just stick around for my next newsletters, covering different genres and platforms. Also, you might find something interesting in my article archive: Video Game Stories

Okay, now let’s dive into the remaining chapters:

So Many Distinct Environments

A key feature of Super Mario Galaxy is its diverse environments. Unlike Super Mario Sunshine on the Gamecube, which sticks to tropical settings, Galaxy offers a cosmic playground where every level is a new and exciting place.

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From fiery lava planets to icy landscapes, the game embraces variety, keeping players engaged and eager for what's next.

While a constant change of landscapes and themes is not entirely new to the Super Mario franchise - Super Mario Bros. Wii had Mario travel through worlds of clouds, mountains, and forests, to name a few - this is the first time players can explore different environments outside of a back-and-forth 2D game. 

Super Mario Galaxy is so special because it has the familiar box-smashing and coin-collecting, but now Mario can run in more directions, move through bushes to find hidden Star Bits, fly every which way in a bubble, and so much more. Like the endless universe featured in the game, Mario has an expanse of opportunities for movement and exploration at his disposal.

The game's design is built on discovery. You never know what to expect when entering a new galaxy, as each one challenges you with different mechanics and obstacles.

This lack of thematic consistency is intentional, ensuring that the gameplay stays fresh and encourages players to think creatively. As players encounter new galaxies, they will learn new moves to help Mario explore and practice certain techniques as they move through planets to prepare for the final boss on certain levels.

The Role of Space

While Super Mario Galaxy offers a wide range of settings, space itself serves as the unifying element that ties the game together. Space is not just a backdrop; it's an integral part of the experience. It provides a sense of scale and wonder that is both awe-inspiring and humbling.

As you traverse the galaxies, you're reminded of the vastness of the universe and Mario's small yet heroic role within it. We are reminded that Mario’s pursuit of Princess Peach and Bowser’s obsession with power and domination are happening inside an indifferent universe that expands to infinity, regardless of who holds the power of the Grand Stars.

While that can make both objectives seem insignificant, it shows just how remarkable Mario’s mission is - in the face of the never-ending cosmos, Mario remains focused on his task to do the right thing and save the universe from Bowser. The game captures the feeling of being both a tiny speck in the cosmos and a crucial player in the unfolding story. 

I never felt this so strongly as when I would fall off a planet that did not have unrelenting gravity and get sucked into the black hole waiting below. In these instances, we watch Mario spin around before getting pulled into nothingness. It was an oddly somber ending compared to the bright colors and whimsical characters I had just been interacting with.

This perfect balance of infinity and Mario’s humanness amongst fantastical worlds and their inhabitants defines the essence of Super Mario Galaxy.

Rosalina’s Story: A Touch of Melancholy

In a surprising twist for a Mario game, Super Mario Galaxy introduces a subplot that adds emotional depth to the adventure. Rosalina, the mysterious guardian of the Comet Observatory, shares her story with players through storybook-like cutscenes. This narrative explores themes of loss and finding one's place in the universe.

Rosalina's tale is similar to The Little Prince. However, it adds a layer of emotion to the game that we haven’t seen before. Her touching story about losing her mother and finding a new family among the Lumas is not part of any level and doesn’t reward Mario with any coins, stars, or 1-Up mushrooms. It is simply a rich addition to the narrative that encourages players to stop and think about the significance of Rosalina’s experience.

Like Mario, Rosalina was thrust into the cosmos and away from her home planet by chance. They have both traveled outer space in search of a loved one - Rosalina was searching for her mother, and Mario is searching for his Special One, as Rosalina calls Peach. Unlike Rosalina, though, Mario is still active in his quest, whereas Rosalina has become content with her place in the stars.

In this game, the female character was designed to add depth to the Mario universe. Unlike the past princesses, she's more than just a maiden in despair. Her backstory contrasts with Mario’s to show players what could become of Mario if he does not rescue Peach and encourages them to care about the Comet Observatory and its residents.

A feature about Rosalina’s story that I really loved was that we did not get everything in one go; her background was revealed in a storybook fashion when Mario stepped into the Library on the Comet Observatory. Players unlock a new chapter with every few stars they earn and have to return to the Library to hear a little bit more of the story. Reading about her chapter by chapter as I made my way from galaxy to galaxy and enjoyed the presence of the Lumas added sentimentality to the experience of the game.

Rosalina has since become a beloved character, appearing in many other Mario games and spin-offs.

Super Mario Galaxy’s Legacy in the Mario Universe

Super Mario Galaxy is a masterpiece in the Mario series, often considered one of the greatest games of all time. Its innovative gameplay, stunning visuals, and memorable soundtrack have left a lasting impact, inspiring game designers and players alike. But where does it fit among the other Mario Jump and Run games?

Ranking Among Super Mario Titles

In the Mario game rankings, Super Mario Galaxy stands alongside classics like Super Mario 64 and Super Mario World. These games are celebrated for their groundbreaking design and influence on platforming. Galaxy took what its predecessors had done and expanded it, introducing mechanics and imagery that pushed platformers to new heights.

Super Mario Galaxy 2, released in 2010, built on the original's success, refining its mechanics and adding even more creative levels while preserving the wonder and exploration elements of the first game. Together, these titles represent a high point in the Mario series, showcasing endless possibilities in game design.

Awards and Recognition

Super Mario Galaxy received widespread acclaim and numerous awards, including the BAFTA Games Award for Best Game in 2009. It sold over 12 million copies worldwide, becoming one of the best-selling Wii games. Its influence can be seen in later Mario titles, like Super Mario Odyssey, which continues the themes of exploration and discovery.

Conclusion: A Timeless Adventure

Super Mario Galaxy is more than just a game; it's a celebration of creativity, innovation, and the limitless potential of imagination. With stunning visuals, groundbreaking mechanics, a rich storyline, and an unforgettable soundtrack, it holds a special place in the hearts of gamers worldwide.

It’s a testament to the enduring appeal of the Mario series and a reminder of the magic found in video games. The game holds warm memories for me that I will cherish forever.

As players journey through the galaxies, they experience a symphony of sights, sounds, and emotions that resonate on a personal level. The game invites players to embrace the unknown, explore the universe's wonders, find empathy for the different people and creatures they meet, and embark on an adventure beyond the ordinary for love and for the greater good. 

Even more than a decade later, this game’s features hold water even as developers continue to push boundaries year after year in gaming. The interface, levels, and visuals do not feel outdated or tired. Rather, the opposite: Super Mario Galaxy retains a freshness and excitement that cements it in history as a masterpiece of wonder and creativity, a timeless adventure that will continue to inspire and captivate for generations. 

Thanks for reading, and keep playing,

Ana and Michael

I had planned to keep this weekend's newsletter short, sharing just a few quick tips. But with so many exciting things to cover, it ended up being a bit longer than expected!

I talk about the Half-Life 2 Anniversary, the best new Game Pass titles, and my first impressions of the PS5 Pro as an Xbox/PC/Handheld Gamer.

Half-Life 2 Anniversary | Documentary

Half-Life redefined gaming by seamlessly blending storytelling with gameplay, but Half-Life 2 was a groundbreaking leap forward, combining unparalleled physics-based mechanics, stunning visuals, lifelike acting, and deeply immersive environments. It elevated the shooter genre to a cinematic experience, setting new benchmarks for narrative-driven games.

I remember playing both titles back in the day. It was an unforgettable journey! Moments like the eerie silence of Ravenholm or the emotional connection to Alyx Vance cemented my belief in gaming as an art form.

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Right now, everyone is talking about the fact that Valve made Half-Life 2 free two days ago:

💡 Grab it now, it’s FREE until November 18

But it gets even better… I would say MUCH better. First of all, they published a brand-new, high-quality documentary about the development process out of nowhere:

For this anniversary documentary, they brought back together the original development team together with some intriguing insights. A lot of this story has never been told so far.

Some of my favorite things:

• Where they found the people for the face modeling/animations

• How they talk about the biggest challenges in terms of physics and performance

• The interviews with the voice actors

• And so much more…

Please check it out on YouTube (see above); it’s a must-watch for everyone, in my opinion.

Second, along with the 20th-anniversary, Valve not only made the whole game free for everybody, but they also made a lot of improvements along with some outstanding extras:

• Brand-new developer commentary track for the whole game

• The complete Episode 1 and Episode 2 expansions are included!

• Steam Workshop support: Check the Extras menu

• Updated game Content: Every map has been looked over by to fix longstanding bugs, restore content and features lost to time, and improve the quality.

• Updated graphics settings: Play with only the highest detail models in High-Quality mode!

• Gamepad and Steam Deck updates

… and all that for free this weekend!

You can visit the official site from Valve for more details: Half-Life 2 Anniversary Update

Best New Game Pass Games

This section is for all Xbox and PC gamers with a Game Pass:

October and November have been fantastic so far, with some really stunning games you can play for ‘free’ now if you have a Game Pass subscription. Some of them I installed right away:

Sifu

Originally a PlayStation exclusive, it now arrived in Game Pass for PC and Xbox players. To me, Sifu is the most definitive martial arts game to date, combined with a typical revenge story. Great game!

Botany Manor

It’s the 19th-century England. Play as Arabella Greene, a retired botanist, exploring your house and gardens filled with botanical research to discover the ideal habitats for forgotten flora and unlock their mysteries. I love plants, and this is a fantastic cozy game!

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6

I’ve never been a big CoD fan. When it comes to shooters, the only franchise I’ve played for hundreds of hours, maybe even thousands, is the Battlefield series. However, since BO6 is included in Game Pass, I gave it a try on my PC. My opinion: Both the campaign and multiplayer are awesome!

Upcoming in November and December:

There are a lot more top titles coming to Game Pass until the end of the year, including:

• November 19: Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 (Series X|S, PC, Cloud)

• November 20: Stalker 2 (Series X|S, PC, Cloud)

• November 26: Nine Sols (Console, PC, Cloud)

• December 9: Indiana Jones and the Great Circle (Series X|S, PC, Cloud)

For those who don’t know Nine Sols: It combines unique combat, stunning hand-drawn art, and an atmospheric world inspired by East Asian culture, delivering a unique Metroidvania experience filled with exploration and mystery.

PS5 Pro: My First Impressions

The last PlayStation I owned was a PS3. So, I was pretty excited when the PS5 Pro arrived. My last newsletter was all about my decision why I bought one: I Just Ordered a PlayStation 5 Pro.

Check out the PlayStation 5 Pro on Amazon (Affiliate Link)

I first bought three months of PlayStation Plus Extra, as it includes hundreds of games, some of which belong to the PS5 Pro Enhanced category. One of them is The Last of Us Part 1.

I am new to the franchise, and besides the gameplay and story, this looks absolutely stunning on my 77-inch OLED TV! The smooth framerate, incredible material details, and lifelike reflections had me spending 20 minutes just exploring the area, marveling at the details. I’m having an amazing time with the game so far!

I can’t wait to dive back in today, and once I finish, I’m excited to continue the journey with Part 2.

A friend of mine owns a standard PS5, so I was able to compare the graphics of a few games, including this one. The differences are definitely there, making the game even better. The remastered version looked already great before, but now… just wow! However, you won’t notice much of a difference in some other enhanced games.

The only thing I do not like about the PlayStation Pro5 (or the PlayStation in general) is the placement of the sticks on the controller. I feel that the symmetrical design of both sticks is not that great. I prefer the Xbox asymmetrical stick from the Xbox controllers. Or, at least put both on top, like on a Steam Deck or Rog Ally, which is a lot more comfortable for longer gaming sessions… at least for me.

However, that’s not a drawback of the PS5 Pro, of course.

That’s all for today! I hope you found something interesting or helpful, and as always, thank you for reading. Until next time, take care, and happy gaming,

Michael

Disclaimer: My posts and emails may contain Amazon affiliate links. I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Right now, I feel like a little kid getting a really big birthday present tomorrow. Why is that? I ordered a PS5 Pro from Amazon this morning, and it should arrive on Friday.

So, am I excited? Yes, pretty much! 🤩

However, for a while, I debated whether the PS5 Pro was really ‘necessary’ for my gaming needs. Given my current lineup, which includes:

• Xbox Series X

• Steam Deck OLED (1TB)

• Asus Rog Ally Z1 Extreme

• PC with an RTX 3080, Intel Core I14700k, 64GB RAM

• Meta Quest 3 for VR

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I felt pretty well-equipped. But the more I thought about it, the more I realized the PS5 Pro offers something my other platforms, except my PC, don’t: next-level graphics with raytracing tied with a performance of 60fps, or even more, and some other features that will take my gaming to new heights.

So, despite the premium price, I decided it was time to make the jump.

Check out the PlayStation 5 Pro on Amazon (Affiliate Link)

As a side note, the last PlayStation I owned was the PS3. So, maybe another good reason to get a Sony console again.

No More Quality/Fidelity vs. Performance Mode?

If you have a PS5 (non-Pro) or an Xbox Series S/X, you know the struggle: Do you play AAA (or AA) games on performance mode, usually without raytracing and lower quality but fluid 60fps, or do you choose quality (fidelity) mode which gives you the most beautiful graphics at the cost of playing with 30 fps only... and sometimes even framerate dips.

For me, it always depended on the game: Sometimes, I chose quality over performance on my Xbox and didn’t mind the 30fps. However, sometimes the 60 fps mode looked quite good in terms of graphics, and the 30 fps mode was horrible to watch in terms of ‘non-fluid’ gameplay.

A good example is Star Wars Jedi: Survivor! I am playing this on my Xbox in performance mode, which still looks very good, while the quality mode is terrible, in my opinion, with a lot of stuttering.

Now, with the PS5 Pro, I get beautiful graphics with raytracing, etc. and 60 fps. That’s exactly what I wanted while sitting comfortably on my sofa.

Good to know: It’s not like every PS5 Pro enhanced game runs at 60 fps now in 4k with maximum graphics, raytracing, and whatnot. You still have two modes to choose from and sometimes have to sacrifice a few things. However, it’s still a noticeable leap from the current gen consoles (PS5 and Xbox Series X). IGN did a great deep-dive for many games in their PlayStation 5 Pro Video Review.

In practice, both modes are an upgrade over the original PS5. The PS5 Pro uses a technique called "Spectral Super Resolution," similar to Nvidia's DLSS, to upscale images with minimal loss in detail, making the new mode a compelling choice for a balance of smoothness and quality.

That being said, the difference for most games is actually not jaw-dropping, but it’s there! Even games like FC 25 (my favorite sports game) benefit from better-looking graphics!

Another Reason: My OLED TV

I probably wouldn’t have ordered the PS5 if I didn’t have a large OLED TV to get the most out of the new PS5 features.

• LG OLED 77”

• 4k

• 120 Hz

• VRR

In my opinion, if your 4k TV isn’t large enough and doesn't have VRR and 120hz, you won’t get the most out of the improvement the new Sony console provides.

Enhanced Games

Over 50 games are PS5 Pro enhanced at launch, and utilize the power of the new console. There are many more to follow. Here are some of the adapted titles which are already available at launch:

• Alan Wake 2

• Albatroz

• Apex Legends

• Assassin’s Creed Mirage

• Baldur’s Gate 3

• Call of Duty: Black Ops 6

• EA Sports College Football 25

• Dead Island 2

• Demon’s Souls

• Diablo IV

• Dragon Age: The Veilguard

• Dragon’s Dogma 2

• Dying Light 2 Reloaded Edition

• EA Sports FC 25

• Enlisted

• F1 24

• Final Fantasy VII Rebirth

• Fortnite

• God of War Ragnarök

• Hogwarts Legacy

• Horizon Forbidden West

• Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered

• Kayak VR: Mirage

• Lies of P

• Lords of the Fallen (2023)

• Madden NFL 25

• Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered

• Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales

• Marvel’s Spider-Man 2

• Naraka: Bladepoint

• NBA 2K25

• No Man’s Sky

• Palworld

• Paladin’s Passage

• Planet Coaster 2

• Professional Spirits Baseball 2024-2025

• Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart

• Resident Evil 4

• Resident Evil Village

• Rise of the Ronin

• Rogue Flight 

• Star Wars: Jedi Survivor

• Star Wars: Outlaws

• Stellar Blade

• Test Drive Unlimited: Solar Crown

• The Crew Motorfest

• The Finals

• The First Descendant 

• The Last of Us Part I

• The Last of Us Part II Remastered

• Until Dawn

• War Thunder

• Warframe

• World of Warships: Legends

Why Not Play On My Gaming PC?

This is a very valid argument, and I agree with those who say this, but I find it somewhat uncomfortable to boot up a game and then troubleshoot and tweak the settings for the game for about half an hour or so.

Plus, it’s not unlikely that something won’t work well, and I have to tinker around even more. It doesn’t beat the simplicity of turning on my big OLED TV and the console while I’m chilling on my sofa. 🛋️

However, I also do play on my PC, of course. For example, first-person shooters are one genre I will never play anywhere other than on my gaming PC. The other day, I installed Black Ops 6 (via Game Pass) and had a blast!

For other genres, from platformers to racing games, I stick to my consoles or my Steam Deck (or Rog Ally).

So, is the PS5 worth the price?

I think it is if you have the right TV and want top-tier graphics and performance on a console. However, casual players may not notice enough of a difference to justify the the really hefty premium price.

Also, you might be super happy with your current PS5, which I don’t own… then just don’t buy the Pro. 😉

Thanks for reading and keep playing,

Michael

Disclaimer: My posts and emails may contain Amazon affiliate links. I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Still not interested? No worries, my upcoming newsletters will explore many different games and genres. In the meantime, feel free to check out my recent articles if you haven’t already: Video Game Stories

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With its imaginative gameplay, breathtaking visuals, and unforgettable music, Super Mario Galaxy has etched its place in the hearts and minds of millions at all stages and walks of life.

Before diving into our fascinating insights about the game, I would like to introduce Ana, my co-author of this article:

Hey Ana, can you tell our readers a little about your video gaming background, the first console you owned, the first game you played, and what type of games you prefer?

While I was never obsessed with video games enough to constantly play into the middle of the night, like my older brother, video games have always been a rich part of my life and featured in some of my most beautiful childhood memories.

I grew up playing single and multiplayer games with my very large family on the weekends and during lazy summer days.

The first console I remember having is the GameCube. My parents bought me and my siblings Spider-Man as our first game for that console, and we absolutely loved it. While the game would give you different objectives and plenty of criminals to fight in the city streets, I loved spending time just swinging around, running across buildings, and exploring the cityscape, even as the game told me I was headed in the wrong direction and my sister said she wanted the remote if I wasn’t going to play the game correctly! I just had so much fun exploring and learning the odds and ends of the game’s world.

I usually prefer games with fun levels and different challenges to keep me interested. I’ll occasionally pick up an open-world game with swords and mighty foes, like Skyrim, but I’ll spend more time on a diverse yet more organized game like Super Mario Galaxy.

Some of my favorite games have been cozy ones, though, like Animal Crossing, Cooking Mama, and MySims. They are the games I always gravitate to when I have a little more time and want to unwind.

When I first asked you about what video game you wanted to write about, you immediately told me it was Super Mario Galaxy. Can you tell our readers why?

I have always had so much love for this game. I was obsessed with it throughout my childhood and just picked it up again as an adult.

I can say with confidence that this game is just as breathtaking, joyful, pensive, and compelling as it was for me a decade ago. 

I first got Super Mario Galaxy for the Wii when I was around 14 years old. I was so addicted to the game, it took up my entire summer one year that I remember fondly.

I would get up in the morning to play before everyone in my house woke up, then take breaks for meals, but otherwise I was seated in front of my big screen trying to get as many stars and exploring as much of the game’s universe as I could.

I flew through the game and was over the moon to find out that there was a Super Mario Galaxy 2, which I promptly bought. 

What I remember more than beating levels and rescuing Princess Peach at the end is how much fun it was to discover new abilities like Fire Mario and Bee Mario, the satisfying sound of collecting Star Bits to feed to hungry Lumas in different worlds, and bonding with my sister when she picked up a Wii remote and gave me some help as Player 2.

The game encouraged me to figure out solutions to beating certain foes or getting to a different part of a world without getting tedious. I love that this game is one of the parts of my childhood that doesn’t lose it’s glimmer when I revisit.

You also told me that you bought the Super Mario 3D All-Stars collection for the Nintendo Switch, so that means you are playing it again on the Switch, right?

That’s right. The game is just as much fun all these years later on a different console. It plays roughly the same as it did on the Wii, thanks to not needing many controls to exist and act in the game. Moving Mario and interacting with enemies and world environments still uses the standard cursor and a couple of buttons.

While playing on the switch feels a little different than the iconic Wii Remote and attached nunchuck, I got used to it right away. It was absolutely worth it to purchase All Stars to revisit all of Mario’s most memorable games on my modern gaming console.

This game is incredible for both first-time players and players who want to feel some gaming nostalgia. Other than the sentimental value, countless meticulous details in the game bring it to life and make it so enjoyable.

Thanks so much, Ana, for all those personal insights! Now, Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of Super Mario Galaxy:  

Development Background

The development of Super Mario Galaxy began with a simple idea: what if Mario could explore space?

This concept originated during the creation of Super Mario 128, a tech demo for the Nintendo GameCube. Shigeru Miyamoto, the creator of Mario, wanted to let players experience the sensation of weightlessness and explore spherical worlds.

Super Mario Galaxy was directed by Yoshiaki Koizumi, who aimed to capture a sense of wonder and discovery. The game went through several stages to perfect the unique gravity mechanics that let players walk on all sides of planets. This innovation set Galaxy apart from other platformers, introducing gameplay dynamics that challenged traditional platforming ideas.

This feature of the game was one of the coolest and most frustrating things I’ve ever experienced while playing. It was the first time I had seen an avatar able to defy gravity and traverse a landscape in every kind of direction.

While it was awesome to witness, I remember that the added detail of changing orientations was something I had to factor when fighting a boss of a world to get a star.

I distinctly remember fighting the Dino Piranha in Good Egg Galaxy as one of my first levels, and chasing it around the planet while turning upside down and sideways. 

I found after I beat the Dino Piranha and flew back to the home ship, I had to correct the way I was holding my head - I had tilted it sideways while looking at the screen as I moved around the planet. I thought it was so funny that I was so into the game and moved my head like that without noticing. It would not be the last time I did that throughout the game, either!

Game Controls

Super Mario Galaxy was the first Mario Jump and Run game not to be played with classic controllers only; the Wii Remote and Nunchuk controller added a new dimension to the exploration of such a game.

The point-and-shake motion allows players to move Mario through spherical planets, enhancing the feeling of weightlessness and allowing players to more immersively interact with the environment. 

In Space | The Opening

From the very start, Super Mario Galaxy offers players a moment of lighthearted comedy, where Mario’s comical run sets the stage for a journey unlike any other.

Part of the fun is his wild dash to Princess Peach, giving players a touch of dramatic irony since we know that no matter how soon he gets through the village and to the castle doors, he still won’t be able to save her before she’s taken in some way. 

Even as Mario runs to Princess Peach, we soon see some of the chaos that will unleash throughout the entirety of the game - Toads are screaming and running in the street, some frozen in large crystals, some lying on the cobblestones, some directing Mario to get to the castle as Bowser’s warships descend, throwing fire to the city streets.

This is a sharp contrast to just a few moments before the armada arrived, when Star Bits were glittering everywhere from their journey through the cosmos and a festive joy lingered in the air.

But the real action begins when Peach’s entire castle is dramatically levitated by a UFO and whisked away through a wormhole, while Bowser blasts Mario off the castle grounds, leaving him spiraling into the vast vacuum of space. 

This opening also adds a sense of urgency that contrasts with the player’s urge to explore. I remember when I first ran through the opening, I wanted to explore around; I wanted to break the Toads out of their crystal prisons, collect the Star Bits that were falling, and get my bearings.

I wanted to do this even though there were fireballs raining from Bowsers armada and the ground shook with their advance on the castle. This push and pull will be a consistent theme throughout as players have to balance their explorative desires with the task at hand.

It’s a whimsical and outlandish beginning that only the Mario series could pull off, setting the tone for an adventure where anything is possible.

A Symphony of Creativity

As the first of its kind to boast such a theme and landscape, the game bursts with creativity that almost feels magical against the backdrop of a universe waiting to be discovered.

Each galaxy presents new mechanics, imaginative level design, and surprising challenges. From walking on inverted platforms to racing through asteroid fields, the game never stops offering fresh experiences.

The game's soundtrack is a major highlight. Picture yourself soaring through space with orchestral music playing in the background, creating an epic and fantastical feel. The iconic music that plays as Mario is blasted from his home-base Comet Observatory to each galaxy makes the player feel like they’re on a life-or-death mission, which technically, they are.

The soundtrack doesn’t stop once he lands in each galaxy, either. Many galaxies have their own unique theme songs that add to Mario’s adventure as he goes hunting for the star on each planet. The Gusty Garden Galaxy theme, in particular, is often compared to a symphonic masterpiece, bringing emotional depth to the adventure. 

Composed by Mahito Yokota and Koji Kondo, this was the first time a Mario game used a live orchestra, adding a grand sense of scale that matched the game's vastness.

The choice to use a live orchestra for Super Mario Galaxy's soundtrack was a daring move by Nintendo. Previous Mario games used synthesized music, but the team believed that a full orchestra would elevate the experience.

The result was a soundtrack that perfectly matched the gameplay and became celebrated by fans.

Even before I began playing again as an adult, I could sing the main theme song that plays as Mario flies between galaxies on command. That song lived in my memory for years and years after finishing the game!

… to be continued!

Thanks for reading! This was just the first part, as this post/newsletter would’ve gotten too long otherwise.

I will send out and publish part two of this Super Mario Galaxy deep dive within the next weeks.

Keep playing,

Michael

Last week, I wrote about Brotato and explained why I am so excited about this fantastic game. It’s just brilliant, and it only costs $5!

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In case you missed it, here is the link:

1. Brotato - A Rogue-Lite Action Title

This week, I am covering the other two games I’m currently hooked on:

2. Chants of Sennaar — A mystical puzzle indie title

3. Star Wars Jedi: Survivor —A sci-fi action adventure

Please keep in mind that these are not formal reviews. Instead, I'm sharing my thoughts on three great games that I highly recommend. Additionally, since these titles aren’t brand new, you can often find them on sale.

Let’s continue with the second outstanding game I am currently playing. It’s a fantastic indie puzzle title:

2. Chants of Sennaar

📅 Released: September 5, 2023

🎮 Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch

🏷️ Price: $19.99 (included in Game Pass)

🗨️ Metacritic User Score: 8.6

🔗 Steam Reviews: Overwhelmingly Positive

📱 Steam Deck: Verified ✅

✌️ I play it on … my Xbox and Asus Rog Ally

I completely overlooked this fantastic game when it first launched in late 2023. Thankfully, someone on the Get Played podcast mentioned it a while back—by the way, it's a great gaming podcast if you haven't checked it out.

After just half an hour of playing, I immediately realized that Chants of Sennaar is a true indie gem!

The game is about deciphering languages. Sounds boring? Trust me, it isn’t! As you explore a mysterious tower, you'll encounter different cultures, each speaking its own language.

Imagine stumbling upon a conversation between two characters, and the words are just symbols—your job is to piece together what they mean by observing context and matching patterns.

The thrill comes from slowly unraveling these languages, turning confusion into understanding, and unlocking new areas as you bridge communication gaps between the tower's divided groups.

Tower of Babel (Background): The game draws directly from the biblical story of the Tower of Babel, where, according to the Old Testament, humanity once spoke a single language and tried to build a tower tall enough to reach heaven. In response, God confused their language, causing them to scatter and preventing the completion of the tower.

Chants of Sennaar uses this myth in a very clever way. There are five sections in the tower, and the people in each section have their own language that you do not understand… yet.

The language is both a divider and a bridge between people. It’s a fascinating concept to create a game centered around the challenge of restoring communication in a fragmented world.

Who Chants of Sennaar is for:

• Puzzle Lovers: If you enjoy decoding, solving intricate puzzles, and using logic to piece together clues, this game is perfect for you.

• Fans of Narrative-Driven Games: It is ideal for those who enjoy a narrative experience.

• Players Who Appreciate Symbolism: If you like games with deeper themes like communication, culture, and unity, Chants of Sennaar offers a rewarding experience as you uncover the significance of each symbol and interaction.

• Art and Atmosphere Enthusiasts: The stunning hand-drawn art and atmospheric design will appeal to players who love visually immersive worlds.

• Patient, Detail-Oriented Gamers: If you’re the kind of player who enjoys slow-burn experiences where attention to detail is key.

Who it’s not for:

• Action-Oriented Gamers: If you prefer fast-paced combat or action-heavy gameplay, Chants of Sennaar may feel too slow or passive.

• Players Who Dislike Puzzles: Those who find language puzzles or complex problem-solving frustrating may struggle to enjoy the core mechanics of this game.

• Impatient Gamers: The game’s gradual pace and focus on observation and deduction may not suit players looking for instant gratification or fast progression.

3. Star Wars Jedi: Survivor

📅 Released: April 28, 2023

🎮 Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S

🏷️ Price: $69.99 (often on sale/included in Game Pass)

🗨️ Metacritic Score: 85

🔗 Steam Reviews: Mixed (mainly because of past technical issues)

📱 Steam Deck: Now playable after many patches

✌️ I play it on … my Xbox Series X

I know everyone is talking about Star Wars Outlaws right now, but I highly recommend checking out Star Wars Jedi: Survivor from last year.

It’s a fantastic game I’m enjoying right now. The combat, world exploration, and story are all top-notch. With all the recent patches, it’s running so much better, making it the perfect time to jump in.

First of all, there is one thing that probably matters the most in this game:

IT’S GOT LIGHTSABERS!!!

I do love lightsaber fights, and they are just perfect in Jedi Survivor.

When first released, this game didn’t catch my attention. Most users complained about horrible frame rates and other technical issues.

Recently, a friend recommended it to me when he discovered it was on sale in the PlayStation Store. Immediately, I tried it on my Xbox Series X and fell in love with it.

It’s not just for Star Wars fans but anyone who loves action-adventure games. The combat is fun and challenging, with different lightsaber styles and Force powers to try.

Exploring the game’s beautiful worlds is exciting, and the puzzles and platforming add a lot of variety. I like Star Wars, but I am not the biggest fan. However, this game is fantastic in every aspect: Excellent combat, intriguing exploration, and interesting storytelling make it so much fun to play.

Star Wars Jedi: Survivor has had several patches since launch, resolving most technical issues. Now, it runs much smoother. It also goes on sale frequently, so it’s a good idea to check for discounts. Do you have a Game Pass subscription? It’s included!

I am playing it on Padawan difficulty settings, which is perfect for me: Not too challenging, but it's also not as easy as in story mode.

Conclusion: I don’t play AAA titles that often, but this game is so much fun. Please check it out if you haven’t already done so.

Thanks for reading and keep playing until my next newsletter,

Michael

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💡 Quick note: If you subscribed via Facebook in the last three weeks, you might have forgotten since I haven’t sent out a newsletter until now. Thanks for sticking around!

I love recommending games that aren’t the newest releases. In fact, diving into "not so brand new" titles often comes with nice perks:

• Many are frequently on sale across platforms like Steam, PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo, and some are even included in Game Pass or PlayStation Plus.

• Playing older games not only saves money but also means you’re stepping into a game that’s likely been polished through patches and updates.

Here are the top three picks I am playing right now:

1. An indie rogue-lite action title (Brotato) — THIS NEWSLETTER

2. A mystical puzzle indie title (Chants of Sennaar) — NEXT WEEK

3. A sci-fi action adventure (Star Wars Jedi: Survivor) — NEXT WEEK

I originally planned to cover all three games in this newsletter/post. However, after finishing my thoughts on Brotato, I realized it became longer than expected.

So, let me share with you today what I love about Brotato. Just keep in mind that this is not a review. Instead, I’m sharing my thoughts about the game and some intriguing insights:

1. Brotato

📅 Released: June 2023 (Early Access: September 2022)

🎮 Platforms: PC/Steam, PS5, Xbox X/S, Switch

🏷️Price: $4.99 (and in Game Pass)

🗨️ Metacritic User Score: 8.2

🔗 Steam: Overwhelmingly Positive

📱Steam Deck: Verified ✅

✌️I play it on … on my Steam Deck.

The first time I played Brotato was in early 2023. It was one of my first games for the Steam Deck LCD I bought back then. I was sure that I would just give it a try for only five bucks and then never touch it again, as I’m not the biggest fan of rogue-like or rogue-lite games.

Well, I was hooked almost immediately. Now, I have over 100 hours of playtime. That says it all, right?

This game is only $5 and I think these are best 5 bucks I’ve ever spent on something fun! It’s so addictive!

It is a fast-paced rogue-lite shooter where you control a heavily armed potato fighting off waves of quirky enemies. Its charming art style and chaotic gameplay offer endless replayability, with a huge variety of weapons, upgrades, and character builds to explore.

The most addictive aspect is unlocking new items and weapons as you progress, each run rewarding you with new tools and strategies, keeping you hooked as you experiment with different combinations.

The Gameplay

• You start a run by selecting a character (each has different abilities).

• You select a difficulty (called danger) and your starting weapon.

• Each run has 20 waves of aliens, and you just run and dodge them while your weapons auto-fire at enemies.

• During each wave, you collect materials.

• After a wave, you can upgrade your stats and buy items or weapons in a shop with your collected materials.

The Shop

You can only buy those items that randomly ‘drop’ in the shop. However, you can reroll, depending on your ‘money'/materials’.

• Items can be white, blue, purple, or red. The red items are the most powerful ones.

• You can equip up to 6 weapons (melee or ranged) at the same time.

• You can combine identical weapons to make them more powerful. There are four tiers, from white to red.

The areas you fight in are always the same: A square field with only different background colors. Sounds dull, right? Not quite, as the most fascinating aspects of this game make it so addictive:

• … unlocking powerful blue, purple (rare), or even red (legendary) items or weapons by completing runs with certain characters. You know the feeling: I just WANT THAT ONE LEGENDARY ITEM! 😁

• … to experiment with different weapons, stats, and items for each character to make them even stronger. It’s so much fun when you realize that after a few waves, you can BLAST EVERYTHING.

With better and more powerful items unlocked, you are able to deal with higher difficulties and unlock even more things or characters.

It’s a lot easier to explain its fascination with screenshots:

The Weapon Tiers

Besides your starting weapon, you can purchase them in the shop after each wave, depending on which one ‘drops.’ If you have two identical weapons of the same tier, you can combine them into one of a higher tier. This is genuinely fun:

Some weapons and items are only unlocked by completing a full run (20 waves) with specific characters. That means my motivation to complete a run with some characters sometimes skyrockets, especially when really powerful items can be unlocked (see below).

The thrill of unlocking these weapons and tools makes each completed run feel even more rewarding and pushes you to explore different builds.

The Items

Items can have intriguing stats/abilities and are either obtained from crates dropped during a run or purchased in the shop afterward.

However, you can’t always buy everything—sometimes great items appear in the shop, but other times, items that aren’t useful for your current build will show up.

This randomness adds a strategic element, forcing you to adapt and make the best of what’s available.

My Favorite Weapon

This is hands-down my favorite weapon in Brotato. However, you can’t just grab it right from the start—you’ll need to complete a full run with the ‘Soldier’ to unlock it first. Even then, you’ll have to wait for it to show up randomly in the shop.

Imagine combining some of them into legendary ones. 😮

Conclusion

Should you give Brotato a try? Absolutely! Even if you are not into rogue-lite games, I highly recommend this one. It’s so addictive, and it’s only five bucks!

If Brotato isn’t your cup of tea, don’t worry—stick around! Next week, I’ll dive into the two other games:

• Chants of Sennaar (Mystical Puzzle Adventure)

• Star Wars: Jedi Survivor (Sci-Fi Action Adventure)

Both are incredible, and I can’t wait to share some surprising insights about them.

Keep playing,

Michael

Thanks for being a subscriber to Video Game Stories! Whether you signed up through Substack recently or discovered me via my Facebook page, I’m excited to have you here.

Just a quick note: While my YouTube channel is dedicated exclusively to the Steam Deck, my newsletters cover all gaming platforms—with a special focus on handhelds from time to time.

The main focus of this post is the video, which you can watch on YouTube or directly here, as it's embedded at the end of the article.

Before you dive into the video, I want to share a bit about my journey and what led me back to this amazing device.

I've always been a huge fan of handheld gaming. My first device was a Gameboy Classic, which I bought way back in 1990. Since then, I’ve owned nearly every Nintendo handheld—Game Boy Color, GBA, DS, 3DS, and so on.

My first 'modern' gaming handheld in the last couple of years was a Steam Deck LCD, and it completely blew me away. Being able to play my Steam library on a handheld was simply fantastic.

2022: Bought a Steam Deck LCD

2023: Sold my Steam Deck

2023: Bought an ASUS ROG Ally

2024: Bought a Steam Deck OLED

In 2023, I sold my Steam Deck and upgraded to an ASUS ROG Ally. It had more power and could handle many AAA games. While I really love the ROG Ally, I missed the Steam Deck almost immediately!

You know that feeling, right? The excitement of researching, reading reviews, and debating whether to hit that "buy" button. There’s something about anticipating that new gadget — imagining how it will fit into your routine and elevate your gaming experience.

In my video, you’ll see why I decided to get a Steam Deck again—this time, the OLED version.

Spoiler: The main reason wasn’t just the OLED display!

Watch the video below, and don’t forget to subscribe!

You can subscribe HERE!

Keep playing,

Michael

Is this game for you?

If you like absurd characters, a funny story, silly British humor, and games where you can smack everyone, Thank Goodness You’re Here! is right up your alley. Expect a whirlwind of bizarre encounters and unpredictable events in the charmingly chaotic town of Barnsworth, reminiscent of classic British sketch comedies and Monty Python-style antics.

It’s not for you if…

… you're looking for complex gameplay, challenging puzzles, or action-packed sequences. The game leans more on humor and narrative than mechanics, with simple slap-based interactions and easy quests taking the place of conventional gameplay challenges.

However, even if you usually don’t play comedy games, I recommend checking out this one. Especially the story about the developers at the end of this article.

In this post, I quickly review the game, explain some fascinating details, and share my experience with it, as well as some intriguing insights about the developers and the development process.

NOT YOUR CUP OF TEA? If this type of game isn't your thing at all, don't worry—I’ve still got something for you today! At the end of this article, you'll find a YouTube deep-dive with the developers of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2. It features some awesome gameplay scenes and is 100% worth checking out!

Good to know: It's important to note that the game, despite being animated, is not suitable for children due to its adult themes and language.

The Facts

📅 Release Date: August 1, 2024

🎞️ Genre: Comedy Platform Adventure

📏 Length: About 3 hours

🎮 Platforms: PC, Switch, PS4/PS5, Mac

🏷️ Price: $17.99 or $19.99

🗨️ Metacritic Score: ~90

🔗 Steam Users: Overwhelmingly Positive

📱 Steam Deck: Verified ✅

The Story

In Thank Goodness You're Here, you step into the shoes of a miniature salesman who finds himself in the whimsical and bizarre town of Barnsworth, a fictional Northern English village filled with weird characters and even stranger tasks.

The game combines slapstick comedy with adventure, as you're tasked with increasingly absurd odd jobs the quirky residents give you. Whether it's killing flowers who constantly tell each other ‘I love you’ or baking giant pies, each job brings you deeper into the town’s weird culture.

Barnsworth, known for its gigantic pies, feels like a character of its own, evolving as you complete tasks and explore its open world.

With its unique blend of hand-drawn animation (check out some fascinating facts from the illustrator further below), Yorkshire-inspired folklore, and an offbeat sense of humor, the game captures a weird but charming atmosphere.

The Gameplay

You explore Barnsworth while waiting for an important meeting with the mayor. To advance the story, you slap NPCs and listen to funny dialogue or just encounter hilarious situations.

Seriously, you slap every object and resident you see, and after they thank you for being here, they usually give you a task to complete.

So, what can you do in the game to fulfill these tasks? Basically, it’s

• running

• jumping

• slapping

That’s it! There are no special abilities, no weapons, no inventory, no tools, or anything like that. However, when you are playing it via Steam, you get the typical achievements, which feels rewarding, somehow 😎

But still, the satisfying part isn’t lying in completing the challenges. It’s more about exploring that weird town and seeing and hearing the people interact with you and each other in a hilarious way.

The Verdict

Do I love this game? Yes, absolutely!

Is it a masterpiece? No, but I don’t care!

For me, ‘Thank Goodness You're Here’ shines through its vibrant and weird creative style, which obviously draws inspiration from shows like The Regular Show and the stuff from David Firth.

The hand-drawn illustrations feel whimsical and exaggerated, amplifying the game's absurd humor. Each character and environment pops with unique and outlandish designs, making the whole time you are playing a visual treat.

James Carbutt, the illustrator, did an amazing job! Read more about him below.

The humor in Thank Goodness You're Here is my other highlight, mixing subtle humor with slapstick silliness. The game is a love letter to British comedy. I am German, and I have a deep appreciation for that absurd, dark British humor. Being a huge Monty Python fan certainly helped me catch some of the more unique jokes and phrases sprinkled throughout the game.

Good to know: The game has two subtitle options, offering "English" and "Dialect. The former translates the regional dialect of the Northerners into more understandable English.

Even the voice acting of the town residents is packed with personality — especially when featuring the legendary Matt Berry.

Additionally, the sound design is just perfect! Almost everything is slightly exaggerated and perfectly matches the visuals, from the slapping to the distinct sounds of the characters or drinks being spilled, for example.

Thank Goodness You're Here is a rich, comedic audio-visual experience you will either love … or not! 😁

The Developers

As always, I try to get as much exciting background information about the games as possible. In this case it was quite difficult, as there was hardly anything interesting online except one podcast interview.

The developer studio is called …

Coal Supper and consists of two English Northerners:

• Will Todd (coding/technical)

• James Carbutt (illustrations/graphics).

I found their story quite intriguing, so I tried summarizing the most interesting bits and pieces:

How did the two meet and start working together?

Will Todd (Technical Lead) says that they have known each other since they were about 12 or 13, having met in secondary school and stayed friends throughout.

After high school, they went their separate ways, attending different universities and taking different jobs. Eventually, they reconnected and decided to take on a fun weekend project together.

What started as a simple weekend project turned into a six-year journey. First, they released their ‘experiment, ‘The Good Time Garden, in 2019, and now, five years later, Thank Goodness You’re Here.

💡 Tip: The Good Time Garden is available for free on Steam

James Carbutt (Lead Illustrator) grew up with Tood in Barnsley, which influenced their work (remember, Barnsworth is the name of the virtual town in the game). However, they pursued different paths after school and in university.

When they decided to collaborate on that weekend project, everything just clicked. The project evolved over time, leading to a fully developed game after several years.

Their personal and professional gaming background

Will Todd, the programmer, has been passionate about video games his entire life. He recalls being hooked from the moment he got his first console, a PS1, and says that he was always thinking about ideas for games.

He studied game technology, which set him on a clear path toward game development. As breaking into the industry is challenging, the opportunity to work on a project with James felt like a natural progression.

James Carbutt comes from a graphic design background. He studied graphic design and worked in motion and graphic design.

However, he always maintained an interest in weird illustrations. He says that he even scribbled those in the margins of lecture notes while studying.

Approaching everything without a traditional gaming design background allowed him to bring a fresh perspective, contributing to the creation of something unique.

This resulted in untypical compositions in Thank Goodness You’re Here, which aren’t regular video game compositions. Instead, they are coming from someone who just used to watch cartoons.

About the length of the game

Most players finish Thank Goodness You’re Here in about 3 hours. That’s really short. Originally, James and Will wanted to make it much longer. When they pitched the game to publishers, it was supposed to take 12 hours or so.

However, during the development process, they decided to make it much shorter. That also made it easier to add more content, more jokes, etc. They said that the more dense it felt, the better it felt.

Pitching to 80 potential publishers

James and Will pitched the game to 80 publishers before it was finally signed by Panic (known for ‘Firewatch’)

“After the Good Time Garden, we sent it to a bunch of publishers and went like: Hey, we've done this thing and we might want to pitch you a next thing …

I guess there was only maybe like 10 or 15 on there that would seriously have liked to sign a deal with us. And of those, only a couple of them went further with us. But then like, in the end, we felt like panic was the vibe.”

I hope you enjoyed all these insights about an unusual indie game!

Thank You

Thanks for reading my latest article!

Keep playing,

Michael

And Now for Something Completely Different

As promised, for all those who were not interested at all in ‘Thank Goodness You’re Here’, here is a recent video about Stalker 2, which will finally be released later this year.

You have to turn subtitles on but it’s worth it! They take a deep dive into this unique action survival game, featuring brand new gameplay scenes, behind-the-scenes footage, and interviews with the development team!

Well, you should! I think that everyone who loves games should give this one a try. Even if you don’t play that many games, this is the kind of one you might want to check out!

Here are a few things I can think of off the top of my head about Animal Well:

• A mysterious, open-world pixel-art platformer game with challenging puzzles

• Solo-developed by Billy Basso in 7 years (the last two years full-time)

• Design, graphics, coding, and engine 100% by one single person

• File size is only around 33 MB on PC

• Retro pixel-art graphics combined with beautiful and unique visual effects

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It’s one of the games I am currently playing on my Steam Deck OLED, and I have already kicked myself in the butt multiple times for having waited so long after its release in May this year.

When you play this short clip from the startscreen, you will already sense the eerie atmosphere in this game:

This is not an extensive review. Instead, I am pointing out the most fascinating facts about the game, why it’s awesome, and interesiting insights from the developer, Billy Basso.

Animal Well is a masterpiece! It brilliantly combines elements of old-school platformers, Metroidvania titles and retro pixel-art with immersive visual effects, innovative gameplay mechanics, incredible sound design, and extremely rewarding puzzle-solving while exploring.

On top of that, the controls are super responsive and everything feels extremely fluid with great physics.

By the way, it’s a perfect handheld game, so I mainly play it on my Steam Deck. I will write more about my handheld gaming experience soon, so make sure to subscribe:

I would call Animal Well an adventure platformer that draws you in with its tight controls, rewarding experience, and captivating pixel art combined with intriguing visual effects.

The game combines pixel art with modern particle systems and fluid simulations for smoke and water to create a world that feels so dynamic and alive despite its old-school feel.

As you explore the open world of Animal Well as a little blob, you'll encounter puzzles and dangerous enemies that you can't quite fight back against but can only defend. It's up to you to use the tools you collect and your own creativity to pass each test as you wander from one screen to another …

The blend of classic pixel art with advanced effects like dynamic lighting and layered rendering gives Animal Well a unique depth, making every screen of its mysterious world a pleasure to explore.

Example: Early on in the game, you will find a typical example of that old-school pixel art mixed with modern visual effects: A ghost cat drifts across the screen like a slender, floating ghoul, creating a particularly eerie and captivating atmosphere. It's just brilliant.

I Know That I Know That I Don’t Know

There is no story, no NPCs explaining stuff to you, no tutorial, and not even tooltips. The only thing you know when you start the game is that you need to collect four flames.

If you've played other famous adventure platformers like Hollow Knight or Ori, you're likely aware that talking to NPCs is seamlessly integrated into these games and forms a key part of the overall experience. However, the lack of NPC interactions in Animal Well perfectly fits its mysterious and spooky atmosphere.

The Unknown: Animal Well offers a unique sense of discovery, and the rewarding feeling is almost overwhelming every time you discover something or solve a puzzle. When exploring a room, I often know there is something I am missing, and I can’t wait to discover it on my own.

Challenging: The puzzles are often more than challenging, and you have to be very creative and think outside the box. But it never feels unfair. In fact, there is usually more than one way to solve a room.

Here is what the developer Billy Baso said about the in-game challenges:

Animal Well is pre-loaded with secrets that may take years to uncover -- giving you a reason to return to it after it's been sitting on your shelf.

Billy Baso says that the challenges in the game exist on four different ‘virtual’ difficulty layers. He explained them once in his blog on PSN. It’s quite intriguing:

The First Layer

Billy Basso explains that the first layer of Animal Well is the base game, which includes all the necessary areas required to see the ending. He describes this layer as a very rewarding experience on its own, estimating that it will take most players about 10-15 hours to complete without any hints.

This layer focuses on exploring the core content and solving puzzles that showcase the game's beautiful pixel art and intricate mechanics, providing players with a satisfying journey from start to finish.

The Second Layer

Basso explains that the second layer introduces optional items and areas for dedicated players who wish to "100%" the game. This layer challenges players to uncover hidden secrets and solve additional puzzles, often requiring more exploration and a keen eye for detail.

Basso expects that many players will be able to complete this layer, though they might occasionally search online for a hint or two, as it pushes beyond the base game to offer a deeper and more rewarding experience for completionists.

The Third Layer

The third layer of Animal Well is where things start to get truly challenging, according to Basso. He explains that this layer includes far more obscure puzzles whose existence may remain unknown to most players.

Basso anticipates that the internet community will need to collaborate to solve these puzzles, or they might not be solved at all, adding an element of mystery and intrigue that encourages players to think outside the box and work together to uncover hidden truths within the game.

The Fourth Layer

Finally, Basso describes the fourth layer as the ultimate secret, containing puzzles and mysteries that only he knows. He sees this layer as a challenge to the internet, daring players to discover everything he has hidden within the game.

Basso has promised to make an announcement confirming his defeat if and when this final layer is uncovered, which adds an exciting layer of competition and curiosity to the gaming experience, pushing the boundaries of what players can achieve.

AMA on reddit

There was an AMA on Reddit where Billy Basso expressed surprise at how quickly players began uncovering the secrets of the fourth layer in Animal Well. He was impressed by the community's creativity and collaboration in solving these puzzles, some of which he thought would remain undiscovered for much longer.

While a few mysteries still remain unsolved, Basso acknowledged the players' determination and noted that they have already begun to scratch the surface of this challenging layer.

Interviews With Billy Basso

The following two video interviews are worth watching. I also summarized the most fascinating aspects of his background and career.

• Education Background: Billy Basso completed his Bachelor's degree in Film/Video and Photographic Arts at Columbia College Chicago from September 2007 to May 2011. After developing an interest in game development, he pursued a Master of Science (MS) in Computer Science with a Multimedia Concentration at DePaul University, graduating in 2014. This combination of film and computer science education gave him a unique perspective on game design and development, influencing the creative and technical aspects of Animal Well.

• Self-Taught Programming: While studying film, Basso already took a self-directed approach to learning programming languages such as C++ and Python, diving into game development as a hobby.

• Industry Experience: After graduating, Billy Basso worked at NetherRealm (Mortal Kombat) Studios and other companies, where he contributed to various game projects, gaining experience in professional game development.

• Solo Developer for Animal Well: Armed with his educational background and industry experience, Basso embarked on the journey of developing Animal Well as a solo project. He spent the first years creating the game as a hobby project, building a custom game engine. One of his goals was to achieve a distinct blend of pixel art with advanced graphical effects. Finally, he quit his job at a studio to work full-time on this project for the last two years before release.

• Development Philosophy: Billy Basso’s approach to game development is characterized by a meticulous focus on layering depth and mystery within the gameplay. He aims to create an experience where players can explore and uncover secrets at their own pace, rewarding curiosity and engagement beyond the surface level of the game.

The interview below is quite long, but I highly recommend it as it provides many great insights about Billy:

Links Worth Visiting

https://www.gamedeveloper.com/art/creature-feature-the-surreal-pixel-art-and-animation-of-animal-well

https://blog.playstation.com/2022/02/10/the-secrets-of-animal-well-coming-to-ps5/

https://blog.playstation.com/author/bbasso/

Thank You

Keep playing (Animal Well),

Michael

Last week was exciting, with two new titles that really surprised me. I would have kicked myself in the but if I missed these.

Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn

📅 Release Date: July 18, 2024

🎮 Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S

🏷️Price: $39,99, or via Game Pass

🗨️ Metacritic Score: ~71

🔗 Steam Reviews: Mostly Positive

📱Steam Deck: Verified ✅

Flintlock is an action RPG set in a unique fantasy world where players use both magic and gunpowder weapons to combat challenging enemies. The gameplay features a blend of melee combat, strategic use of firearms, and exploration of a richly detailed environment.

The game combines elements from Dark Souls games but also from more approachable fantasy action titles. It was highly anticipated before its release.

My 2 Cents

I was intrigued when they presented it at Summer Game Fest recently and was looking forward to the release.

However, after I tried it for free now on Game Pass (Xbox Series X), I was a little disappointed. It still looks great, but the movement felt janky, and other users on Steam also state that it seems unfinished. Still, it’s worth trying, in my opinion, especially if you have an active Game Pass subscription.

Dungeons of Hinterberg

📅 Release Date: July 18, 2024

🎮 Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X/S

🏷️ Price: $29.99, or via Game Pass

🗨️ Metacritic Score: ~82

🔗 Steam Reviews: Very Positive

📱 Steam Deck: Verified ✅

Dungeons of Hinterberg is an action-adventure RPG set in the beautiful Austrian Alps, where you’ll dive into vibrant dungeons filled with puzzles, traps, and mystical creatures.

The style is lovely – it's bright and bold, with a gorgeous ‘hand-painted’ cel-shading look.

As you explore different dungeons, you'll use a combat system that lets you combine magic and melee attacks to defeat enemies. According to GameSpot, the game offers a "captivating mix of exploration and combat," with plenty of character development and story progression as you build relationships with quirky locals and uncover Hinterberg’s secrets.

My 2 Cents

I've played the game for about 1-2 hours so far on the Xbox Series X (via Game Pass) and find it very enjoyable.

For one thing, I love the setting! As a German, I've often visited our neighbors in Austria, especially in the mountains. It's been a while, but the area is simply wonderful, and the game, despite its cell-shading style, manages to portray that atmosphere effectively.

The game captures the relaxed atmosphere of the vacation town incredibly well and mixes it perfectly with the fantasy setting and the dungeon exploration part.

After battling through the puzzle-filled dungeons, you return to the town to unwind, enjoy cozy cafes, and interact with locals, creating a perfect balance between action and relaxation. The downtime in Hinterberg allows you to recharge and strengthen relationships with NPCs, which in turn affects your abilities.

💡 I believe the indie developer Microbird Games from Austria deserves a lot of respect for making this game! You can follow them on Instagram.

Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess

📅 Release Date: July 19, 2024

🎮 Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S

🏷️ Price: $49.99, or via Game Pass

🗨️ Metacritic Score: ~82

🔗 Steam Reviews: Very Positive

📱 Steam Deck: Verified ✅

Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess is a single-player hack-and-slash game with strategy and tower defense components as well as unique Japanese dance elements.

It took me a few minutes to summarize this unusual game in one sentence, but that should be it 😁

The setting is Mt. Kafuku—a mountain covered in defilement. Capcom’s impressive game gives you a taste of Japanese culture, including Kagura dance, masks, and the music that plays in the background.

You are playing as Soh, a warrior who wields a sword to protect the Maiden of the mountain, Yoshiro, as she confronts the Seethe. You slay the enemies as usual or with dance-like sword attacks.

This game is a huge surprise to me, as we rarely get gems like this anymore. It is a magnificent surprise from Japan's video game giant, Capcom, and might even be one of the most outstanding games of 2024.

Just a few things I would immediately point out:

• Gorgeous visual folklore-type visual design

• Unique action/strategy/tower defense mix

The only downside might be the base building part, which can get a little tedious.

Gameplay: Each stage requires you to purge supernatural rot, rescue villagers, build traps, and fend off waves of hideous demons. The goal is to aid Yoshiro in her quest to rid Mt. Kafuku of a plague. The gameplay mechanics required for these tasks create one of the more distinct experiences in video games I have seen in a while. 

The visual design of this game is gorgeous. The artwork is a masterpiece and shows an exquisite setting inspired by Japanese folklore, with every detail polished to perfection. I can’t remember a game with such a unique visual style.

💡 Tip for Xbox Series X players: There are two graphics options:

• Performance

• Quality

I chose ‘quality’ as the fps difference is minor. ‘Performance’ gives you 60 fps locked, and with ‘quality,’ you get around 55 fps with almost no heavy drops but slightly better visuals.

Notable Mention from June: Chained Together

Chained Together was released in June and is a cooperative puzzle-platformer where you and a friend or two are literally chained together, requiring you to work as a team to navigate through challenging levels.

The chain between you isn't just a link—it's both a tool and a challenge, letting you swing across gaps or block obstacles while also limiting your movement.

This unique setup encourages teamwork and communication, making the game an engaging and fun experience for players working together.

It’s only $4.99!

Here are some funny quotes from Steam user reviews:

Me and my only three friends played it today for 1 hour straight. Tomorrow, my only two friends and I will play it again.

Don't be fooled by the cheap price of the game. The real price is the cost of friendships, family ties and a girlfriend that gives you the silent treatment.

Those were my tips from last week, including a special mention from June. Did I forget something?

If you enjoyed this article, share it with your friends and colleagues!

Keep playing,

Michael

This highly anticipated title is currently sitting as the #1 most wishlisted game on Steam. Let’s explore why!

When I first heard about it about a year ago, I thought: "Oh no, not another Soulslike!” Then, I forgot about it for a while. However, just recently, I watched a video in which Games Radar played a demo version, where they made it very clear that this is not a typical Souls game!

The Wukong demo felt more like a modern God of War Game rather than Dark Souls. It may be one of the best action RPGs.

Games Radar

Even the developer, Game Science, clearly states that the game is an action-adventure with RPG elements.

It's not that I dislike any Dark Souls-type game, but I got tired of unforgiving death mechanics that frustrate me, along with the sense of repetitive failure.

Black Myth Wukong will be different with the following main characteristics:

• linear level design

• a skill tree (you can reset it at any time)

• color-coded rare gear/items

• one main weapon (a staff)

• mostly dodging, parrying is rare

Wukong obviously still has a few typical Dark Souls elements, like lots of boss fights, checkpoints, etc.

Will It Be Awesome?

The reviewers who played the demo say that the graphics are truly breathtaking, with a gorgeous level of detail, superbly animated giant bosses, and no framerate drops at all. And the gameplay footage looks stunning, in my opinion.

💡 Check it out for yourself. I put a link to the gameplay video at the end of this article.

Gameplay: Combat seems truly exciting and rewarding. You use a staff with many tricks, and the fights feel fresh and fun. The game does not rely on heavy attacks; instead, it uses charged attacks and combo breakers, which add depth to the fighting mechanics.

The demo reviewers also loved the magic system: You have four spell slots and can use different spells, like immobilizing enemies or transforming into a powerful creature. These spells add variety to combat and strategy.

Summary: Fantastic graphics, engaging combat, and a unique fantasy world setting.

Release Date

Black Myth: Wukong is set to release in summer 2024. The game will be available on PC, and PlayStation. Xbox owners need to wait a little longer.

• Release PC (Steam) and PS5: August 20, 2024

• Release Xbox S/X: Later in 2024

The first gameplay footage was shown in August 2020 in a YouTube video, and it amazed many people.

Story

The story of Black Myth: Wukong is based on the classic Chinese novel "Journey to the West." You play as Sun Wukong, the Monkey King. He has many magical powers and can change into different forms. The game follows his adventures as he fights monsters and gods.

Good to know: You can customize the appearance with an editor at the start of the game.

Gameplay

Black Myth: Wukong is an action RPG. You fight using different weapons and magic spells. The game has many enemies, including huge bosses. The level design is linear, but you can still explore and find hidden secrets. The combat is fast and needs quick thinking.

What's Special?

Black Myth: Wukong stands out because of its amazing graphics and detailed world. The game looks almost real. It also has a rich story inspired by Chinese culture.

It has some refreshing and curious quirks of Chinese mythology, like shape-shifting shenanigans where you turn yourself into a peach.

The developers, Game Science Studio, have created a game that is now #1 on the official Steam wishlist.

Developer/Publisher

Game Science Studio is the developer behind Black Myth: Wukong. They are a fairly unknown Chinese game studio. Before this, they made games like "Art of War: Red Tides." which received mixed reviews on Steam but was still liked by many players for its good design and fun gameplay.

Black Myth: Wukong is their most ambitious project yet, aiming to reach a global audience

What I Really Think

While I am a little skeptical because of the hype, I'm still looking forward to this title. This is mainly because of the incredible attention to detail they have put into it. The variety of magic, impressive characters, and enemy/boss design are particularly exciting.

Additionally, I think the dodging-only tactic when fighting bosses suits my playstyle. At my age, varying between dodging and parrying can get a little difficult at times 👴

The only reason I'll probably hesitate to buy it on release day is the hefty price tag of $60. I know that’s typical for an AAA game, but it still significantly impacts my buying decision.

Best Gameplay Videos

I am aware that this video is in German. However, in my opinion, it shows the most stunning boss fights from the demo version. I highly recommend watching those breathtaking scenes.

Here is a version in English from Games Radar:

What do you think about Black Myth: Wukong? Are you as excited as I am? Please let me know in the comments.

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Thank you for reading,

Michael