iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Alexander @aurumalex.bsky.social · 09/10/2026

There are lots of questions one might have for Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time. Like, why alien invasions? Why time travel? Why... Yoob? Yet, of all those, the question I never thought to ask was whether babies are capable enough to be the protagonists of their own story. youtu.be/5rJwhL2HDK8

youtu.be

Nobody's Helpless in Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time

YouTube video by AurumAlex

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Alexander @aurumalex.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

a plot point in this game is that they're installing flock cameras across the city to surveil Pokémon crime there's an entire chapter where Ryme City does a Patriot Act on the Pokémon and Pikachu has to mount a prison break with a Luxray Returns might be the worst video game I love

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Alexander @aurumalex.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

I played this game for the first time last week for an upcoming video and I could not believe what I was seeing

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Alexander @aurumalex.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

huge release for people who really wanted a Pokémon game about 9/11

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Reposted by Alexander

Dan @kingklonoa.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

I have been playing a lot of hacks, mods, and remakes lately. It has me wondering about how opposed I actually am to changing games. Maybe games are built to be changed. nebula.tv/videos/kingk...

nebula.tv

KingK — Games Are Built To Be Changed

Maybe it's fun when we change our video games.

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Alexander @aurumalex.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Man I just love Arc 4 so much. I feel like I could make dozens of videos on how every choice contributes to the story. Even when I think it's making the wrong choices, they're wrong for really interesting reasons. Even when Arc 4 is bad it's good

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Alexander @aurumalex.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Some time ago, I discussed the final expansion in Wizard101's fourth story arc. I had a great time with most of it, right up until the last few quests. Looking back, I'm not sure I fully articulated the reasons why. Let me try again. youtu.be/5xOvruxAzdU

youtu.be

Wizard101: Rethinking My Wallaru Critique

YouTube video by AurumAlex

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Alexander @aurumalex.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

I saw a reddit comment saying level-5 must've jumped at the chance to remake Curious Village because it's a game where a village is replaced entirely with robots and I can't stop thinking about it

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Alexander @aurumalex.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

I think, for me, that quote from Hino about NWoS being about AI itself signals that this is probably going to be a pretty clownish game. The only possible conclusions the game could come to about AI are something extremely hypocritical or something extremely self-serving

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Alexander @aurumalex.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

All of which is to say that my original position on NWoS, that it was a backwards-facing game lacking in integrity, was made well before I learned anything about Level-5's AI usage. And Darren's point that there is a connection between those two things is very well-observed.

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Alexander @aurumalex.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

Indeed, if you're looking for an interpretation of the new Layton game, there's a good chance it will unironically be a story in which Level-5 launders its own genAI usage. "Yeah, sure, maybe *some* people use AI irresponsibly. But not us here at Level-5. Obviously not."

A quote from Level-5 CEO Akihiro Hino on Professor Layton and the New World of Steam: https://nintendoeverything.com/level-5-talks-professor-layton-and-the-new-world-of-steam-thinks-the-ending-will-make-people-think-a-little/

"The story this time is about humanity advancing civilization, to then over-indulge in those new technologies and face severe comeuppance. I think in our current age of AI, the ending will make people think a little -overall I think we made a really good story.

Until now, Layton games were always fairly compact, and I think people like the good feeling you get once you finish them. This game preserves that feeling, but adds a little more content. Please pay attention not just to the puzzles, but to the story as well."

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Alexander @aurumalex.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

Now, we have Level-5 pushing genAI in nearly all aspects of every one of its projects, to the point where the company's CEO is giving live presentations as an AI-generated character in AI-generated backgrounds. It's hard to imagine New World of Steam was made with a strong creative vision in mind.

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Alexander @aurumalex.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

Now, I was not a fan of LMJ by any stretch. But I could at least appreciate the willingness to tell a new story with a new cast of characters instead of coasting on the nostalgia of the 16-year-old, most critically acclaimed entry Unwound Future (a very ironic title for the series to get stuck on).

youtube.com

The Many Frustrations of Layton's Mystery Journey

YouTube video by AurumAlex

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Alexander @aurumalex.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

Around three years ago, I made a video expressing disappointment that the newly announced Layton game was forsaking the direction the series took w/ LMJ all so it could go backwards in time to recreate the dynamics of Layton that had been given a definitive conclusion after six games.

youtube.com

An Extremely Cynical View on Layton and the New World of Steam

YouTube video by AurumAlex

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Alexander @aurumalex.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

I know it's beating a dead horse wrt Level-5, but I wanted to share this excellent essay by @darrenmooney.bsky.social on the connection between pop culture nostalgia and the broader push for Generative AI. What Level-5 is doing with series like Professor Layton perfectly illustrates Darren's point.

youtube.com

Harry Potter and the Culture of AI | The Backdrop

YouTube video by Second Wind

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Alexander @aurumalex.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

I was so hoping they would at least remix the dungeon designs (sort of like what Between Worlds did) but it looks like that's not happening 🙁

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Alexander @aurumalex.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

Despite overtures towards being a "break" in the action, Deltarune Chapter 5 is the first time a Deltarune chapter doesn't hold on its own merits. It's a chapter that's too reliant on its past and too invested in its future to remember to tell an affecting story *right now*. youtu.be/iLg3LFkBxts

youtu.be

So... DELTARUNE Chapter 5 Could've Been Better

YouTube video by AurumAlex

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Alexander @aurumalex.bsky.social · 30/08/2026

Finally getting around to Monster Hunter Wilds with some friends these past few weeks. I'd heard a lot of negative things, but I've been having a blast with it. It's also a really beautiful game. Maybe I'm just happy I don't have to go around collecting Spiritbirds every hunt like in Rise lmao

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Alexander @aurumalex.bsky.social · 22/08/2026

I think the strange new worlds cast should turn into frogs next episode. that would really turn things around for me

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Alexander @aurumalex.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

anyways, I will try my best not to post about 2020s Star Trek anymore because it *will* turn into a weekly crash out otherwise today I lost the battle because the dream ending pmo so much lol

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Alexander @aurumalex.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

Out of Strange New Worlds' last 15 episodes, I would say only 2 (maybe 3) of them have been any good. Not great or fantastic, just "this was the minimum level of quality for me to leave the hour feeling satisfied." Nowhere is 2/15 a passing grade! Yet I still watch for some reason.

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Alexander @aurumalex.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

My most toxic trait is continuing to watch Star Trek even though I think the new (live action) ones aren't good. Today's Strange New Worlds turned everyone into puppets, but then they do "it was all a dream" unironically because the show doesn't even have the spine to stand by its own gimmick eps.

static.klipy.com

Spock Is All Ears in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds

ALT: Spock Is All Ears in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds

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Alexander @aurumalex.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

can't make it through the audio phase without saying "it doesn't need to be perfect, it just needs to be done" several hundred times

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Alexander @aurumalex.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

rest assured, the wiz videos at the end of the year will go hard

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Alexander @aurumalex.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

Wizard101 community not beating the nostalgia allegations with this one Every Arc 4 world obliterated immediately. Darkmoor lost to.... Wizard City. I'll salvage Arc 4's reputation with my bare hands if I have to!

2026 Wizard101 World Cup hosted on the Wizard101 subreddit to coincide with the actual World Cup.

https://www.reddit.com/r/Wizard101/comments/1v1bwtu/the_journey_is_complete_at_the_end_of_it_all_only/

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Alexander @aurumalex.bsky.social · 10/07/2026

Once, Professor Layton came to offer respite in the realm of bad video game adaptations, or so the story goes. However, I can't say I'm the biggest fan of Eternal Diva, a movie that copies the beats of Layton with minimal understanding as to why those beats work. youtu.be/r8Anfy4YFug

youtu.be

Professor Layton and the Eternal Diva's Biggest Problem

YouTube video by AurumAlex

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Alexander @aurumalex.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

I look at Asgore realizing he's been pushing his affection onto Toriel too strongly, and I think, "that's the chapter's theme!" But then I look at the Hometown scenes with Asgore and Susie, and I don't feel like that theme was effectively established in a way a good episodic story would try to do.

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Alexander @aurumalex.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

I think Ch. 5 runs into the same issues heavily-plotted streaming shows do, where it's not time for the big reveals yet, so the mid-section of the season kinda meanders around various plotlines, "checking in" on them from time to time but not really developing its core ideas in any meaningful sense.

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Alexander @aurumalex.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

and we have a main character who is just beginning a romantic relationship, but the game doesn't ever connect those two things in an interesting way. And Deltarune won't be able to do this effectively later, because we'll have passed the "love" chapter, which is the best place to comment on this.

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Alexander @aurumalex.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

I think what you're saying is true, but I guess my thinking on the structure of this game is that each chapter should be able to stand on its own as a narratively satisfying unit of storytelling. So in this case, I think it's a little strange that we have a chapter on the overarching topic of love,

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Alexander @aurumalex.bsky.social · 28/06/2026

I also agree wrt the ending, because having Noelle join the gang is a conclusion that could've easily arrived at the end of Ch. 4. A big problem with Noelle/Susie this chapter is that their relationship scene goes perfectly, leaving Susie with nothing to gain/learn by going to Ch. 5's Dark World

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Alexander @aurumalex.bsky.social · 28/06/2026

And I don't believe that's because the game thinks Castle Town is so much more worthy of existing than Flowery. I think it's because the game is indicating a truth our characters will have to realize but are not yet ready to face.

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Alexander @aurumalex.bsky.social · 28/06/2026

Yes, I think Flowery's argument is stronger evidence that the ending of Deltarune will have us close the Castle Town Fountain. Because, despite everything, the game still has us close Flowery's Dark World despite his protests.

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Alexander @aurumalex.bsky.social · 25/06/2026

I think about Ch. 3, where Ralsei argues in the first 10 minutes that he is a less valuable person, then we go on an adventure in TV World that proves his thesis wrong. It's a clear thematic backbone the game can have a discussion about over the course of the chapter. This is what was lacking in 5.

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Alexander @aurumalex.bsky.social · 25/06/2026

It must also be said that 5 does not put its best foot forward. The Hometown segment this time is surprisingly insubstantial, and does a poor job setting up the themes of the rest of the chapter. And then it takes a full hour in the Dark World for it to reveal the key gimmicks of the chapter.

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Alexander @aurumalex.bsky.social · 25/06/2026

The result is that there are so many conversations in 5 where a character goes something along the lines of, "you know why I'm doing this, right?" and the person they're speaking to says, "yeah. I know." Except we don't know! I love a good angst session, but I need to know what we're angsting over.

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Alexander @aurumalex.bsky.social · 25/06/2026

The wheel-spinning is a problem because it interferes with the character stories. A lot of focus is given to Ralsei and Asgore, but neither lands because we can't get into *any* specifics, as that might mean revealing too much of the game's overarching mysteries, which it doesn't want to do yet.

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Alexander @aurumalex.bsky.social · 25/06/2026

Powered through Deltarune Chapter 5 today, and unfortunately, I think it's a significant step down from Ch. 2-4. Gameplay-wise, I thought this was easily the game at its strongest, but narratively, it felt like a whole lot of wheel-spinning.

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Alexander @aurumalex.bsky.social · 22/06/2026

With Nintendo touring its greatest hits like it's 2011 again, I thought it might be nice to re-examine that era. In particular, how me might take from A Link Between Worlds' example, a game which shows just how much old material can shine when put under a new perspective. youtu.be/66Bd7rCtEHQ

youtu.be

A Link Between Worlds Is Searching for Perfection

YouTube video by AurumAlex

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Alexander @aurumalex.bsky.social · 19/06/2026

on another note, for anyone who's played DQ3, how important are the personalities? I got a ring that says it will make my guy wimpy in no time, but I neither know what that means nor does it sound like a good thing

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Alexander @aurumalex.bsky.social · 19/06/2026

PMD Personality Quiz if it went through a mid-life crisis

Question: "Do you find adventure to be more of a chore than a pleasure...?"

Question: "Do you believe that it is wrong to fall for the beloved of a close friend...?"

Question: "Do you believe the world to be filled more with sadness than with joy...?"

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Alexander @aurumalex.bsky.social · 12/06/2026

spent nearly two hours trying to figure out why my mic wasn't recording audio despite being recognized by Resolve turns out Resolve was having issues because Windows 11 decided to turn on "✨ audio enhancement" on my sound inputs without telling me I'm NOT mad ✨✨✨

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Alexander @aurumalex.bsky.social · 26/05/2026

mfw when someone melts an entire town of people but the teenage girl wants too much revenge (the teenage boy can have his revenge, though)

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Alexander @aurumalex.bsky.social · 26/05/2026

What's annoying is that "the servant and the master are both slaves of the system" is an idea that gets to the nuance that Arise so desperately wants to have, but the game can't go more than a minute without chastising the Dahnans for being too mean

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Alexander @aurumalex.bsky.social · 26/05/2026

The nanosecond this character appears, the game's brain implodes from its own self-righteousness and never quite recovers

youtube.com

Tales Of Arise All Almeidra Scenes

YouTube video by Naughty Gaming

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Alexander @aurumalex.bsky.social · 26/05/2026

I genuinely do recommend playing this, for no other reason than it's impossible not to have a visceral reaction to some of the nonsense this game gets up to in its second-half. Tales of Arise simply operates on levels no human has fully been able to comprehend

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Alexander @aurumalex.bsky.social · 21/05/2026

Maybe that's not such a hot take, but my memory of the reaction to Valencia 2 in the years following its release was that it should be retconned entirely and deleted from the game the first chance the devs got. Which... no.

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