iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Westen- BigNerdGaming @bignerdgaming.bsky.social · 20h

"Best Art Direction" this year should be a battle between Control Resonant and Orbitals. Nothing else Ive played this year is even close to in the running compared to those two.

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Westen- BigNerdGaming @bignerdgaming.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

My biggest early impression of Control Resonant is that the combat is not quite good enough to justify the length of many of these encounters.

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Hana no Maude @hananomaude.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

I’m only a few hours in but even within the first hour, the gameplay immediately shows it’s a step up right from the get go with the matchstick/twists on metroidvania mechanics Also, this is his best art full stop. Same whacky designs, incredible environmental detail, lighting & color work

Well Dweller screen shot showing protagonist Glimmer passing by a weeping frog statue to meeting a new NPC

Glimmer talking to Ilda by a campfire in front of a skeleton in Well Dweller

Glimmer with his matchstick under a roof in the rain in Well Dweller

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Westen- BigNerdGaming @bignerdgaming.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Game #18 of 2026 completed: Well Dweller The same solo dev releasing 3 different 9/10+ games for me within the same decade (that isn't close to over) is truly incredible. @kylethompsondev.bsky.social is genuinely unreal. His best work yet.

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Westen- BigNerdGaming @bignerdgaming.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

So many 2D Action/platformers become Metroidvanias because it's a safer bet from a marketing perspective over a linear game imo. You can tell because the Metroidvania stuff always feels very tacked on. Well Dweller is not that. It's truly created by a Metroidvania sicko. Kyle Thompson is my GOAT

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Clark Waggoner 🦃🕹️🧑‍🧒 Nioh 3 STAN Account @cdub77.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

I genuinely like opinions on games that differ from mine and seek out those who see games in ways I don’t. I enjoy hearing the different perspectives on games and types from @bignerdgaming.bsky.social @dsundy.bsky.social and @themcmr.bsky.social on their banter-filled podcast.

youtu.be

Mortal Shell 2, Duskfade, Baldur's Gate 2 + Our Top 5 Video Game Franchises Ever with Cynetrunner

YouTube video by BigNerdGaming

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Westen- BigNerdGaming @bignerdgaming.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Here's a clip from the past BigNerdGaming Podcast. I explain why I waited until after September 1st to purchase a Nintendo Switch 2. It was very important for me to give Nintendo more money. www.youtube.com/shorts/V_3nq...

youtube.com

Why I Wanted To Spend an Extra $50 On My Nintendo Switch 2

YouTube video by BigNerdGaming

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Born for Media @bornformedia.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

When a vampire bites a human, they create a new version of themselves. Not quite as strong, but a formidable competitor in the making. You could say The Blood of Dawnwalker was bitten by The Witcher. But does it step out of its shadow, or does the daylight still burn a little too brightly? 👇🏻

bornformedia.com

The Blood of Dawnwalker Review: Every Quest Feels Worth Your Time

The Blood of Dawnwalker delivers exceptional quests, meaningful choices and a fascinating vampire world, despite repetitive combat and technical issues.

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Westen- BigNerdGaming @bignerdgaming.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Im only a few hours into Well Dweller. Islets and Crypt Custodian were top 10 games for me in their respective years. This game is so clearly on another level it's crazy. @hananomaude.bsky.social called it from the PAX demo she played months ago. This is a true GotY contender. Play this shit.

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Westen- BigNerdGaming @bignerdgaming.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Kyle Thompson just making Metroidvania bangers all by himself every 2 years. Gets better with every game. Truly incredible stuff. I cannot wait for tomorrow.

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DearGamers @deargamers.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Don't get it wrong, we are excited to review all the games we get access to but, this one happened to be on both of our most anticipated lists. Check out Jason's review of Well Dweller from @kylethompsondev.bsky.social: www.deargamers.net/reviews/well...

deargamers.net

Well Dweller Review — DearGamers

A new game from Kyle Thompson? Sign us up!

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Westen- BigNerdGaming @bignerdgaming.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

My BigNerdGaming Facebook page will occasionally show "gamers looking for love" groups on my feed. I know this sounds dramatic, but I'd rather die alone than post "looking for my player 2" on a public forum.

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Westen- BigNerdGaming @bignerdgaming.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Fire Emblem Fortunes Weave.... thinks very highly of its own storytelling capabilities.

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David @dsundy.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

I need more people to shame Westen, he can’t keep getting away with this outrageous behavior. Was great having Cy on the show and our Top 5 Favorite Franchises made for good conversation. Appreciate the love as always ❤️

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AndresPlays @andresplays.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

I was once known as the Dungeons of Hinterberg guy. So, you know, play Dungeons of Hinterberg.

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Westen- BigNerdGaming @bignerdgaming.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Anyone else doing hard for difficulty in Fortunes Weave, but "casual" for if fallen units return or not? I feel like its a counterintuitive combo. But I want challenging fights without feeling the need to constantly restart the game.

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David @dsundy.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

How about the first stream happens in an hour at 8:30 ET Be there 🫵 www.twitch.tv/dsundy

static.klipy.com

Wednesday Addams: Or Else!

ALT: Wednesday Addams: Or Else!

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Westen- BigNerdGaming @bignerdgaming.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Bumping this up. Appreciate the support so far! It was a very fun ep imo.

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Andrew | ManChild Media @themcmr.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

The laughs 🤣 The runtime ⏳ The number of games 🎮 The person lore dumps 📖 Everything’s dialed up to 11 on the latest episode of the BNG Podcast!

m.youtube.com

Mortal Shell 2, Duskfade, Baldur's Gate 2 + Our Top 5 Video Game Franchises Ever with Cynetrunner

YouTube video by BigNerdGaming

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CyNetrunner @cynetrunner.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Was a pleasure chatting with the boys! Also don't let Westen fool you. He does have some tiny bit of whimsy. 👀

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Westen- BigNerdGaming @bignerdgaming.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

The BigNerdGaming Podcast is LIVE with @dsundy.bsky.social, @themcmr.bsky.social and special guest @cynetrunner.bsky.social! -Why did Westen pay $50 extra for a Switch 2? -Mortal Shell 2 -Duskfade -Baldur's Gate 2 -Plus our top 5 video game franchises ever youtu.be/QRSXnQKilGI?...

youtu.be

Mortal Shell 2, Duskfade, Baldur's Gate 2 + Our Top 5 Video Game Franchises Ever with Cynetrunner

YouTube video by BigNerdGaming

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Westen- BigNerdGaming @bignerdgaming.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Played a very little bit of Orbitals with @dsundy.bsky.social a few days ago, and we couldn't stop gushing about the graphics. I've played plenty of "realistic" games this year, but Orbitals is my easy front runner for best graphics/art direction this year. It's not even close. Andres is right

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JM Mendez / 1UP Vault 🎃 @1upmendez.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

I had plans to release an article today, but life got in the way and work is crazy post Labor Day so a rare Saturday article to look out for tomorrow. It’s about good old PlayStation.

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Westen- BigNerdGaming @bignerdgaming.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

I'm never leaving this app 🙏🙏🙏

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Westen- BigNerdGaming @bignerdgaming.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

On this note, you should really tune in to the first 10 minutes of the next BNG pod. Coming Tuesday!

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Westen- BigNerdGaming @bignerdgaming.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

I forgot to mention this yesterday... But I now own a Switch 2! I haven't played it for the 24 hours I've owned it. But that's ok. I mostly wanted to buy one to support the Japanese economy.

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David @dsundy.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

Starting the podcast with Westen and Andrew has made me realize how much I enjoy talking about, and sharing my passions with others. Seeing so many amazing people start streaming this past year made me think, why not do the same. As for what Ill be streaming, PC games to start. Favorites that most

twitch.tv

dsundy - Twitch

dsundy streams live on Twitch! Check out their videos, sign up to chat, and join their community.

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Westen- BigNerdGaming @bignerdgaming.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

One more Astral Ascent point. I did a little email exchange with the devs over the process of improving as a dev. Still one of the more fun things I've done with the blog. I really should pursue more opportunities like this. Go get Astral Ascent!!! bignerdgaming.com/2023/12/14/h...

bignerdgaming.com

How Hibernian Workshop Got Better And Delivered One of The Best Games of 2023

About a month back I purchased Astral Ascent, a game that has quickly skyrocketed up my Game Of The Year list. After following the dev, Hibernian Workshop, on twitter, I was struck by a tweet where…

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Westen- BigNerdGaming @bignerdgaming.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

Fun fact. Astral Ascent was a key factor in inspiring me to start this blog, which I had thought about for years. No one was talking about it and it drove me nuts! Outside of Hades and Hades 2, its my favorite roguelite of the 2020s. It's got so many interesting elements and great core gameplay.

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Westen- BigNerdGaming @bignerdgaming.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

I am not sure of one video game where I have ever genuinely enjoyed the inclusion of traps to look out for. From soulslikes to games like Baldur's Gate 3, I hate them all. Mortal Shell 2 is incredible so far... but it has some of the most obnoxious traps ever.

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Westen- BigNerdGaming @bignerdgaming.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

Dropping this during a State of Play was not wise. I'm firing my Marketing Manager.

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Westen- BigNerdGaming @bignerdgaming.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

Last week's Gamescom was one of the best I can recall in recent memory. I came away way more excited for quite a few games, many of which I hadn't heard of yet. Here are my 16 biggest winners. I did not see #1 coming at all. bignerdgaming.com/2026/09/03/m...

bignerdgaming.com

My 16 Biggest Winners From Gamescom Week

Gamescom exists in a weird space in the world of gaming showcases. It is a few months after the second biggest showcase week that we have in gaming (Summer Game Fest), and a few months before the b…

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Zack Burrows @zackburrows.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

Forgot to set this to auto-publish this morning, but I finally played the remake of Resident Evil 4 and put down my thoughts on it! The original is one of my all-time favorites, so playing through this was an absolute treat! Here’s my review: sightingames.wordpress.com/2026/09/02/r...

sightingames.wordpress.com

Review – Resident Evil 4 (2023)

A faithful remake of a beloved classic that updates and refines without abandoning its original spark.

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Westen- BigNerdGaming @bignerdgaming.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

DON'T QUOTE POST THIS MENTIONING THAT YOU ARE 6'3 WESTEN, DON'T DO IT.

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Westen- BigNerdGaming @bignerdgaming.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

Thanks to @dsundy.bsky.social for now putting together shorts from our pod! Yes, we have a lot of fun on the BigNerdGaming Podcast. And yes, we still do love indie games. www.youtube.com/shorts/D_wrQ...

youtube.com

We EXPOSED How Every Indie Game Concept Is Created

YouTube video by BigNerdGaming

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Westen- BigNerdGaming @bignerdgaming.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

Just saw a trailer for an indie game during Future Games Show that is easily my #1 trailer of the entire week. Knew nothing about the game going in, but was all in by the end. Didn't see that coming at all! (My rankings are hopefully coming Saturday)

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Westen- BigNerdGaming @bignerdgaming.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

Haven't purchased one physical game this gen. Now it might be what I do for pretty much any game where physical is available. Crazy that they made this such a no brainer. From a business perspective, such a great way to differentiate from the competition as well.

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Datvivar @datvivar.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

This was actually, honestly, probably my favorite episode yet! 😊 Plus, big cheers for friendship! 🍻 Though we do have to pour one out for Maude. 😢 Great indies inside 👇

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Westen- BigNerdGaming @bignerdgaming.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

The BigNerdGaming Podcast Bingo Card -Andres Reference -Hana Reference -Shit on some indie concept -Shit on Mixtape -Bring up how awesome Rematch

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Westen- BigNerdGaming @bignerdgaming.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

Dropping this on ONL day was not smart 😭. But we've still gotten a great response! Thanks again to @andresplays.bsky.social for his time and for enduring some mild roasting.

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Andrew | ManChild Media @themcmr.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

This week on the BNG Podcast:

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AndresPlays @andresplays.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

I was invited to Westen's pod! And it was a lot of fun. You should give it a listen.

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Tyler Miller @tylermiller2496.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

Modern-day gaming discourse is terrible, and I'm over all of it. Let's talk about it. Watch: youtu.be/X1Lc7h3VxfQ?... Read: thecomfyspot.blog/2026/08/25/i...

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Westen- BigNerdGaming @bignerdgaming.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

The BigNerdGaming Podcast is BACK with @dsundy.bsky.social, @themcmr.bsky.social, and SPECIAL GUEST @andresplays.bsky.social -Big Walk -Fields of Mistria -Mafia DLC -Rogue Eclipse -Our top 5 indies of 2026 so far. This pod is a journey that you NEED to embark on. youtu.be/oaEheCK3xw4

youtu.be

Big Walk, Fields of Mistria + Our Top 5 Indies of 2026 So Far with AndresPlays

YouTube video by BigNerdGaming

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David @dsundy.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

The podcast releasing tomorrow will be the first time we have 4 people on the podcast! I wonder who it could be 😏 Was messing with the nameplates using colors from the BNG logo since the 4 person layout is somewhat boring. Curious what people think looks best (alt text numbers the pics/options)

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Westen- BigNerdGaming @bignerdgaming.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

Last bump. Appreciate the support again! I am no longer afraid of dropping blogs on Saturdays! Now, about to record a podcast with a very exciting guest 👀

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Westen- BigNerdGaming @bignerdgaming.bsky.social · 22/08/2026

Wow. Thanks for the great response so far! Do I need to do more Saturday drops??? Anyway... Fields of Mistria fucking rules.

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Westen- BigNerdGaming @bignerdgaming.bsky.social · 22/08/2026

2026 has been fine for games. I've enjoyed it, but it hasn't reached the heights of 2023 through 2025 for me. But after one month, I am suddenly wondering if 2026 can still reach the highs of the past few years. Three games changed everything for me. bignerdgaming.com/2026/08/22/t...

bignerdgaming.com

These Three Games Have Suddenly Made 2026 Amazing

If you’ve been following the blog this year, I feel like I’ve said at least a dozen times that 2026 has not lived up to the past three years of gaming. This isn’t some massive tra…

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