iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Westen- BigNerdGaming @bignerdgaming.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

I understand how this game is divisive because Ive literally seen both sides of it.

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Westen- BigNerdGaming @bignerdgaming.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

I uhhh think I might love Control Resonant? WHAT A TURN OF EVENTS.

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Westen- BigNerdGaming @bignerdgaming.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Damn. Control Resonant COOKED with its introduction to the wall running skill.

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Westen- BigNerdGaming @bignerdgaming.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

"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

If I were to critique the game, I didn't connect with the story or writing quite as much here. But its certainly not bad and still just a bonus. The gameplay is several steps up from Islets and Crypt Custodian and thats what matters in this genre especially.

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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

Agreed. The world is lovely. Everything else... ehhh

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

You have me intrigued but I dont feel like restarting now 😭.

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

I never finished Three Houses. About to boot up Fortunes Weave. Fuck it. We ride

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

Im a hard mode guy too! Was just razzing cy a bit. The rest though... 🤮🤮🤮🤮

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

I DO NOT CY Was a pleasure to have you!

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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

@dsundy.bsky.social we found our 1 person who will get it 😭😭😭

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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

Please do! They've done tons of updates since I played around launch, do its gotta be even better by now

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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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