iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Does Kyoto Xanadu still not have a western release date?

Derek L.H. @derekexmachina.com · 29/09/2026

Was checking Game Informer's video game release schedule because that's genuinely one of the best tools to keep track of upcoming game releases, but I kept getting 404 errors. Was wondering why until I remembered that their GTA VI cover story is today. Guess that crashed the website, lol.

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Derek L.H. @derekexmachina.com · 28/09/2026

Being seeing this trend making waves across social media, so I figured I'd make my own. These are probably the 9 most important games in defining who I am and playing a role in me developing my sense of self and personal taste in games and media in general.

My 9 games: Super Mario 64, Final Fantasy IX, Sonic Adventure 2: Battle, Super Smash Bros. Melee, The Legend of Zelda: Collector's Edition, The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, Xenoblade Chronicles, Persona 3 FES, and Xenoblade Chronicles X.

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Getlucky12341 @getlucky12341.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

They literally allow wanted criminals at Universal Studios

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Derek L.H. @derekexmachina.com · 25/09/2026

🗣️📣 NEW BLOG POST ALERT!! My recent playthrough of Saros made me reflect on how stories can be well-written but have poor storytelling. This week, I take a look at the relationship between writing quality and storytelling quality. Read more: www.derekexmachina.com/blog/2026/9/...

derekexmachina.com

Saros is Proof that Games can Have Good Stories Told Badly — Derek Ex Machina

The quality of Saros ’ storytelling is a byproduct of the many developers, systems, and layers of presentation that come together to create the package that is Saros . On a narrative front, they fai...

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Derek L.H. @derekexmachina.com · 25/09/2026

New blog post out tomorrow! 👀

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Mel, the Herohom ( • `ω´ • ) ➡️ FFXIV Fanfest 🇯🇵 @herohommel.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Was excited for this one. I worked on ArcSys's Qliphah in Providence's Shadow as editor! Rena's reminiscent of Ragna the Bloodedge (fun for this Blazblue girlie). The VN-like story is eerie but straightforward, the battle system unique, and the presentation stylish. It's also only $25! Check it out!

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Derek L.H. @derekexmachina.com · 23/09/2026

Bro, I'm so mad. Each time I think I'm over my cold this week, it keeps coming back. I've had enough of this!!

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Derek L.H. @derekexmachina.com · 22/09/2026

The second wave of layoffs conveniently hit Halo Studios only after they shipped a game. I fully expect the next and final wave of Xbox layoffs to affect The Coalition after they ship Gears of War: E-Day in a few weeks, regardless of how the game financially performs.

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Derek L.H. @derekexmachina.com · 22/09/2026

I think I'm finally free from the shackles of being sick! Hoping to get a LOT done this week to make up for lost time.

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Derek L.H. @derekexmachina.com · 20/09/2026

Got hit with a nasty virus last night, and had like the worst sleep of my life. Thankfully feeling mostly better now. As someone that only gets sick once every two years, getting sick is usually REALLY miserable.

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Derek L.H. @derekexmachina.com · 17/09/2026

This week has been a reminder that I really thrive when I have things to keep me engaged and busy. I've had a really slow week at work doing something really monotonous and uninteresting and really feel my brain dying of boredom.

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Derek L.H. @derekexmachina.com · 17/09/2026

So Bloomwalker, another Level-5 game, just got shown off at TGS, and it's confirmed to be in the Ni no Kuni universe. This frustrates me so much because it's probably the closest thing we'll get to Ni no Kuni 3 for a long time if ever. Plus, you know. Modern Level 5. youtu.be/dbT0aEUsPlc?...

youtu.be

[Bloomwalker] TGS 2026 Trailer | Wishlist Now!

YouTube video by Bloomwalker

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TruJek @trujek.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Zelda Ocarina Remake Hype!

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Metro - Comms Full 🥲 @metro-cat.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

I drew Freya Crescent from FF9 riding a skateboard while running a fever today.🤒 No reason. Just because. 😂🛹 #MetroArt #FF9

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Derek L.H. @derekexmachina.com · 16/09/2026

Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave reviews are coming in this morning, and it's looking quite good! It's currently tied with Three Houses as being the second-highest reviewed game in the series, only behind Awakening. Safe to say, we're in for peak gaming.

Fire Emblem Fortune Weave's Metacritic score as an 89 based on 58 reviews.

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Kaz Coyotl 𓃦 @mow.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Thank you @uk-dawg.bsky.social for finding it!

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Jarrrd! @itsjarrrd.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Fortune's Weave! 💙🩷🖤❤️ #FireEmblem #FireEmblemFortunesWeave #fanart

A drawing of the four protagonists in Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave. Cai and Leda are in the front sitting down on the edge of a cliff, interacting with each other. Meanwhile Dietrich and Theodora are standing, surveying the horizon. On the top left is a bird! Who could that bird be? :O

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Jikure @kurebuster.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

Lucina ko-fi comm 🥺

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Derek L.H. @derekexmachina.com · 13/09/2026

I CAN'T WAIT TO PLAY FIRE EMBLEM!!!!

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James GHOULizio 👻 @theswweet.myatproto.social · 10/09/2026

They roasted me for this one and it has aged like a vintage wine

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Cheshire Cat ᓚᘏᗢ, @autismsupsoc.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

Autism defined by Autistic people:

visual and verbal art piece that looks like a photograph of definition in a dictionary. The followng definition for autism including pronunciation and etymology is presented as follows.
autism, a'tizam, n. [Gr. autos, self and E. ism.] A disability where you are surrounded by illogical people who refuse to listen to you and repeatedly create overwhelming situations for you to navigate

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Derek L.H. @derekexmachina.com · 10/09/2026

Man, as a former Level 5 fan, I really want to be excited about their upcoming games. But given their aggressive use of gen AI, it's hard to be willing to support them now. I really hope they change course, because I'd love to check out their future games without feeling icky about it.

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Keith Stack @keithstack.com · 10/09/2026

In response to today’s Nintendo Direct, Sony has announced -1 video games.

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Derek L.H. @derekexmachina.com · 10/09/2026

Oh, they KNOW that they're beyond cooked.

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ekirb (watching dbs movies) @existingkirb.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

Nintendo Direct (9.9.2026)

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Derek L.H. @derekexmachina.com · 09/09/2026

They really named Mythra and Pyra's daughters as Shimmer and Glimmer. Someone at NoE's localization department had a field day while coming up with the English names of these characters.

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Derek L.H. @derekexmachina.com · 08/09/2026

I'm late, but this looks genuinely incredible.

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Derek L.H. @derekexmachina.com · 08/09/2026

PAX West 2026 is a wrap! I had a fantastic time! Got to meet up with some cool folks and play some great games! Can't ask for more than that! My personal highlights of the show were: Final Fantasy VII: Revelation Persona 4: Revival Stranger Than Heaven Castlevania: Belmont's Curse

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Derek L.H. @derekexmachina.com · 06/09/2026

Halfway through PAX West! Another great con this year despite there being less on display in the expo hall this year.

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Derek L.H. @derekexmachina.com · 04/09/2026

Starting my PAX West trip with some lovely walks in Olympia. Heading to PAX West Day 1 now!!

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Nintendo of America [Twitter/X Mirror] @nintendoamericax.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

Join us next week for two #NintendoDirect presentations! The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Direct on Sept 8 at 7am PT (Approx 30 mins) Nintendo Direct on Sept 9 at 7am PT (Approx 45 mins) Watch both here: ninten.do/6019aVw0v

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Derek L.H. @derekexmachina.com · 03/09/2026

It's perfect that I'll be on vacation for PAX West this weekend. I'm definitely feeling burnt out from pushing myself so much with writing and looking for my next job after my contract ends. Can't wait to be in Seattle for PAX!!

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Ashley Lynch ✂️🎞️ @ashleylynch.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

I would 100% support a law that says if any digital platform removes your access to media you paid for then they are required to refund you the entirety of the original purchase price. That would solve this whole thing in a hurry.

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Luke Plunkett @lukeplunkett.com · 01/09/2026

not quite the same term, and not quite the same situation, but still

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Derek L.H. @derekexmachina.com · 31/08/2026

I'll be in the air omw to Seattle for PAX as this broadcasts, so I'll have to catch this later. Really excited for this! What do y'all think will be announced? I can see Capcom potentially showing up with new games now that Onimusha is just about out the door.

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Derek L.H. @derekexmachina.com · 31/08/2026

Playing through the Final Fantasy IV Pixel Remaster, and my only frame of reference is the DS / 3D remake of FF IV, which I played about a decade ago. The Pixel Remaster is based more on the original SNES version, so it feels pretty different. A couple hours in, but really liking it so far!

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Derek L.H. @derekexmachina.com · 30/08/2026

Ahhh, getting so excited for PAX West next week!!

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Derek L.H. @derekexmachina.com · 27/08/2026

I'll be at PAX West in Seattle once again this year! This will be my 4th PAX! Looking forward to it as always. If you're in Seattle and/or at PAX West next weekend, let me know! I'd love to connect and hangout!

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Derek L.H. @derekexmachina.com · 26/08/2026

Dolly Parton AND Tim Curry died on the same day? We're losing so many legends so fast. 😭

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Derek L.H. @derekexmachina.com · 25/08/2026

This is why Macron is the GOAT.

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