iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Hana no Maude @hananomaude.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

FE gaming update: Since last week, I’ve put about 25-30 hrs into Fortune’s Weave (Cai pt 1 ch 8 so far) (He seems like tutorial boy so primed for new player intro + I’m more interested in the other 3 so lots to look forward to) Thoughts so far are too long for a post so screen shot notes below 🫡

Fire Emblem Fortune’s Weave dialogue screen shot. Shows Cai saying they’ll enter the tournament to save his dad. He’s flanked by two friends (Peter and Tialla)

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Hana no Maude @hananomaude.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

2026 game #40: Well Dweller Kyle has rapidly become one of my fav devs. He makes metroidvanias but I call them whimsy action plaformers. While Crypt Custodian still has my fav story, Well Dweller wins for art, gameplay, & my new fav character EGBERT IS A CHAD AMONG CHADS

Well Dweller key art showing main character Glimmer with his matchstick

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JM Mendez / 1UP Vault 🎃 @1upmendez.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

1985 is one of the more important years in video game history, as the NES launched in America and the industry got its mascot. The modern console era had begun. #nintendo #retro #history #substack

1upvault.substack.com

Game of Impact - 1985

The Most Consequential Games of All-Time

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usertaken.bsky.social @usertaken.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

Skyfall is where we start A thousand miles and poles apart Where worlds collide and days are dark You may have my number, you can take my name But you'll never have my heart #StellarBlade | #Eve #VPRedFriday | #VPInspired | #VPSupport #ThePhotoMode | #TheCapturedCollective

Image of Eve holding her gun towards the screen wearing large aviator sunglasses. There is a large laser-like line in the middle. In the background is a black and white image of her, her back towards the camera. More exposed, vulnerable. Showing the dichotomy of her personality. The image is crafted to look like a bondesque poster.

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SoundTrail @soundtrail.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

Are you interested in the Trails series, but are unsure of committing to 13 games (and counting)? Trails in the Sky FC and SC tell a whole, satisfying story. You could walk away happy after SC, even if you never play another Trails game. (But hopefully you'll want to continue!)

Trails in the Sky, usually called Trails in the Sky FC (First Chapter)

Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter (remake of Trails in the Sky FC)

Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter (remake of Trails in the Sky SC)

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Andrew @ajreiffdesign.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

Haven’t done a #promosky in a while! Bio: 📍 PA, USA 💼 Theme park industry 🏳️‍🌈 Ally! Interests: 🎮 PC, PS5, Switch - Kirby, Persona, Trails, Type-Moon, Xenoblade, and indies! 📺 Comedy anime / manga 🎢 Theme parks 🏛️ Architecture ✈️ Travel 📸 Photography 🌎 Environmentalism 🙅‍♂️ Calling out problematic ethics

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AndresPlays @andresplays.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

I love Songs of Glimmerwick. A true folktale, it embraces lush art and rustic music to make you feel like a real witch attending a magic university. Even its farm sim elements feel novel thanks to its comfy use of spells. This is the gentle fantasy of my dreams. My review.

pixelbytegaming.com

Songs of Glimmerwick Review – A Kind Of Magic - Pixel Byte

Songs of Glimmerwick puts you in the robes of a green witch learning the craft in a magical university. There is no other fantasy as welcoming.

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Datvivar @datvivar.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

Game #46: name a relatively recent game that child you would love. What game from today's time would you take back so 👶🫵 could enjoy? 😊 BUT answer aphabetically in A-Z order! (so 👀 at the furthest comment & answer w/ a game that begins w/ the next letter A-Z). 🎮 #gamingsky #gqotd #AZaskDatvi

Pink text says: Game #46

Can y'all believe that we have done 46 A-Z challenges? Crazy right?

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Born for Media @bornformedia.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

A bit later than I would've liked, but my video review of The Blood of Dawnwalker is finally live! Check it out here 👇

youtu.be

The Blood of Dawnwalker Review – The Best RPG of 2026?

YouTube video by Born for Media

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GameDadVII @gamedadvii.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

🗣️Dynasty Warriors 3 is BACK!! Does DW3 hold up on its own, or does nostalgia carry it? I cover the new additions, combat, progression, co-op, nostalgia, and how it compares to Origins. My full review is LIVE! youtu.be/UVq9LdrkD9Q?...

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William Davis @willdavis.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

And here is where I do some nerd stuff and try to talk about what Age of the Deep -is- and where it is going and what-have-you. This is probably out of date by now with how much we managed to accomplish this year on a cracker jack box budget.

youtu.be

Diving into Age of the Deep

YouTube video by Will

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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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/noclip @noclipvideo.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

🚨Hades: Developing Hell RETURNS🕹️ In the first episode of our second season we talk to the team @supergiantgames.bsky.social about the decision to finally make a sequel to one of their games. WATCH: youtu.be/UWFfmD8n-xA

youtu.be

Why Supergiant Games Chose to Make a Sequel to Hades - Developing Hell II

YouTube video by /noclip

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Hana no Maude @hananomaude.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

2026 game #39: Trails in the Sky SC It’s the Sky FC remake all over again. Same QoL, FANTASTIC evolved turn based combat but this time w ✨fishing + pre-existing investment in the characters✨ Which is to say I loved it Much, much more 🙂‍↕️💙💙💙

Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter remake key art showing main characters like Estelle and Joshua against the clouds of a twilight sky beneath an airship

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Shadow @shadowedreflection.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Dropping a new fan art! Something different. Clevatess this time :D I've been really enjoying this anime, and I love the design of his beast form so wanted to try drawing it! #clevatess #clevatessfanart #art #animefanart #shadowdragon22art #fantasyart

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Herr Random 🎮 Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter @herrrandom.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

Finished Blue Eye Samurai. What a masterpiece. Absolutely stellar animation and choreography. Well-written characters with their own identities. Highest recommendations from me. 10/10. Mizu, Ringo, Akemi, Taigen and every other character are just infinitely entertaining and flawed.

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Jesse | 🎮 @cawfeebear.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Well Dweller is such an incredible game in the 2-ish hours that I've played so far, and it deserves all the love it can get! 🥹 So... YEAH, here's a contest!! 👇 Maybe you can get a cool new indie to play! It doesn't hurt to enter for a chance to win a free game, right? Right??

CONTEST TIME!

To celebrate the release of Well Dweller, I'm gifting out TWO copies of the game on Steam!

Rules:

1.) Drop a like and repost this (you don't have to be following me to enter)

2.) Pick a number between 1 and 1000, and for fun, tell me your favorite metroidvania! Through a number generator, I will randomly pick two numbers tomorrow at around 11 am PST (2 pm EST) and the winners will be announced!

______

Important note! I live in Canada, so gifting to other countries outside of North America CAN be a problem! I'm not too knowledgeable about Steam yet, so if this does happen to one (or both) winners, I can send out a digital Steam gift card instead.

Good luck and happy gaming! 💜

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Zack Burrows @zackburrows.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Life is Strange: True Colors impressed me on multiple fronts and has quickly become my favorite in the series. Here’s my review: sightingames.wordpress.com/2026/09/22/r...

sightingames.wordpress.com

Review – Life is Strange: True Colors

Move over flight, invisibility, and super strength… empathy is the hot new superpower.

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Chris waiting on Control Resonant physical @lampshade124.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Metroid Zero Mission takes the classic formula of the franchise and offers a wonderful, condensed version of a Samus adventure. For me, it plays most like Super Metroid mini, which is a glowingly positive statement. Definitely worth 4-5 hours. My review: www.talontrotgames.com/metroid-zero...

talontrotgames.com

Metroid Zero Mission Review – Talon Trot Games

Samus’s origin story is told in this Gameboy Advance classic

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Redactedjay @redactedjay.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Thank you to @tophatstudios.bsky.social for the advance code and thank you thank you thank you to @kylethompsondev.bsky.social for this wonderful game. Easily a favorite of mine, not just in 2026, but all-time.

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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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Hana no Maude @hananomaude.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

DOOM’S DAY HAS OFFICIALLY ARRIVED AND I’M READY TO BURN 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter physical copy for PS5 and Fire Emblem Fortune’s Weave physical copy for Switch 2

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Born for Media @bornformedia.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

The Blood of Dawnwalker scared me during its intense prologue. Not because of the bloodsucking antics of vampire Brencis and his buddies, but because it introduces time slots as a resource. Strangely enough, what I feared most at first is exactly what I ended up wanting more of 👇

bornformedia.com

I Feared The Blood of Dawnwalker’s Time Limit. Now I Wish It Were Stricter

The Blood of Dawnwalker’s time limit initially made every quest feel like a sacrifice. Dozens of hours later, I found myself wishing the system were stricter.

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Hana no Maude @hananomaude.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

2026 game #38: Mouse PI for Hire I barely ever attempt FPS. 1st person is hard for me + shooting isn’t my fav Vibes called my name tho. But I had to wait for them to add X camera invert (launched w Y only). After the physical release, it happened And thank god, bc now I have a fav FPS. Notes ⬇️

Mouse PI for Hire key art showing the title and main characters, including MC Jack Pepper

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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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kylethompsondev.bsky.social @kylethompsondev.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

My dark fairy-tale metroidvania, Well Dweller, is releasing on PC and all consoles in 1 week!! I'm very excited (and nervous!) for it to finally be out!

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Hana no Maude @hananomaude.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Um, so. Started this anime from the summer season on the treadmill this morning Goodbye, Lara …and it’s fucking STUNNING 🤩 I know “like Ghibli” is a comparison that sometimes gets thrown around too much but… yeah. Just WOW

Goodbye, Lara 2026 anime key art showing the titular Lara, a red headed mermaid, and other main character, Mari

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Datvivar @datvivar.bsky.social · 12/09/2026

Game #45: what is a game that you have put an obscene amount of hours into? 🤔 Like even if it's short, you have replayed it excessively. 🎮 BUT answer aphabetically in A-Z order! (so 👀 at the furthest comment & answer w/ a game that begins w/ the next letter A-Z). 😊 #gamingsky #gqotd #AZaskDatvi

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Hana no Maude @hananomaude.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

Alright, it’s official. As of last night: Demo complete Save file is ready Less than one week remains 💙🫡

Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter demo clear screen showing main characters in the games key art next to the September 17 release date

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DearGamers @deargamers.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

In only 46 days, Emberville from @emberville.bsky.social launches into Early Access. Shout out to @evolvepr.bsky.social for giving us the opportunity to experience a preview of the prologue.

deargamers.net

Emberville Prologue Preview — DearGamers

Limited preview of Emberville - Early Access launches on October 27, 2026

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Jake Haas @jakehahaha.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

"If Sekiro’s rhythm based swordplay is akin to combat on a DDR pad, Onimusha’s is the whole dance floor." My review for Onimusha: Way of the Sword:

medium.com

Review: Onimusha: Way of the Sword

A Cut Above

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Born for Media @bornformedia.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

Some Loose Scraps #3 is live! This time I share thoughts about: The Blood of Dawnwalker, Saros and Fire Emblem: Three Houses. Vampires and the plague might not be Vale Sangora’s biggest problem, Saros' many...balls, and proof that I should probably never become a teacher 👇

bornformedia.com

Some Loose Scraps: The Blood of Dawnwalker, Saros and Fire Emblem: Three Houses

Random thoughts on The Blood of Dawnwalker, Saros and Fire Emblem: Three Houses, from vampire healthcare to bullet hell and terrible teaching.

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Zack Burrows @zackburrows.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

As much as I wanted to like MIO: Memories in Orbit, its unbalanced difficulty, gameplay design, and control scheme (which caused me physical pain) made it one of the most frustrating experiences I’ve had with a game all year. Here’s my review: sightingames.wordpress.com/2026/09/10/r...

sightingames.wordpress.com

Review – MIO: Memories in Orbit

A brutal gauntlet of unbalanced combat and platforming.

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SpookyNess (Nesstalgic) 🪾🐦‍⬛ Cozy Games & Reviews @nesstalgic.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

Closing the thread! I'll be doing all of the requests in the first thread and will be posting them here when I get to them :) If you missed out, I might do another one or I'll open up commissions for skeb doodles if there's interest. Here's the first one! @lagustar.bsky.social's Tonberry love

Tonberry in Nesa style holding a knife and a little lantern

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Chris waiting on Control Resonant physical @lampshade124.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

Denshattack! is a mash up of a handful of extreme sports, arcade classics in which you drive a train and do kick flips. This doesn't make any sense, but it works! Easily the most surprising game of the year for me this far, I had a wonderful time. My review: www.talontrotgames.com/denashattack...

talontrotgames.com

Denshattack! Review – Talon Trot Games

An arcade sports, combo-building, reflex-intensive, game in which you drive a train.

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

Ocarina of Time, one of the few games in an elite category of history defining titles, is getting a massive remake. I react to the details and the debate around how it looks. #zelda #nintendo #videogames #substack

1upvault.substack.com

Remaking a Masterpiece

My Thoughts on Ocarina of Time Remake

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Hana no Maude @hananomaude.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

2026 game #37: Alright WHO THE HELL INSTALLED ENDER MAGNOLIA ON MY STEAM DECK Was it YOU 🫵 …it was me. I have a problem And that problem is REPLAYING PEAK 😭🔥 Same as for Lilies, I just re-completed the 100% achievements but on Steam & confirmed, these are 2 of my favorite games of all time

Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist key art showing main characters Nola and Lilac standing back to back behind the title

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DearGamers @deargamers.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

We think you need another bullet heaven, roguelite, arena shooter, survivor-like in your life. Check out Jason's review of Arms of God: www.deargamers.net/reviews/arms...

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Hana no Maude @hananomaude.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

It’s been a minute, but this is me saying I’m back, I’m mostly healthy… …and I think accessibility is fucking cool Not everything about Resonance’s gameplay hit for me but the devs absolutely deserve a light shone on the work they’ve done here Check it out and help me spread the word 💙🫡

High contrast mode highlighting the player character, enemies and interactive elements in Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy

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Hana no Maude @hananomaude.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

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AndresPlays @andresplays.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

Isle of Reveries looks like a classic 8-bit retro game you have played from the surface, but its ingenious dungeons and thoughtful story make it so much more than another Zelda-like. My review.

pixelbytegaming.com

Isle Of Reveries Review – Better Than A Copy - Pixelbytegaming

Isle of Reveries is a game that may look like another Zelda-like, but intentional dungeon design and a story with heart and humor elevate it.

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AndresPlays @andresplays.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

Here is my latest Little Victories podcast episode! It's a casual conversation with Bri AKA BlondePizza (@blondepizza.bsky.social) about the challenges and rewards of being a passionate indie game fan. We both had a great time. Any shares and comments welcome!

youtube.com

The Joys of Indie Content Creation (ft. BlondePizza) | Little Victories

YouTube video by AndresPlays

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Hana no Maude @hananomaude.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

Busy work day so not fully caught up on news BUT FFVII REVELATION APRIL 8 🔥🔥🔥 And also Everyone who tagged me in the Fate/Extra Record release date update You made my day 🙂‍↕️🤣🤣 Final Fantasy 🤝 Fate This stan account LIVESSSSS 😤💙

static.klipy.com

Elmo Fries: Dechartgames Hungry Garden Meme

ALT: Elmo Fries: Dechartgames Hungry Garden Meme

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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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AndresPlays @andresplays.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

Star Wars is the perfect franchise to adapt to an XCOM-style video game. Just as your crew may fail a shot like a Stormtrooper, so does successfully carrying out a strategy will make you feel like a mastermind. Its Clone Wars setting fits perfectly. Here is my review of Star Wars Zero Company.

pixelbytegaming.com

Star Wars Zero Company Review – The Force Is Strong With This One

Star Wars Zero Company is a must-play turn-based tactical adventure that takes the best of the franchise to deliver one of the most compelling games to date.

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Chris waiting on Control Resonant physical @lampshade124.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time is a wonderful ode to the original trilogy. The specific mechanics it chooses to add, and drop, might not hit the mark for everyone, but it is fun that this game exists and is an good as it is. My review: www.talontrotgames.com/crash-bandic...

talontrotgames.com

Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time Review – Talon Trot Games

Crash is back with his first numbered entry in 20 years!

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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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