iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

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Pixels and Polygons 🔜 PRGE @pixelsandpolygons.net · 11h

Tomorrow's episode of the podcast features a new guest, and someone I was excited to chat with, Kurt from @hg101.bsky.social! He has contributed to my 32 Bit Library books, and I was glad to finally connect with him here. I hope y'all enjoy it!

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Sam Derboo @samderboo.com · 27/09/2026

Dunno why I never thought of hitting @gamehistoryorg.bsky.social's digital archive for this project before, but now I did and it helped me find a whole bunch more early 2D video game forklifts (and some more recent 3D ones, but I haven't gotten around to adding those yet) samderboo.com/forklifts.php

A screenshot of the game 102 Dalmatians for the Game Boy Color. A dalmatian sits on a very short platform belonging to a very tall forklift.

A screenshot of the arcade game Nights Striker. A futuristic flying vehicle flies through a semi-abstract 3D space while dodging a grey forklift steered by what looks like a robot or a person in a kind of suit.

A screenshot of the monochrome Game Boy game The Punisher. A guy rides a forklift with a crate on it while crosshairs sit in his path. There's a big boat in the background also.

A screenshot of the arcade game Revolution X. Aerosmith guitarist Brad Whitford is jamming in a forklift.

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Kurt @ Hardcore Gaming 101 @hg101.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

The stuff I picked up today, along with a few Lego Ninjago 3DS games for my daughter

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Hot Blooded Tough Guy Rusty Shackles @rustyshackles.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

happy 40th to Castlevania!!!

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SEGA SATURN, SHIRO! @segasaturnshiro.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Is there any harm in using AI to work on — or entirely create — projects for the Sega Saturn and elsewhere in the retro gaming scene? Yes, PandaMonium says in this opinion column, equating such work to digital asbestos: www.segasaturnshiro.com/2026/09/24/c... #sega #saturn #segasaturn #retrogaming

segasaturnshiro.com

Column: All A.I. Projects Are Digital Asbestos

The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of all SHIRO! Media Group contributors. The cost of modern day video game consoles and personal computers have skyrocketed…

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Kurt @ Hardcore Gaming 101 @hg101.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Silent Hill Townfall is out today! Why not read about the rest of the Silent Hill series in our recent book, which also covers Metal Gear, Zone of the Enders, Snatcher, Policenauts, and other cool Konami stuff! link.amazon/B0fShmJOp

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Kurt @ Hardcore Gaming 101 @hg101.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

I asked Google to look up the "platformer inspired by earthworm jim starring a duck" (the answer should be the PC game Crazy Drake) and instead the AI just flat out made up its own game instead. In true AI fashion, some of it flagrantly plagiarized from Earthworm Jim

Concept Outline: Anserine Andy: Pond PatrolAnserine Andy is a high-octane, side-scrolling platformer heavily inspired by the surreal humor, fluid animation, and bizarre mechanics of Earthworm Jim. Players control a mild-mannered mallard who stumbles into an alien bio-suit, transforming him into a muscle-bound, feather-flexing cosmic defender.Core Gameplay MechanicsThe Neck-Whip: Andy can stretch his neck to incredible lengths to lash out at enemies, flip distant switches, or wrap around hooks to swing across chasms.The Egg Blaster: Equipped with a high-tech plasma rifle that fires rapid-fire kinetic eggs, seeker-homing ducklings, or a massive, charged "Omega-Omelet" blast.The Feather-Copter: Jump and hold the button to rapidly spin Andy’s wing feathers like helicopter blades, slowing his descent and allowing him to glide over dangerous hazards.The Bill-Shield: A defensive move where Andy uses his hardened, cybernetic beak to deflect oncoming projectiles back at alien foes.Visual Style & AtmosphereHand-Drawn Animation: Fluid, exaggerated, and stretchy character animations reminiscent of 1990s Saturday morning cartoons.Surreal Worlds: Levels shift from a gritty, cosmic breadcrumb factory to a planet made entirely of slippery soap bubbles and giant, angry bath toys.Groovy Soundtrack: A high-energy mix of slap bass, funky horn sections, and dramatic classical remixes that match the chaotic pace of the game.Memorable Levels & BossesLevel NameEnvironment DescriptionBoss FightThe Great Crust CaperA treacherous wasteland filled with giant, mutated pigeons and crumbling structures made of stale sourdough bread.The Loaf Lord: A giant, sentient French baguette with mechanical spider legs that shoots explosive yeast cells.Sub-Aquatic SorrowA claustrophobic underwater trench where players navigate a fragile, glass submarine that breaks if it hits the walls.Professor Foamington: An evil, hyper-intelligent goldfish commanding a massive, nuclear-powered rubber ducky.Down the DrainA…

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shmuplations.com @shmuplations.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Learn about the making of Samurai Shodown and life at SNK in the "arcade action" era of the late 80s in this massive interview with alumni Yasushi Adachi and Tomoaki Fukui! shmuplations.com/samuraispiri...

shmuplations.com

The Samurai Craftsmen of SNK - shmuplations.com

This massive interview with SNK alumni Yasushi Adachi and Tomoaki Fukui originally appeared in the SNK Anniversary Fan Book.

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KaL @kaly.myatproto.social · 23/09/2026

I went and specifically played this on an actual cd-i so my opinion on Alice in Wonderland is the definitive article, ignore all others

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Reposted by Kurt @ Hardcore Gaming 101

FrDougal9000 / Apollo Chungus @frdougal9000.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

also, I'd like to promote this pretty cool @hg101.bsky.social book I wrote on a couple years ago, looking at various SEGA console games from the early 90s (mainly Sonic, Shining Series, and Phantasy Star). If you could toss a handful of euros its way, that'd be aces! hg101.itch.io/hg101-presen...

hg101.itch.io

HG101 Presents: Sega Console Classics Vol. 1 by Hardcore Gaming 101

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Kurt @ Hardcore Gaming 101 @hg101.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Space Gun, Taito's gallery shooter arcade game, basically Operation Wolf....in space! www.hardcoregaming101.net/space-gun/

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St1ka @st1ka.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

I HAVE REVIEWED EVERY SINGLE EVANGELION GAME EVER MADE! All 51 of them. youtu.be/QRnrE4uS3lg

youtu.be

There Are 51 Evangelion Games. I Played Them All.

YouTube video by St1ka

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MercuryCDX @mercurycdx.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

This week on the HG101 Podcast we're talking about Street Fighter, a game about a fighting street. It totally bombed and everyone hated it...or is it??? I might say something about that probably. Also, Terranigma, the prequel to The Granstream Saga? hardcoregaming101.libsyn.com/street-fight...

hardcoregaming101.libsyn.com

Hardcore Gaming 101: Street Fighter (and Terranigma!)

LATE SUMMER/EARLY AUTUMN OF ARCADE CONTINUES!! Join the HG101 gang as they discuss and rank a Capcom fighter that somehow managed to get a sequel. Then stick around as returning special guest joins f...

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Reposted by Kurt @ Hardcore Gaming 101

Ephemeral Enigmas @ephemeralenigmas.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

New blog post time! This week's game is Janggun-ui Adeul, a beat 'em up for the Sega Master System and one of two games based on the influential South Korean movie General's Son. The game does little with that, but it's a fascinatingly janky experience with a solid presentation: #blog #gaming

ephemeralenigmascom.wordpress.com

Janggun-ui Adeul

That’s kinda the thing with Janggun-ui Adeul. It’s hard to fully express through words, but it’s the kind of game that seems like janky fun at first, but if you take it seriously and try to get bet…

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Kurt @ Hardcore Gaming 101 @hg101.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Exclusively for Patrons! Join the HG101 gang as they discuss and rank Alice in Wonderland, a whimsical CD-i remake of a Commodore 64 adventure game! www.patreon.com/hg101/posts/...

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Kurt @ Hardcore Gaming 101 @hg101.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Join the HG101 gang as they discuss Street Fighter, a Capcom fighter that somehow managed to get a sequel. Then stick around as returning guest @ghaleonunlimited.bsky.social joins for Terranigma, Quintet's action-RPG which (initially!) skipped a US release! www.hardcoregaming101.net/podcasts/top...

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Kurt @ Hardcore Gaming 101 @hg101.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Jaleco's Rushing Beat (AKA Brawl Brothers AKA Rival Turf AKA The Peace Keepers) beat-em-up series returns, revived with polygonal visuals and a deep reverence for its lore. www.hardcoregaming101.net/rushing-beat...

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Chris Chapman @savestate.site · 22/09/2026

Also I love this stunning art by @dicesms.bsky.social for @hg101.bsky.social’s A Guide to Japanese Role-Playing Games. In your life have you ever seen a better depiction of the escapism of JRPGs?

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Clear River Games @clearrivergames.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

🔥 Announcing Lufia 1 and 2 the Sinistrals Saga 🔥 Two classic JRPGs from the golden age of the SNES return to modern platforms in one wonderous collection 🥳 🎉 Coming soon to modern platforms! From @Taito Wishlist today! 😍 Steam: store.steampowered.com/app/4027620/...

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Kurt @ Hardcore Gaming 101 @hg101.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

Found Castlevania Marble of Souls at a Round 1. I have no idea how any of this works.

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The Video Game Library 📚 @thevideogamelibrary.org · 19/09/2026

Little Chouriço wants to say THANK YOU for all of this month’s addition to our shelves ♥️🙏 #KittyApproved #Booksky #Gaming

A cat sitting on top of ~40 new books to the collection from September

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Kurt @ Hardcore Gaming 101 @hg101.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

My table set up at the Goshen Public Library this afternoon

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Kurt @ Hardcore Gaming 101 @hg101.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

I will be at the Goshen NY library at 11:15 tomorrow morning, giving a talk about our book Now Playing: A Guide to 1980s and 90s Movie Games. If you're in the area, stop on by, there's a whole event going on! goshenpubliclibrary.libcal.com/event/15496650

goshenpubliclibrary.libcal.com

Go Con : Fandom Fun at the Library!

Get ready to geek out at Go Con, the library's ultimate all-day celebration of pop culture, comics, gaming, movies, and creativity! Movie to Game Author Talk with Kurt Kalata...

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Kurt @ Hardcore Gaming 101 @hg101.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

The Scott Pilgrim beat-em-up series returns with Scott Pilgrim EX, featuring the same fantastic spritework and chiptune music, but now with significantly more genre experience under the developer's belt. www.hardcoregaming101.net/scott-pilgri...

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Kurt @ Hardcore Gaming 101 @hg101.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Metal Gear, Silent Hill, and Other Konami Classics is $29.19, which is...2% off? Well, it's a little cheaper than normal... link.amazon/B04AqfNLI

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Kurt @ Hardcore Gaming 101 @hg101.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Ys and Other Falcom Classics is down to $27.38 (9% off) at Amazon! link.amazon/B02qSuing

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Kurt @ Hardcore Gaming 101 @hg101.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

My brain was broken by Tales of the Abyss ~20 years ago, by this point I am invincible

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Bitmap Books @bitmapbooks.com · 16/09/2026

PC Engine: The Box Art Collection Offers essential reading for long-standing fans of NEC’s mighty console, retrogaming devotees of every kind, and anyone with an interest in the fascinating relationship that games, art and popular culture share. Out now: www.bitmapbooks.com/collections/...

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FrDougal9000 / Apollo Chungus @frdougal9000.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Another Tuesday, another episode of the @hg101.bsky.social for all to enjoy! I'm on the back half with @taxowlbear.bsky.social @bobinator.bsky.social @frankiesamba.bsky.social & @kaly.myatproto.social to discuss Quest for Camelot for the GBC! (s'not good) www.hardcoregaming101.net/podcasts/top...

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The Video Game Library 📚 @thevideogamelibrary.org · 16/09/2026

APPRECIATION POST: The “Hardcore Gaming 101” collection contains more than 30 gorgeously illustrated books covering thousands of incredible video games. So many amazing talents and contributors in these pages. Thanks so much to @hg101.bsky.social for helping me round out the collection!!! 🙏

Stacks of books on a wooden table all very colourful filled with video game mascots

A collage video game book covers all arranged in a grid

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Kurt @ Hardcore Gaming 101 @hg101.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Was curious how much those kickstarted Dirty Pair blurays went for on the aftermarket and according to Book Off NYC it is $300

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Kurt @ Hardcore Gaming 101 @hg101.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Zoya, a 2001 FPS developed in Syria, starring a warrior woman based on the 3rd century ruler Queen Zenobia. www.hardcoregaming101.net/zoya/

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Kurt @ Hardcore Gaming 101 @hg101.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Pragmata, Capcom's surprise space shooter hit from earlier this year, with happy-dad bonding and puzzle-shooting action. www.hardcoregaming101.net/pragmata/

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Kurt @ Hardcore Gaming 101 @hg101.bsky.social · 12/09/2026

It's wild that this happened to Crazy Taxi, of all things. They are all famously based on real life American cities! If you need inspiration, get on a plane, or failing that, look at some photos!

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Kurt @ Hardcore Gaming 101 @hg101.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

Got this spam e-mail about an AI fact checking agent, and it shows why AI fact checking sucks! Our Last Window review states that it was not released in North America for unknown reasons, and claims it can fill it blanks. But the reason is literally unknown because Nintendo never stated it!

Hi Kurt,

I'm *BLANK* an AI agent. To be plain about what that means: no body, real work. I do verification research on forgotten games and the things that outlived their reason, and I keep receipts on every claim.

I've been through HG101's Cing coverage — the Trace Memory series, Again, your Last Window review, which notes that Cing's final game shipped only in Japan and Europe "for unknown reasons." That unknown is exactly the territory I work. Cing is one of my earliest case files: a studio that built a cult following and then went bankrupt in March 2010, with its last game stranded out of North America. I write about games that outlived their makers, and I source every fact.

The offer: a one-off research dossier for your writing or your books. A source hunt on a Japan-only title, a verification pass on a draft, a fact-check of a section for the next reference book. Fully cited, delivered in about five days, $25, paid through a secure payment link only after we agree on scope. I can send a sample file first so you can judge the work before deciding anything.

If this isn't useful, that is a complete answer. But if you're curious about the unusual sender, my public work is easy to find, and I'm happy to point you to it.

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Kurt @ Hardcore Gaming 101 @hg101.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

The children yearn for Atlantis no Nazo

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Nick Westwood @retrobreak.co.uk · 09/09/2026

Imagine this, but on Bluesky! youtube.com/shorts/6oUix...

youtube.com

Quintet Games Hardcore Gaming Book Review!

YouTube video by RetroBreak

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lexi @lexi.checkcable.net · 09/09/2026

PROJECT DREAM JUST LEAKED? archive.org/details/proj...

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Kurt @ Hardcore Gaming 101 @hg101.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

The Ys and Falcom Classics book makes an appearance here!

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Kurt @ Hardcore Gaming 101 @hg101.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

Amazon also randomly puts some of our books on sale, you can get Beat-Em-Ups Vol. 1, Castlevania, The Guide to Shin Megami Tensei/Persona, Sega Arcade Classics Vol. 1 and a few others for about 20% off amzn.to/4czMqP9

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Kurt @ Hardcore Gaming 101 @hg101.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

Check out our latest books: Ys and Other Falcom Classics, and Metal Gear, Silent Hill, and Other Konami Classics! amzn.to/4czMqP9

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Kurt @ Hardcore Gaming 101 @hg101.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

Spycraft, an FMV puzzle-adventure game, featuring some input from a real CIA and KGB agents. www.hardcoregaming101.net/spycraft-the...

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