iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Ben Rowan @launchcannon.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

#Wipeout 3: Special Edition is the PAL-exclusive, definitive 32-bit AG racer for the original #PlayStation. Pushed the hardware to its limit at 512x384 resolution, packed 16 new and remastered tracks, a legendary soundtrack, and wrapped it all in hyper-clean minimalism by #TheDesignersRepublic.

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Ben Rowan @launchcannon.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

Just wandering through #Hyrule and taking it all in. A few moments from the journey so far. #Zelda #BreathOfTheWild

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Ben Rowan @launchcannon.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

Latest issue of Now Playing is out! Wrote about my current obsession with #LegendofZelda #BreathOfTheWild, diving into why performance upgrades on #Switch2 turned a game I shelved years ago into one of the best I’ve ever played. @superjumpmagazine.com #BOTW #Zelda

superjumpmagazine.com

Now Playing at SUPERJUMP, Issue 42

What are you playing?

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Ben Rowan @launchcannon.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

A few screenshots of CAVE’s legendary #DoDonPachi on PS1. Pure 32-bit pixel art magic with dense bullet-hell patterns, screen-filling swarms, and a generous score-reset system that keeps the game accessible to us mere mortals. Still best played by flipping your TV on its side too. #Shmup #PixelArt

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Ben Rowan @launchcannon.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

Reaching Hidden Gems Vol. 50 feels surreal! I’ve been writing for this series since Vol. 2, and highlighting underrated games never gets old. Big shout out to my friends at @superjumpmagazine.com who are just an awesome bunch of people and a community I'm proud to be part of. Here’s to 50 more! 🎮✨

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Ben Rowan @launchcannon.bsky.social · 18/04/2026

A few #RickHenderson screenshots. Been playing it on #Switch and love the look and feel: 16-bit #PixelArt, lovely cosmic backdrops, mesmerising bullet-hell bosses, and a pulsing techno soundtrack that fits the action like a glove. Having global leaderboards is the icing on the cake too. #indiegame

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Ben Rowan @launchcannon.bsky.social · 18/04/2026

Wrote about the beautiful pixel-art #shmup #RickHenderson for @superjumpmagazine.com's Hidden Gems series. It’s a roguelike but still has that old-school arcade feeling where every run lives or dies on your skills. It's clearly a nod to #Steredenn but I loved that too & welcome more of the formula.

superjumpmagazine.com

Hidden Gems of Game Design Vol 45

Unearthing Spooky Express, Jail Dice: Roll to Break, Rick Henderson, and Champions of Regnum

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Ben Rowan @launchcannon.bsky.social · 18/04/2026

Seems I was in a sci-fi combat mood picking my Games of the Year for 2025: #BallisticNG, an anti-grav racer with incredible Wipeout-era energy; #StarofProvidence, a brutal twin-stick roguelite; and #StarRacer, a retro combat racer with a SNES-era F-Zero vibe. Here's the @superjumpmagazine.com link:

superjumpmagazine.com

50 Outstanding Games Released in 2025

The ultimate celebration of 2025's best video games

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Ben Rowan @launchcannon.bsky.social · 18/04/2026

Some #TurboOverkill screenshots I took. Gory cyberpunk carnage, beefy guns, over-the-top aerial movement, and a chainsaw leg that turns every slide into a brutal finishing move. This is pure boomer-shooter insanity and I mean that as the highest praise. @apogeeent.com

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Ben Rowan @launchcannon.bsky.social · 18/04/2026

Been loving #TurboOverkill. One of those shooters that understands speed, excess, and non-stop action. Feels like it was made by people who understand what makes classic shooters so good, with super satisfying movement and weapon variety. My piece in Now Playing @superjumpmagazine.com Issue 38:

superjumpmagazine.com

Now Playing at SUPERJUMP: Issue 38

What are you playing?

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Ben Rowan @launchcannon.bsky.social · 19/02/2026

Loved this video on Angel’s Egg and its lasting influence on gaming. Explores how the 1985 #anime still shapes the mood & imagination of #GameDesign today. Based on Brandon R. Chinn’s brilliant piece for @superjumpmagazine.com. Reminds me I really have to sit down and watch #GhostInTheShell 2 asap.

youtu.be

How the Haunting and Mysterious Angel's Egg Influenced Video Games

YouTube video by SUPERJUMP

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Ben Rowan @launchcannon.bsky.social · 01/02/2026

Having a blast with this one. Beyond Sunset is a cyberpunk boomer shooter built on GZDoom with aggressive combat, punchy guns, and a katana that reflects bullets Jedi-style. With RPG layers and sprawling levels, it’s like Duke 3D meets Deus Ex. #indiegame #FPS #boomershooter @superjumpmagazine.com

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Ben Rowan @launchcannon.bsky.social · 01/02/2026

Back with another Hidden Gem for SuperJump, this time it's Beyond Sunset. Newish boomer shooter with cheeky humour, 2D sprites, huge levels and RPG elements. Shout-out to @gwbycer.bsky.social for championing the GemCraft series, and to Anonymous for the heartfelt Zoo Tycoon piece. #indiegame #FPS

superjumpmagazine.com

Hidden Gems of Game Design Vol 43

Unearthing the Gemcraft series, Beyond Sunset, and Zoo Tycoon

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Ben Rowan @launchcannon.bsky.social · 17/01/2026

Been playing #NeonInferno lately and it’s genuinely awesome. @zenoviainteractive.bsky.social (who also made Steel Asssault) is back with big, bold pixel-art again, but this one also has some slick lighting effects that look great, and the two-layer combat is unique & engaging. #indiedev #indiegame

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Ben Rowan @launchcannon.bsky.social · 17/01/2026

New piece is up for Now Playing at @superjumpmagazine.com Issue 37! Lately I've been loving Neon Inferno on Switch. It's a cyberpunk run ’n’ gun side-scroller with gorgeous pixel art, and some surprisingly smart mechanics. #neoninferno #indiedev #indiegame

superjumpmagazine.com

Now Playing at SUPERJUMP: Issue 37

What are you playing?

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Ben Rowan @launchcannon.bsky.social · 31/12/2025

BallisticNG hits me right in the Wipeout obsession zone. It’s fast, brutal, and perfect on headphones with the right soundtrack. Makes me wish Sony would revive the Wipeout franchise already. Plus I’ve been spending way too long grabbing screenshots in replay mode. #BallisticNG #Wipeout #RacingGames

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Ben Rowan @launchcannon.bsky.social · 31/12/2025

Just sharing a new feature I wrote for @superjumpmagazine.com. BallisticNG is high-speed anti-gravity racing with a brutal learning curve and flow-state gameplay that’s hard to beat. As a huge Wipeout fan, this was an unreal find. Still having a blast playing it. #BallisticNG #Wipeout #RacingGames

superjumpmagazine.com

Meet the Dark Souls of Racing Games: BallisticNG

A love letter to Wipeout, with a skill check from Hell

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Ben Rowan @launchcannon.bsky.social · 24/12/2025

Rytmos (2023) is a cozy, laid-back puzzle game on Steam that pairs chilled line-drawing gameplay with genre-hopping music. It plays like a tour through various musical traditions, and it’s absolutely worth checking out. Especially on good headphones or speakers. #IndieGames #PuzzleGames #SteamDeck

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Ben Rowan @launchcannon.bsky.social · 24/12/2025

Found a lovely little hidden gem this month for @superjumpmagazine.com: Rytmos (Steam). I expected a rhythm game, but it’s a chill line-drawing puzzler where each cube builds a unique track. Here’s the link to the article:

superjumpmagazine.com

Hidden Gems of Game Design Vol 42

Unearthing Kokoro Clover Season 1, Rytmos, and the original Grand Theft Auto

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Ben Rowan @launchcannon.bsky.social · 02/12/2025

Sharing some #DeadCells screenshots, a game I've kept coming back to for years. The combat is addictive, the pixel art is fluid, and the gameplay still surprises me with new routes, weapons, and secrets every time I jump back in. Such a solid release. @superjumpmagazine.com #IndieGames #Roguelite

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Ben Rowan @launchcannon.bsky.social · 02/12/2025

My pick for this month's Now Playing at SuperJump is an all time classic: Dead Cells. Still playing this after many years, and still one of the best action roguelites ever made: fast, gorgeous, and endlessly replayable. @superjumpmagazine.com #IndieGames #Roguelite #DeadCells

superjumpmagazine.com

Now Playing at SUPERJUMP: Issue 36

What are you playing?

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Reposted by Ben Rowan

SEN 👾 @shmupdb.bsky.social · 26/11/2025

Schildmaid MX by @hitpstudio.bsky.social and @eastasiasoft.bsky.social is now available on all major platforms! Here is your chance to win a key for this incredible indie shmup. Rules: 👉 Reply with "Weapon ready!" 👉 Share this post with your followers

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Ben Rowan @launchcannon.bsky.social · 23/11/2025

I've been blasting and grappling my way through Flinthook lately and it rules. It's a fast action roguelite with a satisfying grappling hook mechanic. Swinging through ships, slowing down time, looting everything in sight. An underrated gem that deserves a look. From @tributegames.com. #indiegame

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Ben Rowan @launchcannon.bsky.social · 23/11/2025

My hidden gem this month is Flinthook, a grappling, blasting space-pirate indie roguelite that more people should know about. Sharing the @superjumpmagazine.com article here for a deeper dive. #IndieGames #Roguelite #HiddenGems

superjumpmagazine.com

Hidden Gems of Game Design Vol 41

Unearthing Tactical Nexus, Flinthook, Tiny Terrors, Tyranny, and Tarzan: Return to the Jungle

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Ben Rowan @launchcannon.bsky.social · 23/11/2025

This was a great read from @superjumpmagazine.com. Shows how Bananza pushes Donkey Kong forward instead of playing it safe. I love all the new ideas the game brings to the table, although it's a shame to hear the DLC is a little under-baked, albeit still fun. A solid reason to buy a Switch 2.

superjumpmagazine.com

Donkey Kong Bananza Review: The Platformer Reinvented

Our in-depth review of the base game and DLC

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Ben Rowan @launchcannon.bsky.social · 16/11/2025

Currently playing through Wizordum, a brilliant throwback to the 90's FPS era, with fast spell-slinging combat, chunky sprites, and moody, labyrinthine dungeons. The surprisingly strong sound design lifts it beyond simple nostalgia. Hexcellent! #Wizordum @apogeeent.com

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Ben Rowan @launchcannon.bsky.social · 16/11/2025

Here's my article for Now Playing @superjumpmagazine.com: Issue 35. This month I'm diving into @apogeeent.com's super cool tribute to the classic ’90s shooter era #Wizordum.

superjumpmagazine.com

Now Playing at SUPERJUMP: Issue 35

What are you playing?

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Ben Rowan @launchcannon.bsky.social · 08/11/2025

Gamescom Asia 2025 was packed with cosplayers, queues, and stacks of upcoming indie games. Highlights included HellHeart Breaker, Wild Woods, and Combo Critters. Happy to see the scene in Asia is thriving. #Gamescom #IndieGames #GameDev

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Ben Rowan @launchcannon.bsky.social · 08/11/2025

From Thai folklore to kawaii brawlers, the indies at Gamescom Asia 2025 in Bangkok gave a solid showing: TaKhon, Cat Girl Survivor 2 and Woodo were standouts. #Gamescom #IndieGames #ThaiGames

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Ben Rowan @launchcannon.bsky.social · 08/11/2025

Gamescom Asia 2025 in Bangkok was packed with indies to check out. I was stoked to be there on the show floor. Here’s my recap for @superjumpmagazine.com covering all the highlights. #Gamescom #GameDev #IndieGame

superjumpmagazine.com

Gamescom Asia 2025 Bangkok: Indie Highlights From the Show Floor

Standouts from Southeast Asia’s largest gaming event

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Ben Rowan @launchcannon.bsky.social · 04/11/2025

Playing #SteelAssault feels like booting up a long-lost #NeoGeo arcade machine. It’s fast, flashy, ruthless, and full of gorgeous pixel-art. Brutal at higher difficulties too, with an Arcade Mode that gives you just one life to beat the entire game. A tough yet lovingly crafted hidden gem. #Steam

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Ben Rowan @launchcannon.bsky.social · 04/11/2025

Back with another Hidden Gem for SuperJump. This time it's Steel Assault on Steam. Pure 90s arcade craziness. You fight through a pixel-art, post-apocalyptic America armed with nothing but an electric whip and a zip-line. It’s short, it's tough, and it's pretty damn fun. #SteelAssault

superjumpmagazine.com

Hidden Gems of Game Design Vol 40

Unearthing Kulebra and the Souls of Limbo, Steel Assault, and Aero The Acro-Bat: Rascal Rival Revenge

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Ben Rowan @launchcannon.bsky.social · 23/10/2025

Still addicted to #BombRushCyberfunk and deep in my playthrough. Futuristic Tokyo meets New York energy with graffiti battles, insane traversal flow, slick grinding and Hideki Naganuma on the soundtrack. Also a little obsessed with capturing screenshots in this game 📸 🎮

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Ben Rowan @launchcannon.bsky.social · 23/10/2025

Here's an article I wrote for @superjumpmagazine.com profiling Hideki Naganuma, the guy behind tracks from Bomb Rush Cyberfunk, Jet Set Radio, Sonic Rush, etc. 🎧🎮🛹

superjumpmagazine.com

Hideki Naganuma: The Funky Uncle of Video Game Music

The twists, turns, and happy accidents that forged the Naganuma sound

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Ben Rowan @launchcannon.bsky.social · 18/10/2025

Stumbled on #StarRacer via Steam and got hooked on this retro sci-fi racer with big F-Zero/Star Fox vibes. Indie studio @whatnotgames.bsky.social nail the 16-bit feel on this one. There's stacks of content here too, heaps of tracks, even a track editor. Not on Switch yet but would be a perfect fit.

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Ben Rowan @launchcannon.bsky.social · 18/09/2025

Loved this beautifully crafted video-essay from @superjumpmagazine.com exploring Human Extinction, AI & Mass Effect 👀 🤖 The real terror isn’t Skynet with malice, it’s a mindless optimizer with no concept of “enough.” Indifference, not intent, is what makes superintelligence existentially dangerous.

youtu.be

Superintelligence, Black Seas of Infinity, and Mass Effect feat. Tommie Earl Jenkins

YouTube video by SUPERJUMP

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Ben Rowan @launchcannon.bsky.social · 17/08/2025

Hunting for a @superjumpmagazine.com hidden gem this month and found my way back to this quirky #PS1 tactics RPG. Turn-based combat, smooth gameplay and a whimsical story. It's not the hardest tactical adventure, but it's addictive and fun. Definitely worth revisiting: #SaiyukiJourneyWest

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Ben Rowan @launchcannon.bsky.social · 12/08/2025

Been playing through #CyberCorp recently since it dropped on consoles. It’s a cyberpunk isometric looter shooter with fast combat and short missions. You pilot a Synth through procedurally-generated story beats, survival runs, and stacks of loot. Nails that twin-stick combat I’m a huge fan of.

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Ben Rowan @launchcannon.bsky.social · 12/08/2025

Featured in #33 of Now Playing at SUPERJUMP. Covering the brilliant twin-stick cyberpunk looter shooter #Cybercorp.

superjumpmagazine.com

Now Playing at SUPERJUMP, Issue 33

What are you playing?

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Ben Rowan @launchcannon.bsky.social · 12/08/2025

Re-sharing my @superjumpmagazine.com profile of Amos Roddy, composer of the brilliant #CitizenSleeper soundtrack, and other works. Planning more features like this, it was a fun one to put together. Also just grabbed Citizen Sleeper 2 on Steam and can’t wait to dive back into this world 🎮 👾 🎧

superjumpmagazine.com

From Strafe to Citizen Sleeper: The Music of Amos Roddy

Celebrating the Portland-based producer with a growing portfolio of gaming soundtracks

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Ben Rowan @launchcannon.bsky.social · 09/08/2025

Back with another Hidden Gem in @superjumpmagazine.com magazine. This time I’m covering the 360° action #roguelite Orbital Bullet. It's got Resogun-style rotating levels and a soundtrack that slaps. Definitely my cup of tea.

superjumpmagazine.com

Hidden Gems of Game Design Volume 37

Unearthing Teocida, Orbital Bullet, and Crackdown

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Ben Rowan @launchcannon.bsky.social · 09/08/2025

Been playing Orbital Bullet lately, a side-scrolling #roguelite with levels built on rotating cylinders. It blends 3D environments with 2D sprites, backed by a pounding techno soundtrack. The 360° design gives it a unique feel that makes it a hidden gem worth checking out.

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Ben Rowan @launchcannon.bsky.social · 09/08/2025

Wonderful in-depth coverage of the Switch 2 launch from @kuribojim.bsky.social at @superjumpmagazine.com. After watching this I'm HYPED for #MetroidPrime4 and mouse-mode on the Switch 2. I think it'll bring KBM-style controls to a whole new generation. As former PC-player, I'm all for it 🎮🕹️❤️

youtu.be

From Hands On To Home: Welcoming the Switch 2

YouTube video by SUPERJUMP

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Ben Rowan @launchcannon.bsky.social · 29/06/2025

Currently stuck into Vampire Savior (aka #Darkstalkers 3) via the Capcom Fighting Collection. Fast, chaotic, and packed with weird characters that all play differently. Every match-up makes you rethink your strategy. Love the art-style & soundtrack too. Easily one of Capcom’s best fighters.

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Ben Rowan @launchcannon.bsky.social · 19/06/2025

Stoked to be included in @superjumpmagazine.com's 'Now Playing at SUPERJUMP Issue 32'. Writing about my current obsession with the delightfully funky #BombRushCyberfunk. This unofficial Jet Set Radio sequel is a perfect example of the untapped goldmine that is Sega’s back catalogue. Crazy Taxi next?

superjumpmagazine.com

Now Playing at SUPERJUMP, Issue 32

What are you playing?

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Ben Rowan @launchcannon.bsky.social · 07/06/2025

Currently playing Bomb Rush Cyberfunk & it’s giving big Tony Hawk meets GTA3 vibes. You skate, spray graffiti, do trick battles against rival gangs & fight the police. Combat’s a bit meh, but the style and flow is awesome. I’m always a sucker for slick grind traversal, and this one nails it!

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Ben Rowan @launchcannon.bsky.social · 05/06/2025

After a 2-year hiatus, I’m thrilled to have my words back in the pages of the brilliant @superjumpmagazine.com. Huge thanks to James and crew, you’ve built such a thoughtful, welcoming space for writers. Can’t wait to share more of my musings on games. It’s good to be back 🙂 @kuribojim.bsky.social

superjumpmagazine.com

Hidden Gems of Game Design Vol 36

Unearthing Shadow Hearts, Guntastic, and Miscrits

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Ben Rowan @launchcannon.bsky.social · 31/05/2025

This month’s hidden gem is Guntastic: a pixel-art arena brawler I found while looking for something like Towerfall for Xbox. It’s not as polished as EXOK's masterpiece, but still chaotic fun. Wish it would get some new modes & maps though! Worth grabbing on sale if you’re into couch brawlers.

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