iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

M. Haynes @looseasadeuce.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

I was perfectly content waiting for Castlevania Belmont's Curse and Metroid Ravenous, but I'm glad I took a detour for this dark fantasy Metroidvania. Well Dweller is a cool game that I wouldn't mind seeing more of. It's freaky but charming and an easy entry point for non-fans. #IBeatAGame #gamersky

The title screen for Well Dweller showing my 100% save file.

One of the game's many bosses. Note the Grimm's fairy tales-like design: this is actually one of the TAMER looking bosses 😅

One of your collectibles is Glimmer, the main character's, family members. Here's a screen after you collect one.

The traditional ending screen thanking players for playing.

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M. Haynes @looseasadeuce.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

This year's National M. Haynes Day is starting off in the sky. We'll see what the weekend brings! 😁

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M. Haynes @looseasadeuce.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Adventures of Elliot was...interesting. It's a HD-2D game that channels a lot of Chrono Trigger & some 2D Zelda for a mix that doesnt always work, but my biggest issue was the pacing. A lot of dialogue and some characters and plot lines DRAGGED but I can see the vision..mostly. #IBeatAGame #gamersky

The title screen for The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales

Two of my favorite characters, Elliot's nerdy best friend Euygene (doing the anime glasses thing lol) and the ever altruistic Princess Heuria.

Elliot preparing to deal the finishing blow to an opponent

The ending screen I got for The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales

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M. Haynes @looseasadeuce.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

As an old school Final Fantasy fan this demo of Final Fantasy Resonance had me in a chokehold. Turn based battles, HD-2D artsyle, classic references, traditional fantasy tropes and themes? Sign me up. I cant wait to play the full thing. #gamersky

The ending screen of the Final Fantasy Resonance demo. The text invites players to return for the full version by promising more features an engaging journey, and by saying that demo progress carries over to the full game.

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M. Haynes @looseasadeuce.bsky.social · 15/08/2026

I wonder should I start talking about my teaching over here? There's some stuff I do in my classrooms that I don't mind sharing with people, like how in day two of my African American Studies class I had the students think critically about what it would mean to develop an AAS program.

A dry erase board headed with the question, "Why do we need African American Studies as a discipline?" Some answers include "to see a difference in how races are treated", because "we can only respect others and their differences by learning each other's history", and because "Black history is American history!"

A dry erase board headed by the question, "What questions should African American Studies seek to answer?". Some answers include "the effects of our history on modern day Black people", "why we are treated the way that we are", and "what is the best way to preserve and research our history?"

A dry erase board headed by the question "What sort of classes should African American Studies" seek to offer?". Some responses include classes on the Harlem Renaissance, Black family values, and Africana studies.

A dry erase board headed with the question, "What sort of texts (books, films, shows, music, etc.) are essential for African American Studies courses?". Some responses include the film Ray, artwork by Basquiat, and work done by Milestone Media.

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M. Haynes @looseasadeuce.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

With or without VR, Moss: The Forgotten Relic was a great pair of fun, heartwarming, and short and sweet (it took me about 11 hours to beat both games) puzzle platformers. I ended up liking Quill a lot and her classic-style fantasy story really resonated with me. #IBeatAGame #gamersky

One of the many storybook style interludes in the games. Here, main character Quill (foreground) and two of her allies: the mage Barnard (background) and the rogue Sahima (center) prepare for battle.

The ending screen of the second game. It reads, "Thank you for playing".

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M. Haynes @looseasadeuce.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

I...didn't expect to love People of Note as much as I did. A JRPG musical that blends various genres and REFUSES to ease off the musical puns? It could've been super cheesy (and it kinda was) but there is so much heart in this game you can't help but love it. Highly recommend! #IBeatAGame #gamersky

Title screen for the video game People of Note. Specifically, this is the title screen when you save in the (Rap) Kingdom of Pyre.

Our party/band! Cadence the Pop singer, Fret the Rock guitarist, Synthia the EDM DJ, and Vox the Rap prince.

The game director. Really I wanted to show a snippet of the amazing credit sequence.

The title drop during gameplay. It also just happened to be during the (first?) fully animated musical performance in the game.

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M. Haynes @looseasadeuce.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

Yellow Ranger, bc Trini used to stay up under Zack (where I wanted to be 😅) and the two yellow rangers after her were Black

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Trini and Zack goofing around

Yellow Mighty Morphin Power Ranger Aisha

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M. Haynes @looseasadeuce.bsky.social · 04/07/2026

Cutwater and edi-in-the-ble-way got me like

Meme of Zendaya looking at her phone with red eyes

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M. Haynes @looseasadeuce.bsky.social · 28/06/2026

I'm conflicted about Elementallis. On the one hand, as a 2D Zelda-like it was great: fun dungeons and engaging puzzle-esque bosses made the gameplay a good time. On the other, the story was so blah I found myself just button mashing through the end. Maybe a sequel can fix that. #IBeatAGame #gamersky

The title screen for the video game Elementallis.

The first screen of the Electricity Temple: my favorite element

The traditional Thank You screen after beating the game.

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M. Haynes @looseasadeuce.bsky.social · 06/06/2026

I had heard good things about What Remains of Edith Finch but I was not prepared for the whirlwind of tragedy & innovative gameplay. So many amazing parts in this game that I dont know if I can choose a single favorite, so I'll just say play it: it's short, sweet, and worth it. #IBeatAGame #gamersky

The opening to What Remains of Edith Finch with a character on a boat

A sample of some gameplay of one of the many chapters in the game

The ending screen with a picture of the team behind the game

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M. Haynes @looseasadeuce.bsky.social · 04/06/2026

I'm surprised that I enjoyed Pragmata like I did. This usually isn't my kind of game but the hacking components kept my interest as did the relationship between Diana and Hugh. I'd be down if Capcom wanted to do more stuff like this. #IBeatAGame #gamersky

The title screen for the video game Pragmata, featuring main characters Hugh Williams and Diana

Diana holding a drawing of her and Hugh, done by her.

Hugh and Diana standing on a simulation of the beach, admiring a sunset

The final title screen shown after beating the game. It features the game's title (Pragmata) super imposed over the moon in the sky.

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M. Haynes @looseasadeuce.bsky.social · 01/06/2026

Me this morning: Happy Pride Month!

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M. Haynes @looseasadeuce.bsky.social · 26/04/2026

I got bored and decided to do two of the About Me grids I've seen floating around. I challenged myself not to repeat any games/mons so it was kinda fun to figure out what was gonna go where.

A 4×5 grid of games that define me in multiple categories, including favorite game (Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom), Best Combat (Metroid Dread) and Game Everyone Should Play (Astro Bot)

A 3x5 grid of Pokémon choices that define me, including Favorite (Boltund) Best Starter (Empoleon), and Very Nostalgic to Me (Ampharos)

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M. Haynes @looseasadeuce.bsky.social · 18/04/2026

I wanted to go on roll credits on Pokopia so I could tell myself I'd move on, but that's probably not happening for a while 😅😅. I'm still shocked at how this game has hooked me. Who knew all it would take was concentrated ADHD bait with cute Pokémon? #IBeatAGame #gamersky #Blackgamersky

The title screen for Pokémon Pokopia featuring two pictures I took in-game. This pretty much represents the range of Pokémon interactions: cuteness like Charmander sleeping by a campfire and heartbreak like Cubone presumably at its mother's grave.

A collage of a few pictures I took with various Pokémon. From left to right, Cyndaquil and Growlithe by the fireplace in their shared home, Piplup loving a shower, Lucario going to town on its favorite type of berry, and my character (Deuce the Ditto) with my favorite Eeveelution, Espeon.

Deuce the Ditto and my first favorite Pokémon, Arcanine

A snapshot from the ending scene of the game (No spoilers)

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M. Haynes @looseasadeuce.bsky.social · 31/03/2026

Happy Trans Day of Visibility to all! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

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M. Haynes @looseasadeuce.bsky.social · 12/03/2026

Escape from Ever After was fun. A cute little Paper Mario-like adventure that had banger music and looked great but didn't quite "wow" me. I still think Bug Fables is the best of the Paper Mario(-like) games but this one was a solid #2. #IBeatAGame #gamersky #Blackgamersky

The title screen to the video game Escape from Ever After

The chapter 1 screen for Escape from Ever After. The screen reads: "Chapter 1: The Three Little Pigs"

The bestest boy: Wolfgang aka The Big Bad Wolf (one of the party members in Escape from Ever After)

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M. Haynes @looseasadeuce.bsky.social · 24/02/2026

Had to grab a couple of my faves 😁

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M. Haynes @looseasadeuce.bsky.social · 01/02/2026

Age of Imprisonment was everything I wanted Age of Calamity to be. AoI being a story that strengthens TotK over AoC doing nothing for BotW made all the difference. Well, that and having Melinoë from Hades II as a Zora 😅. I'm gonna miss the Wild Era Hyrule, but it went out well #IBeatAGame #gamersky

The original title screen for Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment

The four ancient sages in order of my faves: Qia the Zora, Raphica the Rito, Agraston the Goron, and Ardi the Gerudo.

Calamo the Korok. No lie this little guy was one of the MVPs of the game for me alongside Zelda (of course) and Agraston.

The Light Dragon flying across the sky (IYKYK 🥺)

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M. Haynes @looseasadeuce.bsky.social · 13/01/2026

Nintendo finally did their end of the year review for 2025. Mo surprise as to what my favorite game was 😅

A screenshot of the user's Nintendo Year in Review for 2025

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M. Haynes @looseasadeuce.bsky.social · 09/01/2026

Happy Founder's Day to my blue brothers 🗣 BLUUUUU PHIIII

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M. Haynes @looseasadeuce.bsky.social · 17/12/2025

When everybody was freaking out over dialogue in Metroid Prime 4 I knew people were exaggerating, and I was right. The GF soldiers were highkey a highlight. What yall SHOULD have complained about was the desert area and how pushy the map is. An 80 is about right. #IBeatAGame #gamersky #Blackgamersky

Title screen for the Switch 2 edition of Metroid Prime 4: Beyond

Samus Aran preparing to fight side by side with Sergeant Ezra Duke. First Black man in a Metroid game since Anthony in Other M!

Screenshot of the five Galactic Federation soldiers in Prime 4 right before the final battle

My mission complete screen. It features Samus in her Legacy Suit and the following stats: 93% of scans collected, 100% of items discovered, and 21 hours and 52 minutes of playtime (remember that I play games slowly 😅).

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M. Haynes @looseasadeuce.bsky.social · 15/12/2025

My plan was to finally beat Hollow Knight in time to play Silksong when it came out, but clearly that didn't happen 😅. It's all good tho bc this game is an EXCELLENT Metroidvania all on its own. Who knows if I'll 100% it (I ended with 84%) but I loved what I had. #IBeatAGame #gamersky #Blackgamersky

Screenshot of the Hollow Knight title screen with the Hidden Dreams menu style

Opening text of the game Hollow Knight. It reads: "In wilds behind they speak your name with reverence and regret, For none could tame our savage souls yet you the challenge met, Under palest watch, you taught, we changed base instincts were redeemed, A world you gave to bug and beast as they never dreamed. From 'Elegy for Hallownest' by Monomon the Teacher"

Screenshot of "Ghost" (aka the Knight) training with a nailmaster. The two cross blades with ferocity.

Congratulations screen from the ending of Hollow Knight. It features a message from developers Team Cherry that reads: "Well done on achieving this great feat. You persevered and you triumphed. We hope you enjoyed yourself in the world of Hollow Knight. We'll meet you again soon on the road ahead."

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M. Haynes @looseasadeuce.bsky.social · 05/12/2025

Had to get a big chunk of my grading done and wait til I got off work, but it's finally Prime Time 😁

A hand holding a copy of the Nintendo Switch version of the video game Metroid Prime 4: Beyond

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M. Haynes @looseasadeuce.bsky.social · 03/12/2025

Did my door decorations to get myself in the holiday spirit. S/O to Black Paper Party for the fun designs and this Spider-Man hat that is too small but I paid for it so I'm gonna wear it at least once 😅

Picture of my decorated front door covered in wrapping paper from Black Paper Party, a Black Santa Claus, and red and green ribbons.

This year's wrapping paper design: Black nutcrackers with grills in

A photo of me in my too small Spider-Man themed Christmas hat.

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M. Haynes @looseasadeuce.bsky.social · 02/12/2025

It's funny; a few games this year started great but fumbled their endings, while Pokémon Legends Z-A was the opposite: the ending was way better than the journey there 😅. Game was fine, inferior to Legends Arceus but fine. I had the most fun taking pics with Black ppl lol #IBeatAGame #Blackgamersky

Ending title Screen for the video game Pokémon Legends: Z-A

An in game selfie of my character and (one of!) the Black "Nurse Joy(s)"

Screenshot of my character and the fashion designer and Team MZ member Naveen

A screenshot of my character and the battle enthusiast Jacinthe

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M. Haynes @looseasadeuce.bsky.social · 01/12/2025

Got a chance to play the demo of Prime 4 and now I can't wait til Thurs. My girl is finally getting the adoration she deserves in universe 😌

An image of the demo station for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond in Walmart. A hand (that of the user) is seen holding the controller. On the screen, the bounty hunter Samus Aran is visible in a heroic pose

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M. Haynes @looseasadeuce.bsky.social · 30/11/2025

That canceled TV show that you’ll never stop thinking about: I'll never forget my Legends and the conclusion they never got 😩. Honorable mention to Syfy's Alphas, which also never got a real ending.

Poster for season 3 of the show DC's Legends of Tomorrow

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M. Haynes @looseasadeuce.bsky.social · 13/11/2025

Finished Dispatch last night & 👏🏿 Adhoc! It was a stellar story and by the end I was super invested in each character. I have never played this type of game before so I didn't know what to expect, but what I got was great. Def going towards the top of the list. #IBeatAGame #Blackgamersky #gamersky

Screenshot of the episode 1 title screen for the video game Dispatch.

Dispatch characters Robert and Royd meeting at a bathroom urinal

An evaluation of my choices throughout the game. It says, "An everyman, your Robert always kept everyone guessing what he'll say or do next".

The end credit title screen from the video game Dispatch

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M. Haynes @looseasadeuce.bsky.social · 11/11/2025

...yea I see why these games are beloved. This has been good AF. Now I'm super excited for the finale tomorrow (even though I have to wait til I get off work 😩)

Screen capture of one of the title screens for the video game Dispatch

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M. Haynes @looseasadeuce.bsky.social · 11/11/2025

Outside wont see me again til Weds if I can help it. Currently:

A screenshot of the current weather in Stone Mountain, GA. It reads 33° and cloudy, with a severe weather alert for freezing temperatures

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M. Haynes @looseasadeuce.bsky.social · 07/11/2025

Played the first episode of Dispatch last night and it's pretty fun already. Prob gonna try to catch up before the finale (?) next week. I've never played one of these Telltale Games-style narratives but if this is what they're like I get why they were so beloved.

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M. Haynes @looseasadeuce.bsky.social · 27/10/2025

Been seeing this on the socials and decided to throw mine together. 10 Games to Know Me!

A picture of M. Haynes with the covers of 10 games surrounding him: Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back, Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Paper Mario, Skies of Arcadia, Final Fantasy X, Hades, Sonic Adventure 2, Spider-Man: Miles Morales, Metroid Dread, and Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. These are the 10 games that best define him.

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M. Haynes @looseasadeuce.bsky.social · 20/10/2025

Listening to channel Orange for the first time in years and man I forgot how great this album is. No wonder we were all feening for more Frank afterwards.

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M. Haynes @looseasadeuce.bsky.social · 11/10/2025

Rolled credits on Hades II last night and it. was. amazing! I was a bit confused by the credits ending so it felt a little bit anticlimactic, but the journey there was fantastic. Of course there's SO MUCH more to do so who knows how things will TRULY end. #IBeatAGame #Blackgamersky #gamersky

The title screen for the video game Hades II

An unfinished family portrait of the rulers of the dead in Hades II

Screenshot of my first successful (underworld) run.

Screenshot of Hades II stating that Melinoë's task is complete (aka, I rolled credits)

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M. Haynes @looseasadeuce.bsky.social · 25/09/2025

"In the name of Hades, Supergiant I accept this blessing!" 😁

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M. Haynes @looseasadeuce.bsky.social · 24/09/2025

The day has arrived. Happy National M. Haynes Day good people! 😁

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M. Haynes @looseasadeuce.bsky.social · 21/09/2025

I finally went on and beat Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. I LOVED the vast majority of the game but (no spoilers) I definitely feel some kinda way about how it ends. That probably doesn't stop it from being my favorite gaming experience so far this year tho. #IBeatAGame #blackgamersky

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M. Haynes @looseasadeuce.bsky.social · 10/09/2025

*logs into social media* *sees the headlines*

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M. Haynes @looseasadeuce.bsky.social · 28/08/2025

Me: *excited to sleep in on my day off* My neighbors: *deciding now is a good time to do shit that messes with the fire alarms* Also me:

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M. Haynes @looseasadeuce.bsky.social · 19/08/2025

2015 v 2025 Still that 💅🏿 and that 🥷🏿

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