iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Mark @marksoccult.bsky.social · 09/04/2026

Half the price of luxury options, but not without trade-offs. AndaSeat's Xtreme Series Standing Desk is a value #gamingdesk if you're able to overlook some of its quirks. Read the full review on Mark's Occult: marksoccult.com/2026/04/09/a...

marksoccult.com

AndaSeat Xtreme Series Standing Desk Review: Gamer-Friendly Price, Feature-Light Build - MARK'S OCCULT

The AndaSeat Xtreme Series Standing Desk swaps high-quality features for an ergonomic design that's comfortable and affordable.

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Mark @marksoccult.bsky.social · 12/01/2026

Razer's CES 2026 showcase was a great way to end the week. I fully suspect some of the showcases to horrify many, but there was a silver lining that I feel anyone could get behind. open.substack.com/pub/loprototypete…?

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Mark @marksoccult.bsky.social · 09/01/2026

I think one of the sleeziest things (if not the sleeziest thing) a company can do to freelancers is suggest a change to the contract to alter the pay structure in a way that only hurts the writer.

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Mark @marksoccult.bsky.social · 06/01/2026

CES is such a weird spectacle. One second, I'll be hearing about AI that will revolutionize long-term medical care. The next, I'll be reading a surprisingly passionate press release for a mini fan.

surprisingly.pa

http://surprisingly.pa

Invalid response status code (0)

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Mark @marksoccult.bsky.social · 05/01/2026

My time with the HP Omen 27-inch QHD monitor reminded me that built-in speakers on a gaming monitor are almost always a curse. Check out my full review to see if it's a gaming must-have. open.substack.com/pub/loprototypete…

open.substack.com

HP Omen 27-inch 280Hz QHD Monitor Review

The HP Omen 27-inch QHD monitor struggles in a few key areas, but still manages to provide a quality gaming experience.

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Mark @marksoccult.bsky.social · 04/01/2026

Starting my CES shenanigans today with a demo at Stern Pinball, then will be in full swing starting Tuesday night. Really will be focusing primarily on gaming tech this go around, with some stops at favorites like Bluetti, Govee, and SwitchBot.

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Mark @marksoccult.bsky.social · 04/01/2026

I swear, after every Christmas, I have to buy and assemble new furniture.

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Mark @marksoccult.bsky.social · 20/12/2025

New monitor review incoming! Hoping to publish right before the holiday, so everyone can decide whether they want to spend their Christmas/Hannukah cash on it.

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Mark @marksoccult.bsky.social · 18/12/2025

2025 brought highs and lows in gaming peripherals. It also taught me more about tapering expectations. I was excited to get my hands on the Woojer Vest 3, and I, admittedly, went in expecting something a little different from what it was. www.loprototypetech.com/p/the-wooje…

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Mark @marksoccult.bsky.social · 17/12/2025

I've received a few orders over the past week for my custom Dead Space tees. For you prudes, there's a censored version, so you can still strut around like Isaac! I should have been pushing these for Christmas! www.etsy.com/listing/1014941858/dea…

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Mark @marksoccult.bsky.social · 08/12/2025

It may be the bogeyman of the office environment, but carpal tunnel is no picnic if you're a gamer, too! Having suffered from it for a few years, I wanted to share a gaming cautionary tale that's often just reserved for typists. open.substack.com/pub/loprotot...

open.substack.com

What It's Like Gaming with Carpal Tunnel

Spoiler Alert: It's not fun, but pins and needles don't need to be the end of your gaming session.

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Mark @marksoccult.bsky.social · 27/10/2025

Have some nonsense planned for Halloween.

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Mark @marksoccult.bsky.social · 26/10/2025

Maybe I've been sleeping on Ghost of Tsushima. Comment if you see it.

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Mark @marksoccult.bsky.social · 25/10/2025

I didn't expect the best experience at @unleashedvegas.bsky.social based on reviews. But I didn't think it would be *this* bad. Let me save you $100 and walk you through the full hour of entertainment (sometimes) available at Vegas's latest disappointment. www.loprototypetech.com/p/universal-...

loprototypetech.com

Universal Horror Unleashed Review

An Unashamed Cash Grab That Frightens with Missed Opportunities

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Mark @marksoccult.bsky.social · 26/09/2025

Came across my Slitterhead review I never posted anywhere...

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Mark @marksoccult.bsky.social · 17/04/2025

@teamrazer.bsky.social delivers an immersive lighting experience with its standing light bars - but are they worth the desk space? Read all about them in my in-depth review! www.howtogeek.com/razer-aether...

howtogeek.com

Razer’s Light Bars Illuminate My Gaming Blunders, and I Absolutely Love It

Enhance Razer's Chroma RGB ecosystem with light bars designed with immersion in mind.

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Mark @marksoccult.bsky.social · 08/04/2025

I like that this article references the video game, but calling it a definitive ending that proves MacReady is human still isn't accurate. He could still very well be The Thing, seeing rescuing Blake as a cover when he returns to the mainland. screenrant.com/the-thing-19...

screenrant.com

I Love The Theories About The Thing's Ambiguous Ending, But We Can Put That Mystery To Rest Now

The answers are there.

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Mark @marksoccult.bsky.social · 07/04/2025

This needs to be sci-fi horror and nothing else.

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Mark @marksoccult.bsky.social · 06/04/2025

It's been a bonkers week, so maybe you missed out on all the #Switch2 news. I threw together some of the bigger points, from price to game reveals to a disappointing turn of events. open.substack.com/pub/loprotot...

open.substack.com

Nintendo Switch 2 Weekly Roundup Special!

For those too focused on tariffs to see Switch 2 reveals and announcements.

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Mark @marksoccult.bsky.social · 03/04/2025

I don't have time for ANY OF THIS.

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Mark @marksoccult.bsky.social · 31/03/2025

My ADUS Zenbook Duo (2025) review went live at @howtogeek.bsky.social One of my last for the publication. Sadly, also when I realized I should have more fun with reviews and actually have a personality. Check it out, and say "Hi!" to two special someones. www.howtogeek.com/asus-dual-mo...

howtogeek.com

ASUS’ Dual-Monitor Laptop Has Me Rethinking My Bulky Workstation

A pair of beautiful OLED displays are just the tip of the iceberg with this versatile portable workstation.

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Mark @marksoccult.bsky.social · 29/03/2025

Catch up on some of the bigger stories you may have missed in #gaming with these bite-sized news roundups! For this week's #IndieSpotlight, I opted for prehistoric nostalgia from Italian developer Digitaly Arts. open.substack.com/pub/loprotot...

open.substack.com

Game Informer Back from the Dead, Nintendo Gets Direct, and 'Dino Crisis' Goes Indie

Nothing exciting happens in March, right? These quick news bites certainly disagree!

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Mark @marksoccult.bsky.social · 29/03/2025

Working on this week's gaming news roundup - then finishing a review on a haptic vest. After I end my time with How-To Geek, I should be able to post more on LoPrototype Tech & Gaming. Sub now so you don't miss out on that review! It's free! www.loprototypetech.com

loprototypetech.com

LoPrototype Tech & Gaming | Mark LoProto | Substack

Consumer-friendly reviews and impressions for the latest in consumer electronics and fun gadgets that gamers will love. Click to read LoPrototype Tech & Gaming, by Mark LoProto, a Substack publication...

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Mark @marksoccult.bsky.social · 27/03/2025

I'm thinking most people that hate Death Stranding gave up early on, which I get. But there is a stellar game here. Kojima has a knack for creating haunting villains, and the BTs are among my favorites.

media.tenor.com

a man in a video game has a button that says use sink on it

ALT: a man in a video game has a button that says use sink on it

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Mark @marksoccult.bsky.social · 25/03/2025

I'm shocked that the discussion around Death Stranding was so much about it's gameplay (which is totally fine) and less about how incredible the game looks.

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Mark @marksoccult.bsky.social · 24/03/2025

I can't bring myself to charge for a subscription for my slice of the internet. I don't want what I write to be behind a paywall. Ever. That defeats part of the purpose, as I've always been about developing a welcoming and accessible community. www.loprototypetech.com

loprototypetech.com

LoPrototype Tech & Gaming | Mark LoProto | Substack

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Mark @marksoccult.bsky.social · 24/03/2025

Because I'm dumb, I 100% forgot to mention this week's weekly roundup includes the first Indie Game Spotlight. For it, I chose a haunting game that had me nostalgic for Ghost Master (2003) - Deck of Haunts! open.substack.com/pub/loprotot...

open.substack.com

'FBC: Firebreak' Release Date, 'Assassin's Creed' Pulls Ahead, and Razer Looks to AI

Too busy immersed in Feudal Japan? Here's what you missed last week in gaming!

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Mark @marksoccult.bsky.social · 23/03/2025

It was a rather busy week in gaming as Assassin’s Creed: Shadows hit storefronts, Remedy returned to the FBC, and a new hero arose in Purgatory! See some of the bigger stories you may have missed this week in #gamingnews!

loprototypetech.com

'FBC: Firebreak' Release Date, 'Assassin's Creed' Pulls Ahead, and Razer Looks to AI

Too busy immersed in Feudal Japan? Here's what you missed last week in gaming!

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Mark @marksoccult.bsky.social · 19/03/2025

While I fully believe Razer has good intentions with its AI QA Copilot, my concerns are: + Reduced job availability for human testers + Lower-quality games at launch + Bigger focus on post-launch support and patching

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Mark @marksoccult.bsky.social · 19/03/2025

The Monkey was a fantastic experience. The kind of movie that will have me laughing even weeks later. It's been a while since I've had that much fun in the theater (chattering idiots aside).

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Mark @marksoccult.bsky.social · 15/03/2025

Having a hard time keeping up with the week's gaming news? Like a good neighbor, Mark Laurence is there with a roundup of the biggest stories you missed because you were busy grinding Monster Hunter for 100 hours then complaining about the lack of content. open.substack.com/pub/loprotot...

open.substack.com

'Silent Hill' Goes to Japan, Xbox Handheld Details Revealed, and Kojima Impresses with 'Death Stranding 2" Trailer

Be prepared to do a deep-dive analysis of two gorgeous trailers.

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Mark @marksoccult.bsky.social · 15/03/2025

Another weekly roundup of gamings biggest stories is scheduled and ready to go! See you at 7:30 a.m. for some light reading! Subscribe to loprototypetech.com for a quick reminder each week, as well as access to tech and gaming reviews and exclusive features

loprototypetech.com

LoPrototype Tech & Gaming | Mark LoProto | Substack

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Mark @marksoccult.bsky.social · 14/03/2025

Putting together tomorrow's Gaming News Weekly Roundup and would love to feature some new indie titles that were announced this week. #IndieDevs -- If you announced a game this week, drop your trailers so I can add you!

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Mark @marksoccult.bsky.social · 14/03/2025

With Microsoft's Copilot for Gamers announcement, it seems fitting to repost my analysis of how Razer's Project AVA (inadvertently?) tackles video game difficulty. www.howtogeek.com/could-razers...

howtogeek.com

Could Razer's Project AVA AI Finally Settle the Game Difficulty Debate?

Razer may have unintentionally solved the debate over whether all games should have an easy difficulty.

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Mark @marksoccult.bsky.social · 12/03/2025

Well, gaming QA may be changing significantly. Looking forward to talking more about how.

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Mark @marksoccult.bsky.social · 12/03/2025

When I saw Razer's Project AVA in action during CES 2025, my first thought was: "This is going to cause a lot of angry grumbling in the competitive circuit." Then I realized it may be the answer to something gamers are already grumbling about. t.co/CkKckGm420

t.co

https://www.howtogeek.com/could-razers-project-ava-ai-finally-settle-the-game-difficulty-debate/

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Mark @marksoccult.bsky.social · 10/03/2025

Should games cater to casual audiences with an easier difficulty? In my article for @howtogeek.bsky.social, I dissect how @teamrazer.bsky.social Project AVA assistive AI could settle the contentious debate over video game difficulty. #gaming #Razer #AI

howtogeek.com

Could Razer's Project AVA AI Finally Settle the Game Difficulty Debate?

Razer may have unintentionally solved the debate over whether all games should have an easy difficulty.

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Mark @marksoccult.bsky.social · 10/03/2025

I want to play Death Stranding, but do I have it in me to tackle a 40-hour game right now?

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Mark @marksoccult.bsky.social · 08/03/2025

In case you were asleep this week, here are some of gaming's bigger stories: From closed studios to the death knell of a popular franchise, it's been an interesting 7 days. www.loprototypetech.com/p/video-game...

loprototypetech.com

Butterfly Effect of the 'Until Dawn Remake,' 'Expedition 33' Previews, and the Last of 'The Last of Us?"

Another week of highs and lows in an industry of chaos

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Mark @marksoccult.bsky.social · 08/03/2025

Longing for the days of the old PlayStation affiliate rewards system.

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Reposted by Mark

Alice's Kids @aliceskids.org · 04/03/2025

Today, about 800 seniors at 6 schools in #Altadena will see this message from our friend Steve Carell - he's delivering the news that we're paying for their prom tickets! #philanthropy #lawildfires #stevecarell #theoffice #california

53788106

Mark @marksoccult.bsky.social · 04/03/2025

Why do I live in Vegas? Nothing ever comes out here...

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Mark @marksoccult.bsky.social · 04/03/2025

After finishing my Valerion VisionMaster Pro 2 review, I decided I was ready to put more time and effort into LoPrototype Tech & Gaming (and, by extension, The Haunted Pixel Society). I have spent so much time making other people money, and think it's time that my words work for me more.

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Mark @marksoccult.bsky.social · 03/03/2025

Maybe my favorite sentence from this one: "And yet that's the best way I can describe Final Fantasy 16: An emotional, action-packed, memorable edging session that left me in equal states of euphoria and dissatisfaction."

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Mark @marksoccult.bsky.social · 03/03/2025

Having recently played through Final Fantasy 16 (I know, a little late to the game!), I had to rant a little about what I felt was the game’s biggest setback: Restricting my ability to stomp around as a big, scary, destructive monster. www.loprototypetech.com/p/final-fant...

loprototypetech.com

Just Let Me Be the Big Monster: A Final Fantasy 16 Rant

I want to smash wild Chocobo into oblivion!

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Mark @marksoccult.bsky.social · 03/03/2025

This AI description of Final Fantasy 16 is just... beautiful. Good 'ole Clavis.

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Mark @marksoccult.bsky.social · 01/03/2025

Bluesky - determine my next writeup: + Slitterhead review + Woojer Vest 3 haptic feedback vest review + GameSir controller comparisons

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Mark @marksoccult.bsky.social · 01/03/2025

Slitterhead is a weird fucking' game.

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