iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Samuel Tolbert @samueltolbert.bsky.social · 5h

Redeeming the disc for Middle-earth: Shadow of War on my Series X, then seeing it available to install on my PC, is very, very cool.

000

Reposted by Samuel Tolbert

¡Qué chévere, Cj! @cynicalceezy.bsky.social · 6h

ICYMI: I wrote about Crucible, embracing failure and how building out my Guardian helped me earn my first title in any video game.

134

Reposted by Samuel Tolbert

Samuel Tolbert @samueltolbert.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

New on Campaign Mode -- I played a ton of Control Resonant and Total War: Warhammer 3's new expansion over the weekend, and so far, I'm really enjoying both! campaign-mode.ghost.io/a-weekend-sp...

campaign-mode.ghost.io

A weekend spent with Control Resonant and Total War: Warhammer 3's new DLC

Some thoughts and impressions of Control Resonant, as well as Total War: Warhammer 3's Lords of the End Times DLC.

062

Samuel Tolbert @samueltolbert.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

New on Campaign Mode -- I played a ton of Control Resonant and Total War: Warhammer 3's new expansion over the weekend, and so far, I'm really enjoying both! campaign-mode.ghost.io/a-weekend-sp...

campaign-mode.ghost.io

A weekend spent with Control Resonant and Total War: Warhammer 3's new DLC

Some thoughts and impressions of Control Resonant, as well as Total War: Warhammer 3's Lords of the End Times DLC.

062

Reposted by Samuel Tolbert

Samuel Tolbert @samueltolbert.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

Weekend Campaign Mode! I had a great conversation with some folks at Blizzard Entertainment who shared details on the huge union contract they recently ratified, getting recall rights, having a say in AI usage, the general vibe at the studio, and what's next. campaign-mode.ghost.io/it-is-a-real...

campaign-mode.ghost.io

'It is a really good time to be at Blizzard' — devs talk ratifying union contract and what's next

Blizzard Entertainment developers talk ratifying a huge union contract and what's next.

185

Samuel Tolbert @samueltolbert.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

campaign-mode.ghost.io

'It is a really good time to be at Blizzard' — devs talk ratifying union contract and what's next

Blizzard Entertainment developers talk ratifying a huge union contract and what's next.

185

Reposted by Samuel Tolbert

Samuel Tolbert @samueltolbert.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Double-feature for Campaign Mode today! I previewed The Viking Sagas DLC for Age of Empires 2, which adds a bunch of new northern factions and a campaign focused on the life of Harald Hardrada. Plus, impressions of Warcraft 3's new Forsaken Kingdom DLC. campaign-mode.ghost.io/decades-late...

campaign-mode.ghost.io

Decades later, Age of Empires 2 and Warcraft 3 are still growing with Vikings and Undead

Hi there! Age of Empires 2 and Warcraft 3 are two of the most important and influential strategy games ever created, so it's pretty cool that over the past few days, I've been getting a double portion...

1217

Samuel Tolbert @samueltolbert.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

campaign-mode.ghost.io

Decades later, Age of Empires 2 and Warcraft 3 are still growing with Vikings and Undead

1217

Samuel Tolbert @samueltolbert.bsky.social · 12/09/2026

I think it's easy, and understandable, to be cynical about a lot right now. But for me, it was very cool to watch some big announcements out of Blizzard today and know that the teams behind it all recently achieved a major ratified union contract. campaign-mode.ghost.io/blizzard-off...

campaign-mode.ghost.io

Blizzard officially reveals a new Diablo game and a StarCraft shooter...coming in 2029 and 2030

Blizzard announced a new Diablo game and a StarCraft shooter, though both are years away.

040

Samuel Tolbert @samueltolbert.bsky.social · 12/09/2026

Said it for 2025, I'll say it for 5786: it's been a really rough year for me. A lot of hurt, a lot of struggle. Feels like a thousand wounds are opened before one is healed. But I'm still here. May the next year be significantly sweeter. Shanah Tovah, y'all. שנה טובה

171

Samuel Tolbert @samueltolbert.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

Some thoughts on the two recent Nintendo Directs and how I'm excited for both the Ocarina of Time remake and Metroid Ravenous. I just wish the latter wasn't launching the same day as Until Dawn 2, especially how packed the following weeks into February look. campaign-mode.ghost.io/nintendo-bri...

campaign-mode.ghost.io

Nintendo brings Metroid and Zelda across two Directs, plus, a January problem

Thoughts on two recent Nintendo Directs, featuring The Legend of Zelda and Metroid.

040

Samuel Tolbert @samueltolbert.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

Ocarina of Time was the first Zelda game I ever played. Didn't even really know what I was doing a long while, I played at a friend's house in increments. But I still loved it. I'm so excited to go back.

Link riding the horse Epona in the Ocarina of Time remake, as she stops to drink at a brook.

The water temple in the Ocarina of Time remake.

A Great Fairy in the Ocarina of Time remake. 😳

Link riding the horse Epona in the Ocarina of Time remake, looking at Death Mountain.

010

Samuel Tolbert @samueltolbert.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

If I lived in Hyrule Castle Town and was emotionally exhausted, struggling to fall asleep, only to finally drift off just as Link plays his little Sun Song, I'd be beating him over the head with that ocarina, I promise.

081

Reposted by Samuel Tolbert

Samuel Tolbert @samueltolbert.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

We're in September now, so a good time for me to put out a call and say if you don't have all your outlet's game reviews sorted for the next couple of months, I'm ready and available to help, let's get in touch. Also, frankly, I could really use the work.

0107

Samuel Tolbert @samueltolbert.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

0107

Samuel Tolbert @samueltolbert.bsky.social · 30/08/2026

ICYMI: I'm really, really liking Star Wars: Zero Company.

041

Samuel Tolbert @samueltolbert.bsky.social · 29/08/2026

Happy Friday! New piece for the weekend. Almost 10 hours in, I'm really enjoying Star Wars: Zero Company. It's not shocking me, but it absolutely nails the strategy formula and is filled with tons of care for its greater universe without feeling forced. campaign-mode.ghost.io/nearly-10-ho...

campaign-mode.ghost.io

Nearly 10 hours in, Star Wars: Zero Company has the strategy sauce

Nearly 10 hours in, some early thoughts on Star Wars: Zero Company and how it nails strategy gameplay.

162

Samuel Tolbert @samueltolbert.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

Plenty of people quite rightfully reminiscing on Tim Curry's myriad starring roles, but I'll always be particularly fond of his voice acting for Arl Howe in Dragon Age: Origins. A sneering, contemptuous antagonist that you just love to hate, Curry gave him pure venom.

Arl Howe in Dragon Age: Origins, saying "Even the Wardens are gone. You're the last of nothing. This is pointless. You've lost." the subtitles are extremely tiny, look, this game was well prior to accessibility standards in gaming and I hadn't found a good font size mod when I took this screenshot.

0145

Reposted by Samuel Tolbert

Samuel Tolbert @samueltolbert.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

Double-feature for Campaign Mode today! Some thoughts on the Gamescom 2026 showcase, plus, hands-on impressions of Gears of War: E-Day's campaign. campaign-mode.ghost.io/hands-ongear...

campaign-mode.ghost.io

Gamescom 2026 brings trailers, plus, hands-on with Gears of War: E-Day's wide-ranging campaign

Thoughts on Gamescom 2026, as well as hands-on impressions of Gears of War: E-Day's campaign mode.

041

Samuel Tolbert @samueltolbert.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

Double-feature for Campaign Mode today! Some thoughts on the Gamescom 2026 showcase, plus, hands-on impressions of Gears of War: E-Day's campaign. campaign-mode.ghost.io/hands-ongear...

campaign-mode.ghost.io

Gamescom 2026 brings trailers, plus, hands-on with Gears of War: E-Day's wide-ranging campaign

Thoughts on Gamescom 2026, as well as hands-on impressions of Gears of War: E-Day's campaign mode.

041

Reposted by Samuel Tolbert

Samuel Tolbert @samueltolbert.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

New for Campaign Mode: I've been playing Blood Dungeon, and it's an absolute blast. The auto-battling of something like Vampire Survivors gets a big shake-up via 2D platforming, and I talked to developer @messhof.bsky.social about how it all came together. campaign-mode.ghost.io/messhof-talk...

campaign-mode.ghost.io

Messhof talks building Blood Dungeon, inspiration from games like Vampire Survivors, and more

Messhof, developer of Niddhog and Wheel World, talks the inspiration behind its latest game, the roguelite Blood Dungeon.

063

Samuel Tolbert @samueltolbert.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

campaign-mode.ghost.io

Messhof talks building Blood Dungeon, inspiration from games like Vampire Survivors, and more

Messhof, developer of Niddhog and Wheel World, talks the inspiration behind its latest game, the roguelite Blood Dungeon.

063

Reposted by Samuel Tolbert

Samuel Tolbert @samueltolbert.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

I always love talking with Cj, even if it's a more difficult topic like this. We had a very good chat about the why of it all and where people even *can* go from here.

052

Samuel Tolbert @samueltolbert.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

I always love talking with Cj, even if it's a more difficult topic like this. We had a very good chat about the why of it all and where people even *can* go from here.

052

Samuel Tolbert @samueltolbert.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

Having an extraordinarily rough week, y'all. Any pet pics or kind words would be treasured.

430

Reposted by Samuel Tolbert

Samuel Tolbert @samueltolbert.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

My latest: An update on the unionized Xbox employees fighting back against the latest round of layoffs, as well as the ways players and fans of these games can actually show support for workers right now. campaign-mode.ghost.io/whats-next-f...

campaign-mode.ghost.io

What's next for the unions fighting Xbox layoffs?

An update on the fight between unionized Xbox employees against management and layoffs.

05528

Samuel Tolbert @samueltolbert.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

campaign-mode.ghost.io

What's next for the unions fighting Xbox layoffs?

An update on the fight between unionized Xbox employees against management and layoffs.

05528

Reposted by Samuel Tolbert

Samuel Tolbert @samueltolbert.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

For Campaign Mode. I played Ambrosia Sky: Act Two. It's a lot of fun! I also talked to Joel Burgess of Soft Rains and Rory McGuire of Blackbird Interactive about co-dev work on Ambrosia Sky's first act, getting a team's "pH balance" right, and much more. campaign-mode.ghost.io/ambrosia-sky...

campaign-mode.ghost.io

Ambrosia Sky developers talk second act, getting the co-dev "pH balance" right, and more

Talking with Soft Rains and Blackbird Interactive about building Ambrosia Sky.

1127

Samuel Tolbert @samueltolbert.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

campaign-mode.ghost.io

Ambrosia Sky developers talk second act, getting the co-dev "pH balance" right, and more

Talking with Soft Rains and Blackbird Interactive about building Ambrosia Sky.

1127

Samuel Tolbert @samueltolbert.bsky.social · 09/08/2026

Forgot to post these pics last weekend but I had an absolute blast visiting New Orleans for the first time. Turns out properly taking a vacation and unplugging means feeling well-rested, who knew? Thanks for showing me around @peachia.bsky.social

1100

Samuel Tolbert @samueltolbert.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

Tried out Gears of War: E-Day's multiplayer suite. Versus is fine, Horde Siege is spectacular with the way all the different systems come together. Like Halo, the juxtaposition between the work the teams are doing and the wider Xbox environment is rough. campaign-mode.ghost.io/hands-on-wit...

campaign-mode.ghost.io

Hands-on with Gears of War: E-Day's classic multiplayer and massive Horde mode

Some thoughts on a preview round going hands-on with Gears of War: E-Day.

073

Samuel Tolbert @samueltolbert.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

Yeah, The Odyssey ruled. Realized how much I've missed big, myth-focused epics like this. Cool for Nolan to tackle something so far outside his normal wheelhouse, but you still see the DNA of his past work coming through, especially Oppenheimer.

280

Reposted by Samuel Tolbert

Samuel Tolbert @samueltolbert.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

For Campaign Mode, my thoughts on Halo: Campaign Evolved. It's genuinely great remake with wonderful art direction and strong vision. I really love the new prequel missions. At the same time, impossible to ignore the context under which it is launching. campaign-mode.ghost.io/halo-campaig...

campaign-mode.ghost.io

Halo: Campaign Evolved is a great experience, and it feels weird

I've been spending time with Halo: Campaign Evolved, and I've loved going back to the series, but the timing feels weird.

154

Samuel Tolbert @samueltolbert.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

campaign-mode.ghost.io

Halo: Campaign Evolved is a great experience, and it feels weird

I've been spending time with Halo: Campaign Evolved, and I've loved going back to the series, but the timing feels weird.

154

Samuel Tolbert @samueltolbert.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

Earliest possible fix is tomorrow 🫠

000

Samuel Tolbert @samueltolbert.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

The AC has been out since last night. I'm broiling alive. AMA.

000

Samuel Tolbert @samueltolbert.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

A lot that's still unclear right now in the wake of massive layoffs at Xbox, but I want to highlight how the unions across different teams are continuing to push back, fight for workers, and asking for support from players. campaign-mode.ghost.io/unions-are-f...

campaign-mode.ghost.io

Unions are fighting back against Xbox layoffs

Unions are pushing back in the wake of Xbox layoffs that have gutted teams like id Software.

0126

Samuel Tolbert @samueltolbert.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

Been spending a lot of the day checking in on the numerous talented people I know and respect across Xbox. Some are okay. Far too many are not. If you're been laid off or are still at Xbox and would like to share your thoughts with me, my Signal info is my bio and I can guarentee anonymity.

0102

Samuel Tolbert @samueltolbert.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

Other words percolating, but for now, this is somehow better and worse than I was bracing for. The layoffs are utterly brutal and I feel for the impacted employees. At the same time, I am appreciative that none of the studios impacted are being closed. campaign-mode.ghost.io/xbox-cuts-fo...

campaign-mode.ghost.io

Xbox cuts four (but really five) studios and thousands of jobs

Xbox is cutting four studios (with a fifth likely coming later on) and laying off thousands of workers.

000

Reposted by Samuel Tolbert

Samuel Tolbert @samueltolbert.bsky.social · 27/06/2026

A fun Campaign Mode piece to enter the weekend, I've got my 10 favorite games of the year so far, as we're halfway through 2026. It'll be interesting to compare this to my favorites when the year ends, and seeing what makes it through the upcoming blitz. campaign-mode.ghost.io/my-favorite-...

campaign-mode.ghost.io

My favorite games of 2026, halfway through the year

Here are my favorite games of 2026, at least halfway through the year.

2105

Samuel Tolbert @samueltolbert.bsky.social · 27/06/2026

campaign-mode.ghost.io

My favorite games of 2026, halfway through the year

Here are my favorite games of 2026, at least halfway through the year.

2105

Samuel Tolbert @samueltolbert.bsky.social · 18/06/2026

Weird day. Weird month. Weird year. What a way to bring in 30. Grabbed some hibachi and doing some required reading before finally checking out Saros.

The King in Yellow, by Robert W. Chambers.

260

Samuel Tolbert @samueltolbert.bsky.social · 17/06/2026

Fun little story today: AdHoc Studio's Dispatch is being uncensored on Nintendo Switch/Switch 2...partially. The team owns up to some mistakes made, but also indicates there are a couple of hard requirements from Nintendo that can't be budged. campaign-mode.ghost.io/adhocs-dispa...

campaign-mode.ghost.io

AdHoc's Dispatch is being uncensored on Nintendo Switch, at least partially

A fun story, as AdHoc Studio's Dispatch is being (partially) uncensored on Nintendo Switch platforms.

140

Samuel Tolbert @samueltolbert.bsky.social · 15/06/2026

A *lot* more to say that's percolating, but for now, I'll just say this is a disgrace and Compulsion deserved far better. A special team, and South of Midnight is a special game. campaign-mode.ghost.io/xbox-plans-t...

campaign-mode.ghost.io

Xbox plans to shut down South of Midnight dev Compulsion Games

Xbox is shutting down Compulsion Games, the award-winning studio behind South of Midnight.

172