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Taylor Bauer

@taylorbauer.bsky.social
275 followers 557 following 208 posts

He/Him / Chicagoland nonprofit comms / games and culture writer @PhenixxGaming.bsky.social / prev. SB Nation, NPR

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Taylor Bauer @taylorbauer.bsky.social · 17h
Somewhere in between nostalgia for the MMO and a crowded survival crafting genre, we have RuneScape: Dragonwilds. It sort of complicates how I feel about the game, for better or worse. Some thoughts over at Fandom Rising: fandomrising.com/2026/10/06/r... #RuneScape #Dragonwilds
fandomrising.com
RuneScape: Dragonwilds is Complicated to Review - Fandom Rising
RuneScape: Dragonwilds Review - Taylor details this nostalgic experience in a crowded survival crafting genre, with hits and misses.
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Taylor Bauer @taylorbauer.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Finally played through Halo Campaign Evolved. If Activision is going to bring this franchise back to life, it might not be as hard as we’re making it out to be. My latest on @phenixxgaming.bsky.social web.phenixxgaming.com/2026/09/28/a... #Halo #XBOX #Activision
web.phenixxgaming.com
Activision Successfully Reboots Halo If They Do These 3 Things
Halo is now in the hands of Activision, the best-selling FPS publisher of the entire industry. Here’s what needs to happen for their Halo project to be a hit.
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Taylor Bauer @taylorbauer.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Dragon Quest XI feels right at home on the Switch 2, a console I'm increasingly eager to load up with more and more @square-enix-games.com games. A JRPG in handheld mode just feels right to me. My review for @phenixxgaming.bsky.social: web.phenixxgaming.com/2026/09/24/d... #DragonQuest
web.phenixxgaming.com
Dragon Quest XI S Definitive Edition (Switch 2) Review
Dragon Quest XI S: Definitive Edition is now on Switch 2 with a ton of great enhancements and updates. Check out Taylor’s review here!
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Taylor Bauer @taylorbauer.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
We're slowly moving closer to my preferred method of choosing who to vote for: who thinks I'm the cutest.
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Taylor Bauer @taylorbauer.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
It’s not an all-timer, but I did mostly enjoy the new Star Wars Monopoly game for all its quirks. Thoughts on it if you’re considering picking it up: web.phenixxgaming.com/2026/07/16/m...
web.phenixxgaming.com
Monopoly: Star Wars Heroes vs. Villains (Switch) Review
Monopoly: Star Wars Heroes vs. Villains nails its unique mechanics, but some elements feel concocted by the dark side itself. Read Taylor’s review here!
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Taylor Bauer @taylorbauer.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
A decade ago, I saw Phoebe Bridgers open for Julien Baker at Lincoln Hall in Chicago. Fast forward to 2026, and she's headlining two sold-out nights at the United Center. Some thoughts on #TheLostTour and what made this show special for me: fandomrising.com/2026/09/24/r... #PhoebeBridgers
fandomrising.com
Review: Phoebe Bridgers Brings "The Lost Tour" to Chicago - Fandom Rising
Phoebe Bridgers Lost Tour stop in Chicago was a spectacle, and very much enhanced by its no-phones policy and elaborate stage design.
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Taylor Bauer @taylorbauer.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
What @kylethompsondev.bsky.social is outputting on these projects is worth a hell of a lot more attention.
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Taylor Bauer @taylorbauer.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
New review is up and it’s perfect timing for the fall equinox. If you’re big on horror aesthetics but don’t love the actual horror, I’ve got a Metroidvania for you. My review of Well Dweller, out now on #NintendoSwitch: fandomrising.com/2026/09/22/w... #KyleThompson #WellDweller #Metroidvania
fandomrising.com
Review: Well Dweller is an Atmospheric Metroidvania Worth Your Time - Fandom Rising
Well Dweller is a gorgeous new Metroidvania that feels fresh and full of life from developer Kyle Thompson. Read a review for Switch here.
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Rob Zacny @robzacny.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
We live in a golden age of statements from video game companies that sound like estranged family explaining that they know they fucked up, they’ve worked on themselves, and they’re gonna do better now. And it’s only been a month since they told everyone to go fuck themselves and did a burnout.
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Taylor Bauer @taylorbauer.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
It sort of feels like I’ve gotta give Destiny 2 a try now, right?
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Taylor Bauer @taylorbauer.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
Idk if I’m crazy, but I’m almost scared to start the new Fire Emblem because of the commitment it’s gonna take. Like I waited all this time for Fortune’s Weave just to be intimidated by it
A blurry photo of toad from mario screaming in fear
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Taylor Bauer @taylorbauer.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
I'm finally through #Onimusha, and I can't recall a better series reboot than this in quite some time. From the casual concept of a "ninja #ResidentEvil" to a formidable IP in its own right, #Capcom is firing on all cylinders. My review: fandomrising.com/2026/09/17/r...
fandomrising.com
Review: Onimusha: Way of the Sword is an All-Time Series Reboot
Onimusha: Way of the Sword might be the best reboot of a franchise we've seen in years. Here's our review of Capcom's lastest game.
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Taylor Bauer @taylorbauer.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Bill Skarsgård has so many great performances but look. A Metal Gear gameplay loop where you play as Pennywise stealth-stalking residents of a locked-down Derry would move units like you’ve never seen before.
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Taylor Bauer @taylorbauer.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
I’m anxiously anticipating the #OcarinaofTime remake, and for all of the changes they’re making, not taking out loading screens makes sense to me given what Nintendo seems to prioritize when adding modern features to classic games. Some thoughts: fandomrising.com/2026/09/10/o... #Zelda #OOT
fandomrising.com
Ocarina of Time Loading Screens - What Makes a Game Modern?
Nintendo leaving in Ocarina of Time loading screens for their upcoming remake is just as artistic of a choice as its graphical upgrades.
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Taylor Bauer @taylorbauer.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
Just went through for me on second attempt after it disappeared from my cart while clicking “checkout”
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Taylor Bauer @taylorbauer.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Happy #NHL27 Day to all who celebrate. This series means a lot to me and it’s wild to think I’ve been reviewing these games for sites going on a decade. Full thoughts and feelings (frustrations?) below:
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Taylor Bauer @taylorbauer.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
If you play tactical games or love Star Wars, it’s hard to imagine you’re not thrilled with @bitreactor.com’s vision for a #CloneWars era #XCOM style adventure. Star Wars Zero Company is a 4.5/5, and hopefully, just the beginning. Full Review: fandomrising.com/2026/09/04/r...
fandomrising.com
Review: Star Wars Zero Company Hits Nearly Every Shot - Fandom Rising
Star Wars Zero Company is a gem of a tactical experience, and aside from a few issues, is a near-perfect strategy game.
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Taylor Bauer @taylorbauer.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
At what point after the Death Stranding launch did Sony start whispering “we might not want to do this again” despite the GOTY nominations and high reviews? Hard to imagine why they’d wanna abandon the Kojima ship when he’s the top auteur of the medium and has been for so long.
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Taylor Bauer @taylorbauer.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
“I gotta get some more skin” - @mattapodaca.bsky.social As a frequent consumer of his content, Matt has a special way of cracking my shit up out of nowhere.
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Taylor Bauer @taylorbauer.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
Xbox doesn't lack consistency, it's just not the right kind of consistency. #xbox #gamepass
static.klipy.com
Simpsons Sideshow Bob
Alt: Simpsons Sideshow Bob continuously stepping on rakes; Xbox is doing this with their poor decision-making.
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Taylor Bauer @taylorbauer.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
I haven’t kept up with YouTube creators in a long time, but I have premium for free for the next two months. What creators should I binge? I’ve watched every single @jasonschreier.bsky.social video in the last 24 hours and feel infinite. #OneTakeSchreier
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Taylor Bauer @taylorbauer.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
Just my take (no spoilers): that song is about feeling some sort of optimism after something particularly awful or traumatic. And I felt like it was sort of meant to evoke a cathartic joy in finding that state of readiness to move on. Little Death had a…unique way of finding that joy 😂
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Taylor Bauer @taylorbauer.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
I felt immediately like a second watch would be beneficial. The scene with “A Long December” by The Counting Crows was great though.
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Wario64 @wario64.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
'Playdate maker Panic is refunding tariff fees to customers' "It's just not our money to keep, and it felt really good to give it back. That's an easy way to know you made the right decision." - Panic co-founder Cabel Sasser www.gamedeveloper.com/business/pla...
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Taylor Bauer @taylorbauer.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
FromSoft said "let's try the Star Wars approach to naming our characters"
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Taylor Bauer @taylorbauer.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
My favorite #Xenoblade game got the #Switch2 treatment - and shocker - it's still an all-timer.
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Phenixx Gaming @phenixxgaming.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
Xenoblade Chronicles 2 – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Review Xenoblade Chronicles 2 - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is a modernized version of a great RPG. Check out Taylor's thoughts on it here! web.phenixxgaming.com/2026/08/17/xe…
web.phenixxgaming.com
Xenoblade Chronicles 2 – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Review
In the long list of Nintendo franchises, Xenoblade Chronicles has slowly become a unique and standout example of the game company's lineup diversity. Monolith Soft is one of the most underrated studios in Nintendo's roster, providing great support for top-tier titles and, of course, the franchise it's best known for now. Xenoblade Chronicles 2 - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition takes the 2017 action-JRPG and refreshes it with the power of the Switch 2.
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Taylor Bauer @taylorbauer.bsky.social · 01/08/2026
It’s shaping up to be a good fall on the #Switch and #Switch2. Exclude the OOT remake and Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave and it’s STILL jam-packed 🙏🏼 My excitement in words for @phenixxgaming.bsky.social: web.phenixxgaming.com/2026/07/30/t...
web.phenixxgaming.com
Taylor’s Most Anticipated Switch Releases for Fall 2026
This Fall is set to be big for the Switch and Switch 2. Check out Taylor’s most anticipated releases here!
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Taylor Bauer @taylorbauer.bsky.social · 26/07/2026
The bad guys at the end just…watch the thing they’ve been fighting against happen willingly? I was shocked so many people liked it.
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Taylor Bauer @taylorbauer.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
Finally played through #FFVIIRebirth on Switch 2 and loved my experience. Review is up now! #nintendoswitch2 #ffvii #finalfantasy
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Taylor Bauer @taylorbauer.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
@gameovergreggy.bsky.social wild example of the brutality of the Xbox layoffs to maybe mention during KFGD tomorrow: Friday: raise Monday: laid off Insane that so many people are happy that things “weren’t as bad as they could be” with thousands and their families navigating poor management
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Taylor Bauer @taylorbauer.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
@blessingjr.bsky.social wild example of the brutality of the Xbox layoffs to maybe mention during KFGD tomorrow: Friday: raise Monday: laid off Insane that so many people are happy that things “weren’t as bad as they could be” with thousands of people and their families navigating poor management
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Taylor Bauer @taylorbauer.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
Moonlight Peaks is the spooky cozy game of my dreams. Big thanks to @xseedgames.bsky.social for the review opportunity!
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Taylor Bauer @taylorbauer.bsky.social · 04/07/2026
As a TV production nerd, the 24 hour live ABC #DisneyCelebratesAmerica special has been so well done. I appreciate the time they’ve spent exploring native folks, slavery, and the darker chapters of American history.
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Taylor Bauer @taylorbauer.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
Is Splatoon Raiders a potential new side-series in the making for Nintendo?
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Phenixx Gaming @phenixxgaming.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
New Knockout Tour Routes Added to Mario Kart World The latest patch for Mario Kart World added new routes and a few other updates. Check out Taylor's scoop here! web.phenixxgaming.com/2026/07/02/ne…
web.phenixxgaming.com
New Knockout Tour Routes Added to Mario Kart World
In a new update to Mario Kart World for the Nintendo Switch 2, new routes have been added to Knockout Tour, one of the game's signature modes. A few other updates are included in the Ver. 1.7.0 update, but new ways to explore the massive map of the game are certainly a welcome addition for players hungry for more ways to explore 
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Taylor Bauer @taylorbauer.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
Nothing is gonna get me to avoid your business quicker than those god awful gen AI graphics. #frieren #generativeai #pleasestop
Pictures of Fern from Frieren the anime
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Taylor Bauer @taylorbauer.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
“How Donkey became Donkey”
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Taylor Bauer @taylorbauer.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
Am I wrong in remembering that the Wii U port of this wasn’t that bad?
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Taylor Bauer @taylorbauer.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
Saved $77 by skipping a #GTA6 preorder for the REAL goty
It’s a switch eshop photo of gorilla jungle king simulator
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Taylor Bauer @taylorbauer.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
I didn’t grow up playing the Fatal Fury games, but a new publication from the excellent @bitmapbooks.com motivated me to dive into the series. New thoughts on the #FatalFury retrospective for @phenixxgaming.bsky.social below 😇 web.phenixxgaming.com/2026/06/19/n...
web.phenixxgaming.com
New Fatal Fury Retrospective Celebrates an Iconic Series
Fatal Fury/Garou Densetsu: The Ultimate History celebrates 35 years of the iconic fighting series. Check out Taylor’s latest scoop here!
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Taylor Bauer @taylorbauer.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
RE: Requiem. I replayed the 2 and 4 remakes after, and I’m convinced it’s the best Resident Evil game we have seen to date.
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Taylor Bauer @taylorbauer.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
The Scribble Suit from @capcomusa.com’s PRAGMATA that Diana draws for you is now in-game 😭😭😭 Friendly reminder that I gave PRAGMATA a 9/10 on @phenixxgaming.bsky.social - read the review here if you missed it: web.phenixxgaming.com/2026/04/23/p...
A drawing Diana from PRAGMATA made with Hugh’s spacesuit all colored with crayon. A Scribble Suit screenshot from PRAGMATA of Hugh and Diana.A Scribble Suit screenshot from PRAGMATA of Hugh and Diana.
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FactPost @factpostnews.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
Mayor Mamdani honors NBA champion NY Knicks with keys to the city.
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Taylor Bauer @taylorbauer.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
I’m not panicked about the first year of game releases on the Switch 2. It’s my main console. However, do you think any of the suits are concerned that the only release with really any staying power so far has been a game developed by external teams? (Pokémon Pokopia) #nintendo #switch2 #pokemon
static.klipy.com
Greedent Pokémon
ALT: Greedent Pokémon
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Taylor Bauer @taylorbauer.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
The children yearn for IP platformers (I’m children). First game was honestly not bad haha
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Phenixx Gaming @phenixxgaming.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
Mina The Hollower is out on PC and Consoles, and we got the chance to talk to one of the devs! Check out Alexx's interview here!
web.phenixxgaming.com
Mina the Hollower Interview – Modifiers and More
Earlier this week, we posted my review of Mina the Hollower. While I enjoyed my time with Mina overall, I had a few questions in mind that caught my attention. Luckily for me, one of the folks from Yacht Club Games who worked on Mina the Hollower, Sean Velasco (Director, Game Designer, Level Designer, and Writer), was willing to answer some of those questions.
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Taylor Bauer @taylorbauer.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
Got to write about my #PokemonGoFest experience, and now the Championships are coming to Chicago next year! One of the smoothest, most positive events I’ve been to of this size ever.
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Taylor Bauer @taylorbauer.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
Museum is a damn treat and my favorite of all three @twopointstudios.bsky.social games. My thoughts from the Switch 2 release: web.phenixxgaming.com/2025/11/06/t...
web.phenixxgaming.com
Two Point Museum (Nintendo Switch 2) Review
Are you interested in running your own Museum? You can play Two Point Museum on Switch 2 now! Check out Taylor’s review here!
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Taylor Bauer @taylorbauer.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
As a long time believer with a massive digital library, I’ve purchased my last Xbox console. Can’t feel good about any of this, business decisions or not.
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