Thoughts on Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe

While it’s difficult to ponder being in one’s mid-30s in the year 2020 (in addition to being alive in 2020 at all; what a shit year), I am particularly grateful for the gradient of technology I grew up in. As a kid I got to experience the cruder era of home computing and the heyday…

Thoughts on Paper Mario: The Origami King

Full disclosure: I’ve only played maybe an hour total of previous games in the Paper Mario series, so I’m in no way qualified to compare the experience of The Origami King to, say, The Thousand Year Door. I have, however, played and thoroughly enjoyed Super Mario RPG, which is the spiritual originator of the entire…

Thoughts on Red Dead Redemption II

Ten years ago or so, I was living with some of the dudes in my punk rock band in a house where the rainwater collected in pots and pans, the basement was full of beer and energy drinks, and a few birds nested in my bedroom windows. It was a wonderful time to make music,…

The Old Ball Game

My love for baseball video games dates back to circa 1998-9 or so; I don’t really remember exactly when. I was beginning to get into sports earnestly, conveniently enough when my dad was ramping up his interest in home computer upgrades. Before long our recently refinished basement had an old computer I could do whatever…

Andy’s Top 30 Video Games: 5-1

First of all, thank you to any and every person who took the time to read through this list.  It’s been long-winded, way more than necessary, and really doesn’t matter to anyone but me, so I appreciate those who peruse my silly blog for any reason whatsoever.  Thank ya. As far as the list goes,…

Andy’s Top 30 Video Games: 10-6

Diablo III (2012, PC) – 48.9 Gameplay – 10 Streamlining the legacy that D2 left, D3 is buttery smooth to play.  Some will say “they made the game for casuals and noobs,” and to that I say, “Enjoy Path of Exile, asshole.”  D3 is recklessly fun to play, and while it does have flaws, Blizzard…

Andy’s Top 30 Video Games: 15-11

Hearthstone (2014, PC) – 46.3 Gameplay – 8.4 It’s extremely straightforward, but can be very satisfying.  It also requires a casual amount of attention, depending on the game.  Growing up enjoying Magic the Gathering kind of set the stage for me to dig a game like Hearthstone, and even though I have no idea who…

Andy’s Top 30 Video Games: 20-16

The Sims 3 (2009, PC) – 44.8/60 Gameplay 8.4 Building your world and telling your own story is something The Sims pioneered, capitalizing ultimately on Maxis’ original intentions when they created the Sim____ franchises in yesteryear.  I enjoyed this particular version of The Sims over previous editions because graphically it could finally offer a bit…

Andy’s Top 30 Video Games: 25-21

Age of Empires II (1999, PC) – 43.1/60 Gameplay – 8.5 Man, did I have a blast with Age of Empires II.  I can’t speak for the campaign/quests – I didn’t do too many of them, honestly.  I would constantly play skirmishes against the AI, trying out a variety of civilizations and their unique units,…

Andy’s Top 30 Video Games: 30-26

QUALIFICATIONS:  These are both console & computer titles.  Nostalgia does play a factor in these games, but I did my best not to let it influence my scoring too much.  The ranking of these is not at all influenced by other “Best Of” lists, and is ranked entirely by my affection for and experience playing…

Stardew Valley: Cozy Times on the Farm

I’m not much for going outside these days. I enjoy putting my pale, lumpy butt on display during vacations a few times a year, but mostly I’m the type of person who prefers to be cozied up in my tree.  There’s no denying, however, that the few times I go on walks or runs, or…