Heck yes! I am glad you're still keeping the flame alive and reporting the hottest Amico scoops! Seriously, a particularily fun read. And:
"an obvious emperor has no clothes situation where nobody even tried to feel the fabric because they knew there wasnβt any."
A choice metaphor!
Even if I viscerally disagree with someone, I feel I can generally twist my mind to see where they are coming from β but yeahh, in this case, no explanation spring to mind for the "fans." Can't be sycophants or barnacles attaching themselves to someone ascendant in hopes of perhaps claiming a morsel of power for themselves. Don't know if it's quite the case of someone investing/making it too much of their identity to quit either? Since it's such a niche of a niche. Bizarre and pathological seems to be the only apt label. Perhaps "kooky" or "completely off your rocker" if you are feeling generous.
Great stuff! Anyone who might read this but do not check out any of the community writing: give it a shot! There are always fun and/or interesting shenanigans, and even (gasp) insightful discourse!
This is one of the gazillions of games (conservative estimate) that I've received for free/amassed from bundles but never played. Fun read, thank you for your service!
I have the opposite problem regarding research: I've certainly looked up too much about a game and convinced myself I didn't need to play it. But I think oftentimes if you can just jump into a game without any preconceived notions, that is the best way to be. When I have done just that and looked it up after the fact, and see dissenting opinions that might've dissuaded me β "whaat but I thought it was pretty neat! am i the freak??" (yes.) β I have generally been pleased I just jumped in.
The only immidiate dissapointment with Ogre Battle 64 is that it does not have a Queen-inspired title. (...unless it is referring to 64 of their uh greatest hits?? further research required)
Live and let Driveβ’ Hang on, Polygames didn't make a sequel called Mega Drivin'? Dereliction of duty. Guess I'll have to get into homebrew development now.
Terrific scientific follow-up! Great idea for a feature. I do enjoy reading about history and science, but am not especially diligent about seeking out knowledge, so I like being 'tricked' into learning. "Wait wait holdup this is actually imparting knowledge?? goddamnit"
Damn, @jearum always knocks it into the stratosphere with the art! Pickle Giraffe is straight wildin'. And @kone remains a absolute menace. (Meant as a compliment, to be clear) Bless!
Indeed, really enjoyed both blogs, great work! I'm presumably (definitively) a mark and/or weirdo but I am overall less critical of the specific chapters you highlight β On a Rail/Surface Tension/Xen β although I think both Half-Lives overall have pacing issues. I am, however, 100% in agreement that Black Mesa improved Xen extensively! Usually I would be against making a game less concise but I'd say it (mostly) pays off. And those new songs are gorgeous!
I wrote off playing Black Mesa because I generally stay away from remakes if I've played the original, but you have me intrigued now.
Oh yes, heartily recommend you check it out! It certainly stands on its own as a excellent scientific foray. And it's been know to go on sale for as little as 3-4 USD(!!) which is a absolute steal.
I haven't even played that much FF, and I still found this entertaining! Enjoy a good deep-dive into design. Though I feel I have to come to the defense of the remake character art: comparing 'em to Funkos seems searingly harsh. I think they are much cuter than they are flavourless and dead-eyed.
Heck yes, I always dig & appreciate the Spotlight: thank you kindly, duder! I do usually try to leave a comment but I've missed the last few, sorry. Stoked about the great writing & art from the community!
Manburger's comments