Literate Gamer

Jonathan and Nick discuss the late game of Elden Ring: hard learned lessons, giant birds, our troubles, and our joys.

Jonathan expounds on the action sidescroller rogue-light "Dead Cells": lots of fun, especially as a snowman!

Jonathan and Nick froth and gibber about the new and amazing Elden Ring, open world successor to the Dark Souls, and an absolute triumph. Not perfect, but absolutely worth it, even if you haven't ever played any of them before. Get it. Do it now.

Jonathan discusses Mega Man X 4 and 5, fresh from the Mega Man X legacy collections on the switch, preserving fond memories and playing experiences of classic platformers: loyal to the franchise with more content and minor tweaks.

Jonathan recounts the joy of pummeling a hundred evildoers to Nick in the new game Sifu, a mechanical masterpiece that is 100% loyal to the kung-fu theme.

Nick recounts his experiences with Crusader Kings 3, the Royal Court expansion, a bubbling pot of organic experiences in feudal mostly-Europe. Bring on the parade of wars, disinheritance, and assassin-nuns.

The Literate Gamer book club finishes the last book in the Dune series written by Frank Herbert, ChapterHouse Dune. A lot of weird ideas, strangely assembled; who can say they're surprised?

Nick and Jonathan discuss Icarus, a novel take on survival crafting, introducing a mission system, with pleasing results, though a bit of balance at the top is needed. Quite fun, and content updates are forthcoming.

Jonathan recounts the magnificence of Metroid Dread for the Nintendo Switch, a glorious sequel to Metroid Fusion: everything you want from a Metroid game, completely loyal to the franchise and gobs of fun to play!

The gang discusses Heretics of Dune, a welcome source of politics and action after God-Emperor, if unfocused, and full of more of the novel weirdness we've all come to expect from Frank Herbert.