Westen- BigNerdGaming
@bignerdgaming.bsky.social
Gaming Takes, Ranks, and Lists from a big ol' nerd. New posts twice a week.
email me at BigNerdGamingtakes@gmail.com
www.bignerdgaming.com
email me at BigNerdGamingtakes@gmail.com
www.bignerdgaming.com
Pinned
Get to know me:
-My name is Westen
-I'm a mid 30s dad.
-My wife rulez
-I started this gaming blog because I was having an existential crisis and I needed a distraction from the inevitably of death
-I love ranking stuff!
-Please follow me otherwise I will think about how close to death I am.
-My name is Westen
-I'm a mid 30s dad.
-My wife rulez
-I started this gaming blog because I was having an existential crisis and I needed a distraction from the inevitably of death
-I love ranking stuff!
-Please follow me otherwise I will think about how close to death I am.
Last bump. Appreciate the support as always!
Coming later this week... my most anticipated games of 2026.
Also potentially recording the first BNG "mini pod" this week!
Coming later this week... my most anticipated games of 2026.
Also potentially recording the first BNG "mini pod" this week!
It's time for one of my most ridiculous articles to date.
I'm predicting almost all of the 2026 Game Awards nominees in January!
It's insane... but it's fun as well. I think it also serves as a great preview for what is to come in 2026. Check it out!
bignerdgaming.com/2026/01/17/m...
I'm predicting almost all of the 2026 Game Awards nominees in January!
It's insane... but it's fun as well. I think it also serves as a great preview for what is to come in 2026. Check it out!
bignerdgaming.com/2026/01/17/m...
My WAY WAY Too Early 2026 Game Awards Nominee Predictions
For the last two years, I have done something that I consider to be truly sick. I have attempted to predict most of The Game Awards nominees a bit after Summer Game Fest. This is a very difficult t…
bignerdgaming.com
January 19, 2026 at 10:42 PM
Last bump. Appreciate the support as always!
Coming later this week... my most anticipated games of 2026.
Also potentially recording the first BNG "mini pod" this week!
Coming later this week... my most anticipated games of 2026.
Also potentially recording the first BNG "mini pod" this week!
By far the toughest category to predict is "Best Indie", where there are almost no release dates and games can come out of nowhere.
But I like my predictions a lot. Outside of Witchbrook, theres a lot of good dev track records here, and then Mistria has had an amazing early access.
But I like my predictions a lot. Outside of Witchbrook, theres a lot of good dev track records here, and then Mistria has had an amazing early access.
January 19, 2026 at 6:11 PM
By far the toughest category to predict is "Best Indie", where there are almost no release dates and games can come out of nowhere.
But I like my predictions a lot. Outside of Witchbrook, theres a lot of good dev track records here, and then Mistria has had an amazing early access.
But I like my predictions a lot. Outside of Witchbrook, theres a lot of good dev track records here, and then Mistria has had an amazing early access.
This will be the third consecutive year that I'm kicking off the year with a Metroidvania for new releases.
Kinda want this to be a tradition going forward. January Metroidvanias forever!
Kinda want this to be a tradition going forward. January Metroidvanias forever!
January 19, 2026 at 4:54 PM
This will be the third consecutive year that I'm kicking off the year with a Metroidvania for new releases.
Kinda want this to be a tradition going forward. January Metroidvanias forever!
Kinda want this to be a tradition going forward. January Metroidvanias forever!
It's time for one of my most ridiculous articles to date.
I'm predicting almost all of the 2026 Game Awards nominees in January!
It's insane... but it's fun as well. I think it also serves as a great preview for what is to come in 2026. Check it out!
bignerdgaming.com/2026/01/17/m...
I'm predicting almost all of the 2026 Game Awards nominees in January!
It's insane... but it's fun as well. I think it also serves as a great preview for what is to come in 2026. Check it out!
bignerdgaming.com/2026/01/17/m...
My WAY WAY Too Early 2026 Game Awards Nominee Predictions
For the last two years, I have done something that I consider to be truly sick. I have attempted to predict most of The Game Awards nominees a bit after Summer Game Fest. This is a very difficult t…
bignerdgaming.com
January 19, 2026 at 2:59 PM
It's time for one of my most ridiculous articles to date.
I'm predicting almost all of the 2026 Game Awards nominees in January!
It's insane... but it's fun as well. I think it also serves as a great preview for what is to come in 2026. Check it out!
bignerdgaming.com/2026/01/17/m...
I'm predicting almost all of the 2026 Game Awards nominees in January!
It's insane... but it's fun as well. I think it also serves as a great preview for what is to come in 2026. Check it out!
bignerdgaming.com/2026/01/17/m...
BIG NEWS.
Used my mini writing hiatus to uhhh write a little.
FINALLY updated my top 10 games of the 2020s and top 10 indies of the 2020s since they both get some Google traffic. Indies had way more major updates
bignerdgaming.com/2025/07/25/b...
Used my mini writing hiatus to uhhh write a little.
FINALLY updated my top 10 games of the 2020s and top 10 indies of the 2020s since they both get some Google traffic. Indies had way more major updates
bignerdgaming.com/2025/07/25/b...
BigNerdGaming’s Top 10 Indie Games of the 2020s So Far
I always want to stipulate something before I highlight indie games. I don’t ever have indie game liste because indie games are “lesser than” and need their own category to stand …
bignerdgaming.com
January 18, 2026 at 2:53 PM
BIG NEWS.
Used my mini writing hiatus to uhhh write a little.
FINALLY updated my top 10 games of the 2020s and top 10 indies of the 2020s since they both get some Google traffic. Indies had way more major updates
bignerdgaming.com/2025/07/25/b...
Used my mini writing hiatus to uhhh write a little.
FINALLY updated my top 10 games of the 2020s and top 10 indies of the 2020s since they both get some Google traffic. Indies had way more major updates
bignerdgaming.com/2025/07/25/b...
I just discovered that it's "BioShock" and not "Bioshock".
Only took me roughly 20 years.
Only took me roughly 20 years.
January 17, 2026 at 8:04 PM
I just discovered that it's "BioShock" and not "Bioshock".
Only took me roughly 20 years.
Only took me roughly 20 years.
Wow. I've enjoyed the citybuilding in Octopath 0 in large part because the game rolls everything out pretty slowly so it really eases you in and isn't overwhelming.
Finally, after 45 hours they just drop a bomb of options on you. Incredible. CINEMA.
The true Suikoden successor is here.
Finally, after 45 hours they just drop a bomb of options on you. Incredible. CINEMA.
The true Suikoden successor is here.
January 17, 2026 at 2:02 PM
Wow. I've enjoyed the citybuilding in Octopath 0 in large part because the game rolls everything out pretty slowly so it really eases you in and isn't overwhelming.
Finally, after 45 hours they just drop a bomb of options on you. Incredible. CINEMA.
The true Suikoden successor is here.
Finally, after 45 hours they just drop a bomb of options on you. Incredible. CINEMA.
The true Suikoden successor is here.
Reposted by Westen- BigNerdGaming
My Issues With Metroid Prime 4 Probably Aren't Your Issues
YouTube video by The Stage Select
youtu.be
January 17, 2026 at 2:36 AM
Console warriors celebrating when their favorite brand sold the most consoles in a given month.
January 17, 2026 at 12:13 AM
Console warriors celebrating when their favorite brand sold the most consoles in a given month.
The popularity of extraction shooters and battle royales in the MP market is kind of wild to me.
Like, I understand the appeal. Ive had some fun in both.
But BACK IN MY DAY we liked to spend more time shooting over wandering and looting in our MP games.
Like, I understand the appeal. Ive had some fun in both.
But BACK IN MY DAY we liked to spend more time shooting over wandering and looting in our MP games.
January 16, 2026 at 11:15 PM
The popularity of extraction shooters and battle royales in the MP market is kind of wild to me.
Like, I understand the appeal. Ive had some fun in both.
But BACK IN MY DAY we liked to spend more time shooting over wandering and looting in our MP games.
Like, I understand the appeal. Ive had some fun in both.
But BACK IN MY DAY we liked to spend more time shooting over wandering and looting in our MP games.
I have enjoyed the "gaming offseason" but I'm starting to jones for some new releases...
In the next 3 weeks, I expect to be overwhelmed with the amount of great new games coming all over again
In the next 3 weeks, I expect to be overwhelmed with the amount of great new games coming all over again
January 16, 2026 at 6:43 PM
I have enjoyed the "gaming offseason" but I'm starting to jones for some new releases...
In the next 3 weeks, I expect to be overwhelmed with the amount of great new games coming all over again
In the next 3 weeks, I expect to be overwhelmed with the amount of great new games coming all over again
I don't like when a game has deep themes, but then tries to very directly give you the big questions it wants you to think about.
I prefer to be guided to that discussion in more indirect ways.
It's kind of like when a game gives you a puzzle solution before you've even had time to think about it.
I prefer to be guided to that discussion in more indirect ways.
It's kind of like when a game gives you a puzzle solution before you've even had time to think about it.
January 15, 2026 at 9:48 PM
I don't like when a game has deep themes, but then tries to very directly give you the big questions it wants you to think about.
I prefer to be guided to that discussion in more indirect ways.
It's kind of like when a game gives you a puzzle solution before you've even had time to think about it.
I prefer to be guided to that discussion in more indirect ways.
It's kind of like when a game gives you a puzzle solution before you've even had time to think about it.
Four video games that changed my life
January 15, 2026 at 9:42 PM
Four video games that changed my life
It has been a week since I posted my top 10 games of 2025.
Im nearing the midwayish point of Octopath 0 now. And I'm starting to think I'm going to have to promote it to top 5.
I can't believe how in love with it I am.
bignerdgaming.com/2026/01/09/b...
Im nearing the midwayish point of Octopath 0 now. And I'm starting to think I'm going to have to promote it to top 5.
I can't believe how in love with it I am.
bignerdgaming.com/2026/01/09/b...
BigNerdGaming’s Top 10 Games of 2025
As much work as I put into all of my various 2025 lists, there really is nothing else like a plain old year end top 10. I can make a million different types of weird lists to hype various games up,…
bignerdgaming.com
January 15, 2026 at 6:07 PM
It has been a week since I posted my top 10 games of 2025.
Im nearing the midwayish point of Octopath 0 now. And I'm starting to think I'm going to have to promote it to top 5.
I can't believe how in love with it I am.
bignerdgaming.com/2026/01/09/b...
Im nearing the midwayish point of Octopath 0 now. And I'm starting to think I'm going to have to promote it to top 5.
I can't believe how in love with it I am.
bignerdgaming.com/2026/01/09/b...
Most of the people who complain about Bluesky and move on to a different "microblogging" sites end up complaining about whatever one they move on to as well. Seen it so many times.
Inevitably, if you don't use it right, social media really is incredibly unhealthy for many. Across all platforms.
Inevitably, if you don't use it right, social media really is incredibly unhealthy for many. Across all platforms.
January 15, 2026 at 2:37 PM
Most of the people who complain about Bluesky and move on to a different "microblogging" sites end up complaining about whatever one they move on to as well. Seen it so many times.
Inevitably, if you don't use it right, social media really is incredibly unhealthy for many. Across all platforms.
Inevitably, if you don't use it right, social media really is incredibly unhealthy for many. Across all platforms.
Last bump. Appreciate the support!
Coming soon to the pod... mini-eps that dive into 1 topic for 20 mins or less. Excited to experiment with that in the coming weeks!
Coming next week for the blog, my most anticipated games of 2026 AND
My WAY WAY too early 2026 Game Awards predictions lol
Coming soon to the pod... mini-eps that dive into 1 topic for 20 mins or less. Excited to experiment with that in the coming weeks!
Coming next week for the blog, my most anticipated games of 2026 AND
My WAY WAY too early 2026 Game Awards predictions lol
Episode 5 of The Big Nerd Gaming Podcast is here with @cognitiveclips.bsky.social!
It's the BNG + Friends top 10 games of 2025, done in the "Kinda Funny" style.
There are... a lot of ties. And a lot of games I wasn't happy about 😭.
Also on Spotify and Apple!
youtu.be/YUjXRP1q9Go?...
It's the BNG + Friends top 10 games of 2025, done in the "Kinda Funny" style.
There are... a lot of ties. And a lot of games I wasn't happy about 😭.
Also on Spotify and Apple!
youtu.be/YUjXRP1q9Go?...
BigNerdGaming (And Friends) Top 10 Games of 2025: Episode 5
YouTube video by BigNerdGaming
youtu.be
January 14, 2026 at 11:31 PM
Last bump. Appreciate the support!
Coming soon to the pod... mini-eps that dive into 1 topic for 20 mins or less. Excited to experiment with that in the coming weeks!
Coming next week for the blog, my most anticipated games of 2026 AND
My WAY WAY too early 2026 Game Awards predictions lol
Coming soon to the pod... mini-eps that dive into 1 topic for 20 mins or less. Excited to experiment with that in the coming weeks!
Coming next week for the blog, my most anticipated games of 2026 AND
My WAY WAY too early 2026 Game Awards predictions lol
Reposted by Westen- BigNerdGaming
Weekly newsletter is out! This time I'm talking about four of my favorite gaming experiences from 2025.
"To play a game is to feel a game and it's a sad thing to waste all that feeling on stories that don't land the hits on time."
www.thecrossoverappeal.com/january-14-h...
"To play a game is to feel a game and it's a sad thing to waste all that feeling on stories that don't land the hits on time."
www.thecrossoverappeal.com/january-14-h...
January 14: Hammock in a Deprivation Tank
I don't want to say that because the games are good, things will be all right. But what I will say is that because the games are good, I am all right. Or at least, I can be for a while.
www.thecrossoverappeal.com
January 14, 2026 at 1:54 PM
Weekly newsletter is out! This time I'm talking about four of my favorite gaming experiences from 2025.
"To play a game is to feel a game and it's a sad thing to waste all that feeling on stories that don't land the hits on time."
www.thecrossoverappeal.com/january-14-h...
"To play a game is to feel a game and it's a sad thing to waste all that feeling on stories that don't land the hits on time."
www.thecrossoverappeal.com/january-14-h...
One of the most compelling aspects of Expedition 33 isn't just playing the game.
I have had some of the most interesting gaming conversations in my life thanks to this game. I learn something deep about people every time.
youtube.com/shorts/J0twV...
I have had some of the most interesting gaming conversations in my life thanks to this game. I learn something deep about people every time.
youtube.com/shorts/J0twV...
January 14, 2026 at 6:31 PM
One of the most compelling aspects of Expedition 33 isn't just playing the game.
I have had some of the most interesting gaming conversations in my life thanks to this game. I learn something deep about people every time.
youtube.com/shorts/J0twV...
I have had some of the most interesting gaming conversations in my life thanks to this game. I learn something deep about people every time.
youtube.com/shorts/J0twV...
QRP with your GOTY for each year of the 2020s so far:
2025: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
2024: Final Fantasy 7: Rebirth
2023: Final Fantasy 16
2022: Chained Echoes
2021: It Takes Two
2020: Cyberpunk 2077
2025: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
2024: Final Fantasy 7: Rebirth
2023: Final Fantasy 16
2022: Chained Echoes
2021: It Takes Two
2020: Cyberpunk 2077
January 14, 2026 at 4:03 PM
QRP with your GOTY for each year of the 2020s so far:
2025: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
2024: Final Fantasy 7: Rebirth
2023: Final Fantasy 16
2022: Chained Echoes
2021: It Takes Two
2020: Cyberpunk 2077
2025: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
2024: Final Fantasy 7: Rebirth
2023: Final Fantasy 16
2022: Chained Echoes
2021: It Takes Two
2020: Cyberpunk 2077
Reposted by Westen- BigNerdGaming
Episode 5 of The Big Nerd Gaming Podcast is here with @cognitiveclips.bsky.social!
It's the BNG + Friends top 10 games of 2025, done in the "Kinda Funny" style.
There are... a lot of ties. And a lot of games I wasn't happy about 😭.
Also on Spotify and Apple!
youtu.be/YUjXRP1q9Go?...
It's the BNG + Friends top 10 games of 2025, done in the "Kinda Funny" style.
There are... a lot of ties. And a lot of games I wasn't happy about 😭.
Also on Spotify and Apple!
youtu.be/YUjXRP1q9Go?...
BigNerdGaming (And Friends) Top 10 Games of 2025: Episode 5
YouTube video by BigNerdGaming
youtu.be
January 14, 2026 at 3:25 PM
Episode 5 of The Big Nerd Gaming Podcast is here with @cognitiveclips.bsky.social!
It's the BNG + Friends top 10 games of 2025, done in the "Kinda Funny" style.
There are... a lot of ties. And a lot of games I wasn't happy about 😭.
Also on Spotify and Apple!
youtu.be/YUjXRP1q9Go?...
It's the BNG + Friends top 10 games of 2025, done in the "Kinda Funny" style.
There are... a lot of ties. And a lot of games I wasn't happy about 😭.
Also on Spotify and Apple!
youtu.be/YUjXRP1q9Go?...
BigNerdGaming (And Friends) Top 10 Games of 2025: Episode 5
YouTube video by BigNerdGaming
youtu.be
January 14, 2026 at 3:18 PM
Episode 5 of The Big Nerd Gaming Podcast is here with @cognitiveclips.bsky.social!
It's the BNG + Friends top 10 games of 2025, done in the "Kinda Funny" style.
There are... a lot of ties. And a lot of games I wasn't happy about 😭.
Also on Spotify and Apple!
youtu.be/YUjXRP1q9Go?...
It's the BNG + Friends top 10 games of 2025, done in the "Kinda Funny" style.
There are... a lot of ties. And a lot of games I wasn't happy about 😭.
Also on Spotify and Apple!
youtu.be/YUjXRP1q9Go?...
Here is how my Wishvale is coming along.
Octopath 0 might have my favorite JRPG citybuilder ever.
-Very customizable
-Easy to make it aesthetically pleasing
-Most importantly, it enhances the gameplay in a variety of ways.
Octopath 0 might have my favorite JRPG citybuilder ever.
-Very customizable
-Easy to make it aesthetically pleasing
-Most importantly, it enhances the gameplay in a variety of ways.
January 14, 2026 at 1:38 PM
Here is how my Wishvale is coming along.
Octopath 0 might have my favorite JRPG citybuilder ever.
-Very customizable
-Easy to make it aesthetically pleasing
-Most importantly, it enhances the gameplay in a variety of ways.
Octopath 0 might have my favorite JRPG citybuilder ever.
-Very customizable
-Easy to make it aesthetically pleasing
-Most importantly, it enhances the gameplay in a variety of ways.
Played pick up basketball tonight as usual on Tuesdays.
-Someone exploded up while I was above them and hit my chin with the top of their head, causing a cut and a fair bit of blood.
-Ran into someone full speed on a fast break, shoulder to shoulder, hurts like hell.
My wife thinks Im an idiot
-Someone exploded up while I was above them and hit my chin with the top of their head, causing a cut and a fair bit of blood.
-Ran into someone full speed on a fast break, shoulder to shoulder, hurts like hell.
My wife thinks Im an idiot
January 14, 2026 at 4:09 AM
Played pick up basketball tonight as usual on Tuesdays.
-Someone exploded up while I was above them and hit my chin with the top of their head, causing a cut and a fair bit of blood.
-Ran into someone full speed on a fast break, shoulder to shoulder, hurts like hell.
My wife thinks Im an idiot
-Someone exploded up while I was above them and hit my chin with the top of their head, causing a cut and a fair bit of blood.
-Ran into someone full speed on a fast break, shoulder to shoulder, hurts like hell.
My wife thinks Im an idiot
I have a probably with leaving games paused and on a lot, which makes all these year-end recaps almost entirely useless for me.
It's a heavy burden I bear.
It's a heavy burden I bear.
January 13, 2026 at 11:34 PM
I have a probably with leaving games paused and on a lot, which makes all these year-end recaps almost entirely useless for me.
It's a heavy burden I bear.
It's a heavy burden I bear.
Episode 5 of the BigNerdGaming Podcast launches tomorrow! It's the BigNerdGaming and Friends version of the top 10 games of 2025.
The games in that top 10 are... interesting. I can't say I was pleased with all of them 😭. I hope you'll check it out!
The games in that top 10 are... interesting. I can't say I was pleased with all of them 😭. I hope you'll check it out!
January 13, 2026 at 11:10 PM
Episode 5 of the BigNerdGaming Podcast launches tomorrow! It's the BigNerdGaming and Friends version of the top 10 games of 2025.
The games in that top 10 are... interesting. I can't say I was pleased with all of them 😭. I hope you'll check it out!
The games in that top 10 are... interesting. I can't say I was pleased with all of them 😭. I hope you'll check it out!