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.
I'm excited to get more into movies down the road when I have a bit more down time (once the kiddos are a bit older and slightly more self sufficient).
However, deciding what movies to watch seems tough. Because I really don't love watching trailers because they spoil too much.
However, deciding what movies to watch seems tough. Because I really don't love watching trailers because they spoil too much.
January 4, 2026 at 2:58 AM
I'm excited to get more into movies down the road when I have a bit more down time (once the kiddos are a bit older and slightly more self sufficient).
However, deciding what movies to watch seems tough. Because I really don't love watching trailers because they spoil too much.
However, deciding what movies to watch seems tough. Because I really don't love watching trailers because they spoil too much.
I'm almost done with The BigNerdGaming Awards.
We are looking at 6500+ words.
My devotion to ranking things can never be questioned.
This isn't some bit. This isnt for clicks or SEO.
I'm just an unabashed sicko doing it for love of the game.
We are looking at 6500+ words.
My devotion to ranking things can never be questioned.
This isn't some bit. This isnt for clicks or SEO.
I'm just an unabashed sicko doing it for love of the game.
January 4, 2026 at 12:19 AM
I'm almost done with The BigNerdGaming Awards.
We are looking at 6500+ words.
My devotion to ranking things can never be questioned.
This isn't some bit. This isnt for clicks or SEO.
I'm just an unabashed sicko doing it for love of the game.
We are looking at 6500+ words.
My devotion to ranking things can never be questioned.
This isn't some bit. This isnt for clicks or SEO.
I'm just an unabashed sicko doing it for love of the game.
6ish hours into ff8.
Things that are starting to annoy me
-Im tired of constantly having to readjust junction/magic stuff as my party constantly changes
-Having to leave out a command ability is ridiculous
-Story does have a few interesting hooks but the pacing is not great
Things that are starting to annoy me
-Im tired of constantly having to readjust junction/magic stuff as my party constantly changes
-Having to leave out a command ability is ridiculous
-Story does have a few interesting hooks but the pacing is not great
January 3, 2026 at 11:03 PM
6ish hours into ff8.
Things that are starting to annoy me
-Im tired of constantly having to readjust junction/magic stuff as my party constantly changes
-Having to leave out a command ability is ridiculous
-Story does have a few interesting hooks but the pacing is not great
Things that are starting to annoy me
-Im tired of constantly having to readjust junction/magic stuff as my party constantly changes
-Having to leave out a command ability is ridiculous
-Story does have a few interesting hooks but the pacing is not great
There were 211 games in 2025 that had an 80 or higher on Opencritic.
That is the most in the history of Opencritic.
Imagine not realizing that we are in a gaming golden age. Couldn't be me.
That is the most in the history of Opencritic.
Imagine not realizing that we are in a gaming golden age. Couldn't be me.
January 2, 2026 at 9:33 PM
There were 211 games in 2025 that had an 80 or higher on Opencritic.
That is the most in the history of Opencritic.
Imagine not realizing that we are in a gaming golden age. Couldn't be me.
That is the most in the history of Opencritic.
Imagine not realizing that we are in a gaming golden age. Couldn't be me.
Reposted by Westen- BigNerdGaming
Algorithms/timing be damned! Here’s my first review of 2026!
Monstro Maestro is a 2D action-platformer with solid gameplay, a charming art style, and a fantastic soundtrack.
sightingames.wordpress.com/2026/01/02/r...
Monstro Maestro is a 2D action-platformer with solid gameplay, a charming art style, and a fantastic soundtrack.
sightingames.wordpress.com/2026/01/02/r...
Review – Monstro Maestro
Enter a haunted mansion in search of your missing band mates in this 2D action-platformer.
sightingames.wordpress.com
January 2, 2026 at 7:58 PM
Algorithms/timing be damned! Here’s my first review of 2026!
Monstro Maestro is a 2D action-platformer with solid gameplay, a charming art style, and a fantastic soundtrack.
sightingames.wordpress.com/2026/01/02/r...
Monstro Maestro is a 2D action-platformer with solid gameplay, a charming art style, and a fantastic soundtrack.
sightingames.wordpress.com/2026/01/02/r...
Reposted by Westen- BigNerdGaming
In the first of a new monthly series of articles @gaminginthewild.bsky.social runs down his most anticipated releases for January 2026!
somanygames.co.uk/articles/ind...
somanygames.co.uk/articles/ind...
January 2, 2026 at 6:26 PM
In the first of a new monthly series of articles @gaminginthewild.bsky.social runs down his most anticipated releases for January 2026!
somanygames.co.uk/articles/ind...
somanygames.co.uk/articles/ind...
If I worked for The Gamer my next blog title would be
"Was SOMA Expedition 33 before Expedition 33 was Expedition 33?"
"Was SOMA Expedition 33 before Expedition 33 was Expedition 33?"
One last thought on SOMA...
It has a lot of surprising thematic similarities to Expedition 33, funny enough.
I've been thinking about SOMA's ending all morning!
It has a lot of surprising thematic similarities to Expedition 33, funny enough.
I've been thinking about SOMA's ending all morning!
Game #1 of 2026 completed: SOMA
A game that Is as fascinating as it is frustrating. As much as I hated playing SOMA sometimes, the story kept me going. And the ending did not disappoint in the slightest. Wow. That was AWESOME
A game that Is as fascinating as it is frustrating. As much as I hated playing SOMA sometimes, the story kept me going. And the ending did not disappoint in the slightest. Wow. That was AWESOME
January 2, 2026 at 3:27 PM
If I worked for The Gamer my next blog title would be
"Was SOMA Expedition 33 before Expedition 33 was Expedition 33?"
"Was SOMA Expedition 33 before Expedition 33 was Expedition 33?"
One last thought on SOMA...
It has a lot of surprising thematic similarities to Expedition 33, funny enough.
I've been thinking about SOMA's ending all morning!
It has a lot of surprising thematic similarities to Expedition 33, funny enough.
I've been thinking about SOMA's ending all morning!
Game #1 of 2026 completed: SOMA
A game that Is as fascinating as it is frustrating. As much as I hated playing SOMA sometimes, the story kept me going. And the ending did not disappoint in the slightest. Wow. That was AWESOME
A game that Is as fascinating as it is frustrating. As much as I hated playing SOMA sometimes, the story kept me going. And the ending did not disappoint in the slightest. Wow. That was AWESOME
January 2, 2026 at 2:36 PM
One last thought on SOMA...
It has a lot of surprising thematic similarities to Expedition 33, funny enough.
I've been thinking about SOMA's ending all morning!
It has a lot of surprising thematic similarities to Expedition 33, funny enough.
I've been thinking about SOMA's ending all morning!
Game #1 of 2026 completed: SOMA
A game that Is as fascinating as it is frustrating. As much as I hated playing SOMA sometimes, the story kept me going. And the ending did not disappoint in the slightest. Wow. That was AWESOME
A game that Is as fascinating as it is frustrating. As much as I hated playing SOMA sometimes, the story kept me going. And the ending did not disappoint in the slightest. Wow. That was AWESOME
January 2, 2026 at 4:52 AM
Game #1 of 2026 completed: SOMA
A game that Is as fascinating as it is frustrating. As much as I hated playing SOMA sometimes, the story kept me going. And the ending did not disappoint in the slightest. Wow. That was AWESOME
A game that Is as fascinating as it is frustrating. As much as I hated playing SOMA sometimes, the story kept me going. And the ending did not disappoint in the slightest. Wow. That was AWESOME
Last bump. Appreciate the support as always.
Next week might be the biggest week in BigNerdGaming history.
-The 2025 BigNerdGaming Awards
-BNG Pod Top 10 Games of 2025
-Blog post with my personal top 10 of 2025.
Should be fun!
Next week might be the biggest week in BigNerdGaming history.
-The 2025 BigNerdGaming Awards
-BNG Pod Top 10 Games of 2025
-Blog post with my personal top 10 of 2025.
Should be fun!
This is one of my biggest projects each year.
My top 20 moments of 2025. 14 games. Over 5100 words.
No one (as far as I know) goes harder on a favorite moments list than me!
I avoided spoilers in any pictures or titles so it's easy to scroll through.
bignerdgaming.com/2026/01/01/b...
My top 20 moments of 2025. 14 games. Over 5100 words.
No one (as far as I know) goes harder on a favorite moments list than me!
I avoided spoilers in any pictures or titles so it's easy to scroll through.
bignerdgaming.com/2026/01/01/b...
BigNerdGaming’s Top 20 Moments of 2025
This is probably my second favorite post I do every year. As great as it is talking about the characteristics of different video games, there’s something extra special about diving deep and e…
bignerdgaming.com
January 1, 2026 at 10:51 PM
Last bump. Appreciate the support as always.
Next week might be the biggest week in BigNerdGaming history.
-The 2025 BigNerdGaming Awards
-BNG Pod Top 10 Games of 2025
-Blog post with my personal top 10 of 2025.
Should be fun!
Next week might be the biggest week in BigNerdGaming history.
-The 2025 BigNerdGaming Awards
-BNG Pod Top 10 Games of 2025
-Blog post with my personal top 10 of 2025.
Should be fun!
Reposted by Westen- BigNerdGaming
Dear gamers, we're proud to announce:
THE 2025 GOTYEE AWARDS as presented by the GOAT of GOATS, the GOUDA BOI himself: Manny "Manchego" the GOTY goat with the greatest goatee in gaming
We guarantee these game awards won't be like any others you've seen...
Read: www.deargamers.net/features/the...
THE 2025 GOTYEE AWARDS as presented by the GOAT of GOATS, the GOUDA BOI himself: Manny "Manchego" the GOTY goat with the greatest goatee in gaming
We guarantee these game awards won't be like any others you've seen...
Read: www.deargamers.net/features/the...
January 1, 2026 at 5:56 PM
Dear gamers, we're proud to announce:
THE 2025 GOTYEE AWARDS as presented by the GOAT of GOATS, the GOUDA BOI himself: Manny "Manchego" the GOTY goat with the greatest goatee in gaming
We guarantee these game awards won't be like any others you've seen...
Read: www.deargamers.net/features/the...
THE 2025 GOTYEE AWARDS as presented by the GOAT of GOATS, the GOUDA BOI himself: Manny "Manchego" the GOTY goat with the greatest goatee in gaming
We guarantee these game awards won't be like any others you've seen...
Read: www.deargamers.net/features/the...
Games featured
-Assassin's Creed: Shadows
-Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
-Death Stranding 2
-Despelote
-Dispatch
-Ghost of Yotei
-Hades 2
-Hollow Knight: Silksong
-Kingdom Come: Deliverance II
-Mafia: The Old Country
-Rematch
-The Seance of Blake Manor
-Split Fiction
-Wanderstop
-Assassin's Creed: Shadows
-Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
-Death Stranding 2
-Despelote
-Dispatch
-Ghost of Yotei
-Hades 2
-Hollow Knight: Silksong
-Kingdom Come: Deliverance II
-Mafia: The Old Country
-Rematch
-The Seance of Blake Manor
-Split Fiction
-Wanderstop
This is one of my biggest projects each year.
My top 20 moments of 2025. 14 games. Over 5100 words.
No one (as far as I know) goes harder on a favorite moments list than me!
I avoided spoilers in any pictures or titles so it's easy to scroll through.
bignerdgaming.com/2026/01/01/b...
My top 20 moments of 2025. 14 games. Over 5100 words.
No one (as far as I know) goes harder on a favorite moments list than me!
I avoided spoilers in any pictures or titles so it's easy to scroll through.
bignerdgaming.com/2026/01/01/b...
BigNerdGaming’s Top 20 Moments of 2025
This is probably my second favorite post I do every year. As great as it is talking about the characteristics of different video games, there’s something extra special about diving deep and e…
bignerdgaming.com
January 1, 2026 at 6:01 PM
Games featured
-Assassin's Creed: Shadows
-Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
-Death Stranding 2
-Despelote
-Dispatch
-Ghost of Yotei
-Hades 2
-Hollow Knight: Silksong
-Kingdom Come: Deliverance II
-Mafia: The Old Country
-Rematch
-The Seance of Blake Manor
-Split Fiction
-Wanderstop
-Assassin's Creed: Shadows
-Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
-Death Stranding 2
-Despelote
-Dispatch
-Ghost of Yotei
-Hades 2
-Hollow Knight: Silksong
-Kingdom Come: Deliverance II
-Mafia: The Old Country
-Rematch
-The Seance of Blake Manor
-Split Fiction
-Wanderstop
This is one of my biggest projects each year.
My top 20 moments of 2025. 14 games. Over 5100 words.
No one (as far as I know) goes harder on a favorite moments list than me!
I avoided spoilers in any pictures or titles so it's easy to scroll through.
bignerdgaming.com/2026/01/01/b...
My top 20 moments of 2025. 14 games. Over 5100 words.
No one (as far as I know) goes harder on a favorite moments list than me!
I avoided spoilers in any pictures or titles so it's easy to scroll through.
bignerdgaming.com/2026/01/01/b...
BigNerdGaming’s Top 20 Moments of 2025
This is probably my second favorite post I do every year. As great as it is talking about the characteristics of different video games, there’s something extra special about diving deep and e…
bignerdgaming.com
January 1, 2026 at 3:12 PM
This is one of my biggest projects each year.
My top 20 moments of 2025. 14 games. Over 5100 words.
No one (as far as I know) goes harder on a favorite moments list than me!
I avoided spoilers in any pictures or titles so it's easy to scroll through.
bignerdgaming.com/2026/01/01/b...
My top 20 moments of 2025. 14 games. Over 5100 words.
No one (as far as I know) goes harder on a favorite moments list than me!
I avoided spoilers in any pictures or titles so it's easy to scroll through.
bignerdgaming.com/2026/01/01/b...
It's crazy how just stumbling on any random shot of Expedition 33 can immediately take me back to some vivid memories from that game.
I can hear the campfire music and the voices of Verso and Esquie so clearly seeing this. And I feel transported to that world all over again.
I can hear the campfire music and the voices of Verso and Esquie so clearly seeing this. And I feel transported to that world all over again.
January 1, 2026 at 1:52 AM
It's crazy how just stumbling on any random shot of Expedition 33 can immediately take me back to some vivid memories from that game.
I can hear the campfire music and the voices of Verso and Esquie so clearly seeing this. And I feel transported to that world all over again.
I can hear the campfire music and the voices of Verso and Esquie so clearly seeing this. And I feel transported to that world all over again.
Holy shit. It's done.
Over 5000 words. 20 moments. 14 games.
Debating whether to post this tomorrow, as I'm a bit worried it'll get lost in the shuffle on new years day. But you will definitely see it this week, and I'm excited about it!
Over 5000 words. 20 moments. 14 games.
Debating whether to post this tomorrow, as I'm a bit worried it'll get lost in the shuffle on new years day. But you will definitely see it this week, and I'm excited about it!
December 31, 2025 at 10:57 PM
Holy shit. It's done.
Over 5000 words. 20 moments. 14 games.
Debating whether to post this tomorrow, as I'm a bit worried it'll get lost in the shuffle on new years day. But you will definitely see it this week, and I'm excited about it!
Over 5000 words. 20 moments. 14 games.
Debating whether to post this tomorrow, as I'm a bit worried it'll get lost in the shuffle on new years day. But you will definitely see it this week, and I'm excited about it!
Reposted by Westen- BigNerdGaming
The final 2025 article of 1UP Vault takes a look at my top 20 heroes of the year, from icons to new heroes we had a stacked year of great characters to celebrate!
#gamesky #happynewyear #videogames
#gamesky #happynewyear #videogames
My Top 20 Heroes of 2025
2025 Gaming Retrospective
open.substack.com
December 31, 2025 at 3:59 PM
The final 2025 article of 1UP Vault takes a look at my top 20 heroes of the year, from icons to new heroes we had a stacked year of great characters to celebrate!
#gamesky #happynewyear #videogames
#gamesky #happynewyear #videogames
Reposted by Westen- BigNerdGaming
Well, here we are, the last day of 2025!
It certainly has been a rollercoaster of a year, but we've done it! Before we close out 2025, I just wanted to thank everyone who has supported me and my content throughout the year. I appreciate all of it so much. 💖 Here's to more quests in 2026! 🥳
It certainly has been a rollercoaster of a year, but we've done it! Before we close out 2025, I just wanted to thank everyone who has supported me and my content throughout the year. I appreciate all of it so much. 💖 Here's to more quests in 2026! 🥳
2025 Gaming Recap: Cosy Moments and Highlights at Leekscosycorner
The year is wrapping up quickly as Christmas approaches, and I’ve taken some time to reflect on a journey filled with growth, creativity, and surprises. Despite the challenges, it has been an…
leekscosycorner.com
December 31, 2025 at 5:37 PM
Well, here we are, the last day of 2025!
It certainly has been a rollercoaster of a year, but we've done it! Before we close out 2025, I just wanted to thank everyone who has supported me and my content throughout the year. I appreciate all of it so much. 💖 Here's to more quests in 2026! 🥳
It certainly has been a rollercoaster of a year, but we've done it! Before we close out 2025, I just wanted to thank everyone who has supported me and my content throughout the year. I appreciate all of it so much. 💖 Here's to more quests in 2026! 🥳
Some of my favorite gaming related "IRL" pics this year!
-Waking up at 4am to get Expedition 33 in on launch day before the child woke up
-Gaming with my daughter + dog
-Getting my Steam Deck
-Playing Pipistrello at the hospital when everyone was sleeping the morning after ny 2nd child was born.
-Waking up at 4am to get Expedition 33 in on launch day before the child woke up
-Gaming with my daughter + dog
-Getting my Steam Deck
-Playing Pipistrello at the hospital when everyone was sleeping the morning after ny 2nd child was born.
December 31, 2025 at 4:18 PM
Some of my favorite gaming related "IRL" pics this year!
-Waking up at 4am to get Expedition 33 in on launch day before the child woke up
-Gaming with my daughter + dog
-Getting my Steam Deck
-Playing Pipistrello at the hospital when everyone was sleeping the morning after ny 2nd child was born.
-Waking up at 4am to get Expedition 33 in on launch day before the child woke up
-Gaming with my daughter + dog
-Getting my Steam Deck
-Playing Pipistrello at the hospital when everyone was sleeping the morning after ny 2nd child was born.
I'm not posting my top 4 most anticipated on here because I'm doing a blog post for that in a few weeks.
Last year I did 15... looking at a lot of the games I'm seeing people post, I feel like I could easily do a 25 most anticipated this year.
Video games. They are good.
Last year I did 15... looking at a lot of the games I'm seeing people post, I feel like I could easily do a 25 most anticipated this year.
Video games. They are good.
December 31, 2025 at 2:21 PM
I'm not posting my top 4 most anticipated on here because I'm doing a blog post for that in a few weeks.
Last year I did 15... looking at a lot of the games I'm seeing people post, I feel like I could easily do a 25 most anticipated this year.
Video games. They are good.
Last year I did 15... looking at a lot of the games I'm seeing people post, I feel like I could easily do a 25 most anticipated this year.
Video games. They are good.
2026 has some of the most gorgeous Metroidvanias I've ever seen.
-MIO: Memories in Orbit
-The Eternal Life of Goldman
-Chronoscript: The Endless End
-MIO: Memories in Orbit
-The Eternal Life of Goldman
-Chronoscript: The Endless End
December 31, 2025 at 3:34 AM
2026 has some of the most gorgeous Metroidvanias I've ever seen.
-MIO: Memories in Orbit
-The Eternal Life of Goldman
-Chronoscript: The Endless End
-MIO: Memories in Orbit
-The Eternal Life of Goldman
-Chronoscript: The Endless End
Just failed a step action with a 90% success rate in Octopath 0.
That seems impossible. I should always have success on a 90%. This is disgusting.
That seems impossible. I should always have success on a 90%. This is disgusting.
December 31, 2025 at 3:15 AM
Just failed a step action with a 90% success rate in Octopath 0.
That seems impossible. I should always have success on a 90%. This is disgusting.
That seems impossible. I should always have success on a 90%. This is disgusting.
I've posted about it before but it's crazy how much this has enhanced my bsky experience. Im missing less posts from friends and actually organically discovering new people. Its great!
Wanted to recommend it 1 last time because it really is exactly what this site needed
Wanted to recommend it 1 last time because it really is exactly what this site needed
Enjoying the For You feed? Give it a like ♡ to help more people discover it: bsky.app/profile/did:...
The more people use it -> the more feedback we get -> the better we can make it for you.
The more people use it -> the more feedback we get -> the better we can make it for you.
December 30, 2025 at 9:57 PM
I've posted about it before but it's crazy how much this has enhanced my bsky experience. Im missing less posts from friends and actually organically discovering new people. Its great!
Wanted to recommend it 1 last time because it really is exactly what this site needed
Wanted to recommend it 1 last time because it really is exactly what this site needed
I cant believe I'm saying this, but I think my one man operation can surpass 100k next year. 2025 was wild!
I truly never expected to see these kinds of numbers. Hopefully video game publishers start respecting me more in 2026 😭
Thank you so much for every click and comment!
I truly never expected to see these kinds of numbers. Hopefully video game publishers start respecting me more in 2026 😭
Thank you so much for every click and comment!
December 30, 2025 at 5:31 PM
I cant believe I'm saying this, but I think my one man operation can surpass 100k next year. 2025 was wild!
I truly never expected to see these kinds of numbers. Hopefully video game publishers start respecting me more in 2026 😭
Thank you so much for every click and comment!
I truly never expected to see these kinds of numbers. Hopefully video game publishers start respecting me more in 2026 😭
Thank you so much for every click and comment!
Was debating what game to put into the rotation after SOMA.
Decided on Control.
Beat it in 2019, but I was renting it, so I kinda rushed through it. I loved it, but it was pretty buggy at the time too.
Very hyped for Resonant so a plot refresher seems in order! Hoping its been patched up too!
Decided on Control.
Beat it in 2019, but I was renting it, so I kinda rushed through it. I loved it, but it was pretty buggy at the time too.
Very hyped for Resonant so a plot refresher seems in order! Hoping its been patched up too!
December 30, 2025 at 2:32 PM
Was debating what game to put into the rotation after SOMA.
Decided on Control.
Beat it in 2019, but I was renting it, so I kinda rushed through it. I loved it, but it was pretty buggy at the time too.
Very hyped for Resonant so a plot refresher seems in order! Hoping its been patched up too!
Decided on Control.
Beat it in 2019, but I was renting it, so I kinda rushed through it. I loved it, but it was pretty buggy at the time too.
Very hyped for Resonant so a plot refresher seems in order! Hoping its been patched up too!
No Blue Prince fans called me out for this line yesterday.
You were supposed to be mad.
Now I'm mad instead.
😡
You were supposed to be mad.
Now I'm mad instead.
😡
December 30, 2025 at 2:23 PM
No Blue Prince fans called me out for this line yesterday.
You were supposed to be mad.
Now I'm mad instead.
😡
You were supposed to be mad.
Now I'm mad instead.
😡