Zachary Reid
@dalkaen.bsky.social
Starting over on a new social media platform? In these 30s?
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Zachary Reid
@dalkaen.bsky.social
· Dec 31
The 2024 Video Game Retrospective
This marks my tenth year of writing these retrospectives. In 2014, when I wrote my very first of these entries, it was on the tail end of an...
www.everythingallofthetime.net
I've been writing retrospectives of the games I play all year for ten years now. For 2024, I wrote just a brief roundup of what I'd played amounting to a paltry 15,000 words. Please check it out below (and I understand if you just skim it). www.everythingallofthetime.net/2024/12/the-...
Reposted by Zachary Reid
USB
USB Type C
USB Type-0
USB-III: Lightning Returns
Dissidia USB-012: Duodecim
Kingdom Hearts USB: Universal Serial Bus
USB Type C
USB Type-0
USB-III: Lightning Returns
Dissidia USB-012: Duodecim
Kingdom Hearts USB: Universal Serial Bus
December 3, 2025 at 1:27 PM
USB
USB Type C
USB Type-0
USB-III: Lightning Returns
Dissidia USB-012: Duodecim
Kingdom Hearts USB: Universal Serial Bus
USB Type C
USB Type-0
USB-III: Lightning Returns
Dissidia USB-012: Duodecim
Kingdom Hearts USB: Universal Serial Bus
truly incredible how my job boils down to getting out of bed to interact with people on twitter who call me slurs
November 27, 2025 at 4:38 PM
truly incredible how my job boils down to getting out of bed to interact with people on twitter who call me slurs
I'm realizing that I probably talk to myself much more than average. I'm exactly the kind of person that would mutter aloud to himself "hmm, so I need to make sure I find a key for this door..." I'd make the perfect video game protagonist.
i think a good lesson for game devs would be to remember that people don't really talk to themselves. when they do, it's "ah fuck" or "really?" and, again, it's rare. i lived alone for many years and i am happy to consult on this. i DO talk to my cat, of course. you could put a cat in.
November 14, 2025 at 6:12 PM
I'm realizing that I probably talk to myself much more than average. I'm exactly the kind of person that would mutter aloud to himself "hmm, so I need to make sure I find a key for this door..." I'd make the perfect video game protagonist.
Reposted by Zachary Reid
If GenAI was truly “inevitable” and “the future,” you wouldn’t have rich executives putting out statements like this again and again. They know how unpopular it is (even as they’re ignorant of it crumbling around them), and keep trying to browbeat us into accepting it. They won’t succeed.
November 12, 2025 at 12:22 PM
If GenAI was truly “inevitable” and “the future,” you wouldn’t have rich executives putting out statements like this again and again. They know how unpopular it is (even as they’re ignorant of it crumbling around them), and keep trying to browbeat us into accepting it. They won’t succeed.
Reposted by Zachary Reid
Hello, not only do we not use AI we would rather cut off our own arms than do so. Demonschool is 100% human made.
“It’s important to assume every game company is now using AI.” Nexon CEO comments on role of human creativity as AI tools become the norm
automaton-media.com/en/news/its-...
automaton-media.com/en/news/its-...
“It’s important to assume every game company is now using AI.” Nexon CEO comments on role of human creativity as AI tools become the norm - AUTOMATON WEST
In an interview following the launch of ARC Raiders, the CEO of Embark Studios' parent company Nexon shares his views on AI.
automaton-media.com
November 12, 2025 at 3:36 AM
Hello, not only do we not use AI we would rather cut off our own arms than do so. Demonschool is 100% human made.
I've been so absorbed in this the past few nights that I felt surprisingly hollow when I reached the credits. I couldn't (and can't) stop thinking about how things would have progressed differently based on my choices. I would definitely like to play it again.
#45: Disco Elysium: It's really not often that I play a new game that I could potentially consider one of my favorite games of all time. Disco Elysium could certainly be on that list and it's crazy that I waited this long to play it. Dense, literary narrative. Immaculate role-playing and dialogue.
November 4, 2025 at 3:35 AM
I've been so absorbed in this the past few nights that I felt surprisingly hollow when I reached the credits. I couldn't (and can't) stop thinking about how things would have progressed differently based on my choices. I would definitely like to play it again.
I'm happy that trying out these old DS games has been bearing fruit in some cases. All have been interesting, at the very least, but Izuna 2's legitimately a fun roguelike. I don't love that the sexualized teen girl protagonist is ostensibly part of the selling point, but the gameplay's great.
#42: Izuna 2: The Unemployed Ninja Returns: This one really surprised me. The first game was a pretty barebones (but charming) traditional roguelike, but this one adds a tag mechanic, tons of new weapon types, like 10 playable characters, more levels, and jut about everything you'd want in a sequel.
October 20, 2025 at 8:40 PM
I'm happy that trying out these old DS games has been bearing fruit in some cases. All have been interesting, at the very least, but Izuna 2's legitimately a fun roguelike. I don't love that the sexualized teen girl protagonist is ostensibly part of the selling point, but the gameplay's great.
I have officially completed C. Viper's combo trials. They're insanely difficult, but breaking everything up into component pieces made them much more manageable. I wonder if I could ever play this character for real, though...
October 19, 2025 at 9:46 PM
I have officially completed C. Viper's combo trials. They're insanely difficult, but breaking everything up into component pieces made them much more manageable. I wonder if I could ever play this character for real, though...
Reposted by Zachary Reid
Why play Perfect Tides?
- If you liked the webcomic Octopus Pie you'll find a very similar narrative vibe.
- If you like point n' click adventures, it's been lauded as one of the best of the decade!
- If you are or once were a horny/scared teen, it's here for you.
- If you liked the webcomic Octopus Pie you'll find a very similar narrative vibe.
- If you like point n' click adventures, it's been lauded as one of the best of the decade!
- If you are or once were a horny/scared teen, it's here for you.
October 13, 2025 at 3:02 PM
Why play Perfect Tides?
- If you liked the webcomic Octopus Pie you'll find a very similar narrative vibe.
- If you like point n' click adventures, it's been lauded as one of the best of the decade!
- If you are or once were a horny/scared teen, it's here for you.
- If you liked the webcomic Octopus Pie you'll find a very similar narrative vibe.
- If you like point n' click adventures, it's been lauded as one of the best of the decade!
- If you are or once were a horny/scared teen, it's here for you.
Whoops I played 2XKO until 3 AM
October 13, 2025 at 8:24 AM
Whoops I played 2XKO until 3 AM
I finished Kazuo Ishiguro's Remains of the Day last night and found during research after finishing the book that a film adaptation starring Anthony Hopkins and Emma Watson was released in 1993. I very much enjoyed the book and after having watched the movie today, I found myself quite moved by it.
October 10, 2025 at 6:57 PM
I finished Kazuo Ishiguro's Remains of the Day last night and found during research after finishing the book that a film adaptation starring Anthony Hopkins and Emma Watson was released in 1993. I very much enjoyed the book and after having watched the movie today, I found myself quite moved by it.
Unlike the first game, it took me quite a while to finally roll credits. Managed to finish a 32 Fear run in the underworld and 24 on the surface, which is neat because I barely did higher Heat runs at all.
#40: Hades II: It will surprise no one that this game is quite good. It's More Hades, but this time with more variety in options across the board. The gameplay mechanics are a tad more complex, but the excellent dialogue and characterization are really what distinguish these games from the rest.
October 10, 2025 at 2:17 AM
Unlike the first game, it took me quite a while to finally roll credits. Managed to finish a 32 Fear run in the underworld and 24 on the surface, which is neat because I barely did higher Heat runs at all.
Yet another 24 Fear Surface run in Hades 2 run ruined by not being able to remember the long Prometheus patterns. I really really hate that mechanic.
October 9, 2025 at 8:19 PM
Yet another 24 Fear Surface run in Hades 2 run ruined by not being able to remember the long Prometheus patterns. I really really hate that mechanic.
Reposted by Zachary Reid
Health Experts Recommend Standing Up At Desk, Leaving Office, Never Coming Back https://theonion.com/health-experts-recommend-standing-up-at-desk-leaving-o-1819577456/
October 7, 2025 at 8:15 PM
Health Experts Recommend Standing Up At Desk, Leaving Office, Never Coming Back https://theonion.com/health-experts-recommend-standing-up-at-desk-leaving-o-1819577456/
On those rare days where I don't wake up with a crippling headache, it's startling just how much clearer I can think.
October 7, 2025 at 4:37 PM
On those rare days where I don't wake up with a crippling headache, it's startling just how much clearer I can think.
Reposted by Zachary Reid
Author and filmmaker Justine Bateman on generative AI
October 4, 2025 at 9:41 AM
Author and filmmaker Justine Bateman on generative AI
First try Hecate, heck yeah.
September 25, 2025 at 9:35 PM
First try Hecate, heck yeah.
After watching someone play through 40ish hours of Silksong, I feel like it's important to note: you can pogo off spikes. As long as they're the big shiny ones. Knowing this early could save you a lot of pain. Sorry if this is a spoiler to someone.
September 25, 2025 at 8:01 PM
After watching someone play through 40ish hours of Silksong, I feel like it's important to note: you can pogo off spikes. As long as they're the big shiny ones. Knowing this early could save you a lot of pain. Sorry if this is a spoiler to someone.
It can truly be difficult to understand why the thing is the way it is
September 25, 2025 at 7:32 AM
It can truly be difficult to understand why the thing is the way it is
I keep thinking about Silksong. The game has a lot of cruel surprises and subversions of expectations. In the moment, my immediate reaction was anger, but in retrospect, I feel like I kind of respect it. Is that like video game Stockholm Syndrome or something?
September 24, 2025 at 9:15 PM
I keep thinking about Silksong. The game has a lot of cruel surprises and subversions of expectations. In the moment, my immediate reaction was anger, but in retrospect, I feel like I kind of respect it. Is that like video game Stockholm Syndrome or something?
I've been staying up way too late the past few nights but I have now 100%ed the game. I discovered some of the game's best boss fights and one of the worst. Overall, I very much enjoyed the game.
#35: Hollow Knight: Silksong: Genuinely an incredible game with extraordinarily satisfying movement, platforming, and combat. The tedious runbacks on failed boss attempts irritated me initially, but it gave me plenty of time to practice my movement. Rolled credits, but I have plenty more to do.
September 24, 2025 at 8:25 AM
I've been staying up way too late the past few nights but I have now 100%ed the game. I discovered some of the game's best boss fights and one of the worst. Overall, I very much enjoyed the game.
Watching streamers play Silksong now after having finished 90% of it and it's reinforcing how some people just don't play video games the same way I do. As I was playing, every time I got something new, I would try it out, use it on enemies for a while, and form an opinion of it based on that.
September 22, 2025 at 6:41 PM
Watching streamers play Silksong now after having finished 90% of it and it's reinforcing how some people just don't play video games the same way I do. As I was playing, every time I got something new, I would try it out, use it on enemies for a while, and form an opinion of it based on that.
It's indisputable that the game would have impacted me much differently if I'd played it in 2001. From a modern perspective, the controls are sluggish, the voice acting stilted, the camera awful, and the plot predictable. Even so, it takes some interesting swings and has excellent sound design.
#36: Silent Hill 2: A friend suggested we play this during our semi-regular retro game sessions so we traded off finishing it in two long sessions. It's an interesting game and I'm glad I played it just to see the influence it exerted on other media, but the experience itself wasn't especially fun.
September 21, 2025 at 6:26 PM
It's indisputable that the game would have impacted me much differently if I'd played it in 2001. From a modern perspective, the controls are sluggish, the voice acting stilted, the camera awful, and the plot predictable. Even so, it takes some interesting swings and has excellent sound design.
I just had a very late game Silksong boss glitch out and disappear. Had to rest to get him to respawn. Weird.
September 19, 2025 at 8:31 PM
I just had a very late game Silksong boss glitch out and disappear. Had to rest to get him to respawn. Weird.
I'm stuck on the toughest boss of all in Silksong: finding all the lost fleas of Pharloom.
September 17, 2025 at 1:25 AM
I'm stuck on the toughest boss of all in Silksong: finding all the lost fleas of Pharloom.