Dominic Tarason
@dominictarason.com
Veteran freelance games crit & PR. Hyped for indie games & mods. Bylines on RPS, PC Gamer, PCGamesN. Find my work, Steam curation & contact info below - He/Him
Find me elsewhere online at dominictarason.com
Contact email: jdtarason@gmail.com
Find me elsewhere online at dominictarason.com
Contact email: jdtarason@gmail.com
Pinned
Dominic Tarason
@dominictarason.com
· Apr 26
Dominic Tarason - Games Crit & PR
Professional Profile, Contact Details & Links
dominictarason.com
Wow, I apparently cleared 10,000 followers!
You've all made a terrible mistake and are going to spend too much on obscure games!
I am terribly sorry, but relieved to see others suffering from my curse.
I also have a Steam curator page, and accept tips (which helps me find games). Details below:
You've all made a terrible mistake and are going to spend too much on obscure games!
I am terribly sorry, but relieved to see others suffering from my curse.
I also have a Steam curator page, and accept tips (which helps me find games). Details below:
Reposted by Dominic Tarason
Again, this seems like it's largely just to fuck with western studios, because there are some enormously gory Chinese games I've played recently, and here's one about BEING a skeleton that fights skeletons. By a Chinese studio. Set in China.
store.steampowered.com/app/3833280/...
store.steampowered.com/app/3833280/...
Diablo 4 In China Censored, Blood And Skeletons Removed
Diablo 4 In China Censored, Blood And Skeletons Removed
A large skeleton boss found in Blizzard's action RPG is made out of rocks in the upcoming Chinese version
kotaku.com
November 10, 2025 at 10:36 PM
Again, this seems like it's largely just to fuck with western studios, because there are some enormously gory Chinese games I've played recently, and here's one about BEING a skeleton that fights skeletons. By a Chinese studio. Set in China.
store.steampowered.com/app/3833280/...
store.steampowered.com/app/3833280/...
That reminds me, I gotta get myself a flu shot soon. Last time I had really bad flu, I was coughing so hard I burst a blood vessel in my eye and it tore up my throat so badly I can't sing high notes anymore.
The flu can completely fuck you up.
The flu can completely fuck you up.
Leading flu experts predict this will be the worst flu season in a decade.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
www.bbc.com/news/article...
New flu virus mutation could see ‘worst season in a decade'
Leading flu experts say they will not be surprised if this year's is the worst flu season for a decade.
www.bbc.com
November 11, 2025 at 5:54 AM
That reminds me, I gotta get myself a flu shot soon. Last time I had really bad flu, I was coughing so hard I burst a blood vessel in my eye and it tore up my throat so badly I can't sing high notes anymore.
The flu can completely fuck you up.
The flu can completely fuck you up.
Honestly, this is why I've enjoyed Dark & Darker than most gritty tactical extraction shooters. Because it's basically a single-character Wizardry game with PvP.
November 11, 2025 at 5:40 AM
Honestly, this is why I've enjoyed Dark & Darker than most gritty tactical extraction shooters. Because it's basically a single-character Wizardry game with PvP.
Reposted by Dominic Tarason
Trying to explain how Ambrosia Sky is Powerwash Simulator meets Donkey Kong Bananza but about being wistful for a home you can't go back to and leaving the midwest and grief for lost people & endeavors alike and also there's a grapple hook
November 11, 2025 at 3:35 AM
Trying to explain how Ambrosia Sky is Powerwash Simulator meets Donkey Kong Bananza but about being wistful for a home you can't go back to and leaving the midwest and grief for lost people & endeavors alike and also there's a grapple hook
Reposted by Dominic Tarason
THE GAME IS OUT, I REPEAT, THE GAME IS OUT
Hopefully I squashed all the bugs, hope everyone enjoys it!
store.steampowered.com/app/2980260/...
Hopefully I squashed all the bugs, hope everyone enjoys it!
store.steampowered.com/app/2980260/...
Save 25% on Hypogea on Steam
Escape from a mysterious underground megastructure in this short atmospheric 3d-platformer.
store.steampowered.com
November 9, 2025 at 11:28 PM
THE GAME IS OUT, I REPEAT, THE GAME IS OUT
Hopefully I squashed all the bugs, hope everyone enjoys it!
store.steampowered.com/app/2980260/...
Hopefully I squashed all the bugs, hope everyone enjoys it!
store.steampowered.com/app/2980260/...
Reposted by Dominic Tarason
New King's Field just dropped.
Verho - Curse of Faces
https://store.steampowered.com/app/3017330/
https://store.steampowered.com/app/3017330/
November 10, 2025 at 9:04 AM
New King's Field just dropped.
Again, this seems like it's largely just to fuck with western studios, because there are some enormously gory Chinese games I've played recently, and here's one about BEING a skeleton that fights skeletons. By a Chinese studio. Set in China.
store.steampowered.com/app/3833280/...
store.steampowered.com/app/3833280/...
Diablo 4 In China Censored, Blood And Skeletons Removed
Diablo 4 In China Censored, Blood And Skeletons Removed
A large skeleton boss found in Blizzard's action RPG is made out of rocks in the upcoming Chinese version
kotaku.com
November 10, 2025 at 10:36 PM
Again, this seems like it's largely just to fuck with western studios, because there are some enormously gory Chinese games I've played recently, and here's one about BEING a skeleton that fights skeletons. By a Chinese studio. Set in China.
store.steampowered.com/app/3833280/...
store.steampowered.com/app/3833280/...
Reposted by Dominic Tarason
A damned shame they canceled the sequel.
This game was good! Just a fun ride with a lot of old-school platforming and puzzles.
This game was good! Just a fun ride with a lot of old-school platforming and puzzles.
Immortals Fenyx Rising will be free on Ubisoft Connect (PC) starting November 13th, to celebrate Ubisoft Connect's 5th anniversary news.ubisoft.com/en-us/articl...
November 10, 2025 at 9:38 PM
A damned shame they canceled the sequel.
This game was good! Just a fun ride with a lot of old-school platforming and puzzles.
This game was good! Just a fun ride with a lot of old-school platforming and puzzles.
Need to play more of this (thanks to the team for an early copy!), because it is very cool and very sad.
System Shock Cleanup Detail, or Powerwash Sim but the dirt is actively trying to kill you but you've got a grappling hook and a flamethrower.
Curious where Acts 2-3 will take it mechanically.
System Shock Cleanup Detail, or Powerwash Sim but the dirt is actively trying to kill you but you've got a grappling hook and a flamethrower.
Curious where Acts 2-3 will take it mechanically.
Ambrosia Sky: Act 1 is an immersive sim about exploring an asteroid colony devastated by a mysterious contamination. Survive and harvest aggressive alien fungi in treacherous environments, and find meaning & beauty in death.
$14.99USD on Steam and Epic.
store.steampowered.com/app/3580160/...
$14.99USD on Steam and Epic.
store.steampowered.com/app/3580160/...
Save 15% on Ambrosia Sky on Steam
You left. Now they’re dead. Ambrosia Sky: Act One is an immersive sim about exploring an asteroid colony devastated by a mysterious contamination. Survive and harvest strains of aggressive alien fungi...
store.steampowered.com
November 10, 2025 at 2:20 PM
Need to play more of this (thanks to the team for an early copy!), because it is very cool and very sad.
System Shock Cleanup Detail, or Powerwash Sim but the dirt is actively trying to kill you but you've got a grappling hook and a flamethrower.
Curious where Acts 2-3 will take it mechanically.
System Shock Cleanup Detail, or Powerwash Sim but the dirt is actively trying to kill you but you've got a grappling hook and a flamethrower.
Curious where Acts 2-3 will take it mechanically.
Reposted by Dominic Tarason
Once again, my version is no less authentic than the original.
November 10, 2025 at 2:21 AM
Once again, my version is no less authentic than the original.
New King's Field just dropped.
Verho - Curse of Faces
https://store.steampowered.com/app/3017330/
https://store.steampowered.com/app/3017330/
November 10, 2025 at 9:04 AM
New King's Field just dropped.
It's so funny that I can often spot an AI-heavy game from a mile off just because of the color palette in a tiny thumbnail image. The Shit N' Piss miasma has sunk deep into the bones of all the image generator engines.
November 10, 2025 at 7:25 AM
It's so funny that I can often spot an AI-heavy game from a mile off just because of the color palette in a tiny thumbnail image. The Shit N' Piss miasma has sunk deep into the bones of all the image generator engines.
Reposted by Dominic Tarason
Had a poke around this today - multiplayer servers seem down right now, but otherwise SUPER polished and very smart.
It's like a maximalist version of Elden Ring. So many new mechanics (including PSO-style timed attacks), a duck button, a slide move, a system of unlockable class perks, alchemy, etc
It's like a maximalist version of Elden Ring. So many new mechanics (including PSO-style timed attacks), a duck button, a slide move, a system of unlockable class perks, alchemy, etc
There was a big Elden Ring mod release today - Reforged 2.0, one of those big remix type mods with reworked environments, new bosses, etc.
www.nexusmods.com/eldenring/mo...
Pretty slick trailer! And it has both custom matchmaking and seamless co-op support.
www.nexusmods.com/eldenring/mo...
Pretty slick trailer! And it has both custom matchmaking and seamless co-op support.
ELDEN RING Reforged 2.0 Launch Trailer
YouTube video by ivi
www.youtube.com
November 9, 2025 at 8:46 PM
Had a poke around this today - multiplayer servers seem down right now, but otherwise SUPER polished and very smart.
It's like a maximalist version of Elden Ring. So many new mechanics (including PSO-style timed attacks), a duck button, a slide move, a system of unlockable class perks, alchemy, etc
It's like a maximalist version of Elden Ring. So many new mechanics (including PSO-style timed attacks), a duck button, a slide move, a system of unlockable class perks, alchemy, etc
Reposted by Dominic Tarason
more than "you should play bad games because a maligned game might be good" i would prefer if the positive contrarian dogma was "you should play games that genuinely interest you regardless of what other people think" because holy shit the former leads to a lot of turning your misery into Content
November 9, 2025 at 4:48 PM
more than "you should play bad games because a maligned game might be good" i would prefer if the positive contrarian dogma was "you should play games that genuinely interest you regardless of what other people think" because holy shit the former leads to a lot of turning your misery into Content
If I didn't know better (and I had to confirm it was by a different developer), I'd have guessed that Moulder is another game by Scumhead. Had a shockingly similar look and feel to Mohrta.
Very different game, of course. Very cool and wet and gross.
Very different game, of course. Very cool and wet and gross.
Moulder on Steam
Moulder is a fast-paced hack-and-slash game with a focus on boss fights. Master your weapons and command an army of loyal maggots to overwhelm prey much larger than you.
store.steampowered.com
November 9, 2025 at 7:22 PM
If I didn't know better (and I had to confirm it was by a different developer), I'd have guessed that Moulder is another game by Scumhead. Had a shockingly similar look and feel to Mohrta.
Very different game, of course. Very cool and wet and gross.
Very different game, of course. Very cool and wet and gross.
Look Outside was a fantastic game even when it first launched, but the 2.0 version is something else. All the personal quests flesh the characters out further, and the player character gets a lot more characterization too, firmly cementing him as peak Weird Little Guy.
Good neighbor. Total freak.
Good neighbor. Total freak.
November 9, 2025 at 5:59 PM
Look Outside was a fantastic game even when it first launched, but the 2.0 version is something else. All the personal quests flesh the characters out further, and the player character gets a lot more characterization too, firmly cementing him as peak Weird Little Guy.
Good neighbor. Total freak.
Good neighbor. Total freak.
The successor to GZDoom is out now, after GZDoom's lead developer decided to start 'vibe coding' with AI.
For those worried, this should perform EXACTLY the same as GZDoom. Probably better, and with improving compatibility as there's more people actively working on it and listening to the community
For those worried, this should perform EXACTLY the same as GZDoom. Probably better, and with improving compatibility as there's more people actively working on it and listening to the community
The pre-release for UZDoom's debut is here! If you'd like to help us test UZDoom in preparation for 4.14.3 grab the build here: github.com/UZDoom/UZDoo... (expand the Assets tab)
(Windows and Linux available; Mac coming later)
Read the details here: zdoom.org/wiki/UZDoom_...
(Windows and Linux available; Mac coming later)
Read the details here: zdoom.org/wiki/UZDoom_...
November 9, 2025 at 2:38 PM
The successor to GZDoom is out now, after GZDoom's lead developer decided to start 'vibe coding' with AI.
For those worried, this should perform EXACTLY the same as GZDoom. Probably better, and with improving compatibility as there's more people actively working on it and listening to the community
For those worried, this should perform EXACTLY the same as GZDoom. Probably better, and with improving compatibility as there's more people actively working on it and listening to the community
Sweet jeebus... The current Ultrakill speedrun world record is utterly incomprehensible. TAS-style nonsense doing all the early access stages so far in under 10 minutes.
Spoilers, obviously, but if you blink you'll miss em'
Spoilers, obviously, but if you blink you'll miss em'
[WR] Ultrakill beaten in just under 10 minutes
YouTube video by dentess
www.youtube.com
November 9, 2025 at 5:23 AM
Sweet jeebus... The current Ultrakill speedrun world record is utterly incomprehensible. TAS-style nonsense doing all the early access stages so far in under 10 minutes.
Spoilers, obviously, but if you blink you'll miss em'
Spoilers, obviously, but if you blink you'll miss em'
I don't hate on bad games if they clearly make an effort. I will forever love The Demon Rush for shooting for the moon and blowing its own legs off.
But when I see an RPG Maker game proudly announcing that it's part-written by ChatGPT? Fuck everyone involved in that game. Absolute losers.
But when I see an RPG Maker game proudly announcing that it's part-written by ChatGPT? Fuck everyone involved in that game. Absolute losers.
November 9, 2025 at 3:50 AM
I don't hate on bad games if they clearly make an effort. I will forever love The Demon Rush for shooting for the moon and blowing its own legs off.
But when I see an RPG Maker game proudly announcing that it's part-written by ChatGPT? Fuck everyone involved in that game. Absolute losers.
But when I see an RPG Maker game proudly announcing that it's part-written by ChatGPT? Fuck everyone involved in that game. Absolute losers.
Reposted by Dominic Tarason
There's a round of GOTY discussion going around, and I realized that a lot of my favourite games this year have been absolute Sicko Picks.
So here's a few games I've loved so far in 2025, starting with a mild one: Babushka's Glitch Dungeon. A scrunkly lil' puzzle-metroidvania with so many fun verbs
So here's a few games I've loved so far in 2025, starting with a mild one: Babushka's Glitch Dungeon. A scrunkly lil' puzzle-metroidvania with so many fun verbs
Save 50% on Babushka's Glitch Dungeon on Steam
Oh hello dearie.. Babushka needs to clean up her big magical cellar. Use hag magic, or just hit stuff with your broom.
store.steampowered.com
November 7, 2025 at 2:13 AM
There's a round of GOTY discussion going around, and I realized that a lot of my favourite games this year have been absolute Sicko Picks.
So here's a few games I've loved so far in 2025, starting with a mild one: Babushka's Glitch Dungeon. A scrunkly lil' puzzle-metroidvania with so many fun verbs
So here's a few games I've loved so far in 2025, starting with a mild one: Babushka's Glitch Dungeon. A scrunkly lil' puzzle-metroidvania with so many fun verbs
On one hand, Aqualounge is rad and you should tune in.
On the other, it reminds me that Microsoft's big 'backwards compatibility & preservation' push included like one wave of memorable Xbox games, a PC port of Phantom Dust (which is free & great) and then just kinda stopped. 360 BC is patchy too.
On the other, it reminds me that Microsoft's big 'backwards compatibility & preservation' push included like one wave of memorable Xbox games, a PC port of Phantom Dust (which is free & great) and then just kinda stopped. 360 BC is patchy too.
the game awards has disowned its future class. xbox is losing its identity.
as layoffs/delays kick video game status quo down the road... what is prestige worth?
TOMORROW @ 7 est, we're talkin it over on @aqualounge.tv!
playing:
🏆 games from TGA future class
❎ og xbox games, real hardware
❓secret
as layoffs/delays kick video game status quo down the road... what is prestige worth?
TOMORROW @ 7 est, we're talkin it over on @aqualounge.tv!
playing:
🏆 games from TGA future class
❎ og xbox games, real hardware
❓secret
November 9, 2025 at 12:20 AM
On one hand, Aqualounge is rad and you should tune in.
On the other, it reminds me that Microsoft's big 'backwards compatibility & preservation' push included like one wave of memorable Xbox games, a PC port of Phantom Dust (which is free & great) and then just kinda stopped. 360 BC is patchy too.
On the other, it reminds me that Microsoft's big 'backwards compatibility & preservation' push included like one wave of memorable Xbox games, a PC port of Phantom Dust (which is free & great) and then just kinda stopped. 360 BC is patchy too.
There was a big Elden Ring mod release today - Reforged 2.0, one of those big remix type mods with reworked environments, new bosses, etc.
www.nexusmods.com/eldenring/mo...
Pretty slick trailer! And it has both custom matchmaking and seamless co-op support.
www.nexusmods.com/eldenring/mo...
Pretty slick trailer! And it has both custom matchmaking and seamless co-op support.
ELDEN RING Reforged 2.0 Launch Trailer
YouTube video by ivi
www.youtube.com
November 8, 2025 at 11:43 PM
There was a big Elden Ring mod release today - Reforged 2.0, one of those big remix type mods with reworked environments, new bosses, etc.
www.nexusmods.com/eldenring/mo...
Pretty slick trailer! And it has both custom matchmaking and seamless co-op support.
www.nexusmods.com/eldenring/mo...
Pretty slick trailer! And it has both custom matchmaking and seamless co-op support.
A reminder: Despite being a 40-something veteran games journalist and regular in PC Gamer, printed globally, I do not have access to much of the Steam store, because they cannot prove that I am over 18.
I could provide a drivers license, passport, birth certificate. I have talked to their staff.
I could provide a drivers license, passport, birth certificate. I have talked to their staff.
November 8, 2025 at 6:34 PM
A reminder: Despite being a 40-something veteran games journalist and regular in PC Gamer, printed globally, I do not have access to much of the Steam store, because they cannot prove that I am over 18.
I could provide a drivers license, passport, birth certificate. I have talked to their staff.
I could provide a drivers license, passport, birth certificate. I have talked to their staff.
Reposted by Dominic Tarason
Sorry to SpacedockPost on Sojourn, but just want to signal boost this unfortunate situation.
The game and DLCs are heavily discounted on GOG so grab em if you've ever wanted to.
Battlestar Galactica Deadlock was my first gig with a major sci-fi IP and a fond memory for me. Very sad outcome.
-Dan
The game and DLCs are heavily discounted on GOG so grab em if you've ever wanted to.
Battlestar Galactica Deadlock was my first gig with a major sci-fi IP and a fond memory for me. Very sad outcome.
-Dan
November 8, 2025 at 12:45 PM
Sorry to SpacedockPost on Sojourn, but just want to signal boost this unfortunate situation.
The game and DLCs are heavily discounted on GOG so grab em if you've ever wanted to.
Battlestar Galactica Deadlock was my first gig with a major sci-fi IP and a fond memory for me. Very sad outcome.
-Dan
The game and DLCs are heavily discounted on GOG so grab em if you've ever wanted to.
Battlestar Galactica Deadlock was my first gig with a major sci-fi IP and a fond memory for me. Very sad outcome.
-Dan