Ephemeral Enigmas
@ephemeralenigmas.bsky.social
Giving offbeat, obscure, forgotten, or just cool and interesting games the attention they deserve on my blog once a week. Also a contributor to Hardcore Gaming 101. He/Him
http://ephemeralenigmas.com/
http://ephemeralenigmas.com/
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Heracles no Eikou: Ugokidashita Kamigami
I really wanted Ugokidashita Kamigami to be a pleasant surprise and the game that makes the Heracles series a proper contender compared to its 8 and 16-bit contemporaries, but it ended up being a b…
ephemeralenigmascom.wordpress.com
New blog post time!
This week's game is Heracles no Eikou: Ugokidashita Kamigami, the Game Boy side story that reveals what Heracles was up to in between the first two games in this RPG series. Turns out he was having a bad time because this game is full of choices that make it a heck of an ordeal!
This week's game is Heracles no Eikou: Ugokidashita Kamigami, the Game Boy side story that reveals what Heracles was up to in between the first two games in this RPG series. Turns out he was having a bad time because this game is full of choices that make it a heck of an ordeal!
New blog post time!
This week's game is Heracles no Eikou: Ugokidashita Kamigami, the Game Boy side story that reveals what Heracles was up to in between the first two games in this RPG series. Turns out he was having a bad time because this game is full of choices that make it a heck of an ordeal!
This week's game is Heracles no Eikou: Ugokidashita Kamigami, the Game Boy side story that reveals what Heracles was up to in between the first two games in this RPG series. Turns out he was having a bad time because this game is full of choices that make it a heck of an ordeal!
Heracles no Eikou: Ugokidashita Kamigami
I really wanted Ugokidashita Kamigami to be a pleasant surprise and the game that makes the Heracles series a proper contender compared to its 8 and 16-bit contemporaries, but it ended up being a b…
ephemeralenigmascom.wordpress.com
February 17, 2026 at 5:23 PM
New blog post time!
This week's game is Heracles no Eikou: Ugokidashita Kamigami, the Game Boy side story that reveals what Heracles was up to in between the first two games in this RPG series. Turns out he was having a bad time because this game is full of choices that make it a heck of an ordeal!
This week's game is Heracles no Eikou: Ugokidashita Kamigami, the Game Boy side story that reveals what Heracles was up to in between the first two games in this RPG series. Turns out he was having a bad time because this game is full of choices that make it a heck of an ordeal!
Reposted by Ephemeral Enigmas
New WGBZ piece is about Meldac's redux of Heiankyo Alien, a game as historically significant as it is exciting. This has been my favorite discovery of this Game Boy journey thus far. Dig this.
wackgameboy.zone/2026/02/16/h...
wackgameboy.zone/2026/02/16/h...
Heiankyo Alien (1990)
They say if you walk the Kyoto streets at night and press your ear to the ground, you can still hear their screams.
wackgameboy.zone
February 16, 2026 at 6:04 PM
New WGBZ piece is about Meldac's redux of Heiankyo Alien, a game as historically significant as it is exciting. This has been my favorite discovery of this Game Boy journey thus far. Dig this.
wackgameboy.zone/2026/02/16/h...
wackgameboy.zone/2026/02/16/h...
Reposted by Ephemeral Enigmas
.hack//Z.E.R.O. announced
CyberConnect2 has announced .hack//Z.E.R.O., a new action RPG in the .hack series 10 years in the making---self-planned, developed, and published with permission from intellectual property holder Bandai Namco Entertainment. Platforms and a release date were not announced.
CyberConnect2 has announced .hack//Z.E.R.O., a new action RPG in the .hack series 10 years in the making---self-planned, developed, and published with permission from intellectual property holder Bandai Namco Entertainment. Platforms and a release date were not announced.
.hack//Z.E.R.O. announced
CyberConnect2 has announced .hack//Z.E.R.O., a new action RPG in the .hack series 10 years in the making---self-planned, developed, and published with permission from intellectual property holder Bandai Namco Entertainment. Platforms and a release date were not announced.
www.gematsu.com
February 16, 2026 at 12:03 PM
.hack//Z.E.R.O. announced
CyberConnect2 has announced .hack//Z.E.R.O., a new action RPG in the .hack series 10 years in the making---self-planned, developed, and published with permission from intellectual property holder Bandai Namco Entertainment. Platforms and a release date were not announced.
CyberConnect2 has announced .hack//Z.E.R.O., a new action RPG in the .hack series 10 years in the making---self-planned, developed, and published with permission from intellectual property holder Bandai Namco Entertainment. Platforms and a release date were not announced.
Reposted by Ephemeral Enigmas
The Waters Are Already Muddy
innerspiral.lol
February 16, 2026 at 10:38 AM
This is the most accurate depiction of back pain I've seen in a video game
February 16, 2026 at 2:10 AM
This is the most accurate depiction of back pain I've seen in a video game
I know plenty of Digimon get guns, but the way they just gave this one an assault rifle and call it a "Wizard" type is sending me
February 15, 2026 at 4:06 PM
I know plenty of Digimon get guns, but the way they just gave this one an assault rifle and call it a "Wizard" type is sending me
Reposted by Ephemeral Enigmas
Happy Valentine’s Day!
It is time, once again, to take a look at Chulip, the kissing RPG from the creators of Moon and Stray Children…
gamesfromtheblackhole.wordpress.com/2021/01/03/c...
It is time, once again, to take a look at Chulip, the kissing RPG from the creators of Moon and Stray Children…
gamesfromtheblackhole.wordpress.com/2021/01/03/c...
Chulip – The unloved “Kissing RPG”
When I started Games From The Black Hole back in September of last year, I chose Lovedelic’s moon as the ideal first post, almost as a statement of intent. It is exactly the kind of game that I thi…
gamesfromtheblackhole.wordpress.com
February 14, 2026 at 1:37 PM
Happy Valentine’s Day!
It is time, once again, to take a look at Chulip, the kissing RPG from the creators of Moon and Stray Children…
gamesfromtheblackhole.wordpress.com/2021/01/03/c...
It is time, once again, to take a look at Chulip, the kissing RPG from the creators of Moon and Stray Children…
gamesfromtheblackhole.wordpress.com/2021/01/03/c...
Reposted by Ephemeral Enigmas
Happy Valentine's Day, I don't have a new entry today, but the last few years I have written up video games with the day's theme in mind. Like Chulip, a game about a lot of things, but mostly about kissing everyone you meet.
Retro spotlight: Chulip
In order to kiss your love, you must first kiss everyone else.
retroxp.beehiiv.com
February 14, 2026 at 1:33 PM
Happy Valentine's Day, I don't have a new entry today, but the last few years I have written up video games with the day's theme in mind. Like Chulip, a game about a lot of things, but mostly about kissing everyone you meet.
Reposted by Ephemeral Enigmas
It's live: closing the book on Dead of the Brain. This game was a lot, but I enjoyed cutting this together. Hope you enjoy!
A Brain-Dead Horror Game | Dead of the Brain 2 Retrospective
YouTube video by nurvuss
www.youtube.com
February 14, 2026 at 12:03 PM
It's live: closing the book on Dead of the Brain. This game was a lot, but I enjoyed cutting this together. Hope you enjoy!
Reposted by Ephemeral Enigmas
I wanna see more of Rev. Noir, Konami making a new RPG not tied to any existing thing is really cool to me
This also might be the year I finally play through Blood Omen
This also might be the year I finally play through Blood Omen
February 12, 2026 at 11:33 PM
I wanna see more of Rev. Noir, Konami making a new RPG not tied to any existing thing is really cool to me
This also might be the year I finally play through Blood Omen
This also might be the year I finally play through Blood Omen
In Dragon Slayer: The Legend of Heroes, there's a part where your ship gets boarded by pirates and you have to surrender by saying yes to their demands.
If you keep saying no, though, they get increasingly desperate to the point where they'll actually thank you for saying yes
If you keep saying no, though, they get increasingly desperate to the point where they'll actually thank you for saying yes
February 12, 2026 at 5:16 PM
In Dragon Slayer: The Legend of Heroes, there's a part where your ship gets boarded by pirates and you have to surrender by saying yes to their demands.
If you keep saying no, though, they get increasingly desperate to the point where they'll actually thank you for saying yes
If you keep saying no, though, they get increasingly desperate to the point where they'll actually thank you for saying yes
Reposted by Ephemeral Enigmas
come through!! me and some of my friends got some games in here but what matters is that this shit is important. show up and support the people that need it right now. fuck ice but love immigrants more. cut a check if you can spare it, spread the word if you can't
The No ICE in Minnesota Charity Bundle has officially LAUNCHED!
There are 1,439 games to discover for a $10+ donation to Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota!
Purchase the bundle here: itch.io/b/3484/no-ic...
There are 1,439 games to discover for a $10+ donation to Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota!
Purchase the bundle here: itch.io/b/3484/no-ic...
February 9, 2026 at 6:21 PM
come through!! me and some of my friends got some games in here but what matters is that this shit is important. show up and support the people that need it right now. fuck ice but love immigrants more. cut a check if you can spare it, spread the word if you can't
Reposted by Ephemeral Enigmas
New blog post time!
This week's game is Firebugs, a stylish PS1 racer that combines high speeds with lots of items and manages to make it very approachable even if you're a racing game casual like myself. If you're fond of the Rollcage games, this is kinda like a third one by the same people!
This week's game is Firebugs, a stylish PS1 racer that combines high speeds with lots of items and manages to make it very approachable even if you're a racing game casual like myself. If you're fond of the Rollcage games, this is kinda like a third one by the same people!
Firebugs
Firebugs is a cool game! It’s simple, but it’s polished and just plain enjoyable to play if you want a dose of high speed hijinks. Even though it’s very easy to beat, it sold me on its best qualiti…
ephemeralenigmascom.wordpress.com
February 10, 2026 at 5:24 PM
New blog post time!
This week's game is Firebugs, a stylish PS1 racer that combines high speeds with lots of items and manages to make it very approachable even if you're a racing game casual like myself. If you're fond of the Rollcage games, this is kinda like a third one by the same people!
This week's game is Firebugs, a stylish PS1 racer that combines high speeds with lots of items and manages to make it very approachable even if you're a racing game casual like myself. If you're fond of the Rollcage games, this is kinda like a third one by the same people!
New blog post time!
This week's game is Firebugs, a stylish PS1 racer that combines high speeds with lots of items and manages to make it very approachable even if you're a racing game casual like myself. If you're fond of the Rollcage games, this is kinda like a third one by the same people!
This week's game is Firebugs, a stylish PS1 racer that combines high speeds with lots of items and manages to make it very approachable even if you're a racing game casual like myself. If you're fond of the Rollcage games, this is kinda like a third one by the same people!
Firebugs
Firebugs is a cool game! It’s simple, but it’s polished and just plain enjoyable to play if you want a dose of high speed hijinks. Even though it’s very easy to beat, it sold me on its best qualiti…
ephemeralenigmascom.wordpress.com
February 10, 2026 at 5:24 PM
New blog post time!
This week's game is Firebugs, a stylish PS1 racer that combines high speeds with lots of items and manages to make it very approachable even if you're a racing game casual like myself. If you're fond of the Rollcage games, this is kinda like a third one by the same people!
This week's game is Firebugs, a stylish PS1 racer that combines high speeds with lots of items and manages to make it very approachable even if you're a racing game casual like myself. If you're fond of the Rollcage games, this is kinda like a third one by the same people!
Reposted by Ephemeral Enigmas
My 2025 gaming recap has been posted on GemuBaka - breaking down nearly 100 video games played through to completion during the year. Comes complete with videos and GemuBaka features on the games if they are available!
gemubaka.com/2026/02/04/t...
gemubaka.com/2026/02/04/t...
The List: A GemuBaka recap of games played in 2025
A wide range of video games were played in the year 2025. In the rare feature in which I “review” video games, take a look at my capsule thoughts on those games! I also go into a brief …
gemubaka.com
February 9, 2026 at 4:23 PM
My 2025 gaming recap has been posted on GemuBaka - breaking down nearly 100 video games played through to completion during the year. Comes complete with videos and GemuBaka features on the games if they are available!
gemubaka.com/2026/02/04/t...
gemubaka.com/2026/02/04/t...
Getting back on that #RandomGameSaturday with Mon-Yu: Defeat Monsters And Gain Strong Weapons And Armor. You May Be Defeated, But Don’t Give Up. Become Stronger. I Believe There Will Be A Day When The Heroes Defeat The Devil King.
...I just wanted an excuse to post that entire name, really
...I just wanted an excuse to post that entire name, really
February 7, 2026 at 11:53 PM
Getting back on that #RandomGameSaturday with Mon-Yu: Defeat Monsters And Gain Strong Weapons And Armor. You May Be Defeated, But Don’t Give Up. Become Stronger. I Believe There Will Be A Day When The Heroes Defeat The Devil King.
...I just wanted an excuse to post that entire name, really
...I just wanted an excuse to post that entire name, really
Reposted by Ephemeral Enigmas
NEW VIDEO: In 1974 Barbra Streisand started dating her hairdresser. 25 years later Will Smith fights a giant mechanical spider. There's also a videogame. Here's the full story:
youtu.be/tQS1GXzy7Dc
youtu.be/tQS1GXzy7Dc
The Wild Wild West: The Game situation is... well...
YouTube video by Alien Bob
youtu.be
February 6, 2026 at 7:34 PM
NEW VIDEO: In 1974 Barbra Streisand started dating her hairdresser. 25 years later Will Smith fights a giant mechanical spider. There's also a videogame. Here's the full story:
youtu.be/tQS1GXzy7Dc
youtu.be/tQS1GXzy7Dc
Reposted by Ephemeral Enigmas
A new issue of our digi-zine, Between the Scanlines, is now out!
This issue: features on Jerry Lawson, 2000AD games on microcomputer, and the early days of id!
betweenthescanlines.itch.io/issue-thirty...
As much as we can spare from sales will be donated to the Black History Foundation.
This issue: features on Jerry Lawson, 2000AD games on microcomputer, and the early days of id!
betweenthescanlines.itch.io/issue-thirty...
As much as we can spare from sales will be donated to the Black History Foundation.
February 6, 2026 at 4:34 PM
A new issue of our digi-zine, Between the Scanlines, is now out!
This issue: features on Jerry Lawson, 2000AD games on microcomputer, and the early days of id!
betweenthescanlines.itch.io/issue-thirty...
As much as we can spare from sales will be donated to the Black History Foundation.
This issue: features on Jerry Lawson, 2000AD games on microcomputer, and the early days of id!
betweenthescanlines.itch.io/issue-thirty...
As much as we can spare from sales will be donated to the Black History Foundation.
Video game intros and voice acting peaked in this moment
February 6, 2026 at 1:09 AM
Video game intros and voice acting peaked in this moment
Monster Rancher Hop-A-Bout / Monster Farm Jump is perhaps the last thing I ever expected to see come back but I'm very cool with that
February 5, 2026 at 2:47 PM
Monster Rancher Hop-A-Bout / Monster Farm Jump is perhaps the last thing I ever expected to see come back but I'm very cool with that
Reposted by Ephemeral Enigmas
Super Bomberman Collection announced, out digital later today, physical in August
February 5, 2026 at 2:12 PM
Super Bomberman Collection announced, out digital later today, physical in August