Nicolas Hamel
@hamelnico.bsky.social
He/him, 33, Canadian (Québécois), bilingual (français/English), friendly geek, sole author of video game review blog Planned All Along. https://plannedallalong.blogspot.com/
Pinned
Nicolas Hamel
@hamelnico.bsky.social
· May 25
Planned All Along
Planned All Along is a video game review blog that puts emphasis on the story aspect of games. With occasional comedy. New reviews on Fridays.
plannedallalong.blogspot.com
Hi! I'm Nicolas. Gamer, blogger, reviewing stuff is my hobby! Planned All Along, my blog, exists since 2013 and I reviewed over 400 games on it so far. And I'm always planning to do more! Link's down here, check out the Archive or the Index!
I prefer positivity but am fair on what I cover.
I prefer positivity but am fair on what I cover.
Reposted by Nicolas Hamel
I saw this take on TikTok a few days ago and wanted to share it here. I had to truncate it because it's a bit longer than 3 minutes. Her central argument is the US govt has a problem in that decades of stochastic terrorism from gun culture has made us less scared of guns.
January 17, 2026 at 9:07 PM
I saw this take on TikTok a few days ago and wanted to share it here. I had to truncate it because it's a bit longer than 3 minutes. Her central argument is the US govt has a problem in that decades of stochastic terrorism from gun culture has made us less scared of guns.
Finished the Jumanji: The Next Level review! Written, edited/spellchecked, added images. Took longer than expected, but it's done and publication will start this Friday!
On to the next movie and... Hoo boy, I'll have a lot to say. It's Space Jam: A New Legacy. It features video games, it counts!
On to the next movie and... Hoo boy, I'll have a lot to say. It's Space Jam: A New Legacy. It features video games, it counts!
January 18, 2026 at 5:37 AM
Finished the Jumanji: The Next Level review! Written, edited/spellchecked, added images. Took longer than expected, but it's done and publication will start this Friday!
On to the next movie and... Hoo boy, I'll have a lot to say. It's Space Jam: A New Legacy. It features video games, it counts!
On to the next movie and... Hoo boy, I'll have a lot to say. It's Space Jam: A New Legacy. It features video games, it counts!
Reposted by Nicolas Hamel
I wrote about my experiences being sexually exploited as a child, and what we need to do to make sure AI doesn’t make that a reality for millions of children.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
My picture was used in child abuse images. AI is putting others through my nightmare | Mara Wilson
I was a child actor, exploited by strangers on the internet. Now millions of children face the same danger
www.theguardian.com
January 18, 2026 at 2:20 AM
I wrote about my experiences being sexually exploited as a child, and what we need to do to make sure AI doesn’t make that a reality for millions of children.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Repost again, timeline cleanse - I'm still in love with this damn pic I got from Zazz last year. Possibly one of the best commissions I ever receivd, period.
Received a commission today from @zigzagzazz.iheartpocket.monster, commissioned during @cozycononline.com . Art of my characters Nicolas and Marjorie being prog rock/metal dorks.
Super cute picture, I love it so much.
Super cute picture, I love it so much.
January 17, 2026 at 5:34 AM
Repost again, timeline cleanse - I'm still in love with this damn pic I got from Zazz last year. Possibly one of the best commissions I ever receivd, period.
Reposted by Nicolas Hamel
Important shit that I’m still trying to learn.
November 30, 2025 at 9:55 PM
Important shit that I’m still trying to learn.
It's funny how much of my hobby, when reviewing movies, also boils down to pausing at just the right time to get the best screenshot for what I'm describing.
Not particularly easy work, but the fun of it can help a lot!
Not particularly easy work, but the fun of it can help a lot!
January 17, 2026 at 4:58 AM
It's funny how much of my hobby, when reviewing movies, also boils down to pausing at just the right time to get the best screenshot for what I'm describing.
Not particularly easy work, but the fun of it can help a lot!
Not particularly easy work, but the fun of it can help a lot!
Full disclosure, the game isn't that great. It's got a couple of clever mechanics, like reading cards with a special reader, and having a special lose condition if too many animal/jungle events are triggered; but other than that, it's just okay. Good for a couple of plays I guess.
January 16, 2026 at 2:28 AM
Full disclosure, the game isn't that great. It's got a couple of clever mechanics, like reading cards with a special reader, and having a special lose condition if too many animal/jungle events are triggered; but other than that, it's just okay. Good for a couple of plays I guess.
Like I said, no article tomorrow - I prefer to have all the articles ready first, and then start posting them, so Friday next week is when I'll start the movie reviews.
However, I remembered that I have the board game version of Jumanji in the closet! Good prop for a title card there!
However, I remembered that I have the board game version of Jumanji in the closet! Good prop for a title card there!
January 16, 2026 at 2:26 AM
Like I said, no article tomorrow - I prefer to have all the articles ready first, and then start posting them, so Friday next week is when I'll start the movie reviews.
However, I remembered that I have the board game version of Jumanji in the closet! Good prop for a title card there!
However, I remembered that I have the board game version of Jumanji in the closet! Good prop for a title card there!
There's no age to enjoy video games.
Also I totally imagine my generation will speak just like that woman when we reach elder age. I hope my generation will be exactly this fun talking to the younger generations, bonding over games both old and new.
This woman is a treasure.
Also I totally imagine my generation will speak just like that woman when we reach elder age. I hope my generation will be exactly this fun talking to the younger generations, bonding over games both old and new.
This woman is a treasure.
If you have had a bad day, please watch this 91 year old lady talk about how much she loves Link:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=wcZR...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=wcZR...
January 16, 2026 at 12:55 AM
There's no age to enjoy video games.
Also I totally imagine my generation will speak just like that woman when we reach elder age. I hope my generation will be exactly this fun talking to the younger generations, bonding over games both old and new.
This woman is a treasure.
Also I totally imagine my generation will speak just like that woman when we reach elder age. I hope my generation will be exactly this fun talking to the younger generations, bonding over games both old and new.
This woman is a treasure.
At least I don't have a ton left to write, so everything afterwards should be pretty smooth sailing.
January 13, 2026 at 11:42 PM
At least I don't have a ton left to write, so everything afterwards should be pretty smooth sailing.
I was hoping to start publishing my Jumanj: The Next Level review on Friday, but I think I'll delay that by a week. It's absolutely not possible for me to finish writing the final part, do all the editing/spellchecking of the three parts, add images to Part 1, and make the titlecard in time.
January 13, 2026 at 11:42 PM
I was hoping to start publishing my Jumanj: The Next Level review on Friday, but I think I'll delay that by a week. It's absolutely not possible for me to finish writing the final part, do all the editing/spellchecking of the three parts, add images to Part 1, and make the titlecard in time.
Reposted by Nicolas Hamel
Hey every other company ever, check out how easy this was blog.bandcamp.com/2026/01/13/k...
Bandcamp’s Mission and Our Approach to Generative AI
We’re articulating our approach to generative AI so musicians can keep making music and fans can trust the music they find on Bandcamp.
blog.bandcamp.com
January 13, 2026 at 9:52 PM
Hey every other company ever, check out how easy this was blog.bandcamp.com/2026/01/13/k...
plannedallalong.blogspot.com/2026/01/need...
As promised - a short companion piece where I list albums from artists on @needlejuice.bsky.social that I haven't covered yet in a dedicated article, or albums that aren't on the label.
As promised - a short companion piece where I list albums from artists on @needlejuice.bsky.social that I haven't covered yet in a dedicated article, or albums that aren't on the label.
Needlejuice Records: Other Album Recommendations
Planned All Along is a video game review blog that puts emphasis on the story aspect of games. With occasional comedy. New reviews on Fridays.
plannedallalong.blogspot.com
January 12, 2026 at 1:08 PM
plannedallalong.blogspot.com/2026/01/need...
As promised - a short companion piece where I list albums from artists on @needlejuice.bsky.social that I haven't covered yet in a dedicated article, or albums that aren't on the label.
As promised - a short companion piece where I list albums from artists on @needlejuice.bsky.social that I haven't covered yet in a dedicated article, or albums that aren't on the label.
Reminder that last Friday, I posted once again about @needlejuice.bsky.social , this time focusing on the band fronted by one of its founders. It's a good time to discover new music!
plannedallalong.blogspot.com/2026/01/need...
Articles about Needlejuice Records have become a yearly tradition for me, because I love the music I've heard from the label's artists. Today, I'm focusing on the band that started my journey through this label: @nuclearbubblewrap.bsky.social !
Articles about Needlejuice Records have become a yearly tradition for me, because I love the music I've heard from the label's artists. Today, I'm focusing on the band that started my journey through this label: @nuclearbubblewrap.bsky.social !
Needlejuice Records: A Nuclear Bubble Wrap Special
Planned All Along is a video game review blog that puts emphasis on the story aspect of games. With occasional comedy. New reviews on Fridays.
plannedallalong.blogspot.com
January 11, 2026 at 10:16 PM
Reminder that last Friday, I posted once again about @needlejuice.bsky.social , this time focusing on the band fronted by one of its founders. It's a good time to discover new music!
Reposted by Nicolas Hamel
I can't believe I'm posting this video - but we actually have to have a conversation about the real world implications of America going to war over Greenland.
Let me walk you through it. It doesn't turn out well for us.
Let me walk you through it. It doesn't turn out well for us.
January 11, 2026 at 2:44 AM
I can't believe I'm posting this video - but we actually have to have a conversation about the real world implications of America going to war over Greenland.
Let me walk you through it. It doesn't turn out well for us.
Let me walk you through it. It doesn't turn out well for us.
Please please please, with all the shit going on with X right freaking now, it would only make sense to ban the entire goddamned website.
Also, yes, Elon would totally deserve all the of the fucking prison time for enabling CSAM through genAI.
Also, yes, Elon would totally deserve all the of the fucking prison time for enabling CSAM through genAI.
The UK is in talks with Canada and Australia for a coordinated response to X, including a possible ban. #canpoli
Starmer rallies international support to take on Musk
Tech billionaire says threat to ban social media site over sexualised AI images is ‘censorship’
www.telegraph.co.uk
January 11, 2026 at 4:18 AM
Please please please, with all the shit going on with X right freaking now, it would only make sense to ban the entire goddamned website.
Also, yes, Elon would totally deserve all the of the fucking prison time for enabling CSAM through genAI.
Also, yes, Elon would totally deserve all the of the fucking prison time for enabling CSAM through genAI.
Reposted by Nicolas Hamel
"Check out my new controller, Fred!"
"Aw Barn, don't tell me you got suckered into one of those cheap little Sabertooth Tigerz controllers, those thing barely even work! You gotta get a REAL Claystation controller!"
"Aw Barn, don't tell me you got suckered into one of those cheap little Sabertooth Tigerz controllers, those thing barely even work! You gotta get a REAL Claystation controller!"
January 10, 2026 at 5:52 PM
"Check out my new controller, Fred!"
"Aw Barn, don't tell me you got suckered into one of those cheap little Sabertooth Tigerz controllers, those thing barely even work! You gotta get a REAL Claystation controller!"
"Aw Barn, don't tell me you got suckered into one of those cheap little Sabertooth Tigerz controllers, those thing barely even work! You gotta get a REAL Claystation controller!"
For what it's worth, Part 2 of the first VGFlicks mvoie review of the year is almost finished.
I think I've found a steady rhythm, splitting the movie equally and covering about 40 minutes per part. I could still trim in places (brevity is an art that escapes me), but progress is being made.
I think I've found a steady rhythm, splitting the movie equally and covering about 40 minutes per part. I could still trim in places (brevity is an art that escapes me), but progress is being made.
January 10, 2026 at 4:44 AM
For what it's worth, Part 2 of the first VGFlicks mvoie review of the year is almost finished.
I think I've found a steady rhythm, splitting the movie equally and covering about 40 minutes per part. I could still trim in places (brevity is an art that escapes me), but progress is being made.
I think I've found a steady rhythm, splitting the movie equally and covering about 40 minutes per part. I could still trim in places (brevity is an art that escapes me), but progress is being made.
At which point do we start hitting gen-AI apologists with "so, you're cool with the stuff Musk is having Grok produce lately, then"?
January 9, 2026 at 4:54 PM
At which point do we start hitting gen-AI apologists with "so, you're cool with the stuff Musk is having Grok produce lately, then"?
Nuclear Bubble Wrap are a comedy/psychedelic band - I already discussed three of their albums in previous NJR articles of mine. I cover an album and a box set from them today, as well as an extra album I consider important in the label's history - ranked from favorite to least favorite.
Needlejuice Records: A Nuclear Bubble Wrap Special
Planned All Along is a video game review blog that puts emphasis on the story aspect of games. With occasional comedy. New reviews on Fridays.
plannedallalong.blogspot.com
January 9, 2026 at 1:21 PM
Nuclear Bubble Wrap are a comedy/psychedelic band - I already discussed three of their albums in previous NJR articles of mine. I cover an album and a box set from them today, as well as an extra album I consider important in the label's history - ranked from favorite to least favorite.
plannedallalong.blogspot.com/2026/01/need...
Articles about Needlejuice Records have become a yearly tradition for me, because I love the music I've heard from the label's artists. Today, I'm focusing on the band that started my journey through this label: @nuclearbubblewrap.bsky.social !
Articles about Needlejuice Records have become a yearly tradition for me, because I love the music I've heard from the label's artists. Today, I'm focusing on the band that started my journey through this label: @nuclearbubblewrap.bsky.social !
Needlejuice Records: A Nuclear Bubble Wrap Special
Planned All Along is a video game review blog that puts emphasis on the story aspect of games. With occasional comedy. New reviews on Fridays.
plannedallalong.blogspot.com
January 9, 2026 at 1:20 PM
plannedallalong.blogspot.com/2026/01/need...
Articles about Needlejuice Records have become a yearly tradition for me, because I love the music I've heard from the label's artists. Today, I'm focusing on the band that started my journey through this label: @nuclearbubblewrap.bsky.social !
Articles about Needlejuice Records have become a yearly tradition for me, because I love the music I've heard from the label's artists. Today, I'm focusing on the band that started my journey through this label: @nuclearbubblewrap.bsky.social !
Reposted by Nicolas Hamel
A lot of replies here (obviously from people not already aware of The Discourse on this point) were genuinely confused variants on "But why, they're right, that's a valid concern." Let me leave a short thread for future readers explaining why that stuff is always unwelcome on here. (1/n)
January 8, 2026 at 3:37 AM
A lot of replies here (obviously from people not already aware of The Discourse on this point) were genuinely confused variants on "But why, they're right, that's a valid concern." Let me leave a short thread for future readers explaining why that stuff is always unwelcome on here. (1/n)
Tonight, it genuinely feels like writing for my blog is the last thing keeping me sane.
I'm trying my freaking best to stay off from the BlueSky doomscrolling, because it becomes just... too much.
I'm so fucking terrified. I'll take whatever can help me. And if I can help anyone else as well...
I'm trying my freaking best to stay off from the BlueSky doomscrolling, because it becomes just... too much.
I'm so fucking terrified. I'll take whatever can help me. And if I can help anyone else as well...
January 9, 2026 at 2:19 AM
Tonight, it genuinely feels like writing for my blog is the last thing keeping me sane.
I'm trying my freaking best to stay off from the BlueSky doomscrolling, because it becomes just... too much.
I'm so fucking terrified. I'll take whatever can help me. And if I can help anyone else as well...
I'm trying my freaking best to stay off from the BlueSky doomscrolling, because it becomes just... too much.
I'm so fucking terrified. I'll take whatever can help me. And if I can help anyone else as well...
Spent the last two days not working on my movie reviews, worked on game reviews instead. Time to get some progress done tonight on the movies.
But tomorrow, I'.ll be talking music. It will be time for the Needlejuice article, with a focus on one of its founders' band, Nuclear Bubble Wrap.
But tomorrow, I'.ll be talking music. It will be time for the Needlejuice article, with a focus on one of its founders' band, Nuclear Bubble Wrap.
January 8, 2026 at 11:38 PM
Spent the last two days not working on my movie reviews, worked on game reviews instead. Time to get some progress done tonight on the movies.
But tomorrow, I'.ll be talking music. It will be time for the Needlejuice article, with a focus on one of its founders' band, Nuclear Bubble Wrap.
But tomorrow, I'.ll be talking music. It will be time for the Needlejuice article, with a focus on one of its founders' band, Nuclear Bubble Wrap.
Reposted by Nicolas Hamel
Every person on Bluesky should know:
* Every post on Bluesky is PUBLIC forever
* Every post on Bluesky is archived by ICE, NSA, and many other agencies
* Even if you delete a post, it’s already been captured
* Judges don’t care if you were “kidding” or being ironic
www.404media.co/the-200-site...
* Every post on Bluesky is PUBLIC forever
* Every post on Bluesky is archived by ICE, NSA, and many other agencies
* Even if you delete a post, it’s already been captured
* Judges don’t care if you were “kidding” or being ironic
www.404media.co/the-200-site...
March 16, 2025 at 6:24 PM
Every person on Bluesky should know:
* Every post on Bluesky is PUBLIC forever
* Every post on Bluesky is archived by ICE, NSA, and many other agencies
* Even if you delete a post, it’s already been captured
* Judges don’t care if you were “kidding” or being ironic
www.404media.co/the-200-site...
* Every post on Bluesky is PUBLIC forever
* Every post on Bluesky is archived by ICE, NSA, and many other agencies
* Even if you delete a post, it’s already been captured
* Judges don’t care if you were “kidding” or being ironic
www.404media.co/the-200-site...