merman1974
@merman1974.bsky.social
C64 fan, retro gamer, writer, deeply affected by Crohns
Merman1974: The Retro Crusader of Bluesky
A digital merman swimming in a sea of pixels and profound social commentary
Merman1974: The Retro Crusader of Bluesky
A digital merman swimming in a sea of pixels and profound social commentary
Reposted by merman1974
God, I am so, so sick of these monsters. I am sick of the people who enable them and give them power
November 20, 2025 at 10:51 AM
God, I am so, so sick of these monsters. I am sick of the people who enable them and give them power
Reposted by merman1974
I am on this one. For better or worse.
Coming tomorrow! The 16-bit games draft. 36 picks across Mega Drive, SNES, Neo Geo and the Amiga. Kills and steals return!
Someone picked Turtles in Time, then Dave Scarborough shared this cursed anecdote:
Someone picked Turtles in Time, then Dave Scarborough shared this cursed anecdote:
November 20, 2025 at 10:03 AM
I am on this one. For better or worse.
Reposted by merman1974
10 days left to preorder a copy of Killtopia: Phantoms #1 on Kickstarter!
Inspired by Cowboy Bebop, Ghost in the Shell and Perfect Blue, Phantoms follows a Neo Tokyo police unit hunting a mass mind hacker.
Check out our campaign and grab a copy to support us: www.kickstarter.com/projects/bus...
Inspired by Cowboy Bebop, Ghost in the Shell and Perfect Blue, Phantoms follows a Neo Tokyo police unit hunting a mass mind hacker.
Check out our campaign and grab a copy to support us: www.kickstarter.com/projects/bus...
November 20, 2025 at 10:07 AM
10 days left to preorder a copy of Killtopia: Phantoms #1 on Kickstarter!
Inspired by Cowboy Bebop, Ghost in the Shell and Perfect Blue, Phantoms follows a Neo Tokyo police unit hunting a mass mind hacker.
Check out our campaign and grab a copy to support us: www.kickstarter.com/projects/bus...
Inspired by Cowboy Bebop, Ghost in the Shell and Perfect Blue, Phantoms follows a Neo Tokyo police unit hunting a mass mind hacker.
Check out our campaign and grab a copy to support us: www.kickstarter.com/projects/bus...
Reposted by merman1974
With the assistance of Riot Games, we were able to meet Charlie and help welcome him to the magical world of gaming!
If you vote for us in the Riot Games Charity Voting Campaign, you can help us make a difference to the lives of kids like Charlie! charityvote.riotgames.com
If you vote for us in the Riot Games Charity Voting Campaign, you can help us make a difference to the lives of kids like Charlie! charityvote.riotgames.com
November 20, 2025 at 10:08 AM
With the assistance of Riot Games, we were able to meet Charlie and help welcome him to the magical world of gaming!
If you vote for us in the Riot Games Charity Voting Campaign, you can help us make a difference to the lives of kids like Charlie! charityvote.riotgames.com
If you vote for us in the Riot Games Charity Voting Campaign, you can help us make a difference to the lives of kids like Charlie! charityvote.riotgames.com
Reposted by merman1974
Hi I wrote about the Sega Master System and how it’s been criminally overlooked because everyone goes on about the NES like it was the only 8bit console in the world look don’t get me started
www.theguardian.com/games/2025/n...
www.theguardian.com/games/2025/n...
Master System at 40: the truth about Sega’s most underrated console
Forty years ago, the Nintendo Entertainment System dominated the markets in Japan and the US. But in Europe, a technologically superior rival was making it look like an ancient relic
www.theguardian.com
November 18, 2025 at 12:05 PM
Hi I wrote about the Sega Master System and how it’s been criminally overlooked because everyone goes on about the NES like it was the only 8bit console in the world look don’t get me started
www.theguardian.com/games/2025/n...
www.theguardian.com/games/2025/n...
Reposted by merman1974
Next up in our music game series: a big profile of Sound Fantasy and Electroplankton creator Toshio Iwai, based on a three-hour call with @radishgames.com.
Toshio Iwai's journey from Sound Fantasy to Electroplankton
We profile the artist behind two of Nintendo's attempts at making experimental music games in the '90s and early 2000s -- one a canceled Super Famicom game based on musical insects, and the other a Ni...
www.designroom.site
November 19, 2025 at 4:58 PM
Next up in our music game series: a big profile of Sound Fantasy and Electroplankton creator Toshio Iwai, based on a three-hour call with @radishgames.com.
Reposted by merman1974
Reposted by merman1974
Government unveils England's first ever Men's Health Strategy to tackle physical and mental health challenges faced by men and boys, and reduce inequalities.
It will include specific measures and funding for mental health and suicide protection (one of the biggest killers of me under 50).
1/3
It will include specific measures and funding for mental health and suicide protection (one of the biggest killers of me under 50).
1/3
Government unveils England's first ever Men's Health Strategy
The government launches bold plan to tackle physical and mental health challenges faced by men and boys, and reduce inequalities.
www.gov.uk
November 19, 2025 at 7:50 AM
Government unveils England's first ever Men's Health Strategy to tackle physical and mental health challenges faced by men and boys, and reduce inequalities.
It will include specific measures and funding for mental health and suicide protection (one of the biggest killers of me under 50).
1/3
It will include specific measures and funding for mental health and suicide protection (one of the biggest killers of me under 50).
1/3
Reposted by merman1974
✍️ “Do not go gentle into that good night, Rage, rage against the dying of the light”
Old certainties are disappearing before our eyes – we need to fight for the light before we lose it for good
By Andy Brown
@andybrown1951.bsky.social
@yorkshirebylines.co.uk
Old certainties are disappearing before our eyes – we need to fight for the light before we lose it for good
By Andy Brown
@andybrown1951.bsky.social
@yorkshirebylines.co.uk
“Do not go gentle into that good night, Rage, rage against the dying of the light”
Old certainties are disappearing before our eyes – we need to fight for the light before we lose it for good
yorkshirebylines.co.uk
November 18, 2025 at 6:36 PM
✍️ “Do not go gentle into that good night, Rage, rage against the dying of the light”
Old certainties are disappearing before our eyes – we need to fight for the light before we lose it for good
By Andy Brown
@andybrown1951.bsky.social
@yorkshirebylines.co.uk
Old certainties are disappearing before our eyes – we need to fight for the light before we lose it for good
By Andy Brown
@andybrown1951.bsky.social
@yorkshirebylines.co.uk
Reposted by merman1974
Excellent article. The US used to be looked up as a the guiding light of Democracy. Not only have we lost our way, but others are following us into the darkness.
“Do not go gentle into that good night, Rage, rage against the dying of the light”
Old certainties are disappearing before our eyes – we need to fight for the light before we lose it for good
By Andy Brown
Old certainties are disappearing before our eyes – we need to fight for the light before we lose it for good
By Andy Brown
“Do not go gentle into that good night, Rage, rage against the dying of the light”
Old certainties are disappearing before our eyes – we need to fight for the light before we lose it for good
yorkshirebylines.co.uk
November 18, 2025 at 7:27 AM
Excellent article. The US used to be looked up as a the guiding light of Democracy. Not only have we lost our way, but others are following us into the darkness.
Reposted by merman1974
'In the budget next week I'll be taking targeted action to bring down inflation to address the cost of living'
Chancellor Rachel Reeves said she 'welcomed' the latest inflation data which slowed to 3.6% in the 12 months to October
Chancellor Rachel Reeves said she 'welcomed' the latest inflation data which slowed to 3.6% in the 12 months to October
November 19, 2025 at 7:59 AM
'In the budget next week I'll be taking targeted action to bring down inflation to address the cost of living'
Chancellor Rachel Reeves said she 'welcomed' the latest inflation data which slowed to 3.6% in the 12 months to October
Chancellor Rachel Reeves said she 'welcomed' the latest inflation data which slowed to 3.6% in the 12 months to October
Reposted by merman1974
+ cutting-edge hybrid battery-electric trains
+ Improving connectivity with other lines, eg the Newmarket Line with services into Norfolk and Suffolk
Overall it is expected to support the building of 100,000 new homes across the line, support job creation and major economic growth.
2/2
+ Improving connectivity with other lines, eg the Newmarket Line with services into Norfolk and Suffolk
Overall it is expected to support the building of 100,000 new homes across the line, support job creation and major economic growth.
2/2
November 19, 2025 at 8:02 AM
+ cutting-edge hybrid battery-electric trains
+ Improving connectivity with other lines, eg the Newmarket Line with services into Norfolk and Suffolk
Overall it is expected to support the building of 100,000 new homes across the line, support job creation and major economic growth.
2/2
+ Improving connectivity with other lines, eg the Newmarket Line with services into Norfolk and Suffolk
Overall it is expected to support the building of 100,000 new homes across the line, support job creation and major economic growth.
2/2
Reposted by merman1974
East West Rail unveils next phase for Oxford-Cambridge growth
Steps for the 2nd phase of the project are being unveiled today. It includes:
+ 4 new stations (including the Universal Theme Park & Stewartby)
+ 3 new station entrances
+ Increased frequency of trains to 5 an hour (up from 3/4)
1/2
Steps for the 2nd phase of the project are being unveiled today. It includes:
+ 4 new stations (including the Universal Theme Park & Stewartby)
+ 3 new station entrances
+ Increased frequency of trains to 5 an hour (up from 3/4)
1/2
East West Rail unveils next phase for Oxford-Cambridge growth
East West Rail confirms next phase of construction, boosting Oxford-Cambridge links with more frequent trains, new stations and major economic growth.
www.gov.uk
November 19, 2025 at 8:02 AM
East West Rail unveils next phase for Oxford-Cambridge growth
Steps for the 2nd phase of the project are being unveiled today. It includes:
+ 4 new stations (including the Universal Theme Park & Stewartby)
+ 3 new station entrances
+ Increased frequency of trains to 5 an hour (up from 3/4)
1/2
Steps for the 2nd phase of the project are being unveiled today. It includes:
+ 4 new stations (including the Universal Theme Park & Stewartby)
+ 3 new station entrances
+ Increased frequency of trains to 5 an hour (up from 3/4)
1/2
Reposted by merman1974
Heat-pump homes put less strain on grid than expected, study shows
Analysis of new-builds in Birmingham suggests all-electric homes not only use less energy but vary in peak usage
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Analysis of new-builds in Birmingham suggests all-electric homes not only use less energy but vary in peak usage
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Heat-pump homes put less strain on grid than expected, study shows
Analysis of new-builds in Birmingham suggests all-electric homes not only use less energy but vary in peak usage
www.theguardian.com
November 19, 2025 at 6:26 AM
Heat-pump homes put less strain on grid than expected, study shows
Analysis of new-builds in Birmingham suggests all-electric homes not only use less energy but vary in peak usage
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Analysis of new-builds in Birmingham suggests all-electric homes not only use less energy but vary in peak usage
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Reposted by merman1974
Smaller, passion-led projects created by talented people who care about their craft are still out there! Please don't give up. Support the internet and the creatives you want to see! 🧵
November 19, 2025 at 8:05 AM
Smaller, passion-led projects created by talented people who care about their craft are still out there! Please don't give up. Support the internet and the creatives you want to see! 🧵
Reposted by merman1974
🕹️ Trigger Happy: A Visual Celebration of Video Game Controllers 🎮
Looks at the joysticks that started it all, numerous classic gamepads, impactful innovations, iconic oddities and everything in between.
Out now: www.bitmapbooks.com/collections/...
#bitmapbooks #books #retrogaming #gaming #booksky
Looks at the joysticks that started it all, numerous classic gamepads, impactful innovations, iconic oddities and everything in between.
Out now: www.bitmapbooks.com/collections/...
#bitmapbooks #books #retrogaming #gaming #booksky
November 19, 2025 at 8:09 AM
🕹️ Trigger Happy: A Visual Celebration of Video Game Controllers 🎮
Looks at the joysticks that started it all, numerous classic gamepads, impactful innovations, iconic oddities and everything in between.
Out now: www.bitmapbooks.com/collections/...
#bitmapbooks #books #retrogaming #gaming #booksky
Looks at the joysticks that started it all, numerous classic gamepads, impactful innovations, iconic oddities and everything in between.
Out now: www.bitmapbooks.com/collections/...
#bitmapbooks #books #retrogaming #gaming #booksky
Reposted by merman1974
The likes of Trump lie about climate change - this has real-life consequences.
"People on the right politically have become less likely to call climate change a major threat."
https://bit.ly/49J2IVl
"People on the right politically have become less likely to call climate change a major threat."
https://bit.ly/49J2IVl
Worries about climate change are waning in many well-off nations – but growing in Turkey, Brazil and India
Polling reveals changing attitudes to the threat of climate change around the world.
theconversation.com
November 19, 2025 at 9:09 AM
The likes of Trump lie about climate change - this has real-life consequences.
"People on the right politically have become less likely to call climate change a major threat."
https://bit.ly/49J2IVl
"People on the right politically have become less likely to call climate change a major threat."
https://bit.ly/49J2IVl
Reposted by merman1974
"The sky above the port was the color of television, tuned to a dead channel."
With three megs of hot RAM burning a hole in our pocket, we step into a computerised version of the Sprawl in 2058.
📺: Neuromancer, Interplay, 1988 (C64 version)
Little 🧵 will follow
With three megs of hot RAM burning a hole in our pocket, we step into a computerised version of the Sprawl in 2058.
📺: Neuromancer, Interplay, 1988 (C64 version)
Little 🧵 will follow
July 16, 2025 at 9:40 AM
"The sky above the port was the color of television, tuned to a dead channel."
With three megs of hot RAM burning a hole in our pocket, we step into a computerised version of the Sprawl in 2058.
📺: Neuromancer, Interplay, 1988 (C64 version)
Little 🧵 will follow
With three megs of hot RAM burning a hole in our pocket, we step into a computerised version of the Sprawl in 2058.
📺: Neuromancer, Interplay, 1988 (C64 version)
Little 🧵 will follow
Reposted by merman1974
Reposted by merman1974
It's back to business as normal as ZttP #podcast round out the Robocop trilogy, play a stinky tortoise, a spooky ghost, someone called Big Nose, and Potsworth and Co. We hope you like your platforming this week! Ep206 is out now: zappedtothepast.com #C64 #C64Reposts #commodore64 #retrogames
November 17, 2025 at 7:17 PM
It's back to business as normal as ZttP #podcast round out the Robocop trilogy, play a stinky tortoise, a spooky ghost, someone called Big Nose, and Potsworth and Co. We hope you like your platforming this week! Ep206 is out now: zappedtothepast.com #C64 #C64Reposts #commodore64 #retrogames
Reposted by merman1974
As part of the third year of Second Wind, we're excited to announce that in April 2026 we will be running our first ever Indie Showcase!
Indie games have been a huge part of our story, and we can't wait to run our first big showcase.
More details to come before the end of the year.
Indie games have been a huge part of our story, and we can't wait to run our first big showcase.
More details to come before the end of the year.
November 17, 2025 at 4:57 PM
As part of the third year of Second Wind, we're excited to announce that in April 2026 we will be running our first ever Indie Showcase!
Indie games have been a huge part of our story, and we can't wait to run our first big showcase.
More details to come before the end of the year.
Indie games have been a huge part of our story, and we can't wait to run our first big showcase.
More details to come before the end of the year.
Reposted by merman1974
The Funtech Super A’Can – Taiwan’s 16 bit challenger
Taiwan might not be known as a gaming powerhouse, but Funtech gave it a go in the 90's with the Super A'Can. Unfortunately they released an 80s machine in the 90s, but it's still an interesting bit of hardware.
Taiwan might not be known as a gaming powerhouse, but Funtech gave it a go in the 90's with the Super A'Can. Unfortunately they released an 80s machine in the 90s, but it's still an interesting bit of hardware.
The Funtech Super A’Can – Taiwan’s 16 bit challenger
Taiwan might not be known as a gaming powerhouse, but Funtech gave it a go in the 90's with the Super A'Can. Unfortunately they released an 80s machine in the 90s, but it's still an interesting bit of hardware.
re-enthused.com
November 17, 2025 at 7:27 PM
The Funtech Super A’Can – Taiwan’s 16 bit challenger
Taiwan might not be known as a gaming powerhouse, but Funtech gave it a go in the 90's with the Super A'Can. Unfortunately they released an 80s machine in the 90s, but it's still an interesting bit of hardware.
Taiwan might not be known as a gaming powerhouse, but Funtech gave it a go in the 90's with the Super A'Can. Unfortunately they released an 80s machine in the 90s, but it's still an interesting bit of hardware.
Reposted by merman1974
A File Format Uncracked for 20 Years | Discussion
A File Format Uncracked for 20 Years | lander's posts
"I’ve had enough reasonable file formats fired at me in my time to tell you that wasn’t one" - Sam Fisher
landaire.net
November 17, 2025 at 1:20 AM
A File Format Uncracked for 20 Years | Discussion
Reposted by merman1974
anyways i cannot wait for the independent games festival happening on march 11 2026!!!!
November 17, 2025 at 6:09 PM
anyways i cannot wait for the independent games festival happening on march 11 2026!!!!