Westen- BigNerdGaming
@bignerdgaming.bsky.social
Gaming Takes, Ranks, and Lists from a big ol' nerd. New posts twice a week.
email me at BigNerdGamingtakes@gmail.com
www.bignerdgaming.com
email me at BigNerdGamingtakes@gmail.com
www.bignerdgaming.com
Pinned
Get to know me:
-My name is Westen
-I'm a mid 30s dad.
-My wife rulez
-I started this gaming blog because I was having an existential crisis and I needed a distraction from the inevitably of death
-I love ranking stuff!
-Please follow me otherwise I will think about how close to death I am.
-My name is Westen
-I'm a mid 30s dad.
-My wife rulez
-I started this gaming blog because I was having an existential crisis and I needed a distraction from the inevitably of death
-I love ranking stuff!
-Please follow me otherwise I will think about how close to death I am.
Text size that can be made larger, especially in menus. Small text size in menu heavy games genuinely harms my experience as I can't fully sit back and chill when I play it.
Honestly think this is like 50% of why I didn't complete KCD2.
Honestly think this is like 50% of why I didn't complete KCD2.
November 11, 2025 at 12:54 PM
Text size that can be made larger, especially in menus. Small text size in menu heavy games genuinely harms my experience as I can't fully sit back and chill when I play it.
Honestly think this is like 50% of why I didn't complete KCD2.
Honestly think this is like 50% of why I didn't complete KCD2.
16 bit graphics don't really get me nostalgic. Mostly because I still play like a dozen+ games a year that roughly look like that era.
But ps2 graphics? Those produce very high levels of nostalgia.
But ps2 graphics? Those produce very high levels of nostalgia.
November 11, 2025 at 1:43 AM
16 bit graphics don't really get me nostalgic. Mostly because I still play like a dozen+ games a year that roughly look like that era.
But ps2 graphics? Those produce very high levels of nostalgia.
But ps2 graphics? Those produce very high levels of nostalgia.
Saw a movie buff on another platform complaining about people who say there are no good movies out anymore, but then never go to see smaller movies.
And I was like... oh man. Is this a thing for like every entertainment medium?
And I was like... oh man. Is this a thing for like every entertainment medium?
November 10, 2025 at 11:54 PM
Saw a movie buff on another platform complaining about people who say there are no good movies out anymore, but then never go to see smaller movies.
And I was like... oh man. Is this a thing for like every entertainment medium?
And I was like... oh man. Is this a thing for like every entertainment medium?
Being a one man operation and somehow being above sites like Polygon and Forbes on search engines occasionally will always be the craziest thing to me. (I checked on incognito mode to make sure the algorithm wasn't favoring my site for this).
November 10, 2025 at 8:24 PM
Being a one man operation and somehow being above sites like Polygon and Forbes on search engines occasionally will always be the craziest thing to me. (I checked on incognito mode to make sure the algorithm wasn't favoring my site for this).
Needed a Steam Deck game because I find it hard to play Ball x Pit for longer than a run or 2 at a time.
Ended up on The Knightling. If @andresplays.bsky.social gives a game a 10, I'm contractually obligated to try it.
I hope it doesn't suck 😭
Ended up on The Knightling. If @andresplays.bsky.social gives a game a 10, I'm contractually obligated to try it.
I hope it doesn't suck 😭
November 10, 2025 at 8:12 PM
Needed a Steam Deck game because I find it hard to play Ball x Pit for longer than a run or 2 at a time.
Ended up on The Knightling. If @andresplays.bsky.social gives a game a 10, I'm contractually obligated to try it.
I hope it doesn't suck 😭
Ended up on The Knightling. If @andresplays.bsky.social gives a game a 10, I'm contractually obligated to try it.
I hope it doesn't suck 😭
Decided to do one quick solo arc raiders run.
Completely peaceful run until the very end of course.
I know now that getting downed in an elevator is not the worst thing potentially 😅
Completely peaceful run until the very end of course.
I know now that getting downed in an elevator is not the worst thing potentially 😅
November 9, 2025 at 7:10 PM
Decided to do one quick solo arc raiders run.
Completely peaceful run until the very end of course.
I know now that getting downed in an elevator is not the worst thing potentially 😅
Completely peaceful run until the very end of course.
I know now that getting downed in an elevator is not the worst thing potentially 😅
Man. Keeper is GORGEOUS. You have to play it to really appreciate it.
I'm not sure I enjoy playing it so far tho 😅. Still early, so I'm hoping for the best.
I'm not sure I enjoy playing it so far tho 😅. Still early, so I'm hoping for the best.
November 9, 2025 at 5:34 PM
Man. Keeper is GORGEOUS. You have to play it to really appreciate it.
I'm not sure I enjoy playing it so far tho 😅. Still early, so I'm hoping for the best.
I'm not sure I enjoy playing it so far tho 😅. Still early, so I'm hoping for the best.
First group session was a nice bit of fun!
But my god... the maintenance work in between quests is fucking KILLING me.
But my god... the maintenance work in between quests is fucking KILLING me.
Solid runs with @eebik.xyz and @bignerdgaming.bsky.social
Arc raiders is incredibly hard to put down.
Arc raiders is incredibly hard to put down.
November 9, 2025 at 12:30 PM
First group session was a nice bit of fun!
But my god... the maintenance work in between quests is fucking KILLING me.
But my god... the maintenance work in between quests is fucking KILLING me.
Random thought.
If you haven't played Dispatch yet, you can start it TONIGHT and pretty easily be ready to go for when the final eps drop this Wednesday.
This game is an event. I personally think if you play it, it'll enhance the experience if you can experience the ending(s) with everyone else.
If you haven't played Dispatch yet, you can start it TONIGHT and pretty easily be ready to go for when the final eps drop this Wednesday.
This game is an event. I personally think if you play it, it'll enhance the experience if you can experience the ending(s) with everyone else.
November 9, 2025 at 12:29 AM
Random thought.
If you haven't played Dispatch yet, you can start it TONIGHT and pretty easily be ready to go for when the final eps drop this Wednesday.
This game is an event. I personally think if you play it, it'll enhance the experience if you can experience the ending(s) with everyone else.
If you haven't played Dispatch yet, you can start it TONIGHT and pretty easily be ready to go for when the final eps drop this Wednesday.
This game is an event. I personally think if you play it, it'll enhance the experience if you can experience the ending(s) with everyone else.
A lot of roguelites/roguelikes get a bit worse the deeper you go, as the repetition starts to slowly wear on you. Not all, but the vast majority imo.
Ball x Pit might be in the rare class that gets stronger as you go.
The options for builds get WAY more interesting the deeper you go.
Ball x Pit might be in the rare class that gets stronger as you go.
The options for builds get WAY more interesting the deeper you go.
November 8, 2025 at 5:39 PM
A lot of roguelites/roguelikes get a bit worse the deeper you go, as the repetition starts to slowly wear on you. Not all, but the vast majority imo.
Ball x Pit might be in the rare class that gets stronger as you go.
The options for builds get WAY more interesting the deeper you go.
Ball x Pit might be in the rare class that gets stronger as you go.
The options for builds get WAY more interesting the deeper you go.
I played Arc Raiders last night.
I only did solo so I don't feel like I got the full experience yet. But my early solo thoughts from a guy who doesn't usually play these games.
-The vibe/aesthetic/atmosphere are all tremendous. So many little touches I love. Like the cinematics for shopkeepers 🧵
I only did solo so I don't feel like I got the full experience yet. But my early solo thoughts from a guy who doesn't usually play these games.
-The vibe/aesthetic/atmosphere are all tremendous. So many little touches I love. Like the cinematics for shopkeepers 🧵
November 8, 2025 at 2:18 PM
I played Arc Raiders last night.
I only did solo so I don't feel like I got the full experience yet. But my early solo thoughts from a guy who doesn't usually play these games.
-The vibe/aesthetic/atmosphere are all tremendous. So many little touches I love. Like the cinematics for shopkeepers 🧵
I only did solo so I don't feel like I got the full experience yet. But my early solo thoughts from a guy who doesn't usually play these games.
-The vibe/aesthetic/atmosphere are all tremendous. So many little touches I love. Like the cinematics for shopkeepers 🧵
Just unlocked the Shieldbearer in Ball x Pit.
Holy shit this rules.
Holy shit this rules.
November 8, 2025 at 1:54 PM
Just unlocked the Shieldbearer in Ball x Pit.
Holy shit this rules.
Holy shit this rules.
Last bump! Appreciate the support as always!
Finally, my GotY picks.
KCD2 or Yotei could be in the Split Fiction spot and I wouldn't be surprised. Absolutely agonizing decision!
Finally, my GotY picks.
KCD2 or Yotei could be in the Split Fiction spot and I wouldn't be surprised. Absolutely agonizing decision!
November 7, 2025 at 11:30 PM
Last bump! Appreciate the support as always!
Finally, my GotY picks.
KCD2 or Yotei could be in the Split Fiction spot and I wouldn't be surprised. Absolutely agonizing decision!
Finally, my GotY picks.
KCD2 or Yotei could be in the Split Fiction spot and I wouldn't be surprised. Absolutely agonizing decision!
One of my favorite categories to predict is Best Performance because there's so many options.
Feel very good about my 3 locks. Feel decent about Ben Starr. 5th pick was brutal.
Who am I missing? Who deserves to be here in your opinion?
Feel very good about my 3 locks. Feel decent about Ben Starr. 5th pick was brutal.
Who am I missing? Who deserves to be here in your opinion?
November 7, 2025 at 5:57 PM
One of my favorite categories to predict is Best Performance because there's so many options.
Feel very good about my 3 locks. Feel decent about Ben Starr. 5th pick was brutal.
Who am I missing? Who deserves to be here in your opinion?
Feel very good about my 3 locks. Feel decent about Ben Starr. 5th pick was brutal.
Who am I missing? Who deserves to be here in your opinion?
It's time for my Game Awards nominee predictions in blog form!
I had 73% of my picks correct last year. I truly think I can get 80% this year.
4300 words! If you enjoy it, Reposts are always appreciated as this one is a lot of work. A few tweaks since the pod!
bignerdgaming.com/2025/11/07/m...
I had 73% of my picks correct last year. I truly think I can get 80% this year.
4300 words! If you enjoy it, Reposts are always appreciated as this one is a lot of work. A few tweaks since the pod!
bignerdgaming.com/2025/11/07/m...
My Official 2025 Game Awards Nominee Predictions
If you want to hear me talk about these predictions, check out The Big Nerd Gaming Podcast. As my friend AndresPlays says, we have reached the time of year when I grow the most powerful. All year, …
bignerdgaming.com
November 7, 2025 at 2:59 PM
It's time for my Game Awards nominee predictions in blog form!
I had 73% of my picks correct last year. I truly think I can get 80% this year.
4300 words! If you enjoy it, Reposts are always appreciated as this one is a lot of work. A few tweaks since the pod!
bignerdgaming.com/2025/11/07/m...
I had 73% of my picks correct last year. I truly think I can get 80% this year.
4300 words! If you enjoy it, Reposts are always appreciated as this one is a lot of work. A few tweaks since the pod!
bignerdgaming.com/2025/11/07/m...
I really don't understand why there's so much platforming in Ghost of Yotei.
November 7, 2025 at 2:15 AM
I really don't understand why there's so much platforming in Ghost of Yotei.
If you haven't had the time or desire to check out my podcast on The Game Awards... HAVE NO FEAR.
Coming tomorrow... all of my predictions in blog form (with a few tweaks after the pod).
4300 words.
Wtf is wrong with me.
Coming tomorrow... all of my predictions in blog form (with a few tweaks after the pod).
4300 words.
Wtf is wrong with me.
November 7, 2025 at 12:26 AM
If you haven't had the time or desire to check out my podcast on The Game Awards... HAVE NO FEAR.
Coming tomorrow... all of my predictions in blog form (with a few tweaks after the pod).
4300 words.
Wtf is wrong with me.
Coming tomorrow... all of my predictions in blog form (with a few tweaks after the pod).
4300 words.
Wtf is wrong with me.
Stuff that happens when you gotta make all the cokes fizzy and have realistic shitting mechanics for weirdo YouTubers.
BREAKING: Rockstar has delayed Grand Theft Auto VI again, pushing the highly anticipated game from May to November 19, 2026. www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
‘Grand Theft Auto VI’ Is Postponed Again — to November 2026
The release date for the game had previously slipped to May 2026 from fall 2025
www.bloomberg.com
November 6, 2025 at 9:40 PM
Stuff that happens when you gotta make all the cokes fizzy and have realistic shitting mechanics for weirdo YouTubers.
Updated my various top 10s after completing Seance of Blake Manor
So long to...
-Pipistrello for Best Story
-Promise Mascot Agency for Best Exploration
-Donkey Kong Bananza for Best Puzzles
🫡
So long to...
-Pipistrello for Best Story
-Promise Mascot Agency for Best Exploration
-Donkey Kong Bananza for Best Puzzles
🫡
November 6, 2025 at 5:14 PM
Updated my various top 10s after completing Seance of Blake Manor
So long to...
-Pipistrello for Best Story
-Promise Mascot Agency for Best Exploration
-Donkey Kong Bananza for Best Puzzles
🫡
So long to...
-Pipistrello for Best Story
-Promise Mascot Agency for Best Exploration
-Donkey Kong Bananza for Best Puzzles
🫡
Reposted by Westen- BigNerdGaming
So I tagged along with the podcast (which you should definitely listen to) and gave my own predictions *before* hearing @bignerdgaming.bsky.social and @hananomaude.bsky.social picks/reasoning.
If you aren't Hana or Westen and you read my rambling, you are crazy and I love you ❤️
If you aren't Hana or Westen and you read my rambling, you are crazy and I love you ❤️
November 6, 2025 at 4:05 PM
So I tagged along with the podcast (which you should definitely listen to) and gave my own predictions *before* hearing @bignerdgaming.bsky.social and @hananomaude.bsky.social picks/reasoning.
If you aren't Hana or Westen and you read my rambling, you are crazy and I love you ❤️
If you aren't Hana or Westen and you read my rambling, you are crazy and I love you ❤️
Game #34 of 2025 completed: The Seance of Blake Manor.
An open ended detective game that is so thrilling in so many ways. The story and writing are equally strong. This game is very cool. I hope more people play it. Great work by @spookydoorway.bsky.social
An open ended detective game that is so thrilling in so many ways. The story and writing are equally strong. This game is very cool. I hope more people play it. Great work by @spookydoorway.bsky.social
November 6, 2025 at 3:52 PM
Game #34 of 2025 completed: The Seance of Blake Manor.
An open ended detective game that is so thrilling in so many ways. The story and writing are equally strong. This game is very cool. I hope more people play it. Great work by @spookydoorway.bsky.social
An open ended detective game that is so thrilling in so many ways. The story and writing are equally strong. This game is very cool. I hope more people play it. Great work by @spookydoorway.bsky.social
Reposted by Westen- BigNerdGaming
Few games capture the spirit of Halloween like Costume Quest. It’s a charming, silly, and fun little RPG (you can finish it in under 10 hours!) that I had a wonderful time with.
Here’s my review: sightingames.wordpress.com/2025/11/05/r...
Here’s my review: sightingames.wordpress.com/2025/11/05/r...
Review – Costume Quest + Grubbins on Ice DLC
A trick-or-treating RPG that’s bursting with creativity and humor.
sightingames.wordpress.com
November 5, 2025 at 2:04 PM
Few games capture the spirit of Halloween like Costume Quest. It’s a charming, silly, and fun little RPG (you can finish it in under 10 hours!) that I had a wonderful time with.
Here’s my review: sightingames.wordpress.com/2025/11/05/r...
Here’s my review: sightingames.wordpress.com/2025/11/05/r...
Played Dispatch episode 5 + 6 and The Seance of Blake Manor tonight.
Dispatch was fantastic yet again and had 1 moment that is in my running for top 20 moments of the year.
Hit a pivotal point in Blake Manor and that moment is 100% hitting my top 20 this year. Maybe top 10.
I LOVE VIDEO GAMES.
Dispatch was fantastic yet again and had 1 moment that is in my running for top 20 moments of the year.
Hit a pivotal point in Blake Manor and that moment is 100% hitting my top 20 this year. Maybe top 10.
I LOVE VIDEO GAMES.
November 6, 2025 at 4:18 AM
Played Dispatch episode 5 + 6 and The Seance of Blake Manor tonight.
Dispatch was fantastic yet again and had 1 moment that is in my running for top 20 moments of the year.
Hit a pivotal point in Blake Manor and that moment is 100% hitting my top 20 this year. Maybe top 10.
I LOVE VIDEO GAMES.
Dispatch was fantastic yet again and had 1 moment that is in my running for top 20 moments of the year.
Hit a pivotal point in Blake Manor and that moment is 100% hitting my top 20 this year. Maybe top 10.
I LOVE VIDEO GAMES.
Aaand episode 6 was the best one yet.
This freaking game!
Cannot wait for Wednesday. My faith is high that they will close it out strong. Props to AdHoc. They really pulled this off.
This freaking game!
Cannot wait for Wednesday. My faith is high that they will close it out strong. Props to AdHoc. They really pulled this off.
Episode 5 of Dispatch is probably my lowest rated. But then I still end up at an 8.5. The ending stuff was so good. And that was an intense choice. First time I hit pause because I had no clue lol
Also the credits song is so fucking hilarious
Also the credits song is so fucking hilarious
November 6, 2025 at 3:40 AM
Aaand episode 6 was the best one yet.
This freaking game!
Cannot wait for Wednesday. My faith is high that they will close it out strong. Props to AdHoc. They really pulled this off.
This freaking game!
Cannot wait for Wednesday. My faith is high that they will close it out strong. Props to AdHoc. They really pulled this off.
It's truly underdiscussed how crazy it is that Chex Quest was a good video game. Video games made as a pure marketing tool have like a 5% hit rate.
November 6, 2025 at 2:07 AM
It's truly underdiscussed how crazy it is that Chex Quest was a good video game. Video games made as a pure marketing tool have like a 5% hit rate.