Aaron Riccio
@illogicaljoker.bsky.social
video game reviews @ slantmagazine.com
cryptic crossword solves @ twitch.com/thatcrypticguy
puzzling musings @ crosswordscholar.wordpress.com
cryptic crossword solves @ twitch.com/thatcrypticguy
puzzling musings @ crosswordscholar.wordpress.com
Pinned
15. Nothing Beyond This Point
14. Luna Abyss
13. RUBATO
12. Final Sentence
11. Neverway
10. SacriFire
9. Trifoil
8. Glaciered
7. Lucid
6. Inkblood
5. The Remake of the End of the Greatest RPG of All Time
4. Aeterna Lucis
3. Mewgenics!
2. Chronoscript: The Endless End
1. Earth Must Die
14. Luna Abyss
13. RUBATO
12. Final Sentence
11. Neverway
10. SacriFire
9. Trifoil
8. Glaciered
7. Lucid
6. Inkblood
5. The Remake of the End of the Greatest RPG of All Time
4. Aeterna Lucis
3. Mewgenics!
2. Chronoscript: The Endless End
1. Earth Must Die
The lows get ever lower.
Describing someone who was murdered as having "passed away" and suggesting that it was the victim's fault for causing "anger" to others?
No. We must draw the line SOMEWHERE.
Describing someone who was murdered as having "passed away" and suggesting that it was the victim's fault for causing "anger" to others?
No. We must draw the line SOMEWHERE.
December 15, 2025 at 6:21 PM
The lows get ever lower.
Describing someone who was murdered as having "passed away" and suggesting that it was the victim's fault for causing "anger" to others?
No. We must draw the line SOMEWHERE.
Describing someone who was murdered as having "passed away" and suggesting that it was the victim's fault for causing "anger" to others?
No. We must draw the line SOMEWHERE.
And this drives me nuts! Any product that breaks even is a win! Everybody got paid and something new got made! I'm not saying you can't also chase endless money, by the way, but you can go for BOTH.
I assume it's because most publishers just want to release the next endless stream of money like Genshin Impact or Fortnite. They're not interested in something that, best case scenario, is critically acclaimed & makes a few million dollars in profit.
December 15, 2025 at 2:36 PM
And this drives me nuts! Any product that breaks even is a win! Everybody got paid and something new got made! I'm not saying you can't also chase endless money, by the way, but you can go for BOTH.
Reposted by Aaron Riccio
Another great list of indies to look forward (though I don't know if they're all hitting in 2026). This includes some of the games I overlooked, like Mina the Hollower, Alabaster Dawn, Timespinner 2, Radio the Universe, and Abyss X Zero. And there's more we're both missing, like Demon Tides!
The sequel to the 50 indie game recommendation prompt, FIFTY UPCOMING INDIE GAMES! Feel free to quote this and start your own thread, I'd encourage you to play along.
1. Crowsworn
Very eagerly anticipating this one, the backer demo was juicy as hell, definitely stick this one on your wishlists.
1. Crowsworn
Very eagerly anticipating this one, the backer demo was juicy as hell, definitely stick this one on your wishlists.
Crowsworn on Steam
Explore a dark world inhabited by men and monsters in this action packed platformer. Lay waste to the monsters that stand in your way with a wide array of stylish combat maneuvers, as you attempt to u...
store.steampowered.com
December 15, 2025 at 3:14 AM
Another great list of indies to look forward (though I don't know if they're all hitting in 2026). This includes some of the games I overlooked, like Mina the Hollower, Alabaster Dawn, Timespinner 2, Radio the Universe, and Abyss X Zero. And there's more we're both missing, like Demon Tides!
It's unfortunate that "To A T" didn't sell well, but I'm baffled by the takes blaming audiences.
(1) If they didn't *know* about it, that's a marketing issue.
(1) If they didn't *know* about it, that's a marketing issue.
December 14, 2025 at 9:26 PM
It's unfortunate that "To A T" didn't sell well, but I'm baffled by the takes blaming audiences.
(1) If they didn't *know* about it, that's a marketing issue.
(1) If they didn't *know* about it, that's a marketing issue.
Steve's a great editor and constructor, and if you're not yet solving his cryptic crosswords, this and his WSJ variety puzzle from yesterday are good free places to start.
This is usually where I'd put some spiel about my cryptic crossword Patreon, but I'm just feeling lucky and proud to light the lights tonight. I think this Square Chase holiday puzzle is apt and, as always, free to all. I hope it brightens your evening.
www.patreon.com/posts/square...
www.patreon.com/posts/square...
December 14, 2025 at 8:59 PM
Steve's a great editor and constructor, and if you're not yet solving his cryptic crosswords, this and his WSJ variety puzzle from yesterday are good free places to start.
I really like the last part of "Thank Goodness You're Here," and I'm sort of disappointed that that's where it ended as opposed to where it began. The idea of a character overwhelmed by the absurdly comedic fetch quests he is trapped in is more appealing than just the slapstick of performing them.
December 14, 2025 at 6:46 PM
I really like the last part of "Thank Goodness You're Here," and I'm sort of disappointed that that's where it ended as opposed to where it began. The idea of a character overwhelmed by the absurdly comedic fetch quests he is trapped in is more appealing than just the slapstick of performing them.
I get tangled in this all the time, assuming that readers will know a term or a reference, and yeah, ultimately I think it is better to nail down how I feel and let people make of that what they will.
When speaking to an individual, I open with an interrogation to know what language I need to be speaking.
When talking to an audience, I need to explain fundamentals and describe what FEELING or core fantasy that a game is trying to convey, rather than where it stands in the medium's genealogy.
When talking to an audience, I need to explain fundamentals and describe what FEELING or core fantasy that a game is trying to convey, rather than where it stands in the medium's genealogy.
December 13, 2025 at 4:33 PM
I get tangled in this all the time, assuming that readers will know a term or a reference, and yeah, ultimately I think it is better to nail down how I feel and let people make of that what they will.
CROSSING CHAINS is a neat puzzle game over on Itch that I'm not great at due to math, but if you can learn how to read the symbols properly, you can logic your way into making certain connections. Check out the 17-puzzle demo for a taste!
danijmn.itch.io/crossingchains
danijmn.itch.io/crossingchains
Crossing Chains by Daniel Nora
A line-drawing puzzle game with mind-bending crossing mechanics.
danijmn.itch.io
December 13, 2025 at 5:39 AM
CROSSING CHAINS is a neat puzzle game over on Itch that I'm not great at due to math, but if you can learn how to read the symbols properly, you can logic your way into making certain connections. Check out the 17-puzzle demo for a taste!
danijmn.itch.io/crossingchains
danijmn.itch.io/crossingchains
Okay, uh, Take 3, maybe tonight at ~9:00 PM Eastern? Sorry not sorry, the kids have been particularly clingy this week.
I didn't get a chance to do a make-up stream after falling asleep Tuesday, but I *should* be streaming cryptics tonight at ~9:00 PM Eastern. I'll share my backlog of puzzles and take requests, preference given to constructors who are present. Recommendations are welcome!
twitch.tv/thatcrypticguy
twitch.tv/thatcrypticguy
thatcrypticguy - Twitch
Enthusiast of all things puzzle-y; all-in on cryptic crosswords especially and any wordplay-based puzzle that has a compelling, funny voice. Grew up on Infocom and LucasArts, which probably explains a...
twitch.tv
December 12, 2025 at 1:34 PM
Okay, uh, Take 3, maybe tonight at ~9:00 PM Eastern? Sorry not sorry, the kids have been particularly clingy this week.
The Game Awards is "safe." I'm delighted that Remedy is taking a big melee swing with Control: Resonant, and nice to see new puzzles in Order of the Sinking Star and gorgeous art in Out of Words. I'd like more unexpected pivots, like the director going from Uncharted 4 to Coven of the Chicken Foot.
December 12, 2025 at 1:34 PM
The Game Awards is "safe." I'm delighted that Remedy is taking a big melee swing with Control: Resonant, and nice to see new puzzles in Order of the Sinking Star and gorgeous art in Out of Words. I'd like more unexpected pivots, like the director going from Uncharted 4 to Coven of the Chicken Foot.
I didn't get a chance to do a make-up stream after falling asleep Tuesday, but I *should* be streaming cryptics tonight at ~9:00 PM Eastern. I'll share my backlog of puzzles and take requests, preference given to constructors who are present. Recommendations are welcome!
twitch.tv/thatcrypticguy
twitch.tv/thatcrypticguy
thatcrypticguy - Twitch
Enthusiast of all things puzzle-y; all-in on cryptic crosswords especially and any wordplay-based puzzle that has a compelling, funny voice. Grew up on Infocom and LucasArts, which probably explains a...
twitch.tv
December 11, 2025 at 8:05 PM
I didn't get a chance to do a make-up stream after falling asleep Tuesday, but I *should* be streaming cryptics tonight at ~9:00 PM Eastern. I'll share my backlog of puzzles and take requests, preference given to constructors who are present. Recommendations are welcome!
twitch.tv/thatcrypticguy
twitch.tv/thatcrypticguy
Reposted by Aaron Riccio
24 scales in, and ANGELINE ERA is still full of surprise and mystery and i never know what to expect. Oh, a simple mine, how cute!
3 hours and 20 floors later: Must. Dig. To. The. Bottom. (Is there some Void Stranger in here?!)
3 hours and 20 floors later: Must. Dig. To. The. Bottom. (Is there some Void Stranger in here?!)
December 11, 2025 at 6:05 AM
24 scales in, and ANGELINE ERA is still full of surprise and mystery and i never know what to expect. Oh, a simple mine, how cute!
3 hours and 20 floors later: Must. Dig. To. The. Bottom. (Is there some Void Stranger in here?!)
3 hours and 20 floors later: Must. Dig. To. The. Bottom. (Is there some Void Stranger in here?!)
Apologies, fell asleep putting the kids to bed and missed my regular cryptic stream time tonight. If I'm not sick, I'll make that stream up this Wednesday night--the backlog's only going to get bigger otherwise!
December 10, 2025 at 6:11 AM
Apologies, fell asleep putting the kids to bed and missed my regular cryptic stream time tonight. If I'm not sick, I'll make that stream up this Wednesday night--the backlog's only going to get bigger otherwise!
I'm telling you that I loved UNBEATABLE two patches ago, so this game can only ever get better than it is right now. Killer music, an ambitious narrative campaign, an unimpeachable vibe, dripping style to make Atlus jealous; I hope this is the just the first of many D-Cell games to come.
Even when it digresses, UNBEATABLE always finds its way back to a compelling central rhythm. Read @illogicaljoker.bsky.social's review.
'Unbeatable' Review: An Electrifying Rhythm Adventure
The game is so effortlessly cool that even when it digresses, it always finds its way back to a compelling central rhythm.
www.slantmagazine.com
December 9, 2025 at 5:49 PM
I'm telling you that I loved UNBEATABLE two patches ago, so this game can only ever get better than it is right now. Killer music, an ambitious narrative campaign, an unimpeachable vibe, dripping style to make Atlus jealous; I hope this is the just the first of many D-Cell games to come.
Marvel Cosmic Invasion has an extraneous S, sadly not for Super (or Hope). It is a fine beat-'em-up, with variety between its bench of 15 characters, and sending them on tag-team missions is a cute way to ensure you get time with all of them. But it's ultimately just a COMIC invasion, super shallow.
December 9, 2025 at 3:23 PM
Marvel Cosmic Invasion has an extraneous S, sadly not for Super (or Hope). It is a fine beat-'em-up, with variety between its bench of 15 characters, and sending them on tag-team missions is a cute way to ensure you get time with all of them. But it's ultimately just a COMIC invasion, super shallow.
Streamed the first six scales of the game last night, and ANGELINE ERA is a fever dream of philosophical/religious musings, pitch-perfect 3D bumpslash combat (I didn't know I was missing it this much), and an exploration/discovery tool that feels like Wild Arms 3.
Deadly secrets EVERYWHERE.
Deadly secrets EVERYWHERE.
Angeline Era is OUT NOW!!!
🔍Every level hidden in plain sight…
🗺️… chart your own path through the world!
⚔️Tons of thrilling combat, mysterious places…
👼… and a soul-shattering story!
GET IT HERE!!
store.steampowered.com/app/2393920/...
🔍Every level hidden in plain sight…
🗺️… chart your own path through the world!
⚔️Tons of thrilling combat, mysterious places…
👼… and a soul-shattering story!
GET IT HERE!!
store.steampowered.com/app/2393920/...
December 9, 2025 at 12:10 PM
Streamed the first six scales of the game last night, and ANGELINE ERA is a fever dream of philosophical/religious musings, pitch-perfect 3D bumpslash combat (I didn't know I was missing it this much), and an exploration/discovery tool that feels like Wild Arms 3.
Deadly secrets EVERYWHERE.
Deadly secrets EVERYWHERE.
OK, going to give this a go!
The Angeline Era team was kind enough to send over a key, so I'll be streaming first impressions and a bit of a playthrough beginning tonight at around 9:00 (when the kids are asleep) over at twitch.tv/thatcrypticguy. Back to solving cryptics tomorrow!
store.steampowered.com/app/2393920/...
store.steampowered.com/app/2393920/...
Save 20% on Angeline Era on Steam
Every level is hidden in plain sight in this nonlinear 3D Action-Adventure game! Travel a vast country's unmarked overworld in search of the next challenging fight, humorous encounter, or mysterious l...
store.steampowered.com
December 9, 2025 at 2:04 AM
OK, going to give this a go!
As an alternative to releasing "new seasons as fast as possible" have these studios considered going back to 22-episode seasons?
The team behind Amazon's Fallout TV show hopes to begin shooting the third series this coming summer, with the goal to release new seasons as fast as possible. https://bit.ly/3MmewTH
December 8, 2025 at 3:27 PM
As an alternative to releasing "new seasons as fast as possible" have these studios considered going back to 22-episode seasons?
And yeah, I can point to exceptions like The Hundred Line, but those exceptions prove the rule! It is rare for a game that goes past the 20 hour mark to keep adding mechanically interesting things, or to stay narratively compelling without a slew of distinct subplots, and rarer still to do both!
As one of the few, the proud, the people who don't like Breath of the Wild or Tears of the Kingdom, I cosign this entirely. "I've seen enough to know everything this game has to offer, mechanically and narratively" should be the standard. Sometimes that's established before credits roll.
New writing from me. In which I wanted to talk about The Legend of Zelda: Tears of The Kingdom. Instead, I pivoted to address an arbitrary standard in video games that I want to see go away.
The title speaks for itself 👇
medium.com/@daavpuke/ef...
#gaming #Nintendo #Zelda
The title speaks for itself 👇
medium.com/@daavpuke/ef...
#gaming #Nintendo #Zelda
December 8, 2025 at 3:20 PM
And yeah, I can point to exceptions like The Hundred Line, but those exceptions prove the rule! It is rare for a game that goes past the 20 hour mark to keep adding mechanically interesting things, or to stay narratively compelling without a slew of distinct subplots, and rarer still to do both!
Reposting, because I think we've put together a great list across big and small games that released this year, which is critical if you're going to think about the medium as more than just entertainment.
Great work from all involved, and now you can even see our individual Top 10s.
Great work from all involved, and now you can even see our individual Top 10s.
"While the machine has us enthralled, art can’t stop being art." Check out our list of the 25 best games of the 2025. #BestOf2025
The Best Video Games of 2025
Those of us who believe in the power of this medium will continue to hold it to the same standards of every other artform.
www.slantmagazine.com
December 8, 2025 at 3:16 PM
Reposting, because I think we've put together a great list across big and small games that released this year, which is critical if you're going to think about the medium as more than just entertainment.
Great work from all involved, and now you can even see our individual Top 10s.
Great work from all involved, and now you can even see our individual Top 10s.
Our "Best Games of 2025" is now up, including runners-ups and our individual top 10s (which I think tell interesting stories about our disparate tastes and how they compellingly collide).
Of this list, my personal blind spots were Dispatch, ...and Roger, and Citizen Sleeper 2.
What did I/we miss?
Of this list, my personal blind spots were Dispatch, ...and Roger, and Citizen Sleeper 2.
What did I/we miss?
The Best Video Games of 2025
Those of us who believe in the power of this medium will continue to hold it to the same standards of every other artform.
www.slantmagazine.com
December 8, 2025 at 2:29 PM
Our "Best Games of 2025" is now up, including runners-ups and our individual top 10s (which I think tell interesting stories about our disparate tastes and how they compellingly collide).
Of this list, my personal blind spots were Dispatch, ...and Roger, and Citizen Sleeper 2.
What did I/we miss?
Of this list, my personal blind spots were Dispatch, ...and Roger, and Citizen Sleeper 2.
What did I/we miss?
The Angeline Era team was kind enough to send over a key, so I'll be streaming first impressions and a bit of a playthrough beginning tonight at around 9:00 (when the kids are asleep) over at twitch.tv/thatcrypticguy. Back to solving cryptics tomorrow!
store.steampowered.com/app/2393920/...
store.steampowered.com/app/2393920/...
Save 20% on Angeline Era on Steam
Every level is hidden in plain sight in this nonlinear 3D Action-Adventure game! Travel a vast country's unmarked overworld in search of the next challenging fight, humorous encounter, or mysterious l...
store.steampowered.com
December 8, 2025 at 12:22 PM
The Angeline Era team was kind enough to send over a key, so I'll be streaming first impressions and a bit of a playthrough beginning tonight at around 9:00 (when the kids are asleep) over at twitch.tv/thatcrypticguy. Back to solving cryptics tomorrow!
store.steampowered.com/app/2393920/...
store.steampowered.com/app/2393920/...
Movie you've watched more than six times with a GIF.
December 7, 2025 at 12:02 PM
Movie you've watched more than six times with a GIF.
Oh boy, I totally forgot that RHYTHM DOCTOR came out this week (what a week, if not a year, for rhythm games!). Too late for end-of-year consideration, but this looks and sounds great, and I'll have to try and check it out soon, maybe for a stream.
store.steampowered.com/app/774181/R...
store.steampowered.com/app/774181/R...
Save 25% on Rhythm Doctor on Steam
Save patients with your rhythm mastery! Rhythm Doctor is a rhythm game where you heal patients by defibrillating in time to their heartbeats. Learn each patient's unique heartbeat and defeat boss viru...
store.steampowered.com
December 7, 2025 at 11:55 AM
Oh boy, I totally forgot that RHYTHM DOCTOR came out this week (what a week, if not a year, for rhythm games!). Too late for end-of-year consideration, but this looks and sounds great, and I'll have to try and check it out soon, maybe for a stream.
store.steampowered.com/app/774181/R...
store.steampowered.com/app/774181/R...
Reposted by Aaron Riccio
This is actually quite brilliant, up to and including the final sentence 🔥
December 1, 2025 at 11:09 AM
This is actually quite brilliant, up to and including the final sentence 🔥