Joel
@jbarnettqed.bsky.social
Two math degrees, pursuer of games and knowledge. (he/him)
I didn't find out about this until years after I moved away from Winston-Salem, but I can still contribute a bit.
November 15, 2025 at 1:26 AM
I didn't find out about this until years after I moved away from Winston-Salem, but I can still contribute a bit.
Z is for Zero the Kamikaze Squirrel.
Verdict: 3 - Zero the Kamikaze Squirrel is a cute, albeit flawed little platformer. A lot of the movement options and combat interactions don’t gel as well as they really needed to.
Verdict: 3 - Zero the Kamikaze Squirrel is a cute, albeit flawed little platformer. A lot of the movement options and combat interactions don’t gel as well as they really needed to.
November 14, 2025 at 1:07 AM
Z is for Zero the Kamikaze Squirrel.
Verdict: 3 - Zero the Kamikaze Squirrel is a cute, albeit flawed little platformer. A lot of the movement options and combat interactions don’t gel as well as they really needed to.
Verdict: 3 - Zero the Kamikaze Squirrel is a cute, albeit flawed little platformer. A lot of the movement options and combat interactions don’t gel as well as they really needed to.
Y is for Ys III - Wanderers from Ys.
Verdict: 4 - Ys III is a decent little action RPG with fast pacing and a fun soundtrack. Much of the experience is hampered by some regular technical issues.
Verdict: 4 - Ys III is a decent little action RPG with fast pacing and a fun soundtrack. Much of the experience is hampered by some regular technical issues.
November 8, 2025 at 2:29 AM
Y is for Ys III - Wanderers from Ys.
Verdict: 4 - Ys III is a decent little action RPG with fast pacing and a fun soundtrack. Much of the experience is hampered by some regular technical issues.
Verdict: 4 - Ys III is a decent little action RPG with fast pacing and a fun soundtrack. Much of the experience is hampered by some regular technical issues.
X is for X-Men: Mutant Apocalypse.
Verdict: 5 - X-Men: Mutant Apocalypse is a pretty great beat 'em up with a solid foundation and fun mechanics. Better progression balancing and input design would’ve made this one truly special.
Verdict: 5 - X-Men: Mutant Apocalypse is a pretty great beat 'em up with a solid foundation and fun mechanics. Better progression balancing and input design would’ve made this one truly special.
November 8, 2025 at 2:29 AM
X is for X-Men: Mutant Apocalypse.
Verdict: 5 - X-Men: Mutant Apocalypse is a pretty great beat 'em up with a solid foundation and fun mechanics. Better progression balancing and input design would’ve made this one truly special.
Verdict: 5 - X-Men: Mutant Apocalypse is a pretty great beat 'em up with a solid foundation and fun mechanics. Better progression balancing and input design would’ve made this one truly special.
W is for Wheel of Fortune - Deluxe Edition.
Verdict: 3 - Wheel of Fortune DX is a rough approximation of the game show. It’s fine enough if you really want to experience it on the SNES.
Verdict: 3 - Wheel of Fortune DX is a rough approximation of the game show. It’s fine enough if you really want to experience it on the SNES.
November 8, 2025 at 2:29 AM
W is for Wheel of Fortune - Deluxe Edition.
Verdict: 3 - Wheel of Fortune DX is a rough approximation of the game show. It’s fine enough if you really want to experience it on the SNES.
Verdict: 3 - Wheel of Fortune DX is a rough approximation of the game show. It’s fine enough if you really want to experience it on the SNES.
V is for Vegas Stakes.
Verdict: 2 - Vegas Stakes is a functional faux-gambling game. NPC interaction is an interesting mechanic, but unless you’re really into the included games, the repetition and grind will be hurdles to enjoyment.
Verdict: 2 - Vegas Stakes is a functional faux-gambling game. NPC interaction is an interesting mechanic, but unless you’re really into the included games, the repetition and grind will be hurdles to enjoyment.
November 8, 2025 at 2:29 AM
V is for Vegas Stakes.
Verdict: 2 - Vegas Stakes is a functional faux-gambling game. NPC interaction is an interesting mechanic, but unless you’re really into the included games, the repetition and grind will be hurdles to enjoyment.
Verdict: 2 - Vegas Stakes is a functional faux-gambling game. NPC interaction is an interesting mechanic, but unless you’re really into the included games, the repetition and grind will be hurdles to enjoyment.
U is for U.N. Squadron.
Verdict: 5 - U.N. Squadron is a fun shmup, mostly marred by a viciously difficult boss.
Verdict: 5 - U.N. Squadron is a fun shmup, mostly marred by a viciously difficult boss.
October 22, 2025 at 6:18 AM
U is for U.N. Squadron.
Verdict: 5 - U.N. Squadron is a fun shmup, mostly marred by a viciously difficult boss.
Verdict: 5 - U.N. Squadron is a fun shmup, mostly marred by a viciously difficult boss.
T is for Top Gear.
Verdict: 6 - Top Gear is a great racing game. Some tweaks to the progression and track layouts would make for a nearly unconditional recommendation.
Verdict: 6 - Top Gear is a great racing game. Some tweaks to the progression and track layouts would make for a nearly unconditional recommendation.
October 22, 2025 at 6:18 AM
T is for Top Gear.
Verdict: 6 - Top Gear is a great racing game. Some tweaks to the progression and track layouts would make for a nearly unconditional recommendation.
Verdict: 6 - Top Gear is a great racing game. Some tweaks to the progression and track layouts would make for a nearly unconditional recommendation.
S is for Stone Protectors.
Verdict: 4 - Stone Protectors is a serviceable beat 'em up. It’s cute and weird, and it’s fun enough. A lot of ideas here, but the execution doesn’t always come through.
Verdict: 4 - Stone Protectors is a serviceable beat 'em up. It’s cute and weird, and it’s fun enough. A lot of ideas here, but the execution doesn’t always come through.
October 17, 2025 at 1:45 AM
S is for Stone Protectors.
Verdict: 4 - Stone Protectors is a serviceable beat 'em up. It’s cute and weird, and it’s fun enough. A lot of ideas here, but the execution doesn’t always come through.
Verdict: 4 - Stone Protectors is a serviceable beat 'em up. It’s cute and weird, and it’s fun enough. A lot of ideas here, but the execution doesn’t always come through.
R is for R-Type III: The Third Lightning.
Verdict: 5 - R-Type III is a fun, if difficult, shmup. It’s definitely worth persevering to see it through, even if you need a little modern assistance.
Verdict: 5 - R-Type III is a fun, if difficult, shmup. It’s definitely worth persevering to see it through, even if you need a little modern assistance.
October 17, 2025 at 1:45 AM
R is for R-Type III: The Third Lightning.
Verdict: 5 - R-Type III is a fun, if difficult, shmup. It’s definitely worth persevering to see it through, even if you need a little modern assistance.
Verdict: 5 - R-Type III is a fun, if difficult, shmup. It’s definitely worth persevering to see it through, even if you need a little modern assistance.
P is for The Peace Keepers.
Verdict: 4 - The Peace Keepers is a solid beat-em-up. Some interesting ideas needed a little better execution, but it’s still a fun, if brief, romp.
Verdict: 4 - The Peace Keepers is a solid beat-em-up. Some interesting ideas needed a little better execution, but it’s still a fun, if brief, romp.
October 17, 2025 at 1:45 AM
P is for The Peace Keepers.
Verdict: 4 - The Peace Keepers is a solid beat-em-up. Some interesting ideas needed a little better execution, but it’s still a fun, if brief, romp.
Verdict: 4 - The Peace Keepers is a solid beat-em-up. Some interesting ideas needed a little better execution, but it’s still a fun, if brief, romp.
O is for Super Off Road - The Baja.
Verdict: 3 - There’s some fun to be had in the Baja, but a combination of questionable design and apparent technical limitations hold things back.
Verdict: 3 - There’s some fun to be had in the Baja, but a combination of questionable design and apparent technical limitations hold things back.
October 17, 2025 at 1:45 AM
O is for Super Off Road - The Baja.
Verdict: 3 - There’s some fun to be had in the Baja, but a combination of questionable design and apparent technical limitations hold things back.
Verdict: 3 - There’s some fun to be had in the Baja, but a combination of questionable design and apparent technical limitations hold things back.
N is for NBA Showdown.
Verdict: 3 - NBA Showdown is a competent basketball game with some solid presentation, but there are a few too many annoyances.
Verdict: 3 - NBA Showdown is a competent basketball game with some solid presentation, but there are a few too many annoyances.
October 17, 2025 at 1:45 AM
N is for NBA Showdown.
Verdict: 3 - NBA Showdown is a competent basketball game with some solid presentation, but there are a few too many annoyances.
Verdict: 3 - NBA Showdown is a competent basketball game with some solid presentation, but there are a few too many annoyances.
M is for Mecarobot Golf.
Verdict: 3 - Mecarobot Golf is a mostly solid golf game with some rough edges.
Verdict: 3 - Mecarobot Golf is a mostly solid golf game with some rough edges.
October 17, 2025 at 1:45 AM
M is for Mecarobot Golf.
Verdict: 3 - Mecarobot Golf is a mostly solid golf game with some rough edges.
Verdict: 3 - Mecarobot Golf is a mostly solid golf game with some rough edges.
L is for Liberty or Death.
Verdict: 5 - If you’re patient and/or interested in this period of American history, Liberty or Death proves to be a fun and accessible entry to grand strategy.
Verdict: 5 - If you’re patient and/or interested in this period of American history, Liberty or Death proves to be a fun and accessible entry to grand strategy.
September 1, 2025 at 8:08 PM
L is for Liberty or Death.
Verdict: 5 - If you’re patient and/or interested in this period of American history, Liberty or Death proves to be a fun and accessible entry to grand strategy.
Verdict: 5 - If you’re patient and/or interested in this period of American history, Liberty or Death proves to be a fun and accessible entry to grand strategy.
K is for Kid Klown in Crazy Chase.
Verdict: 4 - Crazy Chase is a cute but brief little runner game with a little extra for those inclined.
Verdict: 4 - Crazy Chase is a cute but brief little runner game with a little extra for those inclined.
September 1, 2025 at 8:08 PM
K is for Kid Klown in Crazy Chase.
Verdict: 4 - Crazy Chase is a cute but brief little runner game with a little extra for those inclined.
Verdict: 4 - Crazy Chase is a cute but brief little runner game with a little extra for those inclined.
J is for Jeopardy! Sports Edition.
Verdict: 3 - J!SE is a functional adaptation of the game show. It’s mechanically identical to the Deluxe Edition, but if you’re not really into sports trivia, this one will be harder to enjoy.
Verdict: 3 - J!SE is a functional adaptation of the game show. It’s mechanically identical to the Deluxe Edition, but if you’re not really into sports trivia, this one will be harder to enjoy.
August 4, 2025 at 8:53 PM
J is for Jeopardy! Sports Edition.
Verdict: 3 - J!SE is a functional adaptation of the game show. It’s mechanically identical to the Deluxe Edition, but if you’re not really into sports trivia, this one will be harder to enjoy.
Verdict: 3 - J!SE is a functional adaptation of the game show. It’s mechanically identical to the Deluxe Edition, but if you’re not really into sports trivia, this one will be harder to enjoy.
I is for Indiana Jones' Greatest Adventures.
Verdict: 5 - IJGA is a solid adaptation, both visually and in design, of the original Indy movie trilogy. Intermittent frustration is largely mitigated by a pretty good password system.
Verdict: 5 - IJGA is a solid adaptation, both visually and in design, of the original Indy movie trilogy. Intermittent frustration is largely mitigated by a pretty good password system.
August 4, 2025 at 8:53 PM
I is for Indiana Jones' Greatest Adventures.
Verdict: 5 - IJGA is a solid adaptation, both visually and in design, of the original Indy movie trilogy. Intermittent frustration is largely mitigated by a pretty good password system.
Verdict: 5 - IJGA is a solid adaptation, both visually and in design, of the original Indy movie trilogy. Intermittent frustration is largely mitigated by a pretty good password system.
H is for Harvest Moon.
Verdict: 5 - Harvest Moon is a solid and ambitious little package. The basic loop is fun despite some recurring annoyances.
Verdict: 5 - Harvest Moon is a solid and ambitious little package. The basic loop is fun despite some recurring annoyances.
August 3, 2025 at 4:39 AM
H is for Harvest Moon.
Verdict: 5 - Harvest Moon is a solid and ambitious little package. The basic loop is fun despite some recurring annoyances.
Verdict: 5 - Harvest Moon is a solid and ambitious little package. The basic loop is fun despite some recurring annoyances.
G is for Super Godzilla.
Verdict: 3 - If you meet the game where it is, Super Godzilla is a cute, though regularly frustrating, adaptation of the classic monster franchise. Some interesting ideas might make it worth a look, especially for Godzilla fans.
Verdict: 3 - If you meet the game where it is, Super Godzilla is a cute, though regularly frustrating, adaptation of the classic monster franchise. Some interesting ideas might make it worth a look, especially for Godzilla fans.
July 22, 2025 at 3:49 AM
G is for Super Godzilla.
Verdict: 3 - If you meet the game where it is, Super Godzilla is a cute, though regularly frustrating, adaptation of the classic monster franchise. Some interesting ideas might make it worth a look, especially for Godzilla fans.
Verdict: 3 - If you meet the game where it is, Super Godzilla is a cute, though regularly frustrating, adaptation of the classic monster franchise. Some interesting ideas might make it worth a look, especially for Godzilla fans.
F is for F-1 ROC II: Race of Champions.
Verdict: 7 - F-1 ROC II is a great racing game, both accessible and rewarding. It’s not as realistic as the F-1 label may imply, but it’s a lot of fun. Highly recommended.
Verdict: 7 - F-1 ROC II is a great racing game, both accessible and rewarding. It’s not as realistic as the F-1 label may imply, but it’s a lot of fun. Highly recommended.
July 22, 2025 at 3:49 AM
F is for F-1 ROC II: Race of Champions.
Verdict: 7 - F-1 ROC II is a great racing game, both accessible and rewarding. It’s not as realistic as the F-1 label may imply, but it’s a lot of fun. Highly recommended.
Verdict: 7 - F-1 ROC II is a great racing game, both accessible and rewarding. It’s not as realistic as the F-1 label may imply, but it’s a lot of fun. Highly recommended.
E is for Equinox.
Verdict: 5 - Equinox is a solidly made action/puzzle game. Colorful visuals and mostly fun gameplay are held back from greatness by some slightly awkward controls and unfortunate design decisions.
Verdict: 5 - Equinox is a solidly made action/puzzle game. Colorful visuals and mostly fun gameplay are held back from greatness by some slightly awkward controls and unfortunate design decisions.
July 15, 2025 at 4:09 AM
E is for Equinox.
Verdict: 5 - Equinox is a solidly made action/puzzle game. Colorful visuals and mostly fun gameplay are held back from greatness by some slightly awkward controls and unfortunate design decisions.
Verdict: 5 - Equinox is a solidly made action/puzzle game. Colorful visuals and mostly fun gameplay are held back from greatness by some slightly awkward controls and unfortunate design decisions.
D is for Doomsday Warrior.
Verdict: 2 - A few interesting ideas struggle to overcome some poor balance and a wild difficulty spike. Might be worth a look for the 2-player mode, but not much more.
Verdict: 2 - A few interesting ideas struggle to overcome some poor balance and a wild difficulty spike. Might be worth a look for the 2-player mode, but not much more.
July 9, 2025 at 5:22 AM
D is for Doomsday Warrior.
Verdict: 2 - A few interesting ideas struggle to overcome some poor balance and a wild difficulty spike. Might be worth a look for the 2-player mode, but not much more.
Verdict: 2 - A few interesting ideas struggle to overcome some poor balance and a wild difficulty spike. Might be worth a look for the 2-player mode, but not much more.
C is for Captain Novolin.
Verdict: 1 - As a game, it’s awkward and overly simple. As an educational tool, it’s too basic. Either way, there’s simply too little of anything here. A curiosity at best.
Verdict: 1 - As a game, it’s awkward and overly simple. As an educational tool, it’s too basic. Either way, there’s simply too little of anything here. A curiosity at best.
July 7, 2025 at 6:54 AM
C is for Captain Novolin.
Verdict: 1 - As a game, it’s awkward and overly simple. As an educational tool, it’s too basic. Either way, there’s simply too little of anything here. A curiosity at best.
Verdict: 1 - As a game, it’s awkward and overly simple. As an educational tool, it’s too basic. Either way, there’s simply too little of anything here. A curiosity at best.
B is for Super Black Bass.
Verdict: 5 - Super Black Bass is a good fishing sim that can be reasonably accessible while rewarding you for putting in the effort to learn how all the mechanics work.
Verdict: 5 - Super Black Bass is a good fishing sim that can be reasonably accessible while rewarding you for putting in the effort to learn how all the mechanics work.
July 6, 2025 at 2:15 AM
B is for Super Black Bass.
Verdict: 5 - Super Black Bass is a good fishing sim that can be reasonably accessible while rewarding you for putting in the effort to learn how all the mechanics work.
Verdict: 5 - Super Black Bass is a good fishing sim that can be reasonably accessible while rewarding you for putting in the effort to learn how all the mechanics work.