Hvorup, Kurt M.
@kurtofcambridge.bsky.social
Writer/critic. Bi man, he/him. Punch Nazi scum.
Personal site: kurtofcambridge.blogspot.com
Patreon:
patreon.com/KurtHvorup
Personal site: kurtofcambridge.blogspot.com
Patreon:
patreon.com/KurtHvorup
(con't.)
SEA *OF* REMNANTS (and not, as I thought before going back to check, SEA REMNANTS) - Joker Studio
...no but for real, look at that key art again. I can't be the only one who didn't catch that the sword was supposed to represent the "OF" in the title. HOW?!?
SEA *OF* REMNANTS (and not, as I thought before going back to check, SEA REMNANTS) - Joker Studio
...no but for real, look at that key art again. I can't be the only one who didn't catch that the sword was supposed to represent the "OF" in the title. HOW?!?
June 13, 2025 at 8:02 PM
(con't.)
SEA *OF* REMNANTS (and not, as I thought before going back to check, SEA REMNANTS) - Joker Studio
...no but for real, look at that key art again. I can't be the only one who didn't catch that the sword was supposed to represent the "OF" in the title. HOW?!?
SEA *OF* REMNANTS (and not, as I thought before going back to check, SEA REMNANTS) - Joker Studio
...no but for real, look at that key art again. I can't be the only one who didn't catch that the sword was supposed to represent the "OF" in the title. HOW?!?
Well deserved W, sir.
February 24, 2025 at 8:42 PM
Well deserved W, sir.
2018 - CELESTE
If ever I need to point at a work that perfectly exemplifies the notion that we can have classic game design cues AND narrative or thematic touches that a modern audience will better respond to, Celeste is an easy pick.
If ever I need to point at a work that perfectly exemplifies the notion that we can have classic game design cues AND narrative or thematic touches that a modern audience will better respond to, Celeste is an easy pick.
February 4, 2025 at 9:42 PM
2018 - CELESTE
If ever I need to point at a work that perfectly exemplifies the notion that we can have classic game design cues AND narrative or thematic touches that a modern audience will better respond to, Celeste is an easy pick.
If ever I need to point at a work that perfectly exemplifies the notion that we can have classic game design cues AND narrative or thematic touches that a modern audience will better respond to, Celeste is an easy pick.
2017 - YAKUZA 0*
(*yes, the NA/EU release date, I know Japan got it sooner)
The game that put Like a Dragon on the map for me. A tangled web of power plays, real estate scheming and broken people straining against an unjust system…
(*yes, the NA/EU release date, I know Japan got it sooner)
The game that put Like a Dragon on the map for me. A tangled web of power plays, real estate scheming and broken people straining against an unjust system…
February 4, 2025 at 9:39 PM
2017 - YAKUZA 0*
(*yes, the NA/EU release date, I know Japan got it sooner)
The game that put Like a Dragon on the map for me. A tangled web of power plays, real estate scheming and broken people straining against an unjust system…
(*yes, the NA/EU release date, I know Japan got it sooner)
The game that put Like a Dragon on the map for me. A tangled web of power plays, real estate scheming and broken people straining against an unjust system…
2016 - DOOM
It took two decades and at least a couple creative misfires, but at last DOOM IS BACK. The speed and brutality of the combat feels in line with (the good) past games, even as it’s visually far beyond the scope of anything the original ID team had envisioned back in 1993.
It took two decades and at least a couple creative misfires, but at last DOOM IS BACK. The speed and brutality of the combat feels in line with (the good) past games, even as it’s visually far beyond the scope of anything the original ID team had envisioned back in 1993.
January 30, 2025 at 11:35 PM
2016 - DOOM
It took two decades and at least a couple creative misfires, but at last DOOM IS BACK. The speed and brutality of the combat feels in line with (the good) past games, even as it’s visually far beyond the scope of anything the original ID team had envisioned back in 1993.
It took two decades and at least a couple creative misfires, but at last DOOM IS BACK. The speed and brutality of the combat feels in line with (the good) past games, even as it’s visually far beyond the scope of anything the original ID team had envisioned back in 1993.
2015 - THE BEGINNER'S GUIDE
What this game’s tapping into, what it has to say about the burden of following up past success and the complicated relationship between game maker and audience, I think about quite a lot.
What this game’s tapping into, what it has to say about the burden of following up past success and the complicated relationship between game maker and audience, I think about quite a lot.
January 30, 2025 at 11:33 PM
2015 - THE BEGINNER'S GUIDE
What this game’s tapping into, what it has to say about the burden of following up past success and the complicated relationship between game maker and audience, I think about quite a lot.
What this game’s tapping into, what it has to say about the burden of following up past success and the complicated relationship between game maker and audience, I think about quite a lot.
2014 - VALIANT HEARTS: THE GREAT WAR
Begrudgingly, I must hand it to Ubisoft Montpellier (Rest in peace? Maybe? It’s still not entirely clear…) on this one. It’s a fine war story, conveyed through a 2D art style that threads the needle between charm and grit.
Begrudgingly, I must hand it to Ubisoft Montpellier (Rest in peace? Maybe? It’s still not entirely clear…) on this one. It’s a fine war story, conveyed through a 2D art style that threads the needle between charm and grit.
January 28, 2025 at 6:10 PM
2014 - VALIANT HEARTS: THE GREAT WAR
Begrudgingly, I must hand it to Ubisoft Montpellier (Rest in peace? Maybe? It’s still not entirely clear…) on this one. It’s a fine war story, conveyed through a 2D art style that threads the needle between charm and grit.
Begrudgingly, I must hand it to Ubisoft Montpellier (Rest in peace? Maybe? It’s still not entirely clear…) on this one. It’s a fine war story, conveyed through a 2D art style that threads the needle between charm and grit.
2013 - SAINTS ROW IV
THE absurdist masterpiece of our time, and a true triumph by veteran studio Volition (rest in peace). It is a game that recognizes the importance for some things to just BE video games above all...
THE absurdist masterpiece of our time, and a true triumph by veteran studio Volition (rest in peace). It is a game that recognizes the importance for some things to just BE video games above all...
January 28, 2025 at 6:07 PM
2013 - SAINTS ROW IV
THE absurdist masterpiece of our time, and a true triumph by veteran studio Volition (rest in peace). It is a game that recognizes the importance for some things to just BE video games above all...
THE absurdist masterpiece of our time, and a true triumph by veteran studio Volition (rest in peace). It is a game that recognizes the importance for some things to just BE video games above all...
2012 - SPEC OPS: THE LINE
Rare is the game whose creators seem to have chosen to tap into, of all feelings, contempt as the driving force for many of their ideas, rarer still the game that manages to excite and provoke introspection while successfully conveying that same contempt.
Rare is the game whose creators seem to have chosen to tap into, of all feelings, contempt as the driving force for many of their ideas, rarer still the game that manages to excite and provoke introspection while successfully conveying that same contempt.
January 27, 2025 at 8:50 PM
2012 - SPEC OPS: THE LINE
Rare is the game whose creators seem to have chosen to tap into, of all feelings, contempt as the driving force for many of their ideas, rarer still the game that manages to excite and provoke introspection while successfully conveying that same contempt.
Rare is the game whose creators seem to have chosen to tap into, of all feelings, contempt as the driving force for many of their ideas, rarer still the game that manages to excite and provoke introspection while successfully conveying that same contempt.
2011 - BASTION
A solid narrative about picking up the pieces in the wake of a world-destroying apocalypse, elevated by exquisite art design, some smooth rock tracks and fine narration by Logan Cunningham.
A solid narrative about picking up the pieces in the wake of a world-destroying apocalypse, elevated by exquisite art design, some smooth rock tracks and fine narration by Logan Cunningham.
January 27, 2025 at 8:47 PM
2011 - BASTION
A solid narrative about picking up the pieces in the wake of a world-destroying apocalypse, elevated by exquisite art design, some smooth rock tracks and fine narration by Logan Cunningham.
A solid narrative about picking up the pieces in the wake of a world-destroying apocalypse, elevated by exquisite art design, some smooth rock tracks and fine narration by Logan Cunningham.
2010: FALLOUT NEW VEGAS
Two games from this year stood out as possibilities - both odd and idiosyncratic in many ways, both flawed in their construction, both endearing in spite of (and sometimes because) of those flaws.
Two games from this year stood out as possibilities - both odd and idiosyncratic in many ways, both flawed in their construction, both endearing in spite of (and sometimes because) of those flaws.
January 27, 2025 at 8:44 PM
2010: FALLOUT NEW VEGAS
Two games from this year stood out as possibilities - both odd and idiosyncratic in many ways, both flawed in their construction, both endearing in spite of (and sometimes because) of those flaws.
Two games from this year stood out as possibilities - both odd and idiosyncratic in many ways, both flawed in their construction, both endearing in spite of (and sometimes because) of those flaws.
To the decent folks of Alberta: I'm sorry you're stuck with a deranged, bootlicking ghoul of a premier and her cronies. You didn't ask for this, and you deserve better.
To the rest of Canada: Be BETTER than this.
To the rest of Canada: Be BETTER than this.
January 19, 2025 at 5:53 PM
To the decent folks of Alberta: I'm sorry you're stuck with a deranged, bootlicking ghoul of a premier and her cronies. You didn't ask for this, and you deserve better.
To the rest of Canada: Be BETTER than this.
To the rest of Canada: Be BETTER than this.
2009: A BOY AND HIS BLOB
There is a dedicated hug button.
It. Has. A. Dedicated. Hug. Button.
No, I will not accept any arguments here. Hug button, fuck you.
There is a dedicated hug button.
It. Has. A. Dedicated. Hug. Button.
No, I will not accept any arguments here. Hug button, fuck you.
January 6, 2025 at 9:23 PM
2009: A BOY AND HIS BLOB
There is a dedicated hug button.
It. Has. A. Dedicated. Hug. Button.
No, I will not accept any arguments here. Hug button, fuck you.
There is a dedicated hug button.
It. Has. A. Dedicated. Hug. Button.
No, I will not accept any arguments here. Hug button, fuck you.
2008: DEAD SPACE
Does it borrow notes from quite a few sci-fi horror classics? Yes, but it’s the arrangement and the execution that matters, and Visceral Games (rest in peace) were onto something real solid. The Necromorphs are just a great monster concept brought to horrifying life with class...
Does it borrow notes from quite a few sci-fi horror classics? Yes, but it’s the arrangement and the execution that matters, and Visceral Games (rest in peace) were onto something real solid. The Necromorphs are just a great monster concept brought to horrifying life with class...
January 6, 2025 at 9:21 PM
2008: DEAD SPACE
Does it borrow notes from quite a few sci-fi horror classics? Yes, but it’s the arrangement and the execution that matters, and Visceral Games (rest in peace) were onto something real solid. The Necromorphs are just a great monster concept brought to horrifying life with class...
Does it borrow notes from quite a few sci-fi horror classics? Yes, but it’s the arrangement and the execution that matters, and Visceral Games (rest in peace) were onto something real solid. The Necromorphs are just a great monster concept brought to horrifying life with class...
Picking up where we left off...
2007: SUPER MARIO GALAXY
Some of the most inventive platforming in gaming, period, full stop. Exquisite visual design that takes the familiar Mario character designs and tosses them into an assortment of bright, beautiful landscapes across the cosmos...
2007: SUPER MARIO GALAXY
Some of the most inventive platforming in gaming, period, full stop. Exquisite visual design that takes the familiar Mario character designs and tosses them into an assortment of bright, beautiful landscapes across the cosmos...
January 6, 2025 at 9:19 PM
Picking up where we left off...
2007: SUPER MARIO GALAXY
Some of the most inventive platforming in gaming, period, full stop. Exquisite visual design that takes the familiar Mario character designs and tosses them into an assortment of bright, beautiful landscapes across the cosmos...
2007: SUPER MARIO GALAXY
Some of the most inventive platforming in gaming, period, full stop. Exquisite visual design that takes the familiar Mario character designs and tosses them into an assortment of bright, beautiful landscapes across the cosmos...
2006: LEGO Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy
I won’t knock the first game, it’s a fine title that wrings charm and joy out of a troubled trio of films. But LEGO Star Wars II benefits a great deal from working with the best and brightest of franchise material (at that time, at least).
I won’t knock the first game, it’s a fine title that wrings charm and joy out of a troubled trio of films. But LEGO Star Wars II benefits a great deal from working with the best and brightest of franchise material (at that time, at least).
December 4, 2024 at 11:12 PM
2006: LEGO Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy
I won’t knock the first game, it’s a fine title that wrings charm and joy out of a troubled trio of films. But LEGO Star Wars II benefits a great deal from working with the best and brightest of franchise material (at that time, at least).
I won’t knock the first game, it’s a fine title that wrings charm and joy out of a troubled trio of films. But LEGO Star Wars II benefits a great deal from working with the best and brightest of franchise material (at that time, at least).
2005: RESIDENT EVIL 4
Shinji Mikami and the other talented folks from that moment in Capcom’s history take the spot here, because they are mad bastards and I never want them to stop throwing shit at the wall to see what sticks...
Shinji Mikami and the other talented folks from that moment in Capcom’s history take the spot here, because they are mad bastards and I never want them to stop throwing shit at the wall to see what sticks...
December 3, 2024 at 12:52 AM
2005: RESIDENT EVIL 4
Shinji Mikami and the other talented folks from that moment in Capcom’s history take the spot here, because they are mad bastards and I never want them to stop throwing shit at the wall to see what sticks...
Shinji Mikami and the other talented folks from that moment in Capcom’s history take the spot here, because they are mad bastards and I never want them to stop throwing shit at the wall to see what sticks...
2004: METAL GEAR SOLID 3 - SNAKE EATER
Yes, I know - Half-Life 2, Spider-Man 2, Katamari goddamn Damacy. All good, all worthwhile… but in many ways, my heart will always belong to Kojima and company. The variety of ways to tackle those magnificent boss encounters, the game’s ability to bounce...
Yes, I know - Half-Life 2, Spider-Man 2, Katamari goddamn Damacy. All good, all worthwhile… but in many ways, my heart will always belong to Kojima and company. The variety of ways to tackle those magnificent boss encounters, the game’s ability to bounce...
December 2, 2024 at 12:12 AM
2004: METAL GEAR SOLID 3 - SNAKE EATER
Yes, I know - Half-Life 2, Spider-Man 2, Katamari goddamn Damacy. All good, all worthwhile… but in many ways, my heart will always belong to Kojima and company. The variety of ways to tackle those magnificent boss encounters, the game’s ability to bounce...
Yes, I know - Half-Life 2, Spider-Man 2, Katamari goddamn Damacy. All good, all worthwhile… but in many ways, my heart will always belong to Kojima and company. The variety of ways to tackle those magnificent boss encounters, the game’s ability to bounce...
2003: STAR WARS - KNIGHTS OF THE OLD REPUBLIC
Once upon a time, BioWare were practically untouchable in reputation. This is a key part of why. The seams are more visible now than ever and the best to be said about Taris is “it eventually ends”, but its grasp of the material...
Once upon a time, BioWare were practically untouchable in reputation. This is a key part of why. The seams are more visible now than ever and the best to be said about Taris is “it eventually ends”, but its grasp of the material...
December 2, 2024 at 12:08 AM
2003: STAR WARS - KNIGHTS OF THE OLD REPUBLIC
Once upon a time, BioWare were practically untouchable in reputation. This is a key part of why. The seams are more visible now than ever and the best to be said about Taris is “it eventually ends”, but its grasp of the material...
Once upon a time, BioWare were practically untouchable in reputation. This is a key part of why. The seams are more visible now than ever and the best to be said about Taris is “it eventually ends”, but its grasp of the material...
2002: RESIDENT EVIL
The rare remake, in any format, that engages in dialogue with the original whilst also succeeding in establishing an identity all its own. It’s tense, disturbing, visually gripping and technically polished to an absurd degree. Fine craftsmanship from some of Capcom’s best.
The rare remake, in any format, that engages in dialogue with the original whilst also succeeding in establishing an identity all its own. It’s tense, disturbing, visually gripping and technically polished to an absurd degree. Fine craftsmanship from some of Capcom’s best.
November 30, 2024 at 2:49 PM
2002: RESIDENT EVIL
The rare remake, in any format, that engages in dialogue with the original whilst also succeeding in establishing an identity all its own. It’s tense, disturbing, visually gripping and technically polished to an absurd degree. Fine craftsmanship from some of Capcom’s best.
The rare remake, in any format, that engages in dialogue with the original whilst also succeeding in establishing an identity all its own. It’s tense, disturbing, visually gripping and technically polished to an absurd degree. Fine craftsmanship from some of Capcom’s best.
2001: SILENT HILL 2
A tough call between this and Pikmin - both great examples of their respective aesthetics and genres. Team Silent gets the nod here, though, because something that starts out in the realm of horror...
A tough call between this and Pikmin - both great examples of their respective aesthetics and genres. Team Silent gets the nod here, though, because something that starts out in the realm of horror...
November 30, 2024 at 2:32 PM
2001: SILENT HILL 2
A tough call between this and Pikmin - both great examples of their respective aesthetics and genres. Team Silent gets the nod here, though, because something that starts out in the realm of horror...
A tough call between this and Pikmin - both great examples of their respective aesthetics and genres. Team Silent gets the nod here, though, because something that starts out in the realm of horror...
2000: POKEMON GOLD & SILVER
Begins to hammer out and refine the rough vision that Gen 1 set forth. The new Pokemon are uniformly delightful, the shakeups to Gym Leader type keep things interesting, the greater colour palette is appreciated...
Begins to hammer out and refine the rough vision that Gen 1 set forth. The new Pokemon are uniformly delightful, the shakeups to Gym Leader type keep things interesting, the greater colour palette is appreciated...
November 30, 2024 at 2:12 PM
2000: POKEMON GOLD & SILVER
Begins to hammer out and refine the rough vision that Gen 1 set forth. The new Pokemon are uniformly delightful, the shakeups to Gym Leader type keep things interesting, the greater colour palette is appreciated...
Begins to hammer out and refine the rough vision that Gen 1 set forth. The new Pokemon are uniformly delightful, the shakeups to Gym Leader type keep things interesting, the greater colour palette is appreciated...
1999: PLANESCAPE TORMENT
This one kinda creeps up on you. It’s easily the best usage of the digital AD&D 2nd edition toolset, one of the all-time great video game supporting casts, and its manner of tying disparate threads and quests back into the central themes at play is incredible.
This one kinda creeps up on you. It’s easily the best usage of the digital AD&D 2nd edition toolset, one of the all-time great video game supporting casts, and its manner of tying disparate threads and quests back into the central themes at play is incredible.
November 30, 2024 at 2:15 AM
1999: PLANESCAPE TORMENT
This one kinda creeps up on you. It’s easily the best usage of the digital AD&D 2nd edition toolset, one of the all-time great video game supporting casts, and its manner of tying disparate threads and quests back into the central themes at play is incredible.
This one kinda creeps up on you. It’s easily the best usage of the digital AD&D 2nd edition toolset, one of the all-time great video game supporting casts, and its manner of tying disparate threads and quests back into the central themes at play is incredible.
1998: METAL GEAR SOLID
“We’re not tools of the government, or anyone else. Fighting was the only thing… the ONLY THING I was good at, but… at least I always fought for what I believed in…”
“We’re not tools of the government, or anyone else. Fighting was the only thing… the ONLY THING I was good at, but… at least I always fought for what I believed in…”
November 30, 2024 at 2:12 AM
1998: METAL GEAR SOLID
“We’re not tools of the government, or anyone else. Fighting was the only thing… the ONLY THING I was good at, but… at least I always fought for what I believed in…”
“We’re not tools of the government, or anyone else. Fighting was the only thing… the ONLY THING I was good at, but… at least I always fought for what I believed in…”
1997: FALLOUT
I’ll always go to bat for this one. Its sense of purpose, its delicate hand when approaching many of its themes, the sheer desperation and deep-rooted decay of its setting. A strong foot to start on.
I’ll always go to bat for this one. Its sense of purpose, its delicate hand when approaching many of its themes, the sheer desperation and deep-rooted decay of its setting. A strong foot to start on.
November 30, 2024 at 2:10 AM
1997: FALLOUT
I’ll always go to bat for this one. Its sense of purpose, its delicate hand when approaching many of its themes, the sheer desperation and deep-rooted decay of its setting. A strong foot to start on.
I’ll always go to bat for this one. Its sense of purpose, its delicate hand when approaching many of its themes, the sheer desperation and deep-rooted decay of its setting. A strong foot to start on.