Michael Murphy | Insider Gaming / Freelance Video Game Critic
@mikemurf2.bsky.social
Freelance gaming writer/critic and self-proclaimed gaming extraordinaire. Working at Insider Gaming. Bylines at Game Informer, ComicBook, Hardcore Gamer, and Destructoid. Nice to meet you!
Please DM or email @ mmurphyfreelance@gmail.com to reach out!
Please DM or email @ mmurphyfreelance@gmail.com to reach out!
Pinned
Dying Light: The Beast can feel a touch safe at times with a serviceable story, but the high-flying parkour and gorgeous graphics are top-notch.
Our review: gameinformer.com/review/dying...
Our review: gameinformer.com/review/dying...
I am proud to say that I got to review Dying Light: The Beast for @gameinformer.com! I am still pinching myself about it. It’s been a dream to write for them and I couldn’t be happier with how it came out. Thank you to @brianpshea.bsky.social and the team for making this happen. Enjoy!
Hello everyone! Forgot to post it this weekend, but I reviewed Tales of Xillia Remastered for TechRadar! Having been my first go with the game, I had a blast and I am way too excited to see how Tales of Xillia 2 goes. Hope you enjoy it!
www.techradar.com/gaming/tales...
www.techradar.com/gaming/tales...
After 30 hours of Tales of Xillia Remastered, I can safely say that this is the best possible way to experience the classic RPG
Being on the run never felt so good
www.techradar.com
November 11, 2025 at 4:40 PM
Hello everyone! Forgot to post it this weekend, but I reviewed Tales of Xillia Remastered for TechRadar! Having been my first go with the game, I had a blast and I am way too excited to see how Tales of Xillia 2 goes. Hope you enjoy it!
www.techradar.com/gaming/tales...
www.techradar.com/gaming/tales...
Reposted by Michael Murphy | Insider Gaming / Freelance Video Game Critic
Reposted by Michael Murphy | Insider Gaming / Freelance Video Game Critic
Words hurt. Don't be a bully.
November 10, 2025 at 7:47 PM
Words hurt. Don't be a bully.
Reposted by Michael Murphy | Insider Gaming / Freelance Video Game Critic
I read a thread about games with terrible UI earlier and this video has been destroying me all day.
November 10, 2025 at 12:37 AM
I read a thread about games with terrible UI earlier and this video has been destroying me all day.
Reposted by Michael Murphy | Insider Gaming / Freelance Video Game Critic
Reposted by Michael Murphy | Insider Gaming / Freelance Video Game Critic
Did my man see this post and think “I can do better?”
November 9, 2025 at 12:01 AM
Did my man see this post and think “I can do better?”
Reposted by Michael Murphy | Insider Gaming / Freelance Video Game Critic
I'm having a hard time placing my WICKED: FOR GOOD review, so to the masses I go: I have forgotten more about the play and novel than most people will ever know to begin with, and I would be a huge asset to your outlet.
I'll happily pub on my own, of course, but being paid is also nice!
I'll happily pub on my own, of course, but being paid is also nice!
November 7, 2025 at 7:53 PM
I'm having a hard time placing my WICKED: FOR GOOD review, so to the masses I go: I have forgotten more about the play and novel than most people will ever know to begin with, and I would be a huge asset to your outlet.
I'll happily pub on my own, of course, but being paid is also nice!
I'll happily pub on my own, of course, but being paid is also nice!
Reposted by Michael Murphy | Insider Gaming / Freelance Video Game Critic
Reposted by Michael Murphy | Insider Gaming / Freelance Video Game Critic
Earlier this year on a call with @apogeeent.com, I proposed the idea of enlisting Akira Yamaoka to compose an original track for Total Chaos. Apogee producer Jeron Moore liked the idea and asked. The legend agreed.
Here’s a preview of Akira Yamaoka’s Catharsis. It’s a banger, guys.
Here’s a preview of Akira Yamaoka’s Catharsis. It’s a banger, guys.
October 31, 2025 at 12:08 PM
Earlier this year on a call with @apogeeent.com, I proposed the idea of enlisting Akira Yamaoka to compose an original track for Total Chaos. Apogee producer Jeron Moore liked the idea and asked. The legend agreed.
Here’s a preview of Akira Yamaoka’s Catharsis. It’s a banger, guys.
Here’s a preview of Akira Yamaoka’s Catharsis. It’s a banger, guys.
Covered a GTA delay. Never thought I’d say that but here we are haha
insider-gaming.com/grand-theft-...
insider-gaming.com/grand-theft-...
Grand Theft Auto 6 Delayed to November 2026
Grand Theft Auto 6 is now scheduled to release on November 19th, 2026 after being set for May 2026, according to Rockstar.
insider-gaming.com
November 6, 2025 at 10:02 PM
Covered a GTA delay. Never thought I’d say that but here we are haha
insider-gaming.com/grand-theft-...
insider-gaming.com/grand-theft-...
Reposted by Michael Murphy | Insider Gaming / Freelance Video Game Critic
I’ve been able to confirm that these cuts impact people of a wide range of experience and seniority levels. Spoke with one person who has been there for well over a decade who was cut today. This is awful.
Square Enix announces more layoffs as part of US and Europe restructuring - “Nearly all areas” of Square Enix’s Western business affected by latest cuts, it tells staff www.videogameschronicle.com/news/square-...
November 6, 2025 at 9:03 PM
I’ve been able to confirm that these cuts impact people of a wide range of experience and seniority levels. Spoke with one person who has been there for well over a decade who was cut today. This is awful.
Reposted by Michael Murphy | Insider Gaming / Freelance Video Game Critic
In September, Adhoc's Pierre Shorette told me that they wouldn't rule it out.
"That’s not going to say that we’re not going to eventually come out on those platforms, but there’s certainly a ubiquity to a good single player storytelling experience that I think I associate with PlayStation."
"That’s not going to say that we’re not going to eventually come out on those platforms, but there’s certainly a ubiquity to a good single player storytelling experience that I think I associate with PlayStation."
Dispatch developer's stated they are looking into additional platforms for release, via official Discord server
“Will the game come to other platforms? Our initial focus will be on supporting the game on Steam & Playstation. We're looking into additional platforms as well.”
“Will the game come to other platforms? Our initial focus will be on supporting the game on Steam & Playstation. We're looking into additional platforms as well.”
November 6, 2025 at 7:50 PM
In September, Adhoc's Pierre Shorette told me that they wouldn't rule it out.
"That’s not going to say that we’re not going to eventually come out on those platforms, but there’s certainly a ubiquity to a good single player storytelling experience that I think I associate with PlayStation."
"That’s not going to say that we’re not going to eventually come out on those platforms, but there’s certainly a ubiquity to a good single player storytelling experience that I think I associate with PlayStation."
Reposted by Michael Murphy | Insider Gaming / Freelance Video Game Critic
Tonight, @ 9 PM EST / 8 PM Central, the fundraising continues for Brenden and Jen to help with medical expenses and raise awareness of Myasthenia Gravis.
Join me at Twitch.tv/Johncarsongames as I go Straight to Ganon in Breath of the Wild!
Donate here: gofund.me/3982c0318
Join me at Twitch.tv/Johncarsongames as I go Straight to Ganon in Breath of the Wild!
Donate here: gofund.me/3982c0318
Twitch
Twitch is an interactive livestreaming service for content spanning gaming, entertainment, sports, music, and more.
Twitch.tv
November 5, 2025 at 11:20 PM
Tonight, @ 9 PM EST / 8 PM Central, the fundraising continues for Brenden and Jen to help with medical expenses and raise awareness of Myasthenia Gravis.
Join me at Twitch.tv/Johncarsongames as I go Straight to Ganon in Breath of the Wild!
Donate here: gofund.me/3982c0318
Join me at Twitch.tv/Johncarsongames as I go Straight to Ganon in Breath of the Wild!
Donate here: gofund.me/3982c0318
Reposted by Michael Murphy | Insider Gaming / Freelance Video Game Critic
Reposted by Michael Murphy | Insider Gaming / Freelance Video Game Critic
Reposted by Michael Murphy | Insider Gaming / Freelance Video Game Critic
Feeling some true bonafide hope after seeing the results across the nation tonight, and it feels really good.
November 5, 2025 at 4:09 AM
Feeling some true bonafide hope after seeing the results across the nation tonight, and it feels really good.
Reposted by Michael Murphy | Insider Gaming / Freelance Video Game Critic
Looking for a reviewer for the upcoming PC/Mobile #MMO Sword of Justice from NetEase. We can get you set up with a preview account as well as with currency to check out the in-game store if you're game. Email in bio / shoot me a DM here if interested.
November 4, 2025 at 7:25 PM
Looking for a reviewer for the upcoming PC/Mobile #MMO Sword of Justice from NetEase. We can get you set up with a preview account as well as with currency to check out the in-game store if you're game. Email in bio / shoot me a DM here if interested.
Reposted by Michael Murphy | Insider Gaming / Freelance Video Game Critic
The Discourse is starting back up, I see.
September 25, 2025 at 3:13 PM
The Discourse is starting back up, I see.
Reposted by Michael Murphy | Insider Gaming / Freelance Video Game Critic
I wrote about @adhocstudio.com’s Dispatch for @outputlag.com! As a fan of Telltale, this is right up my alley and one ride you gotta get on before the final episodes. We’ll have a full review a bit after all the episodes are available, as we got a retail copy. Hope you enjoy reading it!
Dispatch Could Be 2025’s Dark Horse for Game of the Year | Output Lag
Dispatch feels like a playable streaming show with equal parts hilarious, heartfelt, and heroicness. And it might just be the sleeper hit of 2025.
outputlag.com
November 4, 2025 at 2:13 AM
I wrote about @adhocstudio.com’s Dispatch for @outputlag.com! As a fan of Telltale, this is right up my alley and one ride you gotta get on before the final episodes. We’ll have a full review a bit after all the episodes are available, as we got a retail copy. Hope you enjoy reading it!
Excited to pick this one up when I get the chance! Big Hyrule Warriors fan, so this seems to be right up my alley!
As someone who’s played a dumb amount of #HyruleWarriors, #AgeOfImprisonment is the game I wanted this series to be, adding more #Zelda mechanics to the gameplay, with more fluid and diverse combat, and it doesn’t run like shit.
Full review @rollingstone.com
Full review @rollingstone.com
'Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment' Is an Action Epic that Gives Zelda Her Due
Nintendo and Koei Tecmo nail the 'Hyrule Warriors' concept with an engaging story and 'Zelda' mechanics
www.rollingstone.com
November 4, 2025 at 3:38 PM
Excited to pick this one up when I get the chance! Big Hyrule Warriors fan, so this seems to be right up my alley!
Reposted by Michael Murphy | Insider Gaming / Freelance Video Game Critic
As someone who’s played a dumb amount of #HyruleWarriors, #AgeOfImprisonment is the game I wanted this series to be, adding more #Zelda mechanics to the gameplay, with more fluid and diverse combat, and it doesn’t run like shit.
Full review @rollingstone.com
Full review @rollingstone.com
'Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment' Is an Action Epic that Gives Zelda Her Due
Nintendo and Koei Tecmo nail the 'Hyrule Warriors' concept with an engaging story and 'Zelda' mechanics
www.rollingstone.com
November 4, 2025 at 2:04 PM
As someone who’s played a dumb amount of #HyruleWarriors, #AgeOfImprisonment is the game I wanted this series to be, adding more #Zelda mechanics to the gameplay, with more fluid and diverse combat, and it doesn’t run like shit.
Full review @rollingstone.com
Full review @rollingstone.com
Reposted by Michael Murphy | Insider Gaming / Freelance Video Game Critic
I wrote about @adhocstudio.com’s Dispatch for @outputlag.com! As a fan of Telltale, this is right up my alley and one ride you gotta get on before the final episodes. We’ll have a full review a bit after all the episodes are available, as we got a retail copy. Hope you enjoy reading it!
Dispatch Could Be 2025’s Dark Horse for Game of the Year | Output Lag
Dispatch feels like a playable streaming show with equal parts hilarious, heartfelt, and heroicness. And it might just be the sleeper hit of 2025.
outputlag.com
November 4, 2025 at 2:13 AM
I wrote about @adhocstudio.com’s Dispatch for @outputlag.com! As a fan of Telltale, this is right up my alley and one ride you gotta get on before the final episodes. We’ll have a full review a bit after all the episodes are available, as we got a retail copy. Hope you enjoy reading it!
Reposted by Michael Murphy | Insider Gaming / Freelance Video Game Critic
Reposted by Michael Murphy | Insider Gaming / Freelance Video Game Critic
Game Awards desperately needs a puzzle game category
November 3, 2025 at 8:15 PM
Game Awards desperately needs a puzzle game category