Dark Aether
@thegrimaether.bsky.social
Freelance writer, essayist, pop culture fiend covering strange, obscure and interesting curios. Morbidly curious. Not Dead Yet. Contributor: http://theuglymonster.com
Home: https://medium.com/@thegrimaether
Home: https://medium.com/@thegrimaether
118) Skate Story
A visceral joy to behold, a truly bizarre pot of ideas and one of the best game soundtracks of the year, this is the type of experience I most value in between new releases and my current games in queue.
A visceral joy to behold, a truly bizarre pot of ideas and one of the best game soundtracks of the year, this is the type of experience I most value in between new releases and my current games in queue.
December 20, 2025 at 6:01 PM
118) Skate Story
A visceral joy to behold, a truly bizarre pot of ideas and one of the best game soundtracks of the year, this is the type of experience I most value in between new releases and my current games in queue.
A visceral joy to behold, a truly bizarre pot of ideas and one of the best game soundtracks of the year, this is the type of experience I most value in between new releases and my current games in queue.
117) Radiant (volume 19, manga)
From my recent holiday manga haul (these usually drop November). Big revelations, an insane scheme and some warm surprises I shall not spoil here. If it wasn't for the billion other things on my plate, I'd be singing its praises further (or writing another piece).
From my recent holiday manga haul (these usually drop November). Big revelations, an insane scheme and some warm surprises I shall not spoil here. If it wasn't for the billion other things on my plate, I'd be singing its praises further (or writing another piece).
December 16, 2025 at 3:24 PM
117) Radiant (volume 19, manga)
From my recent holiday manga haul (these usually drop November). Big revelations, an insane scheme and some warm surprises I shall not spoil here. If it wasn't for the billion other things on my plate, I'd be singing its praises further (or writing another piece).
From my recent holiday manga haul (these usually drop November). Big revelations, an insane scheme and some warm surprises I shall not spoil here. If it wasn't for the billion other things on my plate, I'd be singing its praises further (or writing another piece).
My final Hades II builds and first time completion for those wondering.
December 15, 2025 at 2:03 PM
My final Hades II builds and first time completion for those wondering.
116) Hades II
Complete both the upper and lower paths back-to-back last night (what a rush!). A mechanically inventive sequel design-wise with a lot of fun new mechanics and twists.
Will plug away some more between now and January, but I do need to move on. Got a whole GOTY list to compile.
Complete both the upper and lower paths back-to-back last night (what a rush!). A mechanically inventive sequel design-wise with a lot of fun new mechanics and twists.
Will plug away some more between now and January, but I do need to move on. Got a whole GOTY list to compile.
December 15, 2025 at 1:34 PM
116) Hades II
Complete both the upper and lower paths back-to-back last night (what a rush!). A mechanically inventive sequel design-wise with a lot of fun new mechanics and twists.
Will plug away some more between now and January, but I do need to move on. Got a whole GOTY list to compile.
Complete both the upper and lower paths back-to-back last night (what a rush!). A mechanically inventive sequel design-wise with a lot of fun new mechanics and twists.
Will plug away some more between now and January, but I do need to move on. Got a whole GOTY list to compile.
115) Wake Up Dead Man (2025, film)
Snowy weekend, so I had some time on my hands. A step up from Glass Onion, although not sure if I prefer it over Knives Out. Outside the "solution", it is the most straightforward murder mystery of the three in a good way.
(Might be the funniest though)
Snowy weekend, so I had some time on my hands. A step up from Glass Onion, although not sure if I prefer it over Knives Out. Outside the "solution", it is the most straightforward murder mystery of the three in a good way.
(Might be the funniest though)
December 15, 2025 at 1:22 PM
115) Wake Up Dead Man (2025, film)
Snowy weekend, so I had some time on my hands. A step up from Glass Onion, although not sure if I prefer it over Knives Out. Outside the "solution", it is the most straightforward murder mystery of the three in a good way.
(Might be the funniest though)
Snowy weekend, so I had some time on my hands. A step up from Glass Onion, although not sure if I prefer it over Knives Out. Outside the "solution", it is the most straightforward murder mystery of the three in a good way.
(Might be the funniest though)
I could point to almost any title in Ankama's back catalog, but for the sake of brevity, the Dofus anime duology.
Kerub's Bazaar is a sillier take on the game material that went deeper than I expected. Book 1: Julith is "the best animated film I've watched this year" (a topic for another day).
Kerub's Bazaar is a sillier take on the game material that went deeper than I expected. Book 1: Julith is "the best animated film I've watched this year" (a topic for another day).
December 10, 2025 at 4:23 PM
I could point to almost any title in Ankama's back catalog, but for the sake of brevity, the Dofus anime duology.
Kerub's Bazaar is a sillier take on the game material that went deeper than I expected. Book 1: Julith is "the best animated film I've watched this year" (a topic for another day).
Kerub's Bazaar is a sillier take on the game material that went deeper than I expected. Book 1: Julith is "the best animated film I've watched this year" (a topic for another day).
BTW, I am working on finalizing my annual top 10 games/anime. Unless something changes this month, this might be the first year since 2018 where I don't have a definitive GOTY.
Looks like we're doing this elimination style.
Looks like we're doing this elimination style.
December 9, 2025 at 9:04 PM
BTW, I am working on finalizing my annual top 10 games/anime. Unless something changes this month, this might be the first year since 2018 where I don't have a definitive GOTY.
Looks like we're doing this elimination style.
Looks like we're doing this elimination style.
114) Wakfu 1 - 2 (manga, 2012/2023)
Picked up some new manga recently, including the bundled pair for this one. Might revisit next year when I've read the other volumes, but shows promise.
I'm really curious as to how they resolve some of these plot beats introduced... (we'll talk)
Picked up some new manga recently, including the bundled pair for this one. Might revisit next year when I've read the other volumes, but shows promise.
I'm really curious as to how they resolve some of these plot beats introduced... (we'll talk)
December 8, 2025 at 3:13 PM
114) Wakfu 1 - 2 (manga, 2012/2023)
Picked up some new manga recently, including the bundled pair for this one. Might revisit next year when I've read the other volumes, but shows promise.
I'm really curious as to how they resolve some of these plot beats introduced... (we'll talk)
Picked up some new manga recently, including the bundled pair for this one. Might revisit next year when I've read the other volumes, but shows promise.
I'm really curious as to how they resolve some of these plot beats introduced... (we'll talk)
if you see this, repost with your model of positive masculinity
December 8, 2025 at 12:58 PM
if you see this, repost with your model of positive masculinity
What's it like inside your head?
December 5, 2025 at 6:58 PM
What's it like inside your head?
113) Marvel Cosmic Invasion
Finished the campaign last night. Guess how I beat the final boss?🛡️
A fantastic beat em up that proudly wears its inspirations on its sleeve, if a bit on the short side. Haven't been this buzzed since Streets of Rage 4 (wasn't as hot on the Turtles one).
Finished the campaign last night. Guess how I beat the final boss?🛡️
A fantastic beat em up that proudly wears its inspirations on its sleeve, if a bit on the short side. Haven't been this buzzed since Streets of Rage 4 (wasn't as hot on the Turtles one).
December 5, 2025 at 3:14 PM
113) Marvel Cosmic Invasion
Finished the campaign last night. Guess how I beat the final boss?🛡️
A fantastic beat em up that proudly wears its inspirations on its sleeve, if a bit on the short side. Haven't been this buzzed since Streets of Rage 4 (wasn't as hot on the Turtles one).
Finished the campaign last night. Guess how I beat the final boss?🛡️
A fantastic beat em up that proudly wears its inspirations on its sleeve, if a bit on the short side. Haven't been this buzzed since Streets of Rage 4 (wasn't as hot on the Turtles one).
It still boggles my mind this has never been in an official F-Zero game.
December 5, 2025 at 1:06 PM
It still boggles my mind this has never been in an official F-Zero game.
112) The Elusive Samurai (2024, rewatch)
Thinking about award season, so taking advantage of this unusual anime drought and rewatch some stuff, starting with my last AOTY.
Gorgeous, inspired, comical. Yep, this is a top shelf shonen anime. And if you don't agree, then "why do you hate fun?"😛
Thinking about award season, so taking advantage of this unusual anime drought and rewatch some stuff, starting with my last AOTY.
Gorgeous, inspired, comical. Yep, this is a top shelf shonen anime. And if you don't agree, then "why do you hate fun?"😛
December 1, 2025 at 2:13 PM
112) The Elusive Samurai (2024, rewatch)
Thinking about award season, so taking advantage of this unusual anime drought and rewatch some stuff, starting with my last AOTY.
Gorgeous, inspired, comical. Yep, this is a top shelf shonen anime. And if you don't agree, then "why do you hate fun?"😛
Thinking about award season, so taking advantage of this unusual anime drought and rewatch some stuff, starting with my last AOTY.
Gorgeous, inspired, comical. Yep, this is a top shelf shonen anime. And if you don't agree, then "why do you hate fun?"😛
111) Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name (2023)
Really dragged my feet on this one. I kind of like the idea of more "shorter" games like this. Awesome ending, if a little messy getting to that point (as is the style).
Also, very inventive way to reuse old assets ("Make it rain!").
Really dragged my feet on this one. I kind of like the idea of more "shorter" games like this. Awesome ending, if a little messy getting to that point (as is the style).
Also, very inventive way to reuse old assets ("Make it rain!").
December 1, 2025 at 1:53 PM
111) Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name (2023)
Really dragged my feet on this one. I kind of like the idea of more "shorter" games like this. Awesome ending, if a little messy getting to that point (as is the style).
Also, very inventive way to reuse old assets ("Make it rain!").
Really dragged my feet on this one. I kind of like the idea of more "shorter" games like this. Awesome ending, if a little messy getting to that point (as is the style).
Also, very inventive way to reuse old assets ("Make it rain!").
108) My Marriage to Saneka (manga, end)
And so ends another Wataru Momose story prematurely. Yes, I know this was always going to be a short story, but it really needed a few more chapters to flesh out that last part.
Still, solid ending. Not amazing, but about on par with Romantic Killer.
And so ends another Wataru Momose story prematurely. Yes, I know this was always going to be a short story, but it really needed a few more chapters to flesh out that last part.
Still, solid ending. Not amazing, but about on par with Romantic Killer.
November 26, 2025 at 1:15 PM
108) My Marriage to Saneka (manga, end)
And so ends another Wataru Momose story prematurely. Yes, I know this was always going to be a short story, but it really needed a few more chapters to flesh out that last part.
Still, solid ending. Not amazing, but about on par with Romantic Killer.
And so ends another Wataru Momose story prematurely. Yes, I know this was always going to be a short story, but it really needed a few more chapters to flesh out that last part.
Still, solid ending. Not amazing, but about on par with Romantic Killer.
107) Shinobi: Art of Vengeance (2025, game)
Aside from having one of gaming's greatest subtitles, this was nonstop fun and a great showcase for reinventing old IP with current tech. I cannot recommend this game enough.
(Could have really used a dedicated hard mode/new game + though...)
Aside from having one of gaming's greatest subtitles, this was nonstop fun and a great showcase for reinventing old IP with current tech. I cannot recommend this game enough.
(Could have really used a dedicated hard mode/new game + though...)
November 26, 2025 at 1:10 PM
107) Shinobi: Art of Vengeance (2025, game)
Aside from having one of gaming's greatest subtitles, this was nonstop fun and a great showcase for reinventing old IP with current tech. I cannot recommend this game enough.
(Could have really used a dedicated hard mode/new game + though...)
Aside from having one of gaming's greatest subtitles, this was nonstop fun and a great showcase for reinventing old IP with current tech. I cannot recommend this game enough.
(Could have really used a dedicated hard mode/new game + though...)
106) Thanksgiving (2023 film)
Another late entry. This was more fun than I expected. It's very Scream-coded from its satirical tone to its holiday brutality.
Why did I watch this last week instead of this one? No idea.🤷
Another late entry. This was more fun than I expected. It's very Scream-coded from its satirical tone to its holiday brutality.
Why did I watch this last week instead of this one? No idea.🤷
November 26, 2025 at 1:05 PM
106) Thanksgiving (2023 film)
Another late entry. This was more fun than I expected. It's very Scream-coded from its satirical tone to its holiday brutality.
Why did I watch this last week instead of this one? No idea.🤷
Another late entry. This was more fun than I expected. It's very Scream-coded from its satirical tone to its holiday brutality.
Why did I watch this last week instead of this one? No idea.🤷
105) Skull: The Mask (2020, film)
Late entry. Original plans got derailed earlier this week, so did a random roulette on Shudder.
Spectacularly bloody use of practical effect and indigenous culture. The budget shows, but you can tell a lot of care went into this. (LOOK AT THIS POSTER ART!)
Late entry. Original plans got derailed earlier this week, so did a random roulette on Shudder.
Spectacularly bloody use of practical effect and indigenous culture. The budget shows, but you can tell a lot of care went into this. (LOOK AT THIS POSTER ART!)
November 20, 2025 at 8:42 PM
105) Skull: The Mask (2020, film)
Late entry. Original plans got derailed earlier this week, so did a random roulette on Shudder.
Spectacularly bloody use of practical effect and indigenous culture. The budget shows, but you can tell a lot of care went into this. (LOOK AT THIS POSTER ART!)
Late entry. Original plans got derailed earlier this week, so did a random roulette on Shudder.
Spectacularly bloody use of practical effect and indigenous culture. The budget shows, but you can tell a lot of care went into this. (LOOK AT THIS POSTER ART!)
there are 4 types of guys online. no exceptions
November 19, 2025 at 1:22 PM
there are 4 types of guys online. no exceptions
104) Goodbye Eri (2022, manga)
17-26 got its hooks in me bad, so I finally gave this one a proper read. You know you've read something special when you realize you've been smiling for the last couple minutes after turning the last page.
(This will make a killer adaptation)
17-26 got its hooks in me bad, so I finally gave this one a proper read. You know you've read something special when you realize you've been smiling for the last couple minutes after turning the last page.
(This will make a killer adaptation)
November 17, 2025 at 5:56 PM
104) Goodbye Eri (2022, manga)
17-26 got its hooks in me bad, so I finally gave this one a proper read. You know you've read something special when you realize you've been smiling for the last couple minutes after turning the last page.
(This will make a killer adaptation)
17-26 got its hooks in me bad, so I finally gave this one a proper read. You know you've read something special when you realize you've been smiling for the last couple minutes after turning the last page.
(This will make a killer adaptation)
103) Tatsuki Fujimoto 17-26
"Now there's the Fujimoto we all know and love!"
Debating writing something up, but I'll tell you up front, this will probably land in my top 3 AOTY. The last two episodes in particular, really spoke to me.
(also, chickens; bonus points)
"Now there's the Fujimoto we all know and love!"
Debating writing something up, but I'll tell you up front, this will probably land in my top 3 AOTY. The last two episodes in particular, really spoke to me.
(also, chickens; bonus points)
November 17, 2025 at 5:44 PM
103) Tatsuki Fujimoto 17-26
"Now there's the Fujimoto we all know and love!"
Debating writing something up, but I'll tell you up front, this will probably land in my top 3 AOTY. The last two episodes in particular, really spoke to me.
(also, chickens; bonus points)
"Now there's the Fujimoto we all know and love!"
Debating writing something up, but I'll tell you up front, this will probably land in my top 3 AOTY. The last two episodes in particular, really spoke to me.
(also, chickens; bonus points)
He. Has. A. Gun. For. A. Head.
(A̶n̶d̶ ̶s̶e̶c̶r̶e̶t̶l̶y̶ ̶t̶h̶e̶ ̶b̶e̶s̶t̶ ̶c̶y̶b̶e̶r̶p̶u̶n̶k̶ ̶a̶n̶i̶m̶e̶ ̶o̶f̶ ̶2̶0̶2̶0̶)🤫
(A̶n̶d̶ ̶s̶e̶c̶r̶e̶t̶l̶y̶ ̶t̶h̶e̶ ̶b̶e̶s̶t̶ ̶c̶y̶b̶e̶r̶p̶u̶n̶k̶ ̶a̶n̶i̶m̶e̶ ̶o̶f̶ ̶2̶0̶2̶0̶)🤫
November 12, 2025 at 1:51 PM
He. Has. A. Gun. For. A. Head.
(A̶n̶d̶ ̶s̶e̶c̶r̶e̶t̶l̶y̶ ̶t̶h̶e̶ ̶b̶e̶s̶t̶ ̶c̶y̶b̶e̶r̶p̶u̶n̶k̶ ̶a̶n̶i̶m̶e̶ ̶o̶f̶ ̶2̶0̶2̶0̶)🤫
(A̶n̶d̶ ̶s̶e̶c̶r̶e̶t̶l̶y̶ ̶t̶h̶e̶ ̶b̶e̶s̶t̶ ̶c̶y̶b̶e̶r̶p̶u̶n̶k̶ ̶a̶n̶i̶m̶e̶ ̶o̶f̶ ̶2̶0̶2̶0̶)🤫
Fabula Fantasia (Radiant prequel/spin off) looks promising. I swear, I will never grow tired of this art style.
November 7, 2025 at 8:51 PM
Fabula Fantasia (Radiant prequel/spin off) looks promising. I swear, I will never grow tired of this art style.