articles
here are the things I've written on games! the homepage has a smaller and more curated selection; this is a list of everything i've written for the site.
Metroid Discussion
March 24, 2026 ~ The first Metroid game gives us a lot to talk about: the elegance of how combat challenges are built, the deep replayability of a game whose progression is entirely knowledge-driven, and what's up with that 30hp respawn?
Galaga '88 Discussion
March 16, 2026 ~ Exploring both the intense and extremely well-considered play of Galaga '88, and the extremely calming presentation that helps its sessions to become relaxing rather than overwhelming.
Pocky & Rocky Discussion
February 14, 2026 ~ Talking about the shoot-'em-up-ish Pocky & Rocky, how arcade-style games expect you to approach them, and how adhering to that turns this seemingly-overwhelming game into something rather breezy.
Finding Artistic Inspiration in Touhou's Early Days
January 21, 2026 ~ Exploring the growth of an artist through two of their earliest games, and the different places that inspiration can take root from.
"Oh, that's neat!" ~ Things I Love in Games I Don't
December 27, 2025 ~ Discussing some standout parts in games that I wouldn't otherwise give myself an outlet to talk about.
MOTHER and Childhood Through Play
December 1, 2025 ~ Exploring the potential of expressivity through difficulty, through a game that makes itself easier than its contemporaries – and the extremely special experience that lends itself to.
Wordless Storytelling in Subterranean Animism
October 27, 2025 ~ Exploring the depth and potential of expressivity in games through analysing Touhou's most confident outing.
Tale of a Runaway Dog ~ A DOGSITR Retrospective
April 20, 2025 ~ A short reflection on DOGSITR: Dog Version, my short virtual-pet experience and my first ever game! I discuss some of the interesting ideas I played with, some shortcomings, and the challenges of charging head-first into development without really knowing what I'm doing.