Easter - Week Notes

Happy Easter! This was a packed week! No special topic this time, but still lots to talk about!

Games

This was a game heavy week! I played the demos for Urbano, Haste, Rollin Rascal, and So to Speak.

In particular I highly recommend Haste for its gameplay. I’m a little disappointed to find that it’s a rogue-like though. I would have much preferred something that respects my time more. The game-feel is absolutely stellar though. So that makes up for it. I’ve yet to decide if I will buy it, because I’m pretty hesitant to dedicate the amount of time a rogue-like can take.

So to Speak, a Japanese language learning game for English readers, also surprisingly gets a pass for me, as I’ve found its lessons have been sticking with me much longer than expected. It isn’t really fun though. This one will sit on my wishlist for later as well.

Urbano was very cool but I’m so bad at rhythm games that I had to give up on this one. And Rollin Rascal lacks some polish but it isn’t out yet. I’m hoping they’re able to clean that up. It’s a bit hard for me to fully engage in the Sonic formula without Sonic.

Cave Story MD

My biggest gaming was with Cave Story MD a Sega Genesis port of the famous PC indie game. I’ve gotten all the way to the final level for the best ending! I even made it to the final boss once. I died instantly.

It could be a very long time before I’m able to finish this, but I have to say this port is pretty much perfect. There’s a little bit of slow down in a couple of sections with high sprite counts and I encountered 2 crashes, but still it’s an insanely impressive port.

Books

I gave a book a try that I wouldn’t normally have gone for because it was available on Libby. I kind of regret it. It was a romantic drama and I really just didn’t like either of the main characters. Plus the situation they were in was kind of gross? A younger me might have pushed through but I just couldn’t do it.

I moved on quickly to Polaris Rising by Jessie Mihalik also on Libby. I’m really loving this one. It’s possibly unnecessarily adult? but the core story is fun and the characters are interesting. Definitely has that Japanese light novel feel. (Ed from the future: This book is very NSFW. So careful there.)

In physical books I’ve started Reliquary by Preston and Child, the sequel to Relic which I read previously. I’ve read this one before but it’s been so long I don’t remember it. I’m only a chapter or two in so far.

I also picked up a Japanese book on making pixel art from a vendor at Sekaicon. I’m hoping it will give me some inspiration!

Movies

We saw the new Hatsune Miku movie, Colorful Stage! The Movie: A Miku Who Can’t Sing. I wasn’t familiar with game at all so it was a bit hard to follow, but I got there in the end. The music and visuals were excellent!

Music

I heard Look What I’ve Become by Joanne Shaw Taylor on WCBE on Friday and absolutely loved it. Highly recommend giving this one a listen. I somehow get Cowboy Bebop vibes off this track. My favorite track of the year so far!

The Journey Continues

As the weather gets better life is ramping up! I have a lot I want to do and a lot of fun to have. I hope you’re doing the same. Until next time ~Stay chill and enjoy!