[Ah, this Id Software candid - fronted by the two Johns - never fails to entertain.]
Well, we seem to be approaching the 200th issue of Video Game Deep Cuts (now on Substack), my dear readers. And I’m still enjoying putting these together - though formatting them is a bit of a slog - since it helps organize the cool things I saw.
Hope you’re holding up, out there in Internetland.
- Simon, curator
The Current: New Games To Consider
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Delores (PC) is a free prototype using Ron Gilbert’s new adventure game engine & “found art” from point ‘n click-er Thimbleweed Park. (Great idea/giveaway.)
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Huntdown (PC, Switch, PS4, Xbox) is a frantic ‘80s influenced cyberpunk 2D side-scrolling platform-shooter - seems tight!
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The latest Apple Arcade addition, Winding Worlds (iOS) is an artsy-looking puzzle adventure from the GNOG devs.
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Before We Leave (PC, Epic Store), pictured, is a non-violent, chill-looking city building game where you expand from a single island to multiple planets.
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Just leaving Steam Early Access, Nimbatus (PC) is an action sim where you construct drones out of hundreds of parts & then fly them on the surface of planets.
The Culture: Game Culture & Deep Dives
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Why cheating in PC multiplayer games is still a massive issue - and the quest for solutions.
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Ten culture/business learnings from ten years at Supercell (Clash Of Clans), possibly the savviest F2P mobile game company.
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A fan of dynastic leadership? Here’s an early look at Crusader Kings 3, the late-2020 sequel to Paradox’s cultish, incredibly complex kingdom simulator.
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Going inside Decentraland, the surreal Second Life for crypto true believers.
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Looks like hire-able game companions are taking off in China - including a billionaire you can rent time with?
The Past: Game History
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LSD: Dream Simulator’s unofficial English localization is a chance to play and savor the highly experimental PlayStation 1 title.
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This wonderful history of the shareware revolution makes it to Id Software.
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Mini Prince is a low-res ASCII fan QBasic version of Prince Of Persia's first level - with a mini physical edition (!)
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The story of Donkey Kong, surprisingly told in manga form.
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The DooM chip is a piece of hardware that has the first level of the classic shooter (E1M1) directly embedded into it - no software or CPU. OK, then!
The Other Goodness
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Tony Hawk interviews the OG pro skaters from Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater, now the remake has been announced.
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How come you can’t (legally) buy & play Popcap’s genius Bookworm Adventures any more? For shame.
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When government public arts funding helps innovative games get made.
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Bringing back ‘choose your own adventure’ book Deathtrap Dungeon, but as an FMV game with Eddie Marsan narrating, is a super interesting concept.
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The upcoming Ghosts Of Tsushima for PS4 will have a Mad Max: Fury Road-style option to play in black & white (pictured) throughout the whole game.
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Why do horror games sound so beautiful? A video essay.
Thanks for reading, and see you next week.
Simon.