kfwyre's recent activity

  1. Comment on Whatever happened to _____? in ~talk

    kfwyre
    Link
    Whatever happened to Wizards of the Coast and their attempt to change tabletop game licensing? I'm not a big tabletop gamer, so I know there was a big hubbub about this a while ago, but I have no...

    Whatever happened to Wizards of the Coast and their attempt to change tabletop game licensing?

    I'm not a big tabletop gamer, so I know there was a big hubbub about this a while ago, but I have no idea how it panned out. What ended up happening?

    7 votes

  2. Whatever happened to _____?

    ~talk Ask (survey)
    News items come and go fast these days, which means we often see something as its happening, in the thick of things. So much of what we see stops there, and we don't get the full story later, once...

    News items come and go fast these days, which means we often see something as its happening, in the thick of things. So much of what we see stops there, and we don't get the full story later, once the dust has settled, because resolution is a lot less newsworthy.

    This is a chance to ask about old news items (or other events) and get updates on how things have panned out from people in the know. Also, interpret "news" very loosely here. This topic is open to, well, ANYTHING people want updates about. It could be about headline stuff, or something in, I don't know, the Stardew Valley modding scene, for example.

    For organization's sake, please limit each top-level comment to ONE topic. If you'd like to ask about multiple things, feel free! Just please make them as separate comments so that individual threads aren't a mix of different answers to different prompts.

    10 votes

  3. Books: Your personal year in review for 2025

    ~books Ask (survey)
    This is your place to share any and all thoughts on your reading for 2025. Books you talk about do NOT have to be limited to this year’s releases. Feel free to share: Favorites Disappointments...

    This is your place to share any and all thoughts on your reading for 2025.

    Books you talk about do NOT have to be limited to this year’s releases.

    Feel free to share:

    • Favorites
    • Disappointments
    • Surprises
    • Memorable moments
    • Self-reflections
    • Anything else!

    Let us know how your reading for 2025 went.

    10 votes

  4. Comment on November 2025 Backlog Burner: Week 4 Discussion in ~games

    kfwyre
    Link Parent
    Thanks for the explanation! I'll have to pay attention to how the position changes the music next time I play. That's such a cool detail. And I definitely don't mind trying over and over again in...

    Thanks for the explanation! I'll have to pay attention to how the position changes the music next time I play. That's such a cool detail. And I definitely don't mind trying over and over again in Acid Web. I have to balance my want to destroy everything onscreen immediately with a more measured approach that doesn't have me dying, well, immediately. XD

    Also, for NOLF, I can't link anything directly since it's of dubious legal status (though, if no one knows who owns the rights, it's unlikely anyone's going to act on anything), but suffice it to say that some of the fans felt like a revival of the game was necessary and have done some great work to unofficially remaster it for modern systems.

    Shogo was one of those "that looks cool but it would never run on my system" games back in the day, when it wasn't about which graphics card you had but whether or not you had a graphics card in the first place. Looks like it's actually available through digital distribution and, wouldn't you know it, I actually already own it on GOG somehow! Maybe I'll play it after NOLF, or maybe I'll save it for the next Backlog Burner? Decisions decisions!

    2 votes

  5. Comment on November 2025 Backlog Burner: Conclusion and Recap in ~games

    kfwyre
    Link Parent
    I had grand plans to do a nice long writeup, but I've been unbelievably busy this week and both the moment and urge have passed. So I'll leave you with this, my main takeaway from my time...

    I had grand plans to do a nice long writeup, but I've been unbelievably busy this week and both the moment and urge have passed.

    So I'll leave you with this, my main takeaway from my time completing my bingo card:

    I love Inkbound.

    I cannot stop playing it.

    I'm 40 hours in, with time split roughly equally between co-op and solo, and I love both modes for different reasons.

    If it at all looks interesting to you, or you're intrigued by the concept of Slay the Spire x ARPG, then pick it up in the Steam winter sale.

    If you end up hating it, yell at me and I'll give you games in the giveaway to make up for it.

    3 votes

  6. Comment on The best games of 2025, picked by NPR's staff in ~games

  7. Games: Your personal year in review for 2025

    ~games Ask (survey)
    I know Steam Replay isn’t out yet, but I figure it’s still a good enough time to get the ball rolling. This is your place to share any and all thoughts on your gaming for 2025. Games you talk...

    I know Steam Replay isn’t out yet, but I figure it’s still a good enough time to get the ball rolling.

    This is your place to share any and all thoughts on your gaming for 2025.

    Games you talk about do NOT have to be limited to this year’s releases.

    Feel free to share:

    • Favorites
    • Disappointments
    • Surprises
    • Memorable moments
    • Self-reflections
    • Anything else!

    Let us know how your gaming for 2025 went.

    31 votes

  8. Comment on Tildes Book Club schedule 2025 - 2026 in ~books

    kfwyre
    Link Parent
    Now it's my turn to miss the sale! It's back to full price for me. I didn't get an email for that one either, but I have to assume that any price tracking services are running up against rate...

    Now it's my turn to miss the sale! It's back to full price for me.

    I didn't get an email for that one either, but I have to assume that any price tracking services are running up against rate limits with all the deals at this time of year, so I can't really hold it against them.

    2 votes

  9. Comment on Tildes Book Club schedule 2025 - 2026 in ~books

    kfwyre
    Link
    How to Become the Dark Lord and Die Trying is on sale for 3 bucks for the next 6 hours (according to Amazon.ca). @cfabbro @Zorind

    How to Become the Dark Lord and Die Trying is on sale for 3 bucks for the next 6 hours (according to Amazon.ca).

    @cfabbro
    @Zorind

    4 votes

  10. Humble Choice - December 2025

    ~games Text 86 words
    Steam Page OpenCritic Steam Recent/All Operating Systems Steam Deck ProtonDB Nine Sols 86 94 / 95 Win, Mac ✅ Verified 🎖️ Platinum Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name 79 92 / 96 Win ✅...
    Steam Page OpenCritic Steam Recent/All Operating Systems Steam Deck ProtonDB
    Nine Sols 86 94 / 95 Win, Mac ✅ Verified 🎖️ Platinum
    Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name 79 92 / 96 Win ✅ Verified 🎖️ Platinum
    Streets of Rage 4 84 87 / 93 Win, Mac, Linux ✅ Verified ✅ Native
    Lost Skies -- 69 / 67 Win ❌ Unsupported 🎖️ Platinum
    Intravenous 2 -- 98 / 96 Win 🟨 Playable 🎖️ Platinum
    Dungeon Tycoon -- 92 / 78 Win, Mac 🟨 Playable 🟨 Gold
    Beholder Conductor -- 98 / 87 Win, Mac ✅ Verified 🎖️ Platinum
    Godlike Burger -- -- / 76 Win, Mac, Linux ❓ Unknown ✅ Native
    13 votes

  11. Comment on Tildes Book Club schedule 2025 - 2026 in ~books

    kfwyre
    Link Parent
    I caught the sale late — my usual price drop platform didn’t notify me so I only stumbled on it last night. It looks like it was a Cyber Monday sale only, unfortunately.

    I caught the sale late — my usual price drop platform didn’t notify me so I only stumbled on it last night. It looks like it was a Cyber Monday sale only, unfortunately.

    2 votes

  12. Comment on Tildes Book Club schedule 2025 - 2026 in ~books

    kfwyre
    Link
    The ebook for Pnin is on sale for $2 USD (including on Amazon.ca). @cfabbro @Zorind

    The ebook for Pnin is on sale for $2 USD (including on Amazon.ca).

    @cfabbro
    @Zorind

    5 votes

  13. Comment on November 2025 Backlog Burner: Conclusion and Recap in ~games

    kfwyre
    Link
    I know I say something to this effect every year, but I really do mean it: I love this little event we've got here! It's feels like one big concurrent Let's Play (which is quite literal when it...

    I know I say something to this effect every year, but I really do mean it: I love this little event we've got here! It's feels like one big concurrent Let's Play (which is quite literal when it comes to @JCPhoenix!). It's so nice to share our love of games with each other and explore new titles.

    I think my actual backlog progress ends up being a wash, because it feels like, for every game that I played and took off my plate, I end up wishlisting something else that someone else played. I don't mind it at all though! Being awash in great, interesting games is a wonderful problem to have.

    The quality of the writeups we have here never ceases to amaze me. The comments here take me back to when I used to read gaming magazines cover to cover, trying to get as much information as possible about all the different titles that they discussed. Also, I know firsthand just how much time it takes to do long writeups, so when I scan through our topics and see literal hours of writing time on my screen, I can't help but be amazed at how much effort y'all are all putting in. Thank you. It’s so cool to be around other people who love games (and talking about games) as much as I do.

    Finally, I have to once again give a shout out to my amazing co-pilot @Wes. I know he doesn't love the limelight, so I won't say too much, but know that I think it’s genuinely special how you respond to literally everyone with such thoughtful (and often hilarious) comments.

    I don’t have time tonight to write up my personal recap, so I’ll share my favorite finds and highlights tomorrow. I’ve also got details of a “Sidequest” post planned involving all the games that I tried out (mostly to see if they would run) but didn’t play enough of for them to count as bingo entries. I’ve got lots of neat stuff in there as well.

    Thanks again to everyone for making this such a great event.

    Also, as much as I love the Backlog Burner, I’m also relieved that it’s over. 25 games in one month is a grueling pace for me! I’m looking forward to relaxing back into just a few games at my normal pace.

    8 votes

  14. Comment on November 2025 Backlog Burner: Conclusion and Recap in ~games

    kfwyre
    Link
    This is the final ping for the November 2025 Backlog Burner. Thank you for participating! Use this topic to share your final thoughts, favorite games, highlights, etc. Our next Backlog Burner will...

    This is the final ping for the November 2025 Backlog Burner. Thank you for participating! Use this topic to share your final thoughts, favorite games, highlights, etc.

    Our next Backlog Burner will be in May 2026. I will ping everyone on this list once more to let you know when the announcement topic for that goes live.

    Notification List

    @aphoenix
    @1338
    @BeardyHat
    @CannibalisticApple
    @dannydotcafe
    @deathinactthree
    @Durinthal
    @Eidolon
    @J-Chiptunator
    @JCPhoenix
    @knocklessmonster
    @Pistos
    @sotix
    @sparksbet
    @Wes
    @ZeroGee

    6 votes

  15. November 2025 Backlog Burner: Conclusion and Recap

    ~games Text 1087 words
    The November 2025 Backlog Burner event is officially over! Over the month of November, 12 participants moved 155 games out of their backlogs. Congratulations to the following Bingo winners:...

    The November 2025 Backlog Burner event is officially over!

    Over the month of November, 12 participants moved 155 games out of their backlogs.

    Congratulations to the following Bingo winners:

    A big thank you to ALL who participated in the event, whether that was by playing games, joining in conversations, or reading people's posts here.

    As always, it has been an absolute blast doing this with everyone. I truly love this event. Thank you all.

    Use this topic to post your final bingo cards, give recaps of your games, and share any thoughts you have on the event itself.

    See you again for the next Backlog Burner in May 2026!

    Statistics

    • We averaged 12.9 games per person and 36.2 games per week.
    • There were 229 comments posted across 4 topics.
    • Across all 155 game titles with thousands of letters between them, there was only one letter Q (in Titan Quest).
    • We have now passed a cumulative 500 games played since the first Bingo-based Backlog Burner back in November 2023.

    Platforms

    Games were played on at least 16 different platforms.

    • iPad
    • Macbook Pro
    • Nintendo 3DS
    • Nintendo DS
    • Nintendo Switch
    • Nintendo Switch 2
    • Nintendo Wii U
    • PC (Linux)
    • PC (Windows)
    • Playdate
    • PlayStation
    • PlayStation 2
    • PlayStation 4 (PS4 Pro)
    • Steam Deck
    • Steam Deck (RetroDECK)
    • Super Nintendo Entertainment System (Super Famicom)

    Highlights

    Nobody sent me any highlights. 😭
    Let's just say this WHOLE event was a highlight! 😁🥰

    Full Game List (alphabetical)

    A

    B

    C

    D

    E

    F

    G

    H

    I

    J

    K

    L

    M

    N

    O

    P

    Q

    R

    S

    T

    U

    V

    W

    X

    Y

    Z

    Full Game List (by week)

    Week 1

    Week 2

    Week 3

    Week 4 + 5ish

    14 votes

  16. Comment on Humble Bundle: Image Comics in the ‘10s in ~comics

    kfwyre
    (edited )
    Link Parent
    I have been kicking myself for not buying the Saga bundles the last few times they’ve had them available over the years, so I was thrilled to see it back. I’d be happy if it cost me 18 bucks just...

    I have been kicking myself for not buying the Saga bundles the last few times they’ve had them available over the years, so I was thrilled to see it back. I’d be happy if it cost me 18 bucks just for that series alone!

    The everything else that they added just makes the deal so much better. It honestly feels like a starter pack for digital comic collectors.

    2 votes

  17. Comment on Save Point: A game deal roundup for the week of November 30 in ~games

    kfwyre
    Link
    This year's Jingle Jam Bundle is up. £35 GBP for 15 games, with all proceeds going to eight different charities. Clicking the "Donate Now" at the top of the page will spread your donation between...

    This year's Jingle Jam Bundle is up. £35 GBP for 15 games, with all proceeds going to eight different charities.

    Clicking the "Donate Now" at the top of the page will spread your donation between all of the charities. However, if you prefer to focus on a specific one, you can click "View Fundraisers" under the one you want and pledge money through one of the users there.

    It's admittedly a little confusing with so many options, but the way Tiltify works it that it lets individual users set up their own donation campaigns under the larger Jingle Jam umbrella. So, for example, streamer/YouTuber RTGame has his own donation page here which specifically benefits The Trevor Project.

    The only thing you have to watch out for is to make sure that you see "Jingle Jam Collection 2025" as a reward if you're on a specific user's campaign page. If you don't see it there, you won't get the keys when you donate.

    I have never watched Yogscast myself and don't follow the Jingle Jam event at all, but I will say that, as as frequent game bundle buyer, I think the annual Jingle Jam bundle is consistently THE best bundle out there each year. Great charities get great donations, while great donators get great games. It's hard to beat that!

    4 votes

  18. Comment on Humble Bundle: Image Comics in the ‘10s in ~comics

    kfwyre
    Link
    This bundle has a whopping 175 items(!!!) for $18 USD, including some big names (e.g. Saga, East of West, Paper Girls). They’re all DRM-free and come in EPUB, PDF, and CBZ formats. Hopefully this...

    This bundle has a whopping 175 items(!!!) for $18 USD, including some big names (e.g. Saga, East of West, Paper Girls).

    They’re all DRM-free and come in EPUB, PDF, and CBZ formats. Hopefully this one is available worldwide (unlike the last one I posted).

    If anyone has recommendations for where to start in this collection, let us know. Also be sure to click Adjust Donation and move the sliders to your liking before buying.

    5 votes

  20. Comment on November 2025 Backlog Burner: Week 4 Discussion in ~games

    kfwyre
    (edited )
    Link Parent
    Acid Web You're a spider that likes to wear hats, and you have to protect your web from repeated emergences of enemies in this single-screen twin-stick wave shooter made by our very own...

    Acid Web

    You're a spider that likes to wear hats, and you have to protect your web from repeated emergences of enemies in this single-screen twin-stick wave shooter made by our very own @text_garden.

    I bought the game back during the "Have you made a video game?" topic but hadn't actually played it until now. I'm happy to report that it's great! Very reminiscent of Geometry Wars, which is a good thing. Each enemy type has its own identifiable shape and its own unique movement/attack properties.

    The game is 100 total waves, with checkpoints and new hats unlocked every 10. Each wave has its own unique theme that's hinted at by the wave title. You'll also get different weapons depending on the wave. All told there's a lot of variety packed into those many waves -- I haven't yet felt like I'm just doing the same thing over and over again.

    Speaking of packing things in, this game is among the smallest I can think of in terms of file size. Steam says the game takes up a miniscule 5.52 MB of my hard drive. I'm pretty sure I have individual photos that are larger than that! In a world of games that want to take up the entire disk, it's genuinely nice to see something so tiny.

    You would think something with such a small footprint wouldn't have good music, but you'd be wrong! It's great -- thumping, intense electronica that matches the intensity of the play. I have to assume it's being generated by the game instead of something pre-recorded? I can't think of any other way to get audio files down so small.

    Right now I've played the game for less than an hour, and I'm in the 20s right now, trying to get to level 31 for my next checkpoint. I'm thoroughly enjoying it and will definitely keep playing it after this event. Thanks for making a great game, text_garden!

    The Operative: No One Lives Forever

    This is one of those infamous abandonware cult classic games that a small number of people feel very passionately about. There are frequently calls for it to be re-released, but that will likely never happen because nobody knows who owns the rights to the game:

    See, as of right now, it's unclear if 20th Century Fox, Activision, or Warner owns the franchise. Activision could lay claim due to the Vivendi name, Warner could lay claim on account of owning Monolith, and 20th Century Fox could lay claim due to their hand in publishing and funding it. Another twist of the proverbial knife is the fact that the legal rights to No One Lives Forever were agreed upon well before digital records were widely adopted. And given that the agreements are probably buried in a twenty-year-old file cabinet somewhere, neither Fox nor Activision were all too eager to dig through their archives.

    Where legal avenues have failed, however, fans have collaborated and carved a path. I won't link it, but suffice it to say that there is a relatively easy way to get this game up and running on modern systems.

    I have no nostalgia for the game whatsoever, so I'm approaching it from the lens of a first-time modern player (albeit one who has a fondness for chunky graphics and old games).

    The game is a throwback to early first-person shooters that sort of reveled in letting you navigate 3D spaces. It starts you off in a contiguous exposition location that helps you established a firm sense of place (think Half-Life, System Shock 2, or Deus Ex). In this case, you're wandering around the spy headquarters (you're a spy, by the way), and you'll get your assignment and go through extensive tutorials on using weapons and gadgets and sneaking around.

    The game itself feels a bit like a PC version of Goldeneye 007. The levels are missions, each are on the longer side, they have different objectives you have to meet, and they have non-death failstates (e.g. letting too many civilians die). Furthermore, the game wants you to prioritize stealth and discretion over mindless shooting.

    I'm still in the beginning hours of the game, so I can't give my full thoughts on it, but I can say that I'm enjoying it so far and will keep playing it past the event. I even picked up a used copy of the strategy guide for cheap in case I end up needing help with the levels. I know I can just find the information online these days, but there's something nostalgic for me about gaming alongside a book for reference that the internet just can't quite replace.

    And with those two final entries, I HAVE HIT BLACKOUT BINGO STATUS BABY!

    Fireworks all around! 🎆🎆🎆

    4 votes