Wes's recent activity
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Comment on Order of the Sinking Star | Release date announcement in ~games
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Comment on Epic Games Store will support Linux "soon" in ~games
Wes Link ParentI feel like being Electron is not actually too helpful here. It certainly helps with the store features, but a launcher still needs to do a lot of platform-specific work. Game installing and...I feel like being Electron is not actually too helpful here. It certainly helps with the store features, but a launcher still needs to do a lot of platform-specific work.
- Game installing and updates require disk access, dealing with different filesystems, layouts, permissions, and distro-specific features like immutability and selinux.
- Downloading games requires networking features, and needs to handle all the different weird states a computer's network can be in, like being behind a VPN/proxy. This likely uses a different interface than Windows, and would require some special handling.
- Perform process management to launch games, and detect when they're closed. Especially for features like cloud sync. Some games complicate this further by including their own launchers, etc.
- Installation needs to handle all dependencies, and any wrapper layer like Proton/Wine needs to be specifically set up on Linux.
- Application rendering itself needs to support X and Wayland systems, and run on integrated and discrete graphics.
Electron may handle some of those things, but I expect there's still a lot of Linux-specific differences they need to contend with.
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Comment on CGA-2026-08 🗡️🛡️❤️🔺 INSERT CARTRIDGE 🟢 The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past in ~games
Wes Link ParentDoor Randomizer sounds nutty. It reminds me a lot of the Fog Gate Randomizer mod for Dark Souls, which similarly shuffles the paths between areas. You can crank up the settings to turn the entire...Door Randomizer sounds nutty. It reminds me a lot of the Fog Gate Randomizer mod for Dark Souls, which similarly shuffles the paths between areas. You can crank up the settings to turn the entire game into a giant, interconnected maze.
On the run I did, I ended up writing down over 100 connections in a text file, which I needed to then study to find my way to a destination.
It's kind of an exhausting run, but totally unique and memorable, too.
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Comment on End of Series - Tildes Book Club discussion - July 2026 - A Psalm for the Wild Built by Becky Chambers in ~books
Wes LinkI'm fashionably late as usual, but I've taken a break from my own reading list and this was the perfect palate cleanser. Wild-Built is my first Becky Chambers book, though I've a few in my...I'm fashionably late as usual, but I've taken a break from my own reading list and this was the perfect palate cleanser.
Wild-Built is my first Becky Chambers book, though I've a few in my backlog. I went in expecting a sci-fi story about robots and a futuristic society. What I got was far more human, and very down to Earth.
It's an intimate story. We spend a lot of time in the head of Sibling Dex, knowing them as they know themselves. Their ennui and dissatisfaction. Their uncertainty and vulnerability.
How many of us can relate to not knowing what we want to do in life? Quite a few, I imagine.
I thought it led well into the final message, as delivered by the plucky robot, that it's okay to not have a purpose. That we are not defined by our aspirations. We have innate value in simply existing, as animals do, and any meaning beyond that is self-determined.
In the context of the story, this seems to run somewhat counter to the religion of their world. Vocation is core to their beliefs, and seems inseparable to one's identity. In many ways, I think that parallels our own world. We define ourselves by our jobs, and let the actually-interesting things about us — our pursuits, experiences, and dreams — take a back seat.
It also reminded me of the argument that religion defines purpose in life, and that atheists must thus live without purpose. This notion has never sat right with me. So what if life is meaningless? In choosing our own purpose — or lack thereof! — we give life meaning. If I want to watch stalagmites all day, then that's something that's meaningful to me. So I appreciated this final note, as Mosscap's message really resonated for me.
Thematically, I found the focus on tea to be interesting, especially after reading Tea Girl a few months ago. It seems that in both stories, tea served a restorative role. Here, it allowed one to slow down; to take a moment away from busy modern life to just breathe, and let go of burdens.
At this point, I'd like to broach the topic of gender. I fully recognize that I'm ill-equipped to navigate this topic comfortably on Tildes, and likely don't know all the correct words. But its relevance here was meaningful for me, and was a large part of my takeaway from this novella, so I'd like to touch on it.
Dex is nonbinary. At no point did the author give any indication of their sex at birth, and I think this was very intentional. Only once is their preferred pronoun even mentioned, and it's during an introduction.
In principle, I applaud this approach. I feel that representation is often at its best when it just is — showing regular people living their lives. Yet I have to admit that I also found it... not uncomfortable, but maybe harder to connect with the character as a result.
I think there were two hurdles for me.
First, every time I read "them" in the first few chapters, I had a moment of involuntary confusion in wondering who the second person was. This didn't hurt my enjoyment, but did feel like little speed bumps in reading, causing me to slow down before proceeding.
Second, I found it difficult to construct an image of Dex in my head. I didn't know if they were short, tall, masculine, feminine. Did they have a rounded face, a squared jaw? I hadn't realized how dependent I was on knowing a discrete gender to help inform that image, and how it would short circuit my brain to instead put a question mark over someone's appearance.
To be clear, this isn't a complaint. It was a realization for me that I was using gender as a shortcut in all the wrong ways. I appreciated that this story invalidated that assumption for me, even if it made the book more difficult to get into.
By the end, I felt much more comfortable with both aspects. The speed bumps had leveled out, and I felt like I knew Dex well enough that I no longer needed to know what they looked like. As Mosscap said, they just were, and that's enough.
I'm not claiming that I was able to completely rewire my brain in just 150 pages, but I think it helped. I'd like to expose myself to more media of this type, and have already ordered the next book in the series which I plan to start soon.
I'd like to end on a note of appreciation for @boxer_dogs_dance, who has done an incredible job in guiding us during these last two and a half years. Thank you for all that you've done in organizing discussions, voting threads, and coming up with discussion prompts for each book. I wish you the absolute best in your new book club; they're lucky to have you.
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Comment on Is there any interest in building a Tildes successor? in ~tildes
Wes LinkTo clarify, Tildes is in maintenance mode but is not being sunset. There is no end-of-life date, and I think it's likely that Deimos will continue to support us for as long as we wish to stay. I...To clarify, Tildes is in maintenance mode but is not being sunset. There is no end-of-life date, and I think it's likely that Deimos will continue to support us for as long as we wish to stay.
I know you covered this at the end, but I wanted to emphasize it for anybody that only skimmed.
My feeling is that it's premature to discuss a successor. Tildes continues to work, and though the software isn't perfect, it's still very good. I suspect that building an alternative right now could have the harmful result of splitting our userbase. Rather than acting as a lifeboat, it may sink the ship.
I don't wish to discourage anyone else from building a project that they're interested in or passionate about, but that's the perspective I'd approach this from.
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Comment on Any significant changes to Tildes are extremely unlikely in ~tildes.official
Wes Link ParentAs with @Grumble4681, I also had hope in the community fork/maintainership. It seemed like the best path forward for us. I understand though that priorities have just not aligned in this case, and...As with @Grumble4681, I also had hope in the community fork/maintainership. It seemed like the best path forward for us. I understand though that priorities have just not aligned in this case, and it likely won't be possible to make work. I appreciate the efforts from yourself and @talklittle all the same.
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Comment on Any significant changes to Tildes are extremely unlikely in ~tildes.official
Wes Link ParentMy recollection is that we removed the visible vote counts, but not the vote button. I liked the change. Removing votes entirely would have a pretty adverse effect on comment sorting, though.My recollection is that we removed the visible vote counts, but not the vote button. I liked the change. Removing votes entirely would have a pretty adverse effect on comment sorting, though.
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Comment on CGA-2026-08 🗡️🛡️❤️🔺 INSERT CARTRIDGE 🟢 The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past in ~games
Wes Link ParentFinito! I've released all of my items now, which happens automatically upon completion of the game. I'll probably write up some thoughts for the Eject Cartridge thread, where we can be a little...Finito! I've released all of my items now, which happens automatically upon completion of the game.
I'll probably write up some thoughts for the Eject Cartridge thread, where we can be a little looser with spoilers. But it's been fun! A few more bottlenecks than I was expecting (one was kiinda my fault), but it definitely led to some novel gameplay.
I've no complaints of my seed. It was heavy on offense, light on defense. That said, big props to you for tackling some challenging dungeons early on with nothing but three hearts and a toothpick.
My time, as shown post-credits: 12:45:03.
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Comment on CGA-2026-08 🗡️🛡️❤️🔺 INSERT CARTRIDGE 🟢 The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past in ~games
Wes Link ParentI had to release Dendrian's remaining checks. He had an emulator problem and had some progress rolled back. Rather than risk problems by re-sending items he'd previously picked up into the pool,...I had to release Dendrian's remaining checks. He had an emulator problem and had some progress rolled back. Rather than risk problems by re-sending items he'd previously picked up into the pool, he opted to bow out.
Current Status
It looks like @MimicSquid and I are both awaiting Silver Arrows now. You've received your Fire Rod, which should allow some more progression. I think we're very close to finishing. -
Comment on CGA-2026-08 🗡️🛡️❤️🔺 INSERT CARTRIDGE 🟢 The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past in ~games
Wes Link ParentWhat's Left At this point, the only item I need to beat the game is Silver Arrows. Ganon is waiting for me. However, it's possible they're hidden in my Turtle Rock, in which case I'll need the...What's Left
At this point, the only item I need to beat the game is Silver Arrows. Ganon is waiting for me. However, it's possible they're hidden in my Turtle Rock, in which case I'll need the quake medallion.By the way, accessing Ganon's Tower without first visiting Turtle Rock is really annoying! You don't unlock the warp point in the top-right corner, so you need to do a lot of travel just to get there every time.
Beating the game will release all remaining checks, so it's possible I'll be able to skip a dungeon. We'll see what turns up.
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Comment on What JavaScript framework should I use? in ~comp
Wes Link ParentI've really enjoyed Vue, and long been interested in Svelte. Note though that both include a build step. You mentioned wanting to avoid complexity where possible, so that's worth bearing in mind....I've really enjoyed Vue, and long been interested in Svelte. Note though that both include a build step. You mentioned wanting to avoid complexity where possible, so that's worth bearing in mind. Something like Alpine.js would be the more minimal solution, if you just wanted to include a .js file and be on with it.
Vue can technically be used as a library loaded at runtime as well. However, SFCs are so much nicer to write components in that I think it's well worth the build step. Plus you get all the other natural goodies like easily being able to add dev dependencies like linters, etc.
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Comment on What JavaScript framework should I use? in ~comp
Wes Link ParentI feel that htmx makes more sense for web apps that closely integrate server elements. It sounds like that isn't the case with this project: Note that Tildes itself uses Intercooler, the...I feel that htmx makes more sense for web apps that closely integrate server elements. It sounds like that isn't the case with this project:
delphitools is export only. There's no server component and it runs completely in the browser.
Note that Tildes itself uses Intercooler, the predecessor to htmx.
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Comment on CGA-2026-08 🗡️🛡️❤️🔺 INSERT CARTRIDGE 🟢 The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past in ~games
Wes (edited )Link ParentSince it feels like we're at a little bit of a standstill, I thought I'd help us clean up our missing items. We're each missing 1 or 2 little things. I've put these in spoiler tags so you can only...Since it feels like we're at a little bit of a standstill, I thought I'd help us clean up our missing items. We're each missing 1 or 2 little things. I've put these in spoiler tags so you can only look if you want to.
Dendrian
I just pointed him to a missed overworld chest, which was a heart piece for @MimicSquid.MimicSquid
Looks like you cleaned up a few overworld items today. There's 1 more at the witch hut, as a reward for turning in the mushroom. It also looks like part of Misery Mire can also be completed.Durinthal
Your only missing item so far has been in Skull Woods dungeon. A single pot in the room with the one-way gap (https://i.imgur.com/VMPPnsd.png). Likely it's nothing, but I thought I'd mention it just in case.Wes
As for me, I missed a room in the Ice Palace. However, I'm 95% sure it's unavailable to me now, and likely holds a key for its own door.
Edits
Big Edit
Okay, my bad guys. I apparently had access to Ganon's Tower without realizing it. I thought I needed my final pendant from Turtle Rock for that, and it didn't show on the PopTracker. In any case, I'm exploring now. I've already sent Mimic his much-coveted flippers. Sorry about that!Edit 2
Mimic, you have no idea how much that 1/2 magic came in clutch. I was at the end of Ganon's Tower, and lamenting how I'd need to backtrack far to refill my magic. Lo and behold, my magic bar is suddenly refilled, and my mana costs cut in half. Huge! -
Comment on CGA-2026-08 🗡️🛡️❤️🔺 INSERT CARTRIDGE 🟢 The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past in ~games
Wes (edited )Link ParentGetting Close... It looks like I've been sent my booties. That'll allow me to complete dungeon 2 and free up 3–4 checks. I'm getting awfully close. I need one medallion to open up Turtle Rock, and...Getting Close...
It looks like I've been sent my booties. That'll allow me to complete dungeon 2 and free up 3–4 checks.I'm getting awfully close. I need one medallion to open up Turtle Rock, and then silver arrows to defeat Ganon.
I'm surprised by how far you've gotten without level 2 mitts. @Dendrian still doesn't have even level 1, which has been his major blocker. Hopefully those show up, along with Mimic's flippers.
edit: Okay, sent out a bow and a couple heart pieces. That's all I can do for now.
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Comment on CGA-2026-08 🗡️🛡️❤️🔺 INSERT CARTRIDGE 🟢 The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past in ~games
Wes Link ParentIt seems like we've been stuck around the 60% mark for most of today, so I had a look at the PopTracker. Right now, it looks like you've the most available checks to find, Mimic. In case you...It seems like we've been stuck around the 60% mark for most of today, so I had a look at the PopTracker. Right now, it looks like you've the most available checks to find, Mimic.
In case you wanted a reference but didn't want to install the PopTracker yourself, I took a screenshot of the overworld. Big spoiler warning though if you'd rather find the remaining checks yourself!
Item Mentions
I think one of them will include a big item like boots for me, a mirror for Dendrian, or flippers for either you or me. That should break things open again. -
Comment on CGA-2026-08 🗡️🛡️❤️🔺 INSERT CARTRIDGE 🟢 The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past in ~games
Wes Link ParentProgression Discussion I sent both you and @Durinthal a magic mirror, so you should be able to get around more comfortably now. I also unblocked @Dendrian with a flute, granting access to Death...Progression Discussion
I sent both you and @Durinthal a magic mirror, so you should be able to get around more comfortably now.I also unblocked @Dendrian with a flute, granting access to Death Mountain and a lot of chests.
Flippers remain my largest blocker, too. They'd open up multiple dungeons. I've been equipped with a level 4 sword though, which has more than made up for my lack of defense.
I've started using the PopTracker now, since I've run out of ideas of where to go. It reminded me of a couple caves I'd missed.
We've completed 54% of all checks so far.
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Comment on CGA-2026-08 🗡️🛡️❤️🔺 INSERT CARTRIDGE 🟢 The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past in ~games
Wes Link ParentSmall Update I got you a hammer and gloves. That should help unblock you. I cleared three Dark World dungeons tonight, and am starting to run out of ideas of where to go next. There's probably a...Small Update
I got you a hammer and gloves. That should help unblock you.I cleared three Dark World dungeons tonight, and am starting to run out of ideas of where to go next. There's probably a few more secrets around, but multiple dungeons require flippers to advance.
So far, 37% of all checks have been completed. Pretty good progress for day 1. You guys are rocking it.
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Comment on CGA-2026-08 🗡️🛡️❤️🔺 INSERT CARTRIDGE 🟢 The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past in ~games
Wes Link ParentI've played for about 4 hours now. I'm going to put this in a spoiler box since we're still in the Insert Cartridge thread. Progression Discussion I've finished 2 of the 4 Overworld dungeons, and...I've played for about 4 hours now. I'm going to put this in a spoiler box since we're still in the Insert Cartridge thread.
Progression Discussion
I've finished 2 of the 4 Overworld dungeons, and thanks to receiving the mirror and moon pearl, have started setting out in the Dark World. I've done most of the first dungeon there, but am moving around to see what's available to me.The current items I need most are flippers and pegasus boots, but I've actually got a lot going already. The hammer, both rods, the book, two bottles (but no net), and thankfully the flute for fast travel.
I'm finding that Dark World baddies are hitting hard, and I'm without a tunic upgrade, so I've been playing a bit more defensively. Thankfully I've got some projectile tools at my disposal.
My highlight so far was opening two chests in a row (right next to each other), both containing sword upgrades.
[2026-08-05 01:38:47,939]: (Team #1) Wes sent Progressive Sword to MimicSquid (Kakariko Well - Left) [2026-08-05 01:38:51,969]: (Team #1) Wes sent Progressive Sword to Durinthal (Kakariko Well - Right)I'll likely play some more tonight, since I'm not currently blocked by anyone.
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Comment on CGA-2026-08 🗡️🛡️❤️🔺 INSERT CARTRIDGE 🟢 The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past in ~games
Wes (edited )Link ParentYep, it looks like you and Durinthal are exchanging items freely now. I'll be on shortly to start paying it forward. I'm glad to see that everything is working. edit: Dang, you guys were busy. I'm...Yep, it looks like you and Durinthal are exchanging items freely now. I'll be on shortly to start paying it forward. I'm glad to see that everything is working.
edit: Dang, you guys were busy. I'm starting the game fully loaded.
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Comment on CGA-2026-08 🗡️🛡️❤️🔺 INSERT CARTRIDGE 🟢 The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past in ~games
Wes (edited )Link ParentThat's awesome! I think you may need to double check that you're connected. I don't see any recorded entries from your game yet, which means the randomizer is working, but it's not communicating...That's awesome!
I think you may need to double check that you're connected. I don't see any recorded entries from your game yet, which means the randomizer is working, but it's not communicating over the network to Archipelago. Try double checking that the emulator allows connections over SNI (sometimes called Lua Connector), and that the SNI window in the Archipelago app itself is connected and sees the rom.
It won't break anything to connect late. You'll just send a burst of items to other players as you get online.
edit: I'm seeing a connection for you now, but strangely no items have sent. I'm not sure why, but unfortunately my time has run out and I must away. I'll be back in a couple hours. You can check the on-page tracker(s), or use the PopTracker I mentioned earlier to see what the server sees. Sorry for the trouble!
I played the demo during Steam Next Fest, and it's incredibly good. The blending of different puzzle elements creates some very novel and surprising gameplay.
It also seems quite challenging. I'm expecting that, much like The Witness, immersing myself into this game will colour how I see shapes and symbols for weeks to come.