In no particular order: Linguist, writer, storyteller, gamer, EIC at @thepixelsdotcom, musician, punster. Welcome to my little corner of the Internet.
Joined January 2016
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It's official! I've long appreciated @thepixelsdotcom's take on games writing, both as a reader and a writer, so it's an honor to take up the mantle of editor-in-chief, walking in @ProfNoctis' wake! Come check us out, we've got some exciting things in store!
Looks like @thepixelsdotcom is BACK ONLINE so today's the day we make a very special announcement:
Peep this introduction from our new EIC @DragonKetea! I also want to say just how thankful I am for @ProfNoctis bringing about a Renaissance of publishing in his time as EIC, too!
Linguistic Dragon retweeted
Beyond the NES is LIVE on Kickstarter! 330+ pages
550+ games
Reviews, interviews, history and more!
A complete guide to the Famicom from an English-speaking perspective. kickstarter.com/projects/syn…
Linguistic Dragon retweeted
I'm starting a series of weekly charity giveaway livestreams to support Big Island after the devastating Hurricane Lala. Info on flyer.
Raising funds for Vibrant Hawai'i, based in my home town of Hilo, focusing on disaster relief, clean-up, and reconstruction. Plz share. Mahalo!
Linguistic Dragon retweeted
Hey everyone! Today I start the big promo push for beyondthenes.com - announcements, sneak peeks, podcasts, etc - anything you're willing to repost would be greatly appreciated to help expand the reach. This four-year labor of love is finally ready to share with the world!
Only had my first experience last year with an M&M1 run, but was so enamored with it that this year's gaming goal is a full series playthrough (currently on III)! I love the palpable power growth and that it doesn't take itself too seriously, just fun romps.
Were you a fan of Might and Magic?
It started in 1986 and ended in 2014, making Might and Magic one of the longest running game series in history.
I played from Book One in 1986 through to Darkside of Xeen (part V) in 1993.
Tried to get into Mandate of Heaven (1998) but didn't like the new style anymore. I prefer classic left/right, forward/backward controls and 90 degree angles. The "open" 3D world didn't feel right anymore.
The massive jump in graphic quality from part II to part III was absolutely incredible.
I: The Secret of the Inner Sanctum, 1986
II: Gates to Another World, 1988
III: Isles of Terra, 1991
IV: Clouds of Xeen, 1992
V: Darkside of Xeen, 1993
VI: The Mandate of Heaven, 1998
VII: For Blood and Honor, 1999
VIII: Day of the Destroyer, 2000
IX: Writ of Fate, 2002
X: Legacy, 2014 (not in picture)
45 years of Ultima! 4's my fav, though I'd say 6/7 is the series at its strongest, 6 for narrative/theme, 7 for exploration/immersion. Weakest? Probably 2 for its lack of coherence, but I'd still replay it over 8.
And for the record, for all its (many) flaws, I quite like 9.
Ultima I was released in 1981. Ultima IX came out in 1999. It’s arguably one of the best - if not the best - roleplaying franchises of all time. Among the options below, which was your favourite and which did you consider the weakest?
My favourite was Ultima IV; it felt very different (and still stands out as pretty unique today). I wasn’t a fan of Ultima VIII anymore and subsequently never touched Ultima IX.
Linguistic Dragon retweeted
I'm sure PC oldheads will disapprove of the platform of choice, but I have finally finished Ultima: Quest of the Avatar on NES. I've been fascinated with the game since seeing it in my first Nintendo Power issue, and my aunt owning the C64 game. Big bucket list game checked off.
Linguistic Dragon retweeted
Today in RPG history...
EA and Origin Systems under director Richard Garriott released Ultima IX: Ascension on November 26, 1999. The last mainline Ultima, it heralded the coming end of the iconic CRPG series. Ultima had a huge influence on RPG history! Did you play Ultima IX?
Linguistic Dragon retweeted
Video Game Academia,
Thank you for actually engaging with the material. Thank you for reading it rather than scanning for something wrong. I appreciate your response to the book's themes, structure, systems, and personality.
videogameacademia.org/2025/1…
SO excited for this!! @theWellRedMage is an engaging, thoughtful, and meticulous writer, especially when it comes to the system and genre he loves most. If you're a SNES or JRPG fan - or even just interested in games of the era! - keep an eye on this one. It's gonna be great.
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Linguistic Dragon retweeted
Today in RPG history...
Origin Systems released Ultima IV: Quest of the Avatar for Apple II on Sep 16, 1985. Before Dragon Quest and Final Fantasy began banging pots and pans together, Ultima reigned. Lauded and applauded, Ultima IV is the first in the Age of Enlightment trilogy
40 years ago, Ultima IV: Quest of the Avatar released. And in all that time since, I still haven't quite seen anything like it. It dropped the player into a realm at relative peace, focusing on a tale of virtue and personal development instead of foiling a Big Bad.🧵
If you're a fan of RPGs, video game history, or stories and systems outside the norm, I invite you to give it a look. If you're not used to games of the era, it'll take some time to understand How It Works, but it's an absolute gem.
Happy 40th, U4. The Quest is truly forever.❤️
For more thoughts, I've got some writings from a blogged playthrough of it from about a decade ago. They start here:
ultimajourneys.blogspot.com/…
And if you do want to give it a shot (today's an appropriate day!), it's free via GOG.
Linguistic Dragon retweeted
Today in RPG history...
California Pacific Computer registered the copyright for Ultima I: The First Age of Darkness on Sep 2, 1980. Created by Richard Garriott for Apple II, Ultima is an ultimate foundational RPG. We wouldn't be here talking about the genre without it. Period!
It's been a while, but I've got a #2025RPGchallenge update - Game 3: Complete!
Given my love of Ultima, I've long thought Might & Magic would be a series I'd enjoy, just never had the chance to do so. Now that I have - I was so, so right. I'll be returning for sure.
Great points here - no such thing as a one-size-fits-all recommendation. There's at least six starting points for my own fav series I'll suggest based on things like experience with games of the era, known taste, or why the interest in the first place. It makes a difference!
“If #Expedition33 was my first turn-based game and I loved it, which other turn-based games would I like (if any)?”
This is much more complex than people are making it seem. Many of us turn-based lovers want mainstream gamers to experience all the games we love, but there’s a real possibility you won’t like other turn-based games.
It all boils down to: what is it that you loved so much about expedition 33? What were the top qualities in your experience that has you thinking you want more?
We can all guide you better depending on your answer to that question.
#2025RPGchallenge update!
Game 2: Complete!
And oh my goodness what a harrowing final stretch The Bard's Tale has. I enjoyed it well enough right up until then, but Mangar's Tower has so many elements to it that just feel unfair. Glad I've played it, but think it's a one-off.
