[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
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.)
Huntdown (PC, Switch, PS4, Xbox) is a frantic ‘80s influenced cyberpunk 2D side-scrolling platform-shooter - seems tight!
The latest Apple Arcade addition, Winding Worlds (iOS) is an artsy-looking puzzle adventure from the GNOG devs.
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.
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
Why cheating in PC multiplayer games is still a massive issue - and the quest for solutions.
Ten culture/business learnings from ten years at Supercell (Clash Of Clans), possibly the savviest F2P mobile game company.
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.
Going inside Decentraland, the surreal Second Life for crypto true believers.
Looks like hire-able game companions are taking off in China - including a billionaire you can rent time with?
The Past: Game History
LSD: Dream Simulator’s unofficial English localization is a chance to play and savor the highly experimental PlayStation 1 title.
This wonderful history of the shareware revolution makes it to Id Software.
Mini Prince is a low-res ASCII fan QBasic version of Prince Of Persia's first level - with a mini physical edition (!)
The story of Donkey Kong, surprisingly told in manga form.
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
Tony Hawk interviews the OG pro skaters from Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater, now the remake has been announced.
How come you can’t (legally) buy & play Popcap’s genius Bookworm Adventures any more? For shame.
When government public arts funding helps innovative games get made.
