[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.📰
Bringing back ‘choose your own adventure’ book Deathtrap Dungeon, but as an FMV game with Eddie Marsan narrating, is a super interesting concept. 📰
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. 📰
Why do horror games sound so beautiful? A video essay. 📽
Thanks for reading, and see you next week.
Simon.