‘Monster Hunter Wilds’ RPG Is Catharsis for Resisting Authoritarianism
In its cathartic gameplay, Monster Hunter Wilds shows that even the world’s grandest predators can fall when their weaknesses are understood and exploited.
Games
‘Avowed’ Conveys the Weight of Words In Our Times
Avowed is a charming, old-fashioned fantasy RPG reminiscent of The Elder Scrolls series that teaches players to be mindful of their words.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II’s Success Lies in Its Meme-Worthiness
Arguably 2025’s best RPG video game, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II‘s success stems largely from its humorous meme appeal.
Scarity Is Stressed in Video Game ‘Citizen Sleeper II: Starward Vector’
I’ve never played a video game so punishing as Citizen Sleeper II: Starward Vector, which stresses scarcity by playing for scraps.
‘Stimulation Clicker’ Is Nauseating by Design
I have never been more depressed playing a game than with Stimulation Clicker. This game is nauseatingly illuminating by design.
Take Video Games and Our Perilous Era Seriously
Marijam Dids’ book on video games and culture, Everything to Play For, is a wake-up call for those ignorant of the titanic importance gaming has in the modern world.
The 24 Best Video Games of 2024
PopMatters’ 24 Best Video Games of 2024 highlight achievements in game design and the risks creators take to lure gamers into the magic circle.
Phoenix Springs’ Journey to Nowhere Is Worth It
Phoenix Springs‘ streamlined gameplay and inventive point-and-click adventure has the pacing of an art-house psychological drama.
‘Silent Hill 2 Remake’ Is a Dark Gem in the Horror Game Renaissance
Humble Polish game developer Bloober Team was near death until they created the dark gem in the horror game renaissance, Silent Hill 2 Remake.
Neva’s Emotion-Engine Gameplay Is a Beautiful Crowd-Pleaser
Neva‘s emotion-engine gameplay, inspired more by Disney’s Bambi than the works of Miyazaki Hayao, is the most sentimental game I’ve played in a long time.
Video Games Set in the 19th Century and Their Literary Allusions
It’s fitting that these video games set in 19th century England transform reading into a form of socializing, as reading in the 19th century was communal.
‘Five Years Old Memories’ and Naïve Art in Video Games
Japanese visual artist, Komitsu’s newest work “Five Years Old Memories” is a colorful interactive documentary. It reimagines old CD-ROM software for the digital era.