Aw Shit

15. Hardest game you've ever played?

I think, considering the fact that it made me rage quit and remains to be the only one that has to this day, I'll say Dragon Age Inquisition — just solely based on my personal experience with it. Control is also up there, but I do have a blast with that one.

6. First Game you ever played?

I think it's either Kim Possible 2 or Secret Agent Barbie for GBA. I still have them, and all of my handhelds, so one of these days I'm going to have to revisit for the sake of nostalgia. Definitely never finished either, but I loved them both so much.

13. Coolest enemy/boss design?

I mean, all of the Valkyries in God of War 2018 are stunning. They each have their own individual looks, same with the Berserkers in Ragnarök. And speaking of Ragnarök, Hrist, Mist, and Gná as well.

34. Funniest gaming moment.

Please, please, tell me we all remember the insanity that was the Finger Gun Shootout of Escape Plan Bravo. Quite possibly the single most bizarre thing that has ever been put into a game, and yet it fits perfectly. Still ridiculous a decade and change later. I love it.

Second:

14. A song that’s sure to hit your nostalgia buttons

Speaking of Tales From the Borderlands, Kiss the Sky by Shawn Lee's Ping Pong Orchestra. Still one of my most-played songs on Spotify.

22. A game ending that’s really stuck with you

Ragnarök, because that final battle always, always makes me want to immediately replay, along with that beautiful final moment between Kratos and Atreus. Can't wait for Laufey to break my heart again. Additionally, the final scene with Henry's parents in KCD2. I have never, ever gotten the "good" ending in all of my playthroughs, just the neutral, and every time, without fail, I start sobbing. Something about the music, the lighting, the look on Henry's face, how he seems so sad that this is it, paired with the exhaustion of the last few months — I'm a mess every time.

23. A “Wow” moment of awe

Another KCD moment — well, two: the first being Adder's death scene at the end of The Italian Job. The way we meet him and the way we leave him are perfectly bookended; he's fucking around and praying, half-serious and near-death both times, but with his actual death, and everyone's reactions once he tells them all to leave him there, to "not haul corpse" completely breaks me. I think it's one of the single most well-executed death scenes in anything I've ever seen. By the time he starts praying and the torches go out around him, I'm down for the count. For the other moment — and I honestly think I could write a dissertation on this scene — Henry's confrontation with von Aulitz. I think I've said it before, but it feels so deeply human and Shakespearian; Henry is finally face-to-face with this man who has haunted him for months, this big, looming presence — and he's just another man. He's fallible. He has regrets supporting Sigismund, following his orders, leaving his family and friends behind. I think how you decide to deal with him is entirely determinate on how you play Henry, but I always leave him to die. Call it being a "bigger person" or whatever, but either way, it might be the most spectacular scene (or at least one of the most) throughout the whole of the game — both games. It kind of all lead to this in a way, and whether or not Henry comes away with any sort of satisfaction is, again, determinate on how you play him.

Oof, ok, essay done.

23. Do you typically choose to play a male or female character (when asked to pick)?

- I do default to female in character creators. Barring the Sims of course, because that’s a different beast.

24. If you could live in one of the games you’ve played, which one would it be?

- Take me to Libertalia, babyyyyyyyyyy!!!! At least in Uncharted there isn’t (typically) some world-threatening danger. Have a little fun on an adventure, then head on home as long as I don’t break my neck climbing anything. Let me live on the beach in Nate and Elena’s guest house. I’ll pay rent. Fuck it, I’ll clean bc their place is cozy, lived-in and messy as hell.

God, that first question is so hard. My gut wants to say KCD2, because there is just so much to it, and it’s been incredible to fall in love with, but my heart says a mix of The Last of Us and Uncharted 4. I don’t totally think I can give a proper answer. Could I just go with a sandbox and say the Sims? Yes. Would it be the “right” answer. I’m really not too sure.

As for the second, if you go back in my blog far enough, or dig up the tag (don’t recommend, it’s from a decade ago), you’ll see me absolutely lose my mind over Dragon Age Inquisition. The only time I ever threw a controller. I’ve become a lot more skilled with games, and have played harder, more challenging games and open world RPGs since, but I will never, ever touch that series again. Bears? Hinterlands? In Your Heart Shall Burn? You guys can have that, I’m good over here.

currently reading: kitchen confidential by anthony bourdain. a friend got me a copy of world traveler for my birthday, and after perusing that one, I've been itching to read KC. it's really, really good. highly recommend. I haven't seen a whole lot of parts unknown or no reservations, so that's definitely next on the to-do list.

last song: blue by newdad. very much a podcast person these days; I'm really only listening to music when I'm cleaning or cooking.

last film: a knight's tale. and that's my one movie of the year lol

last series: I rewatched h2o because summer/it turned 20 (what in the actual hell), but that's literally it. tv for me is youtube/smosh/video essays/aggressively average

sweet or salty: bit of both. gotta counter one with the other!

coffee or tea: I switch it up quite frequently, but I love making matcha at home. if I am having coffee though, nothing super sweet, always with oatmilk.

working on: just trying to write more, and I've suddenly gotten it into my head that I'd like to try leathercraft. not necessarily the tanning/cutting/curing of it all, but I think it would be really nice to learn how to properly etch into leather and make custom folios/notebooks for people as gifts. it looks relatively straightforward but if anyone has any leads. also!!!! replaying ragnarok because it's been a minute, and my god have I missed it.