In the pantheon of video game music, few franchises have achieved the cultural staying power and emotional resonance of The Legend of Zelda. From the triumphant 8-bit fanfare of the original Zelda overworld theme to the sweeping orchestral arrangements that now grace concert halls worldwide, Nintendo's beloved series has woven music so deeply into its … Continue reading Zelda’s Musical Magic
Game Room
The Evolution of Mortal Kombat
When Mortal Kombat burst onto arcade screens in 1992, it didn't just start a fighting game franchise—it started a cultural war. Parents clutched their pearls, politicians demanded action, and gamers lined up around the block to see what all the fuss was about. Fast forward to 2025, and the series has evolved from a controversy-magnet … Continue reading The Evolution of Mortal Kombat
The Nintendo That Taught Me I’m Bad at Gifts: A Christmas Story
Welcome to Day 10 of Blogmas 2025, where I continue to prove that yes, I can write about Christmas every single day for 25 days straight, even if it kills me (spoiler: it might). For those just tuning in, Blogmas is my annual December marathon of holiday-themed posts, because apparently I hate having free time … Continue reading The Nintendo That Taught Me I’m Bad at Gifts: A Christmas Story
Completionism in Gaming: From High Scores to Digital Hoarding
I'd love to say I'm a completionist. I'd love to be able to say that with each new game I try on the PlayStation, I play through every challenge to grab that Platinum Trophy signaling 100% completion. However, the truth is, I'll play a game from start to finish, knowing I'm neglecting side quests or … Continue reading Completionism in Gaming: From High Scores to Digital Hoarding
How Castlevania Turned Mythology Into Monster Mash
When Hitoshi Akamatsu first unleashed Castlevania upon the world in 1986, he had a clear vision: make players feel like they were trapped inside a classic horror film. What he might not have anticipated was how his digital creature collection would become one of gaming's most enduring and eclectic mythological menageries. Nearly four decades later, … Continue reading How Castlevania Turned Mythology Into Monster Mash
Metroid’s Speed Revolution
When Samus Aran first touched down on planet Zebes in 1986, Nintendo inadvertently created something revolutionary—not just a new type of action-adventure game, but the blueprint for one of gaming's most sophisticated speedrunning communities. Nearly four decades later, Metroid speedrunning has evolved into an art form that celebrates the very essence of what made the … Continue reading Metroid’s Speed Revolution
From Toon Link to Twilight: How Art Style Redefined Zelda
The Legend of Zelda has always been a series defined by bold creative choices, but perhaps no decisions have been more controversial—or more influential—than its dramatic shifts in visual style. From the groundbreaking cel-shading of Wind Waker to the deliberate realism of Twilight Princess, each artistic pivot has fundamentally altered not just how these games … Continue reading From Toon Link to Twilight: How Art Style Redefined Zelda
The Evolution of Mario’s Supporting Cast
From simple palette swaps to beloved protagonists with their own games—how Nintendo transformed Mario's companions into gaming icons When Super Mario Bros. debuted in 1985, the Mushroom Kingdom felt surprisingly empty. Mario had his quest, Bowser had his castle, and Princess Peach had her... well, her castle to be kidnapped from. But over the last … Continue reading The Evolution of Mario’s Supporting Cast
The Art of Space: How Nintendo Crafted Two Distinct Design Languages for 2D and 3D Mario Games
When Super Mario Bros. launched in 1985, it established a design language so elegant that players could master its fundamentals within minutes. Jump on enemies, avoid pits, reach the flagpole. Simple. Yet when Nintendo transitioned Mario into three dimensions with Super Mario 64 eleven years later, they faced a challenge that would reshape game design … Continue reading The Art of Space: How Nintendo Crafted Two Distinct Design Languages for 2D and 3D Mario Games
Ruins of the Cosmos: The Chozo Legacy in Metroid
The Metroid series stands as one of Nintendo's most atmospheric franchises, blending sci-fi action with rich environmental storytelling. At the heart of this universe lies the enigmatic Chozo civilization—an ancient, avian species whose ruins, artifacts, and legacy form the backbone of Samus Aran's journey across the stars. Through careful architectural design, environmental details, and narrative … Continue reading Ruins of the Cosmos: The Chozo Legacy in Metroid
The Confusing Middle 