There's something oddly comforting about Link's green tunic and pointed cap. For those of us who grew up with Nintendo consoles, that particular shade of green is as iconic as Superman's cape or Batman's cowl. But here's the thing that fascinates me: while those superhero costumes have remained largely static over decades, Link has undergone … Continue reading The Hero’s Wardrobe: How Link’s Look Has Evolved from 8-Bit to Open World
Gaming
The Buffyverse Expanded: Novels, Comics, and Video Games
When Buffy Summers took her final stand in Sunnydale's crater in May 2003, fans everywhere wondered if we'd truly seen the last of the Slayer. As it turned out, the answer was a resounding "no." While the television series had reached its natural conclusion after seven groundbreaking seasons, Buffy's story was far from over. The … Continue reading The Buffyverse Expanded: Novels, Comics, and Video Games
Castlevania’s Alternate Timelines: Making Sense of the Series Chronology
Let me tell you about one of gaming's most gloriously tangled webs of storytelling: the Castlevania timeline. If you've ever tried to make sense of when exactly each game takes place in relation to the others, you've probably ended up with a headache and a newfound appreciation for aspirin. What started as a straightforward tale … Continue reading Castlevania’s Alternate Timelines: Making Sense of the Series Chronology
Zelda’s Musical Magic
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
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
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
The Worst 45 – Mortal Kombat: Annihilation
Mortal Kombat: Annihilation 1997 Directed by John R. Leonetti Welcome back to Movie Monday, where we're continuing our relentless march through my personal list of the 100 worst movies I've ever endured. This week we're entering the arena for number 45: Mortal Kombat: Annihilation, the 1997 martial arts fantasy sequel that took everything moderately entertaining … Continue reading The Worst 45 – Mortal Kombat: Annihilation
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 Confusing Middle 