No clue where to even start. It's been so long since I have made a blog entry, so there is probably a ton to talk about that I've forgotten about, so I'll just try and write about whatever comes to mind.
Pixel Art
Back in January and February, I was working on a new game project, and as such, was doing a ton of pixel art. I intend to work more on the game, so I am not going to show much yet, but perhaps I'll include an image of something I was working on. I had a ton of fun doing pixel art, as it is something I have always struggled with, so it was great to try again, with more intent to do well this time. I think I improved a lot while making sprites this time, so I am eager to get back into it.
Mewgenics
The reason my game dev and pixel art efforts came to an abrupt close on February 10th is the release of a single piece of software. I love the Binding of Isaac, I love roguelikes, and I love the works of Edmund McMillen. With all of this in mind, it's a no brainer that I would have been eagerly anticipating the release of his latest game, Mewgenics. I have been musing on the idea of doing a full, in depth review of the game, so I won't talk at length about it here. To briefly summarize my thoughts on the game, it is likely in contention for best video game ever made, best video game soundtrack ever made, and EASILY takes the title of Edmund's crowning achievement, as well as Tyler Glaiel's, the game's co-creator. I could not be more pleased with the game, and I have played over 300 hours already less than 2 months since it has released. This game is the primary reason I have not done anything productive in quite some time, and I am glad I have almost done basically everything the game has to offer, so I may regain my humanity.
Gaming
Other than Mewgenics, I have played a few other things. When Slay the Spire 2 came out, I watched Northernlion play a bunch of it, which inspired me to give the first game another shot, as I played a bit of it a long time ago and kind of bounced off of it. I had a lot more fun this time, but still don't see myself putting much more time in. Maybe once StS2 is fully released, I'll try that.
I also played a game called "ZATO: I love the world and everything in it" and quite enjoyed it. I am quite a newcomer to the Visual Novel genre, but after playing Milk Puzzle last year and really liking it, this game seemed interesting to me so I gave it a try since it was free. I liked a lot of what the game had to offer, and was very gripped by the atmosphere built by the art and music. I am left more interested in the genre than ever and would love to hear from VN enjoyers about which ones I should give a try. I have played 999, the first game in the zero escape series, so maybe I should play VLR next. I also want to play Hotel Dusk.
Real Life
In terms of real life stuff, I am now 27 year old. I have also just undergone moving, which was a nightmare. I moved last weekend and am still settling in to my new home. It was quite the traumaitc experience for both me, and my cat Luna, so I have been taking these days to recover. I broke out in a rash on my hands, arms, and face, likely from stress or possibly an allergic reaction of some kind, but I am not sure.
Neocities
Still have no idea what I want to do with this site, if anything, going forward. I feel very disconnected from working on it, and don't really have any aspirations for what to do with it. I really enjoyed being in the headspace of working on this site initially, and quite enjoy having it as an important place to express aspects of myself, but have little left to put here.
Misc (General Rambling)
I have been feeling like practicing piano again. I don't know if I've ever talked about it on here, but I have been playing piano since the end of high school, almost a decade ago now, but for the past few years, have laregely fallen out of it. I would really like to take up practicing again so I can actually get to a point where I feel like I am actually proficient at it. My time with the piano was incredibly useful for my time composing music, but I'd like to actually be skilled at playing the piano itself, moreso than just using it as a compositional springboard. If anyone has tips for improving hand independence, please let me know, as I find it to be, by far, the hardest aspect of piano.
I played the new Tomodachi Life demo and it was really cool. Very cool series and this entry seems no different in that regard. The demo itself was kind of a bummer, as at a certain point, it kind of hard locks your ability to have any fun at all. Either way though, it seems promising for what the full game will be, especially if it gets post-launch support. As a huge fan of Nintendo's smaller series, it's very cool to be getting a new Tomodachi Life and Rhythm Heaven in the same year.
Music
I heard some new music recently that I really like. A song called Purple Dream, which is super sick. And also heard of a band called Milk Talk which I really enjoyed. It's not super often I find new music instead of just listening to the same 12 songs every day. But when Corridoors of Time is as good as it is, can you blame me?
Conclusion
I think that's about it for what's been going on with me these past few months. Hopefully soon I'll have more real content to put on this site rather than the occasional blog entry. I swaer there are still some sick things I have that are going to be released eventually. Thank you to anyone still reading, caring, or even just tangentially around this site. Also, I have yet to recieve even a single email, so I'll put it here again, with a tinge of desperation lol. sponduliocity@gmail.com. Feel free to email me about literally anything if you want. I'd love to hear from people with similar interests.
I think that's all I have for you for today.
-Jake Spondulio
