Richard Flanagan

Yup, I remember it was a big deal dialling into that BBS.

Our family would get a new Sierra game every Xmas, and we’d always eventually get stuck.

The long distance charges dialling into that BBS were substantial, so we had to be sure we’d really exhausted our ideas in game.

Still, good times.

It was good advice.

But I’m glad you ignored it and carried on - you made something very special.

Hey, this game rules. Clever, elegant, musical, cute.

There’s a generous demo! Then buy it because good things deserve money in this hellscape.

Too kind

*radiolab* that is. Radians, eh - been a while since I’ve thought about those fuckers

Oh yeah, big radian fan. Though i fell off for a few years, might be worth dipping back in.

This shifts the context for choices from an extrinsic motivator (more ammo, story beat X) to an intrinsic one.

Your choices are informed by how you, as a player feel and interpret a scenario.

Not a perfect game, but wow. It takes a few big swings and mostly pulls it off.

I think it has some of the most powerful choice design in a game I’ve ever played.

Which is ironically largely down to the fact that choices have little to no meaningful mechanical impact.

@kirkhamilton.com super psyched to hear about your and the rest of the Triple Click squad’s take on SOMA.

It’s an all timer for me - maybe a top 10 contender…

While I’m actually in the process of selling all my eurorack, modular synthesis absolutely made me a better game designer.

Patch design helped me develop better system design brain muscles.

It absolutely rewired/supercharged the way I think about system hierarchy and operative design…

Practicing my markers, I used to be good. I shall continue to practice, until then…

It didn’t flub the landing, but I do wish there was a bit more meat on those bones - especially when the rest of the package was so impressive.

My only criticism is, that it’s world/tone/efficient design/and generally high level of taste are all at such an impressive level that I couldn’t help but expect its narrative to at least flirt with something more deep or profound.

The world and production design are bananas & the sound design is truly inspiring.

The UI/UX are bold, refreshing and consistent. If you aren’t into the interface, I urge you to give it another chance.

I finished it, it was good.

It’s an excellent example of a singular design vision. It’s predominantly highly tasteful and well realized with an efficiency (frugality) of systems and design that work very well.

It didn’t feel watered down of overly influenced by meddlers

Been enjoying Routine (chipping away slowly)

It is very much my thing.

I’m meeting it on its terms, giving it the time it’s asking of me - it’s mostly going great.

It is unapologetically what it is, and that is commendable.

Thanks for the heads up - I published the ratings, not sure when they'll show up.

🙏

Savage

I read this three times looking for sick ‘Christmas Ham Beats’

Disappointed this wasn’t a music discussion

Thanks I’ll look into it

Hardest hitting one I’ve seen yet.

Fuck, can you imagine.

Yeah, they didn’t say, anything…

The was a great episode!

Ms Ketterling’s expertise was so thorough and she communicated complex ideas so well that it made me feel like I’ve actually been sitting at the kids table most of the time.

Was rad, keep it up.

Good design podcast recommendations?

I enjoy hearing about folks making stuff with thoughtful intent.

99 Percent Invisible is the gold standard here.

I listen to design-like podcasts in other fields: food/music/fashion…

Thanks!

Also works great for buttering tiny toasts

So Iceland is kind of the greatest hits of geological awe?

Fun fact, this formation on Reynisfjara beach was one of the OG references for terrain details for FRACT.

I was flabbergastingly embarrassed by the fact that I didn’t know/ever consider the origins of the Seamus Mcnally Grand Prize (as an IGF winner and nominee myself no less!) super heartwarming, thank you!

Every episode seems to have a few of these ‘oh shit, really?’ moments, & I’m grateful for them!

@plante.bsky.social new podcast slaps champ!

Ah fark. Also my 9yo had to explain a new meme paradigm to me today. Just turned 44.

According to my 12yo, her friends call us the ‘hot parents’ so not all is lost.

Being a dad is pretty great

the Marathon alpha released recently and its environments are covered with assets lifted from poster designs i made in 2017.

@bungie.net @marathonthegame.bungie.net