It's not a lake, it's an ocean.
Mischief has been diving deep into the lore of the Remedy Universe. This covers some elements of Alan Wake (2010), before recalling how they'd even ended up in this current position.
Latest
Impressions on Persona 3*
Mischief and Sherigan talk about their experiences with Persona 3. This interview-style questionnaire was written by both of us, after Mischief proposed the idea so we could share our thoughts on the game.
Love is in the Air
I've recently returned to a genre I have always liked, but have only had specific exposure to: Romance. For the most part, I've read/watched RomComs the most, and recently got back into the genre. Without further ado, here are the romances that have recently swept me off my feet.
Tension and release: The ability to slow down.
A game's pacing is important and a commonality in its DNA. However, there are more ways than one to move from an action piece onto a calmer section within the same game. Recently, one specific variation of that has been on my mind: The ability to take your time, and remain stagnant.
Revisiting the hydra.
It's been just about two months since Mischief had her frustrations in regard to the engagement with their hobbies in the clothes of a metaphorical hydra. This is mostly a catch up post - how have things changed since then? And what has this literary barista been up to?
Bonding with Bond, James Bond
I spend what little free time I recently had on James Bond. First by rewatching Casino Royale through Skyfall, and later, by playing IOI's 007 First Light. A triumphant mix of Hitman and Uncharted elements, that has left me wanting more, and makes me want to take a deeper look at Bond.
...I'm still thinking about Starkid and their Hatchetfield-Universe.
It's not quite over. Mischief had a lot of time to think about their recent revisit into the Hatchetverse. This led to a quick look at horror fiction, musicals, and the concept of being considered camp.
'Is this me, or is this you?' - When dancing turns infectious.
The barista should have known that this was inevitable. A quick look at the two versions of 'Let It Out' from 'The Guy Who Didn't Like Musicals' and the Reprise! What changes were made?
Ranking every song from the Hatchetverse for fun
In just a few days Starkid Productions will publicly be releasing 'The Guy Who Didn't Like Musical: Reprise'. This is the perfect opportunity to take a look back and revisit all the songs which are part of the Hatchetfield-Universe.
Cinderella's Castle: A tale retold.
This is about a dark fantasy retelling of a classic folk/fairy tale that dares to experiment with that is already known. Mischief's quick list why this adaptation could be worth your time. (Unless your name is Paul Matthews)
Apparently, Persona 6 is real.
Just a few thoughts regarding the persona series, their latest announcements, and why I'm not as hyped as I'd assumed I'd be.
If I believed in wishes...
What is the difference between a request and a wish? An opinionated look at Silksong's introduction to its quest system and how it managed to enthral at least one player.
How I learned to stop worrying and love the hydra.
For years, Mischief has been fighting their own personal hydra, a fight that had long since turned into a battle of futility. This article covers Mischief's thought process - when it becomes clear that they're not even sure who they're rooting for any longer.
Tonight's episode: "Funhouse mirrors"
Picture our literary Barista, Mischief, examining ideas for this very article. Imagine them returning to their interests: video games and horror. However, not everything is as simple as it seemed, and that a distorted mirror might not reflect the truth.
Haymitch Abernathy, The Devout
I've recently read through Suzanne Collins' "Sunrise on the Reaping", and it has left me with a new appreciation for Haymitch.
Looking at the stars; Looking for meaning.
Space hasn't just been on Sherigan's mind recently. I, too, have had my attention turned to the stars; Though, thanks to Andy Weir, I can't quite decide how I feel about them.
Shot in the Dark
Of Stealth and Song
There are quite a few interesting topics that one can cover while talking about Hollow Knight: Silksong (2025). For now, I'd decided to revisit one specific narrative sequence which had shaped my perception of Hornet's character going forward.
Ristretto
I Need Some Space
Sherigan talks about his appreciation for The Expanse, and shares concerns and hopes for the upcoming game "The Expanse: Osiris Reborn".
Shot in the Dark
Obscuring Choice
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is largely a linear game. In the few choices it does give the player, there are missed opportunities that would have added even more depth to its narrative.
Matcha Do About ...
The Gacha that Got Me
Honkai: Star Rail Is Celebrating its 3rd Anniversary! To mark the occasion, I look back on my two-year journey with the first gacha that managed to hold me - and hug me just warmly enough to shake a few coins loose.
Ristretto
This isn't my device...
It's time to disregard privacy and to encourage a player's nosiness! Here are a few interesting games that encourage you to search someone else's device.
Matcha Do About ...
2025 (in Games)
To establish tradition, one has to first turn that element into a habit. However, if I were to do the exact same thing as I did last year, it wouldn't quite be me, would it? There is more than one hobby to pick, and why not create a different work this year?
Latte Thoughts
From Victor to Frankenstein: How the Mechanisms adapted the Frankenstein-Narrative.
How does one re-interpret a literary classic while keeping it recognisable? That's what we're here to find out.
Ristretto
Scarlet Hollow is a brilliant horror experience
A quick and spoiler-free pitch as to why one should pick up this amazing game. It's one of Mischief's favourite games for 2025 for sure.
Matcha Do About ...
A look at genre-categories: Puzzling out puzzle games.
It's time for more genre theory. This time with a focus on the ever-expanding catalogue and terms to describe video game genres. With each new idea, or combination, of either visual representation or gameplay mechanics, another subcategory is created.
literature
2024 (in Books)
Happy New Year! Mischief promised to share the books that they've read in 2024 - and here they are. From theory to fiction, from silly to serious - and the occasional sprinkle of horror.
PourOverThink
PoT: The Reader's Dilemma
What does it mean to read? What are we even reading, and why do we care so much about that fact in the first place? We're covering the random devaluation of a format, personal preferences, and the importance of diversification.
PourOverThink
PoT: Coraline (2009)
A brilliant stop-motion movie that just celebrated its 15th year anniversary. We're talking about our impressions - old and new - of Coraline's truly horrific adventure.
Ristretto
It's impossible to talk about Ghost Trick (2023)
Ghost Trick is a good game. I recommend it wholeheartedly. I just can't state why because one can't talk about it. The restraint is actually real this time.
Matcha Do About ...
About reading books and Goodreads
Sometimes you try to write one thing only to end up writing something completely different. This is an article about Goodreads, lists and books.
Latte Thoughts
The Underworld and its Queen
This is an article about Persephone and the depictions of her story and character throughout the ages; From her mythological roots to more contemporary media such as Hades (2020) or Stray Gods (2023).
EspressOpinion
Dawntrail is a Fresh Start with Old Problems
Final Fantasy XIV is a long-running MMORPG that made big waves during the pandemic with its Endwalker expansion. It brought a 10 year saga to a close, and in its successor, Dawntrail, the next chapter begins. Despite its position as a fresh start, Dawntrail suffers from a familiar problem.