“Fairy King, attend and mark…”

The Longing With the biting cold of winter upon us and darkness falling early each day, I find myself drawn towards games that reflect this period of quiet, restfulness, and restoration. The Longing, with its slow pace and emphasis on patience and exploration, is the perfect choice for such a season. 2020’s The Longing isContinue reading ““Fairy King, attend and mark…””

More Music to Write By

Originally posted on Surrey New Writers Festival:
For my last blog I highlighted (for many of us) the importance of background music when writing or undertaking creative pursuits. And not just any kind of music – Music To Write By. For me, this always means the same thing: classical scores, soft piano music and film…

A Slight Re-write…

Hi all, just a quick update to let you know about a few changes to the blog. Originally, this was set up as Prog.Gaming, exploring my favorite subgenre in the gaming world. However, as many of you know, I also hold ambitions of becoming a published (or self-published) author one day and that my firstContinue reading “A Slight Re-write…”

Return to the MYSTsterious island – part two

Myst (2021 remake) Continuing on from my previous blog, I can now give my thoughts on the recent Myst remake, following a (mostly) enjoyable playthrough. I completed the game over several days, sat at my trusty computer desk while occasionally gazing out at the rainy weather. A perfect setting for such a game. Myst isContinue reading “Return to the MYSTsterious island – part two”

Return to the MYSTsterious island – part one

Myst This weekend sees the release of MYST, a from-the-ground-up remake of the original, iconic game released for early PC and Mac on September 24, 1993. As a die-hard fan of not only Myst – but the arguably superior Riven, along with its many sequels and thrilling tie-in novelizations – I am only too happyContinue reading “Return to the MYSTsterious island – part one”

“Let my armies be the rocks and the trees… and the birds in the sky.”

2019’s Vane, presented by Friend & Foe Games, is a short, artistically driven adventure that takes clear influences from games such as Journey and Ico. Serving as a prologue, the player is plunged into a dramatic lightning storm, experienced through the main character of a young child as the world around him is smashed to pieces, giving clues as to the story beyond. Following the chaotic introduction, the player takes the form of a bird…

And Now My (Fire)Watch Begins

Every once in a while, a game comes along that feels special – a game that manages, almost by accident, to transcend the genre and stumble upon the elusive achievement of being a milestone in popular culture. I believe that Campo Santo’s 2016 release Firewatch is one such game. No words or description can prepare you for the masterclass of musical and soundscape atmosphere, combined with an emotionally-engaging story…

If You Go Down To The Woods Today…

I did not intend to write about Endnight Games’ The Forest on this blog. I actually picked up this gem of a game fully aware I would be taking a break from the usual non-violent journey I am accustomed to in a ‘progressive’ game, trading this in for something more visceral and terrifying, with a focus on survival. Nevertheless, having now sunk in over fifteen thrilling hours into…

From The Beginning

For many, switching on a video game is no more than a source of quick entertainment. However, the evolution of games from the early days of 8-bit graphics and sound to the current world of rich, 3D environments, complete with orchestral scores, has paved the way for a respected form of art. What is ProgContinue reading “From The Beginning”