#2 for 7.99 though?

[chilliesillie]

. ݁₊ ⊹ ranking sakuverse characters based on how chewable their arms are:

1- Isaac: 1000000/10 very juicy and nice, also nice to nibble on, maybe suck on them like chicken wing bones AND he would be amused

2- Zaros: 1000/10 UHFHHFHFH please have you seen the official art? BUFF, JUICY, BICEP THE SIZE OF MY HEAD

3- Elias: 10/10 and i bet he smells GOOD so the ambience would be nice, i made him BUFF in my fanart of him, so yea very nice arms to chew on

4- Dontis: 100/10 HAVE YOU SEENNNNN HIM???? BIG GUY, HUNKY MAN, though because he IS a demon i recon his arms are a little rubbery, idk.

5- Xanthus: 9.9/10 i feel like he has a nice build to nibble and gnaw on but maybe him being a vampire changes the consistency

6- Asirel: 9.98/10 i will gnaw and chew and bite him all ova just because, look at him, he deserves it, i love him

7-Kayson: 9.8/10 he IS an athlete but smoking bad, maybe it made his arms rubbery too, but oh GAWD he’s gorgeous, maybe i’d chew on his pecs.

8- Andrew: 8/10 idk if he’s well built but DAYUM i’d chew his arms like a pacifier MHMHMHMGMG i feel like he would stroke my hair in the meantime

9- Luca: 7.99/10 i feel like somehow his arms are sweet, just like him, AND SOFT very soft, overall a nice experience

10- Rowan: 10/10 MY SWEET BOY, underrated too, i’d love to nibble on him KISS KISS

11- Jonah: 100/10 you know what they say about gamers, i BET he has a sleeper build (and a sleep with me build) he would let me chew his arms while he plays

12- Cevyk: 3/10 i bet its… something…. i feel like its stringy like carnitas, but like in a bad way

13- Alex: 1/10 i would rip his arm off and shake it around until its a prune, in front of him

OH

14- Niall: 5/10 i havent listened to his audios but i feel like he wouldn’t let me but if i got a hold of him it would be kinda nice, i bet he also smells like cinnamon

15- Julian: 6/10 idk havent listened to his audios either, but i feel like he would do it for the butler-y duty

this is of most importance for the sakuverse

[mayalaen]

Hi! I'm salty and here to complain about price gouging!

I recently needed some self-adherent wound wrap for my mom, and even though I have it at my shop, I checked how much it would be to have it delivered to my lazy ass.

Here's a screenshot from Walgreens:

This is brand name Band-Aid showing the price is $8.79 per roll. There was also a 2-pack of the Walgreens Brand for $7.99.

As many of you know, I own a tattoo supply shop, and I sell this very thing in my shop. It comes in various colors and I have both the 1 inch and 2 inch versions.

I pay $0.29 per roll for Sensi-Wrap (brand name) and other brands getting it by the case in bulk. If I buy it in super bulk, I can get it as low as $0.19 per roll.

Big companies get a bigger break on price than me, but even using $0.29 a roll as a starting point, that means they're selling at a 2,930.30% markup or a margin of 96.7%.

FYI the standard before the pandemic was a 40% margin, which gives you enough to cover your running costs plus allowing you to make a decent amount of money yourself to live on.

Companies took advantage of the pandemic and were doing 60% plus for a while, but post pandemic most settled at 50% margin.

A 96.7% margin is completely ridiculous, but a lot of big companies have started using 80% to 90% margins since the pandemic.

Buying from small businesses is a slower process because we can't get it to you within a few hours, but the savings are incredible!

We can't just charge whatever we want because not only do we have to complete with other small businesses, but we're not as greedy and corrupt as big business. We don't have CEOs making millions of dollars a year doing nothing in their big offices.

Big businesses have convinced you that it's too hard to go to stores or wait for things, so you think $8.79 isn't a big deal for a roll of stretch wrap. And then you see the Walgreens brand for $7.99 and think it's an awesome deal!

But walk into a brick and mortar or visit their online store, and you can get things like this from us for a reasonable price.

I sell this same product for $0.50 per roll. If you buy a case, I knock it down to $0.45 per roll. Same as all the other small businesses in the area.

Small businesses can't afford to advertise like the big guys, and we can't reach you on social media because of FB, Twitter, and Insta algorithms that favor big business, but we're here!

Support small businesses! We're not gouging our customers, but we're struggling because big business is too pervasive and influential. They're driving us out of business, and once that happens, they can set the prices with no competition.

I'm not posting this promote my own business. I'm not even gonna link to my business. I'm sharing this because I want everybody to support local small businesses 🥳

[oftlunarialmoon]

10 Amazon Gift Ideas Under $10 for a Creative Age Regressor - Agere / Age Regression

Ciao lovelies! Today’s post is another Agere / Age Regression centered post! It is a Agere Gift Ideas / Age Regression Gift Ideas post! This particular themed list is 10 Amazon Gift Ideas under $10 for a Creative Age Regressor! Amazon has lots of great picks under $10 (not including shipping) for Creative Age Regressors! So today’s list has 10 Amazon Products that are under $10 that any creative age regressor would love!

Looking for other Age Regression Gift Ideas? Check out our “5 Age Regression Gift Ideas for Valentine’s Day Under $10” post that is full of cute gift ideas for age regressors, that can be used for Valentines day or really, any occasion!

For now though, let’s talk about Amazon! Online shopping can be super fun, but it’s even more fun when you’re shopping for gifts for a loved one! (At least, I think so!) But that can be super stressful too. Sometimes it’s hard to know what someone would want, and it can be hard to think of a super great gift idea, especially when you’re on a budget. But fear not! I have scoured the website of Amazon and picked 10 gift ideas that are under $10, and are all perfect for a creative Age Regressor, a little one who loves doing crafts and making art!

Just a quick DISCLAIMER before we begin: All prices are as of 4/24/2020 and the prices do not include shipping fees. OFT and Lunaria are NOT associated nor affiliated with Amazon nor any of the sellers or products listed. This list is made for entertainment only. 

All that being said, let’s get into these gift ideas!

1: Scented Markers! - $7.48

This is a great gift for a creative age regressor who loves scented things! Be sure to check that your age regressor friend/loved one does not have scent-triggered migraines before going for a scented product like this, though.

This product comes with 12 Markers in the scents Raspberry, Watermelon, Cherry, Orange, Banana, Mint, Apple, Fruit Punch, Blueberry, Grape, Cinnamon and Licorice. This gift is great for a creative age regressor who can use them to draw or color scented masterpieces!

2: Jumbo Coloring Pad full of Animal Designs! - $4.98

This jumbo coloring book has so many cute animal designs (50, to be exact). Plus, it’s gender neutral, so it’s perfect for any age regressor of any gender! This would be perfect for a creative age regressor who loves to color, and loves animals!

3: 1000+ Sticker Book! - $4.99

This sticker book is amazing- I’m speaking from experience on this one! I actually own this book and I love it! I’ve used almost every sticker in the book on various projects like my agere journal, letters, decorating notebooks, and more!

If you have a loved one or friend who is a creative age regressor, they will love this!

4: Paper Dragon Kit! - $9.79

This kit will help your little loved one/friend make some epic dragons! If your age regressor loved one/friend loves dragons and loves to create, this kit is great for them! It is probably best for someone who regresses to a slightly older age.

5: Decorate Your Own Wooden Plane Kit! - $4.99

This kit is perfect for a creative age regressor! Not only can they design and decorate their own little wooden plane, but then they can play with it! If your loved one/friend is someone who loves to decorate things, this could be a great gift for them!

Plus, you don’t only have to use what’s provided! You could also pick up some $0.50 acrylic paints at a supermarket like Walmart and use those for additional colors!

6: Decorate Your Own Horses kit! - $7.99

This kit is perfect for animal lovers and creative spirits alike! As mentioned with the #5 pick, you could enhance this kit by buying more paint colors with which to paint the little horse figures!

Plus, maybe get some popsicle sticks and help your age regressor friend/loved one build a stable for their newly painted horse friends!

7: SLIMYGLOOP Unicorn Slime Kit! - $5.00

This kit is great for regressors who want to stim with slime! I personally like stimming with slime sometimes, and its even better when it’s bright and colorful like this one!

8: Beading Kit! - $8.99

One of my absolute fave activities to do when regressed is to make bracelets! Making bracelets is a fun and easy craft that can use lots of creativity and can be really relaxing too! Plus after making them, you get cute bracelets to wear when regressed! What’s not to love?

9: Paper Fortune Tellers Kit! - $7.15

Just seeing this kit brings nostalgia. When you were a kid, did you ever make paper fortune tellers? Let me know in the comments!

This kit would be great for a person who regresses to a slightly older age!

10: Sand Art Bottles! - $6.99

I love sand art! I loved it even way back into my childhood! I think Sand Art is a great project for a person who regresses to a slightly older age who would like a slightly more challenging activity to do.

[postgamecontent]

Nintendo Switch Weekly Round-Up for the Week Ending September 14, 2024

Hello gentle readers, and welcome to the Nintendo Switch Weekly Round-Up for the week ending September 14, 2024. I've decided to carry this on in some fashion even though I'm not at TouchArcade anymore. It's going to be weekly, it's mainly going to be focused on new and notable releases, and I'm definitely not going to be doing the lists of sales. I might call out some specific ones here and there when I consider them juicy enough, though. With that said, let's see what this week brought us.

Select New Releases

Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics ($49.99)

The wildest retro collection you have never dreamt! Capcom tosses all of its arcade-based Marvel games into a package very similar in terms of interface and features to 2022's Capcom Fighting Collection. You get X-Men: Children of the Atom, Marvel Super Heroes, X-Men vs. Street Fighter, Marvel Super Heroes vs. Street Fighter, Marvel vs. Capcom, Marvel vs. Capcom 2, and The Punisher. All really good games, and don't ignore The Punisher if you pick this up. It's quietly one of Capcom's better beat 'em ups. A great set, and it's nice to see these games in circulation again.

The Hokkaido Serial Murder Case: The Okhotsk Disappearance ~Memories in Ice, Tearful Figurine~ ($44.99)

G-Mode presents a remake of Yuji Horii's classic mystery adventure game, The Hokkaido Serial Murder Case. It's very faithful gameplay-wise, so you can expect some very vintage Japanese adventure gaming from it. Talk to people, examine scenes for evidence, and try to figure out who was responsible for these grisly murders. This is the first official English release of the game, which is pretty nifty.

Grapple Dogs: Cosmic Canines ($17.99)

Grappling pupper Pablo returns for more platforming fun, this time joined by the gun-wielding Luna. Are two dogs better than one? I haven't played enough to say for sure yet, but if you liked Grapple Dog you'll almost certain have a great time with this sequel.

Yars Rising ($29.99)

WayForward does its best to make a sassy Metroidvania out of a property almost as old as ol' Shaun, and the result is about what you would expect from this developer. It's fine. If you want a new Metroidvania, a new WayForward game, or want your Atari fan itch scratched, this will serve you well enough.

Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland ($24.99)

A surprisingly solid platformer in the vein of Super Mario Bros. 2/USA starring the most popular babies of the 1990s. You can play in classy NES style or go with the very well-done modern presentation. Either way, some enjoyable hop-and-toss fun.

Lollipop Chainsaw RePOP ($44.99)

Lollipop Chainsaw was a really fun game back in the PlayStation 3/Xbox 360 era, with a style positively dripping with James Gunn/Suda51 energy. So what happens if you take that game, drain a massive amount of the style from it, and port it badly to Switch? This. This happens. It doesn't even play Mickey when you go super. What the heck is the point?

Arcade Archives VS. Battle City ($7.99)

A Famicom pirate cart/handheld staple, Battle City is already on the Switch via one of Namco's 8-bit collections. But this is VS. Battle City, which… removes the stage editor and adds pretty much nothing! One for the completionists, I suppose.

EGGCONSOLE Dragon Slayer: The Legend of Heroes PC-8801mkIISR ($6.49)

The sixth game in the Dragon Slayer series is also the first game in The Legend of Heroes, which is technically the same franchise as Falcom's recent bread-and-butter Trails games. A pretty good turn-based RPG for its era, but one look at the screenshot will tell you what the problem is for most people reading this. Japanese only, and very text heavy. Oh well.

Crossy Road Castle ($19.99)

Another Apple Arcade game escapes the zoo, this time the platformer based on the hit Crossy Road franchise. Up to four players on this one, online or local. Plenty of hats and characters to unlock. The levels are procedurally generated, so you can keep playing it infinitely! Whether you will want to or not is a different matter, though.

Wild Bastards ($34.99)

The follow-up to Void Bastards, and one I'm sure will find just as many fans. It's pretty different from Void, incorporating turn-based strategy, roguelite, arena shooter, and a few other bits and bobs into something quite distinctive. That uniqueness might turn off some players, but I suspect it will win over more than it pushes away.

Vampire: The Masquerade - Reckoning of New York ($19.99)

Here's the third installment in the Vampire: The Masquerade series of visual novels for the Switch. If you're new to these, play the other two first. If you're not, then I'm sure you can figure out if this is for you or not.

Elsie ($24.99)

Played the wheels of 20XX and 30XX but need more roguelite Mega Man X mash-up action? Perhaps Elsie is what you're after today. Procedural generation! It's a popular choice in the modern age. Still, if the bar napkin concept doesn't put you off, this is a rather enjoyable game.

Eden Genesis ($24.99)

A cyberpunk-themed precision platformer with an emphasis on speedy moves. It's decent enough, but not so good that I'd recommend it with any real vigor. It's stylish and functional, and that might be enough for some.

Beneath Oresa ($24.99)

Here's another game inspired by the likes of Slay the Spire, this one aiming to be a bit more lively with its roguelite deckbuilding turn-based gameplay. It's extremely demanding, the kind of game where exactly one wrong move can end your run. So don't make any mistakes, okay? Glad we cleared that up.

Celestia: Chain of Fate ($29.99)

In this otome visual novel, you play as a young woman who finds out she's half angel and half demon. She's been invited to attend the Academy of Celestia, where she will find among other things three hunky dudes to potentially smooch. But which one will she smooch? That depends on your choices, my friend.

Metro Quester | Osaka ($19.99)

Just like the original Metro Quester, this is a game that is very much tuned towards a particular kind of taste. If you're into what it's laying down, you'll likely be absorbed for a while. Everyone else is going to be repelled with the force of an angry pantsless Magneto. Dungeon crawling, turn-based battling, chunky character building… ah, I love it.

Doomsday Paradise ($14.99)

This might seem like another Slay the Spire-style deckbuilding roguelite from that screenshot, but it's also an off-the-wall dating sim and features multiplayer for up to four players via online, local, or local wireless. Quite well-liked on other platforms, and I think this particular combination will go over nicely with the Switch audience too.

Fabledom ($24.99)

A deliberately relaxed fantasy-themed city builder. As near as I can tell, it more or less does what it sets out to do. Not the fanciest of cat pajamas, but if it's the kind of jam you're after today I don't think it will let you down.

Jackbox Naughty Pack ($21.69)

Those Jackbox Party Packs sure are neat, but if you've got a room full of adults and want to dig into something a little more saucy, here's the Naughty Pack. The games in this one go a little more dirty, as you can tell by the publisher cleverly ending the price with a 69 instead of a 99. I can definitely see this one going over well at the right kind of parties.

NanoApostle ($19.99)

Nanotechnology? How nostalgic. Remember when that was the buzzword in video games? Here's another one of those top-down boss-rush action games where you have to dash and dodge around while attacking a far more powerful foe. A fairly good one, I'd say. It works the way this kind of thing usually does, with skill trees, multistage bosses, and so on. Solid execution makes it.

Caravan SandWitch ($24.99)

A game about traversing a small but fairly dense open world in your cool van, helping people out. There's no combat, and you can't die. So it's just you, the citizens you'll be assisting, the sci-fi world itself, and a mystery about your missing sister to serve as an overall goal. It's been getting relatively good reviews so far. Provided the Switch port has come out smoothly, this might be worth the pick-up.

Edge of Sanity ($19.99)

The core game here is decent enough. It's a The Thing-inspired survival game with a lot of interesting systems to deal with and fairly satisfying strategic combat. The big problem is that this game is really buggy at the moment, at least in this Nintendo Switch form. I wouldn't pick it up on Switch until it gets some patching up, but I'm not the mayor of Yourwalletonshire.

Deep Beyond ($9.99)

Today is a day for missing family members, it seems. The main character of this one is a sea explorer looking for her father, and her journey will see her taking deep-sea dives, solving puzzles, and hanging out with her dog. Not a terribly long game by any means, but I think it punches well enough for the asking price.

Selfloss ($29.99)

This Slavic-inspired action-adventure game ended up being more engrossing than I expected. Rough edges aplenty, but it feels good to play more often than it doesn't. Solid boss battles, a good story, and really satisfying puzzles to solve. I was really caught off-guard by this, in a good way.

Pixel Game Maker Series The Willow Man ($6.99)

A modest little survival-horror game where you're trying to survive long enough to escape a house that plays host to an unspeakable evil known only as The Willow Man. There are multiple endings to arrive at based on your actions.

Downfall ($5.99)

I'm sure at this price you're not expecting fancy dining, and you shouldn't. Pretty much just a mindless little grinder. The art is decent and it's not the worst time-waster for a short while, but it gets dull fast.

Line Time ($5.99)

Regular readers know I'm a bit of a sucker for puzzle games, and this one isn't too shabby at all. You have to push the ball or balls to the goal on each stage, and you're given a set number of moves to do it in. Plan things out move by move and if there are multiple balls in play keep in mind that they will interact. Over two hundred stages to play, which is probably more than you'll need but appreciated nonetheless.

Samurai Kento ($4.99)

An small Metroidvania-ish game with RPG elements that casts you in the role of a samurai trying to save Japan from evil yokai run amuck. Not a bad time for the price, if you're in the mood for one of these.

Nimbusfall ($5.99)

Ah, haven't seen one of these in a while. You're a tiny character and you need to square off against twenty-five big bosses. You've got a good array of moves at your disposal, so all you have to do is learn the patterns and land your blows. Seems fine.

That's all for this week, friends. We'll be back next Saturday with another Round-Up, this time featuring a review or two! If you enjoyed this and feel like tossing me a tip, I have a Ko-Fi where you can make that happen. I hope you have a super Saturday, and as always, thanks for reading!

[veeranger]

Vee’s Steam Summer Sale 2023 Recommendations

as always these are just personal opinions etc etc please look up some real reviews before buying a game if you aren’t sure and remember that steam will give you a full refund if you have less than 2 hours played in under 2 weeks.

im going to try to recc stuff i havent shilled every 6 months for the last 5 years but the VNs are going to be the same as always honestly

Fighting Games

Guilty Gear -Strive- Ultimate Edition 2022 ($55.99)

yes im specifically saying buy ultimate edition because it has all the dlc as of this writing. buy the base version if you want but i hate playing fighting games with incomplete rosters.

anyway this is my favorite fighting game, bar none. this is the game that after years of screwing around on a bunch of other games finally got me to really want to get better and actually play against other people. there’s a super active playerbase and at least another year of support from arcsys on the way. the best time to start playing strive was a year ago but the second best time is right now.

Idol Showdown (Free)

yes im shilling a free game here. idol showdown is a good fighting game and the result of like three years of hard work from a small team. try it out and give them some love

Nitroplus Blasterz: Heroines Infinite Duel ($4.99)

this is not a good game but it is a funny game. saber is in it.

Narrative Games

AI: The Somnium Files - $7.99

one of the finest mystery games you can play imo. maybe uchikoshi’s best work. a perfect blend of mystery, character, and style. every character and conversation is compelling in its own way and every little thing builds up to the huge moments which makes them all feel totally earned. as always uchikoshi is a genius in the way he blends his signature branching timeline style with the themes and core concepts of the game. the twists and turns this game goes down are so crazy that weeks later you’ll still be realizing how all the little things you thought were just quirks were actually foreshadowing. cannot recc this enough tbh.

Zero Escape: The Nonary Games - $11.99

another uchikoshi joint, also extremely good. ive only finished 999, the first game in this collection, but i can recc it just based on the strength of that alone. whereas somnium is a murder mystery, 999 is a visual novel about being trapped in a murder game interspliced with escape room segments. whatever you think you know you dont, 999 will take you down so many twists and turns you’ll be fucking dizzy when you’re done with it. big recc.

VA-11 HALL-A: Cyberpunk Bartender Action - $10.04

i could probably talk about this game for as long as the others, even though its way way less complex. va-11 hall-a doesnt have a huge sweeping story with insane twists and massive reveals, but what it does have is an extremely personal narrative about loss, healing, and just living your life the best way you can in a horrible dystopian world. the cast of characters feel utterly real and you learn about the world they inhabit through interactions with them, rather than being infodumped by exposition. everyone has their own story and everyone is just trying to get by, including you. one of the best small scale personal narrative games ive ever played.

Night In The Woods - $9.99

another vn i would consider “small scale” but equally as impactful. nitw is a story about a disillusioned and struggling college drop out returning to her economically declining home town. nobody is secure, nobody is happy, everyone is suffering through their daily lives. you follow mae as she struggled to readjust to her childhood home and the people she left behind. until something happens that changes her priorities radically. all ill say. despite how i just made it sound, nitw is not all depressing. theres lighthearted moments and wacky days to cut through the bleak fog, as well as genuinely heartfelt moments that feel very earned. nitw is a game i think that everyone struggling through their 20s should play.

Grim Fandango Remastered ($3.79)

i know this is an old school adventure game and you might yell at me for sort of grouping it in with the VNs but i dont care. its a classic, its a beautiful game, everyone should play it. its old, it controls like shit, the puzzles are obtuse, but the experience is wonderful and memorable. its cheap as hell just go for it.

Action

Assault Spy ($4.99)

this goofy ass game is fun as hell. its a very dmc style character action with upgrades and moves to buy, and it actually has a pretty goddamn good mechanical system in place. the gameplay loop rules. only warning is this is not well optimized so watch your computer doesnt explode.

Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered ($40.19)

i shouldn’t even have to shill. a must play for any spider-man fan. one the best spider-man stories ever hands down. such an incredible experience seriously. i cant even say enough here, if you haven’t played this yet you should do it asap.

Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales ($33.49)

everything i just said for the first game goes here too. a MUST play for miles morales fans. the combat is even better than the first too. you won’t regret playing this trust me.

Marvel’s Avengers - The Definitive Edition ($5.99)

no i’m not joking. ok well i kind of am but this game is getting delisted in september. it is an unforgivably mid piece of shit but if you have an interest in game preservation or playing something so bad they’re killing it forever, well here it is. they made all the microtransactions free btw.

Others

Tinykin ($13.75)

its like pikmin but its legally distinct! i like this game a lot, it has a very cute art style and its got easy to enjoy gameplay. i find it very relaxing. there’s a demo.

System Shock 2 ($2.49)

i will never stop shilling this game. fucking play it. its a cornerstone of video games. one of the most influential pieces ever put to pixel. you owe it to yourself to experience this if you feel any interest in it. maybe read a guide though its unforgiving if you screw around with your build.

Dead Space [2023] ($41.99)

exceptionally good. i dont have to shill the old shitty pc port of the original anymore. an A+ remake, i think it improves on the original in every conceivable way.

Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night ($11.99)

such a goddamn good metroidvania. its almost like the platonic ideal of a castlevania game. a true spiritual successor to SOTN. this isnt your dime a dozen soulslike vania, this is a true vania game in the best original style made by basically one of the core founders of the genre.

STAR WARS™ Knights of the Old Republic™ II - The Sith Lords™ ($3.49)

its a fuckin classic rpg. one of the best of the era. get it on pc so you can get that extended content mod they promised to import to the console version and then cancelled.

Save Room - Organization Puzzle ($2.09)

this is just a cute puzzle game. i like it.

[imitationgame77]

Modes of Media etc (and Murderbot)

(This is not a meta. Just a kind of reflection on my addiction to the muderbot series.)

I enjoy reading, listening, and watching, but usually prefer reading to other ways of consuming (not sure it is the right word) stories. That is mainly because it is the most self-paced and I can pause anytime I want to savour it, or get puzzled over, go back a few pages to check, and so on. It also gives me the freedom to use my mental imagery - how it looks like, how it sounds like, how it smells like, and even how it feels like. If I watch a dramatised version afterwords, I can enjoy that, too. Even though they often have to edit them to make it shorter, less complex, etc., but it can give the images that I may have failed to create myself. Like, I could not have created that vast and beautiful cinematography of the Lord of the Rings.

I started listening to audiobooks about 2 years ago. I had had listened to some before that, but I started a subscription following my friend's recommendation. At first, I found it slightly stressful, because while it was handy to enjoy 'reading' while commuting to work, I often got distracted by outside stimuli. I also found that I needed to like the narrations as well as the story itself. With nonfiction, I find female (or higher pitched) voice easier to listen to, as it is less likely to be drowned out by train noises. But for fictions, I found a woman doing a man's voice by rather forcefully deepening the voice a teency bit distracting. I saw reviews on Audible that many people find men doing a woman's voice fake and distracting, but I seem ok with that so far. Maybe watching all these Monty Python and other British comedies where men pretending to be (very fake) women has immunised me. I don't know.

Anyway. I first encountered The Murderbot Diaries on Audible on my friend's recommendation. I was hesitant at first, because, I had watched some Sci-Fi dramas like Star Trek, but I had not read many sicence fiction or non-fiction, and was not sure my imagery skills were up to understanding it. Also, without any prior information, the word "Murderbot" gave me an impression of a horror-sci-fi. Like, a friendly domestic robot going on sudden murder-rampage type. So, I looked up some brief introduction of All Systems Red, and decided it to give it a try. With Audible subscription fee at £7.99 per month, I generally went for longer titles than 3 hours and 17 minutes (All Systems Red, by Kevin R. Free). (I am that shallow, I know. At primary school in Japan when we were allowed to take out 3 books max during summer holiday, I used to select them by their thickness...) Fortunately, the first 3 novellas were free to subscribers!

It was confusing at first. To a novice Sci-Fi reader, concepts like HubSystem, SecSystem, terraforming, feed communication, etc were a lot to take in. Also, there were lots of characters whose names were unfamiliar to me (maybe easy enough to native English speakers fluent in fantasy and sci-fi?), and it was impossible to keep track of who was who (except Dr Mensah and perhaps Gurathin), when I was just helplessly listening to the audiobook.

Nevertheless, I got hooked quite quickly. Murderbot is a very relatable character, and fortunately, the story did not start with its grim history - it started with its journey to learn to live with autonomy and to interact with people around it as a person, instead of a robot or an appliance. I loved its snarky and self-deprecating, but actually caring and vulnerable character.

I also liked the narration a lot. Kevin R. Free narrates with various voices and acting, but never overacting. He still leaves enough to our imaginations. At least that is how I feel. But since it was still difficult to understand with audio only, I got a Kindle version as well. Seeing all the unfamiliar names and terms spelt out was immensely helpful. But as I moved onto later books, I started having more and more of emotions. And wanted to revisit here and there to savour again, as well as analyse my reactions. So I ended up buying hardback editions as well. I don't think I have ever bought 3 versions of a book. And it was rather expensive, too. I don't have subscriptions to Apple TV, but I have the feeling that I may start that once Murderbot becomes available...

[mostlymilkwood]

I saw you mention that you had Gunplas, so how do they work? Are they like legos? Do you need special tools for assembly? Do you need to paint them? I'm vaguely interested but not if they're too much effort.

I'm still pretty new to gunpla but it's been fun so I totally rec giving it a try if you're interested! I guess it is a little like lego but imagine you have to cut the bricks out first before you build anything haha.

The only tool you really need is some nippers so you can get the parts off the runner, though it's helpful to have a craft knife and mat at hand too. Any kind will do, it doesn't have to be gunpla branded, so if you don't already have any you can grab something from amazon or a local craft shop. My brother is into warhammer so he just gave me his stuff.

You also don't need to paint anything, all the main parts are the proper colours from the get-go and there are stickers you apply for the finer details. You can buy special pens to do panel outlines but it's not something I've tried yet. (people do actually paint kits sometimes but it isn't expected when you buy one, more like a bonus for those who wanna do it.)

If you wanna give it a try at a low cost investment then I suggest the SD EX Standard Gundam Aerial. It's only £7.99 over here, the design is really cute and since it's a smaller model it's pretty easy to make! It should only take an hour or 2 to complete.

(p-please ignore that I put one of the leg stickers on backwards... it was my first time using stickers and I didn't notice till the end when it was too late... don't worry about it, I'm very normal about this and not at all bothered by it every time I look at her.....)

The only other stuff I've built so far are the figure-rise Suletta and Miorine which are similar in principle to gunpla, though a bit more expensive since they're anime girls lol (around £30 each).

Anyway! I watched this video when I started looking into gunpla so it might help more than this ramble haha, but feel free to hit me up if you have any other questions!

[pancakeke]

How did I you do the blue checkmates by your name

you buy them. it's $7.99 for 2 and they stack up to 24. if you're on mobile go to your blog > gear icon in the top right corner > option on this settings page with a checkmark icon. if you don't see it on that page your app may need an update.

I don't know where it lives on browser tumblr though

[shop-korea]

10 Min | Sweaty Warm up to Burn Fat | Belly Fitness

MAIN - LIBRARY - WOW - AS - I

STOOD OUTSIDE - 2 LOCATIONS

FRONT - OF - AUTO - 2 DOORS IN

THEIR - MAIN - ENTRANCE - NOT

CROWDED - LIKE - THE - DAY THE

BLK - FEMALES - WERE - GOING 2

BOX - ME - BEAT - ME - KICK - ME

ALL - THOSE - BLK - FEMALES

WERE - GOING - 2 - STAB - ME

AFTER - 2 STEAL - MY THINGS

SUCCESS - IN - MIAMI - 4 - THE

MAJORITY - SHOWING US LIFE

IN - A - SPANISH - COUNTRY

EMOTIONAL - ABOUT - ALL

BODY - PARTS - BREASTS FL

SHOWING - THE - MOST AND

PRIDE - IN - BEING - BREASTY

NOT - 2 - BRIGHT - HUGE YES

PEOPLE - DRUNKS DANCERS

LOUD - MUSIC - AS - PEOPLE

KILL - THEY - CRY - THEN EAT

DRINK - TALK - THEN - DANCE

THE - NIGHT - THEN NEXT DAY

SMALL - POPULATIONS - THEY

ARE - NOT - GREAT IN SCHOOL

JUST - COUNTRIES - U - DON'T

RESIDE - IN - VISIT - BUT - YOU

KNOW - THERE - MUST - B YES

BETTER - MY - RESPONSE - IS

EUROPE - ESPECIALLY - THE

SMALLER - THE - BETTER - &

ESTABLISHED - ASIAN - YES

COUNTRIES - JUST - THESE

2 - PLACES - BOTH - AND WE

LIVE - LONGER - PREPARED

SPANISH - JUST - LIVE - EA

DAY - NO - PREPARATION AS

THEY - GET - THEIR - MEN - &

LOVE - MAKE PASSIONATELY

AND - THAT - UNTIL - THEY - R

OLD - ONLY - KIDS - WHEN ITS

NECESSARY - WHEN - THEY R

OLDER - BURST - OF - STRONG

RAIN - YESTERDAY - BUT - GOT

MY PACKAGES - GOOGLE MAP

WE - WANT - BETTER - WE WILL

HAVE THAT - WITH - HDG BANK

SATELLITE - SO - U - KNOW HOW

2 - GET - THERE - APPLE iPHONE

CYRUS - GIRL - IS - FLAKEY - GPS

DOESN'T - STAY - WITH - YOU - AT

ALL - AMAZON - PRIME - ALEXIS

IS - BETTER -APPLE - VOICE YES

ACTIVATION - NOT - THAT GREAT

4 - KATHY's - iPHONE HAS VOICE

BUT - MANY - FALSE - STARTS SO

AMAZON - ALEXIS - IS - BEST YES

SW 1 AV - ENDS - SO - FOUND - A

BRIT - AND - ASKED - SO - HE YES

LOOKED - AT - HIS - MOST LIKELY

T-MOBILE - I - DID - MENTION ITS

CLOSE - 2 - NOVOTEL - AND - HE

SAID - TURN - L - WHEN - U - SEE

NOVOTEL - THE - SAME - STREET

4 - I - MEMORIZED - STREET ADRS

1750 SW 1 AVE

BUT - IT - ENDED - WHAT - DO I DO

THUS - BETTER - INSTRUCTIONS

THERE - IS - ANOTHER - PUBLIX

LOOKS - LARGER - PARKING LOT

WHERE - THE - BRIT - MALE YES

MOST - LIKELY - CAME - FROM

THE - UNDERLINE - ALSO - YES

STRETCHES - OTHER - SIDE - OF

MIAMI - RIVER - THUS - FR - THE

9TH ST - PUBLIX - SMALLER YOU

GO - 2 - HAMILTON - SUITES AND

INN - BY - HILTON - SW 12 AV - YES

AFTER - COYO - TACO - VITAL HAI

PLACES - NEXT - STREET - THAT's

SW 13 AV - ON - SW 1 AV - TURN R

ON - L SIDE - SMALL - PATHWAY

TURN - L - ON - R SIDE - U - WILL

SEE - OTHER - LARGER - PUBLIX

PARKING - LOT - IN - FRONT BUT

R - SIDE - WHILE - WALKING YOU

SEE - END - OF - THE UNDERLINE

AFTER BRICKELL METROMOVER

STATION - SMALL - PATH - L SIDE

KEEP - WALKING - UNTIL - U - SEE

CORNER - HUGE - NOVOTEL - YES

THAT - SAME - STREET - IS AGAIN

SW 1 AV - KEEP - WALKING - LONG

WAY - BECAUSE - HOTELS - AS - U

SEE - THEN - HOMEWOOD SUITES

BY - HILTON - EXTREMELY - UGLY

LOBBY - GO - INSIDE - THAT DOOR

TALL - UNCOMFORTABLE - SEATS

LIKE - FAKE - BAMBOO - GO - YES

STRAIGHT INSIDE - DOORS 2 THE

ELEVATOR - 4 - THEIR - LOBBY IS

L SIDE - INSIDE - HUB LOCKER - &

CALLED - TRANSMISSION - ITS A

BLK - ONE - AND - THOUGH - NO

FREE - WI FI - KEEP - OPEN - THE

PAGE - WITH - QR CODE - 4 - THE

SCAN - BAR CODE - WORKS - YES

ONLY - ONE - LA FITNESS - DOES

NOT - WORK - PARKING - OF YES

HAMILTON - INN - THEIR - AREA

TURNS - OFF - DISAPPEARS THE

PAGE - OF - AMAZON - APP - NOT

SO - WITH - HOMEWOOD SUITES

PARKING - LOT - LOTS - OF BITES

FR - MOSQUITOS - BUT - SUITES

OF - HOMEWOOD - NICE - 2 RED

LEATHER - SEATS - 2 - ENJOY AS

U - DEAL - WITH - BOXES - ONCE

DONE - ENTER - L SIDE - 2 - THE

ELEVATORS - TRASH - ALSO - A

RECYCLING - BIN - 2 BINS - SO I

DELIGHTED - IN - THROWING &

AIR CONDITIONED - AFTER - ME

GOT - MY - PACKAGES - BY - YES

TYPING - NOS - BIT - BY - NASTY

MOSQUITOS - BECAUSE - HOURS

AGO - THE - REPEL - LOTION - AS

RAIN - POURED - MIGHTILY - FOR

I - GOT - MY - ROSS - DRESS - FOR

LESS - $7.99 - SEMI - AUTO - BLK

MINI - UMBRELLA - BEAUTIFUL 2

WELL - ALSO - GOT - FOLDABLE

PAIL - ENJOYED - BATHING - BUT

HAIR - WAS - DIFFICULT - 4 I HAVE

PURPLE - LOTS - OF - SO - HAIR

MOST - DIFFICULT - WILL - DO IT

DO - HAIR - AREA - OF - BACK - 4

TENT - DOING - PAIL - 4 - HAIR AT

BACK - NO - ONE - CAN - SEE ME

AT - THE - BACK - BENDING - FRM

TENT - SO - GROUND - FLOOR - 4

HAIR - BLEACHING - AGAIN I'M SO

EXCITED - FORGOT TODAY - MY

SOLAR - AND USB - LOTS - OF

PLUG - THUS - USING - TABLE

BOTH - PLUGS - ABOVE - AND

VERY - PLEASED - WITH - THE

BATTERY - FAN - IT - ALSO HAS

USB - CHARGING - SO MY NEW

SMALL - KEYBOARD - I'M - YES

CHARGING - WITH - THE BACK

LIT - CHANGES - COLORS NOT

I - CAN - CHOOSE - ONE - BUT

BEST - ONE - SO - FAR - EASY

2 - PAIR - I'M - STILL - LOOK'G

4 - BEST - EAR - PLUG - WITH

BLUETOOTH - BEST - DESIGN

BEST - I - CAN - CONTROL - 4

PHONE - ALSO - HARD 2 FIND

[juleskelleybooks]

I posted 207 times in 2022

That's 80 more posts than 2021!

58 posts created (28%)

149 posts reblogged (72%)

Blogs I reblogged the most:

@juleskelleybooks

@thebibliosphere

@eidetictelekinetic

@thesylverlining

@kjscottwrites

I tagged 78 of my posts in 2022

#self promo - 5 posts

#authors on tumblr - 4 posts

#novel: peaches for persephone - 3 posts

#story inspo - 2 posts

#jules kelley - 2 posts

#inspo - 2 posts

#welcome to the show - 2 posts

#👀 - 2 posts

#peaches for persephone - 2 posts

#writeblr - 2 posts

Longest Tag: 109 characters

#and got a comment on it from a reader gushing about how brilliant and intertwined all the symbolism in it was

My Top Posts in 2022:

#5

Edge of the Woods ebook is on sale for 99 cents from the usual suspects!

https://books2read.com/u/mZQeey

The sale is good from June 20 - June 26, 2022.

About:

Edge of the Woods is about a young woman who has just taken over the alpha position of her local, rural-Montana werewolf pack from her mother, a responsibility she isn't sure she's ready for--especially not when their longtime law enforcement liaison retires, and a handsome new human is hired who doesn't (and can't) know of the existence of werewolves. Especially when that human arrives in town with an injured teenage boy in tow--a boy sporting a fresh werewolf bite and no memory of how he got it.

Stats: ~100k words, third-person POV (three, alternating), tone treats werewolves more like cryptids and less like supernatural beings.

Content Advisory: Open-door sexy bits, references to parental alcoholism and abuse, a character in a law enforcement position with PTSD, genre-typical violence and body horror.

51 notes - Posted June 20, 2022

#4

If Adam had been gorgeous by himself, the two of them were stunning together—Adam warm and golden like summer sunshine on beach sand, Keith dark and somehow sparkling, like fireworks at night. They made such a pretty picture that Sebastian forgot what he was doing, just staring at them with his shirt still in his hands.

“Welcome to California, Sebastian,” Adam said with a sly, sexy smirk, and Sebastian was seconds away from walking directly into the pool, clothes and all, just to taste it.

-- WELCOME TO THE SHOW, Jules Kelley

Buy Link x GoodReads

Content Advisory (some spoilers): Explicit sex, references to drug and alcohol use, fleeting references to negative parental relationships, "Daddy" roleplay, mild D/s elements, one instance of a character not hearing/understanding when their sexual partner asks to stop (toward the end), main character with undiagnosed/untreated mental illness.

124 notes - Posted January 14, 2022

#3

just dragging myself on twitter as usual

133 notes - Posted July 31, 2022

#2

Pssst, guess what's in paperback now! :D

It was supposed to be one-night only, a limited engagement. It changed the course of three lives entirely. Rockstar Keith and actor Adam have the kind of relationship that keeps tabloids in business: Passionate and dramatic. They’ve mostly managed to keep their taste for threesomes a secret, though…until they meet Sebastian, a budding journalist who fits perfectly between them. Being together shows each of them new, wonderful parts of themselves, but navigating their careers and a long-term threeway relationship in the public eye of 2012 is playing with fire—and if the paparazzi doesn’t destroy them, their inner demons just might. Note: This high-heat romance title was previously released as LoveGames by M Jules Aedin in 2012. This edition has been rewritten with mostly new content, including a brand new ending. This novel contains themes of mental health, polyamory, roleplay, and communication/consent. For a full list of themes (content advisory) see author's website. Not suitable for children under 18.

[Author's Website]

[Order Paperback: 7.99]

[Order Ebook: 3.99]

165 notes - Posted March 3, 2022

My #1 post of 2022

New Storefront!

I have exciting news! I finally got around to setting up my Payhip storefront!

I got VERY lucky with my timing and managed to cancel the KDP enrollment on Amazon for my self-published titles, so as soon as their enrollment is up (immediately for Shiver, over the weekend for Swelter and Welcome to the Show), I'll have them up. Swelter and Shiver are going full free/pay-what-you-want and Welcome to the Show will stay at the current Amazon ebook price of $2.99.

Nothing is available for purchase yet because I'm getting things set, but Shiver should be up later tonight (July 7) and the others should be up as soon as the clock runs out on their AMZ enrollment.

Anyway! https://payhip.com/JulesKelleyBooks there's the link if anybody wants to bookmark it. :)

(Note that the Moonrise werewolf/vampire series won't be on my payhip because it's not self-published! But there are a lot of non-Zon options for buying those.)

183 notes - Posted July 7, 2022

Get your Tumblr 2022 Year in Review →

[printyourdesire]

Hidive vs Crunchyroll: Which Anime Streaming Service is Right for You?

As anime streaming becomes more popular, fans are faced with a crucial decision: Hidive vs Crunchyroll. Both platforms are packed with an impressive library of shows, but they each offer unique benefits. In this guide, we’ll compare Hidive vs Crunchyroll in terms of pricing, content library, user experience, and more. By the end, you'll have a clearer idea of which platform suits your anime streaming needs best.

1. Content Library: Quality and Quantity

Crunchyroll is renowned for its extensive catalog, offering thousands of anime titles, including popular shows like Naruto, One Piece, and My Hero Academia. As the leading anime streaming service, Crunchyroll provides exclusive access to simulcasts, letting you watch the latest episodes just after they air in Japan.

Hidive, on the other hand, is a smaller platform but stands out for its unique selection. You’ll find cult favorites and niche series that aren’t typically available on mainstream services, such as Legend of the Galactic Heroes and Revue Starlight. If you prefer classic or lesser-known titles, Hidive might have just what you’re looking for.

Key Takeaway:

Crunchyroll offers mainstream, popular shows, ideal for a wide range of anime fans.

Hidive focuses on niche and classic anime, which may appeal to more dedicated anime enthusiasts.

2. Pricing Plans and Subscription Options

Both platforms offer flexible plans, but there are differences in cost:

Crunchyroll: Offers a free ad-supported version, with premium plans starting from $7.99/month. For an ad-free experience with additional perks like offline downloads and simultaneous streams, the $9.99/month Mega Fan plan is popular.

Hidive: Priced lower, starting at $4.99/month. This makes Hidive a budget-friendly option, though it doesn’t offer a free ad-supported version.

Key Takeaway:

Crunchyroll is pricier but offers more comprehensive perks.

Hidive is budget-friendly, ideal if you’re looking to explore unique anime on a budget.

3. User Interface and Experience

In terms of design, Crunchyroll has a polished and user-friendly interface. It’s easy to navigate, and the platform supports multiple devices, including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and gaming consoles.

Hidive has a simpler layout. While it’s not as sophisticated as Crunchyroll, it’s straightforward and easy to use. However, Hidive lacks support on certain devices, so check if your preferred device is compatible.

Key Takeaway:

Crunchyroll has a refined interface with broad device compatibility.

Hidive is easy to use but may not support all devices.

4. Simulcasts and Exclusive Content

Crunchyroll has long been known for simulcasting, allowing fans to watch new episodes within hours of their Japanese broadcast. This is a huge advantage for fans who want to stay up-to-date with the latest shows.

Hidive also offers simulcasts, though not as extensively as Crunchyroll. However, it has partnerships with Sentai Filmworks, which means it offers exclusive access to certain anime that may not be available elsewhere.

Key Takeaway:

Crunchyroll is unbeatable for simulcast speed.

Hidive offers exclusive titles through its Sentai partnership, making it a great choice for unique content.

5. Dubbed Anime Availability

For those who prefer dubbed versions, Crunchyroll and Hidive both provide dubs but differ in their approach. Crunchyroll has a sizable collection of dubbed shows, though it leans more toward subbed content due to demand. Hidive, in contrast, offers a range of English dubs, appealing to fans who prefer watching anime without subtitles.

Key Takeaway:

Crunchyroll offers more subbed content with a fair selection of dubs.

Hidive emphasizes English dubs, ideal for dub fans.

6. Device Compatibility and Offline Downloads

Crunchyroll is compatible with nearly all devices, including iOS, Android, Roku, and PlayStation. The offline download feature, available on premium plans, allows you to watch your favorite anime anytime.

Hidive supports most major devices but lacks the broader compatibility of Crunchyroll. It also offers offline downloads for premium users, although with limited storage.

Key Takeaway:

Crunchyroll provides a more robust experience for users who watch on multiple devices.

Hidive is compatible with major devices but may have limitations on certain platforms.

7. Community and Social Features

With a larger user base, Crunchyroll has fostered a strong community of anime fans. It offers forums, news sections, and comment features to connect with other viewers. Hidive is smaller in this respect but is building a growing community around niche and classic anime.

Key Takeaway:

Crunchyroll has a vibrant community for anime fans.

Hidive is smaller but attracts dedicated fans of unique titles.

Final Verdict: Crunchyroll vs Hidive – Which is Better?

Choosing between Hidive vs Crunchyroll depends on your preferences:

Choose Crunchyroll if you want access to a large catalog, the latest anime, and a more comprehensive user experience.

Choose Hidive if you’re interested in unique, niche anime titles and prefer a budget-friendly subscription.

Ultimately, both platforms offer a solid anime streaming experience. While Crunchyroll provides a more mainstream experience, Hidive excels in offering hidden gems. If you’re serious about anime, you might even consider subscribing to both to get the best of both worlds.

Conclusion

The choice between Hidive vs Crunchyroll comes down to what you value most in an anime streaming platform. Whether it’s mainstream content, niche titles, or a budget-friendly plan, there’s an option that’s right for you. Happy streaming!

[fridge-reviews]

Dread X Collection 2

Developer: DreadXP Publisher: DreadXP Rrp: £7.19 (Steam), £7.99 (Epic) Released: 21st August 2020 Available on: Itch.io, Steam and Epic

We're back with The Dread X Collection 2! This is a compilation of twelve horror themed games that were created by each developer in ten days. Each of these game was created with a prompt in mind, this time the prompt was LOVECRAFTING.

It should be noted that there are a few things that should be kept in mind with these games;

They're all very short experiences

Due to the speed they were created in they are going to be rough around the edges and even have a few glitches etc.

Again, due to the speed of development they aren't going to be the prettiest games

Another thing to note is that unlike the previous collection there's now a launch screen that's more like a launch world. It in itself is a game that happens between and after the other games. I want to make sure I give the creators of that (Lovely Hellplace, who created the game Shatter in the last collection) some recognition here.

----

Another Late Night

Developer: Secret cow Level

Like many of the games in this collection this one is very short, in this case lasting only a few minutes. The game is played entirely on a false desktop and revolves around the disappearances of particular people.

Personally I found this game to be more creepy than horrifying, it reminds me very much of Another Lost Phone in many respects.

----

Arcadletra

Developer: Vidas Games

This one is very short and I'm still not sure what to make of it exactly. At no point did I find myself scared but I definitely was mystified. I've played through this twice and gotten both endings and I'm still not sure exactly I did.

----

Undiscovered

Developer: Torple Dook

This was actually the first of the games I decided to play from this collection. This one is a very short game where you explore a ruin and discover its secrets.

The base idea of the game is that you are playing through some found footage that was filmed many years ago. Due to this the game has a heavy film grain and scratch mark effect which I personally found to be a bit too much.

You can't control the camera as it just hovers behind the character you selected to play, well up until a point that I don't wish to spoil. On the whole its not a bad little game, though its very short even by Dread X Collection standards.

----

To the End of Days

Developer: Scythe Dev Team

This game is a prequel to the last game by them that was in the Dread Collection and seemingly there will be more. This time the developers decided to create a FPS, sadly it’s not a very good one, the controls feel very loose and a bit unresponsive.

Thing is... this was actually quite fun, if they remade this game again, gave it a little more polish and more development time I think I would really enjoy it.

----

Charlotte's Exile

Developer: John Szymanski

This is the reason I love game collections like this. You can always guarantee that when things like Ludum Dare occur that their’ll be something interesting mixed in there. This game is one such example of that.

Charlotte’s Exile is all about deciphering a language so that you can progress. I love it when games include something like this such as Heaven’s Vault, Chants of Sennaar or even Tunic. Of course, there is a horror twist involved which is that the act of researching catches the attention of something.

Yeah, this is one of the standouts in this collection to me, and I’ve noticed there seems to be a stand alone version to buy that has been updated somewhat. Sounds like something I’m going to have to buy.

----

Solipsis

Developer: Daniel Mullins Games

Like every game by Daniel Mullins this game uses basic controls to bring you something much more deep. In this case, you play as an astronaut seeking... something on the moon (Lava vents I think), but things go very wrong quite quickly.

This one is extremely short, lasting maybe 10 minutes but that's all that was needed. I do love the fact that all of the games Daniel Mullins creates are linked in some way, even if just tangentially.

----

Sucker for Love

Developer: Akabaka

You have to love when developers start to give their own twists to classic genres, in this case the genre in question is the visual novel. You play as a cultist trying to summon an eldritch being so they can get a smooch. Such a noble goal.

I think it’s safe to say that this game was the run away success of this collection. I mean, not only did they make a full game with a larger cast (plus a free prelude) but more recently there’s a sequel/spin off too. Truly, I can see why this was such a success, multiple endings, good quality voice acting and the game itself felt good to play.

----

The Diving Bell

Developer: Bathysfear Games

A first person psychological horror, I’m not sure what else to call it other than that really. It definitely captures the feeling of isolation and the paranoia that can come from being truly alone.

The thing is, I didn’t get on well with this one. I found it a bit obtuse, but I think that’s part of the design.

----

The Toy Shop

Developer: Mahelyk

I found this game to be frustrating, which is a shame because the developers have actually crafted a fairly interesting story that I want to find more about. The gun play is lacklustre and its made all the worse by the enemies causing contact damage.

The thing is I can forgive that because of the development time, what I can't forgive is making me run from an unkillable pursuer, that kills me in one hit, through a maze filled with enemies. Not only does this maze have enemies it has multiple dead ends that come with no warning and make it impossible to avoid your pursuer.

----

Squirrel Stapler

Developer: David Szymanski

This game has been designed to ape those 'Hunting Simulators' that I used to see on store shelves back when PC games had big cardboard boxes, I'm sure that those games continue to exist on Steam somewhere.

Usually I tend to like the games that David Szymanski has put out but this one... I struggled to finish it, not from the difficulty of the game but from a lack of interest. I just bounced right off it.

----

The Thing in the Lake

Developer: Panstasz

This game once again goes to show that you don't need graphical fidelity to be scary. In fact the graphical style makes this game all the more unsettling, especially for those of us that used to play on the old Gameboys of the past.

I loved this game, everything about it just kept me on edge. Sadly I doubt you could make a game much longer than the one they made here in this style without it losing a lot of its charm.

----

Touched by an Outer God

Developer: Wither Studios

A body horror themed First Person Shooter. You kill enemies to consume their flesh and use that to upgrade your own abilities. Well actually that's one way to play, you see there are two endings, and they hinge off of one decision.

I really liked this game but I can see why they didn’t try to make a larger game out of it, the novelty started to wear off quite quickly.

----

If you’d like to support me I have a Ko-fi, the reviews will continue to be posted donation or not.

[fannationdaily]

I think the boyband thing on Facebook is legit but also a scam will u let us know which?

The one I shared on Facebook ? Honestly same I placed an order though. It's free but u pay shipping which for me was 7.99 then it asks if u want to add a cool small album merch pack for just 10 bucks I said yes so my total is 17.99 . It also asks u about 2 shirts if u want to add those or not so u press the funny "No I'm good being shirtless" button twice then it gives you your order . It also sends you two emails one being your recipt and another being an automated thank u note from the band . I hope it's legit lol 17.99 total paid so 🤷‍♀️🤗I'll let y'all know and even write a small review for y'all 🤗

[postgamecontent]

A Taito Arcade Archives Sale Starts Today

I'm not going to do news on this site as a general rule, but if I see something cool that my readers might appreciate, I'll go ahead and post it. So... here's something! Starting later today and running through September 25th, a selection of ten Arcade Archives Taito games will be on sale for 30% off on both the Nintendo Switch eShop and the PlayStation Store for PlayStation 4. That makes them $5.59 instead of the usual $7.99, which is not a huge discount but might be enough to win you over. Arcade Archives rarely go on sale twice, so if any of these look interesting to you, the time is now. Or soon, I suppose. Here are the included games:

New Zealand Story (Also Seen In Taito Milestones 2)

The popular platformer that seems to have really caught on in Europe via a variety of home computer ports. You might know it under its alternate title of Kiwi Kraze. It's rock-hard, but the cute visuals and variety of stage gimmicks make it worth a playthrough.

Metal Black (Also Seen In Taito Milestones 2)

A very enjoyable and slightly bonkers horizontal shoot 'em up whose main claim to fame is its giant laser duals that inspired the usage of a similar mechanic in later Darius games. If you like shooters, this one is quite a bit of fun. Good for fans of the score attack and timed Caravan modes in particular.

Bonze Adventure

A decent little platformer with an interesting theme. As you would expect from a Taito platformer of this vintage, it's tough as old boots. Some might know it from its PC Engine release under its Japanese title, Jigoku Meguri. I think it's good, but if you don't like platformers with stiff movements you might find it frustrating. Not featured on either Taito Milestones collection so far, and not on the list for the third set either.

Don Doko Don

One thing you can hand to Taito is that it knew how to put together a good elimination platformer. That's the genre label I'm going with. But you know, Bubble Bobble-likes. Don Doko Don is a pretty good one, even if it doesn't have quite as much personality as some of Taito's other games in the genre. Not included in either of the currently-released Taito Milestones collections, and also not on the upcoming third one.

Alpine Ski (Also Seen in Taito Milestones)

Phew, this one is an oldie. As you would guess from the title, you control a skier as they make their way through a course. Go through the flags to earn points, and watch out for trees. Not a bad score chaser, really. You have to have some appreciation for games of this vintage to get the most out of it, though.

Ben Bero Beh (Also Seen In Taito Milestones 2)

This is a quirky one, to be sure. You play as a hero trying to rescue his girlfriend from a burning building. Put out fires, jump over collapsed floors, and watch out for the enemies that are for whatever reason trying to hassle you. If you're looking for something unique, this is it.

The Fairyland Story (Also Seen In Taito Milestones)

Another elimination platformer, this time with you playing as a witch who can turn enemies into cakes. Frightening stuff. You can even drop those cakes on other enemies to smoosh them. A little lacking in frills, but here be plenty of thrills. I just thought of that one on the fly.

Liquid Kids (Also Seen In Taito Milestones 2)

You might know this as Mizubaku Adventure. You play as a hippopotamus named Hipopo and are on a quest to rescue your precious friends from monsters. Your main weapon on this journey is a supply of water bombs. A colorful and enjoyable side-scrolling platformer, and I give it a very high recommendation.

Gun & Frontier (Also Seen In Taito Milestones 2)

A vertically scrolling shoot em up from the same team that made Metal Black and Dinorex. Imagine a world where everything is guns. That is Gun & Frontier. A very imaginative setting and some slick action makes this a solid choice for fans of the genre. Another good one for those who want to try their hand at score attack or the timed Caravan mode.

Dinorex (Also Seen In Taito Milestones 2)

Dinorex is an absolute trash fire of a fighting game starring dinosaurs, and I love it. It is completely ridiculous and it's almost worth playing just to see all of the goofy things going on with it. It also features a story link to Rastan, so if you're a fan of that and want to know the complete lore, you have no choice but to buy and play Dinorex.

And there you have it, friends. Many of these are in the Taito Milestones collections, and that might be a more economical way to go. Do note that the Milestones versions don't always have the full set of features seen in the stand-alone Arcade Archives releases, though. It might be worth the double-dip for your favorites.

[shobujtech1]

iQOO Neo 9 And Neo 9 Pro Full Specifications Official: The next launch for iQOO will be in China on December 27. There will be a lot of new goods at the event, like the iQOO Neo 9 line, the iQOO Watch, and the iQOO TWS 1e speakers. Much information about the iQOO Neo 9 line has already been shared. Jia Jingdong, Vivo's Vice President for Brand and Product Strategy, posted about the Neo 9 and Neo 9 Pro's main specs on Weibo today. Everything that has been revealed about these two phones is listed below.  iQOO Neo 9 And Neo 9 Pro Full Specifications On the iQOO Neo 9, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor will be used, and on the Neo 9 Pro, the Dimensity 9300 chipset will be used. LPDDR5x RAM and UFS 4.0 storage are two things both phones have in common. The Neo 8 series may come with up to 24 GB of RAM and 1 TB of storage, though the company has not confirmed this. The Neo 9 and Neo 9 Pro will have an OLED screen with a frame rate of 144Hz. Other news sources say the two phones will have a 6.78-inch Visionox OLED screen with a 1.5K resolution. The iQOO Q1 chip is built into both devices to improve the watching and game experience. The batteries in these phones will hold 5,160mAh of power, and they can be charged at 120W. The Neo 9 series will have a 6K VC liquid-cooled 3D heat absorption system built in for better thermal control. The Vivo X100 smartphone has a 50-megapixel Sony IMX920 camera with OIS, which will be used in both phones. Both phones in the line will be 7.99 mm thick and come in three colors: Red and White Soul, Nautical Blue, and Fighting Black.

[daphnethebanjolover]

How to accidentally pay $5 a month for three streaming services

So last month I decided to get the Hulu/Disney bundle. The problem was I was being billed for Hulu through Spotify at the time, so I canceled my Spotify Premium subscription, but I would keep it until July 2.

July 2 comes. My account is still listed as Premium. I'm freaking out because I still can't unlink Hulu from Spotify. I delete my entire Spotify account. It deletes my Hulu subscription as well, so I re-subscribe for basic-bitch Hulu. Now I'm being billed through Hulu. Finally, I can get the Disney bundle.

However, for some reason, I'm not eligible for the Duo bundle, so I get the Trio bundle with ESPN+, not that I'll ever use it. The price is listed as $12.99, but when I went to my account page, it showed the price as $5. Apparently, they will add a $7.99 credit to your Hulu bill if you already have a Disney+ subscription, which I do. However, my subscription is Premium, so I pay $10.99, and Disney+ didn't automatically cancel it because I had gotten the bundle. If I were to keep it, I'd be paying $15.99, so I canceled my Premium subscription. I'd still have access to Disney+ because I had the bundle. I thought for sure when my Disney+ subscription expired, the credit would go away, and I'd go back to paying $12.99.

It did not. The price on my Hulu account page is still $5. I'm still waiting for the day that the dream wears off and my price goes up to $12.99 because this feels illegal. For the time being, though, saved money is saved money.

TL;DR: 1. Get Hulu. 2. Get Disney+. 3. Bundle 'em. 4. Cancel Disney+. 5. Savings. At least, I think so. I did this all by accident.

Edit: Hulu caught up to me. I'm now paying $12.99. I'm glad this didn't blow up. I hope no one actually tried this and found it didn't work.