A MOST AGREEABLE PASTIME
Video Games, Victorian Style
Author: Matthew H. Mason
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A fascinating dive into Taito’s history that’s marred by a lack of historical context.
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In Smushi Comes Home, it’s all about taking the time to enjoy the journey.
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This late-era NES platformer from Sunsoft finally gets a release in the US and Europe, but it’s a tricky customer.
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This perfectly pitched one-button game will have you endlessly coming back for more.
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The similarities to Shovel Knight are undeniable, but this old-school platformer is enjoyable nonetheless
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Now on Switch, this puzzler from Frozax Games is an ideal way to unwind.
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Seven classic Ninja JaJaMaru games from the 1980s and 1990s have been re-issued, along with a brand new title.
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Think Banjo-Kazooie, but with time travel.
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A love letter to the turn-based battles of yore.
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Bertil Hörberg offers a wildly imaginative take on Super Mario Bros. 2.
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At the very end of the year, Matt finds his favourite game of 2022.
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Creative completionism.
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Finally we’re treated to second helpings of this charming Zelda homage.
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For a health worker in German-occupied Denmark, doing the right thing isn’t as simple as it might seem.
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Punishingly hard but eminently satisfying.
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Jaleco’s 1991 arcade game gets a long-awaited re-release.
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Because Streets of Final Double Dragon Rage Fight would be too long a name.
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A no-frills reissue of some classic platformers.
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Twitch-perfect controls and a sublime learning curve result in a game that’s consistently fun yet challenging.
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Ocean’s Heart borrows liberally from the Zelda playbook, but with some varied locales and fun swashbuckling gameplay.
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Swinging through the trees is a sheer joy, and a wonderful way to highlight the game’s environmental message.
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Let’s go round again. And again. And again.
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Have staff, will travel.
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Featuring a cuter than average Grim Reaper.
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It’s been a long time coming.
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It’s all getting a bit political down in the woods.
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The magic of the stage.
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A racing game that appeals to petrolheads and pedestrianheads alike.
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Pleasant forest pottering.
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I’m liking this hiking.
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No hand holding.
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Tiny Lands is the video game equivalent of sitting at your dining room table on a lazy Sunday morning doing the puzzles in that day’s edition. There’s something to be said about games that have a zen-like calmness to them that has you finding the joy in a little quietude. There’s something more to be…
A MOST AGREEABLE PASTIME 