It’s kinda rare to find a show that truly pushes the boundaries of both visual artistry and narrative depth. Netflix’s Arcane does just that. This series, based on the popular e-sport game League of Legends, defies expectations of both animated shows and game adaptations. I can confidently say that Arcane stands on its own as a masterpiece of animation and storytelling.

The old formula of Satisfaction = Experience - Expectations rings true here; with minimal expectations, the actual satisfaction went to the roof.

Post-Disney Rule-book

It boldly breaks away from the Walt Disney formula, long followed by Western animation studios. Much like how “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” rightfully claimed the Oscar for Best Animated Feature, Arcane is a representative of a new era of audacious artistic choices.

The series’ visual style is nothing short of breathtaking, seamlessly blending 2D and 3D techniques to create a unique aesthetic that’s both gritty and beautiful. The attention to detail is astounding, from the intricate steampunk designs of the city’s towering spires to the grimy, neon-lit streets of the underworld. The cinematography employs non-standard angles, innovative compositions, and dramatic lighting that would be at home in a live-action film.

Interestingly, the characters themselves are deeply invested in various forms of art, from painting to music. There are scenes where characters are actively creating art, stroking paint onto canvas, their actions mirroring the creative process behind the show itself. Nice meta-textual layer.

While the character animations are indeed noteworthy, with facial expressions conveying complex emotions through subtle movements, it’s a holistic approach to the visual and auditory experience. It is enhanced by a masterful sound design and a compelling musical score.

Mature Narrative

While the visuals might draw you in, it’s the mature and intricate storyline that keeps you hooked. This is decidedly not a children’s show, tackling complex themes such as politics, class struggle, drug addiction, and mental health with depth and exploring themes of family, loyalty, and the corrupting influence of power.

What’s particularly impressive is how the show manages to give each character enough screen time to develop fully. Unlike series that rush to action scenes and vague dialogues (looking at you, “Rings of Power”), Arcane takes the time to develop its cast. Viewers understand and care about the characters’ motivations, making the conflicts feel real and impactful. There are no clear-cut heroes or villains here; even characters who initially seem antagonistic are given depth and motivation, making them understandable, if not always sympathetic.

One of the show’s greatest strengths is its world-building. While some shows struggle to make their lore accessible (think “House of the Dragon”, where many details are only truly appreciated in “making of” videos), Arcane manages to present its rich world in a way that’s both detailed and digestible. The cities of Piltover and Zaun are characters in their own right, with distinct aesthetics and cultures that inform the actions of their inhabitants. The show explores these locations methodically, allowing viewers to build a mental map of this fantastical world without feeling overwhelmed.

Super Accessible

As someone who came into Arcane with virtually ZERO knowledge of League of Legends (except knowing it’s a worldwide famous MOBA e-sport with a seemingly insurmountable entry barrier), I was pleasantly surprised by how accessible the show is. While there are undoubtedly references and Easter eggs for fans of the game, the series stands entirely on its own. The lore and world are introduced organically, never feeling like an information dump or requiring outside knowledge to appreciate.

Watching with my wife, who is also unfamiliar with the source material, was a delightful experience. The show sparked discussions until long after each episode ended.

It’s clear that the creators prioritized telling a compelling story first and foremost, rather than simply creating a cash grab. The second and final season is planned for release in November 2025, and we’ll be eagerly waiting on the couch.

In the world of video games, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of revisiting a beloved franchise from your childhood. Recently, I had the opportunity to dive into RoboCop: Rogue City, a game that brilliantly resurrects the spirit of the classic 80s cyborg cop.

The Nostalgia Factor

From the moment you boot up the game, the nostalgia factor hits you like a well-aimed round from RoboCop’s signature Auto-9 weapon. The original actors’ voices and faces, such as Peter Weller’s portrayal of RoboCop, are faithfully recreated. The gritty style and familiar locations of a dystopian Detroit all contribute to a sense of warm familiarity. It’s like stepping back into a world you thought you’d left behind, but finding it just as captivating as ever.

It’s worth noting that the game completely ignores the 2014 remake, directed by the Brazilian José Padilha.

However, this familiarity can also work against the game. The original RoboCop movies were clearly low-budget productions, and while the game does an excellent job of recreating their aesthetic, it can sometimes feel a bit too faithful. Some areas of the game feel a bit sparse and could have benefited from a bit more detail or variety.

Despite this, RoboCop: Rogue City doesn’t shy away from the source material. It embraces the original’s super violent, yet goofy nature. The game is a bloody ballet of bullets and one-liners, a testament to the enduring appeal of the RoboCop franchise. It’s clear that the developers have a deep love and understanding of what makes RoboCop so iconic.

Graphics and Gameplay

The graphics are top-notch, with detailed environments and character models that bring the dystopian future of Detroit to life. However, the game’s AA budget is evident in some areas, such as the facial animations during cutscenes, which can be a bit of a detriment. Fortunately, these cutscenes are not crucial to the overall gameplay experience.

The gameplay is straightforward but effective, offering a satisfying experience despite its simplicity. The core mechanics involve aiming and shooting, with little strategy required. This doesn’t detract from the enjoyment of mowing down waves of criminals with RoboCop’s iconic gun. The game offers a variety of weapons, but RoboCop’s signature sidearm is often the most efficient choice due to its infinite ammo. It requires a bit of determination from the player to actually care to use other guns like bazookas, shotguns, or even throwing chairs and monitors at enemies, despite being fun.

One downside of the game is its lack of difficulty. For the most part, the game is quite easy, with only the final boss providing a significant challenge. Additionally, the mini-bosses can be easily exploited by hiding in blind spots and shooting, which takes away from the excitement of these encounters.

The Story

The story of RoboCop: Rogue City is delightfully cheesy, but it doesn’t innovate much. It uses several tropes from the original movies, and some beats even seem like they’ve been copy-pasted from the source material. The villain, known as “The New Guy,” is a classic RoboCop bad guy, and the plot involves nuke drug, a scheme to replace RoboCop with a fully mechanical cop, and a second-in-command trying to climb the corporate ladder. It’s all very RoboCopy and fans of the franchise will appreciate the nods to the original films. However, the game’s story is not its strong suit, and it’s clear that the focus was on gameplay rather than narrative.

The RPG elements of the game are simple but add a layer of depth to the gameplay. You can upgrade various aspects of RoboCop, from his weapons to his targeting system. While none of these upgrades are essential, they do make the game a bit easier and more enjoyable. Additionally, the game features side characters that you can interact with, but none of them are particularly fleshed out. They’re not irritating, but they don’t add much to the overall experience.

A Parallel Surprise

One of the most pleasant surprises while playing, I searched for news about the cast and the universe, I ended up discovering a documentary titled RoboDoc: The Creation of RoboCop (8★★★★★★★★). This four-episode series features interviews with all the cast and crew of the original 1987 movie, providing a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the film. It’s a fascinating watch, full of easter eggs and insights into the precarious and tense shooting environment. The documentary reveals the struggles the filmmakers faced, from fights over budget to disagreements about artistic vision. It’s clear that the creation of RoboCop was a labor of love, and the documentary does an excellent job of capturing that spirit.

RoboCop: Rogue City is a nostalgic trip down memory lane that respects its source material while offering a fun and engaging gameplay experience. The graphics are impressive, the gameplay is satisfying, and the cheesy story is a loving homage to the original films. While may not be groundbreaking, it’s a solid shooter that’s worth checking out for fans of the franchise or anyone looking for a good time. And if you’re a fan of the original movie, be sure to also check out the RoboDoc documentary.

In the vast landscape of video games, it’s a rare gem that can truly captivate and immerse you in its world. Originally born as a mod for Skyrim (9★★★★★★★★★) (which I’ve never played), The Forgotten City has since evolved into a standalone game that masterfully weaves together elements of Roman mythology, time loops, and detective work. Having heard the whispers of its brilliance, I found myself irresistibly drawn to it, and after spending nearly 13 hours-straight unraveling its mysteries, I can confidently say that it exceeded my expectations.

From the moment you step into its realm, it presents a visual feast. The game’s graphics are nothing short of stunning. The city itself is a character in its own right, with its crumbling ruins, intricate architecture, and a palpable sense of history that seeps from every stone. The developers have truly outdone themselves in creating a world that is as beautiful as it is mysterious.

The gameplay of The Forgotten City is a masterclass in incentivizing exploration and experimentation. As you navigate the city and its inhabitants, you’re encouraged to delve deeper, to ask questions, and to test the boundaries of the world around you. This isn’t a game that holds your hand; instead, it trusts you to find your own way, to make your own mistakes, and to learn from them. While it may not reach the heights of detective work seen in games like Return of the Obra Dinn (9★★★★★★★★★) it still offers a satisfying and engaging experience for those who enjoy unraveling mysteries.

The characters are, for the most part, fascinating and well-developed. Each has their own story to tell, their own secrets to hide, and their own role to play in the grand tapestry of the game’s narrative. The voice acting is top-notch, bringing these characters to life in a way that makes you genuinely care about their fates.

The story is a captivating and intricate web of mystery and intrigue. It uses, and at times subverts, the tropes of time travel stories to great effect. It unfolds gradually, revealing its secrets layer by layer as you delve deeper into the game. The narrative is a testament to the power of storytelling in video games, demonstrating how a well-crafted plot can draw you in and keep you hooked for hours on end.

However, the game’s ending, while satisfying in its own right, feels somewhat rushed. In a sudden flurry of exposition, villains explain their motivations and actions in a manner reminiscent of an old James Bond movie. This hasty revelation, while providing necessary closure, lacks the nuanced build-up that characterizes the rest of the game.

“The Many Shall Suffer for the Sins of the One”

Every one will be turned into gold if even a single person commits a sin

Despite this minor flaw, The Forgotten City is a standout game that offers a unique and immersive experience, offering insights into Roman and Greek cultures that will appeal to history buffs and newcomers alike. A shining example of what can be achieved when creativity, passion, and skill are combined in the world of game development.

Every year, I try to compile a list of games, books, and movies I experienced. For the complete list, check the Ratings. Here we go (sorted by rating then alphabetically)!

I’ve maintained the habit of reading, mostly through audiobooks during my daily dog walks, for several years. It adds a layer of engagement to my routine, turning a no-brainer task into an opportunity for thought. Without it, I’d feel like I’m merely walking without purpose.

Here’s a list of books from this year, a selection not exhaustive but those that linger in my memory. As I often forget to update my GoodReads records or write about them on this blog, these are the ones that come to mind. I’ll edit this post if I recall additional entries.

Fiction

1. All Systems Red (10★★★★★★★★★★): Accidentally stumbled upon it, now one of my favorite storylines. The protagonist is amazingly funny and clever.
2. An Election (9★★★★★★★★★): A politics short story as if Star Trek and Monty Python had a literary baby.
3. Artificial Condition (9★★★★★★★★★): Like all books in the series, short and funny. A continuation of the amazing stories.
4. The Ocean at the End of the Lane (9★★★★★★★★★): A mesmerizing blend of magic and memory. Childhood nostalgia takes a whimsical, wickedly clever left turn.
5. How I Proposed to My Wife (8★★★★★★★★): Scandalously hilarious, like finding your grandmother’s secret collection of racy novels - a delightful misfire in the Valentine’s Day weapon of love. Super short.
6. Influx (8★★★★★★★★): Suarez paints technology with an edge so sharp, you’ll want to handle the book wearing Kevlar gloves - thrillingly mind-boggling!
7. Rogue Protocol (8★★★★★★★★): A great book. More of the same for those, like me, who want more of the same.
8. Exit Strategy (8★★★★★★★★): Just like book #3.
9. The Presidents Brain is Missing (8★★★★★★★★): A twisted, hilarious romp through a decapitated democracy - it’s like if West Wing tripped over Pinky and the Brain.
10. A Psalm for the Wild-Built (7★★★★★★★): A tale that’s equal parts human soul and mechanical heart. Imagine Dalai Lama took a walk in the woods and ran into Wall-E.
11. Daemon (7★★★★★★★): Suarez strikes again, shoving us down the rabbit hole of a digital dystopia - it’s like Alice in Wonderland for technocrats.
12. The Tale of The Wicked (7★★★★★★★): A short story about ChatGPT going rogue.

Non Fiction

1. Mind Wide Open (9★★★★★★★★★): Another enlightening journey into the cranial cosmos.
2. Prisioners of Geography (9★★★★★★★★★): We are what we can possibly be. How countries and entire continents act considering their own geographic limitations.
3. The Law (9★★★★★★★★★): A masterpiece about the origin of power and those who wield it.
4. Thinking, Fast and Slow (9★★★★★★★★★): A mental marathon that’ll take your mind places it didn’t even know it had running shoes for.
5. How Democracies Die (8★★★★★★★★): Amazing and still very true.
6. The Five Love Languages (8★★★★★★★★): Personality modeling. Your heart’s very own Rosetta Stone, translated into the dialect of devotion - essential for lovers fluent in compassion.
7. Essays on Political Economy (7★★★★★★★): A collection of texts about politics and economy. Good, but none were revolutionary.
8. Power of Now (5★★★★★): Like an existential espresso shot that forgot the sugar. It leaves you tasting the bitter afterthoughts of over-caffeinated philosophy.

For more books, you can check my online read list on GoodReads.

Every year, I try to compile a list of games, books, and movies I experienced. For the complete list, check the Ratings. Here we go (sorted by rating then alphabetically)!

This year my game library is over 1000 games. 1/3 I’ve never touched it. 1/3 I’ve barely played. So I can stop buying games for a while and still have a lot of fun.

Finished

1. Battlefield V (9★★★★★★★★★): Only played the single-player campaign, and like its predecessor Battlefield 1 (9★★★★★★★★★), I loved it. Short stories about multiple characters and theaters of war, each with unique mechanics.
2. Hades (9★★★★★★★★★): An amazing game loop, showcasing the best of the rogue-like “dying and repeating” gameplay. The dialogue options and voiced characters are nothing short of amazing.
3. Skyrim (9★★★★★★★★★): After a decade, I’ve finally completed the Dragonborn legend in the land of the Dovah! After watching some hilarious videos of The Spiffing Brit channel exploiting its mechanics, I was convinced to restart. I installed a dozen mods to enhance visuals and UI. It’s much better.
4. Assassin's Creed Syndicate (8★★★★★★★★): Surprisingly good. Reasonably relatable protagonists. Good gameplay loop despite repetitive side missions and a lackluster current-time storyline.
5. Dr. Langeskov, The Tiger, and The Terribly Cursed Emerald: A Whirlwind Heist (8★★★★★★★★): Hilarious fun in an experimental game. Top-notch story and humor. And it’s free!
6. Strange Horticulture (8★★★★★★★★): A unique puzzle about selecting flowers based on descriptions, hints, and clues about their usefulness. The Cthulhu-lite underlying story adds a nice touch.
7. 3 out of 10 Season 2 (7★★★★★★★): Not innovative and sometimes boring. As a game developer, I have a deeper appreciation of its humor.
8. Call of the Sea (7★★★★★★★): Short puzzle story game with a Lovecraftian-ish theme.
9. Cube Escape Paradox 1 (7★★★★★★★): The first half of the puzzle game (a full game by it’s own) is free. Escape room-like gameplay with a mysterious plot. Part of a broader multimedia experience (with a movie and a second game to complement the story).
10. Homeworld: Deserts of Kharak (7★★★★★★★): Visually adorable, nice story (though a bit confusing for those not remembering the main game story). Focused on combat without major building elements.
11. Lucifer Within Us (7★★★★★★★): A quite nice short adventure with a dark them.
12. Quadrilateral Cowboy (7★★★★★★★): A crazy hacker game with multiple ways to solve puzzles and unique visuals.
13. The Fall (7★★★★★★★): A puzzle (with little action) short game with a nice premise and story.
14. Bernband (6★★★★★★): An experimental sensorial game, a true walking simulator focused on relaxation. And it’s free.
15. Dear Esther (6★★★★★★): A visually stunning riddle wrapped in an enigma, perfect for gamers who like their plots like abstract art.
16. Ghostwire Tokyo (6★★★★★★): The first moments of the game I was expecting an horror game. The mood starts definitively scary. But after a couple of hours, I found out that stealth is almost a cheat, except some bosses. The open world collectibles are 99.999% pointless.
17. Old Mans Journey (6★★★★★★): A little relaxing game about an old man traversing landscapes. Doesn’t harm but doesn’t make a dent either.
18. Oxygen Not Included (6★★★★★★): Klei_ is not famous for the RTS genre, but they tried to mix RTS with survival like Don’t Starve. Not great, but enjoyable.
19. Shadow of the Tomb Raider (6★★★★★★): It tumbles through the jungle, where combat feels like a chore, traversal lacks thrill, and the storyline and characters are as cookie-cutter as they come.
20. The Silent Age (6★★★★★★): A short puzzle story. Nice, but not remarkable.
21. Rage 2 (5★★★★★): The gameplay is good, but the story is passable. It seems rushed, as the final 25% of the map is kind of irrelevant. I prefer Mad Max (7★★★★★★★) or Just Cause 3 from the same developer.
22. Baba Files Taxes (4★★★★): An experimental game from the same developer of Baba Is You (7★★★★★★★).

Currently Playing

1. Beyond: Two Souls (8★★★★★★★★): Starting this story-driven game with my wife. Expecting to finish it in the next couple of weeks. Heavy Rain probably coming next.
2. Deathloop (8★★★★★★★★): In the middle of the game and loving it. The protagonists are amazing, though some “bosses” are a bit wacky. The personalities are hard to define, but hoping to get used to them. Notably, it seems a bit too easy.
3. Metal Gear V: The Phantom Pain (8★★★★★★★★): Tried playing it years ago and found the story hyper confusing. Giving it another shot now, realizing Kojima aimed for an analogy with real-world references. Similar to Death Stranding (7★★★★★★★).
4. The Dungeon of Naheulbeuk (8★★★★★★★★): Didn’t see it coming, a genuinely funny classic turn-based RPG with top-notch humor.
5. Mortal Shell (8★★★★★★★★): A tough-as-nails romp through a beautifully haunting and punishing world where every victory feels well-earned. My Xbox controller stopped working, so it’s waiting for a fix.
6. Paradise Killer (8★★★★★★★★): CRAZY! Do not let the visuals fool you. Amazing. Loving this amazing true detective game where, as far as I know, you can draw any conclusion you want.
7. Desktop Dungeons (7★★★★★★★): I’ve played a demo web version of it ages ago and i liked so much that I’ve even bought Dungeons of Dredmor by mistake. I’ve never remembered the name the one I liked but recently they created a remaster and gave the original for free. Very clever and hard.
8. Duskers (7★★★★★★★): Recommended by RPS and released free on Epic Game Store. Unique visual presentation of this Matrix rogue-like.
9. Overland (7★★★★★★★): A puzzle game with a post-apocalyptic theme.
10. Subnautica (7★★★★★★★): Played it years ago, enjoying the open nature of the game. Playing again to finish it.
11. The Outer Worlds (7★★★★★★★): A recent addition from Amazon Prime Gaming, just scratching the surface.
12. Pikuniku (6★★★★★★): Kinda kids game, very welcoming.
13. Titan Souls (6★★★★★★): An indie game expanded from a 48h game competition, really nice. Got a bit lost in the map, but the bosses are unique and challenging.

Not finished yet (for one reason or another)

Many projects barely begun. Installed to test, but mostly in limbo—WIP or collecting dust. Unfinished tales of exploration and hesitation.

1. Disco Elysium (9★★★★★★★★★): Holy moly! Got it from my brother on my birthday, had only a couple of minutes to play, but it’s already shaping up to be a favorite.
2. Astrologaster (8★★★★★★★★): Indie small game with crazy humor. Liked it very much so far.
3. Black Mesa (8★★★★★★★★): The official/unofficial Half-Life 1 remake. Superb! Curious to see what the fuss was about HF1 after finishing Half-Life 2 (8★★★★★★★★) last year.
4. Gris (8★★★★★★★★): Beautiful first level.
5. Shadow Tactics (8★★★★★★★★): Liked the thinking in this game. Definitely one I’ll try to complete sooner than later.
6. Supraland (8★★★★★★★★): Harder and much longer than anticipated, but loving the sarcastic tone and bucketload of jokes.
7. Thronebreaker (8★★★★★★★★): A great RPG using the core mechanics of the Gwent card game. Unique premise and a VERY fun game.
8. Unravel Two (8★★★★★★★★): Still to finish with my wife. Slow-paced and forgiving, allowing infrequent plays.
9. War of Mine (8★★★★★★★★): Far into my third playthrough, but still to survive and see the game credits.
10. While True Learn (8★★★★★★★★): Logic programming puzzles. Amazingly fun and challenging for a programmer. The special bonuses for optimized solutions request multiple plays for each scenario.
11. Baba Is You (7★★★★★★★): Played some levels, up to the second or third “world.” SUPER clever.
12. Cloudpunk (7★★★★★★★): Weird visuals and relaxing gameplay. You’re a taxi driver in a special city.
13. Death Stranding (7★★★★★★★): Kubrick walking simulator. Paused to focus on Metal Gear V: The Phantom Pain (8★★★★★★★★) for a better understanding of Kojima’s latest endeavors.
14. Deus Ex: Mankind Divided (7★★★★★★★): liked the first title, Deus Ex: Human Revolution (8★★★★★★★★), but this one is a far inferior game. The story is not nice and the gameplay is not fun so far.
15. Heaven’s Vault (7★★★★★★★): Highly anticipated game, played a bit and liked the story so far. Space for multiple run-throughs to explore all possible branches (not sure if I would do it tough).
16. Observation (7★★★★★★★): Excellent storytelling despite clunky controls. Removed to free up space; redoing the narrative may be challenging after a couple of months.
17. Superhot Mind Control Delete (7★★★★★★★): Played several levels already, yet to finish.
18. Surviving Mars (7★★★★★★★): Played a couple of times but never completed a single level. It’s dry.
19. Breathedge (5★★★★★): This “Subnautica in space” is funny, but the gameplay loop is not engaging. Considering giving up on this.

Continuous playing

I play them eventually. Most of them, are strategy games. Nothing new from last years list, except:

1. Fall Guys (8★★★★★★★★): I’ve finally got it working on Linux (not trivial due the anti-cheat components), so I could play alone and with my wife this funny little-hearted game. It’s controls are easy enough for my wife to try playing a competitive game.

Next games on my radar

Finally, here is a list of games that I already have in my collection that I plan to play in the next months. Its a bit ridiculous to talk about next game, considering the amount of unfinished ones, but the catalogue is so vast that I can afford to play ahead.

1. Doki Doki Literature Club: Not particularly my style, but intrigued due to the positive reviews. Played for just a handful of minutes.
2. Ghost of a Tale: Followed the development process for quite some time because it was made using Unity3D. It looks adorable.
3. Heavy Rain: Planning to play this critically acclaimed story-driven game from Quantic Dream with my wife.
4. Hitman: Never finished Contracts due to perfectionism. Hoping to play more relaxed with this one.
5. Prey Mooncrash: I’m a fan of time travel/ time loop ideas. I bought it but days later I got Deathloop (8★★★★★★★★) (following game from the same company) for free.
6. Undertale: Started several times, but the lack of synced saved games (using Steam) made me start over each time.
7. We Are There Together: Bought to play with my wife, but not included in Play Together on Steam. Considering convincing another soul to play with me
8. XCOM 2: Received praises in the past few years. Time to take a look at it.