Aaron Boehm
@baronaim.bsky.social
Game Designer at Twisted Pixel | Writing at Bloody Disgusting | My opinions are my own | Fear the Old Blood | He/him
OUTER WILDS
What a beautiful game. Truly a game about the wonder of exploration and discovery. It's so elegant in the ways it teaches you things, creating clever puzzles that are based solely on knowledge you've gained. Definitely enters the pantheon of amazing "notebook games."
What a beautiful game. Truly a game about the wonder of exploration and discovery. It's so elegant in the ways it teaches you things, creating clever puzzles that are based solely on knowledge you've gained. Definitely enters the pantheon of amazing "notebook games."
September 27, 2025 at 6:41 PM
OUTER WILDS
What a beautiful game. Truly a game about the wonder of exploration and discovery. It's so elegant in the ways it teaches you things, creating clever puzzles that are based solely on knowledge you've gained. Definitely enters the pantheon of amazing "notebook games."
What a beautiful game. Truly a game about the wonder of exploration and discovery. It's so elegant in the ways it teaches you things, creating clever puzzles that are based solely on knowledge you've gained. Definitely enters the pantheon of amazing "notebook games."
CRONOS: THE NEW DAWN
While it definitely takes influences from several different sources, it manages to feel unique, with tense combat that requires smart resource management decisions. The merging idea is clever both mechanically and thematically, keeping me fully engaged during the 16 hour runtime
While it definitely takes influences from several different sources, it manages to feel unique, with tense combat that requires smart resource management decisions. The merging idea is clever both mechanically and thematically, keeping me fully engaged during the 16 hour runtime
September 7, 2025 at 12:35 PM
CRONOS: THE NEW DAWN
While it definitely takes influences from several different sources, it manages to feel unique, with tense combat that requires smart resource management decisions. The merging idea is clever both mechanically and thematically, keeping me fully engaged during the 16 hour runtime
While it definitely takes influences from several different sources, it manages to feel unique, with tense combat that requires smart resource management decisions. The merging idea is clever both mechanically and thematically, keeping me fully engaged during the 16 hour runtime
PHANTASMAGORIA
I'm a sucker for FMV, and this is one of the ones from the mid-90s that always stuck out in my memory. It's obviously dated, but I was surprised at how much I enjoyed revisiting it. Felt like playing a Rose Red-era Stephen King miniseries, for better and for worse.
I'm a sucker for FMV, and this is one of the ones from the mid-90s that always stuck out in my memory. It's obviously dated, but I was surprised at how much I enjoyed revisiting it. Felt like playing a Rose Red-era Stephen King miniseries, for better and for worse.
August 21, 2025 at 3:40 AM
PHANTASMAGORIA
I'm a sucker for FMV, and this is one of the ones from the mid-90s that always stuck out in my memory. It's obviously dated, but I was surprised at how much I enjoyed revisiting it. Felt like playing a Rose Red-era Stephen King miniseries, for better and for worse.
I'm a sucker for FMV, and this is one of the ones from the mid-90s that always stuck out in my memory. It's obviously dated, but I was surprised at how much I enjoyed revisiting it. Felt like playing a Rose Red-era Stephen King miniseries, for better and for worse.
DARK QUEEN OF MORTHOLME
Ever wonder what the a Dark Souls boss feels like as you try to destroy it over and over? This game takes that concept and plays it out with clever writing. It’s only about 20 minutes, but it feels like the right length to get its point across. Interesting little experiment
Ever wonder what the a Dark Souls boss feels like as you try to destroy it over and over? This game takes that concept and plays it out with clever writing. It’s only about 20 minutes, but it feels like the right length to get its point across. Interesting little experiment
August 16, 2025 at 1:20 PM
DARK QUEEN OF MORTHOLME
Ever wonder what the a Dark Souls boss feels like as you try to destroy it over and over? This game takes that concept and plays it out with clever writing. It’s only about 20 minutes, but it feels like the right length to get its point across. Interesting little experiment
Ever wonder what the a Dark Souls boss feels like as you try to destroy it over and over? This game takes that concept and plays it out with clever writing. It’s only about 20 minutes, but it feels like the right length to get its point across. Interesting little experiment
DEAD TAKE
I'm a sucker for FMV in a game, and Dead Take has some incredible acting that tells a great story about the filmmaking process. The puzzles are good when they stick to the movie theme, others are a little less memorable. Doesn't reinvent the wheel, but it's a solid entry in the genre.
I'm a sucker for FMV in a game, and Dead Take has some incredible acting that tells a great story about the filmmaking process. The puzzles are good when they stick to the movie theme, others are a little less memorable. Doesn't reinvent the wheel, but it's a solid entry in the genre.
August 8, 2025 at 2:30 AM
DEAD TAKE
I'm a sucker for FMV in a game, and Dead Take has some incredible acting that tells a great story about the filmmaking process. The puzzles are good when they stick to the movie theme, others are a little less memorable. Doesn't reinvent the wheel, but it's a solid entry in the genre.
I'm a sucker for FMV in a game, and Dead Take has some incredible acting that tells a great story about the filmmaking process. The puzzles are good when they stick to the movie theme, others are a little less memorable. Doesn't reinvent the wheel, but it's a solid entry in the genre.
THE LAST OF US PART II
A complicated game that feels amazing to play, runs way too long, and doesn't feel as deep as it wants to, despite moments of stellar writing. It's a bold story that feels narratively antagonistic, in a way that makes it interesting if not always successful.
A complicated game that feels amazing to play, runs way too long, and doesn't feel as deep as it wants to, despite moments of stellar writing. It's a bold story that feels narratively antagonistic, in a way that makes it interesting if not always successful.
August 5, 2025 at 2:05 PM
THE LAST OF US PART II
A complicated game that feels amazing to play, runs way too long, and doesn't feel as deep as it wants to, despite moments of stellar writing. It's a bold story that feels narratively antagonistic, in a way that makes it interesting if not always successful.
A complicated game that feels amazing to play, runs way too long, and doesn't feel as deep as it wants to, despite moments of stellar writing. It's a bold story that feels narratively antagonistic, in a way that makes it interesting if not always successful.
S.P.L.I.T
Grimy tactile hacking game about getting in over your head with something you don't understand. Some good puzzle solving that makes you feel like a hacker with its unique interface, and some upsetting twists and turns in the 60 min story. At $3, it's worth checking out.
Grimy tactile hacking game about getting in over your head with something you don't understand. Some good puzzle solving that makes you feel like a hacker with its unique interface, and some upsetting twists and turns in the 60 min story. At $3, it's worth checking out.
July 24, 2025 at 8:52 PM
S.P.L.I.T
Grimy tactile hacking game about getting in over your head with something you don't understand. Some good puzzle solving that makes you feel like a hacker with its unique interface, and some upsetting twists and turns in the 60 min story. At $3, it's worth checking out.
Grimy tactile hacking game about getting in over your head with something you don't understand. Some good puzzle solving that makes you feel like a hacker with its unique interface, and some upsetting twists and turns in the 60 min story. At $3, it's worth checking out.
LOOK OUTSIDE
One of the best horror RPGs I've ever played, feeling like a mix between Lone Survivor and Earthbound. For a game that can be beaten in about 10 hours, there's such a density of horrifying little short stories throughout, with some extremely unsettling writing. Can't wait to replay it.
One of the best horror RPGs I've ever played, feeling like a mix between Lone Survivor and Earthbound. For a game that can be beaten in about 10 hours, there's such a density of horrifying little short stories throughout, with some extremely unsettling writing. Can't wait to replay it.
July 18, 2025 at 5:54 PM
LOOK OUTSIDE
One of the best horror RPGs I've ever played, feeling like a mix between Lone Survivor and Earthbound. For a game that can be beaten in about 10 hours, there's such a density of horrifying little short stories throughout, with some extremely unsettling writing. Can't wait to replay it.
One of the best horror RPGs I've ever played, feeling like a mix between Lone Survivor and Earthbound. For a game that can be beaten in about 10 hours, there's such a density of horrifying little short stories throughout, with some extremely unsettling writing. Can't wait to replay it.
DEAD LETTER DEPT
A very strange experimental game about typing increasingly worrying letters into a system. Creates some really sinister vibes with a simple premise in a way that makes you treat the horror like the mundane. It's only about two hours, but seems like there's other endings for replays
A very strange experimental game about typing increasingly worrying letters into a system. Creates some really sinister vibes with a simple premise in a way that makes you treat the horror like the mundane. It's only about two hours, but seems like there's other endings for replays
July 18, 2025 at 5:51 PM
DEAD LETTER DEPT
A very strange experimental game about typing increasingly worrying letters into a system. Creates some really sinister vibes with a simple premise in a way that makes you treat the horror like the mundane. It's only about two hours, but seems like there's other endings for replays
A very strange experimental game about typing increasingly worrying letters into a system. Creates some really sinister vibes with a simple premise in a way that makes you treat the horror like the mundane. It's only about two hours, but seems like there's other endings for replays
THE DRIFTER
A new point and click adventure game that modernizes the genre's gameplay while still feeling like a throwback stylistically. Full of fun characters and perfectly controlled pacing, with a twists and turns that keep you on your toes. One of my fav adventure games since the Last Door.
A new point and click adventure game that modernizes the genre's gameplay while still feeling like a throwback stylistically. Full of fun characters and perfectly controlled pacing, with a twists and turns that keep you on your toes. One of my fav adventure games since the Last Door.
July 18, 2025 at 5:00 PM
THE DRIFTER
A new point and click adventure game that modernizes the genre's gameplay while still feeling like a throwback stylistically. Full of fun characters and perfectly controlled pacing, with a twists and turns that keep you on your toes. One of my fav adventure games since the Last Door.
A new point and click adventure game that modernizes the genre's gameplay while still feeling like a throwback stylistically. Full of fun characters and perfectly controlled pacing, with a twists and turns that keep you on your toes. One of my fav adventure games since the Last Door.
CLAIR OBSCUR: EXPEDITION 33
An absolutely magnificent and special game. Not only does it smartly reimagine turn-based RPG combat with a soulslike focus on parries and dodges, it also tells a beautiful tale of how people struggle to find hope in the face of tragedy and grief.
An absolutely magnificent and special game. Not only does it smartly reimagine turn-based RPG combat with a soulslike focus on parries and dodges, it also tells a beautiful tale of how people struggle to find hope in the face of tragedy and grief.
June 4, 2025 at 1:35 PM
CLAIR OBSCUR: EXPEDITION 33
An absolutely magnificent and special game. Not only does it smartly reimagine turn-based RPG combat with a soulslike focus on parries and dodges, it also tells a beautiful tale of how people struggle to find hope in the face of tragedy and grief.
An absolutely magnificent and special game. Not only does it smartly reimagine turn-based RPG combat with a soulslike focus on parries and dodges, it also tells a beautiful tale of how people struggle to find hope in the face of tragedy and grief.
In my Mission: Impossible Era
May 23, 2025 at 6:23 PM
In my Mission: Impossible Era
CREEPY REDNECK DINOSAUR MANSION III
For a game that's a lot both mechanically and conceptually, it's a very focused experience. Its clever twist on match-3 feels great and makes you consider every move, and the branching narrative is an honest look at the complexity of game development itself.
For a game that's a lot both mechanically and conceptually, it's a very focused experience. Its clever twist on match-3 feels great and makes you consider every move, and the branching narrative is an honest look at the complexity of game development itself.
May 21, 2025 at 1:40 PM
CREEPY REDNECK DINOSAUR MANSION III
For a game that's a lot both mechanically and conceptually, it's a very focused experience. Its clever twist on match-3 feels great and makes you consider every move, and the branching narrative is an honest look at the complexity of game development itself.
For a game that's a lot both mechanically and conceptually, it's a very focused experience. Its clever twist on match-3 feels great and makes you consider every move, and the branching narrative is an honest look at the complexity of game development itself.
DOOM: THE DARK AGES
I bounced off Eternal because it felt to finicky and complicated, but Doom: The Dark Ages had a brutal simplicity that was brought by the exciting addition of the shield. It doesn't feel as strong level or arena design-wise as Doom (2016), but I had a great time with this
I bounced off Eternal because it felt to finicky and complicated, but Doom: The Dark Ages had a brutal simplicity that was brought by the exciting addition of the shield. It doesn't feel as strong level or arena design-wise as Doom (2016), but I had a great time with this
May 18, 2025 at 6:44 PM
DOOM: THE DARK AGES
I bounced off Eternal because it felt to finicky and complicated, but Doom: The Dark Ages had a brutal simplicity that was brought by the exciting addition of the shield. It doesn't feel as strong level or arena design-wise as Doom (2016), but I had a great time with this
I bounced off Eternal because it felt to finicky and complicated, but Doom: The Dark Ages had a brutal simplicity that was brought by the exciting addition of the shield. It doesn't feel as strong level or arena design-wise as Doom (2016), but I had a great time with this
Some people like to say there is no such thing as a perfect movie. They are wrong.
May 18, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Some people like to say there is no such thing as a perfect movie. They are wrong.
THE HORROR AT HIGHROOK
As a board game fan, I wish it would have had more complexity to it. The vibes and story are really good, but I never felt like the game meaningfully got more mechanically complex as the game went on. Definitely a unique presentation that I want to see more in video games.
As a board game fan, I wish it would have had more complexity to it. The vibes and story are really good, but I never felt like the game meaningfully got more mechanically complex as the game went on. Definitely a unique presentation that I want to see more in video games.
May 2, 2025 at 4:48 PM
THE HORROR AT HIGHROOK
As a board game fan, I wish it would have had more complexity to it. The vibes and story are really good, but I never felt like the game meaningfully got more mechanically complex as the game went on. Definitely a unique presentation that I want to see more in video games.
As a board game fan, I wish it would have had more complexity to it. The vibes and story are really good, but I never felt like the game meaningfully got more mechanically complex as the game went on. Definitely a unique presentation that I want to see more in video games.
SKIN DEEP
I love a good imm sim, and Skin Deep is a GREAT imm sim. It's just as fun to flawlessly pull off a plan as it is for one to go epically wrong. Each of the levels is a densely packed sandbox that's deeply rewarding to explore. For anyone who ever wanted Heat Signature in first person
I love a good imm sim, and Skin Deep is a GREAT imm sim. It's just as fun to flawlessly pull off a plan as it is for one to go epically wrong. Each of the levels is a densely packed sandbox that's deeply rewarding to explore. For anyone who ever wanted Heat Signature in first person
April 30, 2025 at 1:56 PM
SKIN DEEP
I love a good imm sim, and Skin Deep is a GREAT imm sim. It's just as fun to flawlessly pull off a plan as it is for one to go epically wrong. Each of the levels is a densely packed sandbox that's deeply rewarding to explore. For anyone who ever wanted Heat Signature in first person
I love a good imm sim, and Skin Deep is a GREAT imm sim. It's just as fun to flawlessly pull off a plan as it is for one to go epically wrong. Each of the levels is a densely packed sandbox that's deeply rewarding to explore. For anyone who ever wanted Heat Signature in first person
AVOWED
An interesting world that wears out its welcome a bit by the end. Has a combat system that feels great, but it never really meaningfully evolves, and by the end of the game all the encounters felt a bit samey. Still, you could do worse if you're looking for a first person RPG.
An interesting world that wears out its welcome a bit by the end. Has a combat system that feels great, but it never really meaningfully evolves, and by the end of the game all the encounters felt a bit samey. Still, you could do worse if you're looking for a first person RPG.
April 25, 2025 at 1:38 PM
AVOWED
An interesting world that wears out its welcome a bit by the end. Has a combat system that feels great, but it never really meaningfully evolves, and by the end of the game all the encounters felt a bit samey. Still, you could do worse if you're looking for a first person RPG.
An interesting world that wears out its welcome a bit by the end. Has a combat system that feels great, but it never really meaningfully evolves, and by the end of the game all the encounters felt a bit samey. Still, you could do worse if you're looking for a first person RPG.
SOUTH OF MIDNIGHT
A gorgeous Deep South folktale with amazing style and good, if unambitious gameplay. So full of personality, with a story that focuses on empathy and hope in the face of trauma.
A gorgeous Deep South folktale with amazing style and good, if unambitious gameplay. So full of personality, with a story that focuses on empathy and hope in the face of trauma.
April 4, 2025 at 2:55 AM
SOUTH OF MIDNIGHT
A gorgeous Deep South folktale with amazing style and good, if unambitious gameplay. So full of personality, with a story that focuses on empathy and hope in the face of trauma.
A gorgeous Deep South folktale with amazing style and good, if unambitious gameplay. So full of personality, with a story that focuses on empathy and hope in the face of trauma.
CRUSH HOUSE
A very unique game about being the camera person for a late 90s dating show. Framing shots to satisfy specific audiences as the drama unfolds in the house is a great idea, but I wish there were more twists to the gameplay by the end.
A very unique game about being the camera person for a late 90s dating show. Framing shots to satisfy specific audiences as the drama unfolds in the house is a great idea, but I wish there were more twists to the gameplay by the end.
March 23, 2025 at 1:30 PM
CRUSH HOUSE
A very unique game about being the camera person for a late 90s dating show. Framing shots to satisfy specific audiences as the drama unfolds in the house is a great idea, but I wish there were more twists to the gameplay by the end.
A very unique game about being the camera person for a late 90s dating show. Framing shots to satisfy specific audiences as the drama unfolds in the house is a great idea, but I wish there were more twists to the gameplay by the end.
FEAR EFFECT
I missed this when it came out, so I'm glad I was able to check it out for its 25th anniversary. It's neat to see a survival horror game be more actiony, but the controls don't feel responsive enough to handle the pace. The game is stunning looking, and the cutscenes have great flair.
I missed this when it came out, so I'm glad I was able to check it out for its 25th anniversary. It's neat to see a survival horror game be more actiony, but the controls don't feel responsive enough to handle the pace. The game is stunning looking, and the cutscenes have great flair.
February 28, 2025 at 2:38 AM
FEAR EFFECT
I missed this when it came out, so I'm glad I was able to check it out for its 25th anniversary. It's neat to see a survival horror game be more actiony, but the controls don't feel responsive enough to handle the pace. The game is stunning looking, and the cutscenes have great flair.
I missed this when it came out, so I'm glad I was able to check it out for its 25th anniversary. It's neat to see a survival horror game be more actiony, but the controls don't feel responsive enough to handle the pace. The game is stunning looking, and the cutscenes have great flair.
URBAN MYTH DISSOLUTION CENTER
It's possible that playing Roottrees and Obra Dinn right before this hurt my time with it, but I was underwhelmed by this one. Some cool narrative beats and gorgeous art, but I wanted it to feel more like solving a mystery rather than just having the story told to me.
It's possible that playing Roottrees and Obra Dinn right before this hurt my time with it, but I was underwhelmed by this one. Some cool narrative beats and gorgeous art, but I wanted it to feel more like solving a mystery rather than just having the story told to me.
February 10, 2025 at 3:56 PM
URBAN MYTH DISSOLUTION CENTER
It's possible that playing Roottrees and Obra Dinn right before this hurt my time with it, but I was underwhelmed by this one. Some cool narrative beats and gorgeous art, but I wanted it to feel more like solving a mystery rather than just having the story told to me.
It's possible that playing Roottrees and Obra Dinn right before this hurt my time with it, but I was underwhelmed by this one. Some cool narrative beats and gorgeous art, but I wanted it to feel more like solving a mystery rather than just having the story told to me.
STILL WAKES THE DEEP
I'm not always into the 'walk around as the story happens to you' type games, but this one was a good one, with cool monsters and natural characters. I wish that there was more player agency, but it's not that type of game. Makes me curious what their Bloodlines 2 will be like.
I'm not always into the 'walk around as the story happens to you' type games, but this one was a good one, with cool monsters and natural characters. I wish that there was more player agency, but it's not that type of game. Makes me curious what their Bloodlines 2 will be like.
January 20, 2025 at 4:08 AM
STILL WAKES THE DEEP
I'm not always into the 'walk around as the story happens to you' type games, but this one was a good one, with cool monsters and natural characters. I wish that there was more player agency, but it's not that type of game. Makes me curious what their Bloodlines 2 will be like.
I'm not always into the 'walk around as the story happens to you' type games, but this one was a good one, with cool monsters and natural characters. I wish that there was more player agency, but it's not that type of game. Makes me curious what their Bloodlines 2 will be like.