Joe-Donuts
@joe-donuts.bsky.social
Hobby-grade games and film writer with over a decade of writing at https://redringcircus.com/. Digital marketing stuff by day. He/him.
Kirby Air Riders is so weird. It's simultaneously very polished and a chaotic mess of ideas that barely holds together. Every activity is like 30 seconds long and you can do the entire story mode in a few hours. It's not amazing but it is has such an energy to my that I can't help but respect it.
December 13, 2025 at 6:05 PM
Kirby Air Riders is so weird. It's simultaneously very polished and a chaotic mess of ideas that barely holds together. Every activity is like 30 seconds long and you can do the entire story mode in a few hours. It's not amazing but it is has such an energy to my that I can't help but respect it.
Reposted by Joe-Donuts
Please bear this in mind if you consider grabbing Hogwarts Legacy for free, thinking that you can accept/play it without it now doing harm. It's free to you but comes with a cost elsewhere.
Since Polygon is leaving it out of the headline: Epic Games partnered with The Game Awards to put money into the pocket of a bigot who uses her wealth to further the genocide of trans people through lawsuits and legislation. Every 'free' game gives money directly to JKR, and they are complicit.
Epic Games partnered with The Game Awards to give away this week's free game on the Epic Games Store.
December 13, 2025 at 12:11 PM
Please bear this in mind if you consider grabbing Hogwarts Legacy for free, thinking that you can accept/play it without it now doing harm. It's free to you but comes with a cost elsewhere.
It took me a full week longer than intended, but here is my review of Death Howl. It's has cards, it's has tiles, and it's really good (with some caveats)! redringcircus.com/2025/12/12/d...
Death Howl Earns its “Soulslike Deckbuilder” Tagline with a Challenging, Rewarding, and Beautiful Spirit Journey
Death Howl bills itself as a “Soulslike Deckbuilder”. In this review I examine what it means to be a turn-based strategy card game inspired by Dark Souls.
redringcircus.com
December 12, 2025 at 11:36 PM
It took me a full week longer than intended, but here is my review of Death Howl. It's has cards, it's has tiles, and it's really good (with some caveats)! redringcircus.com/2025/12/12/d...
Reposted by Joe-Donuts
Follow @wario64.bsky.social and repost for a chance to win 1 of 10 Steam codes for Simogo Legacy Collection from @simogo.com. Giveaway closes on December 6th at 6 PM PT
Game is available now for Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, and Steam simogo.com/work/simogol...
Game is available now for Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, and Steam simogo.com/work/simogol...
December 2, 2025 at 5:38 PM
Follow @wario64.bsky.social and repost for a chance to win 1 of 10 Steam codes for Simogo Legacy Collection from @simogo.com. Giveaway closes on December 6th at 6 PM PT
Game is available now for Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, and Steam simogo.com/work/simogol...
Game is available now for Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, and Steam simogo.com/work/simogol...
I really loved Saturnalia and I'm excited for Santa Ragione's next game Horses. I'll be buying it on a platform that actually respects developers enough to communicate with them when it is literally life and death for the studio: www.gamedeveloper.com/business/-it...
Indie dev Santa Ragione facing closure after Steam ban
The Italian studio's upcoming horror title, Horses, has been barred from Steam ahead of its release in December.
www.gamedeveloper.com
November 26, 2025 at 4:03 PM
I really loved Saturnalia and I'm excited for Santa Ragione's next game Horses. I'll be buying it on a platform that actually respects developers enough to communicate with them when it is literally life and death for the studio: www.gamedeveloper.com/business/-it...
Ninja Gaiden 4 is a baffling package that had me questioning my taste in games. In so many respects it is terrible, and yet I couldn't put it down. My review: redringcircus.com/2025/11/22/w...
With Ninja Gaiden 4, PlatinumGames Tests How Far We’re Willing to Go for Good Combat
Almost everything about Ninja Gaiden 4 is bad, and yet I kind of love it.
redringcircus.com
November 22, 2025 at 3:16 PM
Ninja Gaiden 4 is a baffling package that had me questioning my taste in games. In so many respects it is terrible, and yet I couldn't put it down. My review: redringcircus.com/2025/11/22/w...
Been playing Arc Raiders pretty casually, maybe 20-25 hours so far if I had to guess?
Watching people burn out on it within weeks of launch has me genuinely thinking that this hobby—my favorite hobby that I plan to do until I die—is truly unhealthy for a lot of people.
Watching people burn out on it within weeks of launch has me genuinely thinking that this hobby—my favorite hobby that I plan to do until I die—is truly unhealthy for a lot of people.
November 22, 2025 at 4:47 AM
Been playing Arc Raiders pretty casually, maybe 20-25 hours so far if I had to guess?
Watching people burn out on it within weeks of launch has me genuinely thinking that this hobby—my favorite hobby that I plan to do until I die—is truly unhealthy for a lot of people.
Watching people burn out on it within weeks of launch has me genuinely thinking that this hobby—my favorite hobby that I plan to do until I die—is truly unhealthy for a lot of people.
Reposted by Joe-Donuts
Follow @wario64.bsky.social and repost for a chance to win 1 of 4 codes for Tomb Raider Definitive Edition for Nintendo Switch 2 (NA eShop Code) courtesy of @aspyr.com. Giveaway closes on Nov 21st, 6 PM PT.
Game is out now on Nintendo Switch & Switch 2 (no upgrade paths)
Game is out now on Nintendo Switch & Switch 2 (no upgrade paths)
November 18, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Follow @wario64.bsky.social and repost for a chance to win 1 of 4 codes for Tomb Raider Definitive Edition for Nintendo Switch 2 (NA eShop Code) courtesy of @aspyr.com. Giveaway closes on Nov 21st, 6 PM PT.
Game is out now on Nintendo Switch & Switch 2 (no upgrade paths)
Game is out now on Nintendo Switch & Switch 2 (no upgrade paths)
Ninja Gaiden 4 has to be one of the worst games I've ever been unable to put down. It's aesthetically vile, padded out with a billion fights, and the combat isn't as clean and readable as the old NG games. And yet, it's probably the best-playing and thrilling character action game since Bayonetta.
November 14, 2025 at 4:49 AM
Ninja Gaiden 4 has to be one of the worst games I've ever been unable to put down. It's aesthetically vile, padded out with a billion fights, and the combat isn't as clean and readable as the old NG games. And yet, it's probably the best-playing and thrilling character action game since Bayonetta.
Double Fine's Keeper is a wild game. It gets better and better as it goes and every frame of it is rich with visual and audio creativity. The gameplay is a bit of a ride with simple puzzles that keep things engaging. Reminded me of Ecco the Dolphin, Panzer Dragoon, and Phil Tippett's film Mad God.
November 1, 2025 at 2:52 AM
Double Fine's Keeper is a wild game. It gets better and better as it goes and every frame of it is rich with visual and audio creativity. The gameplay is a bit of a ride with simple puzzles that keep things engaging. Reminded me of Ecco the Dolphin, Panzer Dragoon, and Phil Tippett's film Mad God.
Reposted by Joe-Donuts
Reposted by Joe-Donuts
Follow @wario64.bsky.social and repost for a chance to win 1 of 5 Steam codes for Once Upon a Katamari courtesy of @gamesplanet.bsky.social. Giveaway closes on Oct 27th, 6:30 PM PT
Game is $32.97 on Gamesplanet w/ code KATAMARI buff.ly/j4qOsMG
Game is $32.97 on Gamesplanet w/ code KATAMARI buff.ly/j4qOsMG
October 24, 2025 at 5:49 PM
Follow @wario64.bsky.social and repost for a chance to win 1 of 5 Steam codes for Once Upon a Katamari courtesy of @gamesplanet.bsky.social. Giveaway closes on Oct 27th, 6:30 PM PT
Game is $32.97 on Gamesplanet w/ code KATAMARI buff.ly/j4qOsMG
Game is $32.97 on Gamesplanet w/ code KATAMARI buff.ly/j4qOsMG
Extraction shooters are a tired genre that everyone seems to hate as an involuntary reaction. Seems to be one of the big issues with Marathon. So it's funny to go from The Division's Dark Zone years ago straight to Arc Raiders and be like, "wow this is cool as hell," without all that baggage.
October 21, 2025 at 3:49 PM
Extraction shooters are a tired genre that everyone seems to hate as an involuntary reaction. Seems to be one of the big issues with Marathon. So it's funny to go from The Division's Dark Zone years ago straight to Arc Raiders and be like, "wow this is cool as hell," without all that baggage.
Reposted by Joe-Donuts
Just remember next year, when EVERYBODY'S making walking lighthouse games, that we were first!
(Keeper is out RIGHT NOW on Xbox & Windows & Steam!)
youtu.be/CDmvkGUSWzI?...
(Keeper is out RIGHT NOW on Xbox & Windows & Steam!)
youtu.be/CDmvkGUSWzI?...
Keeper - Official Launch Trailer
YouTube video by Double Fine
youtu.be
October 17, 2025 at 5:46 PM
Just remember next year, when EVERYBODY'S making walking lighthouse games, that we were first!
(Keeper is out RIGHT NOW on Xbox & Windows & Steam!)
youtu.be/CDmvkGUSWzI?...
(Keeper is out RIGHT NOW on Xbox & Windows & Steam!)
youtu.be/CDmvkGUSWzI?...
Ugh this looks bad. Wild how many glorious remakes we've had over the last two console generations and yet the remake of the series that means the most to me looks like dog shit. Please just don't even remake Panzer Dragoon Saga at this point. My heart can't handle it.
Panzer Dragoon II Zwei: Remake playable at TGS, confirmed for PS5/PS4/XS/XBO/Switch/PC ($24.99) www.gematsu.com/2025/09/panz...
September 9, 2025 at 1:14 PM
Ugh this looks bad. Wild how many glorious remakes we've had over the last two console generations and yet the remake of the series that means the most to me looks like dog shit. Please just don't even remake Panzer Dragoon Saga at this point. My heart can't handle it.
Reposted by Joe-Donuts
Atari CEO Wade Rosen told VGC about the three remasters he would love to see: Panzer Dragoon Saga, Ogre Battle or Snatcher.
www.videogameschronicle.com/news/atari-c...
Full Interview:
www.videogameschronicle.com/features/int...
www.videogameschronicle.com/news/atari-c...
Full Interview:
www.videogameschronicle.com/features/int...
September 2, 2025 at 10:11 AM
Atari CEO Wade Rosen told VGC about the three remasters he would love to see: Panzer Dragoon Saga, Ogre Battle or Snatcher.
www.videogameschronicle.com/news/atari-c...
Full Interview:
www.videogameschronicle.com/features/int...
www.videogameschronicle.com/news/atari-c...
Full Interview:
www.videogameschronicle.com/features/int...
Reposted by Joe-Donuts
We were going to do another big marketing stunt for THE TOXIC AVENGER UNRATED. Instead, Toxie, whose life was upended by crushing medical bills, has joined forces with Undue Medical Debt to erase at least $5 million in un-payable medical debt for those who need it most.
Learn more:
Learn more:
‘The Toxic Avenger’ Partners With Undue Medical Debt to Erase at Least $5 Million in Medical Debt
It’s the final week of marketing and promotion for The Toxic Avenger, and the teams here at Cineverse and Bloody Disgusting have decided to do something a little different. Rather than spending the re...
bloody-disgusting.com
August 27, 2025 at 4:14 PM
We were going to do another big marketing stunt for THE TOXIC AVENGER UNRATED. Instead, Toxie, whose life was upended by crushing medical bills, has joined forces with Undue Medical Debt to erase at least $5 million in un-payable medical debt for those who need it most.
Learn more:
Learn more:
It's a shame to say I didn't enjoy Heartworm. It's a Resident Evil 1/Silent Hill 1-style game with a chunky retro aesthetic, so it should be right up my alley. And yet...
Heartworm Aims for Retro Survival Horror but Fails to Capture its Moment
Heartworm – Game Review With chunky, pixelated graphics; tank controls; and stiff, awkward dialogue, Heartworm would have been right at home in the late 90s and early 2000s, when Resident Evi…
redringcircus.com
August 26, 2025 at 10:55 PM
It's a shame to say I didn't enjoy Heartworm. It's a Resident Evil 1/Silent Hill 1-style game with a chunky retro aesthetic, so it should be right up my alley. And yet...
Reposted by Joe-Donuts
Atari has acquired all IP rights to five Ubisoft titles "with a view to making them available on new platforms"
-Cold Fear (2005)
-Child of Eden (2011)
-I Am Alive (2012)
-Grow Home (2015)
-Grow Up (2016)
businesswire.com/news/home/20...
-Cold Fear (2005)
-Child of Eden (2011)
-I Am Alive (2012)
-Grow Home (2015)
-Grow Up (2016)
businesswire.com/news/home/20...
August 26, 2025 at 10:31 PM
Atari has acquired all IP rights to five Ubisoft titles "with a view to making them available on new platforms"
-Cold Fear (2005)
-Child of Eden (2011)
-I Am Alive (2012)
-Grow Home (2015)
-Grow Up (2016)
businesswire.com/news/home/20...
-Cold Fear (2005)
-Child of Eden (2011)
-I Am Alive (2012)
-Grow Home (2015)
-Grow Up (2016)
businesswire.com/news/home/20...
Not enough people hear that a game is 12 hours long and story-focused and get excited about that.
It just tells me there are a lot more potential gamers out there and a lot of people who haven't learned that a video game can be one of things they love.
It just tells me there are a lot more potential gamers out there and a lot of people who haven't learned that a video game can be one of things they love.
August 10, 2025 at 5:32 PM
Not enough people hear that a game is 12 hours long and story-focused and get excited about that.
It just tells me there are a lot more potential gamers out there and a lot of people who haven't learned that a video game can be one of things they love.
It just tells me there are a lot more potential gamers out there and a lot of people who haven't learned that a video game can be one of things they love.
Jeez I'm on vacation, sorry! www.videogamer.com/news/destiny...
Destiny 2 Edge of Fate is the worst-performing expansion in the MMO’s history as player counts continue to fall
Destiny 2 expansion Edge of Fate is the worst performing expansion in the MMO's history as players still fail to join the game.
www.videogamer.com
July 18, 2025 at 4:39 AM
Jeez I'm on vacation, sorry! www.videogamer.com/news/destiny...
I know it's still a few months off and there's a press cycle to these things, but I'm surprised Sucker Punch hasn't even confirmed one way or the other if Ghost of Yotei will have the Legends multiplayer again.
July 13, 2025 at 1:24 PM
I know it's still a few months off and there's a press cycle to these things, but I'm surprised Sucker Punch hasn't even confirmed one way or the other if Ghost of Yotei will have the Legends multiplayer again.
Reposted by Joe-Donuts
Matt Turnbull, Executive Producer at Xbox Game Studios Publishing - after the Microsoft layoffs - suggesting on Linkedin that may maybe people who have been let go should turn to AI for help. He seriously thought posting this would be a good idea.
![Post from Matt Turnbull:
These are really challenging times, and if you’re navigating a layoff or even quietly preparing for one, you’re not alone and you don’t have to go it alone.
I know these types of tools engender strong feelings in people, but I'd be remiss in not trying to offer the best advice I can under the circumstances. I’ve been experimenting with ways to use LLM AI tools (like ChatGPT or Copilot) to help reduce the emotional and cognitive load that comes with job loss.
Here are some prompt ideas and use cases that might help if you're feeling overwhelmed:
Career Planning Prompts:
“Act as a career coach. I’ve been laid off from a [role] in the game industry. Help me build a 30-day plan to regroup, research new roles, and start applying without burning out.”
“What kinds of game industry jobs could I pivot to with experience in [Production/Narrative/LiveOps/etc.]?”
Resume & LinkedIn Help
“Here’s my current resume. Give me three tailored versions: one for AAA, one for platform/publishing roles, and one for startup/small studio leadership.”
“Rewrite this resume bullet to highlight impact and metrics.”
“Draft a new LinkedIn ‘About Me’ section that focuses on my leadership style, shipped titles, and vision for game development.”
Networking & Outreach
“Draft a friendly message I can send to old coworkers letting them know I’m exploring new opportunities.”
“Write a warm intro message for reaching out to someone at [studio name] about a job posting.”
Emotional Clarity & Confidence
“I’m struggling with imposter syndrome after being laid off. Can you help me reframe this experience in a way that reminds me what I’m good at?”
No AI tool is a replacement for your voice or your lived experience. But at a time when mental energy is scarce, these tools can help get you unstuck faster, calmer, and with more clarity.
If this helps, feel free to share with others in your network.
Stay kind, stay smart, stay connected.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:qpbuxrel3f3njvjw5rakf532/bafkreiei32dnyvihcdgifb5niw7rf65o2obawz5nschbc4czojo4ecgz4u@jpeg)
July 4, 2025 at 3:48 AM
Matt Turnbull, Executive Producer at Xbox Game Studios Publishing - after the Microsoft layoffs - suggesting on Linkedin that may maybe people who have been let go should turn to AI for help. He seriously thought posting this would be a good idea.
I was pretty critical of Lies of P, which I think felt too derivative and really fell off a cliff towards the back half. But, Overture has been fantastic so far and I'm really excited to see what this studio does next. They seem to have the right idea.
June 28, 2025 at 3:13 PM
I was pretty critical of Lies of P, which I think felt too derivative and really fell off a cliff towards the back half. But, Overture has been fantastic so far and I'm really excited to see what this studio does next. They seem to have the right idea.
I just finished Yakuza after backlogging for YEARS. I bought SF6 5 times! I've played a ton of Hitman on a more powerful console. I have 2 Puyo Puyos for Switch. I didn't like Sonic. I've wishlisted Bravely Default and I'll get it eventually. If that's not enough then I can't help you game industry.
The Game Business: "Most third-party Switch 2 games posted very low numbers. One third-party publisher characterised the numbers as ‘below our lowest estimates’, despite strong hardware sales."
Cyberpunk 2077 was the best selling 3rd party game at launch
www.thegamebusiness.com/p/it-was-the...
Cyberpunk 2077 was the best selling 3rd party game at launch
www.thegamebusiness.com/p/it-was-the...
June 19, 2025 at 3:15 PM
I just finished Yakuza after backlogging for YEARS. I bought SF6 5 times! I've played a ton of Hitman on a more powerful console. I have 2 Puyo Puyos for Switch. I didn't like Sonic. I've wishlisted Bravely Default and I'll get it eventually. If that's not enough then I can't help you game industry.