Dark Aether
@thegrimaether.bsky.social
Freelance writer, essayist, pop culture fiend covering strange, obscure and interesting curios. Morbidly curious. Not Dead Yet. Contributor: http://theuglymonster.com
Home: https://medium.com/@thegrimaether
Home: https://medium.com/@thegrimaether
127) Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
"Did you remember to update your media thread?" (Yes, that's why I'm doing it right now!)
And that's a wrap for the 2025 media thread. Stay tuned for my Top 10 Games & Anime. Both lists are mostly finalized with one free space coincidentally.
(Coming soon...)
"Did you remember to update your media thread?" (Yes, that's why I'm doing it right now!)
And that's a wrap for the 2025 media thread. Stay tuned for my Top 10 Games & Anime. Both lists are mostly finalized with one free space coincidentally.
(Coming soon...)
January 2, 2026 at 4:02 PM
127) Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
"Did you remember to update your media thread?" (Yes, that's why I'm doing it right now!)
And that's a wrap for the 2025 media thread. Stay tuned for my Top 10 Games & Anime. Both lists are mostly finalized with one free space coincidentally.
(Coming soon...)
"Did you remember to update your media thread?" (Yes, that's why I'm doing it right now!)
And that's a wrap for the 2025 media thread. Stay tuned for my Top 10 Games & Anime. Both lists are mostly finalized with one free space coincidentally.
(Coming soon...)
126) Undead Unluck: Winter Arc
More of an appetizer than a full length story. Which is good because they just confirmed season 2. Otherwise, this would ended up as one big teaser.
More of an appetizer than a full length story. Which is good because they just confirmed season 2. Otherwise, this would ended up as one big teaser.
January 2, 2026 at 3:44 PM
126) Undead Unluck: Winter Arc
More of an appetizer than a full length story. Which is good because they just confirmed season 2. Otherwise, this would ended up as one big teaser.
More of an appetizer than a full length story. Which is good because they just confirmed season 2. Otherwise, this would ended up as one big teaser.
124) My Hero Academia (Season 8, final)
The nicest things I'll say now is it mostly ended well and the season as a whole was a step up from some of its weaker seasons.
The problem I have is the final arc itself, and mixed thoughts on the series overtime.
This might require a lengthier post. 📌
The nicest things I'll say now is it mostly ended well and the season as a whole was a step up from some of its weaker seasons.
The problem I have is the final arc itself, and mixed thoughts on the series overtime.
This might require a lengthier post. 📌
December 29, 2025 at 4:12 PM
124) My Hero Academia (Season 8, final)
The nicest things I'll say now is it mostly ended well and the season as a whole was a step up from some of its weaker seasons.
The problem I have is the final arc itself, and mixed thoughts on the series overtime.
This might require a lengthier post. 📌
The nicest things I'll say now is it mostly ended well and the season as a whole was a step up from some of its weaker seasons.
The problem I have is the final arc itself, and mixed thoughts on the series overtime.
This might require a lengthier post. 📌
123) Absolum
I could talk about how great this game, but all you need to know is you can finish the campaign with a chicken companion.
I repeat, you can finish the campaign with a CHICKEN companion.
Enough said.
I could talk about how great this game, but all you need to know is you can finish the campaign with a chicken companion.
I repeat, you can finish the campaign with a CHICKEN companion.
Enough said.
December 29, 2025 at 4:02 PM
123) Absolum
I could talk about how great this game, but all you need to know is you can finish the campaign with a chicken companion.
I repeat, you can finish the campaign with a CHICKEN companion.
Enough said.
I could talk about how great this game, but all you need to know is you can finish the campaign with a chicken companion.
I repeat, you can finish the campaign with a CHICKEN companion.
Enough said.
122) Sanda
Another unexpected Christmas media coinciding with the actual holiday irl. I am not the biggest Paru Itagaki fan and still got invested by the end.
Which is saying a lot considering Science Saru's other big project this year was Dandadan.
(Hmm. I need to sleep on this...)
Another unexpected Christmas media coinciding with the actual holiday irl. I am not the biggest Paru Itagaki fan and still got invested by the end.
Which is saying a lot considering Science Saru's other big project this year was Dandadan.
(Hmm. I need to sleep on this...)
December 29, 2025 at 3:52 PM
122) Sanda
Another unexpected Christmas media coinciding with the actual holiday irl. I am not the biggest Paru Itagaki fan and still got invested by the end.
Which is saying a lot considering Science Saru's other big project this year was Dandadan.
(Hmm. I need to sleep on this...)
Another unexpected Christmas media coinciding with the actual holiday irl. I am not the biggest Paru Itagaki fan and still got invested by the end.
Which is saying a lot considering Science Saru's other big project this year was Dandadan.
(Hmm. I need to sleep on this...)
121) Despelote
Few additions today. Neat premise, even if I didn't gel with the gameplay entirely.
"Mi familla" got a kick out watching me play over Christmas (pun intended).⚽
Few additions today. Neat premise, even if I didn't gel with the gameplay entirely.
"Mi familla" got a kick out watching me play over Christmas (pun intended).⚽
December 29, 2025 at 3:42 PM
121) Despelote
Few additions today. Neat premise, even if I didn't gel with the gameplay entirely.
"Mi familla" got a kick out watching me play over Christmas (pun intended).⚽
Few additions today. Neat premise, even if I didn't gel with the gameplay entirely.
"Mi familla" got a kick out watching me play over Christmas (pun intended).⚽
120) May I Ask for One Final Thing?
- End of Fall 2025 anime -
Didn't expect to laugh as hard as I did, although I think I'm good with it ending here. Unless there is more to this story and it goes in a new direction, it pretty much wraps up the main conflict, and that's all I can ask for atm.
- End of Fall 2025 anime -
Didn't expect to laugh as hard as I did, although I think I'm good with it ending here. Unless there is more to this story and it goes in a new direction, it pretty much wraps up the main conflict, and that's all I can ask for atm.
December 24, 2025 at 6:56 PM
120) May I Ask for One Final Thing?
- End of Fall 2025 anime -
Didn't expect to laugh as hard as I did, although I think I'm good with it ending here. Unless there is more to this story and it goes in a new direction, it pretty much wraps up the main conflict, and that's all I can ask for atm.
- End of Fall 2025 anime -
Didn't expect to laugh as hard as I did, although I think I'm good with it ending here. Unless there is more to this story and it goes in a new direction, it pretty much wraps up the main conflict, and that's all I can ask for atm.
119) The Creep Tapes (Season 2)
Not as consistent as S1, but some memorable entries towards the beginning. If this is going to be an annual thing, I'd forgo adding too much backstory. (Got to save something for the inevitable Creep 3...🤞)
Not as consistent as S1, but some memorable entries towards the beginning. If this is going to be an annual thing, I'd forgo adding too much backstory. (Got to save something for the inevitable Creep 3...🤞)
December 24, 2025 at 6:37 PM
119) The Creep Tapes (Season 2)
Not as consistent as S1, but some memorable entries towards the beginning. If this is going to be an annual thing, I'd forgo adding too much backstory. (Got to save something for the inevitable Creep 3...🤞)
Not as consistent as S1, but some memorable entries towards the beginning. If this is going to be an annual thing, I'd forgo adding too much backstory. (Got to save something for the inevitable Creep 3...🤞)
Tonight you’ll be visited by three spirits
December 24, 2025 at 5:08 PM
Tonight you’ll be visited by three spirits
Friends, do you ever read something so baffling and think to yourself "WHAT?"
December 23, 2025 at 1:09 PM
Friends, do you ever read something so baffling and think to yourself "WHAT?"
118) Skate Story
A visceral joy to behold, a truly bizarre pot of ideas and one of the best game soundtracks of the year, this is the type of experience I most value in between new releases and my current games in queue.
A visceral joy to behold, a truly bizarre pot of ideas and one of the best game soundtracks of the year, this is the type of experience I most value in between new releases and my current games in queue.
December 20, 2025 at 6:01 PM
118) Skate Story
A visceral joy to behold, a truly bizarre pot of ideas and one of the best game soundtracks of the year, this is the type of experience I most value in between new releases and my current games in queue.
A visceral joy to behold, a truly bizarre pot of ideas and one of the best game soundtracks of the year, this is the type of experience I most value in between new releases and my current games in queue.
117) Radiant (volume 19, manga)
From my recent holiday manga haul (these usually drop November). Big revelations, an insane scheme and some warm surprises I shall not spoil here. If it wasn't for the billion other things on my plate, I'd be singing its praises further (or writing another piece).
From my recent holiday manga haul (these usually drop November). Big revelations, an insane scheme and some warm surprises I shall not spoil here. If it wasn't for the billion other things on my plate, I'd be singing its praises further (or writing another piece).
December 16, 2025 at 3:24 PM
117) Radiant (volume 19, manga)
From my recent holiday manga haul (these usually drop November). Big revelations, an insane scheme and some warm surprises I shall not spoil here. If it wasn't for the billion other things on my plate, I'd be singing its praises further (or writing another piece).
From my recent holiday manga haul (these usually drop November). Big revelations, an insane scheme and some warm surprises I shall not spoil here. If it wasn't for the billion other things on my plate, I'd be singing its praises further (or writing another piece).
My final Hades II builds and first time completion for those wondering.
December 15, 2025 at 2:03 PM
My final Hades II builds and first time completion for those wondering.
116) Hades II
Complete both the upper and lower paths back-to-back last night (what a rush!). A mechanically inventive sequel design-wise with a lot of fun new mechanics and twists.
Will plug away some more between now and January, but I do need to move on. Got a whole GOTY list to compile.
Complete both the upper and lower paths back-to-back last night (what a rush!). A mechanically inventive sequel design-wise with a lot of fun new mechanics and twists.
Will plug away some more between now and January, but I do need to move on. Got a whole GOTY list to compile.
December 15, 2025 at 1:34 PM
116) Hades II
Complete both the upper and lower paths back-to-back last night (what a rush!). A mechanically inventive sequel design-wise with a lot of fun new mechanics and twists.
Will plug away some more between now and January, but I do need to move on. Got a whole GOTY list to compile.
Complete both the upper and lower paths back-to-back last night (what a rush!). A mechanically inventive sequel design-wise with a lot of fun new mechanics and twists.
Will plug away some more between now and January, but I do need to move on. Got a whole GOTY list to compile.
115) Wake Up Dead Man (2025, film)
Snowy weekend, so I had some time on my hands. A step up from Glass Onion, although not sure if I prefer it over Knives Out. Outside the "solution", it is the most straightforward murder mystery of the three in a good way.
(Might be the funniest though)
Snowy weekend, so I had some time on my hands. A step up from Glass Onion, although not sure if I prefer it over Knives Out. Outside the "solution", it is the most straightforward murder mystery of the three in a good way.
(Might be the funniest though)
December 15, 2025 at 1:22 PM
115) Wake Up Dead Man (2025, film)
Snowy weekend, so I had some time on my hands. A step up from Glass Onion, although not sure if I prefer it over Knives Out. Outside the "solution", it is the most straightforward murder mystery of the three in a good way.
(Might be the funniest though)
Snowy weekend, so I had some time on my hands. A step up from Glass Onion, although not sure if I prefer it over Knives Out. Outside the "solution", it is the most straightforward murder mystery of the three in a good way.
(Might be the funniest though)
I could point to almost any title in Ankama's back catalog, but for the sake of brevity, the Dofus anime duology.
Kerub's Bazaar is a sillier take on the game material that went deeper than I expected. Book 1: Julith is "the best animated film I've watched this year" (a topic for another day).
Kerub's Bazaar is a sillier take on the game material that went deeper than I expected. Book 1: Julith is "the best animated film I've watched this year" (a topic for another day).
December 10, 2025 at 4:23 PM
I could point to almost any title in Ankama's back catalog, but for the sake of brevity, the Dofus anime duology.
Kerub's Bazaar is a sillier take on the game material that went deeper than I expected. Book 1: Julith is "the best animated film I've watched this year" (a topic for another day).
Kerub's Bazaar is a sillier take on the game material that went deeper than I expected. Book 1: Julith is "the best animated film I've watched this year" (a topic for another day).
BTW, I am working on finalizing my annual top 10 games/anime. Unless something changes this month, this might be the first year since 2018 where I don't have a definitive GOTY.
Looks like we're doing this elimination style.
Looks like we're doing this elimination style.
December 9, 2025 at 9:04 PM
BTW, I am working on finalizing my annual top 10 games/anime. Unless something changes this month, this might be the first year since 2018 where I don't have a definitive GOTY.
Looks like we're doing this elimination style.
Looks like we're doing this elimination style.
114) Wakfu 1 - 2 (manga, 2012/2023)
Picked up some new manga recently, including the bundled pair for this one. Might revisit next year when I've read the other volumes, but shows promise.
I'm really curious as to how they resolve some of these plot beats introduced... (we'll talk)
Picked up some new manga recently, including the bundled pair for this one. Might revisit next year when I've read the other volumes, but shows promise.
I'm really curious as to how they resolve some of these plot beats introduced... (we'll talk)
December 8, 2025 at 3:13 PM
114) Wakfu 1 - 2 (manga, 2012/2023)
Picked up some new manga recently, including the bundled pair for this one. Might revisit next year when I've read the other volumes, but shows promise.
I'm really curious as to how they resolve some of these plot beats introduced... (we'll talk)
Picked up some new manga recently, including the bundled pair for this one. Might revisit next year when I've read the other volumes, but shows promise.
I'm really curious as to how they resolve some of these plot beats introduced... (we'll talk)
if you see this, repost with your model of positive masculinity
December 8, 2025 at 12:58 PM
if you see this, repost with your model of positive masculinity
What's it like inside your head?
December 5, 2025 at 6:58 PM
What's it like inside your head?
113) Marvel Cosmic Invasion
Finished the campaign last night. Guess how I beat the final boss?🛡️
A fantastic beat em up that proudly wears its inspirations on its sleeve, if a bit on the short side. Haven't been this buzzed since Streets of Rage 4 (wasn't as hot on the Turtles one).
Finished the campaign last night. Guess how I beat the final boss?🛡️
A fantastic beat em up that proudly wears its inspirations on its sleeve, if a bit on the short side. Haven't been this buzzed since Streets of Rage 4 (wasn't as hot on the Turtles one).
December 5, 2025 at 3:14 PM
113) Marvel Cosmic Invasion
Finished the campaign last night. Guess how I beat the final boss?🛡️
A fantastic beat em up that proudly wears its inspirations on its sleeve, if a bit on the short side. Haven't been this buzzed since Streets of Rage 4 (wasn't as hot on the Turtles one).
Finished the campaign last night. Guess how I beat the final boss?🛡️
A fantastic beat em up that proudly wears its inspirations on its sleeve, if a bit on the short side. Haven't been this buzzed since Streets of Rage 4 (wasn't as hot on the Turtles one).
It still boggles my mind this has never been in an official F-Zero game.
December 5, 2025 at 1:06 PM
It still boggles my mind this has never been in an official F-Zero game.
112) The Elusive Samurai (2024, rewatch)
Thinking about award season, so taking advantage of this unusual anime drought and rewatch some stuff, starting with my last AOTY.
Gorgeous, inspired, comical. Yep, this is a top shelf shonen anime. And if you don't agree, then "why do you hate fun?"😛
Thinking about award season, so taking advantage of this unusual anime drought and rewatch some stuff, starting with my last AOTY.
Gorgeous, inspired, comical. Yep, this is a top shelf shonen anime. And if you don't agree, then "why do you hate fun?"😛
December 1, 2025 at 2:13 PM
112) The Elusive Samurai (2024, rewatch)
Thinking about award season, so taking advantage of this unusual anime drought and rewatch some stuff, starting with my last AOTY.
Gorgeous, inspired, comical. Yep, this is a top shelf shonen anime. And if you don't agree, then "why do you hate fun?"😛
Thinking about award season, so taking advantage of this unusual anime drought and rewatch some stuff, starting with my last AOTY.
Gorgeous, inspired, comical. Yep, this is a top shelf shonen anime. And if you don't agree, then "why do you hate fun?"😛
111) Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name (2023)
Really dragged my feet on this one. I kind of like the idea of more "shorter" games like this. Awesome ending, if a little messy getting to that point (as is the style).
Also, very inventive way to reuse old assets ("Make it rain!").
Really dragged my feet on this one. I kind of like the idea of more "shorter" games like this. Awesome ending, if a little messy getting to that point (as is the style).
Also, very inventive way to reuse old assets ("Make it rain!").
December 1, 2025 at 1:53 PM
111) Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name (2023)
Really dragged my feet on this one. I kind of like the idea of more "shorter" games like this. Awesome ending, if a little messy getting to that point (as is the style).
Also, very inventive way to reuse old assets ("Make it rain!").
Really dragged my feet on this one. I kind of like the idea of more "shorter" games like this. Awesome ending, if a little messy getting to that point (as is the style).
Also, very inventive way to reuse old assets ("Make it rain!").
108) My Marriage to Saneka (manga, end)
And so ends another Wataru Momose story prematurely. Yes, I know this was always going to be a short story, but it really needed a few more chapters to flesh out that last part.
Still, solid ending. Not amazing, but about on par with Romantic Killer.
And so ends another Wataru Momose story prematurely. Yes, I know this was always going to be a short story, but it really needed a few more chapters to flesh out that last part.
Still, solid ending. Not amazing, but about on par with Romantic Killer.
November 26, 2025 at 1:15 PM
108) My Marriage to Saneka (manga, end)
And so ends another Wataru Momose story prematurely. Yes, I know this was always going to be a short story, but it really needed a few more chapters to flesh out that last part.
Still, solid ending. Not amazing, but about on par with Romantic Killer.
And so ends another Wataru Momose story prematurely. Yes, I know this was always going to be a short story, but it really needed a few more chapters to flesh out that last part.
Still, solid ending. Not amazing, but about on par with Romantic Killer.