merman1974
@merman1974.bsky.social
C64 fan, retro gamer, writer, deeply affected by Crohns
Merman1974: The Retro Crusader of Bluesky
A digital merman swimming in a sea of pixels and profound social commentary
Merman1974: The Retro Crusader of Bluesky
A digital merman swimming in a sea of pixels and profound social commentary
Reposted by merman1974
I've reviewed over 20 games for my 2026 "Women with Weapons in Side-scrollers" Special, and it's not even 2026 yet.
pepsimanvsjoe.blogspot.com/2025/09/the-...
Still, I figure that there will be tons more to get through in the months ahead.
#retrogaming
pepsimanvsjoe.blogspot.com/2025/09/the-...
Still, I figure that there will be tons more to get through in the months ahead.
#retrogaming
The 2026 Special list of games
pepsimanvsjoe.blogspot.com
December 15, 2025 at 1:27 PM
I've reviewed over 20 games for my 2026 "Women with Weapons in Side-scrollers" Special, and it's not even 2026 yet.
pepsimanvsjoe.blogspot.com/2025/09/the-...
Still, I figure that there will be tons more to get through in the months ahead.
#retrogaming
pepsimanvsjoe.blogspot.com/2025/09/the-...
Still, I figure that there will be tons more to get through in the months ahead.
#retrogaming
Reposted by merman1974
Do you wonder, like I do, why AAA games require thousands of people to make and take many years to create?
Yahtzee Croshaw has a wonderfully succinct but also engaging explanation on why game development cycles are so long today.
And he illustrates it using a bag of chips.
Quite helpful!
Yahtzee Croshaw has a wonderfully succinct but also engaging explanation on why game development cycles are so long today.
And he illustrates it using a bag of chips.
Quite helpful!
AAA Development vs. a Bag of Chips | Semi-Ramblomatic
YouTube video by Second Wind
youtu.be
December 15, 2025 at 2:13 PM
Do you wonder, like I do, why AAA games require thousands of people to make and take many years to create?
Yahtzee Croshaw has a wonderfully succinct but also engaging explanation on why game development cycles are so long today.
And he illustrates it using a bag of chips.
Quite helpful!
Yahtzee Croshaw has a wonderfully succinct but also engaging explanation on why game development cycles are so long today.
And he illustrates it using a bag of chips.
Quite helpful!
Reposted by merman1974
UBI isn't meant to replace the income from all jobs, and we aren't going to lose all jobs, especially if we have UBI to maintain spending. What UBI excels at is functioning as a floor and a dividend to make sure everyone gets a rightful share and a cushion to prevent the worst + enable new pursuits.
December 15, 2025 at 2:27 PM
UBI isn't meant to replace the income from all jobs, and we aren't going to lose all jobs, especially if we have UBI to maintain spending. What UBI excels at is functioning as a floor and a dividend to make sure everyone gets a rightful share and a cushion to prevent the worst + enable new pursuits.
Reposted by merman1974
Just so I'm clear on this, computer memory has tripled in price because a bunch of it that hasn't been produced yet has been ordered to populate GPUs that aren't installed in data centers that aren't built yet in order to service a demand that doesn't exist to make profits that don't happen.
December 15, 2025 at 12:21 PM
Just so I'm clear on this, computer memory has tripled in price because a bunch of it that hasn't been produced yet has been ordered to populate GPUs that aren't installed in data centers that aren't built yet in order to service a demand that doesn't exist to make profits that don't happen.
Reposted by merman1974
GTW Highlight No.35: In August, we released a lost and unreleased #PC build of X'Treme Roller by Neko. The game was released on #PS1, and was also cancelled for the #N64 too. We take a look at this very early build, which you too can now play:
www.gamesthatwerent.com/2025/08/xtre...
www.gamesthatwerent.com/2025/08/xtre...
December 15, 2025 at 2:29 PM
GTW Highlight No.35: In August, we released a lost and unreleased #PC build of X'Treme Roller by Neko. The game was released on #PS1, and was also cancelled for the #N64 too. We take a look at this very early build, which you too can now play:
www.gamesthatwerent.com/2025/08/xtre...
www.gamesthatwerent.com/2025/08/xtre...
Reposted by merman1974
Brown U kids who survived USA 389th mass shooting of 2025 will now pay out of pocket for their healthcare, because USA guarantees guns but not health.
Australians who survived the 1st mass shooting in 29 years will pay nothing for healthcare because Australia guarantees health & regulates guns.
Australians who survived the 1st mass shooting in 29 years will pay nothing for healthcare because Australia guarantees health & regulates guns.
December 15, 2025 at 1:13 PM
Brown U kids who survived USA 389th mass shooting of 2025 will now pay out of pocket for their healthcare, because USA guarantees guns but not health.
Australians who survived the 1st mass shooting in 29 years will pay nothing for healthcare because Australia guarantees health & regulates guns.
Australians who survived the 1st mass shooting in 29 years will pay nothing for healthcare because Australia guarantees health & regulates guns.
Reposted by merman1974
🎄On the seventh day of Christmas, SpecialEffect will host their annual quiz with friends of the charity!
Join SpecialEffect, @whalesorg.bsky.social and @safeinourworld.org on Thursday 18th December from 5:30PM live on Twitch, taking part in our Jeopardy-like quiz!
www.twitch.tv/specialeffec...
Join SpecialEffect, @whalesorg.bsky.social and @safeinourworld.org on Thursday 18th December from 5:30PM live on Twitch, taking part in our Jeopardy-like quiz!
www.twitch.tv/specialeffec...
December 15, 2025 at 2:43 PM
🎄On the seventh day of Christmas, SpecialEffect will host their annual quiz with friends of the charity!
Join SpecialEffect, @whalesorg.bsky.social and @safeinourworld.org on Thursday 18th December from 5:30PM live on Twitch, taking part in our Jeopardy-like quiz!
www.twitch.tv/specialeffec...
Join SpecialEffect, @whalesorg.bsky.social and @safeinourworld.org on Thursday 18th December from 5:30PM live on Twitch, taking part in our Jeopardy-like quiz!
www.twitch.tv/specialeffec...
Reposted by merman1974
Reposted by merman1974
The Curse of Issyos was released 10 years ago!
An action platformer set in Greek mythology, with a mix of linear and exploration levels.
Info and download -> locomalito.com
An action platformer set in Greek mythology, with a mix of linear and exploration levels.
Info and download -> locomalito.com
December 15, 2025 at 2:12 PM
The Curse of Issyos was released 10 years ago!
An action platformer set in Greek mythology, with a mix of linear and exploration levels.
Info and download -> locomalito.com
An action platformer set in Greek mythology, with a mix of linear and exploration levels.
Info and download -> locomalito.com
Reposted by merman1974
"Lost" Space Harrier Sequel Planet Harriers Runs Great In This Updated Dreamcast Emulator.
"Lost" Space Harrier Sequel Planet Harriers Runs Great In This Updated Dreamcast Emulator
DEmul gets its first update in seven years
www.timeextension.com
December 15, 2025 at 3:00 PM
"Lost" Space Harrier Sequel Planet Harriers Runs Great In This Updated Dreamcast Emulator.
Reposted by merman1974
MANCHESTER
MITCH BENN brings his electrifying one man version of Dickens’s A Christmas Carol to the International Anthony Burgess Centre on THURSDAY (18th) NB TWO shows (6pm & 8pm)
#AChristmasCarol #ChristmasReels #Dickens #TheatreReels #ViralReels #Storytelling #ChristmasinManchester
MITCH BENN brings his electrifying one man version of Dickens’s A Christmas Carol to the International Anthony Burgess Centre on THURSDAY (18th) NB TWO shows (6pm & 8pm)
#AChristmasCarol #ChristmasReels #Dickens #TheatreReels #ViralReels #Storytelling #ChristmasinManchester
December 15, 2025 at 3:06 PM
MANCHESTER
MITCH BENN brings his electrifying one man version of Dickens’s A Christmas Carol to the International Anthony Burgess Centre on THURSDAY (18th) NB TWO shows (6pm & 8pm)
#AChristmasCarol #ChristmasReels #Dickens #TheatreReels #ViralReels #Storytelling #ChristmasinManchester
MITCH BENN brings his electrifying one man version of Dickens’s A Christmas Carol to the International Anthony Burgess Centre on THURSDAY (18th) NB TWO shows (6pm & 8pm)
#AChristmasCarol #ChristmasReels #Dickens #TheatreReels #ViralReels #Storytelling #ChristmasinManchester
Reposted by merman1974
Just been to the post office and seen that last UK 2nd class post is Wednesday and 1st class is Saturday, so lets do a flash sale. All Happytoast.co.uk prints from now until Friday night are buy one get one free. If I've got it in stock it should be with you for Christmas.
HappyToast ★ art, animation, nonsense and stuff
One guy who does drawings and photoshops and animations and writes funny stuff
Happytoast.co.uk
December 15, 2025 at 2:45 PM
Just been to the post office and seen that last UK 2nd class post is Wednesday and 1st class is Saturday, so lets do a flash sale. All Happytoast.co.uk prints from now until Friday night are buy one get one free. If I've got it in stock it should be with you for Christmas.
Reposted by merman1974
December 15, 2025 at 3:17 PM
Reposted by merman1974
Hi I interviewed Dan Houser in London and we talked about lots of interesting things
www.theguardian.com/games/2025/d...
www.theguardian.com/games/2025/d...
He wrote the world’s most successful video games – now what? Rockstar co-founder Dan Houser on life after Grand Theft Auto
He rewrote the rule book with Rockstar then left it all behind. Now Dan Houser is back with a storytelling-focused studio to take on AI-obsessed tech bros and Mexican beauty queens
www.theguardian.com
December 15, 2025 at 3:14 PM
Hi I interviewed Dan Houser in London and we talked about lots of interesting things
www.theguardian.com/games/2025/d...
www.theguardian.com/games/2025/d...
Reposted by merman1974
Shocked by the awful death of Rob Reiner. I spoke with him for over an hour last night. We talked about his work and his plans for the future. I always enjoyed his company. We met at his Dad's in 1975. Last thing he said to me was "See you next year.." Such a terrible end. Such a sweet man.
December 15, 2025 at 6:26 AM
Shocked by the awful death of Rob Reiner. I spoke with him for over an hour last night. We talked about his work and his plans for the future. I always enjoyed his company. We met at his Dad's in 1975. Last thing he said to me was "See you next year.." Such a terrible end. Such a sweet man.
Reposted by merman1974
Very interesting and enlightening video introduction to procedural generation in games (specifically focusing on wave function collapse) ⬇️
www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6ZH...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6ZH...
Procedural Generation in Games - Computerphile
YouTube video by Computerphile
www.youtube.com
December 15, 2025 at 8:01 AM
Very interesting and enlightening video introduction to procedural generation in games (specifically focusing on wave function collapse) ⬇️
www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6ZH...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6ZH...
Reposted by merman1974
The OneChip Book is an FPGA-based laptop that was originally released as the OneChip MSX Book and includes an MSX-compatible cartridge slot. But the hardware developer did not get permission from either the OneChipMSX firmware developer or the ASCII corporation.
youtu.be/Iy7R29bjuJ8
youtu.be/Iy7R29bjuJ8
OneChip Book FPGA Based Laptop - Can I make it an MSX laptop?
YouTube video by electricadventures
youtu.be
December 15, 2025 at 8:51 AM
The OneChip Book is an FPGA-based laptop that was originally released as the OneChip MSX Book and includes an MSX-compatible cartridge slot. But the hardware developer did not get permission from either the OneChipMSX firmware developer or the ASCII corporation.
youtu.be/Iy7R29bjuJ8
youtu.be/Iy7R29bjuJ8
Reposted by merman1974
SMS Experiment, Day 13. Basic 16 directions done for the car. Now it's to put it all together and see how all the frames mismatch while rotating around. #sega #mastersystem #homebrew #graphicsgale
December 15, 2025 at 1:28 AM
SMS Experiment, Day 13. Basic 16 directions done for the car. Now it's to put it all together and see how all the frames mismatch while rotating around. #sega #mastersystem #homebrew #graphicsgale
Reposted by merman1974
Reposted by merman1974
Farage has ALWAYS been on the side of the rich and big business. Anything he can do to increase his own wealth, and that of his rich friends that's what he'll do.
If you're working class - especially if you're younger, you're a total moron if you vote for him.
centralbylines.co.uk/politics/far...
If you're working class - especially if you're younger, you're a total moron if you vote for him.
centralbylines.co.uk/politics/far...
Farage’s Reform UK attack on the young: austerity revisited
Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK Ltd is taking aim at the young over the minimum wage, voting age and mental health support
centralbylines.co.uk
December 15, 2025 at 9:10 AM
Farage has ALWAYS been on the side of the rich and big business. Anything he can do to increase his own wealth, and that of his rich friends that's what he'll do.
If you're working class - especially if you're younger, you're a total moron if you vote for him.
centralbylines.co.uk/politics/far...
If you're working class - especially if you're younger, you're a total moron if you vote for him.
centralbylines.co.uk/politics/far...
Reposted by merman1974
"It was now certain that Moscow had attempted to 'influence and destabilise both the last federal election and the ongoing internal affairs of Germany' through a disinformation campaign called Storm 1516." ~AA
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Germany accuses Russia of 2024 cyber attack and election disinformation campaign
The Russian ambassador is summoned over a cyber-attack on air traffic control and attempted electoral interference.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 15, 2025 at 9:23 AM
"It was now certain that Moscow had attempted to 'influence and destabilise both the last federal election and the ongoing internal affairs of Germany' through a disinformation campaign called Storm 1516." ~AA
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by merman1974
An early Christmas update! In the late 80s, Level 9 built H.U.G.E to push beyond text adventures. One casualty was Grange Murders, an ambitious Cinemaware animated detective game with multiple crimes. Canned in 1991, PC demos & assets have been unearthed!
www.gamesthatwerent.com/2025/12/gran...
www.gamesthatwerent.com/2025/12/gran...
December 15, 2025 at 9:23 AM
An early Christmas update! In the late 80s, Level 9 built H.U.G.E to push beyond text adventures. One casualty was Grange Murders, an ambitious Cinemaware animated detective game with multiple crimes. Canned in 1991, PC demos & assets have been unearthed!
www.gamesthatwerent.com/2025/12/gran...
www.gamesthatwerent.com/2025/12/gran...
Reposted by merman1974
Let's spread some joy! This weeks YouTube thread:
#1 @rubbishheap.bsky.social
bsky.app/profile/rubb...
#1 @rubbishheap.bsky.social
bsky.app/profile/rubb...
There won't be a Christmas special episode of the Rubbish Heap this year, but the most recent review PC Engine review of Nadia The Secret of Blue Water is out there to enjoy and we'll be reviewing a shoot-em-up for a change! youtu.be/SQGwPuUwP38 #retrogaming #pcengine
Unravelling the Mystery - Nadia The Secret of Blue Water PC Engine Review（ふしぎの海のナディアPCエンジン版評価）
YouTube video by Saki Endo's Rubbish Heap - Japanese Retro Gaming
youtu.be
December 15, 2025 at 9:08 AM
Let's spread some joy! This weeks YouTube thread:
#1 @rubbishheap.bsky.social
bsky.app/profile/rubb...
#1 @rubbishheap.bsky.social
bsky.app/profile/rubb...
Reposted by merman1974
BLOK is a block-rolling puzzle game 🧩 requiring logic 🤔, and partially also the need to finish within a specific time frame ⏱️. The difficulty ramps up quickly 🔥.
youtu.be/XYwsxWIJ2Nk
#amiga #ocs #gameplay #homebrew
youtu.be/XYwsxWIJ2Nk
#amiga #ocs #gameplay #homebrew
December 14, 2025 at 11:12 AM
BLOK is a block-rolling puzzle game 🧩 requiring logic 🤔, and partially also the need to finish within a specific time frame ⏱️. The difficulty ramps up quickly 🔥.
youtu.be/XYwsxWIJ2Nk
#amiga #ocs #gameplay #homebrew
youtu.be/XYwsxWIJ2Nk
#amiga #ocs #gameplay #homebrew
Reposted by merman1974
Old post!
Some love for the PC-88 version of Popful Mail and the nature of import friendliness.
gamesfromtheblackhole.wordpress.com/2024/08/04/p...
Some love for the PC-88 version of Popful Mail and the nature of import friendliness.
gamesfromtheblackhole.wordpress.com/2024/08/04/p...
Popful Mail PC-88 – Import Friendliness
Back in the days when games magazines reviewed games on the strength of their graphics, sound, playability and lastability, there was another term you’d see thrown around that has since disappeared…
gamesfromtheblackhole.wordpress.com
December 14, 2025 at 10:41 AM
Old post!
Some love for the PC-88 version of Popful Mail and the nature of import friendliness.
gamesfromtheblackhole.wordpress.com/2024/08/04/p...
Some love for the PC-88 version of Popful Mail and the nature of import friendliness.
gamesfromtheblackhole.wordpress.com/2024/08/04/p...