Westen- BigNerdGaming
@bignerdgaming.bsky.social
Gaming Takes, Ranks, and Lists from a big ol' nerd. New posts twice a week.
email me at [email protected]
www.bignerdgaming.com
email me at [email protected]
www.bignerdgaming.com
Pinned
Get to know me:
-My name is Westen
-I'm a mid 30s dad.
-My wife rulez
-I started this gaming blog because I was having an existential crisis and I needed a distraction from the inevitably of death
-I love ranking stuff!
-Please follow me otherwise I will think about how close to death I am.
-My name is Westen
-I'm a mid 30s dad.
-My wife rulez
-I started this gaming blog because I was having an existential crisis and I needed a distraction from the inevitably of death
-I love ranking stuff!
-Please follow me otherwise I will think about how close to death I am.
Ive been thinking about this for a month.
Finally switched my current #9 and #8 games in my top 10 for the year.
The passage of time is very helpful with making these decisions. A bit of distance can make everything much clearer.
(Yes, this is how seriously I take this shit)
Finally switched my current #9 and #8 games in my top 10 for the year.
The passage of time is very helpful with making these decisions. A bit of distance can make everything much clearer.
(Yes, this is how seriously I take this shit)
November 14, 2025 at 1:16 AM
Ive been thinking about this for a month.
Finally switched my current #9 and #8 games in my top 10 for the year.
The passage of time is very helpful with making these decisions. A bit of distance can make everything much clearer.
(Yes, this is how seriously I take this shit)
Finally switched my current #9 and #8 games in my top 10 for the year.
The passage of time is very helpful with making these decisions. A bit of distance can make everything much clearer.
(Yes, this is how seriously I take this shit)
Ive had a very busy week and I'd kinda like to actually game this week so Im pushing my Dispatch Review to Saturday.
I've never posted a blog post on a Saturday. This feels like it's going to be a disaster. But I guess it'll be a nice science experiment.
I've never posted a blog post on a Saturday. This feels like it's going to be a disaster. But I guess it'll be a nice science experiment.
November 14, 2025 at 12:44 AM
Ive had a very busy week and I'd kinda like to actually game this week so Im pushing my Dispatch Review to Saturday.
I've never posted a blog post on a Saturday. This feels like it's going to be a disaster. But I guess it'll be a nice science experiment.
I've never posted a blog post on a Saturday. This feels like it's going to be a disaster. But I guess it'll be a nice science experiment.
I've been waffling on including Expedition 33 as an indie game in my lists.
But the freaking Indie Game Awards including it means I have no choice but to classify it as an indie in the BNG Awards.
Im sorry to all those who this will disappoint.
But the freaking Indie Game Awards including it means I have no choice but to classify it as an indie in the BNG Awards.
Im sorry to all those who this will disappoint.
Introducing the nominees for The Indie Game Awards 2025, airing on December 18th at 3:30 PM PT / 6:30 PM ET on @ign.com, @gamespot.com, and @sixoneindie.com's YouTube and Twitch channels.
Visit indiegameawards.gg for the full list of nominees, presenters, and judges.
Visit indiegameawards.gg for the full list of nominees, presenters, and judges.
November 13, 2025 at 10:46 PM
I've been waffling on including Expedition 33 as an indie game in my lists.
But the freaking Indie Game Awards including it means I have no choice but to classify it as an indie in the BNG Awards.
Im sorry to all those who this will disappoint.
But the freaking Indie Game Awards including it means I have no choice but to classify it as an indie in the BNG Awards.
Im sorry to all those who this will disappoint.
My entire reputation is on the line this Monday at Noon EST 😭😭😭
The Game Awards 2025 Nominees will be announced on Nov 17th, 9 AM PT www.youtube.com/live/GxUUJ-C...
November 13, 2025 at 9:38 PM
My entire reputation is on the line this Monday at Noon EST 😭😭😭
No console will ever captivate us like the past ever again for a variety of reasons. Longer dev times and almost no real exclusives being the big ones. This is fine, because gaming as a whole is better than ever.
Whenever I chat to anyone about the PS5's life so far, am I typically met with a waft of lukewarm praise or shrug of plain ambivalence? Why hasn't it captivated people - at least me - in the way the PS4 did? https://bit.ly/3LCEQZu
November 13, 2025 at 8:03 PM
No console will ever captivate us like the past ever again for a variety of reasons. Longer dev times and almost no real exclusives being the big ones. This is fine, because gaming as a whole is better than ever.
Get to know your mutuals. List 10 random things that you like!
🏀 Basketball (probably because Im 6'3)
🚶♂️ I like long walks almost anywhere (feels good to walk around as a 6'3 person)
🍕 I love DETROIT style pizza (perfect thing to eat as a 6'3 man from the Detroit area)
🏀 Basketball (probably because Im 6'3)
🚶♂️ I like long walks almost anywhere (feels good to walk around as a 6'3 person)
🍕 I love DETROIT style pizza (perfect thing to eat as a 6'3 man from the Detroit area)
Get to know your mutuals. List 10 random things that you like!
☕️ Home-brewed pour over
🍥 Tonkotsu Ramen
🍂 Crunchy autumn leaves
🎵 Collecting vinyl albums
🌳 Long walks at the park
👹 Tattoos
⚔️ Fantasy books/movies/games
⛳️ Miniature Golf
🦈 Sharks
❄️ Winter days where everything is crystallized in ice
☕️ Home-brewed pour over
🍥 Tonkotsu Ramen
🍂 Crunchy autumn leaves
🎵 Collecting vinyl albums
🌳 Long walks at the park
👹 Tattoos
⚔️ Fantasy books/movies/games
⛳️ Miniature Golf
🦈 Sharks
❄️ Winter days where everything is crystallized in ice
Get to know your mutuals. List 10 random things that you like!
🌹Anime
🌸Poetry
🌺Home decor
🌷Sci-fi novels
🌻Video Games
🌼Public Gardens
🪷80s cult classics
🪻Historical Landmarks
🌾Collecting Crystals/Rocks
🍄Matcha and seasonal drinks
🌹Anime
🌸Poetry
🌺Home decor
🌷Sci-fi novels
🌻Video Games
🌼Public Gardens
🪷80s cult classics
🪻Historical Landmarks
🌾Collecting Crystals/Rocks
🍄Matcha and seasonal drinks
November 13, 2025 at 7:08 PM
Get to know your mutuals. List 10 random things that you like!
🏀 Basketball (probably because Im 6'3)
🚶♂️ I like long walks almost anywhere (feels good to walk around as a 6'3 person)
🍕 I love DETROIT style pizza (perfect thing to eat as a 6'3 man from the Detroit area)
🏀 Basketball (probably because Im 6'3)
🚶♂️ I like long walks almost anywhere (feels good to walk around as a 6'3 person)
🍕 I love DETROIT style pizza (perfect thing to eat as a 6'3 man from the Detroit area)
Does it even count as baseless speculation at this point to just assume Saudi Arabia?
Ubisoft just postponed its earnings report and halted the trading of its shares. Unclear why at this point but could indicate a major announcement related to the company.
November 13, 2025 at 6:42 PM
Does it even count as baseless speculation at this point to just assume Saudi Arabia?
Reposted by Westen- BigNerdGaming
Dispatch was one of my most anticipated games this year, and despite my high expectations, it managed to surpass every one of them.
The game sets itself apart from others in the genre with its unique humour, stylish art direction, and memorable characters and performances.
My full review 👇
The game sets itself apart from others in the genre with its unique humour, stylish art direction, and memorable characters and performances.
My full review 👇
Dispatch Review: Hilarious Superheroes, Sharp Writing, and Standout Performances - Born for Media
Dispatch Review: Stunning visuals, brilliant humour, and a clever dispatching system make this one of the most entertaining games of 2025.
bornformedia.com
November 13, 2025 at 3:41 PM
Dispatch was one of my most anticipated games this year, and despite my high expectations, it managed to surpass every one of them.
The game sets itself apart from others in the genre with its unique humour, stylish art direction, and memorable characters and performances.
My full review 👇
The game sets itself apart from others in the genre with its unique humour, stylish art direction, and memorable characters and performances.
My full review 👇
My lists are updated!
Leaving my current top 10s..
-Discounty for best story
-KCD2 for best graphics/art
-Koira for Best Music
-Citizen Sleeper 2 for Best Indie
-Henry (KCD2), Enzo and Don (Mafia) for best character
-Troy Baker (Higgs) and Maxence Carzola (Esquie) for best performance
Farewell 🫡
Leaving my current top 10s..
-Discounty for best story
-KCD2 for best graphics/art
-Koira for Best Music
-Citizen Sleeper 2 for Best Indie
-Henry (KCD2), Enzo and Don (Mafia) for best character
-Troy Baker (Higgs) and Maxence Carzola (Esquie) for best performance
Farewell 🫡
Game #35 of 2025 completed: Dispatch.
So much freaking fun. They nailed damn near everything. It's gotta be up there with the best of "Telltale". I was hyped and yet it still blew away my expectations. Play it!
Time to go update a bunch of my 2025 lists...
So much freaking fun. They nailed damn near everything. It's gotta be up there with the best of "Telltale". I was hyped and yet it still blew away my expectations. Play it!
Time to go update a bunch of my 2025 lists...
November 13, 2025 at 2:58 PM
My lists are updated!
Leaving my current top 10s..
-Discounty for best story
-KCD2 for best graphics/art
-Koira for Best Music
-Citizen Sleeper 2 for Best Indie
-Henry (KCD2), Enzo and Don (Mafia) for best character
-Troy Baker (Higgs) and Maxence Carzola (Esquie) for best performance
Farewell 🫡
Leaving my current top 10s..
-Discounty for best story
-KCD2 for best graphics/art
-Koira for Best Music
-Citizen Sleeper 2 for Best Indie
-Henry (KCD2), Enzo and Don (Mafia) for best character
-Troy Baker (Higgs) and Maxence Carzola (Esquie) for best performance
Farewell 🫡
Reposted by Westen- BigNerdGaming
"The Seance of Blake Manor excels in fulfilling a detective fantasy, in its exploration of grief, and in just being not quite like anything else out there." - 8.5/10
Thank you @bignerdgaming.bsky.social 👻🔮🖤
Thank you @bignerdgaming.bsky.social 👻🔮🖤
The Seance of Blake Manor manages to eloquently tackle themes of grief, while also being a very cool and unique open ended detective game. Any fans of Golden Idol or even Blue Prince should consider it.
My review.
bignerdgaming.com/2025/11/12/t...
My review.
bignerdgaming.com/2025/11/12/t...
The Seance of Blake Manor Review: Death Detective
Like most people, I have many concerns about the seemingly rapid advances of AI into our society. One use of AI that has disturbed me the most is when I see people use it to try and essentially bri…
bignerdgaming.com
November 13, 2025 at 9:45 AM
"The Seance of Blake Manor excels in fulfilling a detective fantasy, in its exploration of grief, and in just being not quite like anything else out there." - 8.5/10
Thank you @bignerdgaming.bsky.social 👻🔮🖤
Thank you @bignerdgaming.bsky.social 👻🔮🖤
Game #35 of 2025 completed: Dispatch.
So much freaking fun. They nailed damn near everything. It's gotta be up there with the best of "Telltale". I was hyped and yet it still blew away my expectations. Play it!
Time to go update a bunch of my 2025 lists...
So much freaking fun. They nailed damn near everything. It's gotta be up there with the best of "Telltale". I was hyped and yet it still blew away my expectations. Play it!
Time to go update a bunch of my 2025 lists...
November 13, 2025 at 4:13 AM
Game #35 of 2025 completed: Dispatch.
So much freaking fun. They nailed damn near everything. It's gotta be up there with the best of "Telltale". I was hyped and yet it still blew away my expectations. Play it!
Time to go update a bunch of my 2025 lists...
So much freaking fun. They nailed damn near everything. It's gotta be up there with the best of "Telltale". I was hyped and yet it still blew away my expectations. Play it!
Time to go update a bunch of my 2025 lists...
Episode 7 of Dispatch... EASILY THE BEST YET
I almost don't want to start 8. It's gonna be sad to not have this game in my life anymore.
I almost don't want to start 8. It's gonna be sad to not have this game in my life anymore.
November 12, 2025 at 11:56 PM
Episode 7 of Dispatch... EASILY THE BEST YET
I almost don't want to start 8. It's gonna be sad to not have this game in my life anymore.
I almost don't want to start 8. It's gonna be sad to not have this game in my life anymore.
Last bump. Appreciate the support as always, and congrats to @spookydoorway.bsky.social on an excellent game!
Coming Friday... my Dispatch Review 👀
Coming Friday... my Dispatch Review 👀
The Seance of Blake Manor manages to eloquently tackle themes of grief, while also being a very cool and unique open ended detective game. Any fans of Golden Idol or even Blue Prince should consider it.
My review.
bignerdgaming.com/2025/11/12/t...
My review.
bignerdgaming.com/2025/11/12/t...
The Seance of Blake Manor Review: Death Detective
Like most people, I have many concerns about the seemingly rapid advances of AI into our society. One use of AI that has disturbed me the most is when I see people use it to try and essentially bri…
bignerdgaming.com
November 12, 2025 at 11:32 PM
Last bump. Appreciate the support as always, and congrats to @spookydoorway.bsky.social on an excellent game!
Coming Friday... my Dispatch Review 👀
Coming Friday... my Dispatch Review 👀
My SteamCube take...
As a ps5/xsx/deck owner, I don't see why I'd need it personally, but Im happy for everyone who is excited.
#HotTakes
As a ps5/xsx/deck owner, I don't see why I'd need it personally, but Im happy for everyone who is excited.
#HotTakes
November 12, 2025 at 8:28 PM
My SteamCube take...
As a ps5/xsx/deck owner, I don't see why I'd need it personally, but Im happy for everyone who is excited.
#HotTakes
As a ps5/xsx/deck owner, I don't see why I'd need it personally, but Im happy for everyone who is excited.
#HotTakes
The headers!
Honestly... 5.5/10 effort from me. I will be better in the future 🙏
Honestly... 5.5/10 effort from me. I will be better in the future 🙏
November 12, 2025 at 6:39 PM
The headers!
Honestly... 5.5/10 effort from me. I will be better in the future 🙏
Honestly... 5.5/10 effort from me. I will be better in the future 🙏
The Seance of Blake Manor manages to eloquently tackle themes of grief, while also being a very cool and unique open ended detective game. Any fans of Golden Idol or even Blue Prince should consider it.
My review.
bignerdgaming.com/2025/11/12/t...
My review.
bignerdgaming.com/2025/11/12/t...
The Seance of Blake Manor Review: Death Detective
Like most people, I have many concerns about the seemingly rapid advances of AI into our society. One use of AI that has disturbed me the most is when I see people use it to try and essentially bri…
bignerdgaming.com
November 12, 2025 at 3:05 PM
The Seance of Blake Manor manages to eloquently tackle themes of grief, while also being a very cool and unique open ended detective game. Any fans of Golden Idol or even Blue Prince should consider it.
My review.
bignerdgaming.com/2025/11/12/t...
My review.
bignerdgaming.com/2025/11/12/t...
Reposted by Westen- BigNerdGaming
If you’ve ever wanted to support small independent creators or get to know some awesome people who are passionate about games now’s your chance. Drop us a follow, share us around, or give us a rating. Now more than ever it’ll help a ton.
open.spotify.com/show/0GR7S22...
open.spotify.com/show/0GR7S22...
Kyle and the Arc Raiders Experience.
open.spotify.com
November 12, 2025 at 4:22 AM
If you’ve ever wanted to support small independent creators or get to know some awesome people who are passionate about games now’s your chance. Drop us a follow, share us around, or give us a rating. Now more than ever it’ll help a ton.
open.spotify.com/show/0GR7S22...
open.spotify.com/show/0GR7S22...
3 year old: "He has a turtle shell!"
Me: No, that's a shield. Can you say shield?
3 year old: No, that's a shell.
Me:.... sure. It's a shell.
#Knightling
Me: No, that's a shield. Can you say shield?
3 year old: No, that's a shell.
Me:.... sure. It's a shell.
#Knightling
November 11, 2025 at 11:42 PM
3 year old: "He has a turtle shell!"
Me: No, that's a shield. Can you say shield?
3 year old: No, that's a shell.
Me:.... sure. It's a shell.
#Knightling
Me: No, that's a shield. Can you say shield?
3 year old: No, that's a shell.
Me:.... sure. It's a shell.
#Knightling
Yes. I'm spamming Geoffs Twitter replies about the game awards with my prediction blog or podcast every single day.
#NoShame
#Hustle
#HustleHarder
#Grind
#Grindset
#NoShame
#Hustle
#HustleHarder
#Grind
#Grindset
November 11, 2025 at 11:29 PM
Yes. I'm spamming Geoffs Twitter replies about the game awards with my prediction blog or podcast every single day.
#NoShame
#Hustle
#HustleHarder
#Grind
#Grindset
#NoShame
#Hustle
#HustleHarder
#Grind
#Grindset
Text size that can be made larger, especially in menus. Small text size in menu heavy games genuinely harms my experience as I can't fully sit back and chill when I play it.
Honestly think this is like 50% of why I didn't complete KCD2.
Honestly think this is like 50% of why I didn't complete KCD2.
November 11, 2025 at 12:54 PM
Text size that can be made larger, especially in menus. Small text size in menu heavy games genuinely harms my experience as I can't fully sit back and chill when I play it.
Honestly think this is like 50% of why I didn't complete KCD2.
Honestly think this is like 50% of why I didn't complete KCD2.
16 bit graphics don't really get me nostalgic. Mostly because I still play like a dozen+ games a year that roughly look like that era.
But ps2 graphics? Those produce very high levels of nostalgia.
But ps2 graphics? Those produce very high levels of nostalgia.
November 11, 2025 at 1:43 AM
16 bit graphics don't really get me nostalgic. Mostly because I still play like a dozen+ games a year that roughly look like that era.
But ps2 graphics? Those produce very high levels of nostalgia.
But ps2 graphics? Those produce very high levels of nostalgia.
Saw a movie buff on another platform complaining about people who say there are no good movies out anymore, but then never go to see smaller movies.
And I was like... oh man. Is this a thing for like every entertainment medium?
And I was like... oh man. Is this a thing for like every entertainment medium?
November 10, 2025 at 11:54 PM
Saw a movie buff on another platform complaining about people who say there are no good movies out anymore, but then never go to see smaller movies.
And I was like... oh man. Is this a thing for like every entertainment medium?
And I was like... oh man. Is this a thing for like every entertainment medium?
Being a one man operation and somehow being above sites like Polygon and Forbes on search engines occasionally will always be the craziest thing to me. (I checked on incognito mode to make sure the algorithm wasn't favoring my site for this).
November 10, 2025 at 8:24 PM
Being a one man operation and somehow being above sites like Polygon and Forbes on search engines occasionally will always be the craziest thing to me. (I checked on incognito mode to make sure the algorithm wasn't favoring my site for this).
Needed a Steam Deck game because I find it hard to play Ball x Pit for longer than a run or 2 at a time.
Ended up on The Knightling. If @andresplays.bsky.social gives a game a 10, I'm contractually obligated to try it.
I hope it doesn't suck 😭
Ended up on The Knightling. If @andresplays.bsky.social gives a game a 10, I'm contractually obligated to try it.
I hope it doesn't suck 😭
November 10, 2025 at 8:12 PM
Needed a Steam Deck game because I find it hard to play Ball x Pit for longer than a run or 2 at a time.
Ended up on The Knightling. If @andresplays.bsky.social gives a game a 10, I'm contractually obligated to try it.
I hope it doesn't suck 😭
Ended up on The Knightling. If @andresplays.bsky.social gives a game a 10, I'm contractually obligated to try it.
I hope it doesn't suck 😭
Decided to do one quick solo arc raiders run.
Completely peaceful run until the very end of course.
I know now that getting downed in an elevator is not the worst thing potentially 😅
Completely peaceful run until the very end of course.
I know now that getting downed in an elevator is not the worst thing potentially 😅
November 9, 2025 at 7:10 PM
Decided to do one quick solo arc raiders run.
Completely peaceful run until the very end of course.
I know now that getting downed in an elevator is not the worst thing potentially 😅
Completely peaceful run until the very end of course.
I know now that getting downed in an elevator is not the worst thing potentially 😅