Ryan Zhao
@insrtcoins.bsky.social
Author: The Fundamentals of Video Game Literacy (coming April). Podcast host for Play;Write, Cane and Rinse, and Sound of Play. Marketing for Xbox Game Pass, prev. Nintendo.
https://letterboxd.com/InsrtCoins/
https://letterboxd.com/InsrtCoins/
What do you mean a definitive ranking of the Ernest movies is not an appropriate subject for a dissertation?
November 29, 2025 at 5:55 PM
What do you mean a definitive ranking of the Ernest movies is not an appropriate subject for a dissertation?
Road to Rio, The Lure, Dredd, L’Avventura
#LastFourWatched
Highlights of the week: Death of a Cyclist, Diabolique, The Virgin Spring, and Zootopia 2.
#LastFourWatched
Highlights of the week: Death of a Cyclist, Diabolique, The Virgin Spring, and Zootopia 2.
November 28, 2025 at 7:08 PM
Road to Rio, The Lure, Dredd, L’Avventura
#LastFourWatched
Highlights of the week: Death of a Cyclist, Diabolique, The Virgin Spring, and Zootopia 2.
#LastFourWatched
Highlights of the week: Death of a Cyclist, Diabolique, The Virgin Spring, and Zootopia 2.
Baby Steps🟩
Remarkable physical comedy, and actually a profound exploration of the relation between avatar and virtual space. Laughed heartily at every cutscene, too. Audacious, gratifying. The Uncharted 2 train and funnel-like desert tunnels were maybe a touch too hard, but otherwise well-managed.
Remarkable physical comedy, and actually a profound exploration of the relation between avatar and virtual space. Laughed heartily at every cutscene, too. Audacious, gratifying. The Uncharted 2 train and funnel-like desert tunnels were maybe a touch too hard, but otherwise well-managed.
November 25, 2025 at 7:14 AM
Baby Steps🟩
Remarkable physical comedy, and actually a profound exploration of the relation between avatar and virtual space. Laughed heartily at every cutscene, too. Audacious, gratifying. The Uncharted 2 train and funnel-like desert tunnels were maybe a touch too hard, but otherwise well-managed.
Remarkable physical comedy, and actually a profound exploration of the relation between avatar and virtual space. Laughed heartily at every cutscene, too. Audacious, gratifying. The Uncharted 2 train and funnel-like desert tunnels were maybe a touch too hard, but otherwise well-managed.
Stray Children
It's a quirky RPG from the makers of MOON. No one else does it quite like they do.
It's a quirky RPG from the makers of MOON. No one else does it quite like they do.
November 25, 2025 at 1:39 AM
Stray Children
It's a quirky RPG from the makers of MOON. No one else does it quite like they do.
It's a quirky RPG from the makers of MOON. No one else does it quite like they do.
Primal Planet
Why don't we do caveman platformers anymore? They used to be all the rage on SNES. This is a good Metroidvania with an impressive pixel-art style.
Why don't we do caveman platformers anymore? They used to be all the rage on SNES. This is a good Metroidvania with an impressive pixel-art style.
November 25, 2025 at 1:39 AM
Primal Planet
Why don't we do caveman platformers anymore? They used to be all the rage on SNES. This is a good Metroidvania with an impressive pixel-art style.
Why don't we do caveman platformers anymore? They used to be all the rage on SNES. This is a good Metroidvania with an impressive pixel-art style.
Everdeep Aurora
A 2D mining platformer (think SteamWorld Dig), but everything works *a little differently* than you'd assume -- down to UI elements, movement options, etc. It all works -- it's internally consistent -- but as someone who plays a lot of games, it's nice to be surprised.
A 2D mining platformer (think SteamWorld Dig), but everything works *a little differently* than you'd assume -- down to UI elements, movement options, etc. It all works -- it's internally consistent -- but as someone who plays a lot of games, it's nice to be surprised.
November 25, 2025 at 1:39 AM
Everdeep Aurora
A 2D mining platformer (think SteamWorld Dig), but everything works *a little differently* than you'd assume -- down to UI elements, movement options, etc. It all works -- it's internally consistent -- but as someone who plays a lot of games, it's nice to be surprised.
A 2D mining platformer (think SteamWorld Dig), but everything works *a little differently* than you'd assume -- down to UI elements, movement options, etc. It all works -- it's internally consistent -- but as someone who plays a lot of games, it's nice to be surprised.
PAGER
A student game with very straightforward gameplay -- it is a walking sim in the truest sense -- but an endless array of visual and spatial ideas. You'll be shocked how many rooms they've built out. All presented in a great, minimalist aesthetic.
A student game with very straightforward gameplay -- it is a walking sim in the truest sense -- but an endless array of visual and spatial ideas. You'll be shocked how many rooms they've built out. All presented in a great, minimalist aesthetic.
November 25, 2025 at 1:39 AM
PAGER
A student game with very straightforward gameplay -- it is a walking sim in the truest sense -- but an endless array of visual and spatial ideas. You'll be shocked how many rooms they've built out. All presented in a great, minimalist aesthetic.
A student game with very straightforward gameplay -- it is a walking sim in the truest sense -- but an endless array of visual and spatial ideas. You'll be shocked how many rooms they've built out. All presented in a great, minimalist aesthetic.
Poco
A free point-and-click with a great visual aesthetic and a strange world to explore. It has a good sense of humor.
A free point-and-click with a great visual aesthetic and a strange world to explore. It has a good sense of humor.
November 25, 2025 at 1:39 AM
Poco
A free point-and-click with a great visual aesthetic and a strange world to explore. It has a good sense of humor.
A free point-and-click with a great visual aesthetic and a strange world to explore. It has a good sense of humor.
BLUEJEWELED
A Bejeweled mod-as-"parody". Presents a surprising number of scenarios that you've dreamt about when playing Bejeweled, but it's always surprising and amusing to see what actually happens when the engine works in these unconventional ways.
A Bejeweled mod-as-"parody". Presents a surprising number of scenarios that you've dreamt about when playing Bejeweled, but it's always surprising and amusing to see what actually happens when the engine works in these unconventional ways.
November 25, 2025 at 1:39 AM
BLUEJEWELED
A Bejeweled mod-as-"parody". Presents a surprising number of scenarios that you've dreamt about when playing Bejeweled, but it's always surprising and amusing to see what actually happens when the engine works in these unconventional ways.
A Bejeweled mod-as-"parody". Presents a surprising number of scenarios that you've dreamt about when playing Bejeweled, but it's always surprising and amusing to see what actually happens when the engine works in these unconventional ways.
Once upon a KATAMARI / Katamari Damacy Rolling LIVE
Did you know that we had TWO new Katamari games this year? Rolling LIVE (on Apple Arcade) is in the style of classic, PS2 Katamari -- iterating on ideas from 1 ONLY. Back-to-basics. Once Upon pushes ideas from Beautiful and Forever. Modern, fresh.
Did you know that we had TWO new Katamari games this year? Rolling LIVE (on Apple Arcade) is in the style of classic, PS2 Katamari -- iterating on ideas from 1 ONLY. Back-to-basics. Once Upon pushes ideas from Beautiful and Forever. Modern, fresh.
November 25, 2025 at 1:39 AM
Once upon a KATAMARI / Katamari Damacy Rolling LIVE
Did you know that we had TWO new Katamari games this year? Rolling LIVE (on Apple Arcade) is in the style of classic, PS2 Katamari -- iterating on ideas from 1 ONLY. Back-to-basics. Once Upon pushes ideas from Beautiful and Forever. Modern, fresh.
Did you know that we had TWO new Katamari games this year? Rolling LIVE (on Apple Arcade) is in the style of classic, PS2 Katamari -- iterating on ideas from 1 ONLY. Back-to-basics. Once Upon pushes ideas from Beautiful and Forever. Modern, fresh.
Find 100 Ducks and Blast Them!
I've kept an eye on hidden object games for a while; a genre that has grown and innovated in "casual" surfaces, outside of the view of the "mainstream" -- they will return, fully-formed, and surprise!
This is a fun attempt at the genre in 3D. Not seismic, but cute.
I've kept an eye on hidden object games for a while; a genre that has grown and innovated in "casual" surfaces, outside of the view of the "mainstream" -- they will return, fully-formed, and surprise!
This is a fun attempt at the genre in 3D. Not seismic, but cute.
November 25, 2025 at 1:39 AM
Find 100 Ducks and Blast Them!
I've kept an eye on hidden object games for a while; a genre that has grown and innovated in "casual" surfaces, outside of the view of the "mainstream" -- they will return, fully-formed, and surprise!
This is a fun attempt at the genre in 3D. Not seismic, but cute.
I've kept an eye on hidden object games for a while; a genre that has grown and innovated in "casual" surfaces, outside of the view of the "mainstream" -- they will return, fully-formed, and surprise!
This is a fun attempt at the genre in 3D. Not seismic, but cute.
I Dont Want to Be a Good Woman
It's not often that a video game is not only good but probably illegal. The (anonymous) developers put their own safety on the line to share their experiences of being women in Iran under a harsh patriarchy, all presented in the style of an abstract sculpture park.
It's not often that a video game is not only good but probably illegal. The (anonymous) developers put their own safety on the line to share their experiences of being women in Iran under a harsh patriarchy, all presented in the style of an abstract sculpture park.
November 25, 2025 at 1:39 AM
I Dont Want to Be a Good Woman
It's not often that a video game is not only good but probably illegal. The (anonymous) developers put their own safety on the line to share their experiences of being women in Iran under a harsh patriarchy, all presented in the style of an abstract sculpture park.
It's not often that a video game is not only good but probably illegal. The (anonymous) developers put their own safety on the line to share their experiences of being women in Iran under a harsh patriarchy, all presented in the style of an abstract sculpture park.
Strange Jigsaws
Oh, it's just a bunch of jigsaw puzzles. How tricky could it be, right? RIGHT? These are ceaselessly clever; inspiringly innovative. A small, inexpensive package that will delight you. A follow up to the similarly excellent an unpretentious 20 Small Mazes.
Oh, it's just a bunch of jigsaw puzzles. How tricky could it be, right? RIGHT? These are ceaselessly clever; inspiringly innovative. A small, inexpensive package that will delight you. A follow up to the similarly excellent an unpretentious 20 Small Mazes.
November 25, 2025 at 1:39 AM
Strange Jigsaws
Oh, it's just a bunch of jigsaw puzzles. How tricky could it be, right? RIGHT? These are ceaselessly clever; inspiringly innovative. A small, inexpensive package that will delight you. A follow up to the similarly excellent an unpretentious 20 Small Mazes.
Oh, it's just a bunch of jigsaw puzzles. How tricky could it be, right? RIGHT? These are ceaselessly clever; inspiringly innovative. A small, inexpensive package that will delight you. A follow up to the similarly excellent an unpretentious 20 Small Mazes.
Bionic Bay
Even by the standard of pretty platformers, this is a very pretty platformer. But its propulsive, physics-based movement system gives it a feeling of controlled chaos. It feels more like improvisational parkour than I expected any 2D game would. A novel game-feel.
Even by the standard of pretty platformers, this is a very pretty platformer. But its propulsive, physics-based movement system gives it a feeling of controlled chaos. It feels more like improvisational parkour than I expected any 2D game would. A novel game-feel.
November 25, 2025 at 1:39 AM
Bionic Bay
Even by the standard of pretty platformers, this is a very pretty platformer. But its propulsive, physics-based movement system gives it a feeling of controlled chaos. It feels more like improvisational parkour than I expected any 2D game would. A novel game-feel.
Even by the standard of pretty platformers, this is a very pretty platformer. But its propulsive, physics-based movement system gives it a feeling of controlled chaos. It feels more like improvisational parkour than I expected any 2D game would. A novel game-feel.
The Roottrees Are Dead
Speaking of deduction puzzles, this Obra Dinn-like character identification game is a satisfying web to untangle. What would Obra Dinn be like with access to a (limited) internet connection? And if you had to examine the lyrics of 1970s glam rock songs for clues?
Speaking of deduction puzzles, this Obra Dinn-like character identification game is a satisfying web to untangle. What would Obra Dinn be like with access to a (limited) internet connection? And if you had to examine the lyrics of 1970s glam rock songs for clues?
November 25, 2025 at 1:39 AM
The Roottrees Are Dead
Speaking of deduction puzzles, this Obra Dinn-like character identification game is a satisfying web to untangle. What would Obra Dinn be like with access to a (limited) internet connection? And if you had to examine the lyrics of 1970s glam rock songs for clues?
Speaking of deduction puzzles, this Obra Dinn-like character identification game is a satisfying web to untangle. What would Obra Dinn be like with access to a (limited) internet connection? And if you had to examine the lyrics of 1970s glam rock songs for clues?
Strange Antiquities
Deduction-based logic puzzles constructed around the identification of cursed and magical artifacts. Great puzzles and very satisfying (terrifying?) to see the ripples of mundane interactions with these powerful artifacts.
Deduction-based logic puzzles constructed around the identification of cursed and magical artifacts. Great puzzles and very satisfying (terrifying?) to see the ripples of mundane interactions with these powerful artifacts.
November 25, 2025 at 1:39 AM
Strange Antiquities
Deduction-based logic puzzles constructed around the identification of cursed and magical artifacts. Great puzzles and very satisfying (terrifying?) to see the ripples of mundane interactions with these powerful artifacts.
Deduction-based logic puzzles constructed around the identification of cursed and magical artifacts. Great puzzles and very satisfying (terrifying?) to see the ripples of mundane interactions with these powerful artifacts.
ENA: Dream BBQ
okay, so this appears to be the first chapter of a longer release, but don't skip it. One of the more bizarre and unpredictable exploration adventures I've seen, set in a beautifully-realized, abstract world. Every character has a wildly different artistic style. Packs a punch.
okay, so this appears to be the first chapter of a longer release, but don't skip it. One of the more bizarre and unpredictable exploration adventures I've seen, set in a beautifully-realized, abstract world. Every character has a wildly different artistic style. Packs a punch.
November 25, 2025 at 1:39 AM
ENA: Dream BBQ
okay, so this appears to be the first chapter of a longer release, but don't skip it. One of the more bizarre and unpredictable exploration adventures I've seen, set in a beautifully-realized, abstract world. Every character has a wildly different artistic style. Packs a punch.
okay, so this appears to be the first chapter of a longer release, but don't skip it. One of the more bizarre and unpredictable exploration adventures I've seen, set in a beautifully-realized, abstract world. Every character has a wildly different artistic style. Packs a punch.
Öoo
Puzzle platformers don't get much more streamlined and elegant than this. The rules are simple, but there's still a lot to learn. Many of the pathways in the game are invisible tutorials, prompting you to use your limited abilities in ways you may not have considered.
Puzzle platformers don't get much more streamlined and elegant than this. The rules are simple, but there's still a lot to learn. Many of the pathways in the game are invisible tutorials, prompting you to use your limited abilities in ways you may not have considered.
November 25, 2025 at 1:39 AM
Öoo
Puzzle platformers don't get much more streamlined and elegant than this. The rules are simple, but there's still a lot to learn. Many of the pathways in the game are invisible tutorials, prompting you to use your limited abilities in ways you may not have considered.
Puzzle platformers don't get much more streamlined and elegant than this. The rules are simple, but there's still a lot to learn. Many of the pathways in the game are invisible tutorials, prompting you to use your limited abilities in ways you may not have considered.
Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo
A marvelous GBA-style Zelda-like action RPG. The puzzles are all clever and satisfying to solve, and the game has a brilliant upgrade system that feels generous and flexible. Feels great to play, and quite funny as well. An essential game of this year.
A marvelous GBA-style Zelda-like action RPG. The puzzles are all clever and satisfying to solve, and the game has a brilliant upgrade system that feels generous and flexible. Feels great to play, and quite funny as well. An essential game of this year.
November 25, 2025 at 1:39 AM
Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo
A marvelous GBA-style Zelda-like action RPG. The puzzles are all clever and satisfying to solve, and the game has a brilliant upgrade system that feels generous and flexible. Feels great to play, and quite funny as well. An essential game of this year.
A marvelous GBA-style Zelda-like action RPG. The puzzles are all clever and satisfying to solve, and the game has a brilliant upgrade system that feels generous and flexible. Feels great to play, and quite funny as well. An essential game of this year.
As we're entering GOTY season I wanted to highlight a few games that might not be on your radar yet. Here are a few semi-obscure greats from 2025 (in no particular order):
🧵
🧵
November 25, 2025 at 1:39 AM
As we're entering GOTY season I wanted to highlight a few games that might not be on your radar yet. Here are a few semi-obscure greats from 2025 (in no particular order):
🧵
🧵
I'm getting this when trying to view Death Stranding 2's page on PlayStation.com. I'm signed into my account and am 35 years old. How old do you have to be to view and play Death Stranding 2? What did they put in there that is too mature for a 35-year-old?
November 24, 2025 at 6:35 PM
I'm getting this when trying to view Death Stranding 2's page on PlayStation.com. I'm signed into my account and am 35 years old. How old do you have to be to view and play Death Stranding 2? What did they put in there that is too mature for a 35-year-old?
ElecHead🟩
Well-paced, challenging, and endlessly clever puzzle platformer. Each puzzle is well telegraphed, and the game folds in on itself in a very satisfying way in its final chapter. Crosses into "too oblique" territory once or twice, which was righted for follow-up Öoo, but masterful design.
Well-paced, challenging, and endlessly clever puzzle platformer. Each puzzle is well telegraphed, and the game folds in on itself in a very satisfying way in its final chapter. Crosses into "too oblique" territory once or twice, which was righted for follow-up Öoo, but masterful design.
November 24, 2025 at 6:07 AM
ElecHead🟩
Well-paced, challenging, and endlessly clever puzzle platformer. Each puzzle is well telegraphed, and the game folds in on itself in a very satisfying way in its final chapter. Crosses into "too oblique" territory once or twice, which was righted for follow-up Öoo, but masterful design.
Well-paced, challenging, and endlessly clever puzzle platformer. Each puzzle is well telegraphed, and the game folds in on itself in a very satisfying way in its final chapter. Crosses into "too oblique" territory once or twice, which was righted for follow-up Öoo, but masterful design.
Shoot the Piano Player, Beau Hunks, Rental Family, Angel's Egg
#LastFourWatched
#LastFourWatched
November 22, 2025 at 3:24 AM
Shoot the Piano Player, Beau Hunks, Rental Family, Angel's Egg
#LastFourWatched
#LastFourWatched
The fact that Jet Jaguar has had a bit of a career of his own outside of that movie makes me very happy.
November 22, 2025 at 12:34 AM
The fact that Jet Jaguar has had a bit of a career of his own outside of that movie makes me very happy.
Such a funny header image for Bing to choose when searching "k-pop".
November 21, 2025 at 7:53 PM
Such a funny header image for Bing to choose when searching "k-pop".