Justin Leeper
@justinleeper.bsky.social
The audacity to try has allowed me to wrestle, review, tour, perform, write & create for a living. Mostly game, lift, and hang w/partner & cat in free time. 日本語でも
Remember, expats, when the US government sent us early-pandemic correspondence, urging us to return home?
As if we’d be safer there! It was laughable then & even more-so now.
I spent COVID in Tokyo & in hindsight couldn’t have been luckier: no lockdown, gov’t assistance, mask normalization…
As if we’d be safer there! It was laughable then & even more-so now.
I spent COVID in Tokyo & in hindsight couldn’t have been luckier: no lockdown, gov’t assistance, mask normalization…
The US embassy is warning residents about increased bear activity in Japan, and just like that we have another social predicament in which a bear is the obvious choice.
November 16, 2025 at 3:15 AM
Remember, expats, when the US government sent us early-pandemic correspondence, urging us to return home?
As if we’d be safer there! It was laughable then & even more-so now.
I spent COVID in Tokyo & in hindsight couldn’t have been luckier: no lockdown, gov’t assistance, mask normalization…
As if we’d be safer there! It was laughable then & even more-so now.
I spent COVID in Tokyo & in hindsight couldn’t have been luckier: no lockdown, gov’t assistance, mask normalization…
Look at this goofy skull!
He looks like he’s gonna tell you to collect 30 thingamabobs and then he’ll spit out a gold tooth for you or something!
He looks like he’s gonna tell you to collect 30 thingamabobs and then he’ll spit out a gold tooth for you or something!
The best-sounding Bluetooth speaker I’ve ever had, the House of Marley Bag of Riddim II. Disappointed they never made a BOR III because this thing has such warm, tremendous sound. I first heard one in one of those airport audio gear shops, and I immediately went home and bought one.
November 16, 2025 at 1:30 AM
Look at this goofy skull!
He looks like he’s gonna tell you to collect 30 thingamabobs and then he’ll spit out a gold tooth for you or something!
He looks like he’s gonna tell you to collect 30 thingamabobs and then he’ll spit out a gold tooth for you or something!
Text to my sensei of 10 years, who taught me every weapon and many styles:
Last Samurai Standing on Netflix.
Episode 2, about 40 minutes in.
One samurai against 10 gun-wielding troopers.
Hell of a scene.
(The series is great so far, but as a stuntman/choreographer, that scene…)
Last Samurai Standing on Netflix.
Episode 2, about 40 minutes in.
One samurai against 10 gun-wielding troopers.
Hell of a scene.
(The series is great so far, but as a stuntman/choreographer, that scene…)
November 16, 2025 at 1:15 AM
Text to my sensei of 10 years, who taught me every weapon and many styles:
Last Samurai Standing on Netflix.
Episode 2, about 40 minutes in.
One samurai against 10 gun-wielding troopers.
Hell of a scene.
(The series is great so far, but as a stuntman/choreographer, that scene…)
Last Samurai Standing on Netflix.
Episode 2, about 40 minutes in.
One samurai against 10 gun-wielding troopers.
Hell of a scene.
(The series is great so far, but as a stuntman/choreographer, that scene…)
Z-Axis was BMX XXX’s dev. Their game Aggressive Inline out-Tony Hawk’d Tony 4 - so much so that Activision bought them, which I believe sabotaged this game in its all-important polish phase.
Even still, it was decent; see my review. Not that I’m in any way defending the overabundance of raunch.
Even still, it was decent; see my review. Not that I’m in any way defending the overabundance of raunch.
November 15, 2025 at 11:45 PM
Z-Axis was BMX XXX’s dev. Their game Aggressive Inline out-Tony Hawk’d Tony 4 - so much so that Activision bought them, which I believe sabotaged this game in its all-important polish phase.
Even still, it was decent; see my review. Not that I’m in any way defending the overabundance of raunch.
Even still, it was decent; see my review. Not that I’m in any way defending the overabundance of raunch.
Some retro games go up in standings when you replay them; others go down.
Recent replays:
Zelda: Minish Cap went up
Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow went up
Metroid Zero Mission went down
Metroid Prime 1 went down
Recent replays:
Zelda: Minish Cap went up
Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow went up
Metroid Zero Mission went down
Metroid Prime 1 went down
November 15, 2025 at 12:22 PM
Some retro games go up in standings when you replay them; others go down.
Recent replays:
Zelda: Minish Cap went up
Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow went up
Metroid Zero Mission went down
Metroid Prime 1 went down
Recent replays:
Zelda: Minish Cap went up
Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow went up
Metroid Zero Mission went down
Metroid Prime 1 went down
Been trying to get my gog PC games to run on my Retroid Pocket 5 (via Winlator). Lots of tinkering.
DREDGE crashes a lot; Arcade Paradise a little.
Berserk Boy runs flawlessly; God’s Trigger lags a bit.
Quake 2’s control is too slippery; Jupiter Strike doesn’t recognize any controller input at all.
DREDGE crashes a lot; Arcade Paradise a little.
Berserk Boy runs flawlessly; God’s Trigger lags a bit.
Quake 2’s control is too slippery; Jupiter Strike doesn’t recognize any controller input at all.
November 15, 2025 at 11:32 AM
Been trying to get my gog PC games to run on my Retroid Pocket 5 (via Winlator). Lots of tinkering.
DREDGE crashes a lot; Arcade Paradise a little.
Berserk Boy runs flawlessly; God’s Trigger lags a bit.
Quake 2’s control is too slippery; Jupiter Strike doesn’t recognize any controller input at all.
DREDGE crashes a lot; Arcade Paradise a little.
Berserk Boy runs flawlessly; God’s Trigger lags a bit.
Quake 2’s control is too slippery; Jupiter Strike doesn’t recognize any controller input at all.
I go hard on ocean-themed songs:
- Rock Lobster by B-52s
- Underwater Rimes by Digital Underground
- Mermaider by Dethklok
And can’t forget MOD made a whole album, Surfin’ MOD, that was a soundtrack for a fake beach movie.
- Rock Lobster by B-52s
- Underwater Rimes by Digital Underground
- Mermaider by Dethklok
And can’t forget MOD made a whole album, Surfin’ MOD, that was a soundtrack for a fake beach movie.
November 13, 2025 at 2:34 PM
I go hard on ocean-themed songs:
- Rock Lobster by B-52s
- Underwater Rimes by Digital Underground
- Mermaider by Dethklok
And can’t forget MOD made a whole album, Surfin’ MOD, that was a soundtrack for a fake beach movie.
- Rock Lobster by B-52s
- Underwater Rimes by Digital Underground
- Mermaider by Dethklok
And can’t forget MOD made a whole album, Surfin’ MOD, that was a soundtrack for a fake beach movie.
Pics of stuff I’ve done. I don’t really do as much cool stuff these days; I have a pretty normal (for me) job.
① A wrestling play in LA
② A longterm Converse ad campaign
③ An Amazon Prime comedy
④ A national car commercial
① A wrestling play in LA
② A longterm Converse ad campaign
③ An Amazon Prime comedy
④ A national car commercial
November 7, 2025 at 7:27 PM
Pics of stuff I’ve done. I don’t really do as much cool stuff these days; I have a pretty normal (for me) job.
① A wrestling play in LA
② A longterm Converse ad campaign
③ An Amazon Prime comedy
④ A national car commercial
① A wrestling play in LA
② A longterm Converse ad campaign
③ An Amazon Prime comedy
④ A national car commercial
You ever listen to this “music” stuff?
I can’t vouch for it all, but the stuff I’m listening to is really good. Like pizza for your ear holes but less messy.
I can’t vouch for it all, but the stuff I’m listening to is really good. Like pizza for your ear holes but less messy.
November 7, 2025 at 7:11 PM
You ever listen to this “music” stuff?
I can’t vouch for it all, but the stuff I’m listening to is really good. Like pizza for your ear holes but less messy.
I can’t vouch for it all, but the stuff I’m listening to is really good. Like pizza for your ear holes but less messy.
People within the country I currently reside foist their problems onto other people without a whiff of consideration.
Meanwhile, people in Japan attempt to be as little an obstacle to others as possible & may even willingly offload your problems onto them to help out. Like a proper island nation.
Meanwhile, people in Japan attempt to be as little an obstacle to others as possible & may even willingly offload your problems onto them to help out. Like a proper island nation.
October 26, 2025 at 4:37 PM
People within the country I currently reside foist their problems onto other people without a whiff of consideration.
Meanwhile, people in Japan attempt to be as little an obstacle to others as possible & may even willingly offload your problems onto them to help out. Like a proper island nation.
Meanwhile, people in Japan attempt to be as little an obstacle to others as possible & may even willingly offload your problems onto them to help out. Like a proper island nation.
Fellow editor Kato went to Japan to get a PS2 for GI, along with the (rough) launch lineup. Still, had fun with SF EX3 & Drum Mania.
Finally got a PS2 of my own for NBA Street.
PS2 goes down as the best video game console of all time, IMO. Such an unprecedented library - both quality & creativity!
Finally got a PS2 of my own for NBA Street.
PS2 goes down as the best video game console of all time, IMO. Such an unprecedented library - both quality & creativity!
PlayStation 2 launched 25 years ago in North America (October 26, 2000)
October 26, 2025 at 4:25 PM
Fellow editor Kato went to Japan to get a PS2 for GI, along with the (rough) launch lineup. Still, had fun with SF EX3 & Drum Mania.
Finally got a PS2 of my own for NBA Street.
PS2 goes down as the best video game console of all time, IMO. Such an unprecedented library - both quality & creativity!
Finally got a PS2 of my own for NBA Street.
PS2 goes down as the best video game console of all time, IMO. Such an unprecedented library - both quality & creativity!
I met @theludensatlas.bsky.social via the lovely Death Stranding community. They’re a talented, creative artist. So when they opened up commissions, I leapt at the chance!
First one: A creepy package Bridges might deliver to me. Very Higgs! 👍
You can support/get art, too:
ko-fi.com/theludensatlas
First one: A creepy package Bridges might deliver to me. Very Higgs! 👍
You can support/get art, too:
ko-fi.com/theludensatlas
October 26, 2025 at 1:50 AM
I met @theludensatlas.bsky.social via the lovely Death Stranding community. They’re a talented, creative artist. So when they opened up commissions, I leapt at the chance!
First one: A creepy package Bridges might deliver to me. Very Higgs! 👍
You can support/get art, too:
ko-fi.com/theludensatlas
First one: A creepy package Bridges might deliver to me. Very Higgs! 👍
You can support/get art, too:
ko-fi.com/theludensatlas
Rolled credits on Expedition 33 tonight. Brilliant game that will likely make my top 100.
That said…Act 3 was weird. It was just: Keep exploring the world then go here to end things. I was so OP, I went unmanaged through final area - despite being far from level cap (highest character was lvl 88).
That said…Act 3 was weird. It was just: Keep exploring the world then go here to end things. I was so OP, I went unmanaged through final area - despite being far from level cap (highest character was lvl 88).
October 26, 2025 at 1:35 AM
Rolled credits on Expedition 33 tonight. Brilliant game that will likely make my top 100.
That said…Act 3 was weird. It was just: Keep exploring the world then go here to end things. I was so OP, I went unmanaged through final area - despite being far from level cap (highest character was lvl 88).
That said…Act 3 was weird. It was just: Keep exploring the world then go here to end things. I was so OP, I went unmanaged through final area - despite being far from level cap (highest character was lvl 88).
I sometimes take things as compliments that were not meant as compliments.
Talking about protein with a coworker today, I inadvertently flexed.
Coworker: Ewww, what?! That’s like a potato! What the hell? A bicep on a bicep.
Not meant to be a compliment. Taken as a compliment. 💪
Talking about protein with a coworker today, I inadvertently flexed.
Coworker: Ewww, what?! That’s like a potato! What the hell? A bicep on a bicep.
Not meant to be a compliment. Taken as a compliment. 💪
October 24, 2025 at 5:22 PM
I sometimes take things as compliments that were not meant as compliments.
Talking about protein with a coworker today, I inadvertently flexed.
Coworker: Ewww, what?! That’s like a potato! What the hell? A bicep on a bicep.
Not meant to be a compliment. Taken as a compliment. 💪
Talking about protein with a coworker today, I inadvertently flexed.
Coworker: Ewww, what?! That’s like a potato! What the hell? A bicep on a bicep.
Not meant to be a compliment. Taken as a compliment. 💪
Yo, honeydew. I gotta apologize.
I really wasn’t familiar with your game.
But you’re FIRE in a protein smoothie!
I really wasn’t familiar with your game.
But you’re FIRE in a protein smoothie!
October 24, 2025 at 11:21 AM
Yo, honeydew. I gotta apologize.
I really wasn’t familiar with your game.
But you’re FIRE in a protein smoothie!
I really wasn’t familiar with your game.
But you’re FIRE in a protein smoothie!
Great leaders collaborate. Paranoid leaders hoard ownership of anything they can reach.
Working with Hideo Kojima on Death Stranding, he regularly conferred with & even deferred to us performers on scenes - allowing me to help shape pivotal moments.
If “Big Boss” can do that, any director should!
Working with Hideo Kojima on Death Stranding, he regularly conferred with & even deferred to us performers on scenes - allowing me to help shape pivotal moments.
If “Big Boss” can do that, any director should!
October 22, 2025 at 1:39 PM
Great leaders collaborate. Paranoid leaders hoard ownership of anything they can reach.
Working with Hideo Kojima on Death Stranding, he regularly conferred with & even deferred to us performers on scenes - allowing me to help shape pivotal moments.
If “Big Boss” can do that, any director should!
Working with Hideo Kojima on Death Stranding, he regularly conferred with & even deferred to us performers on scenes - allowing me to help shape pivotal moments.
If “Big Boss” can do that, any director should!
Blind watched Brad Pitt’s Ad Astra last night.
Hmm…
I wasn’t mad Pitt’s character was stoic by nature, but it definitely nullified drama & impact.
Plus, each harrowing/implausible scenario was leapt into without any consideration of failure or even a need for alternatives.
Glad I got it on sale…
Hmm…
I wasn’t mad Pitt’s character was stoic by nature, but it definitely nullified drama & impact.
Plus, each harrowing/implausible scenario was leapt into without any consideration of failure or even a need for alternatives.
Glad I got it on sale…
October 19, 2025 at 4:25 PM
Blind watched Brad Pitt’s Ad Astra last night.
Hmm…
I wasn’t mad Pitt’s character was stoic by nature, but it definitely nullified drama & impact.
Plus, each harrowing/implausible scenario was leapt into without any consideration of failure or even a need for alternatives.
Glad I got it on sale…
Hmm…
I wasn’t mad Pitt’s character was stoic by nature, but it definitely nullified drama & impact.
Plus, each harrowing/implausible scenario was leapt into without any consideration of failure or even a need for alternatives.
Glad I got it on sale…
Funny when I pop up in random posts. This is when Neversoft used their early face-scan tech to put me in Tony Hawk’s Underground as a skater for the Game Informer cover story I wrote.
tony hawk's underground, magazine screenshots, ps2 (2003) archive.org/details/ops-...
October 18, 2025 at 1:45 AM
Funny when I pop up in random posts. This is when Neversoft used their early face-scan tech to put me in Tony Hawk’s Underground as a skater for the Game Informer cover story I wrote.
I was blown away by KISS as a kid. Had their posters, would pantomime guitar with a bat to their albums.
Ace was the true “ace” of the band & their sound. Love how well his solo album sold despite being shoved aside by “leading” members.
Didn’t follow him much post-KISS, but his legacy is legendary.
Ace was the true “ace” of the band & their sound. Love how well his solo album sold despite being shoved aside by “leading” members.
Didn’t follow him much post-KISS, but his legacy is legendary.
BREAKING: Ace Frehley, Kiss' original lead guitarist and founding member, has died at 74.
Ace Frehley, Kiss' original lead guitarist and founding member, dies at 74
Ace Frehley, the original lead guitarist and founding member of the glam rock band Kiss who captivated audiences with his elaborate makeup and smoke-filled guitar, has died.
bit.ly
October 17, 2025 at 10:32 AM
I was blown away by KISS as a kid. Had their posters, would pantomime guitar with a bat to their albums.
Ace was the true “ace” of the band & their sound. Love how well his solo album sold despite being shoved aside by “leading” members.
Didn’t follow him much post-KISS, but his legacy is legendary.
Ace was the true “ace” of the band & their sound. Love how well his solo album sold despite being shoved aside by “leading” members.
Didn’t follow him much post-KISS, but his legacy is legendary.
Reminds me of how I figured out a while ago that the Phoenix Suns logo is the same upside down.
October 16, 2025 at 9:21 PM
Reminds me of how I figured out a while ago that the Phoenix Suns logo is the same upside down.
Itagaki-san was a one-of-a-kind creative, especially in Japan.
Taken way too soon.
I got to cover Itagaki-san & his games as a journalist, and I was at THQ whilst they were funding Devil’s Third (I got to see a prototype).
Many of his former team also worked on Wanted: Dead, which I did mocap on.
Taken way too soon.
I got to cover Itagaki-san & his games as a journalist, and I was at THQ whilst they were funding Devil’s Third (I got to see a prototype).
Many of his former team also worked on Wanted: Dead, which I did mocap on.
Dead or Alive creator, Team Ninja founder and Ninja Gaiden director Tomonobu Itakagi has passed away at the age of 58.
www.videogameschronicle.com/news/dead-or...
www.videogameschronicle.com/news/dead-or...
Dead or Alive creator, Team Ninja founder and Ninja Gaiden director Tomonobu Itakagi has passed away | VGC
The outspoken game designer was 58…
www.videogameschronicle.com
October 16, 2025 at 9:56 AM
Itagaki-san was a one-of-a-kind creative, especially in Japan.
Taken way too soon.
I got to cover Itagaki-san & his games as a journalist, and I was at THQ whilst they were funding Devil’s Third (I got to see a prototype).
Many of his former team also worked on Wanted: Dead, which I did mocap on.
Taken way too soon.
I got to cover Itagaki-san & his games as a journalist, and I was at THQ whilst they were funding Devil’s Third (I got to see a prototype).
Many of his former team also worked on Wanted: Dead, which I did mocap on.
One OK Rock put on One Awesome Rock show!
October 13, 2025 at 10:48 PM
One OK Rock put on One Awesome Rock show!
I can’t really control help how old I am… how many hairs are on my head or wrinkles on my face.
I’m grateful I can sit here and lift heavy things then put them down, and my body responds.
If only I were so dedicated in other aspects or my life. But sometimes, just lifting weights is enough.
I’m grateful I can sit here and lift heavy things then put them down, and my body responds.
If only I were so dedicated in other aspects or my life. But sometimes, just lifting weights is enough.
October 11, 2025 at 8:27 PM
I can’t really control help how old I am… how many hairs are on my head or wrinkles on my face.
I’m grateful I can sit here and lift heavy things then put them down, and my body responds.
If only I were so dedicated in other aspects or my life. But sometimes, just lifting weights is enough.
I’m grateful I can sit here and lift heavy things then put them down, and my body responds.
If only I were so dedicated in other aspects or my life. But sometimes, just lifting weights is enough.
Coming full circle:
-Quit Disney Plus
-Bought several Simpsons box sets (still have lots in US)
-Ordered peak South Park seasons
-Bought the whole Futurama series on Apple TV for $20
Remember how promising streaming was at first? What a downfall…
-Quit Disney Plus
-Bought several Simpsons box sets (still have lots in US)
-Ordered peak South Park seasons
-Bought the whole Futurama series on Apple TV for $20
Remember how promising streaming was at first? What a downfall…
October 11, 2025 at 5:24 PM
Coming full circle:
-Quit Disney Plus
-Bought several Simpsons box sets (still have lots in US)
-Ordered peak South Park seasons
-Bought the whole Futurama series on Apple TV for $20
Remember how promising streaming was at first? What a downfall…
-Quit Disney Plus
-Bought several Simpsons box sets (still have lots in US)
-Ordered peak South Park seasons
-Bought the whole Futurama series on Apple TV for $20
Remember how promising streaming was at first? What a downfall…
Was interesting talking to a coworker today who is younger than my professional career.
October 9, 2025 at 6:16 PM
Was interesting talking to a coworker today who is younger than my professional career.