William Lane
@williamjtlane.bsky.social
Policy, Public Affairs and Electoral Analysis
'Political Analyst' - Aaron H. Ellis
Views my own
Writes at https://thepartyanimal.substack.com/
'Political Analyst' - Aaron H. Ellis
Views my own
Writes at https://thepartyanimal.substack.com/
I express my ideas through the model of the 'Oxford Lib Dem', my addition to the existing 'Devon Lib Dem' and 'Twickenham Lib Dem' voter models.
Fundamentally I think the Lib Dems have an appeal to struggling white collar urban professionals, if only they become more positive about housebuilding.
Fundamentally I think the Lib Dems have an appeal to struggling white collar urban professionals, if only they become more positive about housebuilding.
November 28, 2025 at 11:57 AM
I express my ideas through the model of the 'Oxford Lib Dem', my addition to the existing 'Devon Lib Dem' and 'Twickenham Lib Dem' voter models.
Fundamentally I think the Lib Dems have an appeal to struggling white collar urban professionals, if only they become more positive about housebuilding.
Fundamentally I think the Lib Dems have an appeal to struggling white collar urban professionals, if only they become more positive about housebuilding.
You're not the first person to argue that!
November 26, 2025 at 9:59 PM
You're not the first person to argue that!
Out and about in London today, and im enjoying that crisp, blue winter sky!
I do love 'crisp' winter, but 'wet' winter can get in the bin.
I do love 'crisp' winter, but 'wet' winter can get in the bin.
November 26, 2025 at 3:28 PM
Out and about in London today, and im enjoying that crisp, blue winter sky!
I do love 'crisp' winter, but 'wet' winter can get in the bin.
I do love 'crisp' winter, but 'wet' winter can get in the bin.
I genuinely think that the game would be a lot better as part of an existing franchise, as it's clear that the devs had no real ideas for the story and world beyond reheating Beserk and Tolkien.
A Warhammer Fantasy game with Dragon's Dogma style combat would sell like hot cakes, is what I'm saying.
A Warhammer Fantasy game with Dragon's Dogma style combat would sell like hot cakes, is what I'm saying.
November 25, 2025 at 7:01 PM
I genuinely think that the game would be a lot better as part of an existing franchise, as it's clear that the devs had no real ideas for the story and world beyond reheating Beserk and Tolkien.
A Warhammer Fantasy game with Dragon's Dogma style combat would sell like hot cakes, is what I'm saying.
A Warhammer Fantasy game with Dragon's Dogma style combat would sell like hot cakes, is what I'm saying.
I'm playing Dragon's Dogma again, and for the first time I'm wondering if a game could be made *better* by being licenced/tie in game?
Everything good about this game is in the nuts and bolts combat and gameplay, everything bad about it is in the Temu Beserk world and characters.
Everything good about this game is in the nuts and bolts combat and gameplay, everything bad about it is in the Temu Beserk world and characters.
November 25, 2025 at 7:01 PM
I'm playing Dragon's Dogma again, and for the first time I'm wondering if a game could be made *better* by being licenced/tie in game?
Everything good about this game is in the nuts and bolts combat and gameplay, everything bad about it is in the Temu Beserk world and characters.
Everything good about this game is in the nuts and bolts combat and gameplay, everything bad about it is in the Temu Beserk world and characters.
Obvious the graphics have aged, and the human models in particular look like mannequins a lot of the time.
But when the art direction comes together, it really sells a vision of a vast, mysterious and ancient universe in a way vanishingly few action games have ever accomplished.
But when the art direction comes together, it really sells a vision of a vast, mysterious and ancient universe in a way vanishingly few action games have ever accomplished.
November 23, 2025 at 1:19 PM
Obvious the graphics have aged, and the human models in particular look like mannequins a lot of the time.
But when the art direction comes together, it really sells a vision of a vast, mysterious and ancient universe in a way vanishingly few action games have ever accomplished.
But when the art direction comes together, it really sells a vision of a vast, mysterious and ancient universe in a way vanishingly few action games have ever accomplished.
I genuinely think a big reason 343 never did a Halo 3 Anniversary Edition remake is because Halo 3 still looks gorgeous almost 20 years later.
Those later levels (The Ark, The Covenant, Halo) are a perfect blend of the eerie space future of Halo: CE and the military grittiness of Halo 2.
Those later levels (The Ark, The Covenant, Halo) are a perfect blend of the eerie space future of Halo: CE and the military grittiness of Halo 2.
November 23, 2025 at 1:19 PM
I genuinely think a big reason 343 never did a Halo 3 Anniversary Edition remake is because Halo 3 still looks gorgeous almost 20 years later.
Those later levels (The Ark, The Covenant, Halo) are a perfect blend of the eerie space future of Halo: CE and the military grittiness of Halo 2.
Those later levels (The Ark, The Covenant, Halo) are a perfect blend of the eerie space future of Halo: CE and the military grittiness of Halo 2.
Great day in Parliament supporting the important work of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Respiratory Health.
Our chair Jim Shannon organised a Westminister Hall debate for World COPD Day, raising awareness of a disabling condition suffered by up to 2.3 million people in the UK.
Our chair Jim Shannon organised a Westminister Hall debate for World COPD Day, raising awareness of a disabling condition suffered by up to 2.3 million people in the UK.
November 20, 2025 at 6:23 PM
Great day in Parliament supporting the important work of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Respiratory Health.
Our chair Jim Shannon organised a Westminister Hall debate for World COPD Day, raising awareness of a disabling condition suffered by up to 2.3 million people in the UK.
Our chair Jim Shannon organised a Westminister Hall debate for World COPD Day, raising awareness of a disabling condition suffered by up to 2.3 million people in the UK.
It was clear from both the speeches and the number of government ministers at the conference, that this is a party that has big ambitions to make its voice heard in government.
I wouldn't be at all surprised if the Co-op Party starts becoming noticeably more prominent in the next few years.
I wouldn't be at all surprised if the Co-op Party starts becoming noticeably more prominent in the next few years.
November 19, 2025 at 1:39 PM
It was clear from both the speeches and the number of government ministers at the conference, that this is a party that has big ambitions to make its voice heard in government.
I wouldn't be at all surprised if the Co-op Party starts becoming noticeably more prominent in the next few years.
I wouldn't be at all surprised if the Co-op Party starts becoming noticeably more prominent in the next few years.
There were a broad variety of visions for the co-operative movement on display, some of which clashed with it each other.
But this was definitely a party full of ideas and new thinking, which is desperately needed in the UK right now.
But this was definitely a party full of ideas and new thinking, which is desperately needed in the UK right now.
November 19, 2025 at 1:39 PM
There were a broad variety of visions for the co-operative movement on display, some of which clashed with it each other.
But this was definitely a party full of ideas and new thinking, which is desperately needed in the UK right now.
But this was definitely a party full of ideas and new thinking, which is desperately needed in the UK right now.
The most notable impression I took away from the event was that the Co-op Party definitely felt like a paty in its own right, not just an appendage of the Labour Party.
A friend of mine with a background in the Lib Dems compared the vibe to that of LD conferences during the coalition years.
A friend of mine with a background in the Lib Dems compared the vibe to that of LD conferences during the coalition years.
November 19, 2025 at 1:39 PM
The most notable impression I took away from the event was that the Co-op Party definitely felt like a paty in its own right, not just an appendage of the Labour Party.
A friend of mine with a background in the Lib Dems compared the vibe to that of LD conferences during the coalition years.
A friend of mine with a background in the Lib Dems compared the vibe to that of LD conferences during the coalition years.
Having been set up in 1917, the Co-op Party has been supporting co-operatives in the UK for over 100 years.
Entering an electoral pact with the Labour Party in 1927, the Co-op Party now has 43 MPs in the HoC, elected under the 'Labour and Co-operative' banner.
Entering an electoral pact with the Labour Party in 1927, the Co-op Party now has 43 MPs in the HoC, elected under the 'Labour and Co-operative' banner.
November 19, 2025 at 1:39 PM
Having been set up in 1917, the Co-op Party has been supporting co-operatives in the UK for over 100 years.
Entering an electoral pact with the Labour Party in 1927, the Co-op Party now has 43 MPs in the HoC, elected under the 'Labour and Co-operative' banner.
Entering an electoral pact with the Labour Party in 1927, the Co-op Party now has 43 MPs in the HoC, elected under the 'Labour and Co-operative' banner.
New Substack!
Over the weekend I travelled to the Co-op Party Conference in central london. Read my reflections below to find out what's happening inside Britain's fourth largest parliamentary party, and what this could mean for the Labour gov.
thepartyanimal.substack.com/p/the-people...
Over the weekend I travelled to the Co-op Party Conference in central london. Read my reflections below to find out what's happening inside Britain's fourth largest parliamentary party, and what this could mean for the Labour gov.
thepartyanimal.substack.com/p/the-people...
November 19, 2025 at 1:39 PM
New Substack!
Over the weekend I travelled to the Co-op Party Conference in central london. Read my reflections below to find out what's happening inside Britain's fourth largest parliamentary party, and what this could mean for the Labour gov.
thepartyanimal.substack.com/p/the-people...
Over the weekend I travelled to the Co-op Party Conference in central london. Read my reflections below to find out what's happening inside Britain's fourth largest parliamentary party, and what this could mean for the Labour gov.
thepartyanimal.substack.com/p/the-people...
Yeah agreed.
One joke I remember from Yahtzee's Dark Souls 3 review was the idea that there was just a big cloud of Soulsbourne that roamed the From Software offices, which the devs just carved bits of off and stuck into whichever game they were making.
Nightreign feels like that joke made real.
One joke I remember from Yahtzee's Dark Souls 3 review was the idea that there was just a big cloud of Soulsbourne that roamed the From Software offices, which the devs just carved bits of off and stuck into whichever game they were making.
Nightreign feels like that joke made real.
November 13, 2025 at 11:30 PM
Yeah agreed.
One joke I remember from Yahtzee's Dark Souls 3 review was the idea that there was just a big cloud of Soulsbourne that roamed the From Software offices, which the devs just carved bits of off and stuck into whichever game they were making.
Nightreign feels like that joke made real.
One joke I remember from Yahtzee's Dark Souls 3 review was the idea that there was just a big cloud of Soulsbourne that roamed the From Software offices, which the devs just carved bits of off and stuck into whichever game they were making.
Nightreign feels like that joke made real.
The animation is excellent, but probably a little too realistic for what I assume was the target audience.
A more stylised and comedic film would have appealed to children, while a big budget animation for teens/adults is a known tough sell in Anglo/European markets (just ask War of the Rohirrim!)
A more stylised and comedic film would have appealed to children, while a big budget animation for teens/adults is a known tough sell in Anglo/European markets (just ask War of the Rohirrim!)
November 13, 2025 at 11:14 PM
The animation is excellent, but probably a little too realistic for what I assume was the target audience.
A more stylised and comedic film would have appealed to children, while a big budget animation for teens/adults is a known tough sell in Anglo/European markets (just ask War of the Rohirrim!)
A more stylised and comedic film would have appealed to children, while a big budget animation for teens/adults is a known tough sell in Anglo/European markets (just ask War of the Rohirrim!)
Watched Lightyear (2022) with my flatmate tonight, and for the first half I was quite surprised at its negative reception. It's really quite ambitious for an animated sci fi film, and reframes classic Pixar themes in interesting ways.
Then the 'twist' happens, and I thought "oh dear, I get it now".
Then the 'twist' happens, and I thought "oh dear, I get it now".
November 13, 2025 at 11:14 PM
Watched Lightyear (2022) with my flatmate tonight, and for the first half I was quite surprised at its negative reception. It's really quite ambitious for an animated sci fi film, and reframes classic Pixar themes in interesting ways.
Then the 'twist' happens, and I thought "oh dear, I get it now".
Then the 'twist' happens, and I thought "oh dear, I get it now".
So as of now I'm going to the @coopparty.party.coop party conference on Saturday and Sunday this week!
Drop a line if you're going and fancy a chat, It's always great to meet new people interested in devolution, community policy and reviving local areas :)
Drop a line if you're going and fancy a chat, It's always great to meet new people interested in devolution, community policy and reviving local areas :)
November 11, 2025 at 5:36 PM
So as of now I'm going to the @coopparty.party.coop party conference on Saturday and Sunday this week!
Drop a line if you're going and fancy a chat, It's always great to meet new people interested in devolution, community policy and reviving local areas :)
Drop a line if you're going and fancy a chat, It's always great to meet new people interested in devolution, community policy and reviving local areas :)
So they clearly do have an appeal to less well off voters, but so far it's quite geographically limited.
At the same time its worth noting that Labour also tend to do better with better off voters now, the centre-left coalition in general is a lot wealthier than it was even 20 years ago.
At the same time its worth noting that Labour also tend to do better with better off voters now, the centre-left coalition in general is a lot wealthier than it was even 20 years ago.
November 9, 2025 at 7:10 PM
So they clearly do have an appeal to less well off voters, but so far it's quite geographically limited.
At the same time its worth noting that Labour also tend to do better with better off voters now, the centre-left coalition in general is a lot wealthier than it was even 20 years ago.
At the same time its worth noting that Labour also tend to do better with better off voters now, the centre-left coalition in general is a lot wealthier than it was even 20 years ago.
Final Thoughts:
A muddled follow-up to a 10/10 game, B2 feels like a compromise between the searing clarity of the original's vision and a traditional fantasy Metroidvania.
It's still a good game, but it feels overwritten and lacks the punch and urgency of the original.
Final Score: 7/10
A muddled follow-up to a 10/10 game, B2 feels like a compromise between the searing clarity of the original's vision and a traditional fantasy Metroidvania.
It's still a good game, but it feels overwritten and lacks the punch and urgency of the original.
Final Score: 7/10
November 8, 2025 at 9:12 PM
Final Thoughts:
A muddled follow-up to a 10/10 game, B2 feels like a compromise between the searing clarity of the original's vision and a traditional fantasy Metroidvania.
It's still a good game, but it feels overwritten and lacks the punch and urgency of the original.
Final Score: 7/10
A muddled follow-up to a 10/10 game, B2 feels like a compromise between the searing clarity of the original's vision and a traditional fantasy Metroidvania.
It's still a good game, but it feels overwritten and lacks the punch and urgency of the original.
Final Score: 7/10
Negatives:
Writing - The plot is confusing, the lore is convoluted and the game's writing feels significantly less evocative
Visual Design - Lacking the unifying catholic imagery of B1, B2 feels much more like generic fantasy
Enemy Reuse - Far, far too much, both between areas and between B1 & B2
Writing - The plot is confusing, the lore is convoluted and the game's writing feels significantly less evocative
Visual Design - Lacking the unifying catholic imagery of B1, B2 feels much more like generic fantasy
Enemy Reuse - Far, far too much, both between areas and between B1 & B2
November 8, 2025 at 9:12 PM
Negatives:
Writing - The plot is confusing, the lore is convoluted and the game's writing feels significantly less evocative
Visual Design - Lacking the unifying catholic imagery of B1, B2 feels much more like generic fantasy
Enemy Reuse - Far, far too much, both between areas and between B1 & B2
Writing - The plot is confusing, the lore is convoluted and the game's writing feels significantly less evocative
Visual Design - Lacking the unifying catholic imagery of B1, B2 feels much more like generic fantasy
Enemy Reuse - Far, far too much, both between areas and between B1 & B2
Positives:
Area Variety - B2 is more of a traditional Metroidvania than the first game, and that shows in the gameplay variety
Weapon Variety - B2 allows switching between 3 (4 w/DLC) weapons unlike the first game
Boss Fights - Although not as good as the original, the bosses remain great
Area Variety - B2 is more of a traditional Metroidvania than the first game, and that shows in the gameplay variety
Weapon Variety - B2 allows switching between 3 (4 w/DLC) weapons unlike the first game
Boss Fights - Although not as good as the original, the bosses remain great
November 8, 2025 at 9:12 PM
Positives:
Area Variety - B2 is more of a traditional Metroidvania than the first game, and that shows in the gameplay variety
Weapon Variety - B2 allows switching between 3 (4 w/DLC) weapons unlike the first game
Boss Fights - Although not as good as the original, the bosses remain great
Area Variety - B2 is more of a traditional Metroidvania than the first game, and that shows in the gameplay variety
Weapon Variety - B2 allows switching between 3 (4 w/DLC) weapons unlike the first game
Boss Fights - Although not as good as the original, the bosses remain great
Sixth is Blasphemous 2 by @thegamekitchen.com
Release Year: 2023
Genre: Metroidvania
Playthrough length: 45hrs
A sequel to the 2019 hit, Blasphemous 2 takes place generations after the end of the first game, with the Penitent One being revived to prevent the birth of the child of the Miracle.
Release Year: 2023
Genre: Metroidvania
Playthrough length: 45hrs
A sequel to the 2019 hit, Blasphemous 2 takes place generations after the end of the first game, with the Penitent One being revived to prevent the birth of the child of the Miracle.
November 8, 2025 at 9:12 PM
Sixth is Blasphemous 2 by @thegamekitchen.com
Release Year: 2023
Genre: Metroidvania
Playthrough length: 45hrs
A sequel to the 2019 hit, Blasphemous 2 takes place generations after the end of the first game, with the Penitent One being revived to prevent the birth of the child of the Miracle.
Release Year: 2023
Genre: Metroidvania
Playthrough length: 45hrs
A sequel to the 2019 hit, Blasphemous 2 takes place generations after the end of the first game, with the Penitent One being revived to prevent the birth of the child of the Miracle.
But even then there are subtle differences in colour between the different shades of yellow used in different councils, as seen below.
Could this be part of the reason for the Lib Dem colour change? Almost certainly not :) Still its quite funny that even Wikipedia can't decide what colour they are.
Could this be part of the reason for the Lib Dem colour change? Almost certainly not :) Still its quite funny that even Wikipedia can't decide what colour they are.
November 8, 2025 at 7:59 PM
But even then there are subtle differences in colour between the different shades of yellow used in different councils, as seen below.
Could this be part of the reason for the Lib Dem colour change? Almost certainly not :) Still its quite funny that even Wikipedia can't decide what colour they are.
Could this be part of the reason for the Lib Dem colour change? Almost certainly not :) Still its quite funny that even Wikipedia can't decide what colour they are.
Something I find strangely cute is the way that Wikipedia hasn't yet got to grips with what colour the Lib Dems are supposed to be.
I've been looking through the councils up for election in 2026, and some have the Lib Dems in their new 'Liberal orange', while most still have them as yellow.
I've been looking through the councils up for election in 2026, and some have the Lib Dems in their new 'Liberal orange', while most still have them as yellow.
November 8, 2025 at 7:59 PM
Something I find strangely cute is the way that Wikipedia hasn't yet got to grips with what colour the Lib Dems are supposed to be.
I've been looking through the councils up for election in 2026, and some have the Lib Dems in their new 'Liberal orange', while most still have them as yellow.
I've been looking through the councils up for election in 2026, and some have the Lib Dems in their new 'Liberal orange', while most still have them as yellow.