Nintendo Screenshot Transfer Guide For Those Who Want to Know

Most devices with USB capability have almost complicit plug-and-play, the Nintendo Switch mostly does too–almost. In this brief tutorial, I’ll tell you how to transfer switch screenshots via USB with no problems. This includes videos captured onto the Switch as well. Let’s get started. The ability to transfer screenshots from the Nintendo Switch can be ironically confusing with all the support for social media the console has. There are a lot of content creators out there, and when it comes to finding media, this is one reason these Switch screenshots can be almost crucial. Note: I have learned that if… Read the rest

Easy Way to Install Cheat Engine for Astroneer & Other Games

Cheat Engine is a utility that allows loading “cheat tables” for personal use in offline gameplay for games that don’t have integrated cheat codes. If you’re nostalgic like me, think “Game Genie.” Using mods and cheat tools is not unethical or lazy and you should have no insecurity about wanting to use them! I’ll show you the best way to install Cheat Engine safely so you can experiment with this fun program too. (I’ll say this once though: DON’T USE IN ONLINE GAMEPLAY–you could be banned #obvious.) I also believe the developer is very talented in creating software to do… Read the rest

How to Install & Launch SMAPI in Steam for Stardew Valley

I’ll show you how to install and launch SMAPI in Steam for Stardew Valley as well as a few other tricks like installing a cheat code mod. SMAPI and its compatible mods not only make the game have longer replayability but actually can save you a ton of time if you’re a casual player. Using mods is a great way to make the best use of your playtime. So, let’s jump right in and get started. By the way, if you’re looking for a beginners guide to Stardew Valley, check out my article : Stardew Valley Beginner’s Guide – Useful… Read the rest

Kraino Origins Spins My Spooky Indie Wheels

Here we go with Kraino Origins. Add this to your Halloween Indie Game countdowns, because it’s got enough spook for the whole community. This game feels like it was made from the plucking of my own seasonal heartstring, with its borderline creep-fest color scheme and environment. Slash your way through constant monsters, zombies, and ghouls in this 2D platformer that spans 8 bosses–now out on Steam! Kraino Origins – What Is This Magic? So, the idea here is: “what would happen if you took the classic indie game Shovel Knight and filtered it through grim undertones and replaced the knight… Read the rest

How to Find Free Games on Steam

This is a tutorial on how to find and download free games on Steam. If you’re familiar with the Steam client store or website, you might know the layout can be incredibly open-ended. I use it every day, and it is one of my most useful resources. This allows for some exploration of methods to filter new games posted. Steam is considered one of the most essential clients for finding new game releases for digital download on PC. It is home to tens of thousands of retail, but also free, games. This isn’t a terribly complicated process, however, for the… Read the rest

JoyToKey and How I Use It To Keybind Controllers for Gaming

This article is about how to keybind your game controller with JoytoKey to play games that require various keyboard keys to play. I use this with browser games on Itch.IO, if there is no native controller support. A lot of platformers and games on Itch.IO and Steam use a keyboard and mouse, but generally, I prefer controller support. Keybinding is a useful ability that can allow you to play more responsively, or even play an indie with your controller–even wireless controllers! Getting Started with JoyToKey There are many programs available on the web for binding keys to a controller, but… Read the rest

Starbound – Completing the First Planet (Quick Guide)

In Starbound, you use Terraria-style mining mechanics to collect materials and progress through the galaxy. This game was released in 2016. It has had some resurgence thanks to a re-release of the game on the invaluable Xbox PC Game Pass platform. I figured since I didn’t find immediate coverage of my own questions, new players may be wondering how to progress in this game. The game takes place in outer space. It has a plotline involving being stranded in space after a cataclysmic invasion destroys the planet. With some basic tools, you’re left to fend for your own. With a… Read the rest

The Truth About Writing Characters You Love

Writing characters to seem real is essentially the sport of writing in a nutshell. Yet whether you are writing a book, engaging in some tabletop roleplaying, or creating a homunculus in your basement, there are some strategies. In fact, the title of this article was inspired by a very famous author I saw on television talking about how little time he spent developing story parts that it all actually sounded kind of–well–easy. The irony of character creation is most people have built into them everything needed to assess the realness of others in the real world. But what you might… Read the rest

The Ultimate Truth on World Building

This article is a how-to on world building in writing. This article is equally accessible to creative writers, visual novel devs, and game devs. The devs are, of course, in the worldbuilding phase, but perhaps there is even another application I’ve overlooked, screenplay writing maybe. If you don’t even know what I’m talking about? Don’t worry! This is a general concept here. So, with that, let’s get you started. “Guys, where ARE we?” –Charlie, LOST When you start a new story, you need to write a little bit of it before you can figure out where it is or what… Read the rest

How to Write Game Reviews

So you want to know how to write game reviews? As I glide through a tremendous Steam list full of unique reviews, it’s actually pretty awesome that gamers are getting involved and writing thoughtful reviews even though some are, not inaccurately, candid. Praising reviews and critical reviews both serve a purpose. Even a 5-word sentence that reads something like “Just spins me around infinitely” is actually helpful, because if the game costs $20, you might have a point. But let me tell you how, for me, nice reviews are still the best review. I don’t want to teach a gaming… Read the rest

Making a Simple Platformer With Godot

Let’s talk about Godot tilemaps. Have you ever played a 2D platformer or Metroidvania and wanted to know how it is made? Maybe you are already making one. I’m back for another insight into the cryptic, enigmatic, secretive, open-source world of indie game development. Tongue-in-cheek there. But I am reaching out to you devs out there to talk about some very useful primary knowledge in Godot TileMaps! Particularly beginners. Before You Start This how-to is specifically aimed at solo devs who are in the very beginning stages of learning Godot for a game project. Most Godot intro tutorials take you… Read the rest

Astroneer Takes the Space Sim Genre to New Heights

Astroneer is a low poly space sim with a playful and colorful, stylized atmosphere. It uses its practical fundamental mechanics and graphics to pull off an engaging and creative experience. After completing the tutorial on your basic tools and resources available, the game is essentially an open-world sandbox where you can develop your base camp or head to another planet. It is similar to games like The Outer Worlds and No Man’s Sky, without realistic graphics and more emphasis on casual, puzzle-solving gameplay. Today, I’ll take you through my experience with this game. Challenging Intro I’ve played through the tutorial… Read the rest

Animal Crossing: New Horizons is Still One of Nintendo’s Top Games (For a Reason)

Animal Crossing: New Horizons is essentially the original reason I now have a Nintendo Switch. There are so many good games for Switch that are perfectly mindful and low-stress, but the media circling around how wonderful this game actually did sell me in a moment of post-materialistic rebellion that I actually don’t really regret. This game took me to a new realm of peaceful gameplaying. Okay, I Have Animal Crossing, Now What? Humble Beginnings This is a collection and simulated social life game. At first, I just ran around and collected peaches for no reason. I picked up weeds and… Read the rest