Ben Bulbeck

I think social media / the internet makes life more complicated 😅 But you just have to hope the good bits outweigh the bad!

I think the best they could have done is taken more time to consider how to respond rather than making one announcement and then following up with another. But also the whole thing raised issues (and people!) that I wasn't even aware of, and if anything, created more of a headline.

Gosh this Bitmap Books turn of events seems to have thrown up the complete divide of opinion between accounts I follow. The fact the publisher made one decision but then retracted it to make another has created a scenario where they've basically managed to upset everyone.

Metroid Prime on GameCube

Little did Retro Studios know that their first release would be remastered three Nintendo console generations later AND would see it's third sequel on that same console. What a debut!

Bought the expansion for Star Wars Rebellion, a crazy move because the base game took my friend and I over 6 hours to play through one game (although to be fair we were learning the rules at the same time...)

👌

I just wanted to rule myself out asap, I'm fed up with all the rumours...

Edge magazine issue 416!

I'm always excited to sneak on to the letters page in Edge. (That's not me on the cover though.)

From the Nintendo store directly, they're A4 size and look superb (and come in a lovely card sleeve)

Wowzers! Super Mario Galaxy lives again! The metallic posters are gorgeous.

I'm belatedly playing Clair Obscur (via GamePass) and - despite it being a genre I'm not usually into - I'm really enjoying it. Stunning design, tasty turn-based combat, and a fascinating story concept. I don't *completely* know what I'm doing though!

I think the Wii is a fantastic machine (and I still find it bewildering that it's fully GameCube compatible) but it's the first console I think of when considering reducing my game collection. The only game I'd miss (that I can't play on Switch) is Wii Sports Resort

I'm wanting to downsize my game collection. I'm considering selling my Wii and games - I haven't played on it for a long time, and most of my favourite games are now available (or soon will be) on the Switch. Does anyone want to talk me out of it and tell me life won't be the same without a Wii? 😁

Super Mario Galaxy 1 and 2

I'm looking forward to being able to play these on the Switch. They're both excellent fun, there's little to differentiate the two.

Absolutely amazing meeting Saint Etienne recently at a Q&A. I told them their album release schedule seemed to coincide with big events for me (leaving London, marriage, kids), and ended up giving them a potted history of my life! (I'm sure they loved it)

Gosh I remember the hype for this game!

I completely forgot Psygnosis published Lemmings! I couldn't get on with that game though. I found it too stressful haha!

What game first springs to mind when you stare into the eyes of this owl?

I'm a big fan of Epic Yarn and Power Paintbrush but haven't played many others. I can't quite put my finger on why I can't get into it, especially as I tend to prefer linear platformers (like this game).

The Nintendo 64 released with two games at launch.

You read that right. TWO GAMES.

Super Mario 64 and Pilotwings 64 in September 1996.

We wouldn't get a third game, Wave Race 64, until November.

It's crazy to think of it now, but both of these games were (and still are) so good, I didn't care!

When I bought my N64 Goldeneye console, I also bought SM64 and Wave Race. I don't think I've EVER purchased such superb line-up of games along with a new console! 👌

OK so I bought Kirby and the Forgotten Land for Switch 2 but I really can't get into it at all. I'm finding it all a bit too "floaty" and inconsequential (I don't know if that makes sense). So I've downloaded the DK Bonanza demo, and it's great fun.

Currys often offer a competitive price too.

Just remortgaged the house to pre-order Mario Galaxy and Metroid Prime 4 from the Nintendo store. On the plus side, they both come with bonus items like stickers and keyrings that I'll never use but I want them anyway!

I wish I had a recollection! My feeling is it was Yamaha but I may be completely wrong. I think I played around with Octamed on the Amiga and then thought I could have a career in pop music haha!

Just found this photo of my early 90s set-up: Amiga 1200, CD32... and look at that hi-fi! I can absolutely remember that I failed to make any music with that keyboard.

Thanks folks! 🎶

Saint Etienne's new album International on vinyl

Taking Saint Etienne's new (13th and final) album for a spin. I've been into them since my school days, when a friend sneaked a cassette of their album So Tough into a lesson.

I lost touch with him but he left his mark (no pun intended but his name was Mark) as I've followed the band ever since.

Cyberpunk and Kirby (Switch 2)

Kirby has been delivered, which means I've doubled my Switch 2 physical games collection!

My cassette player is complete! Every now and then it seems to mumble something about "destroying autobots" but I'm sure it's fine.