Sometimes, okay...maybe many times, I feel like I'm stuck doing the same old thing day in and day out. Nothing really changes and I realize..."Ah...I'm having an existential crisis again". Even that bit- the intangible need to find meaning, purpose, or reason - is starting to seem repetitive, honestly. There are ups to accompany the downs, but the process begins to take similar form when seen from afar. I can't help but wonder what I need or should be doing with my life and that me feeling this way is somehow a reflection on my ability to get something right in my life. As if the notion that a "good and proper" life somehow would be devoid of these feelings; which, paradoxically, perhaps a fulfilling life actually necessitates such moments. Ultimately, I know that I just have to grit my teeth through that feeling because better days will always come, even if casting my hope in that direction sometimes also feels folly.

Anywho! Let me talk to you about the new hotness that has been part of my life lately (no babe, not you, that admission will come in time though). I am, perhaps quite obviously (?), talking about Dead Cells, the backdrop this week for my mind's meanderings. Hopefully the comic won't give a bad impression of the game to anyone that would read the comic because really, Pie and I just wanted a good reason to depict this gorgeously sublime experience X3

Every little aspect of this game is polished and it isn't even completely released yet. The controls and combat are tight and responsive; you feel completely in control and once you attain a certain level of mastery, your pace begins and what began as a neat rogue-like metroidvania reveals its highly addictive flow. You feel immense satisfaction from learning enemy AI on an intuitive level and being able to mow them down once you've found your stride or a particular weapon set that suits your play style (my fave being the ice bow that can pierce targets coupled with an assassin's dagger). The randomized weapons and their enchantments help keep things fresh and the constant progression attained through investing cells you acquire randomly from monsters helps keep you feeling like your making progress toward greater goals. The runs are fast and refreshing, incredibly easy to pick up and near impossible to put down (I may have played a run or two while writing this) >.>

I could gush about this game on and on, really, as I've only touched the surface, thought I have beaten the "final" boss. I buy very few indie games at full price (especially pre-release), but Dead Cells is one of the ones worthy of such (thank you Dan for this amazing Christmas gift). Go check it out and thank me later ^.~