Announcing A Stealth Game: The Kojima Code, Part II

Giant Sequel to the Best Hideo Kojima Analysis in The World.

Over 350 all-new pages of world-class analysis by yours truly. Coming this Summer, on paperback, hardcover, and e-book, just like the first one!

For the first time ever, a deep dive into the most popular but critically overlooked game in Kojima’s career: Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater. Not even my website has touched this gem with any depth before, but now you’ll get well over a hundred pages of dot-connecting goodness. The hidden meaning behind the game is guaranteed to surprise. I can honestly say that I didn’t even realize how amazing this game’s commentary was until I dug into it for this book, so you won’t want to miss out. It forced me to even go back to earlier games and notice things I’d never seen before.

Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots also gets the major spotlight treatment, taking this website’s famous analysis and taking it to the max. The true intention of the project is exposed, with many examples analyzed.

The Twin Snakes makes its appearance in the grand puzzle of The Kojima Code, and surprising contributions of smaller projects flesh out a pattern that perfectly builds on what the first book established. It stops before Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker but it is packed with insight that has far-reaching implications for the entire career of Kojima!

This book is a personal triumph. My writing style has gotten stronger, my topics more balanced, and my understanding of Hideo Kojima has expanded to a whole new realm of appreciation. You will absolutely think about his work in a new way by the time you’re done.

Buy it now:

Amazon  (link) (hardcover may not be available yet)
Barnes & Noble  (link) (hardcover available now!)
Kobo (link)
Smashwords (link)
Apple Books (link)

Surprise! Stick beats rope (Game Awards)

At Geoff Keighley’s 2019 Game Awards show, Death Stranding was represented in many categories. It won three of them: Best Game Direction, Best Performance, and Best Score & Music. What it did not win is Game Of The Year, which went to Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice.

This is a defeat for Kojima, because even though he won smaller awards, everybody knows that unless you’re competing in a specific genre (Best Fighting Game, Best Racing Game, etc.) there’s only one award that really matters, and it’s Game Of The Year. Any publication or website can have their own GOTY award, but this is an industry award show, meaning that it is voted on by fellow developers and professionals. Fans could vote online for their favorite game in a separate category.

Continue reading

Path of Exile embarrasses Blizzard once again, this time with a sequel and a wonderful event

This weekend is the inaugural EXILECON, hosted by Grinding Gear Games, creators of Path of Exile. Having caught up on the first day’s stream, I can safely say that they are putting Blizzard to shame yet again. Day 2 is happening now, and I’m excited to see what’s discussed. The event reminds me of everything I love about GGG and Path of Exile. It’s not a fireworks show or a WWE pablum for the masses, but a laser-focused commitment to the supporters with a clear vision, a professional grade of quality, and a deep awareness of what people want to see.

Path of Exile 2 has been announced. I’d write more about it here, but I’m busy listening to Chris Wilson at the event being a very smart and responsible lead designer.

Steam has been experimenting, and nobody is paying attention

Steam remains one of the best services in the world, and I’ve always enjoyed their attempts to innovate. But it wasn’t until this week that I noticed they have a “Labs” division showing off experiments. The work they’re doing is rather fascinating.

Continue reading
  • Archives