The leaves change, and so do we
Lil Gator Game tells a patchwork story full of compelling creatures, and it’s well worth spending an afternoon with.
Heroic exploits are only a jump, swing and slash away in MegaWobbles’ open-world indie Lil Gator Game. This sweet platforming adventure puts players in the shoes of its scaly young protagonist, whose want for their sibling's attention spirals into an island-wide scavenger hunt full of quirky characters and challenging puzzles.
Throughout its approximately four-hour run time, your little hero will navigate the length and breadth of a gloriously orange autumnal playground, helping friends and foes alike and inviting them to join forces to build the greatest playground ever seen.
As things progress, you’ll be pushed to think more clearly about the changing relationship between the siblings, an investigation that summons self-reflection and feels cathartic and meaningful.
‘‘I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I’ve ended up where I needed to be’’ - Douglas Adams - The Long Dark Tea-Time of the Soul
Spending so much time in an imaginative world of childlike wonder served as a healthy reminder that many of the complex problems we face in adulthood can be boiled down to the simple question, ‘Can I ask for help?’ And, often enough, it really just takes letting people we love in to find resolutions. Plus, keeping things locked inside is kind of like creating an imaginary prison that only ends in pain and tummy aches.
Something to watch
If you’ve ever wanted to see someone thrive in their niche, Geowizard is for you. Part physical challenge, part stream-of-consciousness, this new addition to his catalogue of moreish and frankly unbelievable adventures is well worth spending an evening with.
Something to listen to
The Japanese House is back with wall-to-wall BANGERS. This new album promises the same moody syncopation we’ve come to expect, with some delightfully playful harmonies and round compositions, giving you the best brain massage of your life. Sunshine Baby, specifically, evokes the refreshing effervescence of cracking open a can of ice-cold Sprite while driving in the dry heat.
Something to read
For Polygon, Diego Nicolás Argüello looks beyond Spiderverse's success and inspects canon, fandom, and the harsh reality that not all comic book films are made equal - The MCU doesn’t deserve Miles Morales
Harry Schofield draws convincing comparisons between games and hospitality in this relatable article for startmenu - Mixing Drinks and Changing Lives – How VA-11 Hall-A Reflects Real-Life Bartending
Something to eat
It’s getting hotter here in the UK, and so it’s officially cold noodle season. (This is partially a lie, it’s always cold noodle season!) This recipe for Kongguksu is a nutty, savoury dish that never fails to hit the spot. For those looking to speed up the process, you can save yourself some time and sub a block of silken tofu blended in place of the soybeans for a similar refreshing taste.