Catz

Released: August 9th, 2002	My Play Time: ?	Rating: Everyone
Genre: Virtual pets	Developer: MTO	Publisher: MTO

Review:

Dogz

Released: November 25th, 2004	My Play Time: ?	Rating: Everyone
Genre: Virtual pets	Developer: Avit-Niigata	Publisher: MTO

Review:

Babyz

Released: October 1999	My Play Time: ?	Rating: Everyone
Genre: Virtual life, Simulation	Developer: PF.Magic	Publisher: MindScape

Review: It's possible it was because I was quite young when I first played this, that I felt the game was confusing and difficult. The babies were sensitive and fussy, they were naughty!! and just did whatever they wanted if left to their devices. As an 8-year-old, this game was SO COOL and SO NEW. You can raise babies? That look different from each other? That babble?? And eat?? AND THEN POOP AND THEN YOU ACTUALLY HAVE TO CHANGE THE DIAPER AND BATHE THEM!? It was a whole new world and I was hooked, even if I couldn't figure most of it out. All I really understood was that if I put an open jar of food in front of my baby, that lil' shit would immediately start flinging it. Place the jar away from them? They WILL crawl towards it. They were menacing but so, so adorable. I got attached quickly to all the babies I adopted, even at the very beginning before meeting them, when you go through the install process. There was an image for each install screen that showed a stork flying with a bundle of joy, and it got closer to the house with each one. I miss how interactive install setups were, probably because they took 5x the time, so we had to be kept entertained somehow!

LEGO Backlot

Released: 2002	My Play Time: ?	Rating: Everyone
Genre: 3D platformer	Developer: Templar Games	Publisher: LEGO

Review:

Petz 5

Released: November 18th, 2002	My Play Time: ?	Rating: Everyone
Genre: Virtual pets, Simulation	Developer: Studio Mythos	Publisher: Ubisoft

Review: I first started playing Petz when it was just an enhanced desktop game; like there was no main game window, it was just an app on your desktop. Your lil' pet could run around the screen, you could play with them, but mostly just watching them do their own thing was entertainment enough. It was groundbreaking at the time! Eventually the game developed more and more with each sequel, with Petz II becoming the first to let you buy both games in order to play with Catz and Dogz in the same game! Blew me 7-year-old mind. I remember around Petz III was when I discovered the modding community. I was too impatient to learn coding back then, but I did download a few custom skins. Specifically the ones that were new breeds or different animals, like rabbits and birds! Rabbit-Catz galore! But Petz 5 was the one I played the most of, mostly because it was the final installment of the series. The backgrounds of the different scenes were beautiful, and HD for that era. The mini-games were the biggest addition, if my memory serves me right. They weren't compelling or super fun; just another mode of gameplay, another way to spend more time playing! Oh right... and they added SEASONS! When I first saw the case sitting in one of those giant grid baskets at Ross (or a store like it, can't remember), I almost cried with joy. I wasn't one to keep up with news or upcoming products; I was 7. So to see a new game in my fave franchise was like Christmas morning. The game was also being packaged in 3 different ways: 1 for Catz 5, with a family of Catz on the cover, 1 for Dogz 5 with a family of Dogz, and 1 for both combined into 1 disc... with a dog and a cat, and their non-mixed dog and cat babies on the cover. I uh... I couldn't handle my excitement until we got home, only to be disappointed that no, you cannot cross-breed the Petz. I was bamboozled! I quickly got over that though, and played Petz 5 until we upgraded computers, and I could no longer play it. There's files online to download, with tweaks so it can run on modern PCs! I've yet to try those out, but maybe for nostalgia's sake...

Rimworld

Released: November 4th, 2013	My Play Time: 2,2150 hrs	Rating: Mature
Genre: Simulation, Colony Builder	Developer: Tynan Sylvester	Publisher: Ludeon Studios

Review: I could spend half a lifetime playing this game. Especially with the DLCs, the possibilities are infinite. I have Ideology, Royalty and Biotech for now. I don't feel like Anomaly is my speed, and Odyssey is basically a revamped mod package. I play with over 100 mods so suffice to say I might not get Odyssey, unless I want to fly around in a spaceship! I think I was already at around 800 hours before getting them though, so the base game alone is worth every penny. I admit I play this game with a lot of help from DEV mode. In the beginning it was fun to challenge myself and watch pawns die of the flu instead of a raid, or watch as poor moods devolved into fire-starting sprees, or forgetting to remove roofs and cry as my favorite pawn died. But that's the beauty of this game; you can play it however you want.

Stardew Valley

Released: February 26th, 2016	My Play Time: 1,512 hours	Rating: 10+
Genre: Farm Life Simulator, RPG	Developer: ConcernedApe	Publisher: ConcernedApe

Review: Someone discovered this game for me, just like with Rimworld, so I was aware of it before it released. I may not have discovered it as soon as I did, and I did originally get my download from GOG games... I have since bought it on Steam and for my Nintendo Switch Lite. The hours above only reflect the Steam hours, so in reality it's closer to 3,000 hours... ANYWAY it's a really wonderful game!! With almost infinite replayability, even if you choose a similar route each playthrough, there's enough to make each one memorable. Different farm layouts have been added over the years, and don't even get me started on the plethora of mods... It's been my go-to comfort game when I need to/can sink hours into a task to distract myself from my thoughts. It's not always ideal, sometimes the mines and cavern are too stressful, sometimes the NPC dialogue rubs me the wrong way (I'm looking at you Pierre and Demetrius!). The gameplay alone is fantastic, reminiscent of Harvest Moon. But the soundtrack is another life of its own. Truly whimsical and full of feeling, I can honestly feel my spirit lifting when I hear the springtime soundtrack. The winter soundtrack has a similar effect, but more calming than energizing. And the fall and summer soundtracks are fabulous in their own right! But there's just something about having farm animals and a cute lil' farm cat, all of whom can be pet and are so happy when you do!

Mystic Quest

Released: October 5th, 1992	My Play Time: ?	Rating: Everyone
Genre: Fantasy, RPG	Developer: Square	Publisher: Square

Review:

Tips for Teens From Carnation

Published: 1967	Pages: 72	Rating: Teen
Genre: Advice, Cookbook	Author: Virginia Piper	Publisher: Carnation

Review: Given to my mother as a teenager and then given to me when I was about 15, this vintage booklet has served as an inspiration for baking and cooking, and as an unconventional drawing reference. While I loved the vivid photography and cheery disposition of the imagery, it was the sketchy illustrations that held my interest. I was nowhere near talented enough to copy the style 1:1 but it helped me discover a new style and that it's okay to leave your work a bit messy! With the right composition and colors, something made in a hurry can look interesting. The recipes and overall language of the booklet is another story, though. It is painfully old-fashioned in how it addresses the reader; the poor, sweet, over-burdened teen girls of the 60s... oh how their plights were minimized or outright ignored! The amount of work and effort put into cooking alone was insanity. And the amount of sweet treat recipes, despite the booklet repeatedly telling the reader that she needs to watch her weight? The audacity?? Ur tellin' may that these treats are not for the reader to enjoy as well? Everything she slaves away at that involves sugar (except the "sweet pizzas"), is made for who exactly? Little brother and dad and family members that are already fat?? The illustrations make this obvious, by the way... It's distateful, and even though it's a product of its era, I can't give it too much grace. There is so much wrong with the ideologies and back-handed comments and backpedaling on diet and self-care. OH and the obvious, it's literally a 72-page Carnation ad designed to be engaging and interesting to impressionable youths. Yippee!!

Full Moon

"Full Moon o Sagashite"

Published: December 1st, 2001	Volumes: 7	Rating: Teen
Genre: Fantasy, Romance	Author: Arina Tanemura	Publisher: VIZ Media

Review: Full Moon wasn't my first introduction to manga, but it was my first obsession with Shoujo. I had watched plenty of TV and read books with the main characters being girls my own age at the time (12), but none were quite portrayed the way Mitsuki was. She didn't act her age, feeling forced to grow up due to her illness and her parents passing away, while living under the strict, watchful eye of her grandmother. While I didn't relate to losing my parents or having a harsh grandparent, I longed for freedom like Mitsuki did. Her kind, fearless, passionate view of the world and of everyone around her made me want to do the same. Believing in herself and having faith in those around her allowed her to succeed.

Confessions of Georgia Nicolson

Published: June 24th, 1999	Volumes: 10	Rating: Teen
Genre: YA fiction, humor	Author: Louise Rennison	Publisher: HarperCollins

Review: I loved the entirety of this series; read volumes 1-6 in middle school, and bought 7-10 to finish by the end of my freshmen year of high school. None of my friends thought it was as funny as I did, but I know they would have enjoyed it if they just gave it a chance, since they laughed at my impressions of the characters... Over 2 decades later and I've still yet to meet another person who knows of this series! It's too funny not to share, and the characters feel so real. That's probably because the author interviewed and spent a lot of time with teens, and boy does it show. The dated slang, hilarious lack of self-awareness and general point-of-view of a teenage girl in the late 90s in the UK is wonderfully accurate. I was more in tune with British slang and how things function differently from America, and that made life more interesting for me. I was gaining perspective without even realizing it. It isn't just goofy shenanigans though, there is some drama between the girls and of course they have unhinged crushes on boys that lead to trouble. There's character growth, though, and it's natural and believable. It's clearly had an impact on me, as I think about it often and still have the last 4 volumes on my bookshelf.

Rock-A-Doodle

Aired: April 3rd, 1992	Duration: 1 hr 14 min	Rating: PG
Genre: Musical, Fantasy	Creator: Edmond Rostand	Director: Don Bluth

Review: This was my first introduction to Don Bluth's world of wonder. His stylistic fluidity shines through in anthropomorphic animals, blending with real-life footage (hot technique at the time!). A little boy named Edmund just wants to save his family farm, which has been flooded by storms since the sun stopped shining. It never occued to my child brain that this would impact the whole world, not just one family's farm! And it sort of addresses that with the city, but the city never faces an environmental impact... it's weird, it's magical, carry on. The sun stopped shining because the rooster, Chanticler, was bullied into believing his crows weren't rising the sun, so he left the farm. The villians are a giant, evil owl known as The Duke, and his psychotic munchkin newphew, Hunch. Plus a money-hungry fox who is using Chanticler's depression against him. The love interest to Chanticler, Goldie, made me question myself for a while. Did I like her or want to be like her?? The power of love and friendship wins in the end, but not without some silly songs and monologues from the Duke, or Hunch attempting to foil the rescue mission. I always thought he was saying, "Uncle Tooky, uncle Tooky!" but as I'm typing this I realized it's "Dukey". Good times, fun plot, don't question it too much!!

The Adventures of Snowden the Snowman

Aired: 1997	Duration: 22 min	Rating: G
Genre: Musical, Fantasy	Creator: Dev Ross	Director: Danny de la Cruz

Review: This was my comfort film for a very, very long time. It didn't matter what time of year either, because the message of this short animated adventure is simple: anything is possible with friends! A nostalgic, blissful feeling of joy overcomes me every time I put this on. Snowden's saccharine, friendly demeanor and voice was an immensely soothing source of comfort for me. Many of the male voices I knew back then, and today, do not match the calming energy of Snowden's. Maybe my 4th grade teacher came close, but that was over 20 years ago, and still! The film is very short, just 22 minutes, so it's important that everything keeps your interest for that short duration. The voice acting is fun, the music is catchy, and the messages are solid! Life lessons are crammed into a short time frame, but it clearly left an impact, as I will never forget Cha Cha and her lucky nut. At the end of the day, friends who love you won't care if you're anxious or nervous to try new things; they will stand by you, patiently, and with love.
*edit: Sooo I just discovered that Snowden was originally a Christmas plushie that was made specifically for Target, and this movie, as well as TWO OTHERS, were just a way to advertise him?? UGH!!

Kiki's Delivery Service

"Majo no Takkyuubin"

Aired: July 29th, 1989	Duration: 1 hr 43 min	Rating: PG
Genre: Fantasy, Adventure	Creator: Eiko Kadono	Director: Hayao Miyazaki

Review: Kiki's Delivery Service ws my first introduction to anime without my even knowing it. Gifted on my 5th birthday, and gradually becoming obssessed with it until it became my nightly ritual by age 10. Kiki helped me discover my passion for what I love. One of the most intimate scenes is when Kiki visits Ursula's cabin in the woods during a rough patch in her training. Ursula encourages Kiki to take a break from flying, and "doze off at noon, look at the scenery." Taking breaks from what we love can help us refresh our minds and come back with a new force. I think that's a powerful message when we're surrounded by such an intense work culture.

Mighty Joe Young

Aired: December 25th, 1998	Duration: 1 hr 54 min	Rating: PG
Genre: Action, Adventure	Creator: Merian C. Cooper	Director: Ron Underwood

Review: Mighty Joe Young is one of the first movies I could binge regularly. I must've been around 5 when I first watched it. I can still remember the awe and amazement I felt seeing Joe for the first time. Even today, his practical effects are outstanding! Sure, the acting is corny, and the plot isn't as groundbreaking as I remember. But there are some very well-acted moments, like in the beginning with Jill and her mother. And although Joe is a giant prop, kudos to the team behind controlling him. That 15-foot-tall gorilla gave a better performance than Bill Paxton could ever dream (love ya anyway Bill!!). The music is also fantastic, full of choirs and intense drum beats. The acting is the only thing holding this back from 5 stars, in my opinion. "MONSTRULE, MONSTRULE!"

My Big Fat Greek Wedding

Aired: August 2nd, 2002	Duration: 1 hr 35 min	Rating: PG
Genre: Rom-Com, Drama	Creator: Nia Vardalos	Director: Joel Zwick

Review: I first saw this on cable TV, during a rare time when we had the HBO channel. I was too young to fully grasp camp and cornball humor for what it was, but I knew I liked it, and couldn't understand why no one else had seen this movie? I did eventually find a friend who had seen it, and we bonded over it all the time. But since then, it's still just my mom and I that have seen it and actually liked it! Does that say anything bad about this movie...? No, I honestly and unbiasly think this movie is a lot of fun. It's by no means a masterpiece, but it's silly and heartwarming. It's also very quotable. More than once I've told someone, "you know, it's lucky for me I have you to tie my shoes!" And if I'm annoyed with someone getting in my business? "Keep your mother off my lawn, out of my basement, and away from my roof!" But I'd be sorely mistaken to not mention Gus and his fascination with Windex. Yes, I am ashamed to admit I did try to kill a zit with Windex once, and no, it did not work. So please don't be a silly child like I was! Even with all the shenanigans and busy-body behavior from her relatives, Toula does realize she's so incredibly lucky to be surrounded by such a loving family. One that accepts her for who she is, except for the tiny problem of being single at 30... them's were the times, and the family is Greek Orthodox, so tradition was a big deal. Looking past that rigidity, it really is an endearing story about acceptance.

The Watchers

Aired: June 7th, 2024	Duration: 1 hr 42 min	Rating: PG-13
Genre: Supernatural, Horror	Creator: A. M. Shine	Director: Ishana Night Shyamalan

Review: I've been a sucker for Shyamalan's films since the beginning, so I thought his daughter might have borrowed some of that weird, messy, artistic jargon that I love so much. It was messy alright. I don't remember any other media leaving me as frustrated and "gotcha'd" as this film. Which is so disappointing, cause the story is very cool. Fairies used to inhabit the earth but humans drove them underground? Yes tell me more! Wait, don't spell out the twist for me, oh no please don't develop characters just for them to die to not even move the story along but just for death's sake, nooooooo!! Good actors became bad ones, probably because the director is new, but I digress. I actually didn't like Dakota Fanning for a few days after, only to remember it ain't her fault she was directed horribly, or that her character was written to be unlikeable! Maybe my hopes were too high? The premise sounded like an incredible journey, only to turn into a poorly-paced stumble through the woods on a pair of designer heels that keep sinking into the mud, but instead of mud, it's shit.

Grow Up and Blow Away

Released: June 26th, 2007	Length: 39:10	Producer: James Shaw
Genre: Post-punk revival	Artist: Metric	Label: Last Gang Records

Review: Recorderd between 2000-01, fully released in 2007, and then discovered by an impressionable 12-year-old-me that same year. Every song on this album tells the story of a broken person, and every one spoke to me with its own unique voice. Even the 3 bonus tracks, Torture Me, Parkdale, and Fanfare, but Fanfare is just the beginning instrumental of Parkdale. I didn't get the impression this album was romanticizing suffering; it was more of a found strength within yourself, to pull yourself up and push through the slog that is life. Witnessed a terrible event? Look for the good in the situation, even if it's crude, or, sympathize with the agressor. Bullied or teased in school? Don't be the victim, play along with their game, and make them think they're in control. The lyrics of each song felt less like giving in to the system of abuse, and more like rolling with the punches. You can't always escape, it's not always the feasible option... sometimes you have to make the best with what you've got, even if it doesn't look that way to the rest of the world.

Over The Garden Wall

Aired: November 3rd, 2014	Episodes: 10	Rating: PG
Genre: Fantasy, Adventure	Creator: Patrick McHale	Director: Nate Cash

Review: Over The Garden Wall premiered when I was in a fairly rough patch in life, and while I loved it then, it took me some time to fully dive into it. I didn't let it fully immerse me until around 2020, and since then it's a monthly watch. The inspired whimsical feeling I get when I watch this show motivates me to work on art (although I am half-distracted because the show is so good). Something about the music and the general pacing of the show gives just the right ambiance to create to. I often find myself singing or humming the opening theme, as well as several of the other songs. One night while visiting my dad, he played an old record of Swedish folk music. I slowly realized the rhythm was uncannily similar to 'A Courting Song'. It was without a doubt the same genre of music, bringing the show's history a little closer to my heart.

Haibane Renmei

Aired: October 9th, 2002	Episodes: 13	Rating: PG-13
Genre: Fantasy, Mystery	Creator: Yoshitoshi Abe	Director: Tomokazu Tokoro

Review: Haibane Renmei explores the lives of "angels", or Haibane, who were reborn from cocoons in a town surrounded by walls. These Haibane vary from young adults to children; no older adults in the town have wings and halos. They are dependent on the townspeople, and each other, and formed a cozy community... at least that's what it seems like at a first glance. There's much symbolism around the "others" in society. They live under a strictly controlled environment. They cannot work for pay, only for their food and lodging (no true freedom). They can only wear used hand-me-downs from one specific store in the town (discrimination). They are not reborn with halos, but given them shortly after (symbol of identification). They live in one of two locations; a run-down apartment building and an abandoned factory (concentration camps). All this points to the Haibane living in endentured servitude to the rest of the town, and yet, the Haibane are mostly treated with respect. They get to choose their own jobs, and the used clothing they wear. There is an illusion of choice. On top of all that, the Haibane are reborn without memories of their past life. Their personalities carry over, so there are clues and subtle hints that show what kind of life they used to live. I've seen many theories that all the Haibane are suicide victims, but I think just one of them is. It couldn't account for the children, so I theorize the Haibane are young people who died too soon. This town is their chance to "right their wrongs" or perhaps to discover what was missing from life? It could be as simple as living a few years longer, with the nuances of normal life, and then their Day of Flight would take place. I believe all of the older Haibane have more of a challenge when it comes to reaching their time to leave the town, as they did live life, just not to normal standards. Phsyical and mental illness, tragic accidents... the Haibane's goal is to live a full life, to experience the good and the bad, to love and be loved.