Pressing Onward – Thoughts on Death Stranding So Far

Incinerate the President of the United States (who also happens to be your mom) – CHECK!

Survive BT’s (surrounding/guarding the incinerator) and get home – CHECK!

Go back to “the beach” – CHECK!

Start a mission that brings you closer to saving your sister – CHECK!

Connect the United States of America to the “Internet” – Wait. What? The Internet has been out?

What I love about Death Stranding is the exploration. Knowing that I can choose my route from Point A to Point B. Sure there are hazards along my way such as BT’s (see photo of ghost-like-things below) and Timefall (rain that accelerates aging/equipment decay). But at the core, Death Stranding is about earning that sense of accomplishment you feel from traversing unforgiving terrain. This game is beautiful, and I’m sorry that I let the initial poor reviews rob me of this experience.

The Surf Report – Bible Reading, Social Media, and Alba: A Wildlife Adventure

Welcome to the Surf Report for January 14, 2021

.: God :

My Bible reading plan for 2020 has carried over into 2021. I’ve got to finish up:

Jeremiah
Psalms
James
2 Kings
2 Chronicles
Lamentations
Obadiah
Ezekiel
John
Daniel
Ezra
Haggai
Zechariah
1 John
2 John
3 John
Esther
Revelation
Malachi
Job

.: Life :

I’ve been sitting here scrolling through Facebook. Mindlessly, I scroll past former friends and acquaintances. Some have tried to monetize their lives, perhaps even create some sort of lifestyle brand; Some have tried their hands at homebuilding, while documenting how many kids they have on the side. Through the countless pictures, videos, and inspirational images of scripture, I have to wonder, does anybody care?

We put so much time into social media but what does it really give us?

More importantly, could I start a lifestyle brand? 🙂

.: Gaming :

I spent part of my Christmas break playing Ustwo Games Alba: A Wildlife Adventure on my iPad. I love it! I loved:

Skipping around the island
Taking pictures
Enjoying the wildlife
Being able to explore and chill at my own pace

So, what about you?

How did your Bible reading plan go for 2020? Did it bleed over, like mine, into 2021?

Play anything good lately? Read a fantastic book?

Let me know in the comments below.

Quick Review – Pikuniku

Pikuniku could be one of the best games I’ve played in a really long time. There is something about:

The movement mechanics
The goofy yet dark story
And the brevity of the overall experience that speaks to me

Wyatt enjoyed it too!

If you are looking for a solid distraction with heart, look no further than Pikuniku.

5/5 – Pikuniku is a solid distraction with heart.

Title: Pikuniku
Developer: Sectordub
Platform: Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Windows, Linux, Mac
Reviewed On: Nintendo Switch
MSRP: $12.99

Review by Bryan Hall

On My Radar – Hidden Through Time

The Awesome Adventures of Captain Spirit

You ever play something that just hits you wrong?

My wife and I are in the process of adoption. Don’t Nod Entertainment’s The Awesome Adventures of Captain Spirit reminded me of our foster/adoption training classes. A chunk of the stuff that parents get their kids taken away for = present in this game. As is:

The parent who is trying and failing to succeed/live life.
The kid who is alone, even though the parent is physically present (drunk/passed out), and has to take care of himself.

The superhero story veneer and child-lens softens the blow of what is a super depressing and potentially abusive situation. I’m thankful the game didn’t last long. Sad that kids have to deal with stuff like this when all they crave is stability and love.