Hello hello 👋🏾
Despite it all, we're still here. Let's get to it.
## Interesting Stuff
### oxfruit
They have a lovely etsy store that I got some prints from. [Check them out](https://www.etsy.com/shop/oxfruit).
![[Vol 33 - What Do You Mean there are 33 of These-20241208133407883.png]]
### Why is Tokyo so fashionable?
[An interesting thread about fashion](https://bsky.app/profile/dieworkwear.bsky.social/post/3lbvx4ci3qk2l) from Derek Guy, a cool dude. Worth the follow if you're on bsky.
### Retro Portable Catalog
I've [[Ayn Odin 2|written]] quite a bit about [[A Quick Guide on Retro Handheld Emulators|Retro Portables]] before. There's a lot to take in about them, but [this helpful little site](https://retrocatalog.com/retro-handhelds) helps you break down what you're looking for and then figure out what you want. Just click the filter button on the top-right to get started. I used it to grab my 40XXV which I've been quite smitten with, so it has my vouch, if nothing else.
## Planted Recently
### [[Writing About My Favorite Games]]
Finally finished this with [[My Favorite Games - Top 10 - Part 2]]. I don't know why I took so long for this. But at least it's done.
### [[Just a Guy Online]]
Thinking about my place online and as someone who presumes to be creative.
### [[Tech Stack - 12012024]]
Made some updates to the stuff that I use.
### [[Final Fantasy VI Thoughts]]
Catching up on one of the most critically acclaimed JRPGs ever made.
### [[Playing and Finishing and Backlogs and Libraries]]
Overthinking about one of my hobbies as usual.
## Media Corner
### Games
Playing:
- **Fantasian: Neo Dimension**. Hironobu Sakaguchi just doing it for the love of the game at this point. Good for him.
- **Path of Exile 2**. Surprisingly enjoyable, significantly more so than the first one for me. Probably the benefit of a fresh start.
- **Mega Man Star Force DX**. Dipping my toes into this before jumping into **Battle Network 6** for a replay. This is a romhack with some QOL added which is nice. It seems fun so far, if less complex than the original series.
- **Marvel Rivals**. Better than I expected. Needs some polishing but not a bad time. Playing support as usual. More fun with a four-stack.
Finished:
- **Phantasy Star IV**. Phenomenal. Up there with the other 16-bit greats. As I've said in various online spaces, this game would have rewired my brain chemistry had I played it as a kid. Give it a look.
- **Tales of Destiny: Director's Cut**. Great combat and fun characters but the usual "tales slog" with that final third. Possibly the worst dungeons in any Tales game as well.
### TV/Film
I'mma be honest, I've just been rewatching **Game Changer** and **Make Some Noise** reruns over and over again. My brain is broken. I want to watch **Star Wars Andor** once I figure out what's wrong with me.
### Music
- **BEASTIEBALL Original Sound Track** - Lena Raine
- **Aimai Heart Spice - Single** - YUC'e
- **Endlessness** - Nala Sinephro
## Status Update
I'm doin' alright. Did some digital winter cleaning which I think will be good for me. Just sort of...I dunno, unfulfilled, but for reasons that are a bit too private for a newsletter, LOL sorry.
It's funny, I have no idea if anyone reads these. I have subscribers, but I don't track stats or anything. I don't usually get comments or anything. Just sort of yelling into the void. I hope if you're out there listening that you enjoyed this.
## Signing Off
Anyways. I hope you're doing well and thank you for reading. Hit the ko-fi link below if you like and want to support this letter, and if you wanna hang out I'm on [Bluesky](https://bsky.app/profile/barquq.bsky.social).
https://ko-fi.com/barquq