I’m watching [Mordread](https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:z6fbmanfpk26ayxnjlcut4di) replay **Metal Gear Solid** and we all just talk like Snake for 2 hours during the Discord call. It is a very good time. There’s the explanation for this week’s title.
Okay, stuff time!
## Interesting Stuff
### Write with Harper
I’ve been looking for a Grammerly replacement *forever* now, and I think [Harper](https://writewithharper.com/) is the one. It’s private, on-device, open-source, customizable, and has extensions for Firefox and Chrome. It even has an [[Obsidian]] plugin! Maybe my writing in this newsletter will be less error-prone, lol.[^1]
### Zen Browser
Been using [this browser](https://zen-browser.app/) for a while now and it’s feeling pretty stable, so I’m giving it a plug here. It’s built off of Firefox but feels like Arc. If that sentence means anything to you probably already use it. But if not, it’s basically a browser that makes tab management easier in a lot of ways, like with grouping and the ability to remove them altogether so you don’t get distracted. Check it out!
### Merge Maestro
This is going to be one of those games you won’t be able to escape soon. I already assume that your favorite bald white guy YouTuber has played it which will only give it more traction. [Merge Maestro](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rX3gm3Wd-UA) is one of those **Threes** or **Balatro**-type experiences: easy to pick up, hard to master, and very addictive. I planned to just give it a quick look on my phone but then ended up doing three runs! There’s a surprising amount of depth to merging cute little emojis together. For $2 it’s a steal so grab it — or maybe don’t if you’re susceptible to time-sinks.
## Planted Recently
[[ARPGs and the People who Love them too Much]]
I am fascinated by ARPGs as a genre, and even more fascinated by the people who play them. After dipping my toe into the community, I have many thoughts, which you can now read about!
## Media Corner
### Games
Finished:
- [[Romancing SaGa 2 - Revenge of the Seven]]
- Yes again, what of it??
Playing:
- **Phantasy Star Online 2**
- Not sure what else besides that! Gonna spin a wheel and pick. Still kind of in a grindy mood so I’ll probably keep going down that route.
### TV/Film
- [[Weapons]]
### Music
- **Neotokyo** - Ed Harrison
- **CHARON** - 1000 Eyes
- **Darling River** - Hello Meteor
## Status Update
Got a lot[^2] of ideas for writing cooking up in the ole noggin, so that exciting. Look for those next week, hopefully.
## Signing Off
Hope y’all are doing good! 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/taniyn.quest)!
https://ko-fi.com/barquq
[^1]: I’ve met writers who proof-read and they’re all cowards!!! (that’s not true please proof-read don’t be like me)
[^2]: By “a lot” I mean “two” but that’s neither here nor there