Ghoulish Games II: System Shock 2

I mentioned in my previous post on games that’ve unnerved me that the level in question had no monsters. It’s a great example that the setting and design of a well-crafted atmosphere doesn’t necessarily require direct antagonists to be effective. That isn’t to say there’s anything wrong with monsters, and in this second game I’d… Continue reading Ghoulish Games II: System Shock 2

Ghoulish Games I: Bloodlines

Halloween is right around the corner, despite the tendency of retail outlets to forget the holiday as quickly as possible. You can’t milk consumers for as much cash with costumes as you can with guilt-induced gifts for family and co-workers they don’t like. Anyway, since horror is interesting from a variety of standpoints and I… Continue reading Ghoulish Games I: Bloodlines

On NaNo & Scrivener

So National Novel Writing Month – NaNoWriMo to you Web-savvy types – is right around the corner. I know a few of my fellow pensmiths will be participating in the event, and I’m more than happy to offer my support, encouragement and advice. But I, for one, won’t be participating. The simple reason for this… Continue reading On NaNo & Scrivener

Three Stars

As part of VACATION HELL over at Terribleminds, I submitted a little horror story called “Three Stars”. Now that it’s posted there, I can post it here as well. Enjoy! She walked through the halls with his picture in her hand. She stopped the hotel’s staff and other guests alike. She struggled to keep her… Continue reading Three Stars

Surviving The Patch

He’s back, and he’s pissed. Most of the people I know who play World of Warcraft are looking forward to the latest expansion, Cataclysm. Those of us who’ve played the previous games remember Deathwing, and are pretty pleased with both his place as this expansions ‘Big Bad’ and his upgraded appearance. Because if you want… Continue reading Surviving The Patch