[Ah, this Id Software candid - fronted by the two Johns - never fails to entertain.]

Well, we seem to be approaching the 200th issue of  video game Deep Cuts (now on Substack), my dear readers. And I’m still enjoying putting these together - though formatting them is a bit of a slog - since it helps organize the cool things I saw.

Hope you’re holding up, out there in Internetland.

- Simon, curator

The Current: New Games To Consider

• Delores (PC) is a free prototype using Ron Gilbert’s new adventure game engine & “found art” from point ‘n click-er Thimbleweed Park. (Great idea/giveaway.) 📰

• Huntdown (PC, Switch, PS4, Xbox) is a frantic ‘80s influenced cyberpunk 2D side-scrolling platform-shooter - seems tight! 📰

• The latest Apple Arcade addition, Winding Worlds (iOS) is an artsy-looking puzzle adventure from the GNOG devs. 📽

• Before We Leave (PC, Epic Store), pictured, is a non-violent, chill-looking city building game where you expand from a single island to multiple planets.📰

• Just leaving Steam Early Access, Nimbatus (PC) is an action sim where you construct drones out of hundreds of parts & then fly them on the surface of planets.📽

The Culture: Game Culture & Deep Dives

• Why cheating in PC multiplayer games is still a massive issue - and the quest for solutions. 📰

• Ten culture/business learnings from ten years at Supercell (Clash Of Clans), possibly the savviest F2P mobile game company. 📰

• A fan of dynastic leadership? Here’s an early look at Crusader Kings 3, the late-2020 sequel to Paradox’s cultish, incredibly complex kingdom simulator. 📰

• Going inside Decentraland, the surreal Second Life for crypto true believers.📰

• Looks like hire-able game companions are taking off in China - including a billionaire you can rent time with? 📰

The Past: Game History

• LSD: Dream Simulator’s unofficial English localization is a chance to play and savor the highly experimental PlayStation 1 title. 📰

• This wonderful history of the shareware revolution makes it to Id Software. 📰

• Mini Prince is a low-res ASCII fan QBasic version of Prince Of Persia's first level - with a mini physical edition (!) 🎮

• The story of Donkey Kong, surprisingly told in manga form. 📽

• The DooM chip is a piece of hardware that has the first level of the classic shooter (E1M1) directly embedded into it - no software or CPU. OK, then! 📰

The Other Goodness

• Tony Hawk interviews the OG pro skaters from Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater, now the remake has been announced.📽

• How come you can’t (legally) buy & play Popcap’s genius Bookworm Adventures any more? For shame. 📰

• When government public arts funding helps innovative games get made.📰

• Bringing back ‘choose your own adventure’ book Deathtrap Dungeon, but as an FMV game with Eddie Marsan narrating, is a super interesting concept. 📰

• The upcoming Ghosts Of Tsushima for PS4 will have a Mad Max: Fury Road-style option to play in black & white (pictured) throughout the whole game. 📰

• Why do horror games sound so beautiful? A video essay. 📽

Thanks for reading, and see you next week.
Simon.