Gaming Feminism: Why 50 Percent Makes Sense

The next time I hear the argument that women are only becoming a standard demographic in the game industry because the statistics "count" mobile and social gaming, I am going to punch someone right in the e-mouth. I know.  That sounds like a really aggressive way to start off an article that, for all intents and purposes, is going to try to get you on its side, but DANG does that stuff annoy me. If you are a denizen of the internet, as I am, you have no doubt seen the number of articles floating around that ZOMG WOMEN MAKE UP 50 PERCENT OF THE GAMING DEMOGRAPHIC. The fact that this is exciting news is depressing to me for a few reasons:

A Bit of Brainpower: Dynamite Headdy

Originally released for Sega Genesis and designed by Treasure, Dynamite Headdy is a creative platformer which requires you to use your head. Literally. While there were many platformers around this time, it being the main style of game used in 8- and 16-bit games, this one took the typical tropes and skewed them, making for an incredibly unique experience.

A Bit of Admiration: How I Came to Terms with being Nerdy

Yesterday was Thanksgiving, and we didn't necessarily celebrate it in the way that we usually do. Typically, my father, stepmother, husband and I celebrate this wonderful, gluttonous holiday on our own in my parents' house in Connecticut. This year, given the unfortunate stroke of a close friend, we decided to go and spend Thanksgiving with him and his family instead. Having never met his family, and given my propensity towards awkward social situations, I was nervous. The first few uncomfortable handshakes had confirmed what I felt positive about: this was going to be awkward, I was going to be the weird one that no one would talk to, etc.

Luckily for me, I was wrong.

A Bit of Evolution: Pokemon X

HOW MANY BITS, MERCER? 8/8 BITS

Admittedly having not even delved that deeply into the post-game fun of Pokemon X (or Y), I can definitely say that it is one of my favorite games that I've played recently. Whether this be solely due to nostalgia or is a true testament to the Pokemon franchise's staying power, I can't say, but here are the 5 things that I liked most about Pokemon X. As a note, I will be purchasing Y soon, just to have another version of this awesome game to play.

A Bit of Garbage: Borderlands 2's Console Controls

HOW MANY BITS, MERCER? 0/8 BITS

This post has been a long time coming and, until I finish Pokemon X (which should be sometime in the next day or so), I do not have anything else really to write about that isn't old news (GTA V, Last of Us), so instead I'm going to write about just how much I hate the Xbox controls of Borderlands 2.

A Little Bit of Neglect: Animal Crossing

HOW MANY BITS, MERCER? 3/8 BITS

When I purchased my 3DS originally, it was so that I could buy and play Animal Crossing: New Leaf. I'm not sure what I expected, really, or if I thought that it would be able to hold my attention any longer than the other Animal Crossing games, but now I find myself playing it mostly out of guilt. I know, that sounds crazy, but guilt is a very real motivator for me—even when things are supposed to be fun and, well, games.

A Bit of Exploration: Obduction

For those of you who haven't heard the news, Cyan, Inc. the super-sick creators of awesome games like Myst and Riven are coming out with a new game: Obduction. Despite the fact that the name does admittedly irk the spelling nazi in me, I will not be kept from playing (and preaching about) it. From my understanding, anyway, Obduction is meant to be an amalgamation of Obfuscation and Abduction—at least that's what I take from its Kickstarter page.

A Bit of Education: Lost University

HOW MANY BITS, MERCER? 5/8

Now, despite the fact that I absolutely adore ABC's Lost, there is only SO far that the obsession can go. From expensive Box Sets to Lost themed bands like Sonic Weapon Fence from Chicago, and The Oceanic Six, Lost has truly gone off the charts with the insanity.