In today’s newsletter:

• the latest podcast
• new game releases to keep an eye on
• an analysis of the fourth wall (and another on the knife) in deltarune

podcast recap 🎧
​our podcast discussion + other media we've gotten into over the last week.

First off: welcome to all the new subscribers! <3 We have a bunch of new folks here, so I wanted to quickly say welcome and thank you for joining the club ~ please feel free to message me here, say hi, and let me know if you've got any questions! ^_^​
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"Your choices don't matter". Ah. The first "lesson" we're supposed to learn in Deltarune.
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Particularly in the wider context of society, it can feel like our choices don't really matter. As individuals, we can't do things like stop the climate crisis or end war. And it can feel very easy to want to find solace in things that bring us comfort, security, and joy. Things like board games, or the internet. And that's what we see more clearly emerging as a theme in Chapter 2 of Deltarune: the pattern of escaping into various Dark Worlds, each created as a representation of something people use to escape reality.
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​As a side note: I don't believe that the game is actually telling us our choices don't matter. Similar to Undertale, where "it's kill or be killed", I believe there's more here than meets the eye. But that's perhaps a topic for our community hangout and discussion next week!​
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​I LOVED the podcast discussion we had about Chapter 2, as Joel's theories have completely reframed the way I've thought about the story and the character, Kris, in particular. Especially considering this theme of escapism, the darker observations and notes that Joel presents (I think) are ones that I'll continue to mull over as it's changed the way I see the game and the potential direction the story can take.

If you poke around, you'll see the framework for the major website update and overhaul I'm working on ~ thanks to Alannah and Delaney at DNA Creative for working Notion WIZARDRY to help me get it set up! Anticipate the new and improved version of the website releasing in 2025!​
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A reminder that our monthly hangout is on Saturday, December 21st at 3 pm PT in Discord. We'll discuss December's game, Deltarune Chapter 1 & 2, chat through the community selections and G&G 2025 plans, talk about favorite games we've played this year, and generally just chill together for a bit ahead of our holiday break. 😊 Hope to see you there!
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🥐☕ the pastry case (show links)
​what we're reading/watching/listening to outside of the monthly brew.

• Jenny
  • ​Wicked wicked wicked wicked wicked wicked wicked (I loved Wicked)
  • wind and truth and wind and truth and wind and truth and (I'm loving Wind and Truth)
• Joel
  • You already know I’m deep in the new Sanderson Book Wind and Truth! It’s like every page he is rewarding his readers by tying together mysteries we’ve been speculating about for ages!
  • The new Star Wars show Skeleton Crew has been an absolute joy so far. I miss the days when we had zany adventures with kids who dealt with bullying and feeling insecure. This is scratching that itch!
  • I went to see the old romcom The Holiday in theaters this weekend and I’m worried I’ve crafted my entire personality by merging Jack Black, Jude Law, and Cameron Diaz.

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👀 🎮notable indie releases this week
​games to keep an eye on if you're looking for more to play.

The Edge of Allegoria | 4​ ​RPG Dark Comedy Turn-based RPG, inspired by classic titles from the golden age of handheld gaming. But make no mistake: This ain't no f@#%ing kid's game.

Mythwrecked | 5​ ​​Narrative Exploration You’re shipwrecked on a lost mythical island. As backpacker Alex, you must befriend the forgotten gods of Greek mythology and restore their memories. Explore the dynamic island and its story sandbox to build new friendships, solve the mystery and save the gods.

Weirdlands | 7​ ​RPG Creature Catcher A lockdown during a crisis. You can't go anywhere. At least not until a portal to a magical land opens in your bedroom.

Ballionaire | 10​ ​​Roguelike Casual You’re shipwrecked on a lost mythical island. As backpacker Alex, you must befriend the forgotten gods of Greek mythology and restore their memories. Explore the dynamic island and its story sandbox to build new friendships, solve the mystery and save the gods.

NAIAD | 10​ ​RPG Dark Comedy Immerse yourself in a relaxing, minimalist and colorful adventure. Flow with Naiad across a mysterious river and interact with its fauna and flora to discover little secrets. Enjoy a wholesome experience with an original and dreamy visual style.

Short Trip | 11​ ​​Narrative Exploration An interactive illustration five years in the making where you drive a cat tram through picturesque mountain villages. A relaxed, casual, delightful experience. Ding ding!

next week's brew ☕
​time to reveal our top games of 2024 -- and hear about yours!

For the final episode of the year, we'll take a little time to reflect on the games that impacted us the most: Joel and I will share our top 10 games of 2024! And, no, we're not including ONLY the games released in 2024 -- anything we played this year is fair to discuss.
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Of course, please continue to take this week to finish up your time with Deltarune -- I've already restarted Chapter 1 to try and capture a few details I missed the first time around.

Now, for the FINAL reflection question of the year ~

reflection question 💭​
​reflect on what we're playing/considering this week and share your thoughts.

If you'd prefer to respond via email (by replying to this message) that's great too!
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​Please be sure to submit your response by Dec 15th to be included in the upcoming podcast.

pour over ☕​
​sift through and savor these additional resources + media as you play this month's game.

• ​M​ollystar's Device Theory: A big thank you to Shadow of Roserade who highlighted this VERY in-depth series in their comment as an exploration of how Deltarune uses the 4th wall to further its message and themes. (psst, also check out Shadow's channel for an excellent and reflective breakdown of escapism, violence, and detachment in Deltarune, featuring the object, the knife. Content notes: discussion of self-harm; spoilers for Undertale, Deltarune, Yume Nikki, and Omori).
• ​Chapter 2 OST: One of my favorite game soundtracks -- now that we've played, it may be fun to explore the song titles and see if there are any nuggets of info to glean for story theories 👀

Stay in the loop -- listen to the weekly podcast on Spotify and Apple, hang with the community in Discord, and find us on Instagram and Bluesky!

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Thanks for visiting our digital café this week -- talk soon!

Jenny