Newsletter Update - August 2024
August 2024
I usually call these “Impressions of the Month,” but I feel Newsletter Update is a better name for these articles. For those new, and there are a surprising number of you, I do these at the end of the month to update readers on what I’m doing and provide updates for the Substack. So, let’s get started.
The Newsletter
So, I’m not happy with how much content I got out this month. A lot was going on personally, and the schedule I set up to write (on the weekdays) affected my sleep patterns, and I would have no time to play any game. My daughter started kindergarten, and my job has been BUSY. I’m also trying to spend more time with my wife and on a strict budget. I’m starting some goals to improve my quality of life. So, yes, it’s been hectic. That said, I did find time on the weekend, and it’s been a godsend when it comes to writing. I plan to get three articles out a week and organize my links to find older articles easier for the readers.
I have some cool lists regarding the early era of gaming before I move on to the 1980s Strachey’s lists. I want to finish my Side Vault project ranking the Disney animated movies. I also have my History of Gaming articles and upcoming reviews, including classic games. Eventually, down the line, I want to see how much I can expand 1UP Vault. It’s better to aim big than settle. For now, I’m happy I finally found the right schedule for the newsletter.
Despite my weak output this month, I also got a good chunk of new subscribers, which has helped my mental health. I want to tell all the new subscribers that I truly appreciate your support and checking me out. I’m just a regular guy who likes history and video games, so sharing a newsletter that mixes the two is cool. I really do thank you!
What I’ve Been Playing
The main game I’ve been playing is Dungeons of Hinterberg. This indie title has become my surprise of the year. I saw some of the hype about it on my social media and decided to download it, thanks to Game Pass. I’m getting close to the end and dreading that, which tells you how good it’s been. The game’s concept of tourism fighting monsters and the relationship between characters have hooked me. The game feels like a mix of Persona, some Legend of Zelda, and a little of the cozy games that have become all the rage with a lot of casual gamers. Every year, there’s a game you never thought about, and then you play it and realize it’s in your top five favorites of the year - that’s Dungeons of Hinterberg for me this year. I can’t wait to give the full review and explain why it’s such a good game.
Outside of that, I’ve played a little bit of Starfield as I continue to play through it slowly but surely. I’ve been ignoring the main campaign as I realized that side quests and missions are where the game starts to feel special. I have yet to try the new update that added the vehicle, so I’m pumped to return to that soon. September will be a big one, as I might end up with either The Plucky Squire or Astro Bot. The game that is a guarantee for me is The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, which has emerged as my most anticipated game for the rest of the year. The rest of this year will be stacked, so I'm hoping to play as much as possible of what’s left.
Spooky Season
I’ve had a long tradition of celebrating Halloween from early September to either Halloween night or the first two days of November. Halloween is my favorite holiday, and I try to enjoy it as much as possible, especially if I’m stressed out. I mostly celebrate by watching as many movies around the season as possible. I have a set list of must-watch films such as Freaks, Hellraiser, Frankenstein, and many more classics. I always kick things off by watching House on Haunted Hill with the G.O.A.T. Vincent Price. So if you follow me on my socials (X - jmmendez89 / Threads - 1upvault) you’ll see me posts about those movies. I might write an article every other week on some as well. I’ll also release some lists regarding video games perfect for the season. Hopefully, I will find a way to play the original Luigi’s Mansion as part of a new tradition for the season. So, you’ll see me enjoy the season; I’m excited it’s about to be here.
Thank you for subscribing, and here’s to an exciting next month.
Can definitely relate with this post. Hard to find the time but the work is worth doing. I am one of the new subscribers. Love your angle and look forward to more of your writing.