1000xResist is a master of its own mythology. Like all of the great sci-fi stories, the game is about our real life and real issues, explored through the lens of a science fiction (and later cyberpunk) thriller. The narrative and themes are masterful, and it's so refreshing to play a game that is actually ABOUT something. The worldbuilding and mysteries and double meanings are a careful construction by writers who truly know what they're doing. At the same time, I am on the fence on whether or not this story needed to be a game - the interaction and choices seem minimal, and often time moving from point A to point B made the experience worse, rather than more engaging. Still, 1000xResist is a complete narrative achievement full of images, themes, and moments I will always remember, even if it doesn't justify its chosen medium.

Metal Slug 3 continues the quest for absolute insanity - the scope of setpieces, enemies, transformations, weapons, and gameplay styles have all increased. It remains possibly the most gorgeous 2D pixel art game ever made, and the personality and animation is world-class. Like all Metal Slug games, it falls short on the ridiculous difficulty. I am glad I am emulating this and not pumping in actual quarters - the scope and ambition of Metal Slug 3 means that there's more bosses with non-telegraphed attacks, ludicrous numbers of projectiles on screen, and harder encounters. It's very clear that Cuphead got its inspiration here, including with the gameplay twist of occasionally becoming a top-down shmup. I am going to try to remember Metal Slug 3 for its ambition, presentation, and spectacle, and not its laughably steep difficulty.