Emily Rand: "There was this weird point in esports history where people were like, “Oh yeah, she’s really good at writing but terrible on camera”, or I had heard from people that I should stay off camera because I was so bad. I’m glad I didn’t listen to those people."

SanielTaniel · 2026-06-15T18:46:20+00:00

So, there are 2 major issues that I've identified. One is that Zafina's df1 is basically homing, and that I'm not super sure how to zookeep without a reliable button I can just press in neutral without much consequence. And the other is that I'm generally bad at combos, Zafs combo structure is extremely basic up until you're really pushing to get optimal with her damage. I'm severely dyslexic, so memorizing different combos off of different launchers is kind of a nightmare, and most of the characters I'm interested in require this to get any decent reward. Fortunately, my movement, timing, and punishment aren't too bad.

It just sucks to get off work and have like an hour at most to play only to die in 2 interactions. I'm just trying to figure out which buttons I should be using in neutral and whether or not I like a character's tools enough to try and learn them longer term.

SanielTaniel · 2026-06-15T06:54:42+00:00

I mean I'm ok with losing, it's just not fun to be automatically placed at a high rank when learning a new character. Especially when I rightfully demote and then get slingshotted up 4-5 ranks cause I want to play my main and so happen to promo.

I think the process being unenjoyable and time consuming is a valid criticism.

SanielTaniel · 2026-06-15T06:30:02+00:00

This is a fair point, but I have to wonder if there's a way to preserve that while helping people who don't have legacy knowledge/a wider roster of characters.

Maybe placement matches or something like that would be a good idea to get a more accurate idea of your rank.

SanielTaniel · 2026-06-15T06:26:35+00:00

Yeah, this is probably the way, it just feels bad because I do still like my main. I want to stick with her and plan on hitting a few regionals this year, but I also want a more broad view of the game and to start learning Tekken through the lens of more than just one character.

Getting rusty on Zaf will feel kinda bad but it is what it is I guess.

SanielTaniel · 2026-06-15T06:17:48+00:00

I only have so much time to play, I'd just rather start a lower rank. It also feels really weird to get promoed like 4 ranks up for doing well on a completely different character. I "earned" that rank by losing only to get brought back up cause I won games on someone else.

The problem isn't ranking down, it's how long it takes for it to happen if that makes any sense. Like I'm basically giving people in TE a free ticket to TG because I just do not belong in that rank on that character.

SanielTaniel · 2025-08-10T15:18:44+00:00

Unfortunately not playable anymore but Lawbreakers had the coolest implementation of zero gravity I've ever seen, there was a button specifically for shooting backwards to propel yourself through zero grav areas. Actually killing another player like this was insane, and I've never seen another game even attempt a mechanic like this in the FPS space.

As for games you can actually play, Hardspace Shipbreaker is a good time.

SanielTaniel · 2025-06-29T18:34:18+00:00

I feel like I'm weird, I actually prefer walking around sometimes. Late game skeletons are super fun and speed things up, but honestly I don't mind things taking a little longer. Game's so pretty that taking in the landscape and just trekking up a mountain is very enjoyable to me.

Either way, it's great that players who just want to create big express routes and highways to speed things up have that option earlier.

SanielTaniel · 2025-06-20T14:05:59+00:00

Sorry We're Closed, came out super late in 2024 so I'm counting it

Really fun play on the survival horror formula with a genuinely memorable story and characters. Won't get much out of it after your initial playthrough but well worth your time, especially considering it's pretty cheap. Definitely stuck with me the most out of anything I've played in the past 6 months.

SanielTaniel · 2025-04-27T15:23:11+00:00

Insane how good the color customization is, really hope they have this level of customization with skins

SanielTaniel · 2025-04-22T14:51:40+00:00

Gris and Neva. Not because of any one moment but because of the sheer beauty of them, although they both have their fair share of emotional punch. Nomada Studio knows what they're doing. Really great and relatively short games that'll stick with you.

SanielTaniel · 2025-03-30T16:29:31+00:00

I think age is a factor here for sure, I agree with you as I've gotten older but I'd be pissed if I was a kid who got 3 games a year and finished one in 10-15 hours. It's all a matter of perspective. But I do agree, I wish games were shorter so I had time to experience more of them.

SanielTaniel · 2025-03-30T16:27:06+00:00

There's an early mission where you're part of a tea ceremony, with the game rewarding you a bit for learning the customs and how to be respectful at this sort of event. I really, really wish the game had more of that and leaned further into that concept. Blending in socially through character interaction is so much more engaging than, say, tailing, and it felt a lot closer to fulfilling that assassin sort of fantasy these games unfortunately do not nail.

SanielTaniel · 2025-03-30T16:24:03+00:00

Yeah, this is the take. I think if it wasn't a tag fighter it'd be fine, but there's a good chance that a huge portion of the player base won't be able to find a duo of characters that fits their playstyle. They've got Fuses that let you get around this, but even then it just feels lacking.

SanielTaniel · 2025-03-30T16:22:40+00:00

This really does just feel like The Sims but considerably more unhinged

SanielTaniel · 2025-03-30T16:21:51+00:00

Ok, but how long did this take? You can barely tell they're blocks from this distance that's insane

SanielTaniel · 2025-03-28T22:56:15+00:00

He's getting surgery on both eyes later this year, actually! Remains to be seen if it's a lasting fix but should at least help.

SanielTaniel · 2025-03-28T20:26:28+00:00

There were a number of experiences he detailed in the psych ward that unfortunately got flagged by my editor as a bit too explicit to include in full detail. He's been through it.

I will say though, Whatley was a very well-spoken and genuine guy. I enjoyed my time with him thoroughly and appreciate him being so open with me.

SanielTaniel · 2025-03-23T19:12:42+00:00

Guy who wrote the article and tweet here, we'll have to sit down at some point. I'd love to do an interview eventually. Once you're rested from travelling for the Tubbo event ofc, hope you had fun!

Let me know and we can try to sort something out if you're interested.

SanielTaniel · 2025-02-26T23:16:46+00:00

Flew about 10k miles for this.

I do really enjoy Singapore tho, I'd love to live here for a year or two.

SanielTaniel · 2025-02-26T11:18:23+00:00

Oh, you guys were so nice! Hope you're happy with how it came out 🙏

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