Trace found himself surprised by Sand Land in a quiet, unexpected way. What begins as a simple journey for water slowly grows into something more personal the longer he sits with it. There’s a calmness in exploring its empty world, broken up by small character moments that linger. It never tries to overwhelm. It just asks for time, and Trace was more than willing to give it.
In this Backlog Worthy review, Trace revisits Final Fantasy XIII, the RPG that first sparked his love for the series. The Crystarium system and paradigm based combat still shine, though the game’s linear world stands out more today. Despite its flaws, the characters and atmosphere keep it a deeply personal favorite.
In this reflective essay, Trace explores the idea that every game has something worth experiencing. From beloved classics to overlooked oddities, each title offers a chance to learn something about design, storytelling, or personal taste. By approaching games with curiosity instead of expectations, players can rediscover why exploring the medium is so rewarding.
Trace visits Midgar in Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade, experiencing the story, characters, and combat in a new way. While the game has a few frustrations, the journey through Midgar proves memorable and worth the return
In this Backlog Worthy review, Trace revisits Pokémon X and Y years after first playing them as a kid. Mega Evolution and online features like Wonder Trade still stand out, while the story feels weaker than remembered. Even so, the Kalos adventure remains a nostalgic reminder of why the Pokémon series captured his imagination.
Trace stumbled upon 9 Years of Shadows while exploring Steam’s Discovery Queue. Drawn in by its stunning pixel art and immersive music, Trace found a game that charmed visually but offered uneven combat and a story carried by just two characters. Still, it proved to be a journey worth experiencing.
Trace reflects on more than a decade spent with Dota 2, from watching his dad play as a kid to grinding ranked matches through high school. What once felt like a defining part of life now feels different, but the thousands of hours spent in the game remain memories he wouldn’t trade.
In this Backlog Worthy review, Trace explores Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake and how it brings a legendary RPG to modern players. The HD-2D visuals elevate the classic adventure while the open party system and sense of exploration still feel timeless. Even with some aging mechanics, its charm shows why Dragon Quest III remains so influential.
Play Every Pixel 