Taylor Bauer
(He/Him)
Chicago
As seen in:
Phenixx Gaming,
Fandom Rising
Covers:
Video games, technology, anime/TV/film, and music.
Articles by Taylor Bauer
Croc 2 Remaster is a Pleasant Return to 90s 3D Platformers
For any platformer today, like Astro Bot on the PlayStation 5 or 2026’s Well Dweller,a rich history of game mechanics underpins it. In particular, 3D platformers had a moment in the 90s and early 2000s. With the rise of Super Mario 64 and Rare’s Banjo-Kazooie, many sought to follow in the footsteps of massive global hits. The Croc franchise sits below that upper echelon, but it still sustains a strong cult following.
Titanium Court Makes a Claim for GOTY 2026 Discussions
With two months left in 2026, I’m going to take some time to focus on games that need a little extra attention ahead of Game of the Year season. Few titles released this year are as complex and intriguing as Titanium Court. Developed by AP Thomson and published by Fellow Traveller, this game was easy to miss in a jam-packed spring release calendar. As gamers and critics work to rank their favorite games of the year, I think it’s well worth spending time checking this title out.
Wildwood Box Office Performance Sparks Fan Campaign
LAIKA Studios is an award-winning feature film animation studio known for films like Coraline and Kubo and the Two Strings. released its new project two weeks ago. The stop-motion dark fantasy film Wildwood took 16 years to complete, from concept development to release. As you can imagine, the studio hoped for a massive swell of support, given that movies like You Can See Everything are seeing success thanks to word of mouth.
Sam Altman RAM Comments Stoke a Gaming Industry on Fire
The games industry is falling apart in real time as RAM shortages, exacerbated by the AI data center boom, hit hard. Gaming consoles and key PC parts hit unheard-of price levels in 2026. Worse, analysts believe things will get worse before they get better. Right now, “getting better” feels like a fantasy for the industry. As companies make more drastic moves to boost profitability, like EA Closing BioWare, game hardware manufacturers keep passing supply-chain strain on to consumers.
You Can See Everything Ending Confusion Sparks Doc Debate
In any documentary, you’re looking at one approach to a broader topic. Despite its title, You Can See Everything takes its audience through a whirlwind of fragmented versions of the truth. Is Elizabeth Holmes guilty of what she’s been convicted of? Is her fiancé, Billy Evans, keeping something from Nathan Fielder and the crew? Lance Oppenheim’s second film of the year, after this fall’s Primetime, doesn’t stray away from its own man on the inside, Nathan Fielder himself, seeming compromised.
GTA 6 Launch Might Literally Be Too Big to Fail
Calling the games industry a house of cards in 2026 is an understatement. With a new console generation pushing $1200+ amid microchip price surges, it’s hard to imagine what the future holds. Even the past feels hazy. There was a time when EA Closing BioWarequite literally wasn’t an option. Now, it’s not even the most unbelievable layoff story of October 2026.
EA Closing BioWare Feels Like the End of an Era
BioWare’s legacy, and everything its projects gave to video games, could be an entire article series. There was a time when titles like Ocarina of Time were the pinnacle of game storytelling. Then, a studio came along that matched pristine gameplay with stories that rivaled hit movies or best-selling books. This beloved developer’s legacy lives on in games released to this day, even if its brightest moments dimmed some years ago.
Sense And Sensibility Review: A Pristine Period Drama
Period drama lovers are eating well lately. No genre of film or book quite hits the spot as summer ends and autumn begins as much as a timeless classic set centuries ago. While the East of Eden Netflix series explores humanity’s darker side, the 2026 adaptation of Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility aims to recreate a gentler debate. At the heart of this story, Austen’s first, is a question: where do reason and emotion meet to form a well-rounded approach to navigating life and love?
Phantom Blade Zero ROG Collection Announced
There’s no shortage of great games to play this fall. With the upcoming release of Grand Theft Auto VI, plus titles like The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake, options feel endless. Still, despite a crowded lineup, one game continues to capture excitement and attention. On October 28, Phantom Blade Zerowill launch from S-Game Studio on PS5 and PC. For PC players, a new line of Phantom Blade Zero ROG PC accessories is hitting shelves to promote the release.
East of Eden Netflix Series Nails This Element of Cathy
The new East of Eden Netflix series introduces a whole new audience to Cathy Ames, played by Florence Pugh. For years, Cathy served a singular role in the novel’s plot and readers’ discussion, as the epitome of evil itself. The new show aims to deepen our understanding of the character. In part, writer, co-showrunner, and executive producer Zoe Kazan decides to spend more time exploring the “why” of Cathy’s heartlessness.
Star Wars Galactic Racer on Amazon Luna: Now This is Podracing
I almost couldn’t believe it. Coming off the high I felt from Star Wars Zero Company, I was really looking forward to checking out Star Wars: Galactic Racer. As it turns out, I didn’t even need to purchase the game. In a surprising announcement, Amazon said the game would come to the Luna library, its cloud gaming platform. Let’s think about this for a second. One of the most anticipated fall gaming titles was running on my computer in under 5 minutes, with no purchase necessary.
Who are the Crocin in Star Wars? Biddy Blas’ Species Explained
After a viral moment for Star Wars Galactic Racer and a strong launch, a new hero rises. The latest “Glup Shitto” to captivate the masses is none other than a Crocin named Biddy Blas. In mesmerizing Huttese, this little guy’s confidence and gravitas have infected every social media platform with videos of players’ first encounters with this fellow podracer. Yelling “Scrib Doon!” to compel the player character to “write down” their name so they don’t forget, it’s safe to say we never will.
Kingdom Hearts Collection I-III (Switch 2) Review
Technically, the Nintendo Switch did let players play Kingdom Hearts. In the days of Nintendo’s handheld-home hybrid console testing the waters of cloud gaming, it was possible to play versions of the Square Enix games via stable, strong internet. Now, with the power of the Switch 2, Nintendo fans are no longer held hostage by data throttling or slow internet speeds. Kingdom Hearts Collection I-III bundles three smaller collections of games from the series.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth (Nintendo Switch 2) Review
There’s nothing quite like the world of Final Fantasy VII. With the third and final entry in the remake trilogy on the way in 2027, Xbox and Nintendo gamers can now play the first two entries that were once Sony-exclusive. As a Switch 2 fanatic, I was shocked by the performance of Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade earlier this year. Now, the second entry in the series is on the console and, once again, a wonderful port that pushes the Switch 2’s power to new limits.
Moonlight Peaks (Nintendo Switch 2) Review
Developer Little Chicken knows it isn’t launching the first farming life sim players have seen. Publisher XSEED understands this, too, having published a handful of games in this genre itself. The difference-maker, as I’ve written in the past about games like farming sims, is what you do to stand apart from the rest. I’m happy to say that Moonlight Peaks does a stellar job of making itself feel original, while still hitting beats that cozy gamers and farming sim fanatics will find enjoyable.
Advocate Spotlight – Denied at the Curb: Why the Story Didn’t End There
By: Taylor Bauer On a cold February morning, I ordered an Uber to pick me up from my workplace in Calgary to take me to a meeting. It was a routine ride request, something most people would never have to think twice about. A driver accepted the trip and arrived shortly after. I was standing at the designated pickup location in front of my office with dog, Wallace, who was wearing his guide dog harness clearly labelled “Guide Dog” in large print in both English and French.
Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade (Switch 2) Review
The arrival of a game with the stature, scope, and status of Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade on a Nintendo console feels like a pipedream someone would have invented for Reddit upvotes 5 years ago. Thanks to the Switch 2’s power and specs, it’s a reality. The console deserves some credit, but Square Enix’s ability to port this massive experience to the Switch 2 in such a successful manner is nothing short of a triumph for the studio, and a major win for fans.
Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion (Switch 2) Review
In 2019, Daemon X Machina released on Nintendo Switch to fairly positive reviews, only to improve over time with post-launch content and updates.
Mario Kart World (Switch 2) Review
Launch titles can make or break a console’s out-the-gate sales and impressions. Despite the Nintendo Switch’s massive success, the Japanese company knew that the successor to the home-hybrid console needed to launch with a heavy hitter. Why not go with the next game in a franchise synonymous with co-op gaming, all-ages fun, and video games as an experience?
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered is Out Now
The first game that I got truly lost in was The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. It kickstarted my lifelong adoration for western RPGs and truly rewired my gaming brain. Now is a great time to return to the game, or try it for the first time, as Bethesda and Xbox Game Studios revealed and released The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered today in a livestream.
Star Wars Zero Company Announced
The love for the Star Wars prequels truly took decades to develop. While some kids (like me) grew up into adults who fondly remembered the second Star Wars trilogy, most fans felt let down at first by Episodes I-III. Flash-forward to today, and there’s a lot of adoration for what those films provided the fandom, for better or worse.
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD Review
Donkey Kong Country Returns was first released for the Nintendo Wii in 2010, three years before it would appear again on the 3DS utilizing the handheld console’s 3D technology. At the time, it was nice to have the game as a handheld experience. Sadly, the already underpowered Wii had trouble fully supporting the tougher areas of the game. The 3DS, processing the game into 3D on much less powerful hardware, noticeably felt like a weaker version. It’s a shame, too, because the game is truly wonderful.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows Delayed to 2025
Delays aren’t unheard of, and they certainly happen to AAA titles regularly, but Ubisoft surprised everyone yesterday with a delay for its flagship stealth series. Assassin’s Creed Shadows, set to release November 12, 2024, will now be held back to February 2025. The decision, on top of polishing, is also connected to the performance of another Ubisoft release that disappointed investors. Here’s the latest news.
Kena: Bridge of Spirits (Xbox Series X) Review
We’re in a strange age of video gaming where some games don’t stay exclusive forever. I’m grateful that this is a growing trend, seeing as people should be able to play great games no matter where they play. Ember Lab’s Kena: Bridge of Spirits was first released as a PS5 exclusive but has since joined the Xbox library. Upon release, it was applauded for a number of elements, many of which were for visuals and art style.
Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition (Switch) Review
Nintendo’s 2024 releases have been a real blast from the past. From Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door to Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD, we’re getting the full nostalgia treatment for the late lifecycle Nintendo Switch. I’m fine with that, especially when old experiences are repackaged and presented in a new way like with Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition.
Xbox Gaming Coming to Amazon Fire TV
Xbox is having a strange couple of years. After finally acquiring Activision Blizzard King at the end of last year, we’ve yet to see the library arrive on Xbox Game Pass. That said, we know that Call of Duty‘s next release will be on Xbox Game Pass day one. We have seen titles like Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II and Starfield underwhelm some critics and players, but the Xbox Games Showcase from this past month is seen as an all-time high.
Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe Review
Kirby’s Return to Dream Land was a 2011 Nintendo Wii release that many look back on fondly. While the traditional Kirby platforming was included in the main storyline, 4-player co-op modes and minigames akin to Mario Party really stole the show. In its remastered state on the Nintendo Switch, Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe allows the best parts of the series to shine while also illuminating the lesser-mentioned, (but very worthy-of-note) brilliance of the Kirby franchise.
The Best Albums of 2022: #15-11
I’m back for another year of counting down the best albums of 2022! Each article will cover five albums. As always, share your thoughts on the chosen records in the comments below. Check out my write-up on #20-16 before reading through the next five. It’s worth noting that I spend the entire year working on this, listening to 204 this year.
The Best Albums of 2022: #20-16
I’m back for another year of counting down the best albums of 2022! Each article will cover five albums. As Always, share your thoughts on the chosen records in the comments below. Be sure to check out my write-up on #25-21 ahead of reading through the next five. It’s worth noting that I spend the entire year working on this, listening to 204 albums this year. Onwards to #20-16! #20 – Saba, Few Good Things 2018’s Care for Me felt like a crucial moment in Saba’s career.
The Best Albums of 2022: #25-21
I’m back for another year of counting down the best albums of 2022! Each article will cover five albums. As always, share your thoughts on the chosen records in the comments below. It’s worth noting that I spend the entire year working on this, listening to 204 albums this year. We’re getting things started with 25 – 21, so let’s get to it.
Gravastar Sirius P5 Earbuds Review
From music to gaming, I’m almost always wearing headphones. For the longest time, I would simply use whatever earbuds I found at the store that were inexpensive. While that works for convenience, there’s nothing quite like adding a seriously impressive pair of earbuds to your gaming setup.
Death Stranding Movie Announced
We’re very familiar with post-apocalyptic stories at this point. For decades, the downfall of humanity or the United States has been a central tenant of countless sci-fi and fantasy movies, books, and TV shows. One of the most notable explorations of these tropes in gaming has been Hideo Kojima’s Death Stranding. With a sequel on the way, it looks like we’ll be getting even more from the Stranding-verse with a movie coming soon from one of 2022’s breakout filmmakers.
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla Free Weekend Begins Today
One of the biggest changes in a major gaming franchise was the move to make Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed games more open-world. Elements of popular action RPGs like The Witcher or The Elder Scrolls pushed the Ubisoft team to consider their historic stealth series in a new light. One of the better games in the past few years was Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla, a perfect example of what the franchise looks like in its modern iteration. Gamers across all platforms can try the game for free this weekend.
The Callisto Protocol (Xbox Series X) Review
Striking Distance Studios might not bring any gaming memories to mind, but the name Glen Schofield probably does. The co-creator of The Callisto Protocol is very much in his element having also been the mind behind the Dead Space trilogy. While the new gory space-survival game doesn’t quite live up to the gameplay of Dead Space, there is so much to be excited and entertained by in The Callisto Protocol that it might just be my favorite new-gen game yet.
Inscryption (Switch) Review
I’m getting it out of the way in this first paragraph because you know it’s coming in a game review about a roguelike deck-building game. We all know and love Slay the Spire, but games that follow in its footsteps are tasked with the difficult job of emerging out of its shadow. After launching on the PC last year, Inscryption did so masterfully, earning Game of the Year flowers and accolades. Arriving on the Nintendo Switch a year later, this is a game you need to have in your Switch library.
Nintendo Switch Ports That Work Incredibly Well
There’s a lot of talk thanks to Pokémon Scarlet and Violet about the Switch being underpowered. In the case of those games, the debate is whether or not the developers at Game Freak could have done more to optimize the Switch. Let’s be honest: the Switch doesn’t pack the punch of other modern consoles. It doesn’t have to, however, to make it the ideal place to play some cross-platform games. Here are a few Switch ports I actually prefer playing to the original places on which they launched.
NBA 2K23 Season 3 Details Revealed
NBA 2K23 Season 3 details are live and we now know what is coming to the game ahead of winter. The new content is very seasonal in theme and adds tons of great content to explore starting today, December 2nd. New content for MyCAREER and The W is accompanied by new music from Grammy Award-winning producer Hit-Boy with Dom Kennedy.
Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration (Switch) Review
Growing up in the late 90s and 2000s meant a lot of weird things were happening in video games. Yes, consoles were all the rage, but you could play games on your TV in other ways too. A popular one in my house was the plug-and-play system that would go into your TV and allow you to play retro games. Our favorite growing up was the Atari system, which offered a great collection of titles.
Great Negotiators Pack Released for Civilization VI
Last week, 2K Games announced that Civilization VI would receive 18 new leaders in a season pass called the Leader Pass. The first DLC collection of leaders to come to the simulation game arrived yesterday in the Great Negotiators Pack. These additions to Civ VI continue to prove why so many love the game. With each leader, your approach to conquering the world changes, and the newest additions seem like a lot of fun to try out. Here’s a breakdown of who is arriving in the game first.
Doraemon Story of Seasons: Friends of the Great Kingdom Review
There are a million and one farming simulators to choose from in 2022. Square Enix is competing with Stardew diehards while long-lasting farm management titles like Story of Seasons continue to put out new and inventive projects. The latest from the Harvest Moon successor mixes in something that other farming simulators don’t have: Doraemon and the beloved characters from this Japanese manga and media giant.
2K Reveals Massive Digital Games Sale
A lot of 2K titles have gotten my time while playing Xbox and Switch in 2022. In fact, two of my most played games of the year are a part of a new sale revealed by 2K for the Black Friday sales taking place in the United States this week. Through November 28th you can find a number of great games on sale across numerous platforms, including Xbox, PlayStation, PC, and Switch. Here are the titles 2K revealed will be included in the sale.
Rocket League Partners with Nike for World Cup Content
Rocket League might not make headlines weekly outside of esports, but it’s still an insanely popular game. Developer Psyonix is always upping their offerings for players with genre-defining collabs with everyone from the NFL to Rick and Morty. A new collab sees the return of Nike’s partnership and the car-soccer sports simulator for an event tie-in with the upcoming World Cup. Here’s everything you can expect to find coming to the game this week.
Frustratingly Imperfect, Cyberpunk 2077 is Still Worth Your Time
I’m probably like a lot of people in the way that I decided to engage with Cyberpunk 2077. Turned off and downright disgusted by the way the game was rolled out in such a haphazard, half-baked fashion, I decided to stay away. Then, after months of the development team working on the game, along with the Edgerunners update and next-gen console upgrades, I gave it a go.
Ace Angler: Fishing Spirits (Switch) Review
I’m not often going to the arcades nowadays, but that has a lot to do with their diminished presence in cities as compared to the 80s and 90s. That said, one gaming company whose titles I play a lot on console is still creating incredible arcade experiences to this day. Bandai Namco is a publisher and developer of all sorts of games, but their latest arcade-to-console release features a sport that I don’t have much experience with in gaming or real life.
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