Bryan Skursha

Dad / dog dad | runner and occasional guitar player | host & editor @pixelplaypod | He/Him

[Joshua Galecki @MoonroofStudios]

My new game has been released! Neongarten is a vertical cyberpunk city builder. Build the dystopian city of your dreams! Figure out synergies to meet absurd weekly tax bills. Place that toxic waste dump on top of corporate headquarters. Check it out at https://t.co/K2iYsLBmzR

[Pixelated Playgrounds @pixelplaypod]

Most recently, aspiring linguists Josh and Bryan made their way up the tower featured in 2023’s Chants of Sennaar! Its a game about culture and communication so what better way to celebrate it than through a discussion of its design, themes, and artistry. https://t.co/MAxgTde6or

[Pixelated Playgrounds @pixelplaypod]

After that Bryan and Josh played Tunic, a game that delivers stronger than almost any other title on the promise of a genuine feeling of discovery. Its a game that rewards looking beyond what’s on the screen and experimenting with every object. https://t.co/Lc9MbDmVBJ

[Pixelated Playgrounds @pixelplaypod]

Spring of 2024 was a time of compelling indie games for Pixelated Playgrounds. We ended February with The Looker, a loving (?) satire of Jonathan Blow's The Witness. Good satire is hard to find but developer, Bradley Lovell, hits the mark! https://t.co/u2HkEm35zI

[Pixelated Playgrounds @pixelplaypod]

And finally, gather your party and join Bryan, Josh, and Clint for a journey through the Forgotten Realms as they cover the breakout D&D simulation CRPG, Baldur’s Gate 3! https://t.co/VzGQDdNuzF

[Pixelated Playgrounds @pixelplaypod]

@MoonroofStudios Most recently: On the surface 2013's Starseed Pilgrim is a Pixel Puzzle platformer... under the surface it is a mystery, wrapped in an enigma, sprinkled with intrigue and vague snippets of poetry. Listen to Josh and Bryan cultivate a symphonic block garden https://t.co/c9mxbmmtW7

[Pixelated Playgrounds @pixelplaypod]

Next: @MoonroofStudios released another game! Within a Dead City is a tiny ‘Majesty-like’ with a striking palette and a moody vibe. Bryan took the opportunity to interview Josh on the creation of the game and knowledge gained working with a publisher. https://t.co/H8vhGT1NTC

[Pixelated Playgrounds @pixelplaypod]

Whoops! Its been over month since we posted but here's what's been happening at Pixelated Playgrounds as we wound down the Summer: Back in August Bryan and Josh talked about Last Epoch which been in Early access since 2018, steadily gathering momentum. https://t.co/9Jcglsmg3N

[Pixelated Playgrounds @pixelplaypod]

Josh and Bryan take to the high seas in 2023���s breakout debut from Black Salt Games: Dredge! Grab your rod and reel and listen in for what makes this potent combination of fishing sim and Lovecraftian horror one of the most prized catches of 2023! https://t.co/a0zmMme4lW

[Pixelated Playgrounds @pixelplaypod]

In this episode Josh and Bryan navigate the political intricacies, military conquests, and fascinating narratives of Europa Universalis IV! Listen in to hear strategic advice from EU veteran, Josh, or to share Bryan’s perspective as a wide-eyed newcomer. https://t.co/Pd4yHaEfzg

[Pixelated Playgrounds @pixelplaypod]

How do you follow one of the most celebrated open world games of all time? In 2018, Rockstar gave us their answer with Red Dead Redemption 2. Join Bryan, Josh, and Clint as they travel the frontier, but bring some trail mix... its going to be a long ride. https://t.co/MDO9iVpMCz

[Pixelated Playgrounds @pixelplaypod]

Today we’re celebrating the podcast hitting 100 episodes and taking an opportunity to thank all of our listeners and talk through our favorite experiences over the life of the podcast. The good times, the bad, and all the games we played along the way https://t.co/Q3TQ5GwhoT

[Pixelated Playgrounds @pixelplaypod]

Even in a year overflowing with excellent narrative-driven games, Citizen Sleeper stands out. Our favorite games draw together narrative, mechanics, and theme to an effect greater than the sum of their parts, Citizen Sleeper is an exemplar in this regard. https://t.co/uPpEogYOOw

[Pixelated Playgrounds @pixelplaypod]

In keeping with its incredible run of remasters, Capcom recently released perhaps the most beloved game in the series, Resident Evil 4. So listen in as Bryan and Clint drive out to a remote Spanish village and get into all kinds of trouble along the way. https://t.co/0kYp0D6lNJ

[Pixelated Playgrounds @pixelplaypod]

Pack your bags and join Josh and Bryan for a dip into this captivating rouge-lite with a fantastic concept: Inventory Tetris as RPG mechanic. So take a load off and pull out the old ‘Headphones of Listening’, to hear the guys’ thoughts on Backpack Hero! https://t.co/D2EpfRSQLZ

[Pixelated Playgrounds @pixelplaypod]

Welcome to Chess Club! Chess and roguelikes seem like a strange match. In this episode Bryan and Josh explore two games that use the tried and true mechanics of chess and mash them up with the roguelike video game genre: Shotgun King and Chessplosion. https://t.co/JqoSyGepYU

[Pixelated Playgrounds @pixelplaypod]

Last month, Bryan and Josh were on the Case! The Case of the Golden Idol, that is. This deductive logic puzzle game set in the 18th century, follows the Idol as it changes hands and drastically affects the fortunes of its owners. https://t.co/yII4YWClP7

[Joshua Galecki @MoonroofStudios]

Work continues on the tiny 4X game! In this screenshot, a new warrior is about to be recruited to the guild. Won't make much of a difference, though, as the army of rats is too strong to fight off at this point.

[Pixelated Playgrounds @pixelplaypod]

Bullet Heavens. Action Roguelikes. Arena Shooters. Crowd Management Games. Survive ‘em ups… Whatever you call them, thanks to Vampire Survivors they were a big story in 2022. In this podcast, Bryan and Josh sample three games from this burgeoning genre. https://t.co/uWQYkwvIJP

[Pixelated Playgrounds @pixelplaypod]

Now that 2022 is behind us, Josh and Bryan have taken the time to write about their favorite games for the year. Which games shall sit atop the throne? Find out at: https://t.co/lkZtAwZQi8