October Roundtable: Minigames

October Roundtable: Minigames

Not to dredge up the memory of an ancient meme from before the dawn of time, but we all like games, right? Sometimes we like games so much that we play games in our games. Gaming while we’re gaming.

It’s kind of a strange phenomenon, but minigames are everywhere, so we’re talking about them! (more…)

August Roundtable: Alternate Endings

August Roundtable: Alternate Endings

Summer is drawing to a close. We’re all thinking about alternate realities, so the Sidequest crew got together to discuss alternate endings. For example, consider the alternate ending of August where we had managed to get this up on time! (more…)

No Matter His Age, the Point of Nier is Compassion, Not Tragedy

No Matter His Age, the Point of Nier is Compassion, Not Tragedy

Much like our present day and age, the original Nier (2010) is a slow-unfolding tragedy. It begins with one the player won’t initially understand: main character Nier fends off a swarm of shadowy monsters while trying to find medicine for a child named Yonah, but when he returns, her condition has worsened. Before the player finds out what happens to Yonah, the story skips ahead and we meet them again 1,312 years later in a changed world. Where the first few minutes of the game took place in a modern convenience store (albeit a very ruined one, with chunks of concrete blocking much of it), Nier and Yonah live in a comparatively low-tech village after the time skip. Gone are the concrete and metal; the quiet village where Nier and Yonah live has no machines or electricity. Despite the new setting, we soon find out Yonah is still suffering from the Black Scrawl, the incurable illness she had in the prologue. To make ends meet, Nier works odd jobs for other villagers. (more…)

March Roundtable: Crafting in Games

March Roundtable: Crafting in Games

In the midst of COVID-19 fears, the Sidequest team decided to focus our roundtable on something wholesome: crafting in games. We sat down (virtually, of course) and talked through in both tabletop and video games. Are you a fan of crafting in games? Sound off in the comments and let us know what does and doesn’t work for you! (more…)

Sidequest’s Definitive Ranking of Sword Dads, Part I

Sidequest’s Definitive Ranking of Sword Dads, Part I

“I’m starting The Witcher 3 and Geralt is my dad now.” I made this bold declaration on Twitter as I began my 130+ hour love affair with The Witcher 3, which to this day remains one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It took playing a few other games to realize I have a type when it comes to games. I call this genre “Sword Dads.” Like the name implies, these games have at least one character with a daditude (that’s a “dad attitude” for you newcomers) and an often comically large sword.

I categorize Sword Dads loosely. Blood relation to a child can be a factor, but it isn’t necessary. A Sword Dad can be anyone, really. What matters is having a sort of fatherly attitude/mentoring role/proclivity for dad jokes aimed at a younger character. Per the name, a Sword Dad will also ideally carry a big sword or two, though other weapons may count, too.

We love Sword Dads here at Sidequest and are excited to bring you a definitive ranking of the most dangerous, dadliest dads in video games.

—Maddi Butler

Editor’s note: The following entries may contain spoilers. See a Dad from a game you don’t want to be spoiled for? Skip it! Also, you’ll notice below that the nominees aren’t ranked—you, the reader, will have the power to decide on the ultimate Sword Dad. Give us your thoughts below!

Editor’s note 2.0, 1/7/2019: Vote on best Sword Dad right through here! Each tier will last 24 hours, so vote right the heck now.

(more…)