The Leap at 46
It’s been almost half a year and I’m worried about the slow progress on re-releasing my music. My birthday’s this month, and my present to myself is simple: rest. No more dragon-slaying for a week. Maybe breathing will do me good, because right now frustration is winning.
Feels like I traveled the Amazon only to end up back at the same point: still nothing in the portfolio. Yes, I’ve learned a lot — but learning doesn’t fill the page. No portfolio means no proof. So I’m taking a breather, sketching out more games while Mist Rushers bakes in the oven.
“Two fronts again.“
Peachey’s Jumping Journey
Peachey’s Jumping Journey is personal. Built from my daughter’s life. Her fears turned into bosses: the angry teacher with her broomstick, the martians that stink because abductees swore the smell never left them, Robot Man with red eyes she swore were pure evil. Even her toy barn stuffed with Transformer props mutated into a sci-fi fortress. I showed her the first artwork and she loved it. That alone makes it worth it.
Then there’s City of Blades. Dystopian, heavy, 80s neon grit. It pulls me back to Double Dragon and Final Fight cabinets that stole every coin from my piggy bank. This time, I’m aiming for a beat ’em up metroidvania. Insane idea. Why not.
So here I am, bouncing between farting martians and blood-soaked alleys. The tonal whiplash is brutal. Unity fights me every step. My mixes still collapse into cardboard.
But both games exist now, at least on paper. They’re not polished GDDs yet, but I can see them. My work doesn’t look clean just now — but it looks relentless. And maybe that’s better for now.