Lore desk
Fantasy, systems, and in-world culture
Game lore, fantasy worlds, and the stories games tell
In this issue
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What Is a Metroidvania? A Plain-Language Genre Guide
Metroidvania is not a single checklist. It is a design pattern built on exploration, backtracking, and abilities that reopen old spaces.
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How to Plan a First Playthrough Without Spoiling the Fun
A first run is for learning systems, not optimizing endings. These habits help you enjoy story-heavy games without guide paralysis.
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Mass Effect's Citadel Council: How the Politics Work
The Council is not a single villain or hero. It is a fragile coalition of species trying to govern a galaxy while hiding a much older threat.
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Borderlands 4 Announced at Summer Game Fest 2025
Gearbox and 2K revealed Borderlands 4 with a cinematic trailer at Summer Game Fest on June 8, 2025. Here is what the announcement confirmed—and what it did not.
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Variable Refresh Rate Explained for PC and Console Gamers
VRR matches your display's refresh to the GPU's frame output, cutting stutter without the input lag of traditional V-Sync. Here is how the standards differ.