Justin Nation Avatar Image

Justin Nation

Windsor, PA
The Nindersect
Nindersect

Favorite Games:
  • Rocket League
  • Neon Abyss
  • Wreckfest

5157 games reviewed
70.6 average score
71 median score
43.9% of games recommended

Justin Nation's Reviews

Strangely enough this isn't my first rodeo, back in the day I wrote for the N64HQ as well as a few other outlets on freelance gigs but then when the HQ closed I decided to step it up and started The 64 Source. As the first word of a follow-up system to the N64 began to swirl I then decided to venture out into completely new territory and started OperatioN2000, where I had very little regular reputable news to share. With no other options I decided create my own content focused on profiling key developers and their current relationship with Nintendo or "dream games" where I saw opportunities for Nintendo to dust off classics or recently-made games and do something new with them on improved hardware. This was all going pretty well until my wife and I decided to have our first child and I then decided that it was time to hang it up and focus on my family. As I closed down both sites I did decide to partner with Billy Berghammer, another former N64HQ writer, who had created his own site, PlanetN2000. We agreed to move over the relevant content from the older sites to his and on top of that I had taken a grad school class in programming in ColdFusion and decided to offer to code the front-end and back-end for a new version of his site. Through these efforts the newer and more complete Planet GameCube was born! While I would occasionally contribute to that site, helping do things like working out Louie the Cat doing rumors and other odd things, I eventually decided to stop as my family obligations grew. While I had continued to follow Nintendo through both the Wii and Wii U eras my TV time was limited enough that I began playing more PC games again. It is in the PC space that I began to play a number of independent games and they started to be the games I enjoyed the most. Between their lower price, their often less traditional gameplay and approach, and their great variety I was hooked! With the launch of the Nintendo Switch I was already excited by the possibilities. The portability factor alone meant that I would have far more options and places I could play away from the TV, and games like Breath of the Wild looked impressive. With my oldest daughter poised to start her senior year in high school and my youngest finishing out junior high I started to see an opportunity to get back into amateur games journalism once again with what is now Nintendo World Report as well but I'd initially just thought about writing some editorials periodically. Then, right before the launch of the system, Nintendo had their Nindie-focused presentation and I saw my two most beloved gaming worlds colliding. The games I had been playing on my PC could now be played in a portable way and on Nintendo hardware! Being the type who tends to work against the normal current the concept behind Nindie Spotlight was born!
7.6 / 10.0 - The Merlies
Oct 2, 2026

While very pleasant, and generally feeling pretty distinct with its mix of exploration and puzzle-solving, the somewhat loose controls and some quirks keep it from being better

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Oct 2, 2026

With its time-looping mechanic, very distinctive visual style, and often amusing sense of humor this mystery title has a feel that’s quite refreshing

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7.8 / 10.0 - BIRDCAGE
Oct 2, 2026

While its ideas and play style may not be unique, there’s something to be said for its gritty aesthetics and energy level

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6.7 / 10.0 - Moros Protocol
Oct 2, 2026

There’s something to be said for the effort to mix roguelike elements into an old-school first-person shooter, but in the end Moros Protocol doesn’t feel like it lives up to its potential

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Oct 1, 2026

Undoubtedly one of the more unusual games I’ve played running this site, it may have some appeal for the right crowd, but it definitely will take patience to see everything it has to offer

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8.7 / 10.0 - The Room Three
Oct 1, 2026

If you’re familiar with the intricate puzzles of this series, and are looking for a little world building as well, this satisfies

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Oct 1, 2026

Another terrific collection of puzzles, and it continues the legacy of what has come before it, but released the same day as its predecessor on Switch which to choose is a toss up

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7.8 / 10.0 - Graveyard Keeper 2
Oct 1, 2026

Much like the original, this more morbid take on a life sim has its quirks, and can feel grindy, but stays entertaining with its unique approach and sense of humor

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Having only played the more modern incarnations of the franchise, it’s wild to appreciate its origins and how far it has come, but that also makes going back tougher to recommend outside of nostalgia

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7.4 / 10.0 - Tower of Dreams
Sep 30, 2026

While I’m always down to see how roguelike sensibilities can be combined with new ideas, in this case some of the results disappoint

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6 / 10.0 - Kernel Hearts
Sep 30, 2026

While it has a fascinating story, and a solid look, its gameplay doesn’t meet the standard set by its other elements

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7.2 / 10.0 - Blades & Battles
Sep 30, 2026

Managing to channel the old-school sensibilities of Golden Axe and some other arcade classics, it may be lacking in length and overall depth, but is fun while it lasts

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8.6 / 10.0 - TOEM 2
Sep 30, 2026

The follow-up to the charming picture-taking original doesn’t deviate much from the original formula, but still delivers a wholesome and satisfying journey

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5.8 / 10.0 - The Green Light
Sep 29, 2026

While it throws in jump scares and attempts some intrigue, there’s still quite a bit of clunkiness to this dressed-up walking simulator

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Outright odd, sometimes hard to follow, and not for everyone, if you’re willing to take the ride it at least offers a unique experience

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Sep 29, 2026

Outright gorgeous, approachable for fighting newcomers and veterans alike, and having a few different ways to enjoy its content, it’s a solid package

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7.5 / 10.0 - Farming Camp
Sep 29, 2026

While far from perfect, and the variety comes up a bit lacking in length and depth due in part to its mini game-oriented style, it’s still has a refreshing approach

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7.1 / 10.0 - Dimensional Animals
Sep 28, 2026

While the warping mechanic at least adds a little more interest, this budget platformer still lacks the oomph to make it more competitive with its peers

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8.5 / 10.0 - Rollick N' Roll
Sep 25, 2026

Given that as a kid I remember playing the likes of Madcap Marathon with friends, this puzzler has a great nostalgic quality and provides a healthy challenge to your planning and reflexes

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7.7 / 10.0 - Fountains
Sep 25, 2026

While in general I don’t tend to be a fan of anything that appears to be striving to be Souls-like, this more simplified take should have appeal to gamers looking for a challenge

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