2025 was a year I'd rather forget, except for many excellent entertainment software releases for the Sinclair ZX Spectrum and the likes
2025 might not have been the best year for humanity, and if you forgive the self-indulgence for a short while, it was not for me personally either. Before I get into my usual meandering gaming topics, there is a good reason why I support mental health and anti-suicide charities; without wishing to dwell too much on this sore and often painful topic, I can guarantee that unless one lacks empathy or humanity, seeing suicide, or suicidal attempts, up close and personal isn't a pleasant situation to live through. Even if the tragic loss happens to someone who you have fallen out with, or thought ill of in life, such a desperate final act is no less saddening, indeed heart-breaking. The phrase "I'd rather listen to your problems than attend your funeral" is especially pertinent. So, please, if you are feeling low, or have thoughts of self harm or ending one's own mortal existence, reach out to someone. I find this resource to be useful for those who need it: Suicidal Crisis Support. Reaching out can help; it is never too late to seek support.
What got me through 2025, aside from Mind, some talking therapies and beautiful, supportive people around me was the comfort blanket of 8-bit gaming. It was a really great year for entertainment software, and joining the Break Space team from issue two really helped me to focus on something positive. Sometimes, because of external pressures, it was all a bit of a blur, and I'd wager that many of my submissions [to Break Space] weren't my best, but then again, as someone who left School without any GCSEs, I suppose I've done quite well. This fact perhaps also explains my err... let's call it unique, clumsy and deviant writing style. This is a self-critique here; one may opine about it using different nomenclatures.
At the time of writing, Break Space issue four has just been released, and I've already authored two pieces for consideration by the editorial overlord Mpk who put in a tremendous effort to get this issue finished. I don't envy him one bit, as this is clearly a passion project not just for him, but for the whole review team. Not to mention that all of this gaming goodness is provided for free, so even if you only have a passing interest in 8-bit computer software, it's certainly worth a look. All current issues are available to download from https://breakspace.itch.io/ - it's certainly the most cost effective 8-bit gaming 'zine currently on the market, so download and [one hopes] enjoy!
