Unwinnable

Youth pastors often like to make the case that Christians can have as much fun as “the world” can. As a Christian and former youth pastor (who may have actually said that line a couple of times myself), I’m here to tell you: that is categorically untrue.

The truth is that the fruit of the Spirit of Christ, according to the Apostle Paul, is self-restraint, among other things. There is no supernatural consolation prize for those of us who don’t get to have sex with whoever we want. Prayer, even the most focused and God-centered kind, doesn’t feel the same way. And as much as we like to convince ourselves otherwise, winning a game of Settlers of Catan simply doesn’t feel as good as intercourse. (more…)

I have given myself over to the world of small, quick, easy-to-learn games. I have indulged myself in the easily digestible world of agitated birds, bouncing balls, endless runners and esoteric puzzles. These games have five-star ratings on the app store for a reason. They are expertly designed for their medium: small, tight, quick experiences that evaporate with a click of the sleep button.

It’s about time I admitted this: they are all very fun, but they mean nothing to me. Not right now. Not anymore. (more…)

If the voting for this list is any indication, 2012 was an incredible year for games. Over 40 contributors nominated 91 games – a dizzying cross-section of games across all platforms from PC to console to mobile. Every top ten list a contributor submitted dramatically changed the standings. There were moments when games as different as Borderland 2, Hotline Miami and Dear Esther all occupied the top spot. Almost every contributor’s list had a game on it that I had never heard of before – Howling Dogs, Zaga-33, Dead Trigger and more. Mobile and downloadable games went toe to toe with the biggest AAA titles. Even more surprising, they won in a landslide.

There was a lot to love this year. The top standings wound up being so interesting that I could not limit it to a mere best ten games of 2012. A baker’s dozen seemed much more appropriate. So, without further ado, dive in to Unwinnable’s favorite games of 2012!  (more…)

If you are the kind of person who looks at year end lists to turn up your nose, feel anger that your pet fave didn’t chart or debate ranking order then go ahead and excuse yourself now. We say, “Good day to you, sir or madame.” We at Unwinnable are of the mind that such exercises aren’t meant to put a universe of personal expression in order, but to shine a light, share a vibe and spread the word. Our staff didn’t disappoint this year. With 145 records nominated, some of this year’s charters made the cut with only two votes. I’m proud to be among a crowd with such diverse, iconoclastic musical tastes. Our list willfully ignores prejudice in favor of passion. Join us, won’t you? (more…)

Every year, we struggle to compile the lists of the things we loved over the course of the year. There are so many of them, the movies, the games, the stories. We debate and vote and hem and haw for the entire month of December, trying to distill them perfectly.

The same can not be said of the things we hate. The worst of 2012 – that’s easy to see… (more…)

My life is often dominated by lonely activities. Every weekday morning, I go to an office where I am by myself most of the day. When I go home, I often spend my time writing and editing alone. I eat alone and watch Netflix or Hulu to unwind. For fun, I play videogames, usually alone. (more…)

The turkey has been eaten. The belt has been loosened. Some folks are working off their food coma in front of the TV, watching a football game or a movie. Some folks are on the computer, looking at their favorite websites. To you, we say, “Welcome!” Team Unwinnable is off with family and friends, just like you, but every year we leave behind something to help pass your idle hours. Now that you’ve fed your stomach, here’s a menu of sixteen favorite pieces from 2012 to feed your brain. Bon appetit! (more…)