If you went into the 2021 Mortal Kombat reboot and thought, “This is okay, but it needs 200% more Johnny Cage, a lot less Cole Young, and a budget that relies entirely on green screens,” then Mortal Kombat II is exactly the movie you asked for. For better or worse.

As someone who grew up hearing the iconic “TEST YOUR MIGHT” echo through arcade halls, I went into this sequel with tempered expectations. What we got is a loud, incredibly gory, aggressively fast-paced apology tour that completely pivots from the first film. It’s an undeniable upgrade in terms of fan service, but it trades in what little narrative restraint the first movie had for a structure that feels less like a cinematic story and more like a two-hour sequence of Let’s Play videos.

Here is how the sequel stacks up.

The Flawless Victories (What Worked)

• The Beheading of Cole Young: Let’s just address the elephant in the room. The fans hated Cole Young in the 2021 film. The creative team clearly read the room, because Cole is violently and unceremoniously taken out of the picture almost immediately. Shifting the focus back to Liu Kang as the rightful center of the Earthrealm team gives the movie the backbone it desperately needed last time.
• Karl Urban’s Johnny Cage: Urban is easily the best part of the movie. Playing Cage as a washed-up, past-his-prime ’90s action star relegated to the fan convention circuit, he brings a hammy, self-deprecating energy that breathes life into every scene he’s in. His back-and-forth banter with a returning (and surprisingly hilarious) Kano (Josh Lawson) provides the exact kind of B-movie comic relief the franchise thrives on.
• Pure Fan Service & Choreography: Adeline Rudolph’s Kitana is a great addition, and the martial arts choreography itself is generally excellent. The fatalities are absurdly violent, leaning heavily into realistic CGI gore that will make casual viewers squirm, and hard-core fans cheer. From Liu Kang’s fire dragons to Kung Lao’s zombified return, the game logic is on full display.

The Fatalities (What Didn’t Work)

• The “Green Screen” Void: While the 2021 film spent time in grounded, tangible locations, Mortal Kombat II transports us directly into Outworld and other mystical realms. Unfortunately, this means the actors spend about 50% of the runtime fighting against muddy, drab, gray virtual backdrops. It gives the film a distinctly “Marvel Phase 4” artificiality that saps the weight out of otherwise cool fight scenes.
• Villain Bloat: Shao Kahn (played with Hot Topic He-Man energy by Martyn Ford) looks the part, but he never actually feels terrifying. Instead of looming over the plot like an unstoppable final boss, he shows up constantly, essentially acting like a bullet-sponge MMO tank that just takes hits until a plot device stops him. Quan Chi and Shang Tsung feel similarly wasted, fighting for scraps of screen time.
• Zero Pacing: This movie is a relentless gauntlet. It sheds character development entirely to sprint from Fight A to Fight B. Because of this, deaths and major lore twists carry absolutely zero emotional weight.

Final Verdict

Mortal Kombat II is the ultimate “key-jangling” cinema. If your inner teenager just wants to sit in a dark theater, drink a beer, and point at the screen every time a character does a signature move from the video games, you are going to have a blast. It is a massive correction of the first film’s narrative mistakes, even if it introduces a whole new set of structural flaws.

It didn’t capture the lightning-in-a-bottle 1995 charm, and it certainly won’t win any Oscars, but as pure junk-food entertainment for the fandom? It gets the job done.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

If you’re anything like me, your gaming library is probably split between chaotic multiplayer shooters and massive open worlds that take eighty hours to finish. But every once in a while, a smaller, deeply atmospheric indie game comes along and reminds us exactly what first-person adventures are capable of.

That’s the vibe radiating from WILL: Follow The Light, a stunning narrative puzzle adventure developed and published by TomorrowHead Studio. Released for Xbox Series X|S and PC, it presents an atmospheric, emotionally heavy journey that feels tailored for a rainy weekend with a good headset.

The Story: A Father, a Son, and an Unforgiving Ocean

The setup is instantly gripping. You play as Will, a lighthouse keeper stationed on a lonely island in the freezing northern latitudes. Solitude is your daily routine until a sudden, frantic radio message changes everything: a disaster has struck your hometown, and your son is missing.

Instead of waiting for help that will never arrive, Will boards his sailing yacht, Molly, and heads straight into a treacherous northern sea.

What makes WILL: Follow The Light work so well is that it isn’t just a simple rescue mission. The further you sail, the more the narrative shifts from a physical search into a psychological exploration. You are forced to confront heavy, generational questions about your relationship with your own father, the whereabouts of your wife, and the truth behind your family’s history. It’s an intimate exploration of grief, duty, and fatherhood wrapped in a survival blanket.

More Than Just a “Walking Simulator”

While the story is the anchor, the gameplay keeps you actively engaged. This isn’t a game where you just hold forward to watch a story unfold. TomorrowHead Studio builds variety directly into your travel methods across these freezing landscapes.

• Nautical Navigation: You’ll actually steer and manage Molly across realistic, swelling northern waters to reach isolated islands.
• Dog Sledding: When the ocean gives way to brutal, snow-covered mountain ranges, the game shifts perspective, letting you command a team of sled dogs to cross the tundra.
• Environmental Puzzles: To progress, you’ll need to explore abandoned ruins, piece together clues left in the environment, and solve clever first-person logic puzzles.

Production Value That Punches Above Its Weight

Visually, the game handles the contrast between the cold, deadly wilderness and the warm, safe interior spaces beautifully. Walking around the tight, wood-paneled cabin of your yacht feels incredibly tactile and lived-in. The game targets a smooth 60fps+ on Xbox Series X|S and features immersive spatial audio—which means hearing the creak of the boat’s hull and the howling Arctic winds will genuinely give you chills.

If you enjoy narrative-driven adventures like Firewatch, What Remains of Edith Finch, or the atmospheric tension of The Long Dark, this one belongs on your wishlist. It’s a beautifully realized, localized in 13 languages, emotional journey that asks a haunting question by the time the credits roll: are you doing all of this to save your son… or to save yourself?

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

I’ll admit, when I first saw that James Patterson had a new one out, I figured I knew exactly what I was getting: short chapters, plenty of cliffhangers, and a fast weekend read. But Rocket’s Red Glare hits totally differently, and a huge part of that comes down to who he wrote it with.

Patterson teamed up with Matt Eversmann—the retired Army Sergeant Major whose real-life actions in Somalia were the basis for Black Hawk Down. When you pair a master of suspense with a guy who actually knows what it feels like to lead elite operators under heavy fire, the result is an absolute powerhouse of a book.

What’s the Story?

The book introduces us to Nat Phillips, a brilliant, battle-tested strategist who commands a highly classified, domestic crisis response unit. These are ex-Special Forces, codebreakers, and intel officers who once fought overseas but are now back on U.S. soil.

The story kicks off with a massive shock to the system: a presidential candidate is assassinated on the wealthy, isolated island of Nantucket.

Nat’s team gets activated immediately, and the plot turns into a terrifyingly realistic race against the clock. The scary part isn’t just the action; it’s how close to home it all feels. The battlefield moves from the coast of Massachusetts straight into the halls of power in Washington, D.C., peeling back layers of a political conspiracy that feels a little too plausible in today’s world.

Why It’s Worth Your Time

What really makes this book work is the texture. A lot of military thrillers get bogged down in technical jargon, or worse, they feel like a cartoon. Because of Eversmann’s background, the tactical moments feel incredibly grounded. The way the team communicates, the sheer weight of their decisions, and the psychological toll of high-intensity operations feel completely authentic.

Author Jack Carr called it a “banger” with “breakneck pacing,” and he’s not wrong. It reads like a Jason Bourne movie, but it has the messy, human drama of a neighborhood thriller.

The Quick Breakdown

• The Authors: James Patterson & Matt Eversmann
• The Vibe: High-stakes political conspiracy meets boots-on-the-ground military realism.
• The Length: 384 pages (but honest to god, it feels like 150 because you fly through it).
• Perfect For: Anyone who loves Jack Ryan, Tom Clancy, or just wants a smart, explosive story that will keep them up until 2:00 AM.

Final Verdict

Rocket’s Red Glare is easily one of the most refreshing thrillers Patterson has put his name on in years. If you want a book that will completely pull you out of your daily routine and keep your heart rate up, grab a copy. Just make sure you don’t have an early meeting the next morning.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

If you had told me a few years ago that one of my upcoming gaming weekends would be spent playing as a samurai owl running through an 80s synthwave-infused cyberpunk version of feudal Japan, I probably would have laughed. Yet, here we are. Atomic Owl, developed by Monster Theater and published by eastasiasoft, recently made its way to Xbox, and after spending some quality time with it on the Series X, I’ve got some thoughts.

On paper, this game sounds like an absolute dream for anyone who loves retro aesthetics. The premise is delightfully quirky: you play as Hidalgo Bladewing, a legendary avian warrior out for revenge against the sinister Crow Sorcerer, Omega Wing. After a brutal defeat that leaves your friends brainwashed and you tied to a tree (definitely a rough start to a Monday), you are rescued by a brash, fast-talking demonic sword named Mezameta. From there, you set out to tackle eight distinct zones to rescue your squad and stop Omega Wing’s void-crow army.

Visually, Atomic Owl hits all the right notes if you have a soft spot for the classic era of gaming. The hand-drawn pixel art is incredibly vibrant, packed with gorgeous color palettes, stellar particle effects, and atmospheric lighting. One minute you’re dashing through neon-lit cityscapes, and the next you’re navigating high-tech training rooms or serene woodlands. The game even includes CRT and “Samurai” filters if you want to dial up that old-school flavor. Pair that with a genuinely excellent, driving synthwave and chiptune soundtrack, and the atmosphere immediately draws you in.

But how does it actually feel to play? That’s where things get a bit more interesting—and a little complicated.

Atomic Owl pitches itself as a fast-paced action platformer with roguelite elements. The core loop is familiar: you venture into a zone, collect glowing green and blue orbs called Meza to level up your health and buy permanent camp upgrades, and inevitably die, only to come back stronger. Along the way, you can pick up temporary, run-specific power-ups called Wing Remnants. If you’re lucky enough to find the triple jump or an extra dash, it completely changes your mobility for that run.

The combat mechanics are actually pretty cool. Hidalgo can instantly swap between four different weapons—a short-range sword, a long-reach whip, a heavy hammer, and throwable axes. Some enemies have shields that require a specific weapon to break, forcing you to rotate through your arsenal on the fly. While the combat isn’t terribly punishing (the boss attack patterns are surprisingly easy to read once you get the hang of them), hacking and slashing your way through swarms of void crows feels satisfying.

Where the game stumbles a bit, though, is in the precision department. For a game that relies so heavily on verticality and wall-bouncing, the platforming can feel a bit clunky. Pushing up to dash toward a high ledge occasionally results in Hidalgo missing the lip entirely or getting stuck in a mid-air rolling animation, leading to some frustrating falls. When you are trying to time a jump onto a deteriorating platform while dodging a barrage of projectiles and flying Tengu enemies, the controls don’t always afford the pixel-perfect precision you want. It’s far from game-breaking, but it does mean the environment itself often poses a much bigger threat than the actual bosses.

It’s also worth noting that the “roguelite” tag is pretty light here. The levels themselves are static rather than procedurally generated, so when you restart a run, you’re playing through the exact same layouts. It functions more like a traditional, challenging side-scroller with a persistent upgrade system than a true, unpredictable roguelike.

Final Verdict

Clocking in at around 5 to 6 hours for a solid playthrough, Atomic Owl is a compact, stylish adventure. It has a ton of heart, an incredible aesthetic, and a killer soundtrack that will have you bobbing your head even when a missed jump sends you plummeting to your doom.

If you go in expecting a deep, complex roguelike, you might find it a bit safe. But if you’re looking for a gorgeous, retro-inspired indie platformer to tear through over a weekend—and you don’t mind a few finicky platforming moments—it’s absolutely worth the $12.99 entry fee on the Xbox Store.

Have you had a chance to check out Atomic Owl yet? Let me know your thoughts on the combat and your favorite weapon swaps in the comments below!

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

If you are looking for an inspiring, deeply personal read that will completely reframe how you view the challenges of growing older, Dr. John Ayoola Akinyemi’s autobiography, PRAISE THE LORD, I AM 84 YEARS “YOUNG,” is a must-read. This heartwarming memoir chronicles an incredible journey spanning over eight decades, tracing the author’s path from a disciplined Christian upbringing in Abeokuta, Nigeria, to his arrival in the United States in 1963 as a young college student navigating profound culture shock.

At its core, the book serves as a powerful overview of a life built on faith, resilience, and identity. Dr. Akinyemi shares his academic pursuits at several American universities, culminating in a distinguished 27-year career as a civilian scientist for the U.S. government and the military. What makes his narrative so compelling is his exceptional ability to handle life’s major disruptions—whether dealing with sudden career terminations, systemic biases, or even a narrow, life-saving escape from the Pentagon on September 11, 2001. Rather than letting these moments harden him, he consistently relies on his mother’s wisdom to turn life’s “lemons into lemonade”.

PRAISE THE LORD, I AM 84 YEARS “YOUNG” is less of a rigid historical text and more of a warm, reflective conversation about what it truly means to age gracefully. Dr. Akinyemi writes beautifully about the importance of family, the need to honor our senior citizens, and his secret to staying vibrant past eighty: moderation, abundant laughter, and unshakeable gratitude. It is a swift, uplifting review of a life well-lived that leaves readers with a renewed sense of hope for their own future journeys.

What lingers long after you turn the final page is the author’s infectious joy and his perspective on time. Now looking back from the vantage point of eighty-four years, Dr. Akinyemi treats every single day as a bonus and an opportunity to leave a meaningful legacy for the next generation. The book wraps up with a reflective look at his enduring family bonds and a brief preview of his travels back to his homeland, reinforcing the idea that no matter how far we journey, our foundational roots keep us grounded. It is a beautiful, quick read that reminds us that a person’s attitude in life truly determines their altitude.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Every now and then, you pick up an adventure memoir that makes you want to pack a bag and head into the wild—or, conversely, curl up even tighter under your blanket and thank your lucky stars you’re safe at home. Fred Nelson’s Challenge of the Ice: A Canoeing Adventure in the Wilderness of Northern Canada manages to do both at the exact same time. If you are a fan of raw, unvarnished wilderness survival stories, this indie release belongs on your radar.

The book chronicles an intensely ambitious, high-stakes expedition through some of the most unforgiving terrain in North America. Nelson takes us step by step through the grueling planning phase and the eventual execution of a massive northern Canadian canoe trip. The heart of the story focuses on a mind-boggling 75-mile overland portage where the team has to lug their canoes and gear all the way from the Thlewiaza River to the Seal River. If you’ve ever complained about portaging a canoe for a quarter of a mile at a local state park, this book will completely reframe your definition of hard work. Just when you think the worst is behind them, the expedition hits the open waters of Hudson Bay. Fighting their way south toward Churchill, Manitoba, the team gets caught in a brutal, freezing storm that turns a test of endurance into a literal fight for survival.

What makes Challenge of the Ice stand out from standard travelogues is Nelson’s grounded narrative voice. There is an authentic, human-sounding grit here. He doesn’t write like an untouchable super-athlete bragging about conquering nature; he writes like a deeply experienced woodsman who respects the land and knows exactly how thin the line is between a successful trip and a total disaster. Nelson doesn’t skim over the logistics, so you get a real sense of what it takes to organize an expedition where a single forgotten gear item or a miscalculated ration could mean starvation or exposure. The book does a fantastic job of capturing the mental fatigue of wilderness travel, making the endless mud, the freezing rain, the physical exhaustion of dragging a heavy canoe over land, and the crushing anxiety of an oncoming storm at sea feel completely palpable. Yet, despite the hardships, Nelson’s deep appreciation for the stark, beautiful landscapes of Northern Canada shines through every chapter.

The wilderness doesn’t care about your plans, your timeline, or your comfort. It demands absolute adaptability, or it breaks you. Because of that raw realism, this is a must-read for anyone who loves classic survival literature, canoe tripping, or Arctic exploration narratives. If your bookshelves are already packed with tales of historic expeditions, Nelson’s modern account will feel right at home. It’s an inspiring, gripping, and occasionally terrifying look at what happens when human will meets the freezing reality of the Canadian bush.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

If you’ve been scrolling through social media or checking Xbox Game Pass lately, you might have noticed a surge of people losing their minds over adorable, customizable animals hurtling down snowy mountains on plastic discs.

That would be Sledding Game, a chaotic indie project developed by a solo creator named Max (under the banner The Sledding Corporation). After blowing up on Instagram during development, it’s officially made its way onto Xbox Series X|S, Xbox Cloud Gaming, and PC.

The pitch is incredibly simple: it’s a casual, multiplayer winter sports playground where the entire goal is just to hang out, slide fast, and act a little stupid with your friends. Here is why it’s worth checking out.

The Vibe: Maximum Chaos, Minimum Stress

Unlike hardcore snowboarding simulators that demand flawless inputs and split-second precision, Sledding Game thrives on pure, unadulterated nonsense. You pick a cute animal avatar (like a frog or a penguin), dress them up in goofy earned cosmetics, grab a sled, and throw yourself down a mountain.

The developer openly brags about the game’s ridiculous ragdoll physics, and for good reason—the crashes are spectacular. You will hit a rock, launch your character like a wet noodle across the snow, and lose your sled entirely.

But standard gravity isn’t the only threat on the slopes:

The Yeti Rule: If you decide to go rogue and wander too far off the beaten path, a giant Yeti will literally sprint out of the woods and kick your character back onto the main course like a football.

It’s basically a virtual snow day

While there are structured races and points to score by hitting custom-built ramps to pull off gnarly tricks, the game shines brightest as a digital hangout spot. Thanks to full proximity voice chat, the lobbies (which support up to 20–30 players on Xbox) feel incredibly alive. One minute you’re trying to set a speed record, and the next you’re getting pulled into a massive, server-wide snowball fight.

When you want a break from the high-speed wipeouts, you can pull up to the cozy lodge area and dig into a bunch of chill side activities:

• Snowman building & Snowball fights
• Darts and Curling matches
• Roasting s’mores and drinking hot cocoa
• An open-mic karaoke machine (which gets as hilariously chaotic as you’d expect over proximity chat)
• Ice fishing

Final Verdict: Pure Indie Charm

Because it’s an Early Access/Game Preview title built by a single person, it definitely has some of that trademark indie jank. Lobbies can occasionally get messy, and there’s no hand-holding tutorial. You just drop into the snow and figure it out. But that raw, unpolished fun is exactly why it’s racking up hundreds of thousands of copies sold and “Overwhelmingly Positive” reviews.

It’s the ultimate “palate cleanser” game. If you’re stressed out by hyper-competitive shooters or massive 100-hour RPGs, grab a few friends, download this on Game Pass, and go get kicked by a Yeti.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

If you’ve dipped your toes into the world of meditation, you’ve probably spent a lot of time trying to follow your breath, notice your thoughts, and stay anchored in the present moment. It’s great practice. It grounds us.

But there’s another side to meditation that often gets sidelined as too “soft” or “woo-woo,” and it’s a shame, because it might just be the most practical mental workout available to us.

It’s called Lovingkindness (or Metta, in the Buddhist tradition).

And despite the gentle name, practicing it is a radical act.

What Exactly Is It?

Unlike mindfulness, which is about observing what’s happening right now, Lovingkindness is about cultivating a specific emotional state. It’s the intentional training of a warm, friendly, and compassionate heart.

Think of it like going to the gym. If mindfulness is building your core stability, Lovingkindness is building your capacity for empathy and self-compassion. You’re flexing a muscle.

The traditional practice is incredibly systematic. You sit comfortably, settle your breathing, and silently repeat a set of phrases, directing them outward in concentric circles. You start with yourself (because you can’t pour from an empty cup), move to someone you naturally adore, then to a neutral person (like your local barista), and eventually—if you’re feeling brave—to someone you have a hard time with.

My personal favorite script is short, rhythmic, and hits exactly what we need to feel human:

May you be happy.

May you be peaceful.

May you be safe from all harm.

The Real Goal (It’s Not What You Think)

Here is where people usually get tripped up: they think they’re doing it wrong because they don’t feel a sudden, magical rush of unconditional love when they say the words.

Let’s be real. If you’re visualizing someone who cut you off in traffic or a difficult colleague, you aren’t going to suddenly feel like Buddha under the Bodhi tree. You might just feel bored, distracted, or slightly annoyed.

And that is completely fine.

The secret of Lovingkindness is that it doesn’t require you to force a fake emotion. It’s about the intention. By simply choosing to repeat those wishes, you are rewiring your brain’s response to stress, friction, and conflict. Over time, that conscious repetition softens the sharp edges of our daily frustrations.

The Ultimate Destination

In ancient traditions, Lovingkindness wasn’t just a tool for stress relief; it was considered an essential vehicle for total mental liberation—enlightenment.

They often used the metaphor of a bird needing two wings to fly. One wing is Wisdom (understanding how life works), and the other wing is Compassion (how we treat life). If you only develop wisdom, you just spin in circles. You need the heart to balance the mind.

By actively wishing well for yourself and others, the rigid boundaries of “me versus the world” start to blur. You realize that, beneath all our defense mechanisms and bad days, everyone is essentially running the same software: we all just want to be safe, we all want to be happy, and we all want a little peace.

Try It For Two Minutes

You don’t need a meditation cushion or an hour of silence. Next time you’re sitting in traffic, waiting in line, or waking up first thing in the morning, close your eyes and just try the phrases on yourself, or on the person nearest to you:

May you be happy. May you be peaceful. May you be safe from all harm.

See how it feels to shift your default setting from “defense mode” to “kindness mode,” even just for a moment. You might be surprised at how quickly the world softens around you.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

It has been nearly 15 years since the world received a brand-new studio album of original material from music icon Barry Manilow. The wait is finally over with the release of What A Time. After diving deep into an advance copy of the record (including the three bonus tracks), it’s clear that Barry has delivered a masterpiece that seamlessly honors his legendary pop instincts while fearlessly exploring mature, fresh sonic territories.

Anchored by brilliant production work from long-time collaborators like Michael Lloyd, Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, Demonte Posey, and Dave Cobb, What A Time is a powerful reminder of why Manilow remains one of the greatest showmen, musicians, and composers of our time.

Here is a track-by-track breakdown of this spectacular new release, featuring insights into the creators of this brilliant music and Barry’s own thoughts on the material.

1. “Once Before I Go”

The album opens with the stunning lead single, which has already made a massive splash by climbing straight into the Top 10 on the Adult Contemporary chart. Written by Peter Allen and Dean Pitchford, Barry was originally prompted to record the piece by the legendary Clive Davis. Barry feels that, at his current stage in life, the song now resonates, which led him to have Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds produce the track alongside Demonte Posey. Featuring a lush string arrangement by William Ross, this soaring melody handles its immense emotional weight with absolute grace, serving as the perfect statement to kick off a new era.

2. “What A Time”

The title track, a brilliant collaboration between Barry (music) and John Bettis (lyrics), is an absolute standout, brought to life by co-producer Michael Lloyd. Barry openly admits that he is a “sucker” for songs about looking back, and he praises the “brilliant and emotional lyric” provided by Bettis, noting that the song genuinely makes him cry. Driven by Barry’s own piano work, it’s an instant classic that feels monumental yet incredibly intimate.

3. “Sun Shine”

Waking up to this single was a perfect surprise, and it remains a genuine breath of fresh air. Co-written with Gary Barlow, Barry describes this as a “real uplifting song” that he playfully believes even depressed people will enjoy. Produced by David Benson, Greg Bartheld, and Barry, the track’s infectious, feel-good rhythm is beautifully accented by Ken Berry’s acoustic guitar and ukulele work, instantly lifting the listener’s spirits.

4. “Another Life – 2026”

An extraordinary reimagining of the Preston Sturges and Andrew Hill composition. Barry calls this a wonderful song and proudly notes that it stands as his “very first bona fide rock ballad.” Based on the original recording, the remastered 1992 vocal is absolutely pristine, capturing a timeless performance. Musically, Michael Lloyd’s powerful drums are the absolute highlight of the song, injecting a driving rock energy that gives this classic piece a brilliant new life.

5. “Touched By An Angel”

A soaring, spiritually powerful gospel song written alongside Bruce Sussman. Barry recalls that this track was originally written for Whitney Houston and nearly made it onto her album. He notes how much fun he had singing the lead here, backed by a powerhouse gospel choir led by Voncielle Faggette. Featuring an intricate arrangement with keyboards by Ron Pedley and Joe Melotti, the production builds into a magnificent wall of sound, a beautiful reminder that “no one is all alone.”

6. “The Chosen One”

This is, without question, the greatest song on the album—an absolute, towering masterpiece. Written on a hot day in Malibu while watching the sea, Barry admits he doesn’t usually write both the music and the lyrics, but he is incredibly pleased with how this one turned out. The vocal delivery is devastatingly raw, matched perfectly by words that cut deep. The orchestration is a true feast for the ears; it starts out remarkably quiet and intimate before swelling into a massive, sweeping mix of electric guitars (Michael Nielsen), bass (Reggie Hamilton), pounding drums (Curt Bisquerra), and soaring violins. It is a theatrical tour de force that I would absolutely love to see performed live.

7. “One More Chance”

Another beautiful Barry Manilow and Bruce Sussman creation, co-produced with Michael Lloyd. Barry explains the inherent difficulty of writing pop songs that focus heavily on situations and characters rather than just love. He points out a specific favorite lyric from the track about the poignant reality of talking to friends versus talking to your best friend. The track functions as a classic Manilow narrative ballad, with the singer at the piano, building a fragile introduction into a full, lush pop arrangement.

8. “Nobody Knows My Song”

Featuring lyrics by Enoch Anderson, this track explores the deep human desire to be known as an original. To match that theme of independence, Barry made the creative decision to produce this track as a dance record. Barry’s grand piano coordinates perfectly with energetic multi-instrumental work and programming by Michael Lloyd and Greg O’Connor, making it a proud and incredibly catchy declaration.

9. “When Somebody Says Goodbye” (Duet with Sharon “Muffy” Hendrix)

A magnificent, piano-driven duet with a lyric by the late Lisa Sennett. Barry notes that this track is the closest he has ever come to a country song. Because of the style, he invited his longtime colleague Sharon “Muffy” Hendrix to sing on it, noting their deep musical history that stretches back to 1974. Muffy sounds absolutely wonderful here; her vocals blend beautifully with Barry’s in a poignant piece of storytelling about dividing up a life after love comes apart.

10. “Don’t Trouble The Water”

Another stellar Enoch Anderson lyric set to Barry’s music, produced alongside David Benson and Greg Bartheld. Barry highlights that this wonderfully positive, cheery mid-tempo number features a sunny calypso beat. He gives a special nod to the track’s bass line, expertly performed by Randy Crenshaw. It provides a fantastic change of pace, offering a breezy, uplifting rhythm and a smooth, “lagoon to hide in” atmosphere.

11. “Look At Me Now” (Featuring Dave Koz)

A thoroughly pleasant ballad lyricized by John Bettis, whose words Barry highly praises. It was uniquely produced by Dave Cobb at the Historic RCA Studio A in Nashville. Barry shares a wonderful behind-the-scenes note: Cobb loved the song so much that he texted Barry to say the studio musicians absolutely adored playing it. Supported by Chris Powell’s steady drums and Brian Allen’s bass, Dave Koz delivers a stellar saxophone contribution that elevates the track as it builds in intensity before ending softly and sweetly.

12. “Nobody Told Me”

Barry describes this track as an incredibly beautiful song, highlighting the beautiful lyrics written by John Bettis. The arrangement is stunningly pretty, allowing Barry to deliver a soft, poignant, and deeply moving vocal performance over Michael Lloyd’s polished programming. It’s a lovely, intimate moment dealing with the sudden sting of finding out an old lover has moved on to someone new.

13. “Coming of Age”

Undoubtedly the most unusual and daring track on the standard album, featuring lyrics by Adrienne Anderson. Barry considers this one of Adrienne’s most interesting lyrics, though he notes it took a very long time to properly arrange, requiring vital assistance from co-producer Michael Nielsen. Featuring excellent guitar textures by Andrew Synowiec and a driving rhythm section consisting of bass player Sean Hurley and drummer Aaron Sterling, it feels like it stepped right out of Barry’s brilliant concept album 15 Minutes. It’s a mature, bold song that serves as a brave artistic choice that pays off massively.

The Bonus Tracks

Depending on which physical edition you grab, Barry treats fans to some truly terrific bonus material that rivals the core tracklist.

14. “Party to the Top” (Vinyl Exclusive)

A deeply funky, high-energy track composed by Barry with lyrics by Adrienne Anderson. Driven by a cool vocal delivery, tight harmonies, and excellent piano work, it heavily channels the spirit and fun-loving feel of “Work the Room.” It’s a vibrant anthem made for cranking up the volume.

15. “Cry for Coney Island” (Amazon CD Exclusive)

Another beautiful Manilow/Adrienne Anderson collaboration, this track feels like a direct homage to a soft, dreamy 1970s ballad. It features a beautifully mellow, chill, and relaxing arrangement by Barry. It is a wonderfully nostalgic and soothing number—the perfect song to put on to end your day.

16. “Reunited” (Duet with Melanie Taylor / CD Exclusive)

A wonderful cover of the Dino Fekaris and Freddie Perren classic, featuring a legendary arrangement collaboration between David Foster and Barry. Much like Muffy on her duet, Melanie Taylor turns in a terrific, stellar vocal performance. Her singing carries a striking similarity to the legendary Diana Ross—smooth, soulful, and commanding. The arrangement strikes a perfect balance, feeling beautifully retro yet completely fresh.

Final Verdict

What A Time is everything a lifelong fan could hope for, and the perfect entry point for anyone discovering Barry’s genius for the first time. It balances joyous, feel-good anthems like “Sun Shine” with deep, reflective masterpieces like “Coming of Age” and the unmatched brilliance of “The Chosen One.”

Which tracks are your favorite on What A Time? Let me know in the comments below.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

If you’ve spent any time scrolling through YouTube over the last few years, chances are you’ve stumbled across Viva La Dirt League. Their Epic NPC Man sketches—which lovingly poke fun at the absolute absurdity of open-world RPG tropes—are legendary.

And if you know the channel, you know Baelin. He’s the simple, endlessly cheerful fisherman NPC whose entire existence consists of walking a set path, holding a fishing rod, and happily chirping his singular line: “Morning! Nice day for fishing, ain’t it!”

Well, someone finally gave Baelin his own game. Published by Team17 and developed by FusionPlay, Nice Day for Fishing for Xbox turns a brilliant running internet joke into a surprisingly addictive, charming little Action-RPG/Fishing hybrid.

From Simple NPC to Savior of Azerim

The setup is classic Viva La Dirt League humor. The great, overpowered heroes of Azerim have mysteriously vanished. With an evil force looming over the land, the responsibility to save the world falls entirely on the shoulders of Honeywood’s favorite fisherman.

Suddenly, Baelin isn’t just stuck on an animation loop anymore; he’s an Adventurer. But because he’s Baelin, he doesn’t pick up a broadsword or a magical staff. His fishing rod is his weapon, his tiny rowboat is his epic steed, and his floppy fisherman’s hat is his armor.

How It Actually Plays

Don’t go into this expecting a hyper-realistic simulator like The Catch. Instead, Nice Day for Fishing treats angling like a high-stakes fantasy battle. You have to navigate tricky underwater currents, use precision timing to hook your targets, and even cast magical spells to subdue the aggressive “boss fish” lurking in the depths.

The core gameplay loop is incredibly satisfying and leans heavily into progression:

• Epic Fishing Battles: You’ll need to match the right bait to the specific fish you’re hunting. Reeling them in requires solid rhythm, and the bigger bosses will genuinely test your reflexes.
• Upgrades & Tools: As you progress, you unlock specialized gear like a magnet hook to pull sunken treasure from shipwrecks, and a powerful drill to break through underwater cavern walls to explore deeper abysses.
• Rebuilding Honeywood: The evil forces didn’t just take the heroes; they thrashed your hometown. A big chunk of the game involves dredging up resources from the ocean floor to help the local Woodcutter rebuild Honeywood. Upgrading the village buildings pays off directly by unlocking better merchant gear and new quests.
• The Fishing God: There’s a giant statue of a fishing deity where you can turn in completed fish collections from different regions in exchange for permanent skill blessings.

Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?

If you are a fan of VLDL, this is an absolute no-brainer. The writing is packed with references to the sketches, and seeing Baelin break out of his script to save the day is pure joy.

But even if you’ve never watched a single one of their videos, there’s a really cohesive, cozy, yet mechanically engaging game here. It perfectly scratches that Stardew Valley or Dave the Diver itch where you just want to log on, upgrade your gear a little bit, fix up a shop, and catch some wild-looking sea creatures.

It’s whimsical, it doesn’t take itself too seriously, and at its core, it’s just a genuinely fun time.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.