09/12/2022: Let's Plays - Updates and Thoughts

Well, I finally got some work done on Let's Plays! I've got new open-source software to help with recording audio and video from the consoles, and I tried some test runs with my boyfriend. We're still working on the audio levels and getting the video to look right, but we're getting somewhere! We started with Pokemon Legends Arceus with some non-gameplay changing mods and Dark Souls 1 Remastered on the Switch. Both are running on native hardware, but I have CFW on my Switch, and I overclocked it to run a little better with the mods in PLA. When we get a little more progress, I'll upload the videos to YouTube and include the links in the Let's Play section of this site. I'm hoping to also include links to all the mods and software that I'm using so others can try it out, too! I'm more or less flying blind here, so if I can provide resources so others can try this too, then I want to do so.

What games can we be expecting?

The test run consisted of Pokemon Legends Arceus and Dark Souls 1 Remastered on the Switch, and considering how much fun we had with those, I believe that those will be the first two games to be uploaded. We're still working on recording logistics (getting a better mic than the built-in laptop mic, making sure the recording resolutions are good, etc.), but at least something got done. There's also a high likelyhood that a two-player Pokemon Nuzlocke will be in the works. If it's an older generation than Gen 6, then you will likely see a tutorial on how to inject GB / GBC / GBA / NDS titles as a Virtual Console in the Gaming section of this site. It's not necessary for you to be able to play those games; TWiLight Menu++ works just fine for emulation on the N3DS, but it doesn't allow you to stream using NTRBoot, which is what we're using to stream audio and video to PC in order to record it.

Will there be a consistent upload schedule?

Honestly, no, not at first. First, we need to make sure that we can stream in the first place. Then, we will need to see what editing is necessary after the raw recording. I want to level the audio so that there's no sudden spikes in volume. That way, a scream is the same volume as a whisper, so you can listen while studying, playing your own games, falling asleep, or whatever else you're doing while you watch! I know that I tend to not solely focus on a Let's Play while I'm watching one, so I want to extend the courtesy of good audio to you as well.

So, why Let's Plays at all?

I'm sure you've heard of audio journals before. For people like me who have difficulties or hesitations writing in a physical journal, an audio journal can be a good way around limitations. I tend to do best with a stream-of-consciousness style of journalling, and I feel like playing video games while talking is almost meditative for me. I won't be going into deep, personal things during Let's Plays, but I feel like recording my thoughts and sharing them would be a positive experience for me. Hopefully, you get entertained and have fun, too!

Today's Final Thoughts:

Your thoughts and feelings are important. Journaling can help regulate emotions, but it doesn't have to look the same for everyone. Some people do well with traditional journaling, but others do better with audio journaling, digital journaling, drawing, doodling, or any number of other expressions. For me, this looks like gaming and gabbing. I hope you enjoy the journey with me!