like a proper internet dweeb i consume quite the bit of online media. books are my favourite, but i won’t say no to a good anime or manga! the list here is by far not definitive, but things i like share!
Novels
Beneath the Dragoneye Moons
Fantasy, Isekai, Romance, LitRPG.
Available on Royal Road.
This is one is one of my favourites. While the characters may not have the best depth, it gives it back with spades in personality. Strong and dorky protagonist that tries to game the system. Turns out, everyone is doing the same. I’m always looking forwards to the next chapter.
Azarinth Healer
Fantasy, Isekai, LitRPG.
Available on Amazon, Royal Road.
What a ride was this one. Seeing someone rise up from the bottom all the way to the top of the world. I have been following this novel since it started out, back from chapter 1 to chapter 932 over the course of 4-5 years. A really good popcorn novel where you’re always excited for the next big fight, mixed in with the politics of the world trying to reel in the ever growing strength of punch-everything girl.
The Best Defense
Near future, Sci-Fi, Space, HFY.
Available on Reddit, Royal Road.
The book that got me into the Humans, Fuck Yeah!-genre. It has some parallels with 3-Body Problem, but only the first book at best, and even from that it’s mostly the part where humanity grinds out their tech tree. Really satisfying to read about technological progress. Too bad it doesn’t update as fast.
Grass Eaters
Sci-Fi, Space Opera, War, HFY.
Available on Royal Road.
Cute space creatures? Check. Human politics? Check. Cool technology? Check. Alien bastards that need a power check? Check! This series is such a good combination of worldbuilding, suspense, and drama, and I’m all for it.
Tinea and Leah
Sci-Fi, Romance, LitRPG.
Available on Royal Road
Gosh this is gay; and I love it. Gotta love quirky dorks fighting hordes of enemies!
Lord of Mysteries
Mystery, Thriller, Chinese Folklore.
Available on Webnovel.
I’m still reading this one. Has been a good read so far (1/4th into volume 1). You do notice a bit of a difference in terms of writing style between western and eastern novels, but don’t let that keep it from reading it. There are a lot of pages in this one.
Anime
You can check my online list on Anilist. It’s the most up-to-date list, but sometimes I forget to update things… I won’t bore people in this list here with the mainstream stuff, instead I’m trying to find the more interesting shows that people may have missed.
86 EIGHTY-SIX
War, Mecha.
This is such a legendary show. The world building, the conflict. The slow romantic burn. Give. Me. More! Go into this blind, that’s what I did.
Reign of the Seven Spellblades
Fantasy, Magic.
I feel a lot of people misunderstood this show. Yes there is some well choreographed action, but that’s not the main focus. Damn isekai action hooligans need to chill out. Take a deep breath, get a nice cup of soup and let yourself be dragged into a beautifully animated world with a inspiring sound track.
Games
Rhythm games are the best, but controllers are expensive and there are no good arcades nearby.
VRChat
This is my main “game”, it’s more a place to socialize, but I also enjoy a variety of games that people made.
OpenTTD
Honestly one of my favourite time wasters. There’s something incredible satisfying from the apparent complexity that shows up from simple train systems. You can build logic systems, train prioritisation, overflow systems. The low-tech pixel visuals are a big plus too. Very cosy!
Sound Voltex
Something with the lights, twisting knobs, and the visual effects make this just very satisfying to play. I use a Yuancon SDVX controller. There are various clone games for if you don’t want to spend the money or hate when the daily maintenance occurs, but luckily there’s also the official way. It’s a bit convoluted, especially if you don’t have a credit card and don’t live in Japan. Still well worth it in my opinion.
Vivid/Stasis
It’s a cute little visual novel/4-key rhythm game combo. Personally I find the higher difficulties a bit too hard to read but that’s honestly more a skill issue on my part. The characters are really cute and the story fits the art style. Perhaps not Oscar worthy but good for a weekend or so!