March 2017 Community Game-Along: Monster Hunter-likes

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It’s March, and that can only mean one thing… It’s #MonMonth! Every year, there are two Community Game-Alongs that are so popular I keep bringing them back, MonMonth and JRPGJuly. While JRPGJuly is pretty self-explanatory, MonMonth requires a slightly longer introduction.

The theme of MonMonth is to play Monster Hunter-like titles, since the series and games it has inspired are practically their own subgenre at this point. The key defining aspects of Monster Hunter-like games are action RPG gameplay with tons of gear and boss battles where learning the enemy’s patterns are essential to victory.

If you’re keen on importing and want to stick to Monster Hunter games, Monster Hunter XX comes out in Japan on the 18th. Otherwise, Monster Hunter Generations for the Nintendo 3DS is the latest and greatest title in the series available in English. If you’re looking for a Monster Hunter-like game for PS4, God Eater 2: Rage Burst is a great option. There are a surprising number of titles that fit this month’s theme, so have a look at my previous MonMonth posts if you need some more ideas! There’s even a Final Fantasy game that qualifies!

To participate, just choose a game that fits the theme and play it sometime in March. Share your experience with your game selection through blog posts, let’s plays, or just tweeting your impressions with #MonMonth! Happy hunting!

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Chic Pixel’s Ultimate Guide to Blogging Part 4: Money Matters

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Welcome to the final installment of Chic Pixel’s Ultimate Guide to Blogging! In the first week, I gave tips on how to start a blog and narrow your blog’s focus to fit into a niche that’s perfect for you. The second week was full of specific post ideas, and how to keep going when the going gets tough. Then, in week three, I shared my favorite social media strategies and tips for cultivating an audience who will keep coming back to your blog.

For my final post, I’ll be tackling a somewhat touchy subject: making money off blogging. Can you earn a living off your blog? When, if ever, should you start trying? How can you ask for money without seeming tacky? I’ll be covering everything from affiliates, Patreon, ad revenue, and selling your own products. Plus, I’ve teamed up with Lauren Orsini from Otaku Journalist to give away a copy of her Affiliate Linking for $$$ Guide! Read on for details!

January 2017 Favorites: Hobonichi and Ys

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Well look at that! It’s nearly the end of February, but here I am posting about my January favorites. When I took on the (self-imposed) task of posting a 4-part guide to blogging every week for the month of February, I may have underestimated how much time would be involved… But I wouldn’t want to miss out on sharing my favorite things from last month! This month’s favorites will be short and sweet since my February favorites will go up in two weeks, but there’s still a lot to be excited about!

Chic Pixel’s Ultimate Guide to Blogging Part 3: Growing Your Audience

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If you’ve been following my Ultimate Guide to Blogging series, by now you may have set up your blog, published a couple of posts, or thought of ways to spice up your existing blog. You might even be breathing a sigh of relief, thinking your hard work is done… But no! The hard work is only just beginning! No matter how great your blog is, it won’t be much fun (or make you any money, etc., depending on what your blogging goals are) if no one reads it, right?

That’s why, in Part 3 of Chic Pixel’s Ultimate Guide to Blogging, I’ll be sharing my tips on how to gain new readers, navigating the thorny underbrush that is social media, and cultivate an audience for your particular niche. This part is likely the most intimidating because it means really putting yourself out there, but don’t worry! I’ve included actionable steps for you to take to get the word out about your awesome blog, whether you’re just starting or have been writing for years.

Chic Pixel’s Ultimate Guide to Blogging Part 2: The Nuts and Bolts

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So, you’ve got your brand new nerdy blog all ready to go, but there’s just one problem… Where’s all the content?! When I asked Twitter what kinds of blogging tips they’d like to hear most, how to stay motivated and think of things to write about was by far the most common suggestion. That’s why, for part 2 of my Ultimate Guide to Blogging series, I’ll be sharing some of my top writing tips, as well as the nuts and bolts of how to make what you’ve written appealing to readers through images and catchy titles.

Poochy and Yoshi’s Woolly World Review

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I’m not a big fan of platformers. Subsequently, I’m not much of a Mario fan, mostly because I’m hopeless at things like precision-based jumps, and I quickly tire of repeating the same level every time I fall into a pit. Despite that, Yoshi’s Woolly World for the Wii U was one of my favorite games of 2015 due to its adorable visuals, stellar soundtrack, and approachable gameplay. Frustrated with a seemingly unbeatable level? No problem! Yoshi’s Woolly World‘s Mellow Mode, which gave Yoshi little wings and the ability to fly infinitely, meant that players of all skill levels could enjoy what the colorful world of yarn had to offer.

For the 3DS port of Yoshi’s Woolly World, things have been tweaked slightly to fit the handheld setting. Yoshi’s puppy pal Poochy also has more of a spotlight, hence the updated title: Poochy and Yoshi’s Woolly World. Though the game is essentially the same aside from a few extra bells and whistles, I’m ecstatic that more people will finally have the chance to play one of my favorite titles on the Wii U!