Consumption Corner: October Media Check-In
A month with new game releases, concerts, and of course a bit of horror
I might have mentioned last month that October is my favorite month so I like to make it memorable. Whether it’s through the art I consume or the events I partake in. As a result this month I’ve touched some grass! Or more accurately touched the asphalt of my downtown streets. Balancing going out versus my homebody hobbies is tough but necessary to keep my social life steady.
Besides that, this is the first full month I’ve ran since I got sick in the summer! My cardiovascular system has already shown improvement, which is motivating. Very annoying that everyone is right about exercise being the quickest way to bring improvement to your life. Anyway, I’m so close to being done with my Couch to 5k program which is exciting even if at the rate I’m going I will not be finishing a 5k. As long as I can run 30 minutes straight that will be a success to me, I can work on pace after.
Gaming
October was filled with games I’ve already mentioned in previous Substack posts, which is a shame because I wanted to get to Mouthwashing but I just haven’t had the time. Also, I am still scared…but I will get over it.
Pathfinder Kingmaker
Still trying to slowly make my way through this game. I was getting into it before my birthday gift (Ghost of Yotei) grabbed my attention. Ideally, I will finish this before the year ends, but with how long Owlcat games can be I’m not holding my breath.
Ghost of Yotei
I talked about my initial thoughts on Ghost of Yotei in the article below. Currently according to my PS5, I am 40% of the way through. Enjoying it a lot so far I just ended up taking a break because of Pokemon Legends Z-A. I have picked it up again so ideally this will be beaten before November ends. I’m still enjoying it and wondering how Atsu’s story will play out.
Pokemon Legends Z-A
I also talked about Pokemon Legends Z-A in the following article. I beat the game and am currently going through the end game content. I’ve finished the Pokedex except for the final Pokemon and am trying to finish out the last bit of side quests. Overall a very fun, yet flawed experience, my initial thoughts haven’t changed much.
Lastly I just saw the trailer for the DLC, and as much as I want the Pokemon I’m leaning more towards not getting it. Or at least not getting it right away.
Love and Deepspace
Yes, I’m still playing this game, and yes I pulled for the re-run of Sylus’ myth banner. Don’t ask me how much I spent.
Books
This month I read two horrifying books but the reasons were very different.
House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski
I felt like this book was intentionally trying to make me go crazy in the best way possible. I enjoyed the overall experience of reading this book even though it was also difficult. The text is dense, Johnny Truant’s sections are a mix of insanity, perversion, and tragedy, and you don’t know what’s true. Also I translated one of the Waterstone letters without looking it up and no book has made me feel that disturbed.
Crazy experience and I don’t know how to recommend it to people.
Some People Need Killing by Patricia Evangelista
This book covers a journalist, Patricia Evangelista’s, account of the Duterte administration in Philippines. A difficult book to read because of the subject matter and also just made me deeply upset. The coverage of Duterte’s violence has always disturbed me but what disturbs me more now is the people who continue to support him.
Movies
Cube (2021)
I don’t even want to talk about this move too much I just thought it was real bad. So boring and the deaths weren’t even that good.
Bring Her Back (2025)
WOW. These directors, Danny and Michael Philippou, know how to create a vibe. I enjoyed Talk to Me and I enjoyed this latest work. They know how to make frustrating characters but also Sally Hawkins was amazing in this movie. She played the grieving, mentally unstable, mother so well.
Music/Concerts
Bring Me the Horizon
I saw Bring Me the Horizon live in nosebleed seats but I still had a great time. The visuals were great even though we were far away and it reminded me how much I used to enjoy Bring Me the Horizon. It was a rather impulsive purchase. But, if tickets are cheap, I highly recommend impulsive concerts, I’ve found that most of the time nosebleed seats don’t affect me too much.
A Day to Remember
This was my second time seeing A Day to Remember and they were so fun! Sadly, I wasn’t in pit like the last time I saw them but it didn’t affect my enjoyment. Also, I got to see Yellowcard open for them which was fantastic. It was my first time seeing Yellowcard in person so I’m happy I got to experience them too.
Everybody Scream by Florence and the Machine
I’m not going to pretend to be an album reviewer but I’ve been so excited for Everybody Scream by Florence and the Machine, and I was not disappointed, though I definitely lean towards liking her more high energy songs. Her album was the perfect way to end October. My favorite songs are The Old Religion and Sympathy Magic.
Closing
October was a great month! I had a good dose of horror so I’m not disappointed. I have a feeling the next two months are going to go by in the blink of an eye but I hope I’ll be able to squeeze in some fun experiences. November specifically is going to be busy for me so hopefully I’ll have time for my hobbies. But, it’s a good kind of busy. I hope all of you had a good October and please let me know if you experienced anything spooky.
Love this kind of breakdown for all the media consumed during the month! Makes me want to do something similar as I always log things in lists but I feel I don’t talk about them enough? Either way loved your choices (especially for Everybody Scream 🩷) and I strongly recommend mouthwashing!