A C A D E M I C   W O R K

Excerpts from design notes - Dark Souls II & world structure

2021 • ~8.5k words (1.7k excerpt)

A selection from an analysis of Dark Souls II I was preparing as a video essay back in 2021, in which I discuss my suggestion that DS2's world structure is an iteration upon the earlier Demon's Souls rather than upon Dark Souls. 

Critical responses on The Lord of the Rings

2024 • ~3k words

A few essays I wrote on LotR over the course of a literary fantasy course focusing upon it, respectively about worldbuilding, Tolkien's view of warfare, and my favorite scene. These are some of my favorite analytic writing but probably somewhat difficult to read without being immersed in the context.

Critical response to Shadow of the Colossus - Experiential complicity

2025 • ~1.2k words

A more straightforward example of academic analysis, talking about one underdiscussed way which I think Shadow of the Colossus is able to create the emotional stratum its narrative needs to work.

Excerpts from design notes - Super Smash Bros. Melee & perfect information

2021 • ~15k words (3k excerpt)

Some pullouts from an inordinately-long series of thoughts on Melee, the mechanic of L-canceling, and the nature of competitive games.