Cryptic Musings
testing..... testing..... is this thing on?
TV Series Review: In The Flesh
Found the gem currently airing on Amazon Prime, March 2026. It's an oldie but a goodie.
This two series gem from the BBC takes a look at zombies from a new perspective. If you are after gore and lots of TDG’s (Token Dead Guys) this might not be for you. Without giving away too much of the plot line – the Zombies, medically assigned being afflicted with Partially Dead Syndrome, struggle to integrated into society with tensions building on both sides.
The storyline is touching in many ways, reflective and relatable to current situations. It’s well worth a look if you enjoy deep storylines & compelling characters. There is a bit of gore here and there but not in a grotesque oversaturated way. The biggest disappointment was ending with more questions and plot lines to be continued. Maybe, just like the zombies, this series with be resurrected at some future date.
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Game Review: Firewatch
Review: Firewatch (Xbox) – by Campo Santo / Panic
on Xbox Game pass
No Spoilers - 2026
Firewatch isn’t a new game, first arriving to Xbox turned out to be something totally unexpected—in the best way. I went in blind, without reading reviews or looking up gameplay, and I think that made the experience more immersive. For those expecting a fire-fighting simulator, this game is not that. While you're stationed in a forest, the heart of the game lies in storytelling, mystery, and human connection.
You play as Henry, a man taking a summer job as a fire lookout. Most of your interactions happen through walkie-talkie conversations with Delilah, your supervisor in another tower. These conversations shape the narrative and add depth to the characters and their relationship. It’s a unique mechanic that adds to the sense of isolation and intrigue.
At times, I did feel a bit lost—both literally and figuratively. Navigating the trails can be a little tricky, and the story unfolds in a way that keeps you guessing. There were definitely some “WTF” moments as things took unexpected turns. The mystery builds gradually, with layers of different storylines unravelling as you explore.
Without spoiling anything, I’ll say the ending left me feeling a bit underwhelmed. That said, the journey was worth it. The atmosphere, writing, and voice acting kept me engaged to the end.
I’m not sure how much your choices affect the overall outcome, and I don’t think it’s a game you’d replay multiple times. But for a one-time, narrative-driven experience, it’s solid.
Firewatch is definitely aimed at a mature audience, given the themes, language, and emotional undertones. If you're into cryptic storytelling, beautiful natural environments, and games where the mystery is more psychological than action-based, this one might be worth checking out.
Game Review: Botany Manor
Review: Botany Manor (Xbox)
on Xbox Game pass
No Spoilers
Lately, we’ve been deep into Far Cry New Dawn. I know, I know—it’s not the latest and greatest, but sometimes you miss a beat and have to circle back to great games. I’ll do a co-op review on that later, but for now, I want to talk about something completely different: Botany Manor.
If you enjoy a challenge with cryptic clues, a touch of mystery, and absolutely stunning surroundings, this game is a must-try. I was actually sad when I finished it!
Set in a grand Victorian manor in 1890s England, you play as botanist Arabella Greene, working to complete her research book, Forgotten Flora. This first-person puzzle game has you exploring the beautifully designed manor, uncovering clues to properly propagate seeds from rare plants.
The manor itself is large and encourages exploration. At times, its layout can be a little confusing, but that just adds to the sense of discovery. Some of the puzzles had me scratching my head, and I found myself circling back to re-read notes and examine objects more than once. But when the pieces finally clicked? Bingo! That “aha!” moment was super satisfying.
The game also touches on the attitudes toward women in the 19th century, which adds depth to the story and feels true to the time period.
I did run into a small issue in the tower (no spoilers!) where I got stuck and couldn’t get out. After checking back a few times, I eventually managed to continue—I’m not sure if a patch fixed it or if it was just a random glitch.
Who is this game for?
If you're looking for fast-paced, gun-blazing action, Botany Manor probably isn’t for you. But if you love a good mystery, enjoy solving puzzles at your own pace, and appreciate a beautifully crafted world, this game is an absolute delight. My only small complaint, when reviewing clues in the book, it doesn’t show you the full item you’ve read, meaning I had to backtrack a few times—especially since I didn’t play it all in one sitting.
Overall, I’d highly recommend Botany Manor, and I can’t wait to see what Balloon Studios & Whitethorn Games do next.