Snood

snood leans heavily on its nostalgic bubble shooter roots, but it doesn’t hold up well. i have fond memories of playing it with my parents as a five year old—yet it was more enjoyable in its original shareware form. the lingering registration system feels archaic, the steam release is held back by poor framerate and a ui that looks like it hasn’t been updated since the early 2000s.

Lo, lend thine ear whilst I recount
A pastime rare of gentle mount—
No clashing steel nor dragon’s roar,
But soothing joys and naught of war. Within this realm of painted light,
Where colors dance in fair delight,
The fields lie soft as eiderdown,
And vexèd thoughts do gently drown. Mine eyes, long wearied by the day,
Found rest within its mild array;
Each hue, as though by angel brushed,
Did bid my fretting spirit hushed. No frantic tapping need’st thou make,
Nor rage to cause thy desk to shake;
Instead thou sit’st, with faintest grin,
As tranquil tunes do seep within. The hours pass like drifting cloud,
Unboastful, calm, nor brash nor loud;
I meant but play a moment brief—
Three ages hence, I rose (good grief). Its charms are simple, yet profound,
Like finding coin upon the ground;
A quiet joy, a tender glee—
It stole my cares most courteously. In sooth, this game is gentle art,
A balm unto the battered heart;
Relaxing, fair, and kindly spun—
A merry peace, and peaceful fun. Thus do I dub it worthy praise:
A lantern in tumultuous days;
For though no epic tale be told,
Its calm is worth far more than gold.