Out on the streets, the first taste is always free. That’s how they get ya.
This shady practice has spilled into many areas of life, including video games. Indeed, some of the world's biggest titles today cost a whopping $0.00 (NZD) to start playing.
Here at Pixel Fix, we’re not above shady behaviour so here, enjoy this first hit of pure uncut product on us. If you like the buzz, you can chase the dragon by subscribing.
But what is this? And who are we? And why should you subscribe?
What is this?
This is Pixel Fix, a videogame newsletter.
Pixel Fix is informed by New Zealand’s enviable position at the ass end of the world. Our collective videogame experience has been very different from others around the globe and you’ll see that — and, hopefully, yourself — reflected here.
We’ll be repping the retro side of videogame culture, with a special love for the bleeding-edge technology of the 1990s/2000s.
That said, we’re not stuck in the past. We’ll also be writing about the current state of video games and gaming culture and gazing into the future.
Who are we?
We’re two OG videogamers from Aotearoa, New Zealand. This is not to be confused with ‘hardcore video gamers’ — neither of us has time for that these days. Instead, consider us gaming enthusiasts.
Karl Puschmann is an arts and culture writer and entertainment columnist for outlets like The New Zealand Herald, Radio New Zealand, Stuff and The New Zealand Listener.
For over two decades, he has written professionally about videogames, reviewed videogames and interviewed videogame developers for various local media. With the media landscape changing he figured it was time to do it unprofessionally.
Adam Mamo is a full-time parent and sometimes freelance writer with nothing better to do than push this dodgy newsletter on you. Back when Adam worked for money instead of sticky-handed hugs, he was a motoring writer before changing lanes into corporate communications and then freelance writing across various publications.
Adam has been gaming since .20cent coins were heavy and consoles were light but he is, for now, a videogame-writing noob. And he could only ever clock Street Fighter 2 using Guile.
And why should you subscribe?
It’s going to be a trip. It’s also free. That’s two rock-solid reasons right there.
Once or twice a week we’ll be slinging videogame-related deep dives, features, columns, interviews, opinions, analysis and reviews your way. There’s no need to worry about inbox spam as like Walter White, we refuse to distribute anything less than a Grade-A product.
There’s a lot in our current stash to dispense. We’ll compare the PS1's Tony Hawk Pro Skater games with their HD remakes, figure out how many .50cent coins it takes to beat the arcade classic Bad Dudes vs Dragon Ninja, test out the Retroid Pocket 5 handheld, get scammed trying to buy a Steam Deck, and discuss the newly announced Nintendo Switch 2.
So, go on. Take a hit. We’re hoping you get thoroughly addicted.
Oh hey! Didn’t realise you were kiwis too! Love to see some local talent !