Welcome to CyclicalZ! This is your destination for in-depth gaming analysis and video game essays. I create analytical videos, deep dives, and interesting discussions on everything from game mechanics and video game lore to industry trends and game design. If you love understanding video games on a deeper level, you're in the right place.

New videos biweekly on Wednesdays at 12 PM PST.

Follow me at @cyclicalzgaming on everything!


CyclicalZ

Thank you guys so much for 2,000 subscribers!! It's so cool seeing this kind of growth, even after my recent hiatus :) Can't wait to keep grinding!! 🔥

And, if you're wondering -- a full-length video is INDEED in the works, senior year is just kicking my ass 😩 More to come!

#cyclicalz

2 weeks ago | [YT] | 0

CyclicalZ

The hiatus is over. 😤 Finals took me out for a minute, but we’re back!

What’s the one game you’re looking forward to most in 2026? 🤔

#cyclicalz #gaming #videogames #gta6

1 month ago (edited) | [YT] | 1

CyclicalZ

Once Wolverine comes out, which Insomniac combat style do you think you'll prefer?

Check out the new Short comparing the two combat styles on my channel! 👇

#Wolverine #WolverinePS5 #SpiderMan #PS5 #SpiderMan2 #gaming #CyclicalZ

5 months ago | [YT] | 7

CyclicalZ

Which of these releases are you most excited about this week? 🤔

#Hades #HadesII #SilentHill #Sonic #SonicRacing #gaming #CyclicalZ

5 months ago | [YT] | 2

CyclicalZ

Where do YOU want Forza Horizon 6 to be set?

There are plenty of rumors suggesting it'll be in Japan, which is super exciting. I dropped a Short explaining why this is Microsoft's master plan to win over Japanese gaming at Tokyo Game Show this week. Watch it here: youtube.com/shorts/jKG0czibctg

#ForzaHorizon #Xbox #TokyoGameShow #gaming #CyclicalZ

5 months ago | [YT] | 4

CyclicalZ

What's your take on "slot machine" grind in games like Borderlands 4? 🎰

In my most recent video, I call the Borderlands progression system a "slot machine." The fancy psychological name for this concept is a Variable-Ratio Reinforcement Schedule.

Basically, it means that the reward is unpredictable. Just like a slot machine, you never know if your next boss will be the one to drop the ultimate reward. It's what makes the grind so compelling and, for some, so addictive.

Check out my video here if you haven't already: https://youtu.be/djhAh2hiOSA

#Borderlands #Borderlands4 #GameDesign #CyclicalZ

5 months ago | [YT] | 2

CyclicalZ

For a long-term grind, what's more rewarding?

I'm wondering what your thoughts are on two major grind philosophies. Check out the full deep dive comparing Borderlands 4, Helldivers 2, and Deep Rock Galactic on my channel now!

Let me know which one you picked and why in the comments! 👇

#Borderlands4 #Helldivers2 #DeepRockGalactic #CyclicalZ

5 months ago | [YT] | 4

CyclicalZ

With the launch of Borderlands 4, I wanted to ask a big question: what actually makes a grind satisfying? I break down two major philosophies in my new video. Let me know which side you fall on after watching! #borderlands4 #helldivers2 #deeprockgalactic #cyclicalz

5 months ago | [YT] | 1

CyclicalZ

It's here! My new CyclicalZ video explores Nintendo's open-world future on the Nintendo Switch 2 after Mario Kart World.

I'm sharing my top 3 predictions for the Nintendo franchises that deserve a massive open world. What are YOUR dream Nintendo open-world games? Check out the video below, and drop your predictions in the comments! #Nintendo #MarioKart #NintendoSwitch #NintendoSwitch2 #MarioKartWorld #CyclicalZ

8 months ago | [YT] | 2

CyclicalZ

Elden Ring: Nightreign is out today! Trying out the Shorts format to go over one of the biggest new features in the game: the relic system.

👇Check it out below, and I'd love to hear your initial thoughts on the game! #EldenRing #FromSoftware #Nightreign

8 months ago | [YT] | 1