Rachel Samples

Austin

Editor in Chief at Destructoid

Editor in chief at @destructoid, cat lover, and video game fanatic • contact: [email protected]

Articles

Gex Trilogy review - A retro remaster of one of the '90s biggest fever dreams

6 days ago | destructoid.com | Rachel Samples

Few games from my childhood dug their claws into my memory like Gex: Enter the Gecko. But as older consoles and games became increasingly more difficult to acquire, I thought Gex’s edgy voice lines and eccentric level designs would forever stay as memories tucked deep in my psyche. That was until I got my hands on a review copy of Limited Run Games’ Gex Trilogy, a remastered version of all three games from the OG series: Gex (1995), Enter the Gecko (1998), and Deep Cover Gecko (1999).
This retro-inspired indie platformer swept me off my feet-and you can try it for free during Steam Next Fest right now

1 week ago | destructoid.com | Rachel Samples

Steam Next Fest is one of my favorite gaming events of the year, and for good reason. For a week straight, gamers get to try out free demos for upcoming games. These events are an opportune time for indie developers to show off what they’ve been working on over the past few years—and I’ve found what could be my next favorite as a fan of retro platformers. Windswept, an adorable platformer from developer WeatherFell, is one of these many indie games looking to impress this Steam Next Fest.
Don’t forget the Flash: We gave early 2000s browser games way less credit than deserved

1 week ago | destructoid.com | Rachel Samples

It’s 2005 again, and you’re coming home to a box of freezer-burnt pizza rolls and plastic pouches of Capri Sun. Booting up your desktop computer is like waking a slumbering beast—and the monitor is probably as large as one, too. Desktop size back in those days never accurately indicated operating power, but if you’re like me, you used that behemoth to run the most basic browser games. You had your classics: QWOP, Line Rider, Interactive Buddy.
How to solve the Brocburrow Merlin Trial in Hogwarts Legacy

2 weeks ago | dotesports.com | Rachel Samples

Wizards and witches around the globe have started their newest magical adventures with the release of Hogwarts Legacy. There’s much to explore in the Wizarding World and plenty of puzzles to solve. It will be tough to travel around the game’s map without running into the Merlin Trials. You’ll first learn about them from Nora Treadwell in Lower Hogsfield, which is just south of Hogwarts, relatively early on in their adventures.
Pocket Pair teases next major Palworld update-and one adorable new Pal has sealed the deal for players as game's cutest creature yet

1 month ago | destructoid.com | Rachel Samples

Palworld’s next big update is just around the corner, and developer Pocket Pair has already teased a bit of what’s in store. Out of everything previewed, though, fans have their eyes on one adorable little beast. Pocket Pair unveiled the update, Tides of Terraria, in a Steam post today.
How to uninstall League of Legends from your PC

2 months ago | destructoid.com | Rachel Samples

Congratulations! The first step to overcoming any addiction is to acknowledge the problem. And since you’re reading this, it seems as though you’ve already begun your journey to uninstalling League of Legends and breaking a few bad habits. Don’t get me wrong — I’ve been in your shoes. I played League for years before finally deciding it was time to hang up the keyboard and mouse.
What LoL champion says “I am the rock!”?

2 months ago | destructoid.com | Rachel Samples

League of Legends is full of weird and quirky voice lines. Most are instantly recognizable and play into their characters’ designs and personalities. Others, though—like the March 28 LoLdle quote, “I am the rock!”—are bit less obvious. When I first saw today’s quote, I immediately thought of Malphite, since he’s made of literal stone. And most guessers did too, considering how nearly 5,000 people typed in the top laner’s name only to get a red box.
Which LoL champion says 'Who wants a piece of the champ?!'

Mar 24, 2025 | destructoid.com | Rachel Samples

League of Legends is full of champions who taunt their enemies, but only one says “Who wants a piece of the champ?!” When I first saw today’s LoLdle quote, I immediately thought of Draven. He’s the most braggadocious, after all, and it made a lot of sense that he’d be taunting other champions into fighting him. And seeing how nearly 3,600 people guessed the Noxian ADC, it didn’t seem like too bad of a guess. But that proved to be incorrect, leaving me fumbling for another answer.
Which LoL champion says ‘A true hunter never rests’?

Mar 18, 2025 | dotesports.com | Rachel Samples

League of Legends is home to many hunters from around Runeterra. But one never rests—at least, according to the champion who says the March 18 LoLdle quote: “A true hunter never rests.” This isn’t the first time this voice line has starred as the LoLdle quote spotlight. It’s back today, though, so if you’re new to the browser-based game or if you can’t remember what the answer was last time it appeared, we’ve got a few hints to set you on the right track.
Looking to get the most bang for your buck in Steam's 2025 Spring Sale? Here are the best games under $10

Mar 13, 2025 | dotesports.com | Rachel Samples

It’s that time of year again: The time where you add even more video game titles to your never-ending backlog. Steam launched it’s 2025 Spring Sale today, and there are a few games that should be on your radar. From impressive discounts on massive AAA titles to hidden gems that cost you only a couple bucks, we’ve got a list of deals that can be considered absolute steals.