Russell Kidson -Contributor

Russell Kidson

Contributor

Contributor Since November, 2024
Qualifications Three years of professional writing experience, a lifelong passion for gaming, and a knack for crafting clear, engaging, and well-researched content.
Expertise
Gaming, Guides, Indie
  • 29
    articles
  • 27
    Lists
  • 1
    Guides
  • 1
    Reviews
DualShockers logo Profile
https://russellfouriekidson.com

About Russell Kidson

Russell Fourie-Kidson wouldn't call himself a gamer in the traditional sense—not at first. While other serious gamers fired headshots in CoD, He dove headfirst into The Sims. For him, gaming has always been a way to build worlds and craft stories, more than how he'd say in Afrikaans–Skiet, Skop, en Donder. That, however, doesn't mean he hasn't been learning to shoot, loot, and shimmy.

A storyteller at heart, Russell has an enduring love for indie games like Buddy Simulator 1984 and One Hour, One Life, along with classics like Spore. These games opened his eyes to a broader definition of gaming—one where creativity, exploration, and connection matter just as much as a perfect K/D ratio.

Whether building narratives in a sandbox or trying to master the art of the FPS, Russell approaches every game with curiosity and passion. He's proof that being a gamer isn't about the game you play but how you engage with the experience. And with every guide he writes, Russell is learning and growing, just like the players he hopes to entertain.

Industry Focus

I've always been drawn to industries where storytelling plays a significant role. In gaming, I focus on guides that help players explore and enjoy the worlds they’re in, especially in indie games or titles with strong narratives. Outside of gaming, I’ve written about everything from bonsai trees to cars, but what ties it all together for me is the chance to dive into a topic, learn its story, and share it in a way that connects with people. It’s always been about finding the story, no matter the industry.

Favorite Games and Genres

I’m gung ho for anything to do with The Sims, especially 2 through 4. I missed the original Sims 1 craze, and let’s just say my recent attempt to dive into it didn’t go well. What happens in The Sims 1 stays in The Sims 1. Then there’s Minecraft—every update is like a new creative playground. My favorite mob is the Enderman; I dressed up as one in Grade 12. My least favorite mechanic is Frostbite; it knocks my lights out more than any Creeper ever has. And, of course, GTA will always have a special place in my heart. To paraphrase San Andreas’ CJ: “Grove Street, home... at least it was until I saw Michael’s McMansion.”

Indie games, though, are where my heart really sings. The sheer variety and creativity out there constantly amazes me. Whether it’s quirky mechanics, unique art styles, or surprising stories, indies always manage to bring something fresh to the table, and I’m here for every pixel.

First Game Console and Preferred Platforms

My first console was a PS2, and my first game was Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. But if we’re being honest, the games that dominated the console were all Ben10 titles—thanks to a very enthusiastic nephew who was all about Ben10 back then.

I’ve tried modern consoles, and while they’re impressive, my favorite platform will always be a good old PC. For someone like me who loves gaming with add-ons, DLC, mods, or custom content, the PC just does it best. Sure, some games feel better with a controller, but that’s an easy fix—I can just plug in whatever controller I need and keep playing on my preferred setup. It’s the perfect mix of flexibility and power.

Latest

Low-Stress RTS feature image
11 Hybrid Strategy Games That Mix RTS Mechanics with Cozy City Building Vibes
Video Games

Real-time strategy, zero real-time panic. These RTS titles prove you can strategize without breaking a sweat.

Cozy Short Runtimes Feature
10 Best Cozy Games With Short Runtimes
Video Games

These games deliver full, satisfying experiences in under four hours.

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All Need For Speed Open Worlds Feature
Every Need For Speed Open World, Ranked
Video Games

Need for Speed thrives in open worlds, turning highways into playgrounds. From Rockport to Bayview, these are the maps that defined the franchise.

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Best Cozy Games with Lots of Collectibles Feature
12 Best Cozy Games with Lots of Collectibles
Video Games

Cozy games are great, but cozy games with endless things to collect? Even better. From feathers to fish, these are the ultimate collection-heavy games

Best RTS Economies Feature
11 Best RTS Games With Great Economy Systems
Video Games

From flowing economies to full-scale industrial revolutions, these RTS games turn resource management into high-stakes strategy.

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Best Science Leaders Feature
Most Gifted Scientific Minds in Civilization 7
Sid Meier's Civilization VII

The fastest science leaders in Civ 7 push research, outpace rivals, and never fall behind. When tech rules the game, these are the leaders who win.

Best Military Leaders Feature
Best Military Commanders in Civilization VII
Sid Meier's Civilization VII

War never waits. These Civ 7 leaders push the battlefield forward, expanding, conquering, and turning every fight into fuel for endless empire growth.

Best Expansionist Leaders Feature Civ VII
Best Leaders for Rapid Expansion in Civilization VII
Sid Meier's Civilization VII

There's nothing wrong with being a little expansionist—in Civ 7. Here's a look at the best leaders for expanding your reach fast and far

Strongest Diplomats Feature Civ VII
Strongest Diplomats in Civilization VII
Sid Meier's Civilization VII

Why fight when you can make the world work for you? These Civ 7 leaders master diplomacy through alliances, influence, and political power plays.

Best Economy Leaders in Civ VII Feature
Top Leaders for a Strong Economy in Civilization VII
Sid Meier's Civilization VII

An empire without gold is a crumbling empire. These Civ 7 leaders make sure your coffers are never empty.

Civ VII Best Culture Leaders Feature
Best Civilization VII Leaders for Thriving Culture
Sid Meier's Civilization VII

Culture wins games. These Civ 7 leaders turn great works, trade, and diplomacy into power—build an empire that thrives on influence and legacy.

Intentionally Bad Controls Feature
14 Best Games With Intentionally Terrible Controls
Video Games

These games fight you every step of the way—not with difficulty, but with controls so awful, they become the game.

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Iconic NFS Cars feature image
Most Iconic Need For Speed Cars, Ranked
Video Games

The cars you chased, raced, and crashed—these Need for Speed legends left a mark. From street kings to cop nightmares, here’s the definitive top 10.

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Best AI in Games feature image
9 Games with Ridiculously Intelligent AI
Video Games

AI in games thinks, adapts, and outplays you. From evolving enemies to living worlds, these are the smartest AI systems in gaming.

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15 Best Endless Runner Games
Video Games

Endless runners: some are brutal, some are beautiful, and some make you question your life choices. Let the chaos begin!

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17 Best Cottagecore Indie Games, Ranked
Stardew Valley

No duds, no filler—just the best cottagecore games, packed with charm, depth, and cozy surprises.

Best Voxel Block-based feature image
16 Best Voxel Block Games
Minecraft Caves and Cliffs

Voxels: the backbone of creativity in gaming. From chaos to calm, these games prove how far a blocky idea can go when done right.

The Simpsons All Games Ranked
Every Simpsons Video Game, Ranked
Video Games

The Simpsons games swing from brilliance to chaos—some shine, some crash, and some are Bart pranks you can’t escape. Let’s rank them all.

FNAF Theories Feature Image
12 Most Interesting FNAF Fan Theories
Video Games

So many FNAF theories, so little time. But who’s counting when we’re all tangled in this mess of animatronic horror?

IDUN title screen
IDUN Frontline Survival Review
Video Games

On IDUN, vermin swarms, towers move, and the sky gun rules. But does IDUN hold its own against tower defense icons?

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