Heather Wald
I started out writing for the games section of a student-run website as an undergrad, and continued to write about games in my free time during retail and temp jobs for a number of years. Eventually, I earned an MA in magazine journalism at Cardiff University, and soon after got my first official role in the industry as a content editor for Stuff magazine. After writing about all things tech and games-related, I then did a brief stint as a freelancer before I landed my role as a staff writer here at 12DOVE. Now I get to write features, previews, and reviews, and when I'm not doing that, you can usually find me lost in any one of the Dragon Age or Mass Effect games, tucking into another delightful indie, or drinking far too much tea for my own good.
Latest articles by Heather Wald
I held out for Fallout 4's next-gen update, but the biggest draw of the RPG coming to PS5 is unexpectedly the trophies
By Heather Wald published
Opinion Opinion | Fallout 4's next-gen update may have added new freebies and a coat of paint, but popping those trophies all over again is the best bit
Life is Strange devs talk Lost Records: Bloom and Rage's protagonist, story, and choices: "looking at the world is a big part of the interactivity in our game"
By Heather Wald published
Interview Interview | Exploring Lost Records: Bloom and Rage with creative director Michel Koch and executive producer Luc Baghadoust
The 25 best PS Vita games of all time
By Darran Jones last updated
Best List The best PS Vita games that helped transform Sony's powerhouse of a portable console
After 700 hours in Baldur's Gate 3, I'm playing Dragon's Dogma 2 with Astarion at my side
By Heather Wald published
Now Playing Now Playing | The pale elf has come to Vermund
Dragon's Dogma 2 has helped me tackle my anxiety in a way few RPGs have managed to, and it was completely unexpected
By Heather Wald published
Opinion Opinion | I tried out Dragon's Dogma 2 to see what its story was all about, but stayed for the sense of adventure
Hellblade 2: Everything you need to know about Senua's Saga
By Kevin Scully last updated
Features Hellblade 2 sees an empowered Senua bringing the fight to Iceland
Star Wars Outlaws being sandwiched between Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi is a stronger pull than the Force
By Heather Wald published
Opinion Opinion | This is the Star Wars setting I'm looking for
After watching the Fallout TV show, I've never been so ready to return to the wasteland in Fallout 4
By Heather Wald published
Opinion Opinion | The Fallout 4 update and Fallout TV show are giving me the perfect excuse to return to Bethesda's RPG
My obsession with the Stardew Valley 1.6 update changelog is making me nostalgic for physical game manuals
By Heather Wald published
Opinion Opinion | Waiting for the latest Stardew Valley 1.6 update to hit consoles has me reminiscing about game manuals
The best Yakuza games, ranked
By Dom Peppiatt last updated
Features From Kiryu to Kasuga, the best Yakuza games pit you against Japanese crime lords in action packed beat-em-up dramas
The best 4X games to play on PC and console
By Malindy Hetfeld last updated
Best List When it comes to the best 4X games, only the grandest of strategies will do
Best PS4 exclusives that you need to play
By Sam Loveridge last updated
Features From God of War to The Last of Us, these are the best PS4 exclusives you need in your library
How Studio Drydock created one of the most memorable and welcoming farming sims I've ever played: "Good representation was integral"
By Heather Wald published
Interview Interview | Studio Drydock spill (and sow) the beans on its delightful farming adventure Wylde Flowers
Baldur's Gate 3 made me break my lifelong RPG code to recruit a character – and I'm not sure I can ever forgive myself
By Heather Wald published
Opinion Opinion | I've finally given in to a path I've been avoiding for months in Baldur's Gate 3
This pixel pirate platformer has some of the coolest movement I've seen this year, and a dash of Dig Dug
By Heather Wald published
Features Indie Spotlight | Pepper Grinder is a colorful, fluid platformer packed with treasure
After 25 years, God of War and Star Wars Jedi veteran says his new studio is a chance to make "something original to us"
By Heather Wald published
Interview Interview | In conversation with Star Wars Jedi Survivor director Stig Asmussen on forming the new Giant Skull studio
After playing Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity Original Sin 2, I'm more convinced than ever that I've found the best power in any RPG
By Heather Wald published
Opinion Opinion | Playing Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity Original Sin 2 has me on the hunt for more RPGs with the power to talk to animals
Ranking the best Pokemon games from worst to best
By Heather Wald last updated
Best list The best Pokemon games from across the generations
25 Best sci-fi games to travel into the future with
By Malindy Hetfeld last updated
Features Only the best sci-fi games from one of the most popular genres of all time
25 best adventure games to get swept up in right now
By Hannah Ryan last updated
Features From Baldur's Gate 3 to Far Cry, the best adventure games are for the daring
Xbox on bringing its inclusivity resource hub to the public: "We can share learnings both ways"
By Heather Wald published
Interview Interview | In conversation with Katy Jo Wright on Xbox's Product Inclusion Framework
The 25 best video game stories ever
By Dave Meikleham last updated
Features The finest and best video game stories ever, from Mass Effect 2's intergalactic soap opera, to Life is Strange's affecting, grounded drama
I spent 70 hours trying to get the perfect date with Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth's best girl, and it made me sick to my stomach with nerves
By Heather Wald published
Opinion Opinion | After so much build up, I finally got to experience the Skywheel date in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Sign up to the 12DOVE Newsletter
Weekly digests, tales from the communities you love, and more