Episodes

  • Episode 86: Xenoblade Chronicles

    Episode 86: Xenoblade Chronicles
    Jun 10 2024
    "Face me, Shulk! Successor of Zanza! I'll crush the Bionis, and spread its ashes across the world! Then I'll turn the Monado into dust. Only then will there be peace!" Sometimes a game comes along that sinks its hooks in and just won’t let go. Sometimes that game is an 80+ hour JRPG touching upon age-old themes like the futility of revenge, what it means to be human, and being a sexy anime teen who kills God at the end. Join Aaron, James, and a very special returning guest as they give the first entry in the Xenoblade Chronicles series the full Game & Watch treatment. Whether it's development, mechanics, or story, there is a lot to talk about. Can we just say, we’re really feeling it, and we hope you are too!
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    3 hrs and 33 mins
  • Episode 85: Jurassic Park III

    Episode 85: Jurassic Park III
    May 27 2024
    “You have to believe me, this was a stupid decision, but I did it with the best intentions.” Here's a quiz: Is that quote from one of the characters, or the director of this movie? Armed with their convenient raptor larynxes, Aaron and James attempt to rescue this third entry in the Jurassic Park series from itself. The hosts also dare to ask the tough questions that no one else will. For example: What has Téa Leoni been up to lately? Can the Spinosaurus fill the sizable dino-shoes left by the T-Rex? Is Billy the new face of the franchise? Who even IS Billy? You don’t have to travel back 65 million years to enjoy some classic Game & Watch banter!
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    55 mins
  • The 2007 Video Game Draft

    The 2007 Video Game Draft
    May 20 2024
    We're drafting yet again! Join Aaron, James, and three returning guests from the Game & Watch draft crew as they select games from the year all five of them made the transition from high school to college. In 2007, there were single player experiences aplenty, but there was also no shortage of multiplayer madness. This was also the year that launched some major franchises that changed storytelling in gaming. Listen in to find out if some of your favorites from this year got selected!
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    1 hr and 46 mins
  • Episode 84: Serial Mom

    Episode 84: Serial Mom
    May 13 2024
    “Are those pussywillows?” This one is for all the moms out there. Happy Belated Mother’s Day from Aaron, James, and a delightfully unhinged Kathleen Turner! Join us as we discuss the John Waters’ 1994 dark comedy cult hit. Does she need a lawyer? Does she need an agent? What even IS satire anymore? Questions abound on this episode - listen with your mom and enjoy!
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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • Special Episode: Top 3 Favorite / Least Favorite Kingdom Hearts Worlds

    Special Episode: Top 3 Favorite / Least Favorite Kingdom Hearts Worlds
    Apr 29 2024
    “All worlds begin in Darkness and all so end. The heart is no different.” Friendship, hearts, and too many zippers - we’re back in the (many) lands of Kingdom Hearts! But which of the numerous worlds in the mainline series deserve the most praise? The most hate? What makes for a strong world in this “storied” franchise? Come listen and find out Aaron and James’ Top and Bottom 3 Kingdom Hearts Worlds! And stay tuned near the end of the episode for an existential question about the series itself.
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    49 mins
  • Special Episode: Gaming Psychology — The Appeal of Roguelikes

    Special Episode: Gaming Psychology — The Appeal of Roguelikes
    Apr 22 2024
    Hey, you! Yes, you! Do you find repetition meditative? Do you enjoy a challenge? Does unlocking a new item give you that sweet dopamine rush? Do you have an addictive personality? If you answered yes to most or all of those questions, roguelikes might be the genre for you! This week, Aaron and James are joined by a very special returning guest to dissect the modern roguelike genre and explore just what makes it so damn appealing. Then, they share their top three favorite roguelikes. Just one more run, I swear!
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    1 hr and 57 mins
  • Episode 83: Iron Lung

    Episode 83: Iron Lung
    Apr 8 2024
    "You are a convict, tasked with exploring this anomaly, in a makeshift submarine nicknamed The Iron Lung. It was not designed for this depth, so you will be welded inside and the forward window will be closed. There was no time for training. If successful, you earn your freedom." This week, Aaron and James tackle a divisive indie horror game and, uh, let's call it a "submarine simulator." Not everything works about it, but we were impressed nonetheless and are glad developers are taking big swings like this.
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    1 hr and 10 mins
  • Episode 82: Metroid Fusion

    Episode 82: Metroid Fusion
    Mar 25 2024
    "The SA-X. An enemy with my strongest abilities. But does it have reason? Probably not. It's just a killing machine. In my current state, I can't face it head-on. The SA-X is me, only heartless. I must stop it before it learns its potential and threatens the universe." This week, Aaron and James gush over an excellent entry in the Metroid series and one of the best GBA games out there. That isn't to say there is only praise thrown at the game, however. Is its linearity a refreshing break from the more-open entries in the series, or a choice that oversimpifies things too much? This, and much, much more in another great episode!
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    1 hr and 7 mins