Crack a cold one and settle in as Fernie and Mike, take you on a whirlwind tour through gaming's glory days with our mate Eric, the legend behind TrueScope. This episode isn't just about nostalgia, though; we get into the thick of it, from the adrenaline-pumping idea of a John Wick video game to the shadowy allure of a Sin City adaptation. And as we marvel at the possible cinematic crossovers, we're not just sipping on any old brews—Austin's finest black IPA and Shiner's Tex Hex are on the tasting block, each with a character as distinct as the games we're reminiscing about.

Let's face it, sometimes the best game tactics come with a side of tipsiness or a puff of creativity—so we hash it out: weed, alcohol, or sober strategy? We'll regale you with tales of silent victories and raucous multiplayer sessions that might just convince you to switch up your gaming routine. But it's not all fun and games; we're also stirring the pot with a frank talk on the indie game sphere. Can indie darlings command AAA prices? The debate gets as heated as a deathmatch in Call of Duty, with no camp left unchallenged.

Amidst the hoppy banter and digital dreams, we don't shy away from the bigger conversations. We're dissecting the tug-of-war between graphics and gameplay that's as old as the first consoles, and pondering if the indie hits could be the David to the AAA Goliath. And as we wrap up with a tribute to Paticolas Brewing's Irish Goodbye, we also tackle the delicate topic of gender biases in the gaming industry, wondering why some characters get the acclaim while others fight for the spotlight. So grab your headset and a drink, because this is one Smashing Brews episode you won't want to miss.

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Ever wondered if a video game can send shivers down your spine more effectively than a horror movie? That's just a taste of what we're serving up in this boozy gaming gabfest, where Mic and Fernie swap tales of terror from the pixelated depths of Silent Hill to the immersive scares of VR. Grab your brews, folks; we're toasting the eerie and the untamed in video game horror, exploring whether childhood nightmares can evolve into full-grown fear in today's gaming world.

Strap in as we navigate the twists and turns of gaming's past, present, and future – all while sipping on the latest craft beers. From the nostalgic lanes lined with Halo and Mario to the cutting-edge co-op in Helldivers, we dissect what makes a game stand the test of time or fizzle out faster than a dud beer. And speaking of beers, we're not shy about sharing our latest tasting notes – some hit the spot, some miss by a mile, but all are part of the ride.

As the suds settle, we get real about Xbox's latest hurdles, offer candid takes on political speeches (with a side of beer critique, naturally), and shine a spotlight on gaming gems that deserve more love. Beyond the banter, we look toward the horizon of our own podcast, plotting a course through the evolving landscape of gaming media and sponsorships. So come for the games, stay for the laughs, and perhaps, just maybe, you'll find your next favorite beer or game recommendation right here with us.

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Remember those high school nights spent in the throes of Halo battles, snack-fueled laughter, and living room wrestling matches? We sure do, and this episode is a trip down memory lane, spiked with debate over who'd win in fictional character smackdowns, from Kerrigan of StarCraft fame to Diablo's Lilith. With our elusive guest, Rabid Hound's, insights just out of reach, Mike and Fernie, still manage to stir up the past with roars of nostalgia and invite you into our musings of the ultimate video game battles. What's more, we're curious about your dream match-ups too, so join the revelry as we celebrate these iconic characters.

The conversation takes a turn as we dissect the gaming industry's revenue models and the potential of in-game advertising – think seeing the latest sneakers on a Madden player! We also unpack the pros and cons of charging streamers for licensing fees and share a collective eye-roll over the latest Call of Duty's shortcomings. But it's not all critical banter; we ponder on ways game developers could truly reward their fans. Meanwhile, we sip on our brews, unafraid to call out the ones that blend into the background, all while balancing critiques and commendations of the gaming world.

As we wrap up, we cast an analytical eye toward the digital future of gaming and its price tag perplexities, questioning if a digital-only market could finally bring down costs for gamers. GameStop's survival tactics and Blizzard's leadership shuffle also make it into our crosshairs, with a brief detour into NFL fandoms and the unpredictability of sports trends. Whether you're intrigued by platform exclusivity discussions or the influence of Assassin's Creed's naval battles on new pirate adventures, there's plenty to unpack here. So, refill your glass and lend an ear – we're sending off episode 24 with heartfelt thanks and a look ahead to the 'lucky' 25th gathering.

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