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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As we toasted to new beginnings in 2024 with the heady Adult Icarus Quadruple IPA, Mike on Da Mic's infectious laughter made a welcome comeback, signifying that this isn't just any episode—it's a celebration of our 23rd. We crack open memories of ludicrous episodes and plot the future of our show, all while dissecting the influence of Celebrity star power in gaming. From Keanu's digital resurrection in Cyberpunk to the subtle charm of Vin Diesel and Jet Li in action-packed titles, we unpack the cinematic allure that celebrities sprinkle in the virtual realm.

Navigating the contentious seas of PC exclusivity, we argue the merits and pitfalls of keeping games within the confines of computer monitors versus sharing them with the console crowd. With a critical eye, we dissect the sway of mobile gaming and its flirtation with pay-to-win models, all while pondering the potential of a future where cross-platform play is king. Don't miss the part where we muse over the surprise hits and the unfortunate misses in the gaming world of 2023, celebrating the unexpected triumphs of retro-style games and taking a candid look at the fumbles that left players wanting more.

But it's not all about the past; we cast our gaze towards the horizon, forecasting the shape of gaming in 2024. With underdog developers taking up the gauntlet and big mergers setting the stage for tomorrow's headlines, we're optimistic about a future rich with player-focused innovation. And in true celebratory fashion, we wrap things up with a twist, somehow linking Taylor Swift to football glory and raising our glasses to the Cowboy's' Super Bowl win—just a taste of the diverse topics we love to serve up alongside our featured brews.

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Ever wondered which beloved classic video games would shine brightest with a modern makeover? Join, Fernie, Mike on the Mic as we team up with gaming connoisseur Eric to explore the vibrant landscape of video game nostalgia and innovation. From the charm of Zelda and Super Mario's pixelated adventures to the adrenaline-fueled action in Rocket League and FIFA, we traverse the evolution of gaming, reflecting on how the Microsoft and Activision Blizzard merger could shape the future of our favorite digital realms.

Raise your glass—or controller—to an episode jam-packed with the latest buzz, including the tantalizing tidbits on GTA 6's announcement, and the exciting fusion of RTS and platformer elements in "Aliens: Dark Descent." We don't just stop at discussing existing games; we dive into a thought experiment about revitalizing classics with today's tech. Imagine the possibilities! Eric's fresh voice amplifies our musings on the impact of constant updates in games like Call of Duty and what it means for gamers' hard drive space (and sanity).

We round off this digital escapade with heartwarming memories of local multiplayer sessions and a peek into the future of multiplayer gaming's social dynamics. But it's not all pixels and nostalgia—we also sip and critique a variety of beers, including the curious Korean Ichiban. Tune in for an episode that's equal parts gaming genius and light-hearted banter, all while honoring the Marine Corps birthday with an exuberant "Oorah!" It's more than just a podcast; it's an evening with friends, stories, and maybe even your next favorite brew.

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Can an unexpected blend of flavor bring an added layer of excitement to an exhilarating journey through the video game universe? Brace yourselves as we join forces with our special guest, Jason - or should we say Jason Momoa - to explore this intriguing question and more. Starting with the intoxicating taste of Jarritos Mandarin beer, we commemorate Hispanic month as we navigate through a myriad of gaming topics - from the nostalgic charm of Super Nintendo Duck Hunt to the high-definition adventures on modern Xbox and PlayStation.

Our voyage doesn't end there. We take a deep dive into the cosmos of Bethesda's latest release, Starfield, examining its remarkable features and igniting a fiery debate on whether it's genuinely a 'free' game. Stay tuned as we also tackle the controversial trend of buying up developers and creating platform-exclusive games, which guarantees a lively discourse. And let's not forget about the industry's remarkable evolution, which sees developers striving for unprecedented levels of quality.

We throw in some pop-culture references for good measure, juxtaposing the upcoming El Paso Elsewhere and Hellboy games against their respective cinematic counterparts. And as we continue to sip on our delightful brews, such as the Imperial IPA 9.2 from Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, we touch on everything from the saturation of game releases, the impact on female protagonists in the industry, to the enigmatic appeal of Armored Core. So, whether you're a seasoned gamer or a casual enthusiast looking for some lively banter, this episode promises a thrilling ride.

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Picture this: You're sitting down with your mates, sipping on a beer and chatting about your favorite video games. That's exactly what we did in this episode with our long-time pal and gaming enthusiast, Jimmy. Grab your own choice of brew and join us as we dive into the discussion, kicking things off with our beer of the day, Zombie Ice from Three Floyd's Brewing Company - an undead double pale IPA that packs a punch and has a taste that's as fierce as its name.

Just imagine: You're in the middle of a gripping RPG, the story unfolds at every turn, and your choices shape the narrative. Jimmy, with his wealth of knowledge, guides us through this fascinating world, uncovering the evolution of turn-based games and the impact of faster-paced gaming on the industry. We also explore some unforgettable cringy moments in video games; let's just say the gunnery sergeant from Call of Duty World War Two and the infamous laugh from Final Fantasy X make for some interesting conversation.

As we chat over another round of Voodoo Ranger Juice Force from New Belgium Brewing (Jimmy's pick, we might add), we spill the beans on Microsoft's recent acquisition of Activision Blizzard and its potential impacts on the gaming industry. Jimmy shares some valuable insights on game loops and challenges that keep popular games like Diablo 4 and State of Decay replayable and intriguing. Wrapping it up, we remember Fernie’s late father and his significant influence on Fernie’s life, making this episode an emotional rollercoaster filled with laughter, memories, and plenty of gaming talk. Grab your beers and gaming controllers, folks, this one's a doozy!

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