In our 50th episode, Richard Wirth joins Jim, Doc and Chris to discuss interactive fiction and its relationship to games. Plus, a back-and-forth on Life Is Strange and impressions of Minecraft: Story Mode.

Doc and Chris are joined by Karsten Davis and Andrew Heard of Last Minute Games to discuss their tabletop game "Megalomania," currently on Kickstarter. Megalomania on Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/232440836/megalomania

In our Halloween Spooktacular, Jim, Doc and Chris discuss tension, fear and dread in games, and the importance of immersion and investment in creating those feelings. Plus, impressions of Fear the Walking Dead and the Tales from the Borderlands finale.

In anticipation of Fire Emblem: Fates, Jim, Doc and Chris hold a roundtable discussion on Fire Emblem Awakening. Plus, we debut two new segments: “Back Talk” and “Game Show.”

Jim and Chris discuss the positive and negative effects of performance as it relates to game development. Plus, a related discussion of the SAG-AFTRA strike authorization by voice actors, and more geeking out over Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain.

Doc and Chris discuss the aging of audiences, and how nostalgia and previously acquired tastes affect people’s perceptions of various media. Plus, impressions of “Papers, Please,” “Grow Home,” and some new gaming innovations.

Jennifer Tidwell sits down with Doc and Chris to talk about "Polycraft World," a Minecraft mod created by the University of Texas at Dallas, which adds scientifically accurate petrochemical refining to the game, among other features. To learn more about Polycraft World, their weekly scholarship challenges, and how to download and play, visit their Web site and wiki: http://www.polycraftworld.com http://polycraft.utdallas.edu

In honor of its 30th anniversary, Jim, Doc and Chris reflect on the legendary Super Mario franchise. Plus, our thoughts on Star Wars Uprising, the Angry Birds film, and Konami’s departure from AAA game development.

Game designer Nathaniel Torson and sci-fi author Christopher StClair join Doc and Jim to discuss all things Star Trek. Plus, Jim gets salty talking about the aftermath of Jimmy Kimmel’s poke at game streams.

Jim, Doc and Chris discuss developer burnout and churn and their effects on the gaming industry. Plus, Chris(?) shares his first impressions of Metal Gear Solid V, and the crew brainstorms whom they would cast in hypothetical video game movie adaptations.