Backward Compatible’s resident musician Nick Krueger joins us for a discussion on the history and implementation of video game music. Plus, we debut a new segment called “Reckless Speculation.”

This week’s podcast features an in-depth, roundtable discussion on “Transistor” by Supergiant Games. Plus, Jim unloads on the troubled launch of “Batman: Arkham Knight,” Doc tries “Coup: Reformation,” and Chris talks “Tales from the Borderlands.”

In memory of Kym Wirth. Please consider contributing to her memorial fund to help support Richard and his family: http://www.gofundme.com/kymwirth. Doc and Chris discuss mobile games at length, including Fallout Shelter, Coup, and Hearthstone. Plus, a Button Mosh, some Table Talk, and a new segment on Let's-Plays.

Jim, Doc and Chris discuss--and attempt to define the differences between--video game reboots, remakes, remasters, remixes, and re-imaginings. Plus, we introduce some new segments and preview E3. Listen in, then join the discussion!

An audio essay wherein Doc argues for a new model of video game design using authenticity and validity as a spectrum, and a 2 x 2 model with story and gameplay. Originally presented to the inter–disciplinary.net video games conference 4 in Oxford, England in 2012, and appearing in “Cultural Perspectives of Video Games: From Designer to Player,” by Inter-Disciplinary Press.

Jim, Chris and Doc discuss lore in video games, and how it is best used to inform and immerse the player. Plus, we debut a series of new segments to open the show, including "Button Mosh," "Table Talk" and "Mobile Minute." Tune in, then join the discussion!

An audio essay by Chris Krueger in which he argues that tabletop RPGs are still relevant in today's video game-dominated market because of their open-ended nature. Adapted from an article originally published on Backward-Compatible.com in 2014.

Richard is moving to Pennsylvania to get his PhD, so he joins us for a send-off episode in which we discuss the past and future directions of Backward Compatible and gaming journalism in general. Listen in, then join the discussion!

A pair of guests visit to discuss the ways time travel is portrayed in video games and other media. Plus, the crew debates the merits of "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom." Listen in, then join the discussion!

Backward Compatible's classic article format, the round table discussion, is back in audio form as the crew discusses their impressions of "Sherlock Holmes: Crimes & Punishments." Plus, Doc takes us through a series of two-minute mysteries. Tune in, then join the discussion!