Matt and Jack team up without resident "Glue Guy" Dave to discuss "Nine Sols" and other games with parry mechanics. Recorded 8/4/2025

AI Generated Chapter List

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Gaming Updates

03:24 Project Zomboid: Survival and Hilarious Deaths

06:59 Exploring New Games: The Alters and Doom Dark Ages

10:00 Doom Dark Ages: A Grizzly Bear Experience

12:44 Xbox vs PlayStation: The Next Generation Debate

16:41 Vacation Gaming: Vampire Survivors and Deus Ex

24:11 Nine Souls: A Deep Dive into Gameplay and Mechanics

33:47 Mastering Combat Mechanics

36:21 Navigating Game Design Challenges

39:55 The Thrill of Boss Fights

45:47 Exploring the Story and Characters

51:52 Thematic Depth and Political Undertones

55:07 Counter Mechanics and Gameplay Dynamics

59:29 Favorite Parry Systems in Gaming

01:06:21 The Evolution of Combat Mechanics

01:12:02 Exploring Unique Gameplay Experiences

01:17:15 The Impact of Parry Mechanics in Gaming

01:23:34 Honorable Mentions and Personal Favorites

01:26:03 The Pinnacle of Parry Systems: Sekiro

01:39:19 Nostalgia for Retro Games

01:40:05 Boss Fights in Nine Souls

01:42:32 Final Boss Dynamics

01:43:32 Game Design and Replay Value

01:44:51 Village Rescue Mission Experience

01:46:35 Platinum Trophy Aspirations

01:47:09 Frustrations with Game Mechanics

01:48:43 Studio's Future and Game Recognition

01:50:40 Parrying Mechanics in Gaming

01:51:35 Closing Thoughts and Future Games

The boys are joined by Dark/Smart Matt to check in on the leaderboard for the inaugural Fantasy Video Game tournament. Recorded 7/7/2025.

AI Chapter List

00:00 Introduction and Overview of Current Games

06:04 Discussion on Doom Dark Ages and Its Mechanics

12:11 Fantasy Draft Recap and Game Ratings

28:59 Game Predictions and Expectations

34:26 Analyzing Game Releases and Delays

41:34 Team Selections and Strategies

47:14 Multiplayer Dynamics in Night Rain

56:20 Community Development and Gameplay Mechanics

01:01:46 Community Engagement in Elden Ring

01:08:02 Character Classes and Strategies

01:14:12 Accessibility and Onboarding in Gaming

The boys deep dive into the presumptive 2025 Game of the Year, "Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. Recorded 6/23/2025

AI Generated Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Game of the Year Discussion

08:38 Exploring Indiana Jones and the Great Circle

17:24 Transitioning to Other Games and Experiences

31:35 Deep Dive into Clear Obscure: Expedition 33

38:11 Combat Systems and Gameplay Mechanics

46:23 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

46:52 Balancing Power and Gameplay Mechanics

49:44 Combat Systems and Synergies

54:41 Streamlined Gameplay Experience

59:19 The Essence of Game Development

01:04:33 Narrative Depth and Character Development

01:09:41 Exploring Themes of Sacrifice and Morality

01:33:54 Exploring Character Depth and Moral Choices

01:36:20 The Nature of Reality in Gaming

01:39:32 Empathy and Emotional Impact of Choices

01:42:18 The Haunting Endings and Their Significance

01:45:23 Critiques and Gameplay Mechanics

01:50:40 Navigating the Game World and Exploration

01:58:47 Boss Fights and Combat Mechanics

02:05:35 Final Thoughts and Ratings

The boys look back at the 2018 Game Awards, one of the most packed years in gaming ever. Recorded 6/2/2025.

AI Generated Chapter List

05:57 Exploring New Games and Genres

08:51 The Impact of 2018 Game Awards

12:06 Best Ongoing Game Discussion

23:15 The Evolution of Ongoing Games

27:16 Exploring VR and AR Gaming

31:27 Best Action and Independent Games

36:19 Survival Games and Unique Experiences

42:51 Role-Playing Games and Their Impact

50:01 Best Performance in Gaming

54:24 The Impact of Iconic Game Moments

56:57 Musical Masterpieces in Gaming

01:00:09 The Art of Audio Design

01:01:00 Art Direction: Aesthetic Choices in Gaming

01:06:05 Narrative Depth in Video Games

01:09:04 Game Direction: Crafting Unique Experiences

01:12:00 Indie Game Innovations

01:14:00 Game of the Year Controversies

01:19:09 Final Thoughts on the 2018 Game Awards

The boys take a look back at the 2013 Spike Video Game Awards and weigh in on a truly amazing year in gaming. ]-Recorded 5/20/2025. Topic begins at 7:50

Jack's subjects Dave and Matt to his choice title for 2025, "Blue Prince." Does it live up to the critical acclaim that it has received? Recorded 5/5/2025.

AI Generated Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Conversation

08:53 Exploring Recent Gaming Experiences

21:04 Diving into Blueprints: Game Overview

30:01 Gameplay Mechanics and Player Experiences

33:17 Personal Preferences in Gaming

34:39 The Importance of Note-Taking

36:22 Immersion and Engagement in Gameplay

40:54 Ratings and Personal Experiences

46:21 Comparative Analysis with Other Games

49:41 Diverse Perspectives on Game Enjoyment

55:10 Quality of Life Improvements in Gaming

01:01:09 Memorable Puzzles and Rooms

01:15:44 Unlocking the Foundation: Key Moments in Gameplay

01:18:00 Puzzle Frustrations: The Pushcart Sequence

01:21:01 Strategic Room Management: The Importance of Drafting

01:25:57 The Joy of Discovery: Unraveling Game Mysteries

01:30:47 The Impact of Environmental Storytelling

01:50:00 Narrative Depth: The Lore of the Game

01:52:47 The Myth of the Mansion and Family Ties

01:59:17 Unraveling the Heist and Political Intrigue

02:01:05 The Red Prince: A Story Within a Story

02:07:43 Game Mechanics and Narrative Depth

02:14:18 The State of Gaming: Unique Experiences vs. Mediocrity

02:20:05 Final Thoughts and Reflections on Gaming

The boys run through a plethora of games that they have been enjoying before Jack and Dave regale Matt about their experiences with early Game of the Year contender "Split Fiction." Recorded 4/14/2025.

AI Generated Chapters

00:00 Technical Difficulties and Podcast Setup

03:11 Gaming Updates and Recent Plays

05:52 Exploring New Game Releases

08:50 Game Recommendations and Reviews

11:57 Nostalgia in Gaming and Franchise Connections

15:01 Indie Game Discoveries and Steam Deck Experiences

17:55 Developer Insights and Game Modifications

20:59 Upcoming Titles and Community Challenges

30:31 Exploring New Game Titles

33:08 Unique Gameplay Mechanics

36:06 Diving into Split Fiction

46:06 The Strengths and Weaknesses of Split Fiction

53:53 Gameplay Experiences and Replay Value

59:54 Dialogue and Storytelling in Games

01:08:33 Game Mechanics and Side Stories

01:11:11 Immersive Soundtracks and Visuals

01:14:06 Unique Level Designs and Boss Fights

01:18:36 Innovative Gameplay Mechanics

01:21:33 Final Level Dynamics and Collaboration

01:28:39 Game Design Philosophy and Player Experience

It happens to every podcast... After 125+ episodes we finally had an issue with recording that cost us an episode. This episode is lost, but at least Jack's ranting about minimalism will live on! Recorded 3/31/2025

Matt and Jack finally experience Dave’s most beloved video game franchise and share their thoughts. Is this a contender for Game of the Year 2025? Recorded 3/17/2025

AI Generated Chapters

02:03 Gameplay Experiences and Initial Impressions

04:58 Diving into Monster Hunter Wilds

08:08 Combat Mechanics and Weapon Choices

10:45 Menu System and Learning Curve

13:58 Weapon Mechanics and Player Strategies

17:05 The Role of Multiplayer and Cooperation

20:07 Wound System and Combat Dynamics

22:49 Monster Design and Fight Experiences

43:54 The Impact of Soundtracks in Gaming

45:29 Memorable Dragon Fights and Combat Mechanics

48:21 The Role of Companions in Combat

50:27 Frustrations with Game Mechanics

53:11 Narrative and Character Development in Monster Hunter

56:19 The Aesthetics of Monster Design

59:06 The Co-op Experience and Multiplayer Dynamics

01:02:17 Open World Exploration vs. Structured Gameplay

01:08:19 Collecting and Crafting Mechanics in Monster Hunter

01:19:10 Character Dynamics and Positivity in Gaming

01:24:19 Gameplay Mechanics and Community Engagement

01:29:40 Personal Experiences and Game Ratings

01:37:35 Future of the Game and Community Expectations

The boys weigh in on the inaugural 2014 Game of the Year Awards with the benefit of hindsight. Recorded 3/3/2025

AI Generated Chapter List

00:00 Introduction to Indie Games and Telltale's Legacy

05:34 Exploring Recent Game Experiences

15:31 Diving into Monster Hunter Wilds

25:28 The Evolution of Game Awards and Developer Recognition

45:08 The Evolution of Indie Games

47:29 Best Shooter Games of 2014

49:55 Debating the Best Shooter

55:35 Titanfall's Struggles

57:43 Best Performance in Gaming

01:01:58 Games for Change and Impactful Titles

01:05:34 Best RPGs of 2014

01:14:11 The Changing Landscape of Game Development

01:20:52 Game of the Year Contenders

01:29:42 Reflections on 2014's Game Awards