Desert Island Gamer

Remember fiercely defending your chosen gaming console in heated debates with your mates? I sure do. As a veteran of the console wars, I take you back to the era where playgrounds were battlegrounds and loyalty to a piece of plastic bordered on the religious. We'll reminisce about the Spectrum and the Amstrad, and how these machines unknowingly enlisted us into an endless battle for video game supremacy. 

But what was the real driving force behind this fervent partisanship? Was it merely childhood zeal, or was there a deeper fear at play? As we explore my journey through the console wars, we'll dive into the insecurities and the eventual heartbreak that came from seeing our beloved gaming systems become obsolete. 

From the Sega Dreamcast's abrupt end to the horrific possibility of being left behind with a redundant machine, this episode is a candid look at the passion, fear, and unity that defined our experience as gamers. Whether we were defending the honour of our Spectrum against the Amstrad, or standing our ground in the Mega Drive vs. Super Nintendo debate, it was our shared love for video games that truly united us.

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Prepare yourself for a chilling journey back in time to the bleak night of 10th November 2010, as we share a deeply personal tale of gaming anticipation gone awry. Amidst the bitter cold of Penzance, Cornwall, we braved the elements, fueled by visions of a grand gaming release. Reality, however, was a far cry from our expectations. As winter winds gnawed at our flesh, we found ourselves in an eerily silent queue, the harsh glare of the game store serving as the only company to our deep-seated regret.

This is no ordinary gaming adventure; it's a midnight misadventure that continues to haunt us both in our waking hours and in our dreams. Join us as we recount that eerie night, share the lessons we learned from our soul-crushing mistakes, and explore how our gaming experiences shape us. This is a story of bitter disappointments and brutal realities, a rare glimpse into the harsh world of gaming launches. Sometimes, it's the journey, not the destination, that truly counts.

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Brace yourselves for the ultimate trip back to the glory days of the much-loved '90s TV classic, GamesMaster. Or more precisely, the recent reboot! We delve into the brilliantly designed challenges and the hilarious 'Educating Grado' section.

The reboot turned out to be a heartwarming homage to the original GamesMaster, reigniting our love for the show and attracting a whole new audience. The relatable mix of young and old audience members, the excitement and anticipation we experienced week after week, our disappointment about its short-lived return, and our hopes for a recommission are all part of the discussion. 

So get ready for a fun-filled ride through memory lane, touching on the past and present of one of TV's most iconic shows!

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Get ready to journey through the gaming universe with Rory Greenfield, creator of the Famous Last Nerds podcast, as he shares his gaming history and favorite adventures. From the rolling hills of the Peak District to the fantastical landscapes of Middle Earth, Rory's passion for exploration and story-telling stems from a childhood dream of becoming a travel writer. We journey alongside him as he recounts his gaming origins and the titles that have left indelible marks on his heart, making this episode a memory lane of pixels and polygons.

Experience the thrill as we dissect the mechanics of the revolutionary game, Shadow of Colossus, and its influence on modern gaming sagas like Bloodborne and the Dark Souls series. Dive deep into the narrative prowess of The Last of Us, unravelling the art of storytelling in the gaming world. We then take a nostalgic trip back, discussing the simplicity yet frustration of a classic game. 

Join us in this lively and engaging conversation, filled with digital nostalgia and passionate gaming insights.

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Ever wondered why we're drawn to retro gaming – is it the allure of simpler times, or the magic within those classic titles? Join me as we unlock these mysteries, and discuss whether the unforgiving difficulty of older games can be a turn-off for modern gamers. We'll examine the relationship between our dwindling patience and unchanged gaming skills, while also exploring whether we desire an easy-going experience or yearn for the golden age of gaming. 

Brace yourselves as we navigate through our gaming habits, and perhaps, rekindle our love for everything retro.

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Ever felt a pang of nostalgia as you leave your favourite gaming world behind? Join us as we make a case for the beauty of standing still in the fast-paced gaming universe. We take you through the joys of returning to the maps you once loved and the thrill of reigniting old rivalries. But it's not just about the games; it's about the communities that stay strong long after the spotlight has moved on. We offer a fresh perspective on the allure of these 'virtual villages' as we compare the gaming world to a globe that keeps shrinking.

We take you on a journey, revisiting those spaces in the gaming cosmos that we've left behind, places like old versions of Call of Duty, where the community has grown stronger and more tightly knit over time. Step back with us into the cosy villages left behind by the bustling cities, and discover a world that thrives in the absence of constant change. Witness first-hand how these diminishing communities manage to create bonds and spark rivalries that elevate the gaming experience to a new level. So, dust off those old games and step back into your favourite virtual villages. You might just find a thriving community waiting to welcome you home.

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Ever wondered why there seems to be a lack of Christmas-themed video games? Glittering with festive vibes, this episode takes you on a fun-filled sleigh ride, exploring the curious absence of Santa hats and reindeers in our beloved gaming world. 

Join us as we unwrap the real Christmas games - games that might not have a whiff of yuletide, but they take us right back to the heartwarming December memories and shared experiences with our loved ones.

We share nostalgic tales of games like John Madden Football 1990. How did a football game leave its imprint as a festive memory? How did our journey into the online world with Call of Duty 3 become a part of our Christmas tradition? Grab your eggnog and cozy up as we explore the peculiar relationship between video games and the festive season. 

This episode is a guaranteed virtual log fire for your Christmas spirit, no matter the time of year!

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Wondering what it's like to breathe life into your favorite video game characters? We've got the perfect treat for you! Get ready for an exhilarating journey with the voice actor extraordinaire, Gavin Hammon, known for his groundbreaking roles in Ninja Turtles, Oxenfree, The Wolf Among Us, and of course, as the iconic antihero we all fell in love with, Kenny in Telltale's Walking Dead. 

Gavin shares with us his extraordinary career, the anticipation around the return of the original creators for The Wolf Among Us, and how a fantastic narrative and performance can sometimes be overshadowed by subpar gameplay.

But that's not all! We're taking it a notch higher as we segue into the world of gaming with Gavin himself. Get a glimpse into his gaming console experiences. What's the best advice he's ever received? Which movie does he think everyone should watch? And which games would he take with him to a desert island? 

All this and more in a riveting conversation that gives you an insider's perspective into the video game industry, voice acting, and the narratives that shape our gaming experiences. Now, who's ready for an adventure?

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Welcome to an episode that bridges the worlds of Hollywood and gaming with the awesome, Atticus Shaffer. This talented actor-turned-Twitch streamer joins us fresh from the digital world, ready to share his unique journey from stage to screen, and beyond. 

Perhaps best known for playing the role of Brick Heck in ABC's superb 'The Middle', Atticus is not just an actor; he's a trailblazer, pivoting into the gaming sector amid Hollywood's COVID-induced slowdown. He shares his love for gaming, his transition to Twitch streaming, and even dips into some controversial gaming opinions!

You'll hear how Atticus' acting background and his mother's support heavily influenced his gaming creativity. In addition, he dives into the importance of cultivating a positive online community amid today's digital landscape. 

What games would Atticus choose if he were stranded on a desert island? And most importantly, how does he keep his Saturday streams kid-friendly while still appealing to a more mature audience on other days? This episode offers gaming insights, actorly anecdotes, and heartfelt conversations about the highs and lows on the way to finding a new passion.

Archive recording from 2020.

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From the heart of Argentina, we're excited to shed light on a rising star in the gaming industry. Join us as we delve into a riveting discussion with Jorge and his journey from a humble beginning to becoming an indie game developer. 

Unveiling his emotional journey of tackling public criticism, Jorge takes us through the making of his ambitious new game, Astro Zombies. His vision for the game and the journey traveled makes for captivating listening.

Our conversation doesn't stop there, Jorge's passion for games extends beyond his own creations. His admiration for the game Bloodborne and the fascinating aspects of Japanese game design that he hopes to learn from. We traverse through the realm of classic horror games, taking a closer look at the impact of Resident Evil and Silent Hill on Jorge's work.  Join us as we dive into Jorge's love-hate relationship with Sonic Shuffle and his adoration for Jill Valentine. 

This episode isn't just a discussion, it's a journey guided by Jorge's love for gaming. Buckle up and prepare for an insightful trip through the eyes of a game developer.

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