Your hosts have never been shy about professing their love for the Final Fantasy series and they aren't about to stop now. This week, Aaron and James invite two returning guests on to draft party members from one of their all-time favorite franchises. From DPS monsters to unbeatable black mages to summoners and healers, they draft some of the very best characters (and some surprises, too) from the very best the mainline series has to offer. Which characters will have the raw strength, magical powers, personality, humor -- and even sex appeal -- to warrant a spot in their parties? Listen in and find out!

"I am an appetite, nothing more." This week, Aaron and James start spooky season off with the 2024 Robert Eggers remake of a vampire classic. Join your hosts as they explore some of the acting and character choices, deviations from the original, and much more. What was Eggers' goal with remaking this movie? Does it earn the right to stand on its own? Does Nicholas Hoult play a cuck too often? These questions and more will (maybe) be answered!

Rating scales and gaming have gone hand in hand for as long as games have been around - but how much do they really mean? Join Aaron, James, and a returning guest as they discuss the idea of a “7 out of 10” game. What does that say about the game? The reviewer? Listen to find out the answers!

Play forever! This week, Aaron and James rapturously rave about a truly fantastic (and generously ample) compilation of 80s-inspired video games. There are arcade-style games here, RPGs, platformers, adventure games, strategy games, and even more to love here. Join in as your hosts break down the fictional lore behind this collection of games, talk about some of their current favorites, and on more than one occasion reflect in awe of the game’s abundance of creativity and design quality. It’s very likely you’ll find your next addiction among these 50 titles!

“This is a true story that happened in my town. So this one Wednesday is like a normal day for the whole school, but today was different. Every other class had all their kids, but Mrs. Gandy's room was totally empty. And do you know why? Because the night before, at 2:17 in the morning, every kid woke up, got out of bed, walked downstairs, and into the dark... and they never came back.”

Need we say anything else? Enjoy!

“It’s tail time!” It certainly is tail time, folks. The time has come for Aaron and James to discuss a guilty pleasure, an icon of the mascot platformer era, and quite possibly the greatest video game of all time. Join Aaron as he’s dumbfounded by James’ shockingly extensive history with the game, after which your hosts dive into the gritty details of the Media Dimension and all the levels it has to offer. They also take some time to reflect on the game’s ironic (and unironic) fanbase and its place in 3D platformer history. Let’s hope Aaron and James decide to keep the podcast going after this, because it’s awfully tempting to end on a masterpiece.

"I'm literally a fool, what's your excuse?" Join Aaron and James this week as they discuss the massively successful poker-themed roguelite. They break down the basic mechanics and then dive into the details that make this game so addicting. Then, stay tuned as they jump into their personal likes and ... more likes. And stick around until the end to hear their favorite jokers along with some pro tips on how to maximize your score!

“Rebellions are built on hope.” Having decided to take a break from covering some of the lesser loved (or fully hated) Star Wars movies, Aaron and James are joined this week by a very special returning guest to discuss one of the much better entries in the franchise. Join them as they go in depth on the performances, characters, pacing, nostalgia, and some of the more controversial moments. Heck, Aaron might have some controversial thoughts of his own. But say what you will about this entry, one thing’s for sure: Ben Mendelsohn must be starving because he devoured every last bit of scenery.

We’ve seen that movie adaptations of video games can work - or, at least be financially successful. The reverse is true as well - as evidenced by many of the classic 90s hits like Goldeneye 007. But what makes adaptations work in either direction? Join Aaron, James, and a special returning guest as they discuss adaptation successes and failures, and what adaptations they’re each dying to see. Enjoy!

“Should pale death, with treble dread, make the ocean caves our bed, God who hears the surges roll deign to save our suppliant soul.” This week, Aaron and James are your wickies, guiding you to the shores of madness. Join them as they gleefully spill the beans on what they think of Robert Eggers’ multivalent psychological horror film, from its meticulous construction to its masterful atmosphere. They explore its use of marine lore, Lovecraftian themes, and not-so-subtle sexual subtext. Try not to lose your mind along the way.