Option Menu Crew Podcast

We had some fun over the last year and some change. We get most of the crew members back to discuss whatever gaming news we want and reflect a bit on the podcast. Thanks to any and all listeners. And Thank You to the crew!

Beyond the types of games we play, beyond the devices we use to game, we are also consuming, learning, and discussing video games in a whole new way. The internet, streaming, podcasts, let's plays, and more have become part of gaming culture. Fans are creating their own content around games in huge quantities. Of course, the industry wants to get its hands in the works, despite all the new free advertising. On this episode, we discuss as many different aspects of how fan content creation is involved with this amazing hobby.

Video games come in all shapes and sizes. There have always been games of larger and smaller scope. In the last several years, more developers as part of smaller studios and even individuals with a dream have entered the space, bringing incredible creations to the rest of us. However, bigger studios and publishers sometimes play a part in bringing these unique games to us, and games that come from humble beginnings can grow into massive cultural forces. We explore what it means to be an "Indie game" in this day and age.

Every new game starts with an announcement. Not every announcement is equal. It feels good to get hyped up when a new game looks fun, but that hype gets used against us as well. We discuss our favorite and least ways to have video games marketed.

The crew has actually made some progress on a bunch of games, so we decided to chat about our thoughts on them. Here's what we talk about.

- Persona 5 Royal

- Elden Ring

- Yakuza: Like A Dragon

- Triangle Strategy

- Scarlet Nexus

Also, one of us has a Steam Deck now! So, we go over initial impressions. Join in on the discussion in the comments.

One of the hottest topics in the gaming landscape these days. We've finally hit a technologic plateau where games can look great and have great framerates, but there are still struggles. From holdover feelings about previous generation performance, to optimization issues per platform, the debate rages on where quality lies for video game visuals.

This is the fifth part of the Monetization series. We discuss the concept of "voting with your wallet" and just how complicated the reality of it is. We discuss how the video game industry demonstrates that it doesn't matter when many don't spend, it only cares about the few that spend a ton. Also, how publishers misinterpret the reasons for failure of some games.

On this episode, we get into what we like and don't like about the video game console cycles and generations we've experienced so far. Dating back to Nintendo Entertainment System, and all consoles following after, has it been worthwhile to see so many revamps, revisions, and iterations in the styles there have been? What could be done better going forward? How much time between consoles is far? And how does/should that change into the future.

This week, Platinum reveals their plans for the future including a possible revival of Scalebound for the Xbox! Microsoft further clarifies their position on multi-platform games to reassure consumers, developers, and regulators alike. Nvidia keeps growing, surpassing Facebook in market capitalization. Finally, Nintendo releases a new Direct with tons of new games and we highlight our favorites.

The crew discusses what defines a remake and remaster for video games. How do they get them right, and what could go wrong. Extensive thoughts are shared in Final Fantasy 7 Remake and other games, so BEWARE SPOILERS! Enjoy!