Pixel Project Radio

We bring back roundtable discussions with this week's episode! Rick is joined by Charlie Young and Eric Gess (The Unlockables Podcast) to talk through the reasons we've gravitated toward video games throughout our childhoods as well as adult years. Power fantasies to escapism, rekindling old friendships to discovering new communities, honing a craft as one might an instrument to just relaxing with your spouse...the reasons are endless, but one thing is clear: there's almost no "wrong" way to enjoy this medium. Please enjoy the discussion, and look forward to more roundtable discussions in the future!

Are Video Games Good for You? (Cleveland Clinic)
Video Games and Cognitive Performance (NIH)
The Benefits of Playing Video Games (American Psychological Association - PDF)

Team Young Curling
More Unlockables Podcast

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You think we have a choice, is that it?

Rick is joined once again by Jon (Video Game Lounge Podcast) for the finale of their narrative analysis of The Last of Us! Ethical and moral lines are examined as Joel is confronted with a question that shapes the core of his character: how far is one willing to go for what one perceives as "justice?" Please enjoy!

Overview of Thomas Hobbes
Gene Park interviews Neil Druckmann
TLOU "Alternate" Ending

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Please note: this series has been extended to a total of 3 episodes! There is still one more in the series! 

The journey west continues, as Rick and Jon (Video Game Lounge Podcast) continue to dissect The Last of Us. New companions are met and old friends revisited as Joel and Ellie continue on their search for the Fireflies. Part II covers up to and through Tommy's Dam. Please enjoy!

Overview of Thomas Hobbes
Gene Park interviews Neil Druckmann

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Our luck had to run out sooner or later.

This week, Rick is joined by Jon (Video Game Lounge Podcast) to dissect The Last of Us Part I, the critically acclaimed Naughty Dog title that became the posterchild for cinematic games. Part I of this series sees us introduced to Joel, his partner Tess, and a young girl named Ellie as the three navigate the harsh reality of a post-societal world ravaged by disease. Themes of human nature, the lack of social contract, and unconditional love frame what is ultimately a heartfelt tale - we hope you enjoy!

Overview of Thomas Hobbes
Gene Park interviews Neil Druckmann

More Video Game Lounge Podcast

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Don't get holy on me, James. This town called you, too. You and me are the same. We're not like other people. Don't you know that?

This week we conclude Silent Hill 2, the psychological horror titan from Team Silent. A deep descent - figuratively and literally - into James Sunderland's psyche shows horrors and suffering that nobody saw coming in the opening hour or two of the game. And what makes this so effective? In retrospect, the game has been intensely thematically focused from start to finish. Please enjoy!

"Man and his Symbols"
Silent Hill Memories
Jungian Analyst on Symbolism of Water

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Maybe...you hated her...! 

Just in time for the Konami/Bloober Team remake, Rick is joined by returning guest Dustin to analyze the critically acclaimed psychological horror game Silent Hill 2. A separate entity from its progenitor, Silent Hill 2 sees players take the role of James Sunderland, a man searching for his late wife after receiving a mysterious letter from her three years after her passing. Nothing is as it seems in the town of Silent Hill. In part I, we cover cursory information, broad opinions on music, presentation, and mechanics, and analyze the first part of the story. If you are playing along, this episode covers up until our first visit to the hospital. Please enjoy!

"Man and his Symbols"
Silent Hill Memories
Jungian Analyst on Symbolism of Water

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This week, Rick is joined by Phil (Deleted Saves Podcast) for an analysis of the original Silent Hill, Konami's foray into psychological horror on the Playstation 1. While there is comparatively less to "analyze" in this first installment, it laid the path steady for the series to become the juggernaut of tension and storytelling that it is today. Learn about the town's humble beginnings and how all is not what it seems - please enjoy!

Takayoshi Sato's resume reference during the show

More Deleted Saves

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"Churches can be rebuilt easier than faith." 

Rick is joined by Nick once again to conclude their critical analysis of Pentiment! As Andreas continues his investigation, the layers of the past - Pentimento - begin to become clear. But all is not as it seems. The history of Tassing, the identity of the Thread-Puller, Andreas's grief, and more are observed in great detail in this final chapter. Please enjoy!

"Mixing History and Fiction in Pentiment"
"Catholics Interview the Director of Pentiment"
Christian Uses of Labyrinths
Alkemie Music Ensemble

More Friday Night Gamecast

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"Art is illusion, storytelling, but in their most sublime form, these images illuminate a path to truth."

This week, Rick is joined by Nick (Friday Night Gamecast) to begin a critical analysis of Pentiment, a 2022 narrative adventure game from Obsidian Studios. Taking the role of journeyman artist Andreas Mahler, players will navigate the small Bavarian town of Tassing as havoc sweeps the town in the form of murders. A quest to discover who is behind these insidious acts leads to struggles of faith, clashes of class structure, and a reckoning with how history is written - and who writes it. Episode I will cover all of Act I and the first portion of Act II. Please enjoy!

"Mixing History and Fiction in Pentiment"
"Catholics Interview the Director of Pentiment"
Christian Uses of Labyrinths
Alkemie Music Ensemble

More Friday Night Gamecast

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Does it hurt to be reborn?

Rick is joined once again by Dave and Matt to conclude the narrative analysis of 1000xRESIST. The themes of the games begin to coalesce as the origins of the Occupants are revealed and secrets of the AllMother are discovered. Sisters must burn. We hope you enjoy!

sunset visitor studio
Remy Siu AMA
Developer Interview, GameDev Magazine

More Tales from the Backlog
More "Fun" and Games

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Thank you for listening! Want to reach out to PPR? Send your questions, comments, and recommendations to [email protected]! And as ever, any ratings and/or reviews left on your platform of choice are greatly appreciated!