As December winds down, Pixel Project Radio is putting out some more "relaxed" episodes, some content that's more approachable and digestible. To start, I thought I'd put out a fairly informal and personal essay: reflecting on ten games from my childhood that really stuck with me and influenced my tastes. Some formed lifelong preferences, others simply gave me many pleasant memories. Please enjoy these musings on sincerity, the idea of "play," and my favorite childhood games!

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"The answer that came to me again and again was play. Every human society in recorded history has games. We don't just solve problems out of necessity. We do it for fun...Games are part of what makes us human. We see the world as a mystery, a puzzle, because we've always been a species of problem-solvers." 

This week, Rick is joined by Alex (Low Five Gaming) to approach the brinks of phenomenal consciousness and transhumanism in The Talos Principle, a 2014 puzzle game by Devolver Digital. Though the storyboarding and "plot" are fairly light (and reminiscent to the Book of Genesis), the implications of the story are far reaching: what is the fundamental turning point into the notion of Qualia, or phenomenal consciousness? And what of free will - do we have it? Join us as we discuss this, the Garden of Eden, how games can foster community, and much more. Please enjoy! 
(Below are only a few sources consulted for the episode that you may find interesting. I mention a few more in the episode!)

Philosophize This! on consciousness
Sam Harris and Daniel Dennet debate free will
Nick Bostrom's Simulation Hypothesis


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"I never meant to hurt anyone." "No one ever does, Walker."

This week, Rick is joined once again by Chris Coplien (Retro Hangover Podcast) for a critical analysis of Spec Ops: The Line, Yager Development's masterclass in subversive narratives in gaming. Players take control of Walker as he, along with squadmates Adams and Lugo, embark on a rescue mission in Dubai. Heroes...right? Deontology versus consequentialism, morality through the lenses of Hobbes, Locke, and Zizek, and the importance of perspective - all of this and more, in this week's episode. Please enjoy!


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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


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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


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