Bryan and Josh recently got stuck in a time loop out in deep space and wound up playing a lot of cards trying to fight their way out… in other words: For this episode they played Cobalt Core! Even in a crowded genre like the roguelike deckbuilder, sometimes a game can do so many things right (and a few things transcendently) that it breaks through the noise to become a new favorite. Rocket Rat’s second game (and second IGF nominee) was such a game. What it brings to the table in terms of novel mechanics and quick satisfying gameplay loops, is supported in spades by some truly outstanding music by composer Aaron Cherof and charming writing by the team. So buckle in and get ready for another loop with Bryan and Josh as they discuss the intergalactic hi-jinks of Cobalt Core!

Three Word Reviews:

Bryan - Mid-row and Music

Josh - Deep Space Decks

In this podcast the whole crew squads up to play the latest and greatest in Co-Op PVE action, Helldivers 2! As soon as word of the game’s rock solid mechanics and exceedingly fair live service implementation reached his ears, Clint boarded his Hellpod and shot like a literal bullet into the fray. His enthusiasm eventually spread to Bryan and Josh, and the team welcomed back seasoned Helldiver and re-appearing guest, Andy, to round out our 4 person discussion. This game has a fascinating evolving storyline… both in the game and in real life, so keep in mind we had this discussion around mid-April if recent events are not referenced. Now grab your standard issue Super Earth Listening Aparatus and strap in for Helldive into this discussion of the mechanics, theming, and co-op goodness that make Helldivers 2 an experience to remember!

Three Word Reviews:

Bryan - Solidarity Supersedes Sweatiness

Josh - Pressure, Pacing, Direction

Clint - Democratize with Friends

Andy - Helldivers Never Die

In this episode, Bryan and Josh dip their toes into the idle/incremental game space! Three idle games have been chosen: Universal Paperclips, SPACEPLAN, and (the) Gnorp Apologue. All are quite different manifestations of the idle/incremental game and each has its own strengths and unique offerings to explore. Universal Paperclips (2017) was created by Frank Lantz of New York University and has been acclaimed as one of the best of the genre. It features a unique retelling of the paperclip maximizer thought experiment. SPACEPLAN (2017) was developed by Jake Hollands and published by Devolver Digital and features striking visuals and a relaxing synth-heavy soundtrack. Finally, (the) Gnorp Apologue (2023) is the game that spurred the conversation on idle games to begin with and as its description states: “is a game where you help small beings called gnorps get rich”. Its also quite visually interesting any layers in some unique ‘management game’ style mechanics. So listen in while Bryan goes to make some dinner and Josh stares with wrapped attention at his computer screen and they jointly put together their thoughts on this varied and interesting genre.

Three Word Reviews:

Universal Paperclips: Bryan - Existential Thought Experiment / Josh - An Argument Against

SPACEPLAN: Bryan - Perfect Entry Point / Josh - Waiting for Story

(the) Gnorp Apologue: Bryan - Prestige Incremental Management / Josh - Spectacle, Strategy, Screensaver

Aspiring linguist Josh and professional guess-and-checker Bryan recently made their way up the tower featured in 2023’s indie puzzle game Chants of Sennaar! Along the way they marveled at the game’s superb use of color, clever language puzzles, and occasionally regrettable use of stealth mechanics. At its heart, Chants of Sennaar is a game about culture and communication, so what better way to celebrate this wonderful game than through an in depth discussion about its design, themes, and artistry. Listen in as Josh and Bryan decipher the secrets of the Tower and make their way to the top of the class in 5 different (completely fictional) languages!

Three Word Reviews:

Bryan - Stratification, Translation, Unification

Josh - Language as Playspace

Isometric Games’ Tunic, released in 2022, is a game that delivers stronger than almost any other title on the promise of a genuine feeling of discovery. From you moment that you are dropped onto the isometric, flat color-shaded beach with nothing but the ethereal soundtrack by Lifeformed and Janice Kwan to keep you company, you are expected to start exploring. To start learning about the game’s various rules, systems, and secrets… because the game will not teach you about any of them itself! Tunic a modern title focused on the early 90’s idea of learning about a game through playground rumors and half understood foreign instruction manuals. Its a game that rewards looking beyond what’s immediately apparent on the screen and experimenting with every suspiciously placed object. On top of all of that, Tunic is also a formidable isometric combat experience. So squeeze through that secret passage into your Chamber of Podcast Listening and join Bryan and Josh for a spoiler-filled discussion of Tunic and its incredible in-game instruction manual!

Three Word Reviews:

Bryan - Game about Gaming

Josh - Lost and Found

Climb to new heights with Josh and Bryan as they ascend the tower, learn its history, and rediscover a love of climbing while playing Jusant! Developed by the narrative powerhouse studio, Don’t Nod, Jusant puts the player in the shoes of a lone wanderer who must ascend a desolate tower filled with remnants of a civilization long past with only their little blue blob buddy and an endless endurance for gripping hard surfaces. Its a truly majestic game, from the vistas afforded as you look back on your progress to the sweeping soundtrack, and both Bryan and Josh enjoyed every minute of their trek up the tower. So grab your rope and climbing spikes and join in for a journey up the tower in Jusant!

Three Word Reviews:

Bryan - Lesson in Patience

Josh - To New Heights

In this episode Bryan and Josh cover The Witness from Jonathan Blow… sort of. Actually they cover The Looker, which is a loving homage/scathing satire of Blow’s game and at the price of Free and the runtime of about 60 minutes, comes highly recommended by the guys. Good satire is hard to find and that is doubly so in the video game sphere, but developer Bradley Lovell hits the mark with The Looker which is just packed with jokes both written and mechanical. Listen in as Bryan and Josh do their best to not just repeat their favorite jokes.

Warning: Spoilers for the Witness abound!

Three Word Reviews:

Bryan - More Gaming Satire

Josh - Don’t Look Down

Join Bryan, Josh, and Clint for a journey through the Forgotten Realms as they cover the breakout D&D simulation CRPG, Baldur’s Gate 3! Larian Studios has a long history with RPGs but in 2023 they outdid themselves to create what many considered to be 2023’s Game of the Year. Despite a time gap of over 20 years since the last entry, Baldur’s Gate 3 holds true to what made the originals special while adding in a healthy dose of modern convenience and quality of life for the 5th Edition outing. So gather your party and listen in as Clint joins in for the finale of the journey Bryan and Josh started back at the beginning of 2023 as our book club adventuring party discusses Baldur’s Gate 3!

Three Word Reviews:

Bryan - Larian’s Legendary Legacy

Josh - A Translation Perfected

Clint - Isometric RPG Resurgence

In this episode Josh and Bryan play the aggressively random, and often unbeatable “Immersive Sim for People Who Hate Immersive Sims”, Mosa Lina by Stuffed Wombat. Its a unique experience that markets itself as a response to the current trend of Immersive Sim design, where abilities are often part of a "Lock and Key" system, where every ability is a tool that is meant to overcome a single type of problem. Mosa Lina’s randomness guarantees that the player will need to make use of whatever tools are currently at their disposal to retrieve (or destroy) their target and return to the start. Its a brave experimental approach that speaks not only to the developer’s design ethos but also to their commitment to the goal of the project. So join Josh and Bryan as they struggle, sometimes helplessly, to surmount the challenges and discuss the merits of Mosa Lina!

Three Word Reviews:

Bryan - Relax and Resolve

Josh - Spirit of Play

What do you get when you cross the mechanical sensibilities of a casual MMO / mobile game developer with the aesthetics and charm of an indie game studio, then top it off with a dash of abnormally high production value? In the case of Dave the Diver, it is a tasty frozen cocktail of relaxing, tropical fun! For this podcast, Josh and Bryan retire to the tropics and try their hand at sushi restaurant operation / scuba diving. The publisher of several MMO megahits, Nexon, tried their hand at a casual game and took the gaming community by storm in 2023. Listen in as Bryan and Josh do their best to roll up what makes this potent combination of fishing, restaurant management, and undersea adventure a game worth diving deep into.

Three Word Reviews:

Bryan - Deeper Restaurant Sim

Josh - Deep Sea Stardew