In 2017, longtime console developer Ninja Theory decided to buck their normal trend of partnering with publishers and take a risk by self-publishing their upcoming project, Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice. The project was taking other risks as well: wading into the turbulent waters of portraying mental illness on screen, and taking big swings on new technology with their sound design. What emerged is a project that clearly shows great care in those areas of importance, but was perhaps a little threadbare in others (namely puzzle mechanics). Overall Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice is a unique and engaging title that deserves recognition for the places it succeeds. The team at Ninja Theory should be applauded for the effort spent on tackling tough topics like mental health and for driving material change for the treatment of those that suffer through fundraising and by shifting perspectives of their audience. Hellblade is far from a perfect game, but the intentionality and ambition on display have Bryan and Clint interested to see what comes next. Listen in for their discussion on the game and hear in their words what worked and what didn’t.

Three Word Reviews:

Bryan - Not Fun, Engaging

Clint - Am I Crazy?

Show Notes:

Hellblade Dev Diary - Binaural Audio Test

Virtual Barber Shop

Binaural Audio Combat Example

Ninja Theory Mental Health Charity Work

Listen in as Bryan, Josh, and Clint unpack last year’s indie darling, Unpacking! Despite not having a central conflict or antagonist to speak of, Unpacking nonetheless tells a compelling story about growing up, moving out, and learning to live with others (and yourself). Combine that with absolutely gorgeous pixel art, a catchy yet subtle soundtrack, and a hefty dose of nostalgia and you have a special experience on your hands. Join the book club crew for a breezy discussion that includes some of their own experiences with packing, moving, and of course: nursery setup strategies.

Three Word Reviews:

Bryan - Domicile Detritus Detective

Josh - Stuff as Story

Clint - Lots to Unpack

Slowclap’s second major outing, Sifu, is a fascinating game. On the surface it is a kung-fu action brawler with choreography that makes you feel like you’re directing a martial arts movie. Then it layers in a more fantastic element where the protagonist is reborn a bit older each time they are defeated. The real grace note of the whole experience, however, is the the game’s ability to slowly train the player to overcome increasingly demanding scenarios. By the end of the experience it does truly feel like you’ve gone on a hero’s journey to become a kung-fu master and avenge your father. Listen in as Bryan and Clint talk through their experiences with Sifu and what makes it stand out in a landscape where ‘ultra-hard’ has become a trendy game feature.

Three Word Reviews:

Bryan - I’m Getting Old

Clint - I know Kung-fu

Show Notes:

Sifu Live Action Trailer

Daredevil No Cut Fight Scene

Hero’s Hour is a clever pixelated iteration on the Heroes of Might and Magic formula that sports some eye-catching pixel graphics and a manic, yet extremely satisfying auto-battler combat system. Created by Benjamin Haur of ThingOnItsOwn, this is part homage to a beloved classic and part thoughtful evolution on some of the core mechanics that make the series (now regrettably controlled by Ubisoft) so appealing. At the time we recorded this (way back in Fall 2021) the game was only out on itch.io, but has received a full steam launch as of March 1st, 2022. It just keeps getting better, so listen to Josh and Bryan unpack what makes it great and then go pick it up!

Three Word Reviews:

Bryan - Manic Pixel Heroes

Josh - Mighty Fun Homage

Show Notes:

Hexagons are the Bestagons

TABS

Botworld Adventure

Thanks to its arrival on the Xbox Gamepass platform, Bryan, Clint and Josh summoned their inner monster and played through the ‘reverse-horror’ metroidvania, Carrion! A great time was had by all as this interesting twist on a power fantasy encouraged creative play and invoked feelings of mischievous and sometimes sinister glee. Making your way through the sprawling depths of Relith Science Corps always fun in the moment to moment, though the act of exploration itself left the book club crew wanting in some instances. Listen in to hear our discussion on what makes Carrion the intriguing amalgamation it is!

Three Word Reviews:

Bryan - Pixelated People Pulverizer

Josh - Monster, Know Thyself

Clint - Bite Size Experience

In recent years the 'deck builder roguelike' has become a crowded genre unto itself. One that Josh and Bryan really enjoy! While cards make a great framing device for a roguelike, In this podcast Bryan and Josh look at the roguelikes that take their inspiration from other games at the casino in our first 'Casino Cast' featuring Dicey Dungeons and Luck be a Landlord!

Three Word Reviews:

Dicey Dungeons:

Bryan - Generously Crafted Roguelike

Josh - A Paradise Lost

Luck Be a Landlord:

Bryan - Second Screen Sensation

Josh - Fast Slots Jackpot

For this podcast Bryan, Josh, and Clint don their best shiny green power armor and launch into a wide-ranging discussion of the entire run of the venerable FPS franchise, Halo! At first we thought we might revisit Halo: Combat Evolved since we were nearing the 20th anniversary. Then we thought we’d add in a discussion on Halo: Infinite since it has made waves with Bryan and Clint recently. Finally the crew made the decision to “Finish the Fight” and touch on the rest of the franchise as well. So listen in to a podcast we’re calling Halo One to Infinity!

Three Word Reviews:

Bryan - War Never Changes

Josh - The Gold Standard

Clint - Halo is Infinite

Show Notes:

Vice’s Halo Oral History

VG Dunkey’s Praise of the Grappeling Hook

If you have followed indie games at all over the course of the past several years, then odds are you have played or at least heard of Outer Wilds. A school project that became a Seaumas MacNally Grand Prize recipient at IGF in 2015, and then went on to be one of the most critically acclaimed games released in 2019. The team at Mobius Digital deserve every bit of that praise they received, because Outer Wilds is a truly special game. With superb physics simulation, an engrossing and complex mystery to solve, and a strong aesthetic and sonic style it punches well above its weight class as a first outing from a new studio. Bryan and Josh loved this game, and played right before the release of Echoes of the Eye, so that is not covered (though maybe we’ll revisit!).

Three Word Reviews:

Bryan - The Big Question

Josh - Wander the Yonder

Show Notes:

Epic’s Payouts to developers for their free games program

Story about an astronaut and cosmonaut who became friends

1927 Paramount Studio Map Of California Filming Locations That Look Like Foreign Countries & Regions

Card games and the secluded wilderness seem like a natural fit. You’re out camping with your friends, the day is over and everyone is gathered around the fire. Someone pulls out a deck of cards…

…or … after your long day of hiking you pass out and are suddenly awakened in a mysterious cabin with nothing but a strange glowing pair of eyes beckoning you towards your first hand of a card game that may be your last.

Inscryption’s framing device is certainly evocative, but its far from the most interesting thing about the game. We’ll say no more here, but listen in for Josh and Bryan’s spoiler-filled discussion on the indie game sensation, Inscryption!

Three Word Reviews:

Bryan - A Gimmick Transcendence

Josh - Fire Embers Ash

Show Notes:

Waypoint’s Inscryption Stream

In 2021 when Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy launched for PC and current gen consoles, Bryan was experiencing a bit of Marvel fatigue. This made him initially skeptical when Clint urged him to play the latest Marvel video game property, saying it was one of his top games of the year. After learning more and seeing it was a linear 3rd person single player-focused action game (an increasingly rare genre these days), Bryan joined Clint in playing the game and absolutely loving it. Guardians of the Galaxy earns its place among the best games of 2021 by moving away from the MCU’s well trodden territory and blazing new trails for the members of Star Lord’s team. Combine that with subtle narrative, mechanical, and thematic interplay and you’ve got yourself a special game. Listen in to hear what made Clint and Bryan enjoy this game so flarking much!

Three Word Reviews:

Bryan - Flarking Good Time

Clint - True GOTY 2021

Show Notes:

List of Licensed Music in GotG

Music:

Everybody wants to Rule the World by Tears for Fears

Never Gonna Give You Up by Rick Astley

Don’t Fear the Reaper by Blue Oyster Cult

Space Riders with No Names by Star Lord

Zero to Hero by Star Lord