In this episode, Rook and Mark dive deep into the reasons why the first playthrough of a game often feels the most exhilarating. They explore the excitement of discovery, emotional ownership, and the impact of replayability on gaming experiences. The conversation also touches on the role of mods in enhancing gameplay, the importance of character development, and how nostalgia influences players' perceptions. Through examples from various games, they highlight the significance of innovative storytelling and community engagement in the gaming world.

In this episode, the hosts delve into the concept of universe size in gaming, discussing how different games create a sense of scale and involvement. They explore the impact of NPCs, player choices, and game mechanics like fast travel on the perception of a universe's vastness. The conversation also touches on popular franchises like Star Wars and Mass Effect, examining how they manage to feel expansive despite their narrative structures.

In this episode, Rook and Archon discuss their recent health struggles, gaming experiences, and the impact of personal loss. They delve into the themes of modern storytelling in media, particularly focusing on the lack of permanent stakes in contemporary narratives. The conversation shifts to video game mechanics, exploring the differences between modern and older games, the role of time travel, and the concept of plot armor. They also touch on the importance of consequences in storytelling and how some modern games are beginning to address these issues. The episode concludes with reflections on the future of gaming and storytelling.

We are sick.  So we are taking another week to get better.  

In this episode, Rook and Marko discuss their recent gaming experiences, including achievements in Pokémon and Path of Exile. They delve into the latest conspiracy theories surrounding Stranger Things and share their thoughts on the show's conclusion. The conversation shifts to personal projects, particularly Rook's plans for a new home office setup. Finally, they explore the movies, TV shows, and games they are looking forward to in 2026.

In this episode, the hosts discuss the Star Wars universe, focusing on The Mandalorian and The Book of Boba Fett. They explore the strengths and weaknesses of both series, including character development and pacing issues. The hosts delve into various aspects of the Star Wars universe, discussing the unnecessary episode featuring Grogu and Mando, the choices Grogu faces between being a Jedi or a Mandalorian, and the implications of Thrawn's character in the Ahsoka series. They explore Grogu's origins and speculate on potential crossovers with other franchises like Dune.

In this episode, Rook and RAW Podcasts kick off the new season by reflecting on their holiday experiences, discussing their gaming adventures, and sharing household challenges.  The hosts delve into various aspects of the Star Wars universe, focusing on the storytelling and character development in recent series like Ahsoka and Obi-Wan. They discuss the impact of canon on character arcs, the pacing of storytelling, and the introduction of new elements like hyperspace whales. The conversation also touches on continuity issues within the Star Wars narrative and the nature of the Force, leading to a broader discussion about the balance between character power and the Force itself.

We wish you a Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas.  We appreciate you all.

In this episode of Raw and Nerdy, hosts Rook and Mark discuss their weekly gaming experiences, including personal anecdotes and new game releases. They dive into the highlights of the 2025 Game Awards, where Clara's Gear Expedition 33 dominated the event, winning multiple awards. The conversation also touches on the competition between Path of Exile 2 and Diablo, the importance of community support and accessibility in gaming, and notable voice acting performances. The episode wraps up with a look at future gaming trends and the hosts' hopes for upcoming releases.

In this episode, Rook and Rabbit delve into the expansive world of World of Warcraft, discussing its rich lore, and the evolution of MMORPGs.  They share personal experiences with the game, explore character dynamics, and reflect on the community's role in shaping the gaming experience. The conversation highlights the storytelling elements that make WoW a beloved title and the changes in gaming culture over the years.