Reflections on Gaming

We continue our deep dive into the highs, lows, and business incentives of remasters, reboots, and remakes. What should we, the consumers, watch for when looking at these revitalized properties, and what should we skeptically examine prior to buying full force into the nostalgic charm they seem to evoke? Find out on this episode of Reflections on Gaming!

Music for this episode:

Various Game Soundtracks under Fair Use

Take the old and make it new! A concept that has been around for decades, yet is taking on a new life with the release of game collections like the Spyro Reignited Trilogy, The Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy, and the Resident Evil 2 and 3 Remakes. Today, we discuss the defining features of this trifecta of profit, and discuss various examples of successes and failures within the realms of remasters, reboots, and remakes.

Music for this episode:

Various Game Soundtracks under Fair Use

SO MANY SEQUELS. What makes them good or bad. well-received or hated? Is there a formula to a good and successful sequel or is it completely luck of the draw? Today, Reflections on Gaming takes on the difficult task of breaking down the essence of good and bad sequels, while looking at several case studies trying to find the KEY to good sequels. Join us and join in on the discussion!

Music for this episode: Werq by Kevin MacLeod

Peanut Butter Cupquakes by Big Giant Circles

BOTW part TWO! Hooray! In this podcast we discuss our main gripes and praises of Breath of the Wild, and propose some changes to improve the series as it takes a new direction in the entries to come! Come join in on the discussion with us!

Music for this episode: Werq by Kevin MacLeod

Breath of the Wild, one of the most popular games of the past 5 years and a hallmark of Nintendo's library and the Legend of Zelda series. What do you we think of it? Do we think things? Let's find out! Spoiler: Yes, we do. In this podcast we discuss our first impressions of Breath of the Wild both before we ever played it and during our first playthrough. Yes, there is praise. Yes, there is critique. Come join in on the discussion with us!

Music for this episode: Werq by Kevin MacLeod

Jumpscares, tension, low-frequency rumblings, gore, body horror, torture, unrelenting monsters and nightmares; all of these things and more are found in horror in all media, but video games have the unique property of throwing you INTO the fray and requiring you to make split second decisions. What makes horror effective and good? What are examples of both good and bad horror? Find out on this episode of Reflections on Gaming!

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Music for this episode: Werq by Kevin MacLeod

How does the original Kingdom Hearts hold up today? What changes have been made between the original version and the Final Mix, and do those changes solve all possible problems? How does the gameplay, story, and overall tone stand against later changes in the series? At the core, what made Kingdom Hearts special, and does it still feel special today? We discuss these questions and more in this episode of Reflections on Gaming!

Music for this episode: Werq by Kevin MacLeod

Gaming has permeated every facet of goods. T-shirts, candies, art prints, statues, plushies, screensavers, pins, and many many other items are made based on every video game you can think of! But as the market becomes increasingly saturated, there is always the danger of anti-consumerist practices encroaching on the market to save or make a quick buck. This week, we discuss many of these types of paraphernalia, including some of our personal favorites, and tackle the difficult topic of anti-consumerism from the biggest names in gaming!

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Music for this episode: Werq by Kevin MacLeod

How are we affected by the reviews we see online for games we have or haven't played? How do we feel about a game when we see reviewers completely trashing the game, giving the game the highest possible praise and an 11/10, or if reviewers are divided and are doing both? We discuss the effect of reviews and the importance of making your OWN decisions this week on Reflections on Gaming!

Let us know how YOU feel about game reviews!

Don't miss our streams every week, talk to us live!

Music for this episode: Werq by Kevin MacLeod

On this special 30th episode, we take a very "measured" look at a well-beloved JRPG from the Playstation 2: Rogue Galaxy. We "discuss" the "good" and the bad about this game, and take a very "level-headed" approach to this "review." Absolutely all the points we make are fully thought-out and represent our true feelings about the game, and we feel that our review IS legitimately fair! 

...But let us know if you don't agree! We'd love to hear from you!

Music for this episode: Werq by Kevin MacLeod