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Squad Goals — A Mass Effect Podcast
Squad Goals — A Mass Effect Podcast episodes
- #67: Party Time! (Citadel DLC Part II)Nick, Chip, and Kurabara are back this week to continue talking about their experiences playing through the Mass Effect Legendary Edition. This week they finish up talking about the Citadel DLC by chatting about the big crew party at Shepard’s new apartment.They begin by talking about the nature of this part of the DLC, focusing on the crew and the relationships Shepard has been forming over the years. Nick talks about how there are two parties you can experience based on what mood you choose to set. He also credits Glyph for his bowtie selection. They talk about how various characters are given the opportunity to interact with each other, especially characters that were featured in different games who otherwise would never meet. They talk about Miranda and Jack bonding, Grunt serving as doorman, and Javik praising Zaeed.They also comment on the Silversun Strip where some of the single character missions take place, like Traynor’s strategy game tournament. They laugh about Shepard rejecting the Towers of Hanoi, and discuss the arcade combat simulation which allows for endless Mass Effect. Chip enjoys Zaeed’s fascination with the claw machine, and the guys talk about arcades in general. Chip comments how this DLC was written with care and affection, and how it is fan service done properly. They mention Grunt’s run-in with C-Sec. Nick talks about Shepard and James’ pull-up challenge, and how Shepard’s pull-up style is dangerous. They talk about the Officer complaining about whatever class Shepard is as a way for Bioware to acknowledge issues with their own gameplay design. They appreciate the encounter between Javik and Blasto. Nick is confused by Shepard playing Garrus’ wingman.They talk about the party proper, and how it hits the right notes as an office party. Nick is disappointed in the lack of Dr. Chakwas. They talk about many of the character interactions and jokes that are experienced throughout the events, and consider how different crew members play the roles of various people you encounter at parties, including who can and can’t hold their liquor. They gush over Mordin’s recordings and review who is unable to attend the party regardless of their survival status. They talk about some of the dating scenarios since this is the last chance for romance, and go over some of the post-party character missions. Finally, they give their thoughts on the value of this DLC.Thank you for listening to Squad Goals - A Mass Effect Legendary Edition Podcast! Please send any comments or questions to @squadgoalsN7 on twitter or email us at [email protected] before January 8th, 2023 when we will be recording a mailbag segment for an upcoming episode.
Episode URL: mtb.gg/37w
Hosts:
Cory Treadway
twitter.com/kurabaras
Nick Zielenkievicz
twitter.com/WookieeBH
Chip LockeThank you for listening to a Mash Those Buttons podcast! You can keep up with all of our podcasts in the following locations.
Website: https://mashthosebuttons.comDiscord: https://mash.gg/discord1 hr 4 min - #66: Attack of the Clone (Citadel DLC part I)Nick, Chip, and Kurabara are back this week to continue their journey through the Mass Effect Legendary Edition. This week they begin their dive into the Citadel DLC for Mass Effect 3 that involves Shepard getting an apartment and the ensuing hijinks.They start by discussing the reasons for the DLC, as people were left underwhelmed by the series’ finale. This DLC was intended to provide more closure for the various relationships Shepard had built over the years. They also briefly mention that patch to improve the ending sequence.After an interlude with Nick recapping his acquisition of MELE through PS+, they get into the Citadel introduction which has Anderson bequeathing his apartment in the Presidium to Shepard. They discuss the layout of the apartment and the legality of the transaction. They talk about Keith David’s performance for Anderson’s memoir recordings and mention some other items found in the apartment.After recapping the clone plot, the guys talk about how each of the characters are introduced with a hero moment. They consider the concept of a Shepard-clone and how that could have been worthy of its own game. Chip mentions the plot is ridiculous and played for laughs in a good way. Everyone recounts being caught off guard by the clone reveal. They review the sushi restaurant combat sequence and discuss the encounter with the used car salesman. They appreciate the return of Wrex. They consider the holograms in the Archives. Nick admits to being blindsided by Brooks’ reveal. They talk about Shepard and team getting stuck in the archives.They revel in Traynor’s moment with her toothbrush, and marvel at the fight in the CIC on the Normandy. They discuss the mirror match against the clone in the shuttle bay. They ponder what makes a Shepard a Shepard, and then review the various outcomes for Brooks.Thank you for listening to Squad Goals - A Mass Effect Legendary Edition Podcast! Please send any comments or questions to [email protected] or @squadgoalsN7 on twitter.
Episode URL: mtb.gg/37q
Hosts:
Chip Locke
Cory Treadway
twitter.com/kurabaras
Nick Zielenkievicz
twitter.com/WookieeBHThank you for listening to a Mash Those Buttons podcast! You can keep up with all of our podcasts in the following locations.
Website: https://mashthosebuttons.comDiscord: https://mash.gg/discord52 min - #65: Horizon: Zero DealNick, Chip, and Kurabara are back to talk about their experiences playing through the Mass Effect Legendary Edition. This week, they discuss the mission to Sanctuary on Horizon, where the Reapers have flushed out Cerberus secret experiments and Miranda confronts her mad scientist father.First, Nick talks about finally beating Mass Effect 3. Then, they discuss how Sanctuary was hinted at from early chatter on the Citadel. They mention their proximity to endgame, and Nick notes that he did the Citadel DLC prior to this mission.After a recap of the mission’s events, Nick says he is disappointed we didn’t get the see the Sanctuary façade that Cerberus was engaged in. Kurabara says the mission started off creepy but that shifted, and Chip compares the whole mess to Soylent Green. Nick posits that this should have been Miranda’s loyalty mission, and they talk about the cartoonishly villainous nature of Cerberus. Chip dislikes that the Reapers cleared out the facility before we could arrive, while Henry Lawson is grateful to Shepard. They discuss Kai Leng as a foil for Miranda. They mention Alan Dales brief cameo as Henry Lawson, and then discuss Miranda murdering her dad. They review the possible outcomes of the encounter, including Miranda or Orianna dying. They talk about the indoctrination of Cerberus and how much control the Reapers actually had over them.Next, they review crew reactions to Horizon. Traynor is upset because she is from Horizon. EDI learns significantly about human behaviour. Kal Reegar’s fate is revealed. Kaiden and Ashley are irritated. Tali get drunk because she is comparing herself to Miranda. Javik lets his guard down the slightest and faces some harsh Prothean memories.Other crew moments include Joker and Liara discussing escapees from Joker’s home colony. Tali and Garrus are getting closer and closer. Daniels and Donnely appear to be hooking up. Tali and EDI discuss the Quarians value to the Reapers.Thank you for listening to Squad Goals - A Mass Effect Legendary Edition Podcast! Please send any comments or questions to [email protected] or @squadgoalsN7 on twitter.
Episode URL: mtb.gg/37l
Hosts:
Chip Locke
Cory Treadway
twitter.com/kurabaras
Nick Zielenkievicz
twitter.com/WookieeBHThank you for listening to a Mash Those Buttons podcast! You can keep up with all of our podcasts in the following locations.
Website: https://mashthosebuttons.comDiscord: https://mash.gg/discord55 min - #64: Don't F*** with Aria! (On the Omega DLC)Nick, Chip, and Kura are back to talk about their experiences playing through the Mass Effect Legendary Edition. This week, they focus on the Omega DLC for Mass Effect 3.They begin by talking about Aria and the current status of Omega under Cerberus occupation. They consider the relationship of the DLC to the Citadel as a hub for all additional content. They mention Bray, Aria’s second in command, who is a rare friendly Batarian. This leads to a comparison of Aria to the Batarians in general. They review the car ride where Aria introduces the mission and its protagonist, General Petrovsky. They consider how the regular crew is not involved in this mission, as it is only for Shepard.They evaluate Petrovsky as a Cerberus agent and then opine on the confrontation with Petrovsky at the end of the mission. They compare Kai Leng and Petrovsky as high level Cerberus agents of variable effectiveness. They talk about Petrovsky’s quick surrender once the final battle is over, and discuss the chess motif that he is depicted with. They compare outcomes for Aria’s attempt to choke Petrovsky, and whether they had Shepard intervene or not. They consider Petrovsky’s value to the war effort.They also discuss how Aria tends to approve of Shepard’s renegade decisions. They review the decision when Shepard has to shut down the power or try to reroute it first. Nick wonders if Aria can die. They talk about the introduction of Nyreen, the first female Turian we meet. This leads to a discussion of females in various races. They discuss Nyreen as Aria’s ex, and also look at Aria’s foul language. They mourn Nyreen for her sacrifice, and point out how that lead directly to Aria running into Petrovsky’s trap.They mention Nyreen’s fear of Adjutants, and this leads to a discussion of the horror-game elements in the DLC. Nick brings up the Doom flashlight again. They talk about the nature of the horde style fights, and the various difficulties they are playing on. They talk about the art and style of Omega. Finally, they mention the return of Aria’s couch as well as other prominent Omega community members from Mass Effect 2.Thank you for listening to Squad Goals - A Mass Effect Legendary Edition Podcast! Please send any comments or questions to [email protected] or @squadgoalsN7 on twitter.
Episode URL: mtb.gg/37g
Hosts:
Chip Locke
Cory Treadway
twitter.com/kurabaras
Nick Zielenkievicz
twitter.com/WookieeBHThank you for listening to a Mash Those Buttons podcast! You can keep up with all of our podcasts in the following locations.
Website: https://mashthosebuttons.comDiscord: https://mash.gg/discord1 hr 7 min - #63: Under the Sea (Leviathan Part II)Nick, Chip, and Kurabara are back to talk about their experiences playing through the Mass Effect Legendary Edition. This week, they finish their discussion of the Leviathan DLC for Mass Effect 3.After a recap of the mission, they talk about the Leviathan race and how there are at least three beings down at the bottom of the ocean. They talk about the final fight and how you can’t kill all the enemies and instead must focus on the objective of charging the batteries at some point. They talk about the reveal of the artifacts aboard the vessel and the space horror vibe of the mission. They consider if the deep ocean is scarier than space. They talk about jury-rigging the mech and then plunging into the depths with it, and just how smart that seems. They mention the pulse that keeps shooting at the shuttle when Cortes tries to leave. Nick compares the underwater section to Dear Esther.They talk about the history of the Reapers, and the repeating logic of making AIs to fix problems. They talk about the Reaper strategy to prevent another Ai from emerging. They wonder what Leviathan ships look like, or if they even use ships. They talk about the Leviathans as apex predators and discuss the Leviathan taking out a Reaper.They talk about Shepard as an anomaly, and discuss the Protheans getting their message through. They talk about how society can help or hinder resistance to the Reapers. Nick wonders about the Leviathans being bored on the ocean floor. They talk about how the Leviathan have been beaten down. They discuss the revelation of Harbinger as the first Reaper and how this seems to be getting personal. Nick wonders how often Harbinger gets this involved in a harvest. They talk about whether the Reapers have a consensus or if there are Reaper politics to navigate. They consider that Shepard stopping their invasion of the Citadel in ME1 is uncharted territory for the Reapers. They compare the Reapers and the Geth.Thank you for listening to Squad Goals - A Mass Effect Legendary Edition Podcast! Please send any comments or questions to [email protected] or @squadgoalsN7 on twitter.
Episode URL: mtb.gg/379
Hosts:
Cory Treadway
twitter.com/kurabaras
Chip Locke
Nick Zielenkievicz
twitter.com/WookieeBHThank you for listening to a Mash Those Buttons podcast! You can keep up with all of our podcasts in the following locations.
Website: https://mashthosebuttons.comDiscord: https://mash.gg/discord52 min - #62: Big Mouth Hugo Husk (Leviathan Part 1)Nick, Chip, and Kurabara are back to continue talking about their experiences playing through the Mass Effect Legendary edition. This week they begin their discussion of the Leviathan DLC in Mass Effect 3.They begin by talking about how there should be a non-SPECTRE based Mass Effect game, arguing that either it should be based on the Citadel as a crime fighting experience, or focused on the underbelly of Omega, set in the smuggler or outlaw genre. They get into a discussion of Nick doing the Leviathan DLC early on his first playthrough and getting stuck on the mission outside the asteroid mining facility. They then discuss the family-centric nature of this mission, as it involves Dr. Bryson and his daughter. This leads to a debate about who would be better at childcare: Shepard or Jack. They consider how critical the Leviathan DLC is to the overall story, and they mention how they prefer DLC to fit in after the main narrative instead of during it.Next, they begin discussing the first mission in the DLC, which is the search for Dr. Garneau. They talk about the best way to handle the combat at the T-GES Mining Facility, which everyone struggled with. Nick complains that Shepard should be used to dealing with brainwashed people by now. They discuss why the artifact has been controlling the facility for a decade, and how the victims are completely unaware of the events of ME1 and ME2. They talk about the map used to locate the asteroid.Next, they discuss Bryson’s lab and what is found there, including the screaming husk head. Nick wonders about a strange alien picture on the wall, and that leads to a consideration of the Yahg as a villain race. They resume talking about Dr. Garneau and enjoy the twists of his story.They then discuss the next mission to the archeological dig site in search of Ann Bryson. They talk about the murals that appear to feature reapers being worshipped. They comment on the jumping puzzles in this section. They evaluate the various Reaper forces, and then return to talking about the husk head again.Thank you for listening to Squad Goals - A Mass Effect Legendary Edition Podcast! Please send any comments or questions to [email protected] or @squadgoalsN7 on twitter.
Episode URL: mtb.gg/36v
Hosts:
Nick Zielenkievicz
twitter.com/WookieeBH
Chip Locke
Cory Treadway
twitter.com/kurabarasThank you for listening to a Mash Those Buttons podcast! You can keep up with all of our podcasts in the following locations.
Website: https://mashthosebuttons.comDiscord: https://mash.gg/discord57 min - #61: Prothean Cerberus!!!Nick, Chip, and Kurabara are back this week to continue talking about the Thessia mission in Mass Effect 3. They begin by talking about the revelation that the Prothean had their own rogue group like Cerberus that prevented them from defeating the Reapers. They look back at Saren and his rationale for working with Sovereign in Mass Effect 1 for comparison, and then briefly review the history of Cerberus. They talk about the Illusive Man and how he fits into Cerberus.They also consider the Reaper battle plan and how they manipulate their way to success. This leads to a discussion about how to survive the Reapers and they wonder if the beacons Liara made will work for the next cycle. The evaluate the Yahg who seem to be poised to evolve into the next great civilization of the next cycle. They talk about how one of the reasons the Reapers are successful are that no one ever believes the Reapers are real.Next, they talk about the appearance of Kai Leng and his interruption of the history lesson from the Prothean VI. They note that the VI confirms Kai Leng has been indoctrinated. Chip mentions his disgust for the character. They talk about how this is a fight that you cannot win, which Chip also does not like. They wonder about why the Temple was built over a bottomless pit. Kura compares Kai Leng to an internet troll. They then compare Kai Leng and the Illusive Man in their roles as foils for Shepard. They wonder if Kai Leng was necessary in Mass Effect 3. They discuss how the narrative of Mass Effect 3 strains at certain points when events must happen regardless of choices the player has made.Nick appreciates that the Illusive Man comments on Liara and her lousy Shadow Broker skills. They also mention that the Illusive Man insists that he is not indoctrinated. They then talk about Shepard losing this battle and compare it with other times Shepard may lose due to poor decision making.They discuss returning to the Normandy and how it feels different. They review how the mission goes if Javik is not there. They mention that James compares this battle to the events of Paragon Lost, which is harsh. They wonder about obtaining Javik from Eden Prime after Thessia, and then complain about Javik being DLC despite being such an essential part of ME3. They review talking to the Asari Councillor who is also dealing with the fall of Thessia. Then they talk about how Anderson has to cheer up Shepard despite struggling to save Earth.Nick gushes over Traynor as she finds a way to track Kai Leng to the Horizon system. They talk about Shepard being in foul mood with EDI and Joker, and how Joker has to put Shepard in their place. They discuss how the crew is as concerned about Shepard as Shepard is about the crew in this game. They mention the crew is also concerned about Liara, and then end on a lighter note as Daniels finally stands up to Donnelly and things seem to be changing for the young couple.Thank you for listening to Squad Goals - A Mass Effect Legendary Edition Podcast! Please send any comments or questions to [email protected] or @squadgoalsN7 on twitter.
Episode URL: mtb.gg/36q
Hosts:
Cory Treadway
twitter.com/kurabaras
Chip Locke
Nick Zielenkievicz
twitter.com/WookieeBHThank you for listening to a Mash Those Buttons podcast! You can keep up with all of our podcasts in the following locations.
Website: https://mashthosebuttons.comDiscord: https://mash.gg/discord59 min - #60: Asari, Not AsariNick, Chip, and Kurabara are back to continue talking about their experiences playing the Mass Effect Legendary Edition. This week, they begin their discussion of the mission to Thessia, where everything goes wrong and the Asari knowledge of their history gets turned on its head.The discussion begins with Kura asking why the Asari Councilor wants to meet in Udina’s old office. Then, they follow up on the Rannoch missions by reviewing the crew’s reactions to the end of the Geth-Quarian War. They talk about Kaiden and Vega playing poker. Then they wonder about why the Quarian are letting the Geth into their quarantine suits. They talk about how Javik is antagonistic towards Shepard for making the peace deal. This leads to a discussion how the Prothean’s galactic dominance may have made it easier for the Reapers to defeat them. They also consider Tali’s style of diplomacy.Next, they talk about meeting with the Asari Councilor and the revelation that there’s a Prothean artifact on Thessia. After a summation of the mission events, they evaluate the fight leading up to the temple. They wonder about the pit underneath the temple. They debate Liara’s reaction to the destruction of her planet, and talk about Javik being self-aware of how callous he can be. They talk about the Reapers pitting children against parents.They evaluate Javik’s attempt to coach Liara through her grief, and consider that Javik is at his most humane on this mission. Then, they review the Javik-Liara screaming match. They discuss Shepard sensing the Prothean beacon, and consider Javik’s revelations that the Protheans were behind the Asari religion. They talk about how the Asari were effectively the Prothean’s last hope, and now the Asari have to process this information. Lastly, they discuss the origins of the Crucible.Thank you for listening to Squad Goals - A Mass Effect Legendary Edition Podcast! Please send any comments or questions to [email protected] or @squadgoalsN7 on twitter.
Episode URL: mtb.gg/36j
Hosts:
Cory Treadway
twitter.com/kurabaras
Chip Locke
Nick Zielenkievicz
twitter.com/WookieeBHThank you for listening to a Mash Those Buttons podcast! You can keep up with all of our podcasts in the following locations.
Website: https://mashthosebuttons.comDiscord: https://mash.gg/discord56 min - #59: Keelah Se'lai, Motherf***er! (On the Rannoch Finale)Nick, Chip, and Kurabara are back this week to continue their journey through Mass Effect 3. This week, they finish up the missions on the planet Rannoch, facing down a Reaper and deciding just how the Quarian-Geth conflict should end.First, they talk about the reveal of the Reaper and their reactions. They wonder about how the reapers of different sizes are made, and consider why Reapers are made to look like their original race when they are then stuck in a shell. They talk about Shepard fighting the Reaper with a pistol, and then review the speed and mechanics of the fight. They mention the pointlessness of the railgun on the shuttle evading the Reaper, and then talk about the utility of the gatling gun early in the mission.Next, they discuss Shepard’s conversation with the Reaper. They talk about how Harbinger has been mentioning Shepard by name. They discuss the difficulty or ease of killing various reapers, and then talk about the Reaper’s opinions of the Geth. They talk about the goals of the Reapers and evaluate how the Reapers interact with various “lesser” lifeforms. They bring up the renegade option of Shepard shooting the Reaper again. They consider the Reaper outlook that organics and synthetics fundamentally cannot get along.Then, they talk about the various outcomes for the Geth-Quarian conflict. They discuss Legion’s sacrifice. They talk about Tali imagining building a home, and the romantic potential that implies for Shepard. Chip mentions the requirements for brokering a peace between the two factions. They discuss the outcome where Tali dies. They review the statistics for most selected outcomes. They talk about the situation where you have to kill Legion. They talk about Tali’s inability to call off the fleet in the Quarian destruction scenario. They reflect on hearing Tali’s voice without a filter, and her move back onto the Normandy and into engineering. They wonder about whether the outcome of individualizing the Geth means that we killed the Geth Consensus.Thank you for listening to Squad Goals - A Mass Effect Legendary Edition Podcast! Please send any comments or questions to [email protected] or @squadgoalsN7 on twitter.
Episode URL: mtb.gg/36g
Hosts:
Chip Locke
Cory Treadway
twitter.com/kurabaras
Nick Zielenkievicz
twitter.com/WookieeBHThank you for listening to a Mash Those Buttons podcast! You can keep up with all of our podcasts in the following locations.
Website: https://mashthosebuttons.comDiscord: https://mash.gg/discord1 hr 10 min - #58: Canadian LagerNick, Chip, and Kurabara are back this week to continue talking about their experiences playing Mass Effect 3. This week, they continue through the Rannoch storyline, looking at the crew’s reaction to what is going on. First they talk about Tali joining the Normandy and taking Wrex’s spot in the Command center. They discuss bringing her on missions at this point, though she hasn’t properly joined the crew. They talk about Legion and Garrus interacting, and again lament that you spend so little time with Legion throughout the series. They observe that Shepard is the first organic to treat the Geth with respect, which is notable against the isolation of the Geth. Garrus talks about his family while Javik doesn’t care for any current relationships. Next, they debate if EDI can be trusted. Then they talk about the K-9 robot dog in the bay. There’s a sly crack from Cortes to Vega about bears. They mention that Vega calls Tali 'Sparks'. They also mention the stress that Tali is under as Admiral.Discussion shifts to the Citadel, and they reference the interaction with Javik and the Hanar on the Citadel, which leads to a discussion of Prothean influence upon the current races. There’s a meeting with Miranda. Also, Zaeed re-emerges. James confirms he is joining the N7 program. Kaiden awkwardly prompts Shepard for a date and talks about Canadian lager. Joker and EDI appear to be together now, and Garrus goes skeet shooting with Shepard.Back on the Normandy, Joker makes a questionable joke, and Javik again questions EDI’s intentions. Daniels continues to embarrass himself, and the gang compare the Mass Effect 3 interactions with the chatter from Mass Effect 1.After the Geth consensus, Admirals Xen and Shala’raan have an argument. Joker questions Shepard’s senses, and EDI gets really awkward with Shepard. Javik continues to be an asshole and Donnelly continues to be a horndog.Thank you for listening to Squad Goals - A Mass Effect Legendary Edition Podcast! Please send any comments or questions to [email protected] or @squadgoalsN7 on twitter.
Episode URL: mtb.gg/369
Hosts:
Chip Locke
Nick Zielenkievicz
twitter.com/WookieeBH
Cory Treadway
twitter.com/kurabarasThank you for listening to a Mash Those Buttons podcast! You can keep up with all of our podcasts in the following locations.
Website: https://mashthosebuttons.comDiscord: https://mash.gg/discord1 hr 20 min
About Squad Goals — A Mass Effect Podcast
From the publisher's feed
Squad Goals – A Mass Effect Legendary Edition Podcast is a discussion of the story of the Mass Effect trilogy as experienced by three guys playing through the remaster. With each person taking their…
own journey through the game, be it as male or female Shepard, Paragon or Renegade, we look to analyze and dissect our experiences as we go from trailing Saren to combatting a full-on Reaper onslaught. From Citadel to Omega and beyond, join us as we cover the Mass Effect universe.