Sign up to save your podcasts
Or
Share Squad Goals — A Mass Effect Podcast
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Or
Squad Goals — A Mass Effect Podcast
Squad Goals — A Mass Effect Podcast episodes
- #57: Philosophy GoalsNick, Chip, and Kurabara are back to continue talking about their experiences playing through the Mass Effect Legendary edition. This week they make it to Rannoch, the Quarian long-lost homeworld, and contend with the Geth that have taken it over.First, they discuss the mission to save Admiral Korris after his ship crashed during the confrontation with the Geth Dreadnaught. They talk about the prevalence of turrets and how you have to defend the base after initially assaulting it. They talk about how the interference affects the Normandy’s communications and how they try to reflect that with EDI, but for gameplay reasons leave it less impactful. They discuss Tali’s lack of reaction to being on Rannoch (for this mission at least), and how Rannoch seems to lack cities, instead feeling like the American Southwest. Kura complains there are no ruins to be found in this mission. They review having to convince Korris to join Shepard or not and the possible consequences of that discussion. They talk about how characters still need to learn to trust Shepard despite the Commander’s ongoing success. They consider how the Reapers have genetically modified each race they come across except for the Geth where they only enhance their minds. \Next, they discuss Shepard’s foray into the Geth Consensus. Nick is underwhelmed by the mission, and he and Chip review several of the explanations for why the Consensus appears how it does to Shepard, and while they are logical, they still leave the experience falling flat. They talk about the Geth sense of nostalgia, and Chip is impressed by all the lore included in this mission. They evaluate Shepard’s hesitancy to join the Consensus and talk about how that should be common in this time frame. They review the debate around whether the Geth are alive. They talk about Tali finally reacting to Rannoch like the tourist she is.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/35y
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/discord1 hr 17 min - #56: Legion is the new ArcherNick, Chip, and Kurabara are back to talk about their experiences playing through the Mass Effect 3 part of the Mass Effect Legendary edition. This week, they check in with the crew on the Normandy and then visit the Quarian Fleet to recruit them to the war effort.First, they run through the various interactions with everyone on the Normandy after the recent events on Tuchanka and the Citadel. They talk to Hackett who reveals that the Crucible is 50% done, and they consider how that is possible, and compare that with the rate of Reaper progress in dominating the galaxy. They talk a little about Kai Leng’s run ins with Anderson and Chip once again points out that Kai Leng sucks. They discuss Kaiden mentioning that EDI looks good even though she is in the same body that nearly killed him.They talk about Traynor coming up to Shepard’s cabin and how that can go awkwardly for a male Shepard. They also talk about the possibility of hooking up with Diana Allers after she interviews Shepard regarding their exploits so far. They talk about how odd it is to hook up with a digital character based on a real person, and how extraneous Allers feels as part of the crew. Next, they discuss James coming up to Shepard to talk about being invited to join the N7 program. They also mention the James and Garrus one-ups-manship that occurs in the mess hall where they try to outdo each other with their exploits.Next, Shepard directs the Normandy to check in with the Quarian Fleet. Tali is an admiral, and Kurabara talks about his experience being in a relationship with Tali through this mission. They talk about the return of Legion and Chip mentions he doesn’t understand why Legion was trapped in the ball like he was. They talk about the escape sequence from the Dreadnaught, and they point out that the Geth fighter makes little logistical sense as far as serving as an effective escape vehicle.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/35v
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 3 min - #55: DOCTOR CONRAD MOTHERF***IN' VERNER!!!Nick, Chip, and Kurabara are back to talk about their experiences playing through the Mass Effect Legendary Edition. This week, they return to the Citadel to check how it is holding up after the Cerberus Coup, and they run into a few familiar faces in the process.First, they talk about the visible damage on the Citadel after Cerberus’ attack, especially around the Presidium. They talk about the evolution of the Citadel throughout the game. Then they take a few moments to complain about the quest log, and the nature of overhearing quests to be resolved through planetary scanning. They mention the Cerberus Comms recovery mission in relation to this. Chip points out that Bioware has done this in other games, and they compare it to the old RPG method of allowing (requiring) the player to talk to everyone in a location. They talk about how some of what you overhear is resolved in the Spectre office, which leads to the discussion that there should have been a Spectre Secretary. The dismiss the shooting gallery and speculate on who would make a good ‘Specretary.’They discuss telling Garrus about Shepard’s decisions regarding potentially killing Kaiden or Ashley. Kura brings up that Bioware was caught off guard by the romantic interest in Garrus. They also discuss Tali as a love interest. They consider Cortes as a character as well. Next, they get to the reappearance of Conrad Verner. Nick and Kura disagree over the order of events, but they consider whether Conrad would make a good Specretary. Then, the move on to talking about Ghorek, the Batarian Terrorist who is dying. Nick recounts his encounter with Khaleesa Al-Jhilani. Then they discuss a quest that starts by tracking a hacker and completes with the re-emergence of Balak from Bring Down the Sky. Finally, they talk about the economics of war, and that the Alliance must defeat the Reapers fast, lest society run out of money.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/34p
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/discord1 hr 3 min - #54: For the Children (On Grunt and Samara)Nick, Chip, and Kurabara are back to talk about their experiences playing through the Mass Effect Legendary Edition. This week they are looking for some lost Krogan in Rachni space and then check up on an Asari Ardat-Yakshi Monastery. But first, Bud Ness tweets to let the guys know that Ashley is not a Major but a Lieutenant Commander, and this leads to a discussion about military ranks.Next, they talk about Wrex sending Shepard into Rachni space. Chip doesn’t like the mission, but says that hanging out with Grunt is fun. The main problem with the mission is that your decision from Mass Effect 1 regarding the Rachni Queen is rendered moot. Kura loves the flamethrower in the mission, as does self-proclaimed arsonist Chip. Kura mentions finding the body of Charr, noted Krogan poet. Nick talks about returning Charr’s last poem to his wife on the Citadel.Nick mentions being excited that Grunt would join your party at the end of this mission, and his subsequent disappointment when that did not happen. They talk about Grunt’s potential demise. They also discuss ME3’s racial party composition. They talk about the replacement Rachni Queen that you find if the original Rachni Queen did not survive ME1. Nick wonders if the Rachni are immune to indoctrination. They talk about the introduction of the Ravagers and how they are Reaperized Rachni. Nick complains that they don’t feel like Rachni. They talk about how no one trusts the Rachni even though this situation is not their fault. Nick likes Grunt in this mission more than in ME2. They talk about the Rachni working on the Crucible and wonder how Rachni build things.Finally, the guys talk about the Ardat-Yakshi Monastery that is under Reaper attack. Nick likes the horror aspect of the mission, and they talk about how you can hear the Banshees before you see them. They discuss the size of the banshees and their elongated nature. Kura points out that the Asari Commandos hate the Ardat-Yakshi. Nick brings up Yaris, the Ardat-Yakshi who is too romantic and still a danger. They talk about Morinth despite her not being here.They discuss Samara and her other two daughters, Reela and Phelair. They talk about how Samara was on the verge of killing herself because Phelair no longer has a monastery to remain exiled in. Then, they evaluate Phelair’s decision to remain behind in the ruins of the monastery. Nick brings up encountering Samara again on the Citadel, and Kura mentions she says the Justicars may not survive. They also talk about using the flashlight in the dark sequences. They mention that Liara shows her racism by only considering the Asari people, and Javik is becoming a bit one note.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/34h
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/discord1 hr 4 min - #53: As Seen in the Movies (On Jack and Jacob)Nick, Chip, and Kurabara are back to talk about their experiences playing through Mass Effect 3 in the Mass Effect Legendary Edition. This week, they handle some side quests involving Grissom Academy and some Cerberus Scientists, and come across some familiar faces while doing so.They begin by talking about Traynor picking up a Turian signal regarding Grissom Academy, and she’s able to determine that it’s a trap. They talk about her humility and self-deprecation after doing a good job. Then they talk about Kaiden’s educational history. After recapping the events at Grissom, they discuss Jack having hair now. Kurabara points out that this mission was based on the mansion attack with Wolverine protecting the kids in X-2: X-Men United.They review Jack’s changes in behaviour and attitude, and evaluate if she has a satisfying character arc. They talk about Jack’s focus on protecting the kids, and how this mission also gives her the ability to directly fight Cerberus. They talk about Jack punching Shepard and the information that Cerberus wants to reprogram her and indoctrinate the kids. They consider Cerberus’ actions in ME2 and how they seem to be an aberration in hindsight. They also try to consider Cerberus’ moral philosophies.They talk about Kahlee Sanders and her relationship with Anderson. Nick dubs them Sanderson and stumbles into what may happen. They talk about Anderson’s four book saga and the age difference between Kahlee and Anderson. They get back to talking about Grissom Academy and they discuss the auditorium section of the mission. They also talk about the chance to get in the mech. They mention that, if you saved him in the Project Overlord DLC, David Archer is here, counting the number of days since Shepard freed him.They talk about some of the kids on the mission including a couple that Nick struggles to recognize as flirting. They talk about Ensign Rodriguez beginning to buy into the Cerberus propaganda. They talk about the Phantom Initiative. They mention this must be done before the Cerberus Coup and whether or not they put the kids in a support role at the end.Next, they talk about the mission to evacuate the Cerberus scientists. They talk about immediately running into Jacob. Chip reveals he does not like Jacob and they talk about how if you romanced Jacob in ME2, this is your first sign that he has blown you off. They talk about how Jacob is reacting to his father’s abandonment, including his trip to the beach after ME2. They mention meeting up with Jacob later in the Citadel for him to reveal that Bryn is pregnant. They wonder if Jacob even likes Shepard, and compare Jacob and Shepard’s outlooks on family.They debate Jacob vs. Kaiden as characters and wonder if Kaiden can get a date? They talk about Cerberus being evil for evil’s sake and how they are murdering the scientists at the conclusion of their research. Kura mentions how this mission is a homage to the Hoth evacuation sequence in Empire Stikes Back. They mention that Gavin Archer is here and Nick enjoyed telling him right off. They talk about how Jacob admits that he missed when they Illusive Man tuned evil, which only further fuels Chips dislike of the character.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: [episode_short_url]
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 17 min - #52: F*** These Guys (The Cerberus Coup)Nick, Chip, and Kurabara are back to talk about their experiences playing the Mass Effect Legendary Edition. This week they continue their journey through Mass Effect 3 as the Citadel comes under attack from Cerberus.Nick and Kurabara begin by admitting they get the Salarian Councillor and the Dalatrass confused. They they talk about the Councillor’s request to meet regarding suspicions of corruption. They get into a discussion about how mission availability changes as the story advances, and in particular Nick mentions losing access to Barla Von. They talk about the quest log, but appreciate the map. They mention that it is hard to tell if you have a given quest item.Getting back to the mission, Nick talks about struggling to follow how Shepard deduced that Udina was behind the attack. He then eats crow, admitting his earlier defense of Udina was flawed. They revisit the decision between appointing Udina or Anderson as the first human councillor. They talk about Udina being a prick. Chip points out that this mission feels different in our current time. They speculate on why the Reapers are ignoring the Citadel, and consider how Cerberus infiltrated the Citadel and C-Sec. Chip and Kura talk about sniping a mech pilot to take control of a mech.Nick mentions that you can kill the Virmire Survivor on this mission (namely, Kaiden). They evaluate if they are worth saving. Kura gets angry about the elevator part of the mission. Kura and also Chip get angry about Kai Leng and his lack of buildup. They wonder about why Cerberus chose to keep Kai Leng away from the ME2 suicide mission. They review Thane’s confrontation with Kai Leng, and mourn Thane’s death. Chip is surprised that you can miss Thane’s death if you delay visiting the hospital. They talk about how the mission plays out if Thane isn’t available. They appreciate that Bailey survives his injuries, and Kura is surprised how quickly the Presidium shops reopen.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/341
Hosts:
Nick Zielenkievicz
twitter.com/WookieeBH
Cory Treadway
twitter.com/kurabaras
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 10 min - #51: Tuchanka Fight Night: Thresher Maw vs ReaperNick, Chip, and Kurabara are back to talk about their time playing Mass Effect 3 in the Mass Effect Legendary Edition. This week, they return to Tuchanka to take care of the Krogan genophage once and for all. They begin by reviewing the overall impact of the mission, and then talk about Mordin’s choice regarding the suicidal nature of the mission. They do point out there is a way to keep Mordin alive, and discuss the pain of making relative decisions.After a recap of the mission, they check back in with the crew of the Normandy before they head to Tuchanka. They talk about meeting with Liara and her plan to leave small computer consoles around the galaxy, similar to the Prothean beacons. They discuss the nature of time capsules as a result. They also look at Dr. Chakwas and how she is (or is not) holding up. They also talk about Daniels and Donnelly, with Donnelly being his usual crude self towards EDI.Next, the return to discussing the outcome of the Shroud mission. They talk about Shepard having to advance while dodging Reaper fire to activate the hammers. They talk about Kalross and her fight against the Reaper. They mention the plants that are growing around Tuchanka and how this, along with Eve, are a sign of hope for the Krogan race. They also consider Eve’s role as moderating female for the Krogan. They discuss the purpose of the Shroud, and compare Mordin’s death to the mission we do upon meeting him.They also discuss the return of the Rachni. They consider how this game often negates the decisions made in the the first game. They talk about fighting the brutes. They again talk about the moment when Mordin acknowledges he is going to die. They praise the banter between Shepard and Wrex. They give a nod to Urdnot Wreave. They again talk about Mordin’s last moments and how Wrex will name a kid after him. They appreciate Eve sharing her true name with Shepard and Kura points out that after all this you don’t get Mordin to work on the Crucible.They mention the Dalatrass’ subterfuge and whether Shepard shares it with the others or not. They talk about Garrus checking in on Shepard, and discuss Shepard having another nightmare.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/33b
Hosts:
Nick Zielenkievicz
twitter.com/WookieeBH
Cory Treadway
twitter.com/kurabaras
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 17 min - #50: Sex and the CitadelNick, Chip, and Kurabara are back to continue their journey through the Mass Effect Legendary Edition. This week, they return to the Citadel for a breather before continuing on with the Tuchanka missions. Nick begins by recapping their experience last week with Lieutenant Victus, and they discuss Primarch Victus’ feelings towards the situation.On the Citadel, they begin by talking about the now awake Virmire survivor. This is when Shepard is able to bring Kaiden or Ashley a gift, be it wine or a Tennyson book. Udina is there and has promoted them to Spectre status. The guys discuss which crew members would have made a better Spectre, namely Garrus. Thane is also at the hospital, as is Dr. Chakwas and Dr. Michel.The guys also discuss the backstory for President Huerta, the namesake of Huerta Memorial Hospital. They also talk about a nurse that needs medi-gel, and this leads to a discussion of the side quest system in Mass Effect 3. Nick and Chip agree that the Journal sucks. Chip points out that unobtainable items from earlier missions are available at the Spectre Requisition terminal. Nick says the journal makes it hard to track where you are in a mission.Next, they discuss the strange Barla Von mission, which Liara could have handled herself. This leads to a discussion of how Shepard overhears people to get side quest missions, and how awkward that is. They talk about running into Aethyta again, and this time confirming that she is Liara’s father. They also mention the Shepard VI in the docks, as well as Cortes being by the Memorial Wall. Miranda is around and Nick finds that awkward. James is in Purgatory encouraging Shepard to drink. They talk more about the side quests and that leads to a discussion of war resources.They mention the triumphant return of Refund guy. Michael and Rebecca are also back with an update on her baby. They consider the beginning of the EDI-Joker coupling. They also talk about Aria T’loak and her missions involving the gangs from Mass Effect 2. Kasumi also appears for a mission and Nick falls for her fake death. Finally, they talk about Domonic Osoba looking for his son, and the related mission on Benning.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/335
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/discord1 hr - #49: The Ballad of Little Vicky (on Tuchanka)Nick, Chip, and Kurabara are back this week to talk more about the Mass Effect Legendary Edition. This week they are heading to Tuchanka to start working to get the Krogan on their side. They talk about Tuchanka and Kurabara once again compares it to Detroit. They mention the mission Primarch Victus sends them there for: to find a crashed ship that had his son aboard.After hearing the details on the mission, Nick tries to track how many Harvesters they fought. They talk about the Harvesters relationship to the Reapers, and the various other Reaper forces encountered. Chip wonders what Volus and Elcor Reaper forces would be like. They talk about the layout of the mission from a combat perspective. They talk about Lieutenant Victus’ abilities as a leader and wonder if he got the job because of nepotism.Next, they discuss the Tuchanka Cannon mission, which they quickly establish as filler. They wonder why Cerberus is present on Tuchanka. They point out that this is a multiplayer map reused for a single player mission. They talk about fighting Cerberus troops. They also evaluate the vanguard Shockwave ability, and also the utility of grenades.Finally, they discuss the mission to defuse the giant bomb on Tuchanka. They debate if Victus died a hero’s death, after pointing out how his plot armor kept him alive earlier. They mention that failure to disarm the bomb has severe consequences, including Eve’s death. They wonder why Cerberus is involved again. They evaluate Cerberus’ handling of the Reaper threat and discuss the hubris of the Illusive Man. They transition to talking about the planet scanning mini-game, and Nick complains about finding destroyed fuel depots. They talk about trying to find downtime during an all encompassing Reaper invasion, and they admit they want a Gwent or Pazaak mini-game. Back on the topic of the bomb, they wonder how it was hidden for so long. They wonder if Lt. Victus should have been a Normandy crew member. After the mission, they talk about Shepard being rattled by all the death, and how Shepard has to yell at Wrex and Primarch Victus for bickering. They discuss Shepard not telling Wrex about the Turian bomb earlier.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/32t
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 2 min - #48: On Sur'KeshNick, Chip, and Kurabara are back to continue talking about their experiences playing the Mass Effect Legendary Edition. This week, they are talking about Sur’kesh, and why we’re going there. They discuss the Krogan leader’s insistence that the genophage be cured. Nick brings up the Yahg that appears early in the mission, and they speculate on how the Yahg would fare against the Reapers in 50,000 years. They wonder if the Yahg can do poetry.Wrex is back and they talk about the cure coming from Maelon’s research, and how Wrex has a mole in Sur’kesh. They talk about the logic of unleashing the Krogan is if a Krogan war truly is inevitable. They compare the decision to using your pitchers in game 7 of a baseball series. They consider the threat and how some of the characters are acting like the threat is theoretical.Kurabara mentions this was the demo level for the Xbox.They talk about Wrex getting off the shuttle and getting aggressive with the Salarians. They discuss Mordin’s reappearance. They talk about the pressure Mordin puts on himself and his path to atonement. They discuss Mordin’s decision to use human religion to name Eve. They wonder about what would have happened if Shepard did not survive Mass Effect 2. They mention the Liara-Wrex meeting. They talk about Padon Wix who serves as the Mordin replacement if he is not available. Kura talks about pressing the button. They mention that Major Kirrahe is back, and consider how all the characters are climbing the ranks together.They talk about Eve handling herself in combat and how the Krogan females will help repopulate the species. They consider the Eve-Mordin relationship. They talk about how the mission escalates as Cerberus shows up. They mention that James wants to go to Tuchanka and he’d be a good fit. They discuss the Mordin-Javik conversation.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/32k
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/discord1 hr 2 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.