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Squad Goals — A Mass Effect Podcast
Squad Goals — A Mass Effect Podcast episodes
- #27: Illium Part II: The Justicar and the AssassinNick, Chip, and Kurabara are back to continue talking about their time on Illium. This week, they get into the two recruiting missions to meet Samara the Justicar and Thane Krios the assassin. They begin by talking about the word Justicar and whether it originated from Mass Effect or not, as Justiciar is a real word. Then, they get into talking about how Samara is presented as a badass. They also talk about her task oriented, professional nature and how that can affect the ability to romance her. Next, they discuss how being a Justicar works with her recruitment onto the Normandy. They also talk about the possibility of Justicars going rogue and how that compares to being a Spectre. They also talk about her low-cut outfit.Regarding the mission, they examine the relationship between Detective Anaya and Samara, as Anaya is putting herself in danger just by doing her job. They talk about Pitne For and whether or not they threw him under the bus, and have fun talking about the drunken Niftu Cal. They also talk about Elnora and whether they fell for her ploy or killed her outright.Next they talk about recruiting Thane, and talk about how Chip finds him to be a boring character. Nick talks about how he's more fascinated by Thane's relationship with his son. They talks about how Thane was ready to die on the Nassana Dantius mission and was all too grateful for Shepard to come along and recruit him. They also mention the quick-time event with the mercenaries, and appreciate how smoothly Thane is able to kill Nassana. They also review Shepard's history with Nassana Dantius, as she is another character from Mass Effect 1 to appear.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/2x1
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 5 min - #26: The N7 Day Teaser ImageNick, Chip, and Kura are here with a short episode. Real life intervened and prevented a full episode this week, but they were at least able to get together to put out a quick episode on their toughts on the Mass Effect teaser image that was released for N7 day. First, Nick and Kura agree that 10/7 should be Mass Effect Day, not 11/7. Then they talk about how the image looks like the Geth and what they expect out of any future Mass Effect game. The gang will be back next week with a regularly scheduled episode as they continue their discussion on Illium, talking about recruiting Samara and Thane.
Episode URL: mtb.gg/2wu
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/discord15 min - #25: Illium Part I: Shepard, This is Your LifeNick, Chip, and Kura are back this week to talk about visiting Illium. They point out that this is the earliest they could go there, as it only opens up after Horizon. After a brief interaction with Careena, an administrator present on behalf of Dr. Liara T'soni, Shepard learns that Liara has waived all docking fees and that slavery (well, indentured servitude) is permitted on Illium. Shepard enters the city proper and the guys compare Illium with Omega and the Citadel. Garrus points out that the city is a gilded version of Omega, and just as dangerous. They also talk about how indirect the layout is and how it lacks a central corridor.They talk about a questline that involves encountering Shiala, the Asari who served as the voice of the Thorian back on Feros. She is green now, and the colonists at Zhu's Hope are suffering after their time controlled by the Thorian. They have made a deal with Baria Frontiers to do some medical scans, but now Baria wants to do more invasive procedures, which the Colonists are against. Shepard has to talk to Erinya, the Baria vendor, to negotiate a better deal. Baria, after the death of her children, is explicitly racist against humans and must be dealt with as only Shepard can.They then talk about running into an Asari who is a representative of the Rachni Queen. They talk about Sovereign's role in instigating the Rachni war, and if the reaper had a direct hand in the Rachni Queen winding up in Noveria. They speculate if the Rachni's song-based form of communication made them especially vulnerable to indoctrination.Next, they run into Gianna Parasini, also last seen on Noveria. She's back on an undercover mission and Shepard can help out (or not). Gianna might be getting a bit too friendly with Shepard, as she parts with a kiss on the cheek.Finally, they head into Eternity, the bar on Illium. There, they find a Turian failing to woo a Quarian, and a multi-species bachelor party which leads to speculation about how Asari are able to enter relationships with so many relationships.Next, they meet CONRAD F***ING VERNER! He's back now acting like Shepard trying to stop a red sand dealer on Illium, except that red sand is legal on Illium. Shepard has words with the weapons dealer that started the whole situation, and Verner goes off to start the Shepards program for orphans.Finally, they talk about Aetheya, the matriarch who is also the bartender and owner for Eternity. They talk about Asari as they age and also suggest that she may be more involved in the story than she appears.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/2wn
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 - #24: Horizon, For Bitchy PestsNick, Chip, and Kurabara are back to talk about their experiences playing Mass Effect 2 in the Mass Effect Legendary Edition. This week, they begin by talking about the Normandy Crash Site side quest. They talk about placing the monument, collecting the dog tags, and the brief glimpse at a redemption arc for XO Pressley, who was one of the more xenophobic members of the Normandy crew.Next, the guys get into the mission on Horizon. They immediately jump into the aftermath of meeting their old crewmate. For Chip, it was Ashley, who was a bit standoffish. Nick talks about a playthrough where Ashley's rejection led him to Miranda, which leads to a discussion about how high maintenance Miranda might be. Kurabara reveals some personal information. Next, they talk about Kaiden, who Kurabara and Nick got to meet.They talk about how he quickly takes offense at Shepard not having reached out sooner, and Nick is amazed because Kaiden is now just as much an a--hole as Carth from Knights of the Old Republic. They also talk about the Illusive Man using his smoking as a way to control the conversation and praise Martin Sheen's acting. They also consider Cerberus role in manipulating events on Horizon. Next, they discuss Harbinger and how effective a villain he is. They also talk about the creepy Collector constructs and how terrifying it must be to be paralyzed and abducted by the Collectors. Finally, they evaluate the final firefight over the transmitter.Finally, they talk about the side quest where you lead the mech to get platinum using power cells, and praise how the side quests in Mass Effect 2 all feel varied and not cookie cutter.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/2wg
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 6 min - #23: The Convict, the Thief, and the CitadelNick, Chip, and Kurabara are back to talk about their experiences playing through Mass Effect 2! This week, they start by talking about the mission to get the Convict, better known as Jack. They talk about how Jack was established as a biotic powerhouse based on other character reactions to her, and then also how they were affected by the conditions of the prison ship they were getting her from. They talk about her tough exterior and Kurabara compares her to people he knows. Chip mentions the way the game primes you to expect Jack to be male, and also talks about how Miranda and Jack do not get along. Kurabara mentions that Grunt liked her, and Nick starts speculating on how Jack and Grunt could have played each other, and leaned into each other's worse impulses. They talk about how closed and guarded she is. They also talk about how they don't like her costume design. Then, they get on a rant about friendships on the Normandy, and talk about how Garrus and Zaeed should be buddies. Kura mentions that Jack was based off Jack from Chronicles of Riddick. Lastly, they talk about their impressions of the betrayal by the Warden on Purgatory.Next, they head to the Citadel to see how things have changed since Sovereign's attack. Things kick off with their encounter with Kasumi Goto through a hacked advertisement. Then, they head into the Citadel but have to get through C-Sec where they meet Captain Bailey who is running the entrance station. Chip is excited that he's played by Michael Hogan of Battlestar Gallactica fame. They talk about how he is a sign that humans have taken over C-Sec and run much of it, having replaced the Turians from Mass Effect 1. Then, they head up to meet Anderson and talk about how good it was to see him again. They also get to meet with the Council briefly, and share their disappointment that the Council is still very dismissive of Shepard. Then, Udina returns and they talk about his character.Next, they discuss the layout of the Zakera Ward and how cramped it is compared to the Presidium and Wards from Mass Effect 1. They also discuss how the keepers are still creepy. Chip talks about how disappointing the Citadel is this time around. Nick talks about how the Citadel has a personality and qualifies as an old friend to visit in the sequel. They also talk about how Shepard can negotiate with the vendors for discounts at the kiosks. They also talk about some of the minor characters that return on this Citadel, like the Petrovskys, now with child!They discuss some of the side quests available on the Citadel. First, there is a Volus and Quarian arguing about a missing credit chit. Shepard can intervene and prove the Quarian innocent and get her out of trouble. Nick also wonders about how Shepard gets so much money from random computers. They also talk about getting the fine ingredients for the chef to prepare a meal. Also, Shepard receives emails from other Citadel characters such as Sha'ira and Chorban. They also talk about the Krogans that want to try the fish from the Presidium, and how to get them fish without returning to the Presidium.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/2wb
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 18 min - #22: Dr. Okeer, I Presume?Nick, Chip, and Kurabara are back to continue their journey through Mass Effect 2 as part of the Mass Effect Legendary Edition. This week they look at the mission to recruit Grunt, which oddly enough begins the the dossier for a Dr. Okeer. After recapping the mission, they talk about how unexpected it was that the mission would be to get Grunt, using Dr. Okeer as a red herring.They talk about how they didn't quite understand the doctor's goal with creating Grunt (was he cured of the genophage or just immune to it?) and joke about Wrex's old comment about Krogan scientists. They also talk about the Blue Suns being bad at their job. They discuss the Krogan lab failure that Shepard meets along the way, and consider how he would have fared on the Normandy. They also compare Grunt and Korlus to Gears of War and wonder if there was some inspiration from the other game.Next, the talk about waking Grunt up on the ship against Cerberus and EDI's protestations. They talks about how Grunt, being so young, is still developing a personality. They discuss how much they use him in their groups. They talk about the point of EDI's warnings that waking a Krogan could be fatal, and how that plays into the decisions the player must make as Shepard, even though none of the outcomes result in Grunt killing Shepard.They compare Wrex to Grunt, and how Wrex's experience makes him a completely different squad mate than Grunt's naivette. They also compare Grunt to Kaiden, although they like Grunt more than Kaiden. They wonder about how Grunt innately knew how to make a shotgun.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/2w2
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/discord54 min - #21: Archangel, Archangel, Will You Be Mine?Nick, Chip, and Kurabara are back to continue talking about their experiences playing the Mass Effect Legendary Edition. This week, they continue their journey through Omega as they seek out the mysterious Archangel, who of course turns out to be none other than former Normandy crew member Garrus Vakarian. The squad talks about how quickly they initially realized Archangel was Garrus. Then they dive into the mission itself, which involved fighting several gang leaders as well as taking down a gunship! In particular, Chip dislikes the Vorcha pyros. Garrus get hit pretty bad by the gunship but he survives with some hefty scarring. This leads to a discussion about the safety of wearing a helmet.They also talk about Shepard's choice to stop or allow a young man to join the mercenaries. Then, they look into how poorly Garrus' life has been, as his team was compromised by a traitor and they were all killed. They finish up their discussion of Garrus by talking about how Garrus and pretty much any of Shepard's squad mates could run their own team.Next, they look at some of the side quests on Omega. They talk about the quest to help out a Quarian named Kenn who is stuck working at a vendor kiosk until he can buy his way off Omega. Shepard can either give the Quarian money for passage or talk to the merchant boss to help him out. The guys compare the kiosks in the game to ordering sandwiches at Wawa or simply buying stuff from Amazon on your phone. Kenn also sells the T6A Couplings that Donnelly and Daniels need in engineering. This leads to Shepard (and possibly Tali) playing poker off screen.Another character with an interaction post-Omega is Doctor Chakwas. If Shepard gets the serrice ice brandy from Afterlife, the commander and the doctor will share the bottle while reminiscing about former crew members like Kaiden and Jenkins. Doctor Chakwas subsequently passes out in a medical bed, and this leads to a discussion about where the crew all sleeps.Finally, after a brief discussion about what appearances they are using for their characters, Chip mentions the Batarian bartender in Afterlife who poisons Shepard. Both he and Kurabara shot him for his transgressions.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/2vw
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/discord52 min - #20: On Omega: The Plague in the PandemicNick, Chip, and Kurabara are back to talk about Mass Effect 2! Having completed the intro mission on Freedom's Progress, Shepard has the rebuilt Normandy and is free to travel wherever they want. So this week the squad heads to Omega, as strongly suggested by Miranda and the Illusive Man. Upon arriving at Omega, they meet Nick's favorite character, Zaeed Massani. As he is a DLC character, he has a short vignette to introduce him, and then he gives a follow up quest and joins the crew. They talk about how rugged he is as a character and how storied his history is.They also talk about the atmosphere of Omega and how it is the opposite of the citadel. Kurabara points out that it was designed to look like a mushroom cloud, while Chip insists it looks like a squid. They talk about how grimy it is and how it is the home of the underworld.Next, they go over the meeting with Aria T'loak. They point out the irony in one of Shepard's first destinations post-revival being a nightclub called Afterlife. They discuss the casting of Carrie Anne Moss, and how Aria is played as a straight, no nonsense character. They talk about how Aria's behaviour is counter to most Asari Shepard has met previously.Then they head into the plague section, and talk about how disquieting this part of the game is to play during a pandemic, especially one that is respitory in nature. Nick talks about how the ambient coughing is affecting, and Chip comments on how many of the victims don't trust Mording to give them the medicine they need.Finally, it is time to recruit another squad member, Dr. Mordin Solus. Kurabara is excited to have a Salarian with the team. They talk about how smart he is and compare him to Batman. They also talk about their experience saving (or failing to save) Daniel, Mordin's assistant who got caught by some Batarians.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/2vq
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 15 min - #19: Old Friends: On Freedom's Progress and the (New) NormandyNick, Chip, and Kurabara are back to continue their journey through the Mass Effect Legendary Edition! This week, they begin by hitting a few points they glossed over last week. First, they talk about which crew members were with them when the Normandy blew up: Chip had Liara, while Kurabara and Nick had Kaiden. Then, they talk about the resource gathering interface, and how it has bars that fill up to 25000, while many upgrades cost 50000 units of resource, which is an odd design choice. They also talk a bit about Jacob since he got short shrift last week despite being one of Shepard's new crew members.Next, they talk about the mission onto Freedom's Progress, which is where Shepard meets back up with Tali! However, Tali is disappointed by Shepard's connection to Cerberus and declines to join the mission. They talk about Veetor, the Quarian survivor of the Collector attack, and how they all agreed to let Tali take him, while she shared his omni-tool data on the Collectors. They discuss the Collector's methods of using the swarm to paralyze people, and then they would abduct them into pods. They also discuss the mech fight right before encountering Veetor.Next, they talk about the Illusive Man and his theories about the Collector's connection to the Reapers. They also talk about the Illusive Man's status report on Shepard's old crew. He provides Shepard with dossiers of possible recruits to build his team, and then introduces Shepard to his new pilot: Joker!Joker shows Shepard the rebuilt Normandy, and the squad discuss their opinions of the rebuilt ship. Chip appreciates the lack of elevator trips. They then get into the new crew. They talk about Yeoman Kelly Chambers and how she seems disappointed when Shepard won't talk to her. They talk about EDI, the new, shackled AI that bickers with Joker and is kinda like having an Amazon Alexa or Apple Siri in every room. They also mention Daniels and Donnely, the couple in engineering. And also Mess Sargeant Gardner who is the cook but also the custodian. Finally, they are glad to see Doctor Chakwas back on board. She is in need of some brandy, and tasks Shepard with getting some.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/2ve
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 14 min - #18: They Can't Kill Shepard, Right? RIGHT?!?!?!Nick, Chip, and Kurabara are here to finally dive into Mass Effect 2. Nick has a bit of a cold, so apologies for the voice, but they get right into talking about the Illusive Man before they can even recap the events of the introduction. Chip is excited as they talk about Martin Sheen's casting and the energy he brings to the Illusive Man. They then get to questioning whether Miranda has ever actually met him (It appears that she has), and then get into talking about the morality system.Then, they talk about the vicious decision to start the game with the death of Shepard and the destruction of the Normandy. Chip praises it while Nick calls it affecting, and they discuss their initial reaction to Sheaprd's death. Then they get into the reasons behind the decision as far as resetting Shepard's power level while allowing for a continuity of the character from Mass Effect 1.Kurabara then praises the montage where Shepard is resurrected. Chip talks about Wilson, the shady doctor that helped bring Shepard back. Nick praises the decision to let Shepard join Cerberus as it forces a wedge between Shepard and everyone who knew and trusted him. Kura is glad to have the council off his back for now. Chip praises the improved combat in the game, and also talks about how well done Miranda's introduction is. Nick is excited by the addition of Yvonne Strahovski as Miranda. They talk more about the voice casting, and also talk up Keith David's ongoing role as Captain Anderson. They then discuss the Shepard-Anderson relationship that progresses throughout the games.Chip praises the visual details they have been able to add into the game. Nick points out how they expanded the Cerberus lore for this game as well. Chip points out that Shepard joining Cerberus felt a little out of character. Nick uses the pandemic to explain the decision. They also talk about the internal Cerberus politics, including what led to Wilson betraying the project and trying to kill Shepard (again). Kura talks about the non-Geth robots that appear in the introduction. He wonders where they were during Mass Effect 1 and Nick appreciates the role that they play.Kura brings up the switch to heat-cartridges as a replacement for unlimited ammo. He also talks about some of the pre-order bonus items that are now available in the Legendary edition. Chip talks about his resource hoarding problem when playing RPG's. Nick brings up that Shepard can now slide over low objects. Nick talks about how weapons are just available now instead of having to play the inventory management minigame from the first game. They also talk about the evolution of the hacking minigame and how it is more interesting this time around with less requirements upon your party. Kura points out the the skill tree has been pared down. Kura also complains about the quick-time events that have been added. Nick and Chip disagree.Nick brings up the changes to resource scanning in this game. They figure out what happens if you run out of fuel and money in space. Chip shares his economical strategy for scanning planets while Nick admits he is going to scan every resource on every planet. Nick talks about how the first game took place on the right side of the map while this game is set in the Terminus sector which is the upper part of the map. Kura hypes up the rebuilt Normandy, and then complains about the character importer having changed our characters in uncomfortable ways. They also talk about the scarring on Shepard and how that can be influenced by your morality, unless you get the improved medbay.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/2va
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
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.