Between PewDiePie's latest controversy and the news that South Park: Fractured but Whole's difficulty slider is tied to your character's skin color, race is on the mind of lots of gamers this week. The Pals dive in to the controversy and discuss how games as a medium can tackle social issues effectively.

PLUS: Pete's reviews for Sonic Mania, Life is Strange: Before the Storm and Uncharted: Lost Legacy.

RANDOM QUESTION OF THE WEEK: favorite multiplayer game?

DA NEWS:

1. Nintendo of America’s President Reggie Fils-Aime “strongly” urges you not to buy a scalped SNES Classic:

https://www.gamespot.com/articles/nintendo-exec-comments-on-snes-classic-supply/1100-6453238/

2. Speaking of Nintendo shortages, if you were waiting until Christmas to pick up a Nintendo Switch you may be disappointed according to Reggie:

http://variety.com/2017/digital/news/nintendo-president-switch-holiday-sales-1202550623/

3. Rockstar is releasing 4 new versions of L.A. Noire on November 14:

http://www.rockstargames.com/newswire/article/60266/4-New-Versions-of-L-A-NOIRE-Coming-November-14

4. IGN is reporting that Crystal Dynamic’s upcoming Avengers game will at least in part be an online 3rd-person action adventure:

http://www.ign.com/articles/2017/09/05/marvels-avengers-project-will-be-an-online-3rd-person-action-adventure

5. PUBG is unstoppable:

https://www.polygon.com/2017/9/8/16273604/pubg-playerunknowns-battlegrounds-concurrent-players-one-million-steam

6. Since we’re recording the show Monday night instead of Sunday, we caught the latest controversy around YouTuber Felix Kjellberg, AKA PewDiePie:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jMq65CslbZA

https://www.polygon.com/2017/9/10/16285188/pewdie-pie-racist-slur-firewatch-retaliation-dmca

7. South Park: The Fractured but Whole's difficulty slider changes the color of your character’s skin:

http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2017-09-07-south-park-the-fractured-but-whole-difficulty-slider-changes-the-colour-of-your-skin

Meat and Potatoes: How do you feel about political statements being made through gameplay mechanics? Do you want to see more things like this? What do you think the best way to tackle these kinds of issues is in the context of video games as a creative medium?

Music:

"Swanky Ballroom Party For Sophisticated People" by Adhesive Wombat - @adhesivewombat

The Video Game Pals is The Pals Network's weekly video game podcast where we talk about video games, the news and how it all makes us feel.

The Pals:

Sean: twitter.com/SeansSoapbox

Pete: twitter.com/Loud_Pete

Andy: twitter.com/Tiger_Millions

Thompson: twitter.com/RelicVampire

Between PewDiePie's latest controversy and the news that South Park: Fractured but Whole's difficulty slider is tied to your character's skin color, race is on the mind of lots of gamers this week. The Pals dive in to the controversy and discuss how games as a medium can tackle social issues effectively.

PLUS: Pete's reviews for Sonic Mania, Life is Strange: Before the Storm and Uncharted: Lost Legacy.

RANDOM QUESTION OF THE WEEK: favorite multiplayer game?

DA NEWS:

1. Nintendo of America’s President Reggie Fils-Aime “strongly” urges you not to buy a scalped SNES Classic:

https://www.gamespot.com/articles/nintendo-exec-comments-on-snes-classic-supply/1100-6453238/

2. Speaking of Nintendo shortages, if you were waiting until Christmas to pick up a Nintendo Switch you may be disappointed according to Reggie:

http://variety.com/2017/digital/news/nintendo-president-switch-holiday-sales-1202550623/

3. Rockstar is releasing 4 new versions of L.A. Noire on November 14:

http://www.rockstargames.com/newswire/article/60266/4-New-Versions-of-L-A-NOIRE-Coming-November-14

4. IGN is reporting that Crystal Dynamic’s upcoming Avengers game will at least in part be an online 3rd-person action adventure:

http://www.ign.com/articles/2017/09/05/marvels-avengers-project-will-be-an-online-3rd-person-action-adventure

5. PUBG is unstoppable:

https://www.polygon.com/2017/9/8/16273604/pubg-playerunknowns-battlegrounds-concurrent-players-one-million-steam

6. Since we’re recording the show Monday night instead of Sunday, we caught the latest controversy around YouTuber Felix Kjellberg, AKA PewDiePie:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jMq65CslbZA

https://www.polygon.com/2017/9/10/16285188/pewdie-pie-racist-slur-firewatch-retaliation-dmca

7. South Park: The Fractured but Whole's difficulty slider changes the color of your character’s skin:

http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2017-09-07-south-park-the-fractured-but-whole-difficulty-slider-changes-the-colour-of-your-skin

Meat and Potatoes: How do you feel about political statements being made through gameplay mechanics? Do you want to see more things like this? What do you think the best way to tackle these kinds of issues is in the context of video games as a creative medium?

Music:

"Swanky Ballroom Party For Sophisticated People" by Adhesive Wombat - @adhesivewombat

The Video Game Pals is The Pals Network's weekly video game podcast where we talk about video games, the news and how it all makes us feel.

The Pals:

Sean: twitter.com/SeansSoapbox

Pete: twitter.com/Loud_Pete

Andy: twitter.com/Tiger_Millions

Thompson: twitter.com/RelicVampire

This week on The Comics Pals is a Marvel-centric one as the Pals talk about the series of bad news for Marvel that sparks a discussion about whether or not Marvel’s time on top of the comics world has passed, what they’ve done so wrong to turn off so many people, and what Marvel needs to do to bring their fans back. You don’t want to miss this discussion!

Pals Pulls

News:

Jared Leto Confused About WB Joker Plans:

http://www.ign.com/…/suicide-squads-jared-leto-a-little-con…

John Cena a Frontrunner to Play Shazam:

http://www.cbr.com/shazam-cena-sasse-billy-batson-characte…/

Justice League Second Most Anticipated Fall Film:

http://comicbook.com/…/justice-league-most-anticipated-fal…/

Relationship Between Thor & Loki Central to Thor:Ragnarok:

http://www.ign.com/…/thor-ragnarok-odin-knew-of-cosmic-thre…

Aspects of Gorr The God Butcher Used For Hela in Thor: Ragnarok:

http://comicbook.com/movies/…/09/05/thor-ragnarok-hela-gorr/

Drew Goddard to Direct X-Force Film:

https://www.polygon.com/…/xforce-deadpool-cable-drew-goddar…

Sony Hack Reveals Required Peter Parker Character Traits:

http://variety.com/…/sony-hack-peter-parker-spider-man…/amp/

Inhumans Causes Rift Between ABC & Marvel:

https://variety.com/2017/tv/news/marvel-inhumans-1202547854/

Comic Shops Refuse to Buy Into Marvel’s Lenticular Covers:

http://comicbook.com/…/marvel-legacy-comic-shop-owners-tak…/

Big Bang Comics on Twitter Talks Secret Empire Failure:

https://twitter.com/TheBigBang_/status/905558314255253505

Sales for Secret Empire:

http://www.comichron.com/monthlycomicssal…/2017/2017-07.html

Main Topic: Is the comic world turning on Marvel?

Marvel comic book sales are down this year from 2016's numbers. Secret Empire drastically underperformed and was met with heavy backlash from fans and critics alike based on its premise alone. Retailers are outright refusing to buy-in on the Marvel Legacy lenticular covers. Confidence in Marvel is nearly as low as it's ever been, leading to two obvious questions: is Marvel's time as the unrivaled king of the comic book world at an end, and what can be done to right this ship? The Comics Pals (may) have the answers!

The Pals:

Sean: twitter.com/SeansSoapbox

Pete: twitter.com/Loud_Pete

Cale: twitter.com/Totointow

Marco: twitter.com/woeismarco_

Phil: twitter.com/Cyborgbebop

This week on The Comics Pals is a Marvel-centric one as the Pals talk about the series of bad news for Marvel that sparks a discussion about whether or not Marvel’s time on top of the comics world has passed, what they’ve done so wrong to turn off so many people, and what Marvel needs to do to bring their fans back. You don’t want to miss this discussion!

Pals Pulls

News:

Jared Leto Confused About WB Joker Plans:

http://www.ign.com/…/suicide-squads-jared-leto-a-little-con…

John Cena a Frontrunner to Play Shazam:

http://www.cbr.com/shazam-cena-sasse-billy-batson-characte…/

Justice League Second Most Anticipated Fall Film:

http://comicbook.com/…/justice-league-most-anticipated-fal…/

Relationship Between Thor & Loki Central to Thor:Ragnarok:

http://www.ign.com/…/thor-ragnarok-odin-knew-of-cosmic-thre…

Aspects of Gorr The God Butcher Used For Hela in Thor: Ragnarok:

http://comicbook.com/movies/…/09/05/thor-ragnarok-hela-gorr/

Drew Goddard to Direct X-Force Film:

https://www.polygon.com/…/xforce-deadpool-cable-drew-goddar…

Sony Hack Reveals Required Peter Parker Character Traits:

http://variety.com/…/sony-hack-peter-parker-spider-man…/amp/

Inhumans Causes Rift Between ABC & Marvel:

https://variety.com/2017/tv/news/marvel-inhumans-1202547854/

Comic Shops Refuse to Buy Into Marvel’s Lenticular Covers:

http://comicbook.com/…/marvel-legacy-comic-shop-owners-tak…/

Big Bang Comics on Twitter Talks Secret Empire Failure:

https://twitter.com/TheBigBang_/status/905558314255253505

Sales for Secret Empire:

http://www.comichron.com/monthlycomicssal…/2017/2017-07.html

Main Topic: Is the comic world turning on Marvel?

Marvel comic book sales are down this year from 2016's numbers. Secret Empire drastically underperformed and was met with heavy backlash from fans and critics alike based on its premise alone. Retailers are outright refusing to buy-in on the Marvel Legacy lenticular covers. Confidence in Marvel is nearly as low as it's ever been, leading to two obvious questions: is Marvel's time as the unrivaled king of the comic book world at an end, and what can be done to right this ship? The Comics Pals (may) have the answers!

The Pals:

Sean: twitter.com/SeansSoapbox

Pete: twitter.com/Loud_Pete

Cale: twitter.com/Totointow

Marco: twitter.com/woeismarco_

Phil: twitter.com/Cyborgbebop

Just Pete and Andy? What is this, the Slack Cast? No! It's episode 19 of The Video Game Pals! Get ready for a very Pete & Andy-centric episode about Nintendo's Nindie event, PUBG and the changes coming to League of Legends!

PLUS: Andy forgets what show we're on!

What are we playing?

PSA

Buy or Sell: Mario or Zelda?!

DA NEWS:

1. PUBG finally has its first AAA competitor in GTA Online’s ‘Motor Wars’ game mode:

https://gamerant.com/gta-online-motor-wars-dlc-532/

2. The end of the Miiverse:

https://www.polygon.com/2017/8/29/16222310/miiverse-wii-u-games-shutdown-2017

https://www.polygon.com/2017/8/29/16219962/nintendo-miiverse-shutting-down-date

https://miiverse.nintendo.net/posts/AYMHAAADAAADV44YslslXw

3. Speaking of Nintendo, we got the announcement of a ton of really exciting indie games coming to Nintendo Switch in 2018 by way of Nintendo’s latest Nindie showcase:

https://www.polygon.com/2017/8/30/16227652/nintendo-switch-games-indie-games-2018

4. Keeping in trend with Andy Brown-Centric news, we got an update on the release of Fire Emblem Warriors:

http://www.ign.com/articles/2017/08/29/fire-emblem-warriors-release-date-collectors-edition-revealed

5. Hot off of announcing a new bundle for PS VR that includes the required PlayStation Camera, effectively serving as a $60 price cut for PSVR, Sony has announced the first PSVR-compatible title to come to PS Plus:

https://www.polygon.com/2017/8/30/16226702/playstation-plus-free-games-september-2017

6. Square has released the The First 20 Minutes of Final Fantasy 15 Pocket Edition Gameplay and it’s trash because it doesn’t have Stand By Me in it:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQGWY5tMZB8&feature=youtu.be

7. Major updates coming to League of Legends:

https://www.riftherald.com/lol-gameplay/2017/9/1/16243350/lol-level-cap-change-preseason

Meat and Potatoes: How do we feel about these changes to League of Legends, does any of it matter?

Music:

"Swanky Ballroom Party For Sophisticated People" by Adhesive Wombat - @adhesivewombat

The Video Game Pals is The Pals Network's weekly video game podcast where we talk about video games, the news and how it all makes us feel.

The Pals:

Sean: twitter.com/SeansSoapbox

Pete: twitter.com/Loud_Pete

Andy: twitter.com/Tiger_Millions

Thompson: twitter.com/RelicVampire

Just Pete and Andy? What is this, the Slack Cast? No! It's episode 19 of The Video Game Pals! Get ready for a very Pete & Andy-centric episode about Nintendo's Nindie event, PUBG and the changes coming to League of Legends!

PLUS: Andy forgets what show we're on!

What are we playing?

PSA

Buy or Sell: Mario or Zelda?!

DA NEWS:

1. PUBG finally has its first AAA competitor in GTA Online’s ‘Motor Wars’ game mode:

https://gamerant.com/gta-online-motor-wars-dlc-532/

2. The end of the Miiverse:

https://www.polygon.com/2017/8/29/16222310/miiverse-wii-u-games-shutdown-2017

https://www.polygon.com/2017/8/29/16219962/nintendo-miiverse-shutting-down-date

https://miiverse.nintendo.net/posts/AYMHAAADAAADV44YslslXw

3. Speaking of Nintendo, we got the announcement of a ton of really exciting indie games coming to Nintendo Switch in 2018 by way of Nintendo’s latest Nindie showcase:

https://www.polygon.com/2017/8/30/16227652/nintendo-switch-games-indie-games-2018

4. Keeping in trend with Andy Brown-Centric news, we got an update on the release of Fire Emblem Warriors:

http://www.ign.com/articles/2017/08/29/fire-emblem-warriors-release-date-collectors-edition-revealed

5. Hot off of announcing a new bundle for PS VR that includes the required PlayStation Camera, effectively serving as a $60 price cut for PSVR, Sony has announced the first PSVR-compatible title to come to PS Plus:

https://www.polygon.com/2017/8/30/16226702/playstation-plus-free-games-september-2017

6. Square has released the The First 20 Minutes of Final Fantasy 15 Pocket Edition Gameplay and it’s trash because it doesn’t have Stand By Me in it:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQGWY5tMZB8&feature=youtu.be

7. Major updates coming to League of Legends:

https://www.riftherald.com/lol-gameplay/2017/9/1/16243350/lol-level-cap-change-preseason

Meat and Potatoes: How do we feel about these changes to League of Legends, does any of it matter?

Music:

"Swanky Ballroom Party For Sophisticated People" by Adhesive Wombat - @adhesivewombat

The Video Game Pals is The Pals Network's weekly video game podcast where we talk about video games, the news and how it all makes us feel.

The Pals:

Sean: twitter.com/SeansSoapbox

Pete: twitter.com/Loud_Pete

Andy: twitter.com/Tiger_Millions

Thompson: twitter.com/RelicVampire

After a trip to a day of future past and some technical difficulties, our review of Netflix's The Defenders is finally here!

The Comics Pals is a weekly comic book podcast where a group of comic book journalists and friends get together to talk comics.

The Pals:

Sean: https://twitter.com/SeansSoapbox

Pete: https://twitter.com/Loud_Pete

Cale: https://twitter.com/Totointow

Marco: https://twitter.com/woeismarco_

Phil: https://twitter.com/Cyborgbebop

After a trip to a day of future past and some technical difficulties, our review of Netflix's The Defenders is finally here!

The Comics Pals is a weekly comic book podcast where a group of comic book journalists and friends get together to talk comics.

The Pals:

Sean: https://twitter.com/SeansSoapbox

Pete: https://twitter.com/Loud_Pete

Cale: https://twitter.com/Totointow

Marco: https://twitter.com/woeismarco_

Phil: https://twitter.com/Cyborgbebop

This week, the Pals talk about more rumors surrounding the Joker movie, including whether or not Leonardo Dicaprio would ever accept the role as the Clown Prince of Crime, Ed Skrein stepping down from his role in Hellboy film due to whitewashing, the incredibly bad reviews for the Inhumans debut on Imax, and of course, our definitive, set in stone forever rankings of the Marvel Netflix shows! You don’t want to miss this one!

PLUS: A guest appearance by President Wilson Fisk?

Pals Pulls

News:

Joker Movie to be "Dark and Real"

http://www.cbr.com/joker-origin-movie-super-dark/?utm_source=CBR-FB-P

Leonardo Dicaprio as Joker:

https://www.newsarama.com/36225-report-warner-wants-leonardo-dicaprio-for-joker-solo-film.html

http://www.cbr.com/leonardo-dicaprio-joker-origin-film-fake/

Lakeith Stanfield Wants to Play Joker:

http://comicbook.com/dc/2017/08/26/the-joker-origin-movie-martin-scorsese-fancast-lakeith-stanfield/

Dick Grayson Has Been Cast:

http://www.cbr.com/titans-tv-dick-grayson/

Ed Skrein Steps Down From Hellboy Role:

https://www.polygon.com/2017/8/29/16219630/hellboy-actor-whitewashing-ed-skrein

Simon Kinberg Wants to Make 'Dark Phoenix' Movie Grounded:

http://www.cbr.com/x-men-dark-phoenix-grounded/?utm_source=CBR-FB-P

Inhumans Show Dragged On Social Media:

https://www.polygon.com/tv/2017/8/29/16220418/marvel-inhumans-trailer-medusa-hair

First Look At Misty Knight's Bionic Arm:

http://www.cbr.com/luke-cage-s2-misty-knight-bionic-arm-photo/

Sin-Eater Rumored to be Daredevil Season 3 Villain:

http://www.cbr.com/daredevil-season-3-villain-rumor/

Punisher Episode Titles Revealed:

https://www.polygon.com/tv/2017/8/28/16217222/marvel-punisher-netflix-episode-titles-premiere-date

What Leads Viewers to Watch Marvel Netflix Shows:

https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/tv/2017/08/22/you-wont-believe-what-shows-lead-viewers-watch-netflixs-marvel-series/587947001/

Main Topic:

Ranking Marvel's Netflix shows! With six seasons of television in the bank, the Pals give their definitive rankings for each show and then tally them for our official ranking. At least until Punisher comes out and changes everything!

The Comics Pals is a weekly comic book podcast where a group of comic book journalists and friends get together to talk comics.

The Pals:

Sean: https://twitter.com/SeansSoapbox

Pete: https://twitter.com/Loud_Pete

Cale: https://twitter.com/Totointow

Marco: https://twitter.com/woeismarco_

Phil: https://twitter.com/Cyborgbebop

This week, the Pals talk about more rumors surrounding the Joker movie, including whether or not Leonardo Dicaprio would ever accept the role as the Clown Prince of Crime, Ed Skrein stepping down from his role in Hellboy film due to whitewashing, the incredibly bad reviews for the Inhumans debut on Imax, and of course, our definitive, set in stone forever rankings of the Marvel Netflix shows! You don’t want to miss this one!

PLUS: A guest appearance by President Wilson Fisk?

Pals Pulls

News:

Joker Movie to be "Dark and Real"

http://www.cbr.com/joker-origin-movie-super-dark/?utm_source=CBR-FB-P

Leonardo Dicaprio as Joker:

https://www.newsarama.com/36225-report-warner-wants-leonardo-dicaprio-for-joker-solo-film.html

http://www.cbr.com/leonardo-dicaprio-joker-origin-film-fake/

Lakeith Stanfield Wants to Play Joker:

http://comicbook.com/dc/2017/08/26/the-joker-origin-movie-martin-scorsese-fancast-lakeith-stanfield/

Dick Grayson Has Been Cast:

http://www.cbr.com/titans-tv-dick-grayson/

Ed Skrein Steps Down From Hellboy Role:

https://www.polygon.com/2017/8/29/16219630/hellboy-actor-whitewashing-ed-skrein

Simon Kinberg Wants to Make 'Dark Phoenix' Movie Grounded:

http://www.cbr.com/x-men-dark-phoenix-grounded/?utm_source=CBR-FB-P

Inhumans Show Dragged On Social Media:

https://www.polygon.com/tv/2017/8/29/16220418/marvel-inhumans-trailer-medusa-hair

First Look At Misty Knight's Bionic Arm:

http://www.cbr.com/luke-cage-s2-misty-knight-bionic-arm-photo/

Sin-Eater Rumored to be Daredevil Season 3 Villain:

http://www.cbr.com/daredevil-season-3-villain-rumor/

Punisher Episode Titles Revealed:

https://www.polygon.com/tv/2017/8/28/16217222/marvel-punisher-netflix-episode-titles-premiere-date

What Leads Viewers to Watch Marvel Netflix Shows:

https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/tv/2017/08/22/you-wont-believe-what-shows-lead-viewers-watch-netflixs-marvel-series/587947001/

Main Topic:

Ranking Marvel's Netflix shows! With six seasons of television in the bank, the Pals give their definitive rankings for each show and then tally them for our official ranking. At least until Punisher comes out and changes everything!

The Comics Pals is a weekly comic book podcast where a group of comic book journalists and friends get together to talk comics.

The Pals:

Sean: https://twitter.com/SeansSoapbox

Pete: https://twitter.com/Loud_Pete

Cale: https://twitter.com/Totointow

Marco: https://twitter.com/woeismarco_

Phil: https://twitter.com/Cyborgbebop