The Reformed Gamers

As school begins to start back up across the country, we brought on Henshin Dad himself, Wesley Rea, commemorating his 5th time on the podcast to discuss how teachers can use different aspects of gaming to enhance the classroom. If you're an educator, new or veteran, you do not want to miss this episode.

What Have We Been Playing (06:15)

Wes brings back the Dark Ages by playing multiple Final Fantasy games. Logan can't seem to stop playing Sekiro and Adam discusses his frustrations and highlights with the the Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD.

 Topic (17:17)

Gaming has many applications. But did you know that gaming can be used in the classroom? The guys discuss gaming's impact on education through gamification, discuss the different ways it's implemented, as well as it's use as a tool to connect with students.

Housekeeping (53:10)

• Subscribe to us on YouTube
• Check out the website

Reco's! (53:45)

• Ultraman YouTube Channel
• Makarios International
• Star Wars Visions Trailer

Keep Up with the Henshin Dad

• Podcast
• Twitter

Thank you for listening to The Reformed Gamers! We would love to connect with you. Join our Discord using this link or following us on our different social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram. You can financially support the show, monthly, on Patreon or by purchasing some TRG merch over on our shop!

 

Colin Moriarty has been working in games media for nearly 20 years. Starting as a technical writer for IGN, Colin worked his way up to editor at IGN. Later, he would leave IGN for Kinda Funny and ultimately starting Last Stand Media, Colin has offered valuable insight into the world of gaming for years. In this episode, Colin shares about how reviewing games works, why Super Mario Sunshine is better than Super Mario 64, the hurdles conservatives face within games media, and more. Colin also shares about how his perspective on God has changed since Fireside Chats, where he released a series of episodes interviewing pastors, mormons, and Christians alike.

If you have not done so already, you can check out Last Stand Media: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCt9BGe6i2lJepl-B_zwX6VA

Keep up with Colin on Twitter: https://twitter.com/notaxation

Timestamps

Housekeeping (5:14)

• Taking Down A 150+ Backlog of Games in a Year

What Have You Been Playing (10:34)

• Colin gets into Scarlet Nexus' high quality gameplay but agonizing anime tropes after discussing the latest Metroidvania, Elder Lilies. Trigger Witch also gets a fair amount of love in it's unique "Legend of Zelda with guns" style gameplay.

Discussion (21:23)

• We wasted no time getting into the discussion for this episode. Colin spends time discussing how reviews work for video games, as well as his stance on numbered ratings on reviews. We spend some time discussing the shift in culture of games media and ask if a conservative voice can even make it. From there, I ask Colin about his perspective on God, and if it's changed since his series of episodes of Fireside Chats focusing on religion. We round out the discussion with questions submitted in by our Patreon supporters.

Thank You, Patrons (1:14:07)

• These are the Patreon supporters who helped us continue to creat content for the month of August: AaronElWhite, Alex Castellanos, Andre Swann, Ashley Kronenbitter, Chris Freeman, Christopher Commander, Darryl Tavares, David Henderson, David Matthews, Derek Smith, Isaac.stultz, Jake Walker, Jeff Jackson Jr., Jimmy Changa, JoAnne Monroe,  Josh Broccolo, Kokorodaki, Luke Strain, Mark Fromme, Matt Edwards, Matthew “White Chocolate” McDougal, Matt Millsap, Melvin Benson V, Micah Hendrick, Michael Toller, MrButts, Nate McKeever, Paige Pinson, Retro Rewind Podcast, Ryan1701e, Sam White, Savon Pena, Third Strongest Mole, Travis, WeathermanKeef, Wesley Rea, Xaviel Medina

Reco's! (1:15:10)

• The Jimmy Dore Show
• Death's Door (Xbox/PC)

Thank you for listening to The Reformed Gamers! We would love to connect with you. Join our Discord using this link or following us on our different social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram. You can financially support the show, monthly, on Patreon or by purchasing some TRG merch over on our shop!

With Metroid Dread coming this Fall, it’s time for TRG to take a look at some of the Metroid series. We’re kicking things off with the game that is a classic loved by all (unless you have no heart and soul), Super Metroid.

Housekeeping (8:31)

• Check out The BackVlog on YouTube
• New format for this episode and next

What Have We Been Playing (10:53)

Dan takes to the skies in Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD to discuss if the game is worth the $60 price point. Logan ascends to "Git Gud" status and beats Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice.

Topic (25:10)

Originally released for the Super Nintendo in 1994, Super Metroid arrived in to the gaming world and caused major waves. To this day, it's influence can be felt in a variety of games. Join us as we discuss the game's influence, themes, and more.

Reco's (1:07:42)

• Keep Nintendo Weird - Gotcha Force
• Claymates (Nintendo Switch Online)
• Follow Logan on Twitch

Follow Dan on Twitter and check out Retro Logic!

Thank you for listening to The Reformed Gamers! We would love to connect with you. Join our Discord using this link or following us on our different social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram. You can financially support the show, monthly, on Patreon or by purchasing some TRG merch over on our shop!

Recently, things like tabletop games and escape rooms have risen in popularity. Along with that have come new ways to play games like murder mystery subscription boxes. These have massive potential to reform the way people play games while opening some opportunities for ministry. Join us as we sit down with Jeff and discuss these kinds of games.

Housekeeping (7:21)

• I'm Giving Up My Backlog
• Are Video Games Actually Childish?
• Am I Gaming Too Much?

What Have We Been Playing (8:34)

Jeff dives in to the tabletop side of games and shares about a card game that you can play with one hand. Logan takes to the seas in Sea of Thieves, again, and finally finishes Metroid: Zero Mission.

What Have We Been Reading (21:23)

The guys discuss how to enjoy the life that God has given us and the cure to anxiety from Ecclesiastes and Josh Weidman's "The End of Anxiety".

Topic (29:30)

As stated before, escape rooms have grown in popularity. So much so that many companies are now even offering escape room experiences via subscription boxes. Escape Room Mystery is even extending a special offer to our listeners: use code DEER50 at checkout to get 50% off your first box of Capture the Killer. Head over to their website, use the code, and try out this unique way of gaming for yourself!

Patron Thank You's (1:25:10)

A big thank you for our Deer Patrons for the month of July: AaronElWhite, Alex Castellanos, Andre Swann, Ashley Kronenbitter, Chris Freeman, Christopher Commander, Darryl Tavares, David Henderson, David Matthews, Derek Smith, Isaac.stultz, Jake Walker, Jeff Jackson Jr., Jimmy Changa, JoAnne Monroe,  Josh Broccolo, Kokorodaki, Luke Strain, Mark Fromme, Matt Edwards, Matthew “White Chocolate” McDougal, Matt Millsap, Melvin Benson V, Micah Hendrick, Michael Toller, MrButts, Nate McKeever, Peter Piper, Retro Rewind Podcast, Ryan1701e, Sam White, Savon Pena, Third Strongest Mole, Travis, WeathermanKeef, Wesley Rea, Xaviel Medina

Reco's! (1:27:10)

• God Mode Activated
• Board Game Arena
• Capture the Killer
  • Remember to use code DEER50 to get 50% off your first box
• Share the podcast with your friends across Twitter, Instagram, Facebook
• The Rise & Fall of Mars Hill

A huge thank you to irok4creativity for the cover art of this episode.

Keep up with Jeff on Twitter and Instagram.

Thank you for listening to The Reformed Gamers! We would love to connect with you. Join our Discord using this link or following us on our different social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram. You can financially support the show, monthly, on Patreon or by purchasing some TRG merch over on our shop!

You may know Eric Bailey from viral tweets or read something he has written over on Nintendo Life or Hard Drive Mag. Perhaps, you’ve even played his game Octobug. In this episode, we’re excited to talk to Eric about being on social media, developing games, and writing some hilarious satire.

Housekeeping (1:50)

• "Am I Gaming Too Much?"
• Are Video Games Actually Childish?

What Have We Been Playing (3:39)

Adam takes a swing at Mario Golf and contemplates abandoning Mass Effect 3. Logan delves into Final Fantasy XII while taking to the open seas in Sea of Thieves.

What Have We Been Reading (22:40)

The guys discuss how big God really is in both providence and sovereignty.

Topic (33:50)

As stated before, we got to sit down with Eric Bailey to discuss game development, what Christians can do better on social media, and some of his favorite games. You can check out Eric's work and socials below:

• Tiny Bookshelf: https://tinybookshelf.itch.io/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/ericvbailey
• Blog: http://nintendolegend.com/

Reco's (1:13:51)

• Hypnospace Outlaw
• Clap Hanz Golf (Apple Arcade)
• Ted Lasso (Apple TV+)
• Loki (Disney+)

Thank you for listening to The Reformed Gamers! We would love to connect with you. Join our Discord using this link or following us on our different social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram. You can financially support the show, monthly, on Patreon or by purchasing some TRG merch over on our shop!

Nintendo Used Nostalgia, It Was Super Effective   After forcing to postpone due to COVID-19, E3 has returned! There's a lot to discuss but we narrow it down to some of the biggest announcements of E3, including your write-ins! And Logan flips out about Metroid Dread. Like, a lot.   Housekeeping (3:07)

• E3 Week of Announcements Round-Up
• Metroid Dread Trailer Reaction

What Have We Been Playing (4:57) Adam visits Mass Effect 3 for the first time and gets side-tracked. Logan finishes the new Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart and gives a glowing recommendation. He also gets good and returns to Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice.   What Have We Been Reading (21:22) The guys discuss how to worship God through pain and how to stay focused on God's power.   Topic (34:53) E3, y'all! What a week! From Elden Ring to Metroid Dread to Xbox's impressive showcase, there is a lot to unpack! Join us as we discuss some of the highlights and if Xbox can go toe-to-toe with Playstation now.   Patron Thank You's! (1:20:39) We love our Deer Patrons so much we want to thank them again right here in the show notes: Alex Castellanos, Andre Swann, Ashley Kronenbitter, Christopher Commander, Chris Freeman, Darryl Tavares, David Henderson, David Matthews, Derek Smith, Isaac.stultz, Jake Walker, James Barker, Jeff Jackson Jr., Jimmy Changa, JoAnne Monroe, Josh Broccolo, Kokorodaki, Mark Fromme, Matt Edwards, Matthew “White Chocolate” McDougal, Matt Millsap, Melvin Benson V, Micah Hendrick, Michael Toller, MrButts, Nate McKeever, Peter Piper, Retro Rewind Podcast, Ryan1701e, Sam White, Samuel Colunga, Savon Pena, Third Strongest Mole, Travis, WeathermanKeef, Wesley Rea, Xaviel Medina     Reco's! (1:23:25)

• Cruella (Disney+)
• Metroid Dread Reveal Trailer
• Metroid Dread Development History
• TRG Themed Xbox Controller

Thank you for listening to The Reformed Gamers! We would love to connect with you. Join our Discord using this link or following us on our different social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram. You can financially support the show, monthly, on Patreon or by purchasing some TRG merch over on our shop!

Has Resident Evil lost it's way?

After beating Resident Evil Village 4 times, it's time to discuss the game. Adam is out on vacation (aka avoids spooky games like vegetables) so Christian content creator, ReformedJedi, joins Logan on this episode to discuss the latest in the Resident Evil franchise. The game is a wild ride but it begs the question: has Village taken the RE series past the point of no return? We also discuss if the game is too violent, if there's any redemptive themes, and some of the problems the game presents.

Housekeeping (3:36)

• Unboxing the Biomutant Collector's Edition
• Summer Game Fest Preview

What Have You Been Playing (4:21)

Jedi and Logan share what makes Returnal good and bad. Logan also shares if Biomutant is worth picking up.

What Have You Been Reading (14:41)

Jedi digs back in to the Symphony of Scripture: Making Sense of the Bible's Many Themes (after a few year hiatus from putting the book down). Logan gets in to Hebrews 13:7-9 as students graduate in his youth group and encourages them to remember their leaders.

Topic (21:37)

Resident Evil blazed a new trail in Resident Evil 7. Village continues this trend but also hits a few bumps in the road. Is Resident Evil Village one of the best in the series or does it flounder and stumble? Jedi and Logan also discuss if there are any redemptive uses of horror in entertainment. As always, there is a spoiler-free section of the topic and there is ample warnings before diving in to spoilers. Spoiler discussion begins at 32:53.

Reco's! (1:09:49)

Follow ReformedJedi on Twitter, Twitch, Instagram, and YouTube!

• Bad Batch (Disney+)
• Give Logan a game reco!

Thank you for listening to The Reformed Gamers! We would love to connect with you. Join our Discord using this link or following us on our different social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram. You can financially support the show, monthly, on Patreon or by purchasing some TRG merch over on our shop!

In a surprise turn of events, we managed to get Adam Hill (co-creator of Godspeed) on the show to discuss the behind-the-scenes of tabletop game creation. We also discuss his latest game, publishing company, and what makes tabletop games perfect for outreach.

Housekeeping (6:20)

• Why You Should Play Returnal

What Have You Been Playing (7:40)

Adam teaches his son valuable life lessons in Mortal Kombat. Adam lives, dies, and repeats in Returnal. Logan braves the horrors of Resident Evil Village... 4 times.

What Have You Been Reading (35:30)

The guys discuss passages like Mark 9:14-27, Galatians 6:9-10, and Replanting.

Topic (53:00)

Adam Hill is a pastor but he is also a board game designer. Surprisingly enough, board games can be an effective tool for fostering community and reaching people where they're at. Listen in as Adam shares insights on how board games are designed, what he learned from Godspeed, his new game, and ministry.

Patron Thank You's! (1:38:28)

We love our Deer Patrons so much we want to thank them again right here in the show notes: Alex Castellanos, Andre Swann, Ashley Kronenbitter, Christopher Commander, Darryl Tavares, David B, David Henderson, David Matthews, Derek Smith, Isaac.stultz, Jake Walker, James Barker, Jeff Jackson Jr., Jimmy Changa, JoAnne Monroe,  Josh Broccolo, Kokorodaki, Mark Fromme, Matt Edwards, Matthew “White Chocolate” McDougal, Matt Millsap, Melvin Benson V, Micah Hendrick, Michael Toller, MrButts, Nate McKeever, Peter Piper, Retro Rewind Podcast, Ryan1701e, Sam White, Samuel Colunga, Third Strongest Mole, Travis, WeathermanKeef, Wesley Rea, Xaviel Medina

Recos! (1:39:53)

• Motor City GameWorks
• Nate Bargatze (Comedian)
• Follow Adam Hill on Twitter
• Super Mario 3D World: Bowser's Fury
• One Year Uncommon Life Devotional by Tony Dungy

Thank you for listening to The Reformed Gamers! We would love to connect with you. Join our Discord using this link or following us on our different social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram. You can financially support the show, monthly, on Patreon or by purchasing some TRG merch over on our shop!

Hot Summer Hype Nuggets, Batman!

Summer is quickly approaching as is E3. COVID forced cancellations and others to go online last year. How will that affect this summer? Join us as we discuss (and possibly prophesy) what will happen this summer in the gaming world.

Housekeeping (3:29)

• Resident Evil Village Videos on TRG's YouTube
• Unboxing Xbox's Smallest Console

What Have We Been Playing (4:59)

• Micah puts on a tank top and races cars in Need for Speed. Adam swings for the fences in MLB The Show 21. Logan gives up on being an Avenger and gets weird with Neir Replicant.

What Have We Been Reading (25:11)

• God's sovereign plan is a mystery and can lead to frustration. All 3 books the guys are reading detail a different aspect of that and share an encouragement for those struggling.

Topic (39:13)

• What will happen at this year's E3? Adam hopes his Fantasy Draft will be spared, Micah gives a hot take on Mario, and Logan abandons hope for Metroid. The guys also share what delays they think will be announced and determine if E3 will come back in full swing or fizzle out into the abyss of irrelevance.

Reco's (1:17:12)

• Play an old Housemarque game (Resogun, Dead Nation, Matterfall, etc.)
• Subscribe to TRG's YouTube channel

Thank you for listening to The Reformed Gamers! We would love to connect with you. Join our Discord using this link or following us on our different social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram. You can financially support the show, monthly, on Patreon or by purchasing some TRG merch over on our shop!

 

It's About Time

The time has finally come for us to discuss one of the greatest JRPGs of all time: Chrono Trigger. Time also saw fit for us to bring Matt Millsap back onto the podcast to help us discuss this timeless classic. Okay, puns aside, we had a great time discussing this classic from the SNES era.

Housekeeping (2:42)

• TONS of new YouTube content!

What Have We Been Playing (3:36)

Matt revisits Hyrule in Age of Calamity and grinds for loot in Destiny 2. Adam returns to one of the greatest JRPGs on the Nintendo Switch: Xenoblade Chronicles. Logan continues killing monsters and turning them into hats and boots in Monster Hunter Rise.

What Have We Been Reading (19:10)

Matt discusses Paul David Tripp's "Age of Opportunity". Adam digs into Replanted on the topic of adoption. Logan gets wise in Proverbs.

Topic (31:26)

If you were to ask someone what are the best JRPGs, Chrono Trigger is bound to come up. Published by Square in 1995 for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, Chrono Trigger landed in the gaming world to critical acclaim, securing itself as a pinnacle of gaming. But what is it about Chrono Trigger that makes it one of the greatest games of all time? That’s what we’ll discuss in this episode.

Patron Thank You's! (1:24:15)

HUGE thank you to our April Patrons who helped us keep cranking out content for the show! Those lovely Patrons are: Alex Castellanos, Andre Swann, Ashley Kronenbitter, Christopher Commander, Darryl Tavares, David B, David Henderson, Derek Smith, Jake Walker, James Barker, Jeff Jackson Jr., Jimmy Changa, JoAnne Monroe,  Josh Broccolo, Kokorodaki, Mark Fromme, Matt Edwards, Matthew “White Chocolate” McDougal, Matt Millsap, Melvin Benson V, Micah Hendrick, Michael Toller, MrButts, Nate McKeever, Pastor Shea, Peter Piper, Retro Rewind Podcast, Ryan1701e, Sam White, Samuel Colunga, Third Strongest Mole, Travis, WeathermanKeef, Wesley Rea, Xaviel Medina

Recos! (1:25:58)

• The Falcon and the Winter Soldier
• Think Biblically Podcast
• Fast 9 Trailer

Thank you for listening to The Reformed Gamers! We would love to connect with you. Join our Discord using this link or following us on our different social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram. You can financially support the show, monthly, on Patreon or by purchasing some TRG merch over on our shop!