The Two Vague Podcast

By Ben CheknisLeisure Video Games

The Two Vague Podcast episodes

February 11, 2025 Episode 126 - Failure
Cheyenne joins Ben this week to talk about a word that gets a lot of bad press, but in reality, it is a necessity in most activities involving progress and self-improvement. After conversing about what games they are playing (and discovering Ben’s Hogwarts House), they dive right in to deep end and commence with the festivities. Topics explored: the “Epic Fail” meme, Tom Platz, CrossFit acronyms, the invention of Post-It Notes, John Cleese’s speeches and educational videos, corporate culture, points of failure in engineering, stories about successes and failures in the academic settings, the roguelike and roguelite labels, and looping game mechanics. Games discussed this week are as follows—Dragon Age: The Veilguard, Infinity Nikki, Hogwarts Legacy, Uncle Chop’s Rocket Shop, Papers Please, Plate Up, Baldur’s Gate 3, Hades, Kenshi, Deathloop, Disco Elysium, Indigo Prophecy, Super Meat Boy, and Seaman. Finally, Ben and Cheyenne “tie a bow on it” with some words of wisdom and a couple of Spock references—the Star Trek character, not the pediatrician.
***
00:00:20 - A city of roses, serving up smiles, parking lot beatdown, Dragon Age: The Veilguard
00:02:35 - Mass Effect opinions, Ben likes the synthesis ending, Liara T’Soni, and Infiniti Nikki
00:06:40 - A cozy fashion battling platformer, getting homework at PAX, and impatient much?
00:08:48 - Thoughts on Hogwarts Legacy, mediocre story, and Cheyenne guesses Ben’s house
00:11:11 - The new Indiana Jones game trailer, the nitty and the gritty, and a previous customer
00:13:01 - Ox Ford has a comma, Cheyenne’s failure, person versus thing, and positive views
00:15:13 - The Google Ngram Viewer (no exceptions), the EPIC FAIL, and planking nostalgia
00:18:02 - The Tom Platz weightlifting philosophy, muscle building, and success through failure
00:20:53 - A tale of 3M’s Post-It Notes, the John Cleese speech, and the Video Arts sales story
00:24:31 - The perception of mistakes in corporate culture, and the measure of an employee
00:28:17 - “In a world…,” Mr. Perfect’s Plex, SPOFs and SPORs, and in failures in academia
00:32:20 - A bell curve, thoughts on grading, the architecture shoe, and teams on instruments
00:41:43 - Uncle Chop’s Rocket Shop summary, 5 endings (not 4), and “not for all ages” humor
00:47:12 - Ben’s least favorite descriptors, the rogue prefix, no barrels, and looping mechanics
00:52:00 - “Leveling” characters, weakness before strength, and broadening your knowledge
00:55:52 - Fireworks tampering, the thematics of failure, and “failure is preferred” scenarios
01:03:11 - Excessively difficult games, back to the rocket shop, wrapping up, and Star Trek

***
Follow Two Vague on…
Our website: https://www.twovaguepodcast.com
On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/two_vague_podcast
On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@twovaguepodcast
On Substack: https://twovaguepodcast.substack.com/
On Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/twovaguepodcast.com
For show appearance and other inquiries, contact us at: [email protected]
-AND-
…for all of your PRI and 2VP merch check out the Partly Robot Industries store at TEEPUBLIC!
https://www.teepublic.com/user/partly-robot-industries
***
References, Links, and Tags
For more information on Infinity Nikki, check out the official website!
https://infinitynikki.infoldgames.com/en
For more information about Uncle Chop’s Rocket Shop, developer Beard Envy Games, and publisher Kasedo Games…
https://www.unclechops.com/
https://store.steampowered.com/app/1849790/Uncle_Chops_Rocket_Shop/
https://www.beardenvy.co.uk/
https://www.kasedogames.com/
#Podbean #DIYPodcast #ApplePodcast #VideoGames #Trivia #Comedy #Talkshow #2VP #TwoVaguePodcast #PodernFamily #InterviewShow #GamersofThreads #Gamer #PartlyRobot #PartlyRobotIndustries #TeePublic #InfinityNikki #KasedoGames #UncleChopsRocketShop #BeardEnvyGames
1 hr 11 min
January 18, 2025 Episode 125 - Punk
Although it would be more thematically appropriate of us to NOT tell you about this week’s episode, we are going to be rebellious and do it anyway—sans mohawk and safety pins. Andrew joins Ben this week to ruminate over the work punk. After discussing what they have been up to, debating the importance of a thesis statement (or lack thereof), and sharing their experiences with the game they have both (YES BOTH) been playing, Dungeon Clawler by Stray Fawn Studio, they embark upon a sensory adventure together… in STEREO! Following the traditional definition festivities, they explore their thoughts and feelings associated with the word. Finally, Ben talks about Suda51—recognized by many as one of the most “punk rock” game developers out there in addition to being author responsible for a favorite gaming narrative of his.
***
00:00:00 - Andrew’s Crowdfundr ADHD pin promo and the obligatory 2VP theme song
Please contribute to Andrew’s latest Crowdfundr campaign and buy a swanky “Advanced Dungeons Have Dragons” ADHD enamel pin!
https://crowdfundr.com/dragonpin?ref=ab_5eGT0FGiaC55eGT0FGiaC5
00:02:03 - Book progress, a 25 percent different demon, veggies, and many presidents ago
00:04:37 - Ben breaks kayfabe, the Piper Cafe, the Safehouse, price tags, and trading cards
00:06:37 - Verified on Bluesky, Andrew’s 2025 call, allies for decades, and Bash the alarm clock
00:09:25 - Thoughts on the thesis, eating children, Substack review handling, and epic poems
00:14:24 - The Hunt for Red October, embargo date debate, and Uncle Chop’s Rocket Shop
00:17:23 - Looking at manuals, divergent vs. diverse, symptoms of life, and rewiring the brain
00:21:01 - Autistic trends, a mom’s introduction to Rick and Morty, and a claw machine thesis
00:24:22 - Christopher Nolan, Dungeon Clawler impressions, and Andrew describes the game
00:27:45 - Ben wants more stuff, Count Clawcula, thumbs up, and speaking of potato snacks
00:29:35 - In stereo, lining them up in post, the bouquet, the mouth feel, and a mystery flavor
00:31:53 - Aged in wooden tubes, the proof with vinegar, maltodextrin, and the aging problem
00:34:44 - Ben’s bourbon belch, she smelled like soup, the comma, and ten points in Scrabble
00:37:40 - The derogatory definition, Ben’s Allen Funt impression, and the skipped definition
00:40:01 - Punk sticks, anarchy, being adjacent, punk credit, and getting out what you put in
00:43:03 - The Bumblebee Tuna theme in Ska, the energy, and questionable stuff in Tucson
00:45:00 - Going to the Meet Rack, the condom machine, lubricated regulars, and river rafting
00:47:24 - Not inherently political, Andrew’s Portland punk experiences, and The Young Ones
00:50:00 - The Seattle WTO Protests, moving into retail, against the grain, and hybrid formats
00:53:44 - Not Punky Brewster, punk as a suffix, Daft Punk origin, and Max Headroom shows
00:57:02 - The Video Toaster, actor Matt Frewer, platinums, and Ben sells 100 million albums
00:58:40 - Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered, not Sudafed, and the games of Suda51
01:01:23 - Punk Rock sub-genres, Franz Kafka game gets canceled, and Garcia is a Mexi-CAN
01:04:37 - Something that happens, expired donuts, mistook it for a Cybertruck, and food love
01:07:30 - So romantic, Michigan, final thoughts, Joe saved the podcast, and formica dragons
***
Follow Andrew / Partly Robot Industries on…
His website: https://partlyrobot.com/
On Instagram: https://instagram.com/partlyrobot
On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@partlyrobot
On Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/partlyrobot.com
On Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/partlyrobot
And his TREE o’ LINKS: http://linktr.ee/partlyrobot
Follow Two Vague on…
Our website: https://www.twovaguepodcast.com
On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/two_vague_podcast
On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@twovaguepodcast
On Substack: https://substack.com/@twovaguepodcast
On Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/twovaguepodcast.com
For show appearance and other inquiries, contact us at: [email protected]
-AND-
…for all of your PRI and 2VP merch check out the Partly Robot Industries store at TEEPUBLIC!
https://www.teepublic.com/user/partly-robot-industries
***
References, Links, and Tags
For more information about Stray Fawn Studio’s game Dungeon Clawler…
https://strayfawnstudio.com/
https://dungeonclawler.com/
For more information about Uncle Chops Rocket Shop, developer Beard Envy Games, and publisher Kasedo Games…
https://www.unclechops.com/
https://www.beardenvy.co.uk/
https://www.kasedogames.com/
Check out Ben’s review of SlavicPunk: Oldtimer on the Two Vague Podcast Substack…
https://substack.com/home/post/p-154373300
Check out Red Square Games and SlavicPunk: Oldtimer on Steam…
https://store.steampowered.com/curator/44288282-Red-Square-Games/
https://store.steampowered.com/app/1820140/SlavicPunk_Oldtimer/
Check out SUDA51 / Grasshopper Manufacture’s games
https://www.grasshopper.co.jp/en/
https://www.shadows-of-the-damned-hellaremastered.com/
#Podbean #DIYPodcast #ApplePodcast #VideoGames #Trivia #Comedy #Talkshow #2VP #TwoVaguePodcast #PodernFamily #InterviewShow #GamersofThreads #Gamer #PartlyRobot #PartlyRobotIndustries #TeePublic #StrayFawnStudio #DungeonClawler #BeardEnvyGames #UncleChopsRocketShop #KasedoGames #GrasshopperManufacture #ShadowsoftheDamnedHellaRemastered #Suda51
1 hr 12 min
December 26, 2024 Episode 124 - Circuitous
Erik from Imaginary Game Studios joins Ben in HIS virtual studio this week to chat about all manner of things—his experiences as a sports writer, his love of literature, his creative process, and of course his philosophy of game design. After discussing what’s "under construction" in the world of Rogue Climber, what games they have been playing, and their odd experiences in Chicago (which in itself is a thematically appropriate path), they dive in to the topic at hand… the word circuitous! They follow the conversation through the unique topography of books, movies, games, and cultural references to its destination where Ben asks Erik to share his advice on creating, developing, and prototyping a video game concept.
***
00:00:21 - Many spreadsheets, Ed’s Excel love, freaks at the coffee shop, and a Magic 8-Ball
00:03:39 - Pro bono, what Christian and Erik learned at PAX, and the Roblox generation
00:05:50 - Rogue Climber ancillary stuff, the correct direction, about seven, and what is janky?
00:08:32 - Eighty or weighty, the Tron level, a cardboard cutout, and Millennial gamers are soft
00:10:57 - Erik platinums Black Myth: Wukong, the Cyberpunk 2077 caveat, and a good segue
00:14:00 - Writing the sports news, Ben’s question about quality, and SlavicPunk: Oldtimer
00:16:33 - A film noir soundtrack, amazingly crafted world, and the banal hacking mini game
00:18:45 - Dragonage and Blueski, pocket experiences, broken English, and an annoying boss
00:22:55 - Small font, Red Square Games’ next title, bad translations, and finding drug crumbs
00:26:45 - Erik’s Chicago story, a dead pigeon, absorbance, and the emcee of the spelling bee
00:33:10 - The nature of the creative process, in inches or graphs, and the perils of efficiency
00:35:48 - Two types of fiction, Cormac McCarthy’s Blood Meridian, and Gene Wolfe books
00:40:22 - John Ronald Reuel Tolkien, “The Hobbit” LP, and a well kept secret about babies
00:43:25 - Rock & Rule, Ralph Bakshi’s Wizards, the Washington Bullets, Joust, and Zardoz
00:46:16 - A talking point itinerary for next time, and Ben’s favorite commercial fiction authors
00:48:15 - American Psycho, three if you’re keeping score, Bono as Satan, and the message
00:50:59 - Swimming up the waterfall, getting it all out of your head, and evaluation at the end
00:53:10 - Being creative for yourself, figuring out where to start, and creating the prototype
00:58:59 - Catch the vibe, the next word, gorilla arms, crushing heads, and strategic saving
01:01:30 - Agreement about NieR: Automata, three times, no connection, and the same river
01:03:06 - Erik’s words of wisdom, something unique, planning, and make no assumptions
***
Follow Two Vague on…
Our website: https://www.twovaguepodcast.com
On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/two_vague_podcast
On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@twovaguepodcast
On Substack: https://substack.com/@twovaguepodcast
On Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/twovaguepodcast.com
For show appearance and other inquiries, contact us at: [email protected]
-AND-
…for all of your PRI and 2VP merch check out the Partly Robot Industries store at TEEPUBLIC!
https://www.teepublic.com/user/partly-robot-industries
References, Links, and Tags
Check out SlavicPunk: Oldtimer on Steam…
https://store.steampowered.com/app/1820140/SlavicPunk_Oldtimer/
Follow all of the shenanigans going on at Imaginary Game Studios…
On their website: https://www.imaginarygamestudios.com/
On their Discord: https://discord.gg/YyDD7ECtdJ
On their YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@caxtnova
Imaginary Game Studios GAMES on Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2673440/Rogue_Climber/ <—- WISHLIST ME NOW!!! https://store.steampowered.com/app/2175790/Meticulous/
#Podbean #DIYPodcast #ApplePodcast #VideoGames #Trivia #Comedy #Talkshow #2VP #TwoVaguePodcast #PodernFamily #InterviewShow #GamersofThreads #Gamer #ImaginaryGameStudios #CaxtNova #PartlyRobot #PartlyRobotIndustries #TeePublic
1 hr 6 min
December 01, 2024 Episode 123 - Iteration
Aron Koh from JOFSOFT joins Ben this week to talk about the development of their latest game Pizza Bandit AND one of his favorite words—rather appropriately, iteration. They start out talking about Aron’s childhood favorite PC games, how Sierra On-line games inspired him to work in the online gaming industry after he graduated, and his experiences working for the Korean game company Nexon on “games as service” games. Next, Ben and Aron share their thoughts and philosophies about how software is improved through incremental changes. Finally, Aron expounds upon Pizza Bandit’s development timeline and forthcoming genre blending plans while Ben pitches mission and story ideas.
***
00:00:20 - Skewed console game experience, Korean games, and starting a career at Nexon
00:03:30 - Sitting down, breaking windows, opening doors, and “games as service” opinions
00:06:40 - Our favorite Nexon games, many of which are still doing strong business in China
00:08:33 - Start somewhere, how games as service companies improve games, and QuizQuiz
00:11:07 - Moving to the United States, and Korea’s big three: Nexon, NCSOFT, and Netmarble
00:13:22 - The definition, the waterfall method, three spectrums, and assorted game engines
00:19:14 - Don’t talk about Frostbite, no plans for a 16-bit version, and inspired by Outriders
00:23:06 - Rift Sweepers lessons, gameplay iterations, reusing assets, and finding the balance
00:28:09 - Antiquated hacking with discs, and balancing Pizza Bandit missions from feedback
00:31:55 - A time traveling bounty hunter, "Cowboy Bebop" adjacent, and plan for more cooking
00:34:28 - Keeping the pizza parlor dream alive, pizza purism, and the home of Hawaiian pizza
00:36:34 - Australia’s favorite, sweet potato pizza, yam confusion, and other Kimchi variants
00:40:46 - When game development becomes work, prototyping joy, and mundane content
00:43:12 - Frustrations finding balance, making the hard pivot, and the semantics of change
00:47:08 - Taking design risks during development, expectations, and hikers not swimming
00:50:30 - The financial risk, always in debate, knowing your audience, and using feedback
00:54:43 - The Remnant franchise, Western and Eastern gamer differences, and the Alpha test
00:57:16 - Stories from PAX, one chef and three zombie killers, doubling down, and Ben’s idea
01:00:16 - Ontario Canada in 1962, it will always be invented, and Hawaiian pizza prevention
***
Follow Two Vague on…
Our website: https://www.twovaguepodcast.com
On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/two_vague_podcast
On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@twovaguepodcast
On Substack: https://substack.com/@twovaguepodcast
On Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/twovaguepodcast.com
For show appearance and other inquiries, contact us at: [email protected]
-AND-
…for all of your PRI and 2VP merch check out the Partly Robot Industries store at TEEPUBLIC!
https://www.teepublic.com/user/partly-robot-industries
References, Links, and Tags
For more information on JOFSOFT’s freshman release Pizza Bandit…
https://www.jofsoft.com/
WISHLIST Pizza Bandit on Steam HERE…
https://store.steampowered.com/app/2475010/Pizza_Bandit/
#Podbean #DIYPodcast #ApplePodcast #VideoGames #Trivia #Comedy #Talkshow #2VP #TwoVaguePodcast #PodernFamily #InterviewShow #GamersofThreads #Gamer #PartlyRobot #PartlyRobotIndustries #TeePublic #JOFSOFT #PizzaBandit
1 hr 4 min
November 09, 2024 Episode 122 - Ninja
Andrew joins Ben this week to talk about something which thanks to pop culture is turtle adjacent and thanks to an obscure martial arts publication is also peach adjacent… weird eh? They catch up on what has been going on in their lives—lots of writing for each! Andrew has been working on his ADHD focused book, and Ben has been playing Edge of Sanity for game review material on Substack. They explore an assortment of topics before moving to video games including the following: the Insane Clown Posse, the writings of H.P. Lovecraft, household appliances, motorcycles, the movie You Only Live Twice, G.I. Joe toys and comics, the Community episode “G.I. Jeff,” The Tick, and the Teenage Mutant Ninja (Hero) Turtles franchise. In closing, Ben and Andrew talk about some of their favorite ninja themed arcade games and the PC games they would play in their youth.
***
00:00:21 - The intersection of life stuff and writing stuff, lots of stickers, and a fleet of snails
00:03:44 - Andrew’s “Attention Dragons” mini-zine, a new Ko-Fi page, and shuttering Patreon
00:06:33 - Taxes, staying out of Etsy jail, a flu fighter, the plural of ninja, and asking a Juggalo
00:09:33 - Learning on a bus, the quintessential alcoholic clown movie, and the 2VP Substack
00:12:05 - H.P. Lovecraft, separating art and artist, the Cthulhu-verse, and “The Cats of Ulthar"
00:16:18 - Ben’s preliminary thoughts on Edge of Sanity, the madness meter, and Xenophobe

Check out Ben’s full review of Edge of Sanity on Substack!
https://substack.com/home/post/p-150996029
Check out Andrew’s reference to the song “Night Boat to Cairo” by Madness!
https://youtu.be/lLLL1KxpYMA?si=b5eoHuDOmllJKNeP
00:19:20 - It literally means spy, food processors, motorcycle names, and You Only Live Twice
00:22:46 - From blenders to Snake Eyes, comic loopholes, and “PORKCHOP SANDWICHES!!!”
00:26:50 - Complicated personalities, the government issue Jeff episode, and the original Joes
00:29:12 - A surrounding hedge, straight outta Birnam Wood, ninja parody, and TMNT or TMHT
00:35:41 - Adventures with Chicago weapon vendors, finality of death, and parodying parodies
00:36:57 - Cheap 80s and 90s newsprint, cashing in on trends, arcade remakes, and The Tick
00:39:07 - Bitch or ninja, czars in government, subreddits, Ninja Mind Control, and fruit theft
00:42:52 - Memorable ninja arcade games, 28 quarters, Arcade Archives, and Mystic Warriors
00:45:32 - Telling stories in shortened arcade experiences, and Andrew briefly checks out
00:48:20 - Sinistar’s backstory, board games, and Andrew ponders if he likes “story” games
00:50:30 - His name was Richard Garriott, remembering Tabula Rasa, and Ultima with Andrew’s
00:53:02 - Games of the college days, Ben remembers Strider, and a Vancouver microbrewery
00:56:00 - Strange beers, brewing, the flavor of the day, juice pouch problems, and apologies
00:58:05 - Andrew remembering the Juggalo lore and Ben remembering a Patton Oswalt bit
***
Follow Andrew / Partly Robot Industries on…
His website: https://partlyrobot.com/
On Instagram: https://instagram.com/partlyrobot
On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@partlyrobot
On Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/partlyrobot
And his TREE o’ LINKS: http://linktr.ee/partlyrobot
Follow Two Vague on…
Our website: https://www.twovaguepodcast.com
On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/two_vague_podcast
On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@twovaguepodcast
On Substack: https://substack.com/@twovaguepodcast
For show appearance and other inquiries, contact us at: [email protected]
-AND-
…for all of your PRI and 2VP merch check out the Partly Robot Industries store at TEEPUBLIC!
https://www.teepublic.com/user/partly-robot-industries
***
References, Links, and Tags
Episode 122 Show Notes - https://substack.com/home/post/p-151404155
The Edge of Sanity Linktree page - https://linktr.ee/Edge_Of_Sanity
Vixa Games - https://vixagames.com/
Daedalic Entertainment - https://www.daedalic.com/
#Podbean #DIYPodcast #ApplePodcast #VideoGames #Trivia #Comedy #Talkshow #2VP #TwoVaguePodcast #PodernFamily #InterviewShow #GamersOfThreads #Substack #Gamer #PartlyRobot #PartlyRobotIndustries #TeePublic #EdgeOfSanity #VixaGames #PositiveVibes
1 hr
October 16, 2024 Episode 121 - A PAX West 2024 Retrospective and Deathbound Review
Ben is flying solo again this week. After managing technical and medical difficulties, he’s champing at the bit and excited to talk about his PAX West 2024 Exhibit Hall experiences! But first, Ben has an abbreviated review of Deathbound; for the full review of this game check out our Substack page! Any feedback would be appreciated! Then Ben dives right in and shares his favorite games and booths at the show this year. If any of these games sound interesting to you, please follow the links in the show notes, like, wishlist, subscribe… do ALL the things!
***
00:00:20 - Intro, explanation, apology, and CHECK OUT OUR SUBSTACK!
00:02:02 - Ben’s Deathbound thoughts
00:04:26 - 3 UPs: amazing music, great graphics for an indy, and the unique combat system
00:05:30 - 3 DOWNS: issues with targeting, perspective shift bug, and too few essences at first
You can read Ben’s full Deathbound review “It’s Inspired by… Don’t Call it a Soulslike - A Review of Deathbound on PS5” on Substack here… https://substack.com/home/post/p-149861815
00:08:43 - PAX West 2024
Day 1
00:09:05 - Ysbryd Games - https://www.ysbryd.net/
00:09:24 - Love Eternal - https://loveeternalgame.com/
00:10:33 - Everdeep Aurora - https://www.everdeepaurora.com/
00:11:40 - ENDER MAGNOLIA: Bloom in the Mist - http://www.endermagnolia.com/en/
00:13:39 - Anshar Publishing - https://store.steampowered.com/publisher/AnsharPublishing
00:13:48 - Coridden - https://www.coridden.com/
00:14:32 - Bytebond - https://store.steampowered.com/app/1952690/Bytebond/
00:15:49 - Rugrats: Adventure in Gameland - https://store.steampowered.com/app/2633950/Rugrats_Adventures_in_Gameland/
00:16:33 - Railgun Games - https://www.railgungames.com/
00:17:01 - Virtual World Centers - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BattleTech_Centers
00:17:32 - Red Planet - Training Video https://youtu.be/DIPMK4L_Qv4?si=ho3Wj0xcJ2rRt9TF
00:17:51 - Deathland Drifters - https://www.youtube.com/@railgungamesdev
00:18:37 - A Corgi’s Cozy Hike - https://scalisco.com/pages/a-corgis-cozy-hike
00:19:09 - Ukiyo Studios - https://www.ukiyostudios.com/
00:19:12 - Nine Sols - https://store.steampowered.com/app/1809540/Nine_Sols/
00:19:20 - Infinity Bullets - https://infinitybullets.com/
00:20:37 - Pacific Drive - https://www.pacificdrivegame.com/
00:21:20 - Heartworm - https://heartwormgame.com/
00:22:37 - The Mortuary Assistant - https://store.steampowered.com/app/1295920/The_Mortuary_Assistant/
00:23:12 - Section 13 - https://oceandrive.studio/blackout-protocol/
00:24:51 - The Behemoth Games - https://www.thebehemoth.com/
00:25:51 - Path of Exile 2 - https://pathofexile2.com/
Day 2
00:27:19 - DORONKO WANKO - https://store.steampowered.com/app/2512840/DORONKO_WANKO/
00:29:09 - Pizza Bandit - https://www.jofsoft.com/
00:30:00 - Jay and Silent Bob: Chronic Blunt Punch - https://www.interabangent.com/
00:31:11 - Optillusion - https://www.optillusion.games/
00:31:28 - While Waiting - https://store.steampowered.com/app/2449160/While_Waiting/
00:31:50 - Pick Me, Pick Me - https://www.pickmepickme.ai/
00:33:08 - PLAYISM - https://playism.com/en/
00:33:21 - Nitro Express - https://playism.com/en/game/nitro-express/
00:33:43 - Homura Hime - https://playism.com/en/game/homura-hime/
00:34:09 - Outrider Mako - https://playism.com/en/game/outrider-mako/
00:34:26 - Metal Bringer - https://playism.com/en/game/metal-bringer/
00:34:45 - HARUKA: Beyond the Stars - https://playism.com/en/game/haruka-beyond-the-stars/
00:35:25 - Million Depth - https://playism.com/en/game/millionｰdepth/
Day 3
00:35:58 - Shroom Siege - https://www.upsidedownbird.com/shroom-siege
00:37:07 - Exercise Your Demons - https://www.vyersoft.com/eyd
00:38:15 - MythWalker - https://mythwalker.com/
00:43:38 - Highway Police Simulator - https://highwaypolicegame.com/
00:46:51 - Fish Game - https://www.fish.game/
00:48:14 - Kriegsfront Tactics - https://www.togeproductions.com/project/kriegsfront-tactics/
00:49:10 - Alterium Shift - https://alteriumshift.com/
Day 4
00:51:01 - ANTONBLAST - https://store.steampowered.com/app/1887400/ANTONBLAST/
00:53:09 - Honeycomb: The World Beyond - https://store.steampowered.com/app/1510440/Honeycomb_The_World_Beyond/
00:54:22 - Winter Burrow - https://www.pinecreekgames.com/
00:56:27 - Rogue Climber - https://store.steampowered.com/app/2673440/Rogue_Climber/
Other Things
00:58:00 - Bateman Labs - https://batemanlabs.com/
00:58:28 - Dragon Roast Coffee - https://dragonroast.coffee/
00:58:58 - Small Rice Studios’ new game Roast - https://www.roast-game.com/
00:59:53 - PAX West 2025 Plans
***
Follow Two Vague on…
Our website: https://www.twovaguepodcast.com
On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/two_vague_podcast
On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@twovaguepodcast
On Substack: https://substack.com/@twovaguepodcast
For show appearance and other inquiries email us at [email protected]
For all of your PRI and 2VP merch check out the Partly Robot Industries store at TEEPUBLIC!
References, Links, and Tags
For more information about Deathbound and the developer Trialforge Studio…
https://deathbound-game.com
http://www.trialforgestudio.com/en/
Check out Small Rice Studios’ YouTube page…
https://www.youtube.com/@smallricestudios6703/
#Podbean #DIYPodcast #ApplePodcast #VideoGames #Trivia #Comedy #Talkshow #2VP #TwoVaguePodcast #PodernFamily #InterviewShow #GamersofThreads #Gamer #PartlyRobot #PartlyRobotIndustries #TeePublic #TateMultimedia #Deathbound #TrialforgeStudio #PAXWest_2024 #PAXWest2024
1 hr 1 min
September 28, 2024 Episode 120 - The Last Clip Show?
Prepare yourself for the conversational snips of the previous thirty episodes… a potpourri of what may be our final clip show for a while. Over the last 3 years we’ve obviously refined a few things. Ben is starting to get right into the show when he’s in charge of recording; a side effect of this is that warmups are no longer as much of “a thing” for us anymore. Ben has also worked diligently on reducing the necessary recording time for special guests, so these days we are also cutting far fewer segments due to time. However, we reserve the right to revisit the clip show concept in the future, but they will no longer occur on 30 episode intervals as they have in the past. And now… on to the scraps!
***
00:00:21 - Why?
00:01:47 - Ep 92 Logic clip introduction
00:02:23 - Unity fee restructuring, SAG striking, Andrew’s support, and supporting indies
00:09:19 - Ep 95 Animate clip introduction
00:10:23 - Martin’s opinions about Unity, showing support by being vocal, and StarVaders
00:13:23 - Ben asks Martin about controller support on the Mac and development challenges
00:17:07 - The benefits of being a part of the Unity developer community and 3rd party tools
00:20:33 - Effective game QA testing, using Discord, and how game engines lock down code
00:25:14 - The pros and cons of making your own game engine, and Starbucks’ in Sweden
00:26:58 - Ep 96 Robot clip introduction
00:27:38 - Differences in salts, nobody wants goiters, PRINGLES® slogans, and “Hi Julius!”
00:31:38 - Let them breathe, smells like potato water, hearing Idaho, and eating them in stacks
00:34:01 - ASMR, salt favored, the most expensive salt, condiment reminder, and library garlic
00:38:41 - PRINGLES® freshness dates foreign and domestic, ASMR+, and a bathroom break
00:43:51 - Ep 98 Ink clip introduction
00:44:19 - Sensory adventure triggers another sensory adventure, and an animatronic callback
00:48:06 - Ep 100 Review clip introduction
00:48:41 - Drop dead, postmortem, rail sharing, trains falling down, and high altitude littering
00:54:47 - Ep 102 Narative clip introduction
00:55:28 - Andrew loves all things Richard Ayoade, his first, and 0118 999 88199 9119 725... 3
01:00:54 - The “Critical Film Studies” episode of a Community, and it’s just a television show
01:03:09 - Ep 103 Rhythm clip introduction
01:04:00 - Some tech talk, definitions of art, “but also that elephant…,” and walking on the flag
01:07:48 - Heather Cassils’ performance art, and Star’s experience at Purchase College
01:11:01 - Exploring what you want to learn in community college, and don’t not be happy
01:13:24 - Decoy show start, a dress rehearsal for a podcast, and short term memory screens
01:16:15 - The WiiU, The Wonderful 101, Veiwtiful Joe, and an extreme button mashing pro tip
01:19:11 - Ep 104 Lukas Eggan Interview clip introduction
01:19:50 - Discussing Alan Wake 2, Quantum Break, and a choice for the current generation
01:22:23 - Bethesda needs a win, collecting priorities, changing it in post, and LAN Parties
01:26:24 - Lukas’ noticeable change in sound quality, our cats, and Ben’s pre-show coffee
01:28:10 - Ep 106 April Fools / Turbo Tax Game Review clip introduction
01:28:59 - Agendas, sensitivity readings, the moral “high ground,” and conspiracy theories
01:32:16 - Splitting hairs of the definition, trying to explain things, and being empathetic
01:35:49 - Ep 107 Trend clip introduction
01:36:48 - A documentary about coinage, Norah’s traffic commentary, and interview feedback
01:39:32 - Actively being a passenger, Norah reveals Alaska plans, and ambient sounds
01:43:17 - Ep 109 Beat clip introduction
01:44:13 - AI responding to AI generated content, where we get our news, and the FTC ruling
01:46:41 - Twenty year old cat FRAPs, old politicians, and refusing to work with people
01:50:33 - Printed infographics, teach yourself with the internet, and positive attitudes
01:53:58 - Ben starts showcasing his writings on Substack, and closing the show
***
Follow Two Vague on…
Our website: https://www.twovaguepodcast.com
On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/two_vague_podcast
On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@twovaguepodcast
On Substack: https://substack.com/@twovaguepodcast
For show appearance and other inquiries, contact us at: [email protected]
-AND-
…for all of your PRI and 2VP merch check out the Partly Robot Industries store at TEEPUBLIC!
https://www.teepublic.com/user/partly-robot-industries
References, Links, and Tags
#Podbean #DIYPodcast #ApplePodcast #VideoGames #Trivia #Comedy #Talkshow #2VP #TwoVaguePodcast #PodernFamily #InterviewShow #GamersofThreads #Gamer #PartlyRobot #PartlyRobotIndustries #TeePublic
1 hr 57 min
September 14, 2024 Episode 119 - Witch Spring R Review and PAX West 2024 Interviews
This week we have an AMAZING episode for you! We received another PS5 review code compliments of the fabulously kind PR ninja Robert, but before Ben spills the entire cup of tea on his time KIWIWALKS’ latest remaster of the original WitchSpring game, he recounts his 7 days of experiences in Seattle when he wasn’t busy at PAX West 2024 proper. After the review, Ben shares his LIVE (at the time) “Podcast in a Bag” interviews from the Arch Building of the Seattle Convention Center. The first one is with The Behemoth’s co-founder, artist and game designer Dan Paladin; he “sits down” with Ben to talk about his game design inspirations and of course, his favorite word. Next, JOFSOFT’s Aron Koh, the Executive Producer of the upcoming genre bending game Pizza Bandit, speaks to Ben about the circuitous route they took in their development of the game, as well as the importance of pivoting and iterating when developing for a general gaming audience.
***
00:00:21 - On this episode… two interviews, a game review, and Ben’s non-PAX Seattle stuff
00:01:41 - In Seattle, corned beef and cabbage, the story turns sour, and a mixed blessing
00:05:27 - The What’s Good Games party, Polaroid cameras, and dinner with Christian and Erik
00:07:25 - New friends in your 50s, Ben starts a Seattle walk, and selfie museum shenanigans
00:09:49 - Repopulating the planet, the Space Needle, and thanks to Nancy for the photos
00:11:03 - A fancy sandwich, more waking, a putting the bow on the trip with delicious Thai
00:13:16 - Witch versus evil pope, same story with different perspectives, and Suyoung Jang
00:16:14 - Building at your atelier, managing difficulty, a fat bird, and the experience system
00:19:42 - Increasing your other levels with training mini-games and bonus percentages
00:22:01 - 3 ups: well balanced, superior audiovisuals, and smart map zoom view and usage
00:23:30 - 3 downs: pet capture tutorial, inconsistent mission arrow, and blacksmith mini game
00:25:59 - Ben recommends playing, wants to see more witch stories, and closes the review
00:27:45 - The interviews, a quick disclaimer on the audio quality, crowd noise, and hot mics
00:30:23 - The seldom used a cappella Podcast in a Bag theme song!
00:30:35 - The co-founder of The Behemoth, Dan Paladin; words = ladle and cheeseborough
00:44:42 - The executive producer of JOFSOFT’s “Pizza Bandit,” Aron Koh;
00:51:44 - Aron’s words are pivot and iterate, the difference between the two, and WISHLIST!
00:53:13 - Ben shares what is in store for you on future episodes of the Two Vague Podcast
***
Follow Two Vague on…
Our website: https://www.twovaguepodcast.com
On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/two_vague_podcast
On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@twovaguepodcast
For show appearance and other inquiries, contact us at: [email protected]
-AND-
...for all of your PRI and 2VP merch check out the Partly Robot Industries store at TEEPUBLIC!
https://www.teepublic.com/user/partly-robot-industries
References, Links, and Tags
For more information on WitchSpring R from KIWIWALKS…
https://witchspringr.com/en/
For more information on The Behemoth’s amazing games…
https://www.thebehemoth.com/
For more information on JOFSOFT’s freshman release Pizza Bandit…
https://www.jofsoft.com/
WISHLIST Pizza Bandit on Steam HERE…
https://store.steampowered.com/app/2475010/Pizza_Bandit/
#Podbean #DIYPodcast #ApplePodcast #VideoGames #Trivia #Comedy #Talkshow #2VP #TwoVaguePodcast #PodernFamily #InterviewShow #GamersofThreads #Gamer #witchspring #witchspringr #kiwiwalks #DanPaladin #TheBehemoth #AronKoh #JOVSOFT #PizzaBandit

54 min
August 30, 2024 Episode 118 - The Imaginary Game Studios Interview Episode
In this special pre-PAX West 2024 edition of the Two Vague Podcast… does Ben have a couple of imaginary guests, the titular “Drop Dead Fred” perhaps? Nope! He’s got something far more engaging than a Phoebe Cates movie up his sleeve. Christian and Erik from Imaginary Game Studios join Ben to talk about their experiences in the AAA gaming space and their latest project Rogue Climber! It’s an episode that is guaranteed to be more exciting and interesting than driving a desert bus from Las Vegas to Tucson, Arizona.
Ben’s interview with Christian
00:00:20 - Introducing Imaginary Game Studios founder and Meticulous game creator Christian
00:02:46 - Correction, the game Ben played at the Local H concert was Battle Arena Toshinden
00:04:25 - Finding the fun, exorcising the design demons, mixing inspiration, and rage climbers
00:07:52 - The indie game flavor of the month, Steam genre tag problems, and the Cybertruck
00:11:55 - Ben’s arcade memories, Christian’s time in Japanese arcades, and a Dreamcast tip
00:14:53 - Getting Over it with Bennett Foddy, Penn & Teller’s Desert Bus, and Airplane Mode
00:17:54 - Capsule hotels, themed stuff in Japan, Studio Ghibli stores, and back to Desert Bus
00:21:25 - Cozy rage, Christian’s experiences in the AAA space, and speculating on the cause
00:24:40 - Cutting Peter Dinklage’s Ghost, and stratification of creatives, leaders, and execs
00:27:27 - The Imaginary Game Studios game jam, YouTube content creation, and the news
00:28:32 - Favorite word - imagination
Ben’s interview with Erik
00:30:19 - Introducing 2VP to Erik, focus required, a lifeline for Meticulous, and the first to play
00:33:07 - Meeting Christian at EA, working at Blizzard on Diablo 3, and a heroine killing spoiler
00:36:38 - The perils of stories “under wraps,” crafting meaningful stories, and is it censorship?
00:39:19 - The easiest thing to change, creating a simulacra, incorporating feedback, and DEI
00:42:55 - Everyone is NOT a narrative expert, the creative process, and remembering Anthem
00:45:08 - Getting to the fun questions, Counter-Strike bunnyhopping, and a Venn diagram
00:48:34 - Correction, only review copies of Penn & Teller's Smoke and Mirrors were made
00:51:11 - Favorite word - a tie between scofflaw and bindlestiff
Erik’s interview with Ben
00:52:50 - Where did you come up with the word concept?
00:54:44 - Tell me about your dad, what would his favorite word be, and connecting with Norah
00:57:54 - Ben gets a little personal about his relationship with his father
00:59:42 - What story about your father do you think had the biggest impact on you?
01:00:40 - Erik talks about his experiences writing for a Sports Illustrated subsidiary
01:02:19 - Andrew and Erik are in the same boat, the 23 year gap, and the booth babe sash
Follow Two Vague on…
Our website: https://www.twovaguepodcast.com
On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/two_vague_podcast
On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@twovaguepodcast
For show appearance and other inquiries, contact us at [email protected]
-AND-
…for all of your PRI and 2VP merch check out the Partly Robot Industries store at TEEPUBLIC!
https://www.teepublic.com/user/partly-robot-industries
References, Links, and Tags
Follow all the shenanigans Imaginary Game Studios is up to…
On their website: https://www.imaginarygamestudios.com/
On their Discord: https://discord.gg/YyDD7ECtdJ
On their YouTube channel - they post all sorts of stuff from gaming news, to gaming podcasts, to game jams, to the occasional cooking video: https://www.youtube.com/@caxtnova
Imaginary Game Studios GAMES on Steam:
https://store.steampowered.com/app/2673440/Rogue_Climber/ <—- WISHLIST ME NOW!!!
https://store.steampowered.com/app/2175790/Meticulous/
#Podbean #DIYPodcast #ApplePodcast #VideoGames #Trivia #Comedy #Talkshow #2VP #TwoVaguePodcast #PodernFamily #InterviewShow #GamersofThreads #Gamer #ImaginaryGameStudios #CaxtNova
1 hr 4 min
August 22, 2024 Episode 117 - Play
Norah and Ben are excitedly hosting the pod this week. The topic word is one that most people associate with childhood, but the benefits for adults are well documented by psychologists. Ben talks about what he is playing (Wife Quest and Stellar Blade) and Norah talks about the weather before they get in to the meat and potatoes of the discussion and start playing with their fictitious food. Why are adults reluctant to use the word play in their day to day lives? Are hobbies a form of play? What was the origin of the Sony PlayStation? Our hosts explore these questions and more!

00:00:21 - Fan thanks, OnlyFans, Tucson weather, the monsoons, and Norah’s hall of records
00:04:15 - Playing baseball, fat bottom games, the nature of addiction, and not Wife Swap
00:06:45 - Norah hates reality… television, Ben explains Wife Quest, and the ABBA connection
00:09:47 - Ben recommends for a dose of nostalgia, chibi-ish style, and on to Stellar Blade
00:13:16 - The “back in my day” card, DOA Xtreme Beach Volleyball, and why robot women?
00:17:06 - Ben likes strange stories, finding your girlfriend in a dumpster, and just Flemming
00:19:29 - Reading all the verbs and nouns, Norah’s “hot take,” and mostly recreational
00:23:55 - The origin, leaping for joy, usage in print, and other phrases containing play
00:25:46 - Plays-on-words, Ben doesn’t like golf, and burning tangerine segments at the stake
00:30:03 - Imagination, mailing snails, one class short, masters of play, building with LEGOs
00:34:27 - The stigma of playing, Ben challenges, throwing arrows and TikToks, and humor
00:37:26 - Creativity throughout life, playing funky music, and Richard Melville Hall scores
00:40:40 - The story of Play-Doh, coal residue, scent libraries, and the Doctor Drill N Fill toy
00:44:10 - A Hasbro patent, used by Homer Simpson, and the Psychology Today definition
00:47:25 - Two ways of doing puzzles and having fun, maths, and the benefits for adults
00:50:12 - After a quick pee break, a connection to Nintendo, and some CES shenanigans
00:53:31 - Developing hardware out spite, a PlayStation at a concert, and Local H’s big song
00:57:08 - You can do that outside, final thoughts, and an association to creating and learning

Follow Two Vague on…
Our website: https://www.twovaguepodcast.com
On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/two_vague_podcast
On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@twovaguepodcast
For show appearance and other inquiries, contact us at: [email protected]
-AND-
…for all of your PRI and 2VP merch check out the Partly Robot Industries store at TEEPUBLIC!
https://www.teepublic.com/user/partly-robot-industries

References, Links, and Tags
#Podbean #DIYPodcast #ApplePodcast #VideoGames #Trivia #Comedy #Talkshow #2VP #TwoVaguePodcast #PodernFamily #InterviewShow #GamersofThreads #Gamer #PartlyRobot #PartlyRobotIndustries #TeePublic
1 hr 1 min

About The Two Vague Podcast

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Two Vague is a 2 player cooperative conversation program which starts with a focus word and ends on the topic of video games. Each episode contains a blend of interview questions, trivia,…

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About The Two Vague Podcast