Maddy, Kirk, and Jason go over this week's explosive Activision Blizzard allegations, then talk about the new Marvel game from Eidos Montreal, Guardians of the Galaxy. What works and doesn't work? Are the rough edges too distracting? And are we all suffering from Marvel fatigue?

One More Thing: 

Kirk:  Beverly Hills Cop 2

Maddy: Nancy Drew: Mystery at Magnolia Gardens

Jason: Elden Ring

Links:

WSJ Article on Activision: https://www.wsj.com/articles/activision-videogames-bobby-kotick-sexual-misconduct-allegations-11637075680

Iron Pineapple’s Elden Ring impressions: ​​https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WzFR5HsPcng

“The Neutron Dance” by the Pointer Sisters: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-jdhorGtQI&ab_channel=PointerSistersVEVO

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Dovahkiin!!! Skyrim is now officially ten years old, because we are all ancient and slowly turning into dust. Jason, Kirk, and Maddy celebrate the big day by revisiting one of the most influential games of all time. They talk about how Skyrim feels to play today, all of the games it has influenced, and what makes it such a special experience.

One More Thing: 

Kirk:  Death Stranding Ziplines/infrastructure/‘breaking’ a game

Maddy: Beverly Hills Cop (1984)

Jason: Your Honor

Links:

Jason’s 2011 Wired Skyrim Preview: https://www.wired.com/2011/10/skyrim-hands-on/

Maddy’s 2011 Phoenix Skyrim Review: https://web.archive.org/web/20160211194214/https://thephoenix.com/Boston/recroom/130611-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim/

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Ever play a game that feels a whole lot like an older game? What's the DEAL with that? This week, Jason, Maddy, and Kirk talk about spiritual successors, from Bloodstained (Castlevania) to Mighty No. 9 (Mega Man) and oh so much more. What are the different kinds of spiritual successors? Why are they so common in games? And why is Jason so excited for Eiyuden Chronicles??

One More Thing: 

Kirk: Inscryption 

Maddy: Unpacking 

Jason: Guardians of the Galaxy

Links:

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Why do video game reviews often feel rushed? What's the deal with drug trips in video games? And what are some good JRPGs for beginners? This week, Jason, Kirk, and Maddy answer some of YOUR Burning Questions on all that and more.

One More Thing: 

Kirk: Death Stranding Director’s Cut

Maddy: Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy

Jason: ElecHead

Links:

Mega64’s Uncharted 3 Drug Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xPubpR6-V-g&ab_channel=Mega64

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A new Metroid game is here, and by golly, it rules. Maddy, Jason, and Kirk put on their Varian Suits and take a deep dive into Samus Aran's latest adventure, Metroid Dread, which came out earlier this month for Nintendo Switch. They talk about the game's relentless pacing, the brilliant controls, and the endless stream of power-ups. They discuss the marauding EMMIs, the difficulty, and the meticulous design of each level. Metroid Dread: it's a good video game.

One More Thing: 

Kirk: Back 4 Blood

Maddy: Freaky (2021)

Jason: Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir

Links:

Maddy’s Metroid Lore Explainer: https://www.polygon.com/22715304/metroid-dread-fusion-recap-story-lore-samus-aran-chozo

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What's a video game? Let's explain! On this very special episode of Triple Click, produced as part of Maximum Fun's Block Party, hosts Kirk Hamilton, Jason Schreier, and Maddy Myers give you a beginner's guide to gaming: the good, the bad, and the pixelated. First, a few definitions of what a "video game" actually is. Then, some recommendations for games you should play if you're just getting started. And finally, our regular bonus segment, One More Thing.

SIX GAMES FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE NEW TO VIDEO GAMES

Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Picross, Breath of the Wild, Return of the Obra Dinn, 80 Days, INSIDE

One More Thing: 

Kirk: Wildermyth

Maddy: Back 4 Blood

Jason: Switch OLED

Links:

Cameron Kunzelman’s review of Wildermyth: https://www.polygon.com/reviews/22638600/wildermyth-review-pc-proc-gen-worldwalker-games-strategy-mac-linux

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Why is Diablo one of the best-selling series of all time? Just what makes Blizzard's action-RPGs so devilishly appealing? Kirk, Maddy, and Jason break down the iconic franchise and talk about why it's good -- and why it might be pretty bad. They talk about the addictive properties of loot hunting, how the games have evolved over the years, and whether there's really room in their lives for Diablo 4.

One More Thing: 

Kirk: Far Cry 6

Maddy: Metroid Dread

Jason: Squid Game

Links:

Diego Arguello’s review of Far Cry 6 for Polygon: https://www.polygon.com/reviews/22711610/far-cry-6-review-ps5-xbox-series-x-pc-ps4-xbox-one

Squid Game subtitles: https://twitter.com/fwong/status/1444549630499254283

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It's time for a Triple Play! Jason, Maddy, and Kirk have all played a whole lot of Deathloop, the time-twisting new game from Arkane. They break down what they like and don't like about the game, diving into its unique structure, disappointing ending, and truly delightful little details.

One More Thing: 

Kirk: Hunt a Killer - Death at the Dive Bar

Maddy: Bullshit Jobs by David Graeber

Jason: Outer Wilds: Echoes of the Eye

Links:

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Villains: we all hate'em, but what would video games be without them? This week, Kirk, Jason, and Maddy try to figure out what makes a good bad guy. From Deathloop's Julianna to Final Fantasy VII's Sephiroth, antagonists can be brilliant and memorable. But why do we love to hate them? What makes them so fiendishly appealing? And just what is the deal with Kefka?

One More Thing: 

Kirk: Golf Club Wasteland

Maddy: Get In The Car, Loser!

Jason: Eastward

Jason’s Five Rules for a Good Video Game Villain:

1. They have a good motivation

2. They’re way stronger than the protagonist

3. They have a personal connectin to the protagonist

4. They have a striking look

5. They or their actions are present throughout the game

Links:

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What's the deal with Metroid? To answer that question, we must turn to series expert Maddy Myers, who explains to Kirk and Jason just what a Metroid is and why it matters. What's the lore behind Samus's baby? What's up with those Chozo? And what do we all need to know before heading into this October's much-anticipated new game Metroid Dread?

One More Thing: 

Kirk: The U.S. Open

Maddy: You Should See The Other Guy (podcast)

Jason: Deathloop

Links:

An explanation of Medvedev’s U.S. Open victory “emote”: https://kotaku.com/us-open-tennis-champion-does-video-game-celebration-aft-1847662401

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