Pixelated Playgrounds

Thanks to its arrival on the Xbox Gamepass platform, Bryan, Clint and Josh summoned their inner monster and played through the ‘reverse-horror’ metroidvania, Carrion! A great time was had by all as this interesting twist on a power fantasy encouraged creative play and invoked feelings of mischievous and sometimes sinister glee. Making your way through the sprawling depths of Relith Science Corps always fun in the moment to moment, though the act of exploration itself left the book club crew wanting in some instances. Listen in to hear our discussion on what makes Carrion the intriguing amalgamation it is!Three Word Reviews:Bryan - Pixelated People PulverizerJosh - Monster, Know ThyselfClint - Bite Size Experience

In recent years the 'deck builder roguelike' has become a crowded genre unto itself. One that Josh and Bryan really enjoy! While cards make a great framing device for a roguelike, In this podcast Bryan and Josh look at the roguelikes that take their inspiration from other games at the casino in our first 'Casino Cast' featuring Dicey Dungeons and Luck be a Landlord!Three Word Reviews:Dicey Dungeons: Bryan - Generously Crafted Roguelike Josh - A Paradise LostLuck Be a Landlord:Bryan - Second Screen SensationJosh - Fast Slots Jackpot

For this podcast Bryan, Josh, and Clint don their best shiny green power armor and launch into a wide-ranging discussion of the entire run of the venerable FPS franchise, Halo! At first we thought we might revisit Halo: Combat Evolved since we were nearing the 20th anniversary. Then we thought we’d add in a discussion on Halo: Infinite since it has made waves with Bryan and Clint recently. Finally the crew made the decision to “Finish the Fight” and touch on the rest of the franchise as well. So listen in to a podcast we’re calling Halo One to Infinity!Three Word Reviews:Bryan - War Never ChangesJosh - The Gold StandardClint - Halo is InfiniteShow Notes:Vice’s Halo Oral HistoryVG Dunkey’s Praise of the Grappeling Hook

If you have followed indie games at all over the course of the past several years, then odds are you have played or at least heard of Outer Wilds. A school project that became a Seaumas MacNally Grand Prize recipient at IGF in 2015, and then went on to be one of the most critically acclaimed games released in 2019. The team at Mobius Digital deserve every bit of that praise they received, because Outer Wilds is a truly special game. With superb physics simulation, an engrossing and complex mystery to solve, and a strong aesthetic and sonic style it punches well above its weight class as a first outing from a new studio. Bryan and Josh loved this game, and played right before the release of Echoes of the Eye, so that is not covered (though maybe we’ll revisit!).Three Word Reviews:Bryan - The Big QuestionJosh - Wander the YonderShow Notes:Epic’s Payouts to developers for their free games programStory about an astronaut and cosmonaut who became friends1927 Paramount Studio Map Of California Filming Locations That Look Like Foreign Countries & Regions

Card games and the secluded wilderness seem like a natural fit. You’re out camping with your friends, the day is over and everyone is gathered around the fire. Someone pulls out a deck of cards… …or … after your long day of hiking you pass out and are suddenly awakened in a mysterious cabin with nothing but a strange glowing pair of eyes beckoning you towards your first hand of a card game that may be your last.Inscryption’s framing device is certainly evocative, but its far from the most interesting thing about the game. We’ll say no more here, but listen in for Josh and Bryan’s spoiler-filled discussion on the indie game sensation, Inscryption!Three Word Reviews:Bryan - A Gimmick TranscendenceJosh - Fire Embers AshShow Notes:Waypoint’s Inscryption Stream

In 2021 when Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy launched for PC and current gen consoles, Bryan was experiencing a bit of Marvel fatigue. This made him initially skeptical when Clint urged him to play the latest Marvel video game property, saying it was one of his top games of the year. After learning more and seeing it was a linear 3rd person single player-focused action game (an increasingly rare genre these days), Bryan joined Clint in playing the game and absolutely loving it. Guardians of the Galaxy earns its place among the best games of 2021 by moving away from the MCU’s well trodden territory and blazing new trails for the members of Star Lord’s team. Combine that with subtle narrative, mechanical, and thematic interplay and you’ve got yourself a special game. Listen in to hear what made Clint and Bryan enjoy this game so flarking much!Three Word Reviews:Bryan - Flarking Good TimeClint - True GOTY 2021Show Notes:List of Licensed Music in GotGMusic:Everybody wants to Rule the World by Tears for FearsNever Gonna Give You Up by Rick AstleyDon’t Fear the Reaper by Blue Oyster CultSpace Riders with No Names by Star LordZero to Hero by Star Lord

In 2008, Turtle Rock studios brought a new kind of multiplayer experience to video gaming with Left 4 Dead. You and your friends took control of a group of four survivors and try to navigate a world overflowing with undead in a chaotic first person cooperative campaign. Thirteen years later and Turtle Rock are revisiting the idea with Back 4 Blood. We found that it iterated on the formula nicely in some places, and seems to have lost the plot a bit in others. Additions like the deck management system give character creation a bit more depth, while inattention to the personalities of the Cleaners removes some of the charm present in its predecessors. Overall its a great cooperative experience, so listen in as Bryan, Josh, and Clint talk through their experiences with Back 4 Blood.Three Word Reviews:Bryan - Satisfying Soulless SuccessorJosh - Wrong Lessons LearnedClint - Team Building Exercise

In 2019, Asobo Studio released A Plague Tale: Innocence, a story about a brother and sister navigating a plague and war torn 14th century France. Just months later the world would experience its own major pandemic event. For months after that Bryan and Clint had put off playing A Plague Tale, but during the Fall of 2021 they managed to play through and both are extremely happy they did. Providing a affecting emotional story (with a few supernatural elements to spice things up), A Plague Tale pulls off a cohesive blend of stealth, combat, and drama. Come for the gorgeous visuals of the French countryside, but stay for the story about how family, and found family, can make all the difference in an overwhelming world. Listen in for Bryan and Clint’s takes on A Plague Tale: Innocence and why they are excited for whatever’s next for this series and its studio.Three Word Reviews:Bryan - Sling Into ActionClint - Beauty in Bleakness

Someone’s murdered Paradise and Bryan and Josh are on the case! Paradise Killer literally drops you into the shoes of Lady Love Dies, who is investigating one of the most bizarre and otherworldly mysteries that one could imagine. The game immediately sets you free to explore a city full of convoluted history and conspiracy, dripping in sun-drenched style, and set to the tune of a relaxing and evocative soundtrack. Kaizen Game Works first outing is not a perfect game, but it is an excellent ride that you’re sure to remember for the setting alone. Listen in as Bryan and Josh investigate what makes Paradise Killer a mystery to remember.Three Word Reviews:Bryan - What Main QuestJosh - Vaporwave Occult BangerShow Notes:Vaporwave artist Saint PepsiJapanese City PopJapanese City Pop Example - Mariya Tekuchi - Plastic LoveParadise Killer’s ‘killer’ OST

Join Bryan and Clint for a podcast on the latest game from Arkane Studios, Deathloop! It has all of their Arkane favorites: flavorful distinctive environments, a deep intriguing backdrop, and interlocking systems of stealth, combat and exploration to name a few, but it also brings plenty of new ideas all its own. Whether you’re breaking the loop or protecting it there’s plenty to love on the island of Blackreef. So pull up a chair, or perhaps, join us in our 70’s style conversation pit to hear how Deathloop weaves style, action, and unpredictability into an intoxicating new type of immsersive sim.Three Word Reviews:Clint: Mastery Through RepetitionBryan: Save Scumming, Defeated

Its that spooky time of year and everyone playing games is looking for something to match the spirit of the season! The latest entry in Capcom’s long running, and often remastered Resident Evil series is Resident Evil Village. Clint, a longtime Resident Evil fan, and Bryan, a relative newcomer, both weigh in on the merits and shortcomings of this 2021 release. Sticking with the first person perspective from RE7, Village takes Ethan winters to a remote European hamlet where he squares off against four lords to save his kidnapped daughter. Well… there’s a bit more to it than that, but you’ll have to listen in to find out!Three Word Reviews:Bryan - A Horror BuffetClint - RE8: Identity Crisis

The air is getting cooler, the days are getting shorter… and Josh, Bryan, and Clint are getting spooky with Pumpkin Jack! Pumpkin Jack is a 3d action/platformer with a ton of spooky-scary Halloween vibes. It’s a love letter to the 3d platformers of yesteryear and is absolutely dripping with character and some gorgeous visuals. To add to its impressiveness, it is largely the work of solo-developer Nicolas Meyssonnier. We love to see small studios succeed at their goals and this project absolutely nails the eerie vibe it is aiming for. Three Word Reviews:Bryan - Nostalgic Pumpkin PieJosh - Crisp Fall BreezeClint - What a Treat!

If On A Winter’s Night Four Travelers by Laura Hunt and Thomas Möhring, who together make up Dead Idle Games, is a masterwork in terms of writing, art, and overall tone. Spanning three stories inside of a larger framing narrative, this (Free!) indie game delivers a punch of tension, suspense, and horror well above its weight class. Listen in as Josh and Bryan discuss what was so affecting about this indie horror gem, and reveal their ignorance of Italian postmodernist novelists.Three Word Reviews:Bryan - Allusion Confusion ConclusionJosh - Best Damn LibraryShow Notes:If On A Winter’s Night, Four Travelers – InterviewIf On A Winter’s Night, A TravelerLink to the Game: If on a Winter’s Night Four Travelers

Ahoy, Matey! Clint, Josh, and Bryan recently set sail on the Sea of Thieves and recruited fellow buccaneer and friend of the show, Andy, to reminisce on some of their most memorable mischief on the high seas. Sea of Thieves is a special kind of co-op multiplayer game, that values both whimsey and diegetic action to a high degree, whether you’re taking over one of many aspects of successfully piloting a ship, or just passing the time on deck by playing your hurdy-gurdy. Listen in to hear about how this design helps enable a one of a kind multiplayer experience that can provide equal parts calming relaxation and heart pounding chaotic action.3 Word Reviews:Bryan - Sailing and Chill Josh - Aye, Me Hearties!Clint - Ride the WaveAndy - Watch Your Back

Join Josh, fluent Paradox games veteran, and Bryan, an enthusiastic newbie for a discussion of Paradox Games’ signature 4X space strategy game, Stellaris! We both put a good amount of time into this game recently and our play actually straddled the big 3.0 update back in April 2021. Paradox games have always thrived on the support given to them by their developers, and this game is no different. Stellaris is a special game among space sims due to the huge amount of flavor infused not only into the core gameplay but also into the writing of the game’s anomalies and events.3 Word Reviews:Bryan - A Galactic Paradox Josh - Deep Spacetime Sink

City builders have always been among the more meditative and ‘flow-state inducing’ genres for many people. This week we play two city-builder games, Islanders and Dorfromantik which offer simplified but vastly different takes on the city builder genre. Islanders is a low poly score-chasing city builder that always nets you a view of one or more gorgeous cities at the end of a round. Dorfromantik is a hex-based city builder that tasks the player with keeping the city going by pursuing quests the game procedurally generates for you. Both are highly relaxing games by German development studios. Join Bryan and Josh for a discussion comparing and contrasting these two city builders in a podcast we’re calling ‘Simple Cities’3 Word Reviews:IslandersBryan - Chill Island Time Josh - Pretty Itty-bitty CityDorfromantikBryan - Carcassonne as SolitaireJosh - Single Player Carcassonne

In this episode Bryan and Josh go down the raccoon(?) hole and take a close look at Donut County, the hole physics game from Ben Esposito. Aside from being an utterly delightful experience, Donut County is also in that increasingly valuable class of games that Bryan and Josh feel can be ‘squeezed into’ almost any schedule. Shout out to the sleeping and eating habits of newborns and toddlers. So kick back, relax and enjoy listening to what the guys feel makes Donut County great for almost any player of games.Three Word Reviews:Bryan - A Hole VibeJosh - Sunday Afternoon BeerShow Notes:Failure Workshop GDC TalkCloning Article

By now its obvious to anyone not living under a rock that the magical boarding school trope is well and truly played out. After Harry Potter and its scores of imitators had run their course, it seemed unlikely that anything fresh could be done in this space…. until Ikenfell! Veteran indie dev, Chevy Ray, devised not only an innovative battle system, but also a cast of truly memorable characters supported by sharp, witty writing. It doesn’t hurt that the game also features the musical stylings of Aivi & Surasshu, the composers behind the Steven Universe series. Bryan and Josh had a magical time with Ikenfell so they summoned up their mics and had a discussion about how Ikenfell uses a diverse cast and empathetic writing to elevate itself to the top of the class.Editor’s Note: We apologize for unintentional misgendering or incorrect pronoun usage, we are doing our best but know we still have a ways to go.Three Word Reviews:Bryan - Accessible Representation MagicJosh - Narrow and WideShow Notes:Eggplant the Secret Lives of GamesAri and Sarasshu’s Album - The Black BoxIkenfell Pixel Art Article

With almost a decade in the books since its inception, Kentucky Route Zero’s final act was released in early 2020, capping off a project that has been called a new Great American Novel by some and simply obscure, yet poignant by others. Bryan and Josh have had their eye on this project for a while and recently sat down to record a podcast about their experience with Cardboard Computer’s Kentucky Route Zero. Its a long one, but this is a game that rewards a close read due to its numerous allusions and metaphors.Three Word Reviews: Josh - A Cavern DeeperBryan - Echoes of TomorrowShow Notes: The Actor and the AudienceThe Bedquilt Ramblers Bandcamp Page

This month the book club takes a trip back to the future of hacking with Quadrilateral Cowboy by Brendan Chung aka Blendo Games! Equipped with a "top-of-the-line hacking deck outfitted with a 56.6k modem and a staggering 256k RAM” (which is only slightly faster than Josh’s setup) the group talks through the plethora of interesting features and how the game succeeds, and sometimes fails, to pull them together into a mechanically engaging and aesthetically fascinating whole.Three Word Reviews:Josh - Long Compile TimeBryan - Planning as CreationClint - Couldn’t Hack It

When gyms across the US (and the world) closed in the spring of 2020, many people were left without access to their normal outlets for physical fitness. Conveniently (especially for Nintendo) only months earlier, Ring Fit Adventure had released to more buzz than is usually warranted for an exercise game. A year later Bryan and Josh are here to tell you what all the fuss was about. Listen in to hear what takes Ringfit over the top from being a good exercise game to being a good game, period. And a decent workout, too!Three Word Reviews:Josh - Off the couchBryan - Maintenance Phase PerfectionShow Notes:Wii Shop Bling

Take Control of your podcast listening device and tune into Bryan, Josh, and Clint’s discussion of the 2019 paranormal action thriller, Control, developed by Remedy Entertainment and published by 505 Games. Aside from its technical mastery and engaging combat mechanics, Control brought things to the next level with its ability to cleverly flesh out its own uniquely campy, yet tension-filled game world.Three Word Reviews:Clint: Remedy To RepetitionBryan: You’re in ControlJosh: Archetypal Action Excellence

Roll on over and take a listen as Josh and Bryan revisit the early 2000’s classic, Katamari Damacy! The novel mechanics and constant joyful energy kept us smiling the whole time and the music is as unique as it is infectious. Join us for a discussion about Katamari’s unique charm, its unmatched quirkiness, and the moral implications of the katamari’s all consuming nature.Three Word Reviews:Josh - Sweet Rolling RevengeBryan - Calculated Chaotic JoyShow Notes:Katamari Patent

Bryan and Josh are feeling heist-y as they tackle an indie gem from yesteryear, Monaco: What’s Yours is Mine. Listen in for a discussion of the co-op and chaos that makes Monaco a memorable multiplayer experience even today.Three Word Reviews:Bryan - Delicious Layer CakeJosh - Chaotic Criminal Circus

It's been almost two decades since Bethesda released The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind, a game that would revolutionize the genre and take the company from precarity to runaway success. Since then Bethesda has released two more entries in the series, Oblivion and Skyrim, with increasing commercial success with each iteration. However, in some ways the accomplishments of Morrowind have yet to be matched by the series' subsequent entries. This month we revisit Morrowind to have a discussion about what made the land of Vaardenfell come alive for so many, and what keeps this game as a fan favorite for many all these years later.Three Word Reviews:Clint - Fundamental, not fun Josh - Wander and FindBryan - A Forgotten Prophecy Show Notes:Morrowind: An Oral History (Polygon)Metaphysics of MorrowindMorrowind Combat IRL

Building things is great. Building things that build things is even better. Factorio gives you the opportunity to build an entire manufacturing infrastructure by hand and then defend it from rabid aliens while you try to escape the hostile planet you’ve found yourself on. Bryan and Josh have both spent a significant amount of time with Factorio, so come listen for what makes Factorio so unique among management sims, and stay for the in depth discussion of fluid dynamics.Three Word Reviews:Bryan - Robotic Rabbit HoleJosh - Start With Nothing

Since its early access release in February, Valheim has quickly gone from relative unknown to the talk of the town. Bryan and Josh take a look at why Valheim’s particular twist on the survival genre resonates with so many, and how the developer, Iron Gate AB, successfully applies their multiplayer-first philosophy to an open-world experience. Four million vikings can't be wrong.Three Word Reviews:Bryan - First Pleasant SurpriseJosh - Maps, Crafts, Rafts

It's rare to find a game that can be compared favorably to both Hollow Knight for tight metroidvania gameplay and Pixar for skill in animation and storytelling, but that is exactly what we found ourselves doing in our recent discussion of Ori and the Will of the Wisps. Moon Studio’s latest entry featuring the glowing woodland creature brought forth the best elements of its predecessor while adding in a host of mechanical and artistic improvements. Listen in as we talk through what allows Ori to make you feel heroic, deeply empathetic, and, well, squirrely all in the course of a few hours.Three Word Reviews:Bryan - Pixar Perfect MetroidvaniaClint - Imitation is FlatteryJosh - Beautiful Forest ScamperShow Notes:Digital Foundry - Ori Switch Conversion VideoMoon Studio was Virtual before it was cool

Discover a brand new pixelated world with Bryan and Josh as they reminisce about a game they have both enjoyed for years, Terraria. Developed by Re-Logic in 2011 it has enjoyed stellar support from its developers and community transforming it from ‘2d Minecraft’ into a true classic in its own right. Since its relatively humble origins, Terraria has grown into something truly special, so listen in to hear about what make’s game’s exploration, building, combat, and loot such a compelling combination.Three Word Reviews:Bryan: Not 2d Minecraft!Josh: Gimmicks and Gizmo

If there is one genre that is most indicative of the PS4/Xbox One generation of video game consoles, you can make a pretty good argument that it is the open world action game. Trailblazed and typified by Ubisoft and their Assassin’s Creed franchise, there have been a slew of imitators and innovators throughout the past decade. As we close out the PS4’s catalogue of console exclusives, its only fitting that we receive one of the best iterations of this type of game. Join Clint and Bryan for a discussion on what Ghost of Tsushima has to offer and how it expands and improves the open world action game in a variety of ways.Three Word Reviews:Bryan - A Generation PerfectedClint - Take Notes UbisoftShow Notes:Perfect Famitsu Scores

With everything going on in the world today we took the opportunity for a nice bit of escapism into a beloved game of our adolescence. A respite into a world where… wait a minute … A pandemic is ravaging the planet, there are riots in the street, and misinformation spreads like wildfire causing the collapse of government institutions? Well anyway, it's the 20th anniversary of the release of Deus Ex which became a standard-bearer for the immersive sim genre, and an early take on the cyberpunk genre in video games. Join Bryan and Josh for a deep dive into what made this game special and how it holds up today.Three Word Reviews:Bryan - Swiss Army NanobladeJosh - Explore Plan ExecuteShow Notes:Deus Ex Classic Game Postmortem - GDC 2017Speedrun of Deus Ex at Games Done Quick 2018

The end of the year is time for reflection, so we took a look back at the latest outing from Thunder Lotus Games: Spiritfarer. It is ‘a cozy game about death’, and if that pitch isn’t enough to grab your attention then maybe the stunning animation, gorgeous soundtrack, and heartwarming story woven into an engaging management simulation will. Join Bryan and Josh as they discuss how the game handles the concept of death, while Josh reflects on his personal experience providing end-of-life care as a nurse.Three Word Reviews:Bryan: A Bittersweet VoyageJosh: Gently Unto Oblivion

We’ve stacked the deck with our second Roguelike Roundup to include two very interesting indie games: Slay the Spire and One Step from Eden. Both of these games are ‘deckbuilder roguelikes’ that take the mechanics of collectable card games and blend them with roguelike game design for a very potent mechanical combination. However the most interesting thing about these two games turns out to be the incredibly divergent way they each chose to interpret how to implement this combination.

While it's already spent a year in early access, the book club crew has finally come to their senses and jumped head first into Hades just in time for its full 1.0 release. The developer, Supergiant games, has gained a well-deserved following by elevating their productions with everything from eye-popping artistic flourishes to jaw-dropping music and audio. Join us and see what we think makes this a god-tier adaptation of rogue-lite mechanics into a finely crafted dungeon brawler.Three Word Reviews:Bryan: An Auteur ApotheosisJosh: A Tightly-woven TapestryClint: The New StandardShow Notes:No-Clip Documentary: Developing HellDarren Korb - Good Riddance Tab

What if I told you there was a game released in 2012 that told a compelling story without using any words? That it also provided a beautiful allegory for one’s passage through life? And that it has online multiplayer which is never toxic or exclusive? It's hard to believe but all of this is true of Journey, which Thatgamecompany released almost a decade ago. It made a big impression when it was first launched, but remained a blind spot for the book club crew until now. Listen in to our discussion about what made this game special and how it holds up today.Three Word Reviews:Bryan: Wordless Road TripClint: Short and SweetJosh: Scarf Squids ForeverEpisode Notes:Jenova Chen’s GDC talk on Journey

In 1992, a trio of game development titans teamed up to create something never seen before. Producer Hironobu Sakaguchi, creator of Final Fantasy, joined up with writer Yuji Horii, creator of Dragon Quest, and character designer Akira Toriyama, creator of the Dragon Ball manga series. This Dream Team released one of the true classics of the SNES era: Chrono Trigger. JRPGs are big news in the gaming world, with Final Fantasy 6 and Earthbound shaking up old ideas of what's possible. Then comes Chrono Trigger. Backed by a kick-ass soundtrack and graphics that pushed the limits of the SNES console, Chrono's time-travelling adventures captured the heart of a young gaming generation.Three Word Reviews:Bryan: Killer, No FillerJosh: All time GreatClint: Passed Time’s Test

In June of 2020 itch.io organized a bundle containing 1,741 games, assets and documents from 1,391 independent creators which was released to support the Black Lives Matter protests following the murder of George Floyd. It has since raised $8,151,916.91 from about 815k contributors for the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund and Community Bail Fund. While we can’t provide in depth analysis of every game in this bundle, we can pick a few that piqued our interest and tell you what we thought. Join Josh, Clint, and Bryan for a discussion of Minit, Lenna’s Inception, Loot Rascals, Mortician’s Tale, Stillness of the Wind, and Long Gone Days along with a few others.

Take the scenic route with Bryan and Josh as they check out Adam Robinson Yu's A Short Hike. They discuss the peaceful journey from seashore to summit and the wonderful way the game presents itself as a distraction from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Listen in to hear their thoughts on how the game sticks the landing with an unexpectedly poignant ending.Three word reviews:Bryan: A Good HangJosh: A Beautiful EscapeEpisode Notes:Adam Robinson-Yu’s GDC Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZW8gWgpptI8

Josh and Bryan like roguelikes. They like Roguelites and Roguelike-likes, too. What better way to let them display their like of roguelikes than to round a few up, play them, and have a rollicking discussion about what makes these games, and roguelikes in general, so much fun. This month Josh picked the pixelated sandbox simulation, Noita, and Bryan chose the stylish and sarcastic, Void Bastards. It’s a roguelike roundup!Three Word Reviews:Noita: Bryan - Oops, I’m Dead / Josh - Learn the ArtVoid Bastards: Bryan - Sarcastic Space Swashbuckling / Josh Spaceship ScavengerShow Notes:Derek Yu’s Book - SpelunkySpelunky ShowlikeEmbed with Games by Cara Ellison

Pack your bags and embark on a Super Mario world tour with Bryan, Josh, and Clint as they take a trip through Nintendo’s latest entry into the mainline Super Mario series, Super Mario Odyssey! On this journey we’ll visit various ports of call including: Nostalgia Bay, Adventure Cove, and Innovation Island. It might be many moons before we’re back home, but the trip will be worth it. Don’t forget to take some time out to immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of every unique and wonderful location you visit along the way.Three Word Reviews: Bryan - Donk City Forever Josh - Captivating Cruise Ship Clint - Still Got it

Join the guys as they rip and tear through one of the best FPS games on the market today - DOOM ETERNAL! A lot has changed since '93, come see what the latest entry in this iconic franchise brings to table and why it might be worth the trip to hell and back.

Construction and management sims like Dwarf fortress or, more recently, Rimworld have a way of immersing the player fully into a tiny world that they control every aspect of… until disaster strikes and plunges your tiny world into chaos. Rimworld keeps players engaged by continually creating compelling stories and forcing players to adjust to increasingly hectic obstacles, from raiders or inclement weather to the psychological quirks of your colonists. Listen in for Josh and Bryan’s trials and triumphs on the galactic frontier as they discuss kickstarted Steam Early Access juggernaut, Rimworld!Three Word Reviews:Bryan - Perils of Addiction /Josh - Western Space Opera

There’s murder on the high seas! … as well as beheadings, executions, maimings, devourings, drownings, stranglings, shootings, and good old fashioned disappearances. In Lucas’s Pope’s 2018 mystery masterpiece you play the role of an insurance adjuster attempting to figure out what happened aboard the mysterious Obra Dinn after it recently showed up with its entire crew dead or missing. Join us for a discussion about what makes Obra Dinn different from other mystery games and why this is a must-play for those looking for novel experiences in gaming. Three Word Reviews: Clint - I’m on Board Bryan - Addition by Deduction Josh - Sinbad, Snapshot Sherlock

Clint and Bryan prepare for Titanfall as they make their way through what is remembered as one of the most innovative and compelling FPS campaign modes of its time. Each mission brings a fresh perspective and framing to a rock-solid set of mechanics, as well as some unfortunately lackluster writing. They also set their sights on multiplayer, where this game still shines to this day. It's easy to see the lineage of excellence at Respawn Entertainment would give us one of the most successful battle royale games, Apex Legends, a few years later. Three Word Reviews: Bryan - Half Complete Package Clint - A Mechanical Masterpiece

The world’s largest multimedia franchise made its debut on the Nintendo Switch in 2019 and the book club has Pokemon fever like it's 1998 all over again! It’s been at least a decade since each of us had played an entry in this long-running series and it was interesting for the book club crew to take stock of what has changed… and what hasn’t. Join Bryan, Josh, and Clint for a Pokemon safari in the tall grass of nostalgia and see if you can separate our actual critical analysis from our reminiscing at the Pokemon of yesteryear through our rose tinted glasses.Three Word Reviews:Clint - Didn’t Catch Me / Bryan - Nostalgia Warmed Over / Josh - Reliable Income Stream

It’s a BOY! Clint's a dad now and for this special episode that has been released on the day of his son’s birth, we check out a heartfelt game about a father and his son, God of War (2018). Check out how this franchise has totally reinvented itself into something truly special that helped Clint prepare for his own adventure into fatherhood.Clint: That’s My Boy Bryan: Dad of Boy

RHETORIC: Should Bryan, Josh and Clint talk about Disco Elysium this month?LOGIC: Yes they probably should, its won a ton of awards, has an engaging story, and boasts some of the best writing they can remember.EMPATHY: That writing is always in service to this game’s true strength: telling a deeply affecting and sometimes hilarious story of how a person grows and forms their personality in the face of a bleak, brutal world.CONCEPTUALIZATION: It has an incredibly well fleshed out game world as well, with thousands of years of history to flavor an already very alive modern noire setting.SUGGESTION: Also, Kim. Kitsuragi kicks ass.VOLITION: Alright, let’s get into it. This month’s Video Game Book Club is about Disco Elysium and why its an incredible game.Three Word Reviews:Clint: In your head / Bryan: Radical Midlife Crisis / Josh: Failure is Story

Perhaps one of the most influential games of the 2010’s is From Software’s Dark Souls. As the inspiration of the ‘souls-like’ genre and immense source of frustration for many a gamer, Dark Souls combines deep (if impenetrable) RPG systems with stellar world building to create a profoundly memorable experience. If you can get through it. Listen in as Bryan, Josh, and Clint talk through their respective encounters with this modern gaming landmark.Three Word Reviews:Clint: In the DarkBryan: Engage, Challenge, RewardJosh: The Uncaring World

Video Game Book Club by Pixelated Playgrounds covering the Super Smash Brothers series by Nintendo.Show Notes:Bryan’s 2018 GOTY ListThe Smash Brothers DocumentaryHome Run Contest World RecordKirby Survives the ApolcalypseThree word reviews:Bryan: Glee For AllJosh: Furious Pickup Basketball

Video Game Book Club by Pixelated Playgrounds covering Cave Story by Pixel, released in 2004.