19th

November 2020

The G-Man Hits the Spot: How Half-Life 2 Redefined Storytelling in Shooters

Break down Half-Life 2 (2004) with us, from the Gravity Gun and inventive level design to Steam’s rocky debut and why this FPS still looms so large.

12th

November 2020

The Age of the Dragonborn: The Meme, the Mods, and the Millions Who Still Play Skyrim

Forge your own path in Skyrim (2011) as we revisit its 11-11-11 launch, iconic moments, memes, and the thriving modding community that keeps it alive today.

5th

November 2020

Casting Votes, Pushing Buttons: The History of Democracy (in Video Games)

Explore how politics meets play in our 2020 episode, from early board games to Democracy and The Political Machine, tracing elections, education, and entertainment in gaming.

29th

October 2020

The Not-So Medal of Honor

Sneak behind enemy lines with Medal of Honor (1999) as we trace Spielberg’s influence, its GoldenEye comparisons, and how DreamWorks’ PlayStation debut reshaped WWII shooters.

22nd

October 2020

What A Co-Operative World

Rob and Dave revisit Borderlands (2009), exploring its development changes, accessibility, and pop culture nods on Pandora.

15th

October 2020

She Works Hard For The Money

Rob and Dave revisit RollerCoaster Tycoon (1999), exploring its origins, cereal box nostalgia, the joy of work-like gameplay, and the infamous Mr. Bones Wild Ride.

8th

October 2020

Praise the Sun! And Other Life Lessons.

Dave, Rob, and guest Damon Robson explore Dark Souls (2011), diving into its lore, multiplayer highs and lows, life lessons, and the love-or-hate debate surrounding this critically acclaimed classic.

1st

October 2020

Operation Just Cause is Real?!?

Dave and Rob explore Just Cause (2006), its surprising ties to Operation Just Cause, and how video games portray revolution differently from books and film. A mix of history, politics, and play.

24th

September 2020

Explore, Expand, Exploit, Exterminate

Dave and Rob revisit 1991’s Sid Meier’s Civilization, exploring the birth of the 4X genre, its addictive gameplay, and why time feels like it slips away when conquering the world.

17th

September 2020

Just Another Mortal Monday

Dave and Rob revisit 1993’s Mortal Kombat console release, debating SNES vs Genesis, Mortal Monday, censorship, and how it sparked the ESRB. A fiery trip through controversy, console wars, and gaming history.

10th

September 2020

Never Walk Away

Final Fantasy VII and No Memory Card Horrors. Battlefield 1942 As An Educational Tool. Burnout 3: Takedown As the Perfect Way to Vent Aggression.

3rd

September 2020

Random Acts of Kindness

Super Mario Kart and Random Acts of Kindness. Illusion of Gaia and Gaming as an Art Medium. Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons our Emotional Investment in Games.