As we continue our cruise through the Final Fantasy Pixel Remasters here on KnockBack, we come to the enigma that is Final Fantasy III. Like Final Fantasy II, III never got a western release at the time it came to Famicom in 1990. But unlike II, which finally saw the light of day in the west late in the PSone era, we had to wait until 2006 to play Final Fantasy III in western markets, and we did so via a 3D remake on Nintendo DS with a sterile and boring aesthetic overshadowing an otherwise solid job-based title. Finally, though, we can experience it as intended, with chibi sprites and chiptunes, and we're glad we did. A prelude to beloved Final Fantasy IV -- not in story, but in substance -- Final Fantasy III is a worthy old-school JRPG, one we're pleased to present thoughts on today. What's even more exciting, though, is that we can now be unleashed on the truly amazing series entries to come... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As we continue our cruise through the Final Fantasy Pixel Remasters here on KnockBack, we come to the enigma that is Final Fantasy III. Like Final Fantasy II, III never got a western release at the time it came to Famicom in 1990. But unlike II, which finally saw the light of day in the west late in the PSone era, we had to wait until 2006 to play Final Fantasy III in western markets, and we did so via a 3D remake on Nintendo DS with a sterile and boring aesthetic overshadowing an otherwise solid job-based title. Finally, though, we can experience it as intended, with chibi sprites and chiptunes, and we're glad we did. A prelude to beloved Final Fantasy IV -- not in story, but in substance -- Final Fantasy III is a worthy old-school JRPG, one we're pleased to present thoughts on today. What's even more exciting, though, is that we can now be unleashed on the truly amazing series entries to come... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

#266 | Final Fantasy III

There couldn't be a more appropriate film for us to cover here on KnockBack than Steven Spielberg's 1977 sci-fi classic Close Encounters of the Third Kind, at least through a contemporary lens. After all, the United States government is seemingly on the cusp of spilling the beans about potentially decades-old cover-ups of encounters with alien technologies, and, well, Close Encounters deals with this very topic. Starring a young Richard Dreyfuss and scored by a still-seasoning John Williams, Close Encounters of the Third Kind is an often chaotic (but always stylish) look at just how, when, and what we could potentially be visited by from beyond our atmosphere, and all of the fright and hope alike that comes along with such a visit. Of course -- this being KnockBack -- our conversation devolves into a wider chat about aliens, spacecraft, encounters, and what we may be on the verge of learning. We simply couldn't help ourselves. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There couldn't be a more appropriate film for us to cover here on KnockBack than Steven Spielberg's 1977 sci-fi classic Close Encounters of the Third Kind, at least through a contemporary lens. After all, the United States government is seemingly on the cusp of spilling the beans about potentially decades-old cover-ups of encounters with alien technologies, and, well, Close Encounters deals with this very topic. Starring a young Richard Dreyfuss and scored by a still-seasoning John Williams, Close Encounters of the Third Kind is an often chaotic (but always stylish) look at just how, when, and what we could potentially be visited by from beyond our atmosphere, and all of the fright and hope alike that comes along with such a visit. Of course -- this being KnockBack -- our conversation devolves into a wider chat about aliens, spacecraft, encounters, and what we may be on the verge of learning. We simply couldn't help ourselves. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

#265 | Close Encounters of the Third Kind

The great American author Cormac McCarthy recently passed away at the age of 89. In his decades as a writer, he penned a dozen novels, and we've actually covered a couple of them on this show in the past: The Road (Episode #78) and No Country For Old Men (Episode #233). In ode of such an inspirational and talented creator, we thought we'd thumb through what many consider his finest work, Blood Meridian. Written in 1985 -- before McCarthy was a truly known literary quantity, but nonetheless well into his career -- Blood Meridian tells the story of The Kid, a runaway-turned-criminal inescapably caught-up in the events of the American southwest in the years leading into the Civil War. Brutal, violent, vivid, and honest, Blood Meridian is a tough read on multiple levels, and there's an incredible density of threads to pull when talking about it. Thus, we did the best we could to show thanks to Cormac McCarthy the KnockBack way, following whichever trails the conversation brings us down. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The great American author Cormac McCarthy recently passed away at the age of 89. In his decades as a writer, he penned a dozen novels, and we've actually covered a couple of them on this show in the past: The Road (Episode #78) and No Country For Old Men (Episode #233). In ode of such an inspirational and talented creator, we thought we'd thumb through what many consider his finest work, Blood Meridian. Written in 1985 -- before McCarthy was a truly known literary quantity, but nonetheless well into his career -- Blood Meridian tells the story of The Kid, a runaway-turned-criminal inescapably caught-up in the events of the American southwest in the years leading into the Civil War. Brutal, violent, vivid, and honest, Blood Meridian is a tough read on multiple levels, and there's an incredible density of threads to pull when talking about it. Thus, we did the best we could to show thanks to Cormac McCarthy the KnockBack way, following whichever trails the conversation brings us down. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

#264 | Blood Meridian

Sports flicks are beloved the world over for their relatable characters, uplifting stories, and remarkable endings. Disney's 1992 live-action hockey movie The Mighty Ducks is certainly no exception, though -- more than 30 years later -- there are a few bits that may not have gotten through the goalie (pardon the pun). The reality is this: The Mighty Ducks is arguably the greatest hockey movie ever, and one of the greatest children's sports films of all-time. It's also a movie that happens to be very near-and-dear to one Colin Moriarty's heart, what with his love of hockey and all. He was a third grader just beginning his youth hockey career when The Mighty Ducks hit theaters, and needless to say, it was formative. Quack. Quack. Quack! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sports flicks are beloved the world over for their relatable characters, uplifting stories, and remarkable endings. Disney's 1992 live-action hockey movie The Mighty Ducks is certainly no exception, though -- more than 30 years later -- there are a few bits that may not have gotten through the goalie (pardon the pun). The reality is this: The Mighty Ducks is arguably the greatest hockey movie ever, and one of the greatest children's sports films of all-time. It's also a movie that happens to be very near-and-dear to one Colin Moriarty's heart, what with his love of hockey and all. He was a third grader just beginning his youth hockey career when The Mighty Ducks hit theaters, and needless to say, it was formative. Quack. Quack. Quack! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

#263 | The Mighty Ducks

Our meandering through the Final Fantasy Pixel Remasters continues with Final Fantasy II, widely considered the 'black sheep' of the traditional series. But a lot of that hinges on perception, or lack thereof. See, Final Fantasy II took forever to come to the west -- it came to Famicom in 1988 but never migrated outside of Japan until it launched on PSone in 2003 -- so the reality is, a lot of people don't have any experience with it at all. And those that do have played it in sometimes less-than-ideal circumstances, though there are some good ports and reworkings on GBA (2004) and PSP (2007) to note. This episode of KnockBack, not surprisingly, is dedicated to the beleaguered II, the odd-man-out of classic Final Fantasy. With a differentiated experience system, an easily-broken economy, and actual characters and story, it's certainly a tale of ups and downs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Our meandering through the Final Fantasy Pixel Remasters continues with Final Fantasy II, widely considered the 'black sheep' of the traditional series. But a lot of that hinges on perception, or lack thereof. See, Final Fantasy II took forever to come to the west -- it came to Famicom in 1988 but never migrated outside of Japan until it launched on PSone in 2003 -- so the reality is, a lot of people don't have any experience with it at all. And those that do have played it in sometimes less-than-ideal circumstances, though there are some good ports and reworkings on GBA (2004) and PSP (2007) to note. This episode of KnockBack, not surprisingly, is dedicated to the beleaguered II, the odd-man-out of classic Final Fantasy. With a differentiated experience system, an easily-broken economy, and actual characters and story, it's certainly a tale of ups and downs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

#262 | Final Fantasy II

Few gaming franchises have had the staying power of Square's (and later Square Enix's) Final Fantasy. Launched in the waning weeks of 1987 in Japan, it took some two and a half years for the original title to migrate to western NES consoles, and while it sold fairly well, it still represented only a small spark that would set off a slow burn. Ultimately, that burn would turn into a raging fire -- Final Fantasies IV, VI, and VII are widely considered some of the strongest games ever made, and we are in the midst of a revitalization of the franchise series -- but humble beginnings are what this episode of KnockBack is all about. The quaint and humble JRPG that emerged from Square in the late-'80s set the stage for all that would come, and we're thrilled to dive deep into everything that makes the original Final Fantasy so interesting and so vital so many years later. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Few gaming franchises have had the staying power of Square's (and later Square Enix's) Final Fantasy. Launched in the waning weeks of 1987 in Japan, it took some two and a half years for the original title to migrate to western NES consoles, and while it sold fairly well, it still represented only a small spark that would set off a slow burn. Ultimately, that burn would turn into a raging fire -- Final Fantasies IV, VI, and VII are widely considered some of the strongest games ever made, and we are in the midst of a revitalization of the franchise series -- but humble beginnings are what this episode of KnockBack is all about. The quaint and humble JRPG that emerged from Square in the late-'80s set the stage for all that would come, and we're thrilled to dive deep into everything that makes the original Final Fantasy so interesting and so vital so many years later. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

#261 | Final Fantasy

In the summer of 2005, a comedy hit theaters that surprised audiences: The 40 Year Old Virgin. The feature directorial debut of Judd Apatow -- previously best-known as a director, producer, and writer on TV projects like Freaks and Geeks and The Critic -- the film's title doesn't exactly belie its silly nature. But that's what's so fun and endearing about it. It's far from being the perfect comedy -- it has its notable weaknesses -- but it commands your attention with snappy writing, goofy characters, and a lot of heart. Is life all about butthole pleasures? One man says no, but we'll leave that up to you to determine... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the summer of 2005, a comedy hit theaters that surprised audiences: The 40 Year Old Virgin. The feature directorial debut of Judd Apatow -- previously best-known as a director, producer, and writer on TV projects like Freaks and Geeks and The Critic -- the film's title doesn't exactly belie its silly nature. But that's what's so fun and endearing about it. It's far from being the perfect comedy -- it has its notable weaknesses -- but it commands your attention with snappy writing, goofy characters, and a lot of heart. Is life all about butthole pleasures? One man says no, but we'll leave that up to you to determine... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

#260 | The 40 Year Old Virgin

It's time for us to talk about a bona fide classic! Super Mario Bros. 3 -- launched in 1988 on Japanese Famicoms and in 1990 on the NES -- is widely considered one of the greatest games of all-time. And it's true: SMB3 is a masterclass in gameplay, design, and intent. But above all else, it's fun. Really, really fun, just as fun today as it was decades ago. We're excited to gush about one of our favorite games of our youth, one rife with memories and stories to tell. Indeed, we'd argue that Super Mario Bros. 3 is so close to perfect that it's hard to present one meaningful criticism of it (outside of its lack of saving, perhaps). So grab your Tanooki Suit and report for duty in the grasslands! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's time for us to talk about a bona fide classic! Super Mario Bros. 3 -- launched in 1988 on Japanese Famicoms and in 1990 on the NES -- is widely considered one of the greatest games of all-time. And it's true: SMB3 is a masterclass in gameplay, design, and intent. But above all else, it's fun. Really, really fun, just as fun today as it was decades ago. We're excited to gush about one of our favorite games of our youth, one rife with memories and stories to tell. Indeed, we'd argue that Super Mario Bros. 3 is so close to perfect that it's hard to present one meaningful criticism of it (outside of its lack of saving, perhaps). So grab your Tanooki Suit and report for duty in the grasslands! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

#259 | Super Mario Bros. 3

If you wanted to ask your friend to play in 1990, you had to call his house phone and hope for the best. Was anyone there? Who would answer? Would your friend be available? Maybe you'll leave a message... It was a weird tradition we repeated ad nauseam, one of many peculiar and lost customs we were subjected to in our analog childhoods. And it's those traditions that are the subject of this episode of KnockBack. Wild rumors and speculation on the playground? The internet solves that for today's youth, but in our day, we believed it all. Wanted to know if you had a snow day? You had to start watching the local news the night before and into the next morning, hoping to see your school district appear in the scrolling marquee. New year teacher assignments and quarterly grades? Sent through the old-fashioned mail, easy to intercept or lose. Waiting was a rite of passage for all schoolkids. Now, youngins can know anything at any time, about everything in the world. The mystery is gone, yes, but we hope this show rekindles it for a moment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If you wanted to ask your friend to play in 1990, you had to call his house phone and hope for the best. Was anyone there? Who would answer? Would your friend be available? Maybe you'll leave a message... It was a weird tradition we repeated ad nauseam, one of many peculiar and lost customs we were subjected to in our analog childhoods. And it's those traditions that are the subject of this episode of KnockBack. Wild rumors and speculation on the playground? The internet solves that for today's youth, but in our day, we believed it all. Wanted to know if you had a snow day? You had to start watching the local news the night before and into the next morning, hoping to see your school district appear in the scrolling marquee. New year teacher assignments and quarterly grades? Sent through the old-fashioned mail, easy to intercept or lose. Waiting was a rite of passage for all schoolkids. Now, youngins can know anything at any time, about everything in the world. The mystery is gone, yes, but we hope this show rekindles it for a moment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

#258 | Some Ways Times Have Changed

Let it go?! No. Embrace it! Frozen turns 10 this year, and in ode, Dagan thought it'd be a good idea to give the film the KnockBack treatment. And so we did just that. The tale of sisters Elsa and Anna is surprisingly emotional, and the film itself is chock-full of a small-but-solid cast of surrounding characters. Over the last decade, Frozen has turned into a phenomenon, and -- for little girls, especially -- it remains an iconographic piece of fiction. The ultimate question we want to get to here on KnockBack is: Does it deserve all of the accolades? You'd have to be icy to think not. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Let it go?! No. Embrace it! Frozen turns 10 this year, and in ode, Dagan thought it'd be a good idea to give the film the KnockBack treatment. And so we did just that. The tale of sisters Elsa and Anna is surprisingly emotional, and the film itself is chock-full of a small-but-solid cast of surrounding characters. Over the last decade, Frozen has turned into a phenomenon, and -- for little girls, especially -- it remains an iconographic piece of fiction. The ultimate question we want to get to here on KnockBack is: Does it deserve all of the accolades? You'd have to be icy to think not. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

#257 | Frozen

A weekly, retro-and-nostalgia-themed podcast co-hosted by brothers Colin and Dagan Moriarty. Video games, television shows, movies, books, toys, comics, and more... this podcast covers it all. New episodes post each Monday. To get every episode a week early and ad-free, as well as gain the ability to submit questions and comments to be read on the show, please consider supporting the show on Patreon: patreon.com/laststandmediaWe wanna make the podcast even better, help us learn how we can: https://bit.ly/2EcYbu4 For advertising opportunities please email PodcastPartnerships@Studio71us.com   Privacy Policy: https://www.studio71.com/us/terms-and-conditions-use/#Privacy%20Policy

Some reviewer said this was to long

These two tackle fun nastalgic subjects and reminisce about them in a fun and informative way.

Funny, relaxing, nostalgic

A weekly, retro-and-nostalgia-themed podcast co-hosted by brothers Colin and Dagan Moriarty. Video games, television shows, movies, books, toys, comics, and more... this podcast covers it all. New episodes post each Monday. To get every episode a week early and ad-free, as well as gain the ability to submit questions and comments to be read on the show, please consider supporting the show on Patreon: <a href="http://patreon.com/laststandmedia" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">patreon.com/laststandmedia</a> We wanna make the podcast even better, help us learn how we can: <a href="https://bit.ly/2EcYbu4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/2EcYbu4</a>  For advertising opportunities please email PodcastPartnerships@Studio71us.com    Privacy Policy: <a href="https://www.studio71.com/us/terms-and-conditions-use/#Privacy%20Policy" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.studio71.com/us/terms-and-conditions-use/#Privacy%20Policy</a>

KnockBack: The Retro and Nostalgia Podcast

It took a while for PlayStation 3 to really get going, but when it did, it graced players with a slew of amazing exclusive games that solidified the console's place in industry history. Interestingly enough, though, it was one of its very last exclusives -- launched in the shadow of PlayStation 4 -- that easily takes the cake as PS3's best game. Naughty Dog's The Last of Us came out in the early summer of 2013, and immediately bowled over millions of gamers around the world with its incredible story, amazing characters, award-winning performances, and fantastic gameplay. It's truly, actually, really, and definitely one of the best games ever made, and we are thrilled to dedicate nearly three hours to talking all about it. So take a knee, craft what you need, and let's get going.  Oh... and avoid those spores. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It took a while for PlayStation 3 to really get going, but when it did, it graced players with a slew of amazing exclusive games that solidified the console's place in industry history. Interestingly enough, though, it was one of its very last exclusives -- launched in the shadow of PlayStation 4 -- that easily takes the cake as PS3's best game. Naughty Dog's The Last of Us came out in the early summer of 2013, and immediately bowled over millions of gamers around the world with its incredible story, amazing characters, award-winning performances, and fantastic gameplay. It's truly, actually, really, and definitely one of the best games ever made, and we are thrilled to dedicate nearly three hours to talking all about it. So take a knee, craft what you need, and let's get going.  Oh... and avoid those spores. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

#85: The Last of Us

It seems like only yesterday that we launched our retro and nostalgia podcast KnockBack, and yet it's been nearly two years since our maiden voyage. A hundred weeks on, we've naturally arrived at our 100th episode, and to celebrate, we thought we'd talk about our greatest shared love: Video games. More specifically, we thought we'd talk about 100 games we absolutely adore, 100 games any aficionado of the medium should check out. Enjoy our longest episode of KnockBack to date (four hours!), and thank you so much for supporting our show, and making it the hit it has become. As usual, we simply couldn't do it without you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It seems like only yesterday that we launched our retro and nostalgia podcast KnockBack, and yet it's been nearly two years since our maiden voyage. A hundred weeks on, we've naturally arrived at our 100th episode, and to celebrate, we thought we'd talk about our greatest shared love: Video games. More specifically, we thought we'd talk about 100 games we absolutely adore, 100 games any aficionado of the medium should check out. Enjoy our longest episode of KnockBack to date (four hours!), and thank you so much for supporting our show, and making it the hit it has become. As usual, we simply couldn't do it without you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

#100: 100 Video Games We Adore

In May of 1999, the very Earth below us shook as Star Wars fully emerged from dormancy. While George Lucas ate around the edges throughout the '90s, re-releasing the classic trilogy multiple times while launching an absurd amount of toys and other merchandise, it all ultimately led to one thing: Episode I. As the first Star Wars film since 1983's Return of the Jedi, Episode I -- subtitled The Phantom Menace -- had immense pressure put on it from the moment it was announced, and for most fans, it simply didn't deliver. But really, there's a lot more here than just (in our opinion) a subpar film. There's a ravenous fandom to discuss, too, one that we were (and kinda still are) a part of. There was the early Internet, forums, leaks, rumors, and more. There's a director who probably shouldn't be directing, a producer who didn't really seem to be producing, and special effects that don't age quite as well as you'd think. What went wrong with E1? What did it do right? And what was it like seeing it in the theater, opening day, opening show, around a lot of very, very, very excited people, about a decade before you could even share the experience on your smartphone? This is the longest episode of KnockBack yet, and you voted for it. (Yes: We're angels.) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In May of 1999, the very Earth below us shook as Star Wars fully emerged from dormancy. While George Lucas ate around the edges throughout the '90s, re-releasing the classic trilogy multiple times while launching an absurd amount of toys and other merchandise, it all ultimately led to one thing: Episode I. As the first Star Wars film since 1983's Return of the Jedi, Episode I -- subtitled The Phantom Menace -- had immense pressure put on it from the moment it was announced, and for most fans, it simply didn't deliver. But really, there's a lot more here than just (in our opinion) a subpar film. There's a ravenous fandom to discuss, too, one that we were (and kinda still are) a part of. There was the early Internet, forums, leaks, rumors, and more. There's a director who probably shouldn't be directing, a producer who didn't really seem to be producing, and special effects that don't age quite as well as you'd think. What went wrong with E1? What did it do right? And what was it like seeing it in the theater, opening day, opening show, around a lot of very, very, very excited people, about a decade before you could even share the experience on your smartphone? This is the longest episode of KnockBack yet, and you voted for it. (Yes: We're angels.) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

#80 | Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace

In 2017, EA shuttered its fully-owned studio Visceral, which bummed a lot of people out, since they were developing a Star Wars game. But back in 2008, before they were called Visceral -- when the team was known by the more quaint moniker EA Redwood Shores -- the talented NorCal developer launched Dead Space, one of the most beloved survival horror adventures ever created. Taking place in the 26th century and loaded with a mixture of sci-fi and religion, Dead Space tells the tale of Isaac Clarke, a mechanic who finds himself in a harrowing situation light years from home and without any sort of practical arsenal. So let's chat about the USG Ishimura, the planet known as Aegis VII, and a mysterious artifact known as the Red Marker. For it's that artifact that transforms humans into Necromorphs, and turns everything on its head, zero gravity be damned. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In 2017, EA shuttered its fully-owned studio Visceral, which bummed a lot of people out, since they were developing a Star Wars game. But back in 2008, before they were called Visceral -- when the team was known by the more quaint moniker EA Redwood Shores -- the talented NorCal developer launched Dead Space, one of the most beloved survival horror adventures ever created. Taking place in the 26th century and loaded with a mixture of sci-fi and religion, Dead Space tells the tale of Isaac Clarke, a mechanic who finds himself in a harrowing situation light years from home and without any sort of practical arsenal. So let's chat about the USG Ishimura, the planet known as Aegis VII, and a mysterious artifact known as the Red Marker. For it's that artifact that transforms humans into Necromorphs, and turns everything on its head, zero gravity be damned. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

#99: Dead Space

The infamous Prequel Trilogy of Star Wars films left a bad taste in many enthusiasts' mouths, particularly those who have been fans of the space opera franchise going back to the '70s and '80s. That's why it was so amazingly exciting when -- in 2015 -- Star Wars appeared primed to return to form with a JJ Abrams-led movie that had the entire galaxy eager to see what happens next. The result was something safe, but solid, with a returning cast of familiar faces joined by a new generation of rebels, imperials, pilots, scoundrels, and would-be Jedi. Join us for a discussion (nearly twice as long as the movie itself!) about the ins and outs of the plot, characters, worlds, and more than make The Force Awakens tick... and why it's perhaps the greatest shame of all that such a promising start to something new was quickly squandered only a couple of short years later. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The infamous Prequel Trilogy of Star Wars films left a bad taste in many enthusiasts' mouths, particularly those who have been fans of the space opera franchise going back to the '70s and '80s. That's why it was so amazingly exciting when -- in 2015 -- Star Wars appeared primed to return to form with a JJ Abrams-led movie that had the entire galaxy eager to see what happens next. The result was something safe, but solid, with a returning cast of familiar faces joined by a new generation of rebels, imperials, pilots, scoundrels, and would-be Jedi. Join us for a discussion (nearly twice as long as the movie itself!) about the ins and outs of the plot, characters, worlds, and more than make The Force Awakens tick... and why it's perhaps the greatest shame of all that such a promising start to something new was quickly squandered only a couple of short years later. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

#106 | Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens

What can you say about the best-selling home video game console of all-time? PlayStation 2 -- launched in 2000 -- completely morphed the way we looked at gaming machines. The fact that PSone could even play audio CDs was a revolution; now we were looking at a machine that could play game discs and DVDs alike, opening up even more entertainment possibilities. More than 150 million units sold later, PlayStation 2 is a staggering 50 million units ahead of the second place console on the vaunted Best-Selling Home Consoles of All-Time list. Let that sink in. Think about how incredible that is. And then listen to our 2+ hour reminiscence of Sony's beloved second foray into gaming, the wonderful experiences that it brought with it, and the memories it left with us all. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What can you say about the best-selling home video game console of all-time? PlayStation 2 -- launched in 2000 -- completely morphed the way we looked at gaming machines. The fact that PSone could even play audio CDs was a revolution; now we were looking at a machine that could play game discs and DVDs alike, opening up even more entertainment possibilities. More than 150 million units sold later, PlayStation 2 is a staggering 50 million units ahead of the second place console on the vaunted Best-Selling Home Consoles of All-Time list. Let that sink in. Think about how incredible that is. And then listen to our 2+ hour reminiscence of Sony's beloved second foray into gaming, the wonderful experiences that it brought with it, and the memories it left with us all. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

#59: PlayStation 2

In the late '80s and early '90s, few (if any) electronics companies were more respected than Sony. Eager to get into gaming, Sony partnered with Nintendo on a project called Play Station (with the space!), but Nintendo pulled out of the deal, leaving Sony embarrassed and bruised. But Sony sought retribution, and in 1994, it launched PlayStation (intercapped!), and changed gaming forever. Today's extra-long episode of KnockBack is dedicated to Sony's seminal console, to our memories of it, what it was like living through that era, and to the amazing games that made it the first 100+ million selling video game console ever launched.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the late '80s and early '90s, few (if any) electronics companies were more respected than Sony. Eager to get into gaming, Sony partnered with Nintendo on a project called Play Station (with the space!), but Nintendo pulled out of the deal, leaving Sony embarrassed and bruised. But Sony sought retribution, and in 1994, it launched PlayStation (intercapped!), and changed gaming forever. Today's extra-long episode of KnockBack is dedicated to Sony's seminal console, to our memories of it, what it was like living through that era, and to the amazing games that made it the first 100+ million selling video game console ever launched.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

#13: The Original PlayStation

Video games have unrivaled narrative potential, and 2007's BioShock is possibly the single greatest example of how gaming and storytelling can expertly intertwine. BioShock is the story of an underwater libertarian utopia run by a brilliant business magnate, and how the weight of his own stringent ideology leads to his dream's rapid undoing. But in reality, it's about far more than that. It's a master class in gameplay, in environment, in design, in voice acting, in writing, in combat, in pacing, and much more. So let's celebrate Ken Levine's most famous game -- one of the greatest ever made -- and dodge the men in Washington, the Vatican, and Moscow, who may just seek to rob you of all you've rightly earned. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Video games have unrivaled narrative potential, and 2007's BioShock is possibly the single greatest example of how gaming and storytelling can expertly intertwine. BioShock is the story of an underwater libertarian utopia run by a brilliant business magnate, and how the weight of his own stringent ideology leads to his dream's rapid undoing. But in reality, it's about far more than that. It's a master class in gameplay, in environment, in design, in voice acting, in writing, in combat, in pacing, and much more. So let's celebrate Ken Levine's most famous game -- one of the greatest ever made -- and dodge the men in Washington, the Vatican, and Moscow, who may just seek to rob you of all you've rightly earned. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

#55: BioShock

The original PlayStation completely dominated its generation. So did PlayStation 2 and PlayStation 4. PlayStation 3, on the other hand, fought tooth-and-nail for every single unit its pushed, and its particular battle -- waged against Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Nintendo's Wii -- ended up being Sony's most perilous corporate period in decades. In fact, PlayStation 3 ended up costing Sony nearly $2 billion in its first year on the market alone. Yet, through its horrendous start, bad PR, and staunch competition, PS3 ended up becoming the fifth best-selling home video game console of all-time, and at nearly 90 million sold, it ultimately ended up surpassing its arch-nemesis Xbox 360 in total sales. So let's take some time to celebrate Sony's little engine-that-could, from an era that could have easily spelled doom for the PlayStation brand completely, yet didn't. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The original PlayStation completely dominated its generation. So did PlayStation 2 and PlayStation 4. PlayStation 3, on the other hand, fought tooth-and-nail for every single unit its pushed, and its particular battle -- waged against Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Nintendo's Wii -- ended up being Sony's most perilous corporate period in decades. In fact, PlayStation 3 ended up costing Sony nearly $2 billion in its first year on the market alone. Yet, through its horrendous start, bad PR, and staunch competition, PS3 ended up becoming the fifth best-selling home video game console of all-time, and at nearly 90 million sold, it ultimately ended up surpassing its arch-nemesis Xbox 360 in total sales. So let's take some time to celebrate Sony's little engine-that-could, from an era that could have easily spelled doom for the PlayStation brand completely, yet didn't. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

#91: PlayStation 3

For those of us that grew up with the NES, Metal Gear was a fun -- albeit strange -- game that kinda just came and went. It wasn't until 1998's Metal Gear Solid, about a decade later, that we understood the full ramifications of what creator Hideo Kojima was really trying to say and do. A tale of politics, espionage, and warfare, Metal Gear Solid is a beloved franchise today, and although it didn't technically begin here... it kinda, sorta did. So let's chat about one of PSone's very best titles, a mind-bending adventure that exerted incredible influence on many a game that came after it. And don't forget to change controller ports, either, or we may just be able to read you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For those of us that grew up with the NES, Metal Gear was a fun -- albeit strange -- game that kinda just came and went. It wasn't until 1998's Metal Gear Solid, about a decade later, that we understood the full ramifications of what creator Hideo Kojima was really trying to say and do. A tale of politics, espionage, and warfare, Metal Gear Solid is a beloved franchise today, and although it didn't technically begin here... it kinda, sorta did. So let's chat about one of PSone's very best titles, a mind-bending adventure that exerted incredible influence on many a game that came after it. And don't forget to change controller ports, either, or we may just be able to read you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

#46: Metal Gear Solid

In 1998, Capcom followed its beloved survival horror game Resident Evil with a sequel. But Resident Evil 2 wasn't just any sequel. It experienced a tortured development, coming to store shelves a full year later than intended, which -- at the time -- was an absolutely catastrophic delay. So expectations were incredibly high. But, with now-famous game dev gods Shinji Mikami (Producer) and Hideki Kamiya (Director) helming the project, it turned out that the wait was more than worth it. Resident Evil 2 is one of Capcom's best-selling games ever, and its modern remake is considered one of 2019's finest titles. We think it's more than worthy of a lengthy episode of KnockBack? Wouldn't you agree? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In 1998, Capcom followed its beloved survival horror game Resident Evil with a sequel. But Resident Evil 2 wasn't just any sequel. It experienced a tortured development, coming to store shelves a full year later than intended, which -- at the time -- was an absolutely catastrophic delay. So expectations were incredibly high. But, with now-famous game dev gods Shinji Mikami (Producer) and Hideki Kamiya (Director) helming the project, it turned out that the wait was more than worth it. Resident Evil 2 is one of Capcom's best-selling games ever, and its modern remake is considered one of 2019's finest titles. We think it's more than worthy of a lengthy episode of KnockBack? Wouldn't you agree? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

#74: Resident Evil 2

If there's one true reason why the American adaptation of The Office resonates so much with people, it's because it feels hauntingly real. Lots of us know a Michael Scott or a Dwight Schrute, a Pam Beesly or a Jim Halpert. And lots of us understand, in one fashion or another, the 9-to-5 grind, and all that comes along with working in seemingly soul-sucking corporate environments. While The Office first premiered as a British show starring Ricky Gervais back in 2001, its 2005 to 2013 run starring Steve Carell is widely considered to be one of the greatest television comedies ever made, and today's episode of KnockBack -- the longest in our podcast's run so far -- we take the time necessary to show this monumental cringefest the love and respect it deserves. So let's travel to Scranton, Pennsylvania, the home of the Dunder Mifflin Paper Company, and get to know some folks. If you're good, we can stop by Schrute Farms on the way home. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If there's one true reason why the American adaptation of The Office resonates so much with people, it's because it feels hauntingly real. Lots of us know a Michael Scott or a Dwight Schrute, a Pam Beesly or a Jim Halpert. And lots of us understand, in one fashion or another, the 9-to-5 grind, and all that comes along with working in seemingly soul-sucking corporate environments. While The Office first premiered as a British show starring Ricky Gervais back in 2001, its 2005 to 2013 run starring Steve Carell is widely considered to be one of the greatest television comedies ever made, and today's episode of KnockBack -- the longest in our podcast's run so far -- we take the time necessary to show this monumental cringefest the love and respect it deserves. So let's travel to Scranton, Pennsylvania, the home of the Dunder Mifflin Paper Company, and get to know some folks. If you're good, we can stop by Schrute Farms on the way home. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

#58 | The Office (US version)

There's probably no single trilogy more responsible for the trajectory of the video game industry than Super Mario Bros. 1, 2, and 3 on NES. The first game, in particular, was revolutionary, while the third game showed the true power of what Nintendo's aging hardware could do. (As for the second game, well, we love that one, too.) Today's episode of KnockBack is dedicated to remembering these three classic games, not only for what they meant, but for what they are: Master classes in design, graphics, music, and -- perhaps most importantly of all -- gameplay. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There's probably no single trilogy more responsible for the trajectory of the video game industry than Super Mario Bros. 1, 2, and 3 on NES. The first game, in particular, was revolutionary, while the third game showed the true power of what Nintendo's aging hardware could do. (As for the second game, well, we love that one, too.) Today's episode of KnockBack is dedicated to remembering these three classic games, not only for what they meant, but for what they are: Master classes in design, graphics, music, and -- perhaps most importantly of all -- gameplay. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

#48: The Super Mario Bros. NES Trilogy

In 2001, Nintendo followed up the poor-selling Nintendo 64 with a console that would barely do 60% of N64's total sales. It was called the GameCube, and when compared to its contemporary PlayStation 2, it was largely looked at as a children's toy, and an unpopular one at that. But for those who ignored the haters and delved into its rich catalog, Nintendo's GameCube arguably offered the best pure gaming experiences of its generation, and left a surprisingly positive legacy in the wake of its weak retail performance. So let's take 90 minutes to talk about the box-shaped console with the inexplicable handle, and why it still resonates with us today.     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In 2001, Nintendo followed up the poor-selling Nintendo 64 with a console that would barely do 60% of N64's total sales. It was called the GameCube, and when compared to its contemporary PlayStation 2, it was largely looked at as a children's toy, and an unpopular one at that. But for those who ignored the haters and delved into its rich catalog, Nintendo's GameCube arguably offered the best pure gaming experiences of its generation, and left a surprisingly positive legacy in the wake of its weak retail performance. So let's take 90 minutes to talk about the box-shaped console with the inexplicable handle, and why it still resonates with us today.     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

#26: Nintendo GameCube

Today, Rocksteady is one of the most famous game developers on the planet, but back in 2009, they were basically unknown. With only one obscure PS2 game under their belt, the British team was met with an enticing challenge: Make a good Batman title. Turns out, such a task is easier said than done, but Rocksteady rose to the occasion. 2009's Batman: Arkham Asylum is one of the very best licensed games ever created, an ode not only to the Dark Knight, but to 3D exploration and kinetic fisticuffs, too. Packing exceptional vocal performances, tons of unlockables and secrets, and the perfect playtime in an era of too-long adventures, Arkham Asylum more than deserves its own episode of KnockBack. You asked for this one, CLS Patrons, and we're all too happy to oblige. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today, Rocksteady is one of the most famous game developers on the planet, but back in 2009, they were basically unknown. With only one obscure PS2 game under their belt, the British team was met with an enticing challenge: Make a good Batman title. Turns out, such a task is easier said than done, but Rocksteady rose to the occasion. 2009's Batman: Arkham Asylum is one of the very best licensed games ever created, an ode not only to the Dark Knight, but to 3D exploration and kinetic fisticuffs, too. Packing exceptional vocal performances, tons of unlockables and secrets, and the perfect playtime in an era of too-long adventures, Arkham Asylum more than deserves its own episode of KnockBack. You asked for this one, CLS Patrons, and we're all too happy to oblige. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

#110 | Batman: Arkham Asylum

Christopher Nolan is one of the modern world's most talented filmmakers, full stop. If you ask 10 people what their favorite Nolan flick is, you may very well get 10 different answers. (Really. He's directed 10 films.) Yet, in a catalog of works-of-art, Interstellar may very well be greatest of them all. Released in 2014 to an astounding critical reception and with hundreds and hundreds of millions of dollars grossed, Interstellar tells the unusual (and riveting!) story of the end of the world, and how a daring trip through space and time might just be able to undo Earth's dire, apocalyptic situation. When it comes to storytelling, Interstellar is thorough, but in terms of its rigorous and realistic science that hinges upon what's actually possible, Interstellar's a movie so deep, you could drown in it. So let's drown for a bit, shall we? Not like Dr. Doyle on Miller's Planet, mind you. Metaphorically. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Christopher Nolan is one of the modern world's most talented filmmakers, full stop. If you ask 10 people what their favorite Nolan flick is, you may very well get 10 different answers. (Really. He's directed 10 films.) Yet, in a catalog of works-of-art, Interstellar may very well be greatest of them all. Released in 2014 to an astounding critical reception and with hundreds and hundreds of millions of dollars grossed, Interstellar tells the unusual (and riveting!) story of the end of the world, and how a daring trip through space and time might just be able to undo Earth's dire, apocalyptic situation. When it comes to storytelling, Interstellar is thorough, but in terms of its rigorous and realistic science that hinges upon what's actually possible, Interstellar's a movie so deep, you could drown in it. So let's drown for a bit, shall we? Not like Dr. Doyle on Miller's Planet, mind you. Metaphorically. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

#70: Interstellar

The three movies in the Christopher Nolan Batman Trilogy are widely considered to be the best superhero movies ever made, particularly within the nearly decade-long time they were produced and released. Rife with exceptional acting talent -- from Christian Bale, Tom Hardy, and Heath Ledger to Gary Oldman, Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine, and beyond -- Christopher Nolan's Dark Knight flicks feel realistic, grounded, and gritty, and have earned and retained legions of fans around the world. Today's discussion revolves around those three films: Batman Begins, The Dark Knight, and The Dark Knight Rises. From the production and the writing to the performances and the reception, there's much to discuss, and even more to show respect and admiration for.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The three movies in the Christopher Nolan Batman Trilogy are widely considered to be the best superhero movies ever made, particularly within the nearly decade-long time they were produced and released. Rife with exceptional acting talent -- from Christian Bale, Tom Hardy, and Heath Ledger to Gary Oldman, Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine, and beyond -- Christopher Nolan's Dark Knight flicks feel realistic, grounded, and gritty, and have earned and retained legions of fans around the world. Today's discussion revolves around those three films: Batman Begins, The Dark Knight, and The Dark Knight Rises. From the production and the writing to the performances and the reception, there's much to discuss, and even more to show respect and admiration for.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

#29 | The Batman: Dark Knight Trilogy

In the pre-Internet days, few things distracted children as much as Nickelodeon, one of the earliest and most successful cable television channels ever created. With humble origins in the late '70s (when it was known as Pinwheel), Nickelodeon hit its stride during the Reagan Administration and never looked back. Today's episode of KnockBack is dedicated to Nickelodeon during the '80s; Dagan and I spend nearly two hours breaking down some of our favorite shows, and have more than a few laughs as we reminisce about those simpler times.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the pre-Internet days, few things distracted children as much as Nickelodeon, one of the earliest and most successful cable television channels ever created. With humble origins in the late '70s (when it was known as Pinwheel), Nickelodeon hit its stride during the Reagan Administration and never looked back. Today's episode of KnockBack is dedicated to Nickelodeon during the '80s; Dagan and I spend nearly two hours breaking down some of our favorite shows, and have more than a few laughs as we reminisce about those simpler times.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

#10: '80s Nickelodeon

It's not terribly uncommon for Nintendo fans to feel that The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past is the best Zelda game ever released. The third title launched in the series -- coming to stores in 1991 in Japan and 1992 elsewhere -- A Link to the Past marks the fledgling franchise's first jump to new hardware, and represents a serious retooling of the original's winning formula. Of course, it's also impossible not to connect it to today's games, too, both in and outside of Zelda's continuity. We do just that on this episode of KnockBack, delving deep not only into a classic, but discussing at length the newest spin on our Hyrulian Hero, and which style we prefer: The "Old," the "New," or somewhere very much in between. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's not terribly uncommon for Nintendo fans to feel that The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past is the best Zelda game ever released. The third title launched in the series -- coming to stores in 1991 in Japan and 1992 elsewhere -- A Link to the Past marks the fledgling franchise's first jump to new hardware, and represents a serious retooling of the original's winning formula. Of course, it's also impossible not to connect it to today's games, too, both in and outside of Zelda's continuity. We do just that on this episode of KnockBack, delving deep not only into a classic, but discussing at length the newest spin on our Hyrulian Hero, and which style we prefer: The "Old," the "New," or somewhere very much in between. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

#42 | The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past

On this week's episode of CLS: KnockBack, Dagan and I discuss the ever-growing retro game collecting scene. Dagan is an avid and dedicated collector of old games (particularly NES, SNES, Famicom, and Super Famicom), and has tons of insight and lots of interesting stories about what it's like being a collector these days. This is a really fun and lively episode, and I hope you enjoy it.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this week's episode of CLS: KnockBack, Dagan and I discuss the ever-growing retro game collecting scene. Dagan is an avid and dedicated collector of old games (particularly NES, SNES, Famicom, and Super Famicom), and has tons of insight and lots of interesting stories about what it's like being a collector these days. This is a really fun and lively episode, and I hope you enjoy it.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

#3: The Art of Retro Video Game Collecting

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Best Episodes on Self Improvement, Growth & Development

The best podcast episodes of anyone with an interesting story. With famous guests like Obama, LeBron James, Drake, Oprah Winfrey, Richard Branson, Michelle Obama, Serena Williams, to anyone who has a unique and interesting story to tell. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!