Special guest Damon coming in hot off the press for this episode. We basically rediscover books and what is good about reading because that's mostly what Citizen Sleeper is, a good old picture book. There are also some dice rolls and currency management but they don’t mean that much after you get rolling ^_^. We forgive the lack of difficulty because this game has style, beautiful descriptions of mushrooms, and a critique of capitalism that hits hard. Next Gameclub we’re doing Hollow Knight. Join our discord!!! https://discord.gg/ACbDjNhMpJ Everywhere that you can find us: https://linktr.ee/wideflank Timestamps:  0:00 - Note about the show 0:51 - Intro 3:30 - What kind of game is this 8:00 - Mechanics 12:30 - Writing 21:20 - Difficulty? 26:39 - How to pick a direction 38:45 - “Classes” 50:00 - Characters 58:00 - Capitalism 1:03:00 - Ratings  Show Notes:  Hollow Knight - https://store.steampowered.com/app/367520/Hollow_Knight/ 80 days (iOS) https://apps.apple.com/us/app/80-days/id892812659 Frostpunk (Steam) https://store.steampowered.com/app/323190/Frostpunk/ This War of Mine (Steam) https://store.steampowered.com/app/282070/This_War_of_Mine/ Subterra (Boardgame) https://www.gamenerdz.com/sub-terra-core-game Papers Please (Steam) https://store.steampowered.com/app/239030/Papers_Please/ Slay the Spire (Steam) https://store.steampowered.com/app/646570/Slay_the_Spire/

Special guest Damon coming in hot off the press for this episode. We basically rediscover books and what is good about reading because that's mostly what Citizen Sleeper is, a good old picture book. There are also some dice rolls and currency management but they don’t mean that much after you get rolling ^_^. We forgive the lack of difficulty because this game has style, beautiful descriptions of mushrooms, and a critique of capitalism that hits hard. Next Gameclub we’re doing Hollow Knight. Join our discord!!! <a href="https://discord.gg/ACbDjNhMpJ" rel="noreferrer nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://discord.gg/ACbDjNhMpJ</a> Everywhere that you can find us: <a href="https://linktr.ee/wideflank" rel="noreferrer nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://linktr.ee/wideflank</a> Timestamps: <ul> <li>0:00 - Note about the show</li> <li>0:51 - Intro</li> <li>3:30 - What kind of game is this</li> <li>8:00 - Mechanics</li> <li>12:30 - Writing</li> <li>21:20 - Difficulty?</li> <li>26:39 - How to pick a direction</li> <li>38:45 - “Classes”</li> <li>50:00 - Characters</li> <li>58:00 - Capitalism</li> <li>1:03:00 - Ratings</li> </ul> Show Notes: <ul> <li>Hollow Knight - <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/367520/Hollow_Knight/" rel="noreferrer nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://store.steampowered.com/app/367520/Hollow_Knight/</a></li> <li>80 days (iOS) <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/80-days/id892812659" rel="noreferrer nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://apps.apple.com/us/app/80-days/id892812659</a></li> <li>Frostpunk (Steam) <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/323190/Frostpunk/" rel="noreferrer nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://store.steampowered.com/app/323190/Frostpunk/</a></li> <li>This War of Mine (Steam) <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/282070/This_War_of_Mine/" rel="noreferrer nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://store.steampowered.com/app/282070/This_War_of_Mine/</a></li> <li>Subterra (Boardgame) <a href="https://www.gamenerdz.com/sub-terra-core-game" rel="noreferrer nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.gamenerdz.com/sub-terra-core-game</a></li> <li>Papers Please (Steam) <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/239030/Papers_Please/" rel="noreferrer nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://store.steampowered.com/app/239030/Papers_Please/</a></li> <li>Slay the Spire (Steam) <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/646570/Slay_the_Spire/" rel="noreferrer nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://store.steampowered.com/app/646570/Slay_the_Spire/</a></li></ul>

Citizen Sleeper - Gameclub

This game is about Marissa Marcel. You watch raw footage of three of her movies, and some behind the scenes footage associated with those movies. You can rewind and fast forward. But all the clips are hidden from you, and you can only find these clips by clicking an object in the scene that takes you to another clip with a similar item, and you watch all these scenes out of order. Sounds kinda bad? But it totally rules!  We briefly debate whether or not this is a game, and really the answer is immaterial. This “game” is an incredible accomplishment. It was moving, funny, creepy, and dare we say…original? None of us had played anything like it. More games like this please.  Next Gameclub we’re doing Citizen Sleeper followed by Hollow Knight   Join our discord!!! https://discord.gg/ACbDjNhMpJ  Everywhere that you can find us: https://linktr.ee/wideflank  Timestamps:  0:00 - Intro 2:55 - Is this a game? 13:10 - The mechanics  22:25 - The mystery revealed 33:15 - The movies are so good 41:00 - The movies criticize movies 44:00 - The movies are horny 50:30 - All experiences of this game are unique 59:43 - Behind the scenes 1:02:35 - Criticism of “Art” 1:04:28 - You can make art and be good 1:09:00 - The straightforward statements are superior to the metaphysical 1:12:45 - Wigs 1:14:08 - Favorite characters/scenes 1:16:35 - Ratings (and music discussion)   Show Notes:  Citizen Sleeper - https://store.steampowered.com/app/1578650/Citizen_Sleeper/ Hollow Knight - https://store.steampowered.com/app/367520/Hollow_Knight/ 

This game is about Marissa Marcel. You watch raw footage of three of her movies, and some behind the scenes footage associated with those movies. You can rewind and fast forward. But all the clips are hidden from you, and you can only find these clips by clicking an object in the scene that takes you to another clip with a similar item, and you watch all these scenes out of order. Sounds kinda bad? But it totally rules! We briefly debate whether or not this is a game, and really the answer is immaterial. This “game” is an incredible accomplishment. It was moving, funny, creepy, and dare we say…original? None of us had played anything like it. More games like this please. Next Gameclub we’re doing Citizen Sleeper followed by Hollow Knight Join our discord!!! <a href="https://discord.gg/ACbDjNhMpJ" rel="noopener noreferer nofollow" target="_blank">https://discord.gg/ACbDjNhMpJ</a> Everywhere that you can find us: <a href="https://linktr.ee/wideflank" rel="noopener noreferer nofollow" target="_blank">https://linktr.ee/wideflank</a> Timestamps: <ul> <li>0:00 - Intro</li> <li>2:55 - Is this a game?</li> <li>13:10 - The mechanics </li> <li>22:25 - The mystery revealed</li> <li>33:15 - The movies are so good</li> <li>41:00 - The movies criticize movies</li> <li>44:00 - The movies are horny</li> <li>50:30 - All experiences of this game are unique</li> <li>59:43 - Behind the scenes</li> <li>1:02:35 - Criticism of “Art”</li> <li>1:04:28 - You can make art and be good</li> <li>1:09:00 - The straightforward statements are superior to the metaphysical</li> <li>1:12:45 - Wigs</li> <li>1:14:08 - Favorite characters/scenes</li> <li>1:16:35 - Ratings (and music discussion)</li> </ul> Show Notes: <ul> <li>Citizen Sleeper - <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1578650/Citizen_Sleeper/" rel="noopener noreferer nofollow" target="_blank">https://store.steampowered.com/app/1578650/Citizen_Sleeper/</a></li> <li>Hollow Knight - <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/367520/Hollow_Knight/" rel="noopener noreferer nofollow" target="_blank">https://store.steampowered.com/app/367520/Hollow_Knight/</a></li> </ul>

Immortality - Gameclub

StarCraft (gotta love that one word and double capitalized title). This is a cool game. Even the metallic lettering of the title is cool. The music is good. The voice lines are funny. If not entirely dignified, StarCraft feels mature where other games in the 90s were often irreverent or puerile.   The human campaign follows the rise of a terrorist faction in the midst of a galactic race (species) war. The Zerg campaign follows the quest to bring their species to biologic perfection, where the Protoss campaign is somewhat more muddled, and has maybe aged the worst. The Protoss are sort of Roman? Having an honor culture that is a bureaucratic nightmare for those just trying to save the galaxy. But their units are maybe the coolest so there’s that.   The campaign is long and it really shows its age. It has almost no tutorials and the beginning of almost every mission is the same: a 15 minute period where you plod along and get your economy up to a point where you can actually build an army. The pathing of the units is also atrocious: marines can fight but pray that they never encounter an elevated path/ramp because that is the ultimate counter.   A lot of our StarCraft opinions are informed by and likely inferior to observations made by game designer David Sirlin. Kind of essential listening is his podcast on both StarCraft and Starcraft 2 as we reference it a lot (links below)  Join our discord!!! https://discord.gg/ACbDjNhMpJ  Everywhere that you can find us: https://linktr.ee/wideflank  Timestamps:   0:00 - Intro 4:25 - What is an RTS  6:40 - MOBAs are the new RTS 14:57 - New to the RTS genre 16:38 - The campaign is a challenge (to learn) 32:40 - Overcooked and replayability 35:25 - VIBE 48:00 - Strategy beyond rock paper scissors 54:00 - Balance and meta 1:04:25 - StarCraft 2 1:16:40 - Skill ceilings, do they really exist 1:25:00 - Ratings 1:30:41 - Next game, IMMORTALITY.   Show Notes:   IMMORTALITY: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1350200/IMMORTALITY/ Sirlin’s StarCraft criticism: https://www.sirlin.net/posts/sirlin-on-game-design-ep-13-starcraft-2 Sirlin “playing to win”: https://www.sirlin.net/articles/playing-to-win 

StarCraft (gotta love that one word and double capitalized title). This is a cool game. Even the metallic lettering of the title is cool. The music is good. The voice lines are funny. If not entirely dignified, StarCraft feels mature where other games in the 90s were often irreverent or puerile. The human campaign follows the rise of a terrorist faction in the midst of a galactic race (species) war. The Zerg campaign follows the quest to bring their species to biologic perfection, where the Protoss campaign is somewhat more muddled, and has maybe aged the worst. The Protoss are sort of Roman? Having an honor culture that is a bureaucratic nightmare for those just trying to save the galaxy. But their units are maybe the coolest so there’s that. The campaign is long and it really shows its age. It has almost no tutorials and the beginning of almost every mission is the same: a 15 minute period where you plod along and get your economy up to a point where you can actually build an army. The pathing of the units is also atrocious: marines can fight but pray that they never encounter an elevated path/ramp because that is the ultimate counter. A lot of our StarCraft opinions are informed by and likely inferior to observations made by game designer David Sirlin. Kind of essential listening is his podcast on both StarCraft and Starcraft 2 as we reference it a lot (links below) Join our discord!!! <a href="https://discord.gg/ACbDjNhMpJ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://discord.gg/ACbDjNhMpJ</a> Everywhere that you can find us: <a href="https://linktr.ee/wideflank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://linktr.ee/wideflank</a> Timestamps: <ul> <li>0:00 - Intro</li> <li>4:25 - What is an RTS </li> <li>6:40 - MOBAs are the new RTS</li> <li>14:57 - New to the RTS genre</li> <li>16:38 - The campaign is a challenge (to learn)</li> <li>32:40 - Overcooked and replayability</li> <li>35:25 - VIBE</li> <li>48:00 - Strategy beyond rock paper scissors</li> <li>54:00 - Balance and meta</li> <li>1:04:25 - StarCraft 2</li> <li>1:16:40 - Skill ceilings, do they really exist</li> <li>1:25:00 - Ratings</li> <li>1:30:41 - Next game, IMMORTALITY.</li> </ul> Show Notes: <ul> <li>IMMORTALITY: <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1350200/IMMORTALITY/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://store.steampowered.com/app/1350200/IMMORTALITY/</a></li> <li>Sirlin’s StarCraft criticism: <a href="https://www.sirlin.net/posts/sirlin-on-game-design-ep-13-starcraft-2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.sirlin.net/posts/sirlin-on-game-design-ep-13-starcraft-2</a></li> <li>Sirlin “playing to win”: <a href="https://www.sirlin.net/articles/playing-to-win" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.sirlin.net/articles/playing-to-win</a></li> </ul>

StarCraft - Gameclub

For this gameclub the Wide Flank gang played “Tunic”. An isometric action game that at first glance looks like The Legend of Zelda, but is really so much more. Spoilers aplenty this episode so if you are considering giving this a go, play it before listening and reading below. What you thought was a cute little Zelda game turns out to be much deeper and darker as you explore the far reaches of its world. You gradually uncover pages of an in-game manual, written in an alien language, and you struggle (in a good way) to use it to decipher the world and the mechanics. Tunic does a great job of being just accessible enough, where nothing is too out of reach, letting you peel back the layers of mystery at a satisfying and challenging pace. Join our discord!!! https://discord.gg/ACbDjNhMpJ Everywhere that you can find us: https://linktr.ee/wideflank Timestamps:  0:00 - Intro 3:45 - A Zeldalike? 9:05 - In-game manual 18:18 - A Soulslike? 23:11 - World/level navigation 34:00 - The story 39:10 - Setting 47:22 - Systems, items etc. 1:02:52 - Bosses 1:12:05 - Secrets 1:15:30 - Endgame and the Golden Path 1:28:27 - Ratings 1:36:30 - Next game, Starcraft.  Show Notes:  Noclip doc - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5A7uoJAOvY

For this gameclub the Wide Flank gang played “Tunic”. An isometric action game that at first glance looks like The Legend of Zelda, but is really so much more. Spoilers aplenty this episode so if you are considering giving this a go, play it before listening and reading below. What you thought was a cute little Zelda game turns out to be much deeper and darker as you explore the far reaches of its world. You gradually uncover pages of an in-game manual, written in an alien language, and you struggle (in a good way) to use it to decipher the world and the mechanics. Tunic does a great job of being just accessible enough, where nothing is too out of reach, letting you peel back the layers of mystery at a satisfying and challenging pace. Join our discord!!! <a href="https://discord.gg/ACbDjNhMpJ" rel="noreferrer nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://discord.gg/ACbDjNhMpJ</a> Everywhere that you can find us: <a href="https://linktr.ee/wideflank" rel="noreferrer nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://linktr.ee/wideflank</a> Timestamps: <ul> <li>0:00 - Intro</li> <li>3:45 - A Zeldalike?</li> <li>9:05 - In-game manual</li> <li>18:18 - A Soulslike?</li> <li>23:11 - World/level navigation</li> <li>34:00 - The story</li> <li>39:10 - Setting</li> <li>47:22 - Systems, items etc.</li> <li>1:02:52 - Bosses</li> <li>1:12:05 - Secrets</li> <li>1:15:30 - Endgame and the Golden Path</li> <li>1:28:27 - Ratings</li> <li>1:36:30 - Next game, Starcraft.</li> </ul> Show Notes: <ul> <li>Noclip doc - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5A7uoJAOvY" rel="noreferrer nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5A7uoJAOvY</a></li></ul>

Tunic - Gameclub

What words describe Bloodborne? Gothic? Victorian? Lovecraftian? Scary? Impossible? Funny? Bloodborne is an enigmatic, genre-defining game. Chat GPT described it best in a haiku: “Bloodborne’s Depths Hidetaka’s Twisted World Challenge Accepted” Its gameplay loop and mechanics are polarizing inside and outside of the Soulsborne fandom; too fast for lovers of Dark Souls, but too slow for high-octane gamers like Alon. We played it to varying levels of success. Is a game that is most fun after 30+ hours of playing a good game? Why do we love facing and defeating impossibility? How can we be friends when we feel so differently about this game? Few games have matched the immersion and setting of Bloodborne. The further your character dives into the world of beasthood and paleblood, the more you depart from the waking world outside of your Playstation. Jump in. Join our discord!!! https://discord.gg/ACbDjNhMpJ Everywhere that you can find us: https://linktr.ee/wideflank Timestamps:  0:00 - Introduction and background 4:00 - A modern Metroidvania 5:10 - Bloodborne vs. Souls, Speed 13:55 - RPG elements 17:30 - How the game undermines regain 22:00 - Boss fights 24:00 - Summoning and multiplayer 28:00 - Weapons 33:00 - Tutorializing and mastery 35:00 - New Game Plus 38:05 - Looking things up 41:20 - It’s fine to cheese this game 47:30 - Not rewarding risk-taking 49:30 - Running through the world 54:00 - Artists making gross art 57:00 - Why doesn’t Alon like it? 1:06:30 - This should be able to be your first Souls game. 1:12:35 - The impossibility of Soulsborne 1:17:02 - People who love the grind 1:28:10 - Aesthetics and outfits and themes 1:40:00 - Best areas and moments 1:47:45 - Debunking the Soulsborne purity test 1:50:10 - Music 1:53:25 - Ratings 1:58:20 - Chat GPT Haikou

What words describe Bloodborne? Gothic? Victorian? Lovecraftian? Scary? Impossible? Funny? Bloodborne is an enigmatic, genre-defining game. Chat GPT described it best in a haiku: “Bloodborne’s Depths Hidetaka’s Twisted World Challenge Accepted” Its gameplay loop and mechanics are polarizing inside and outside of the Soulsborne fandom; too fast for lovers of Dark Souls, but too slow for high-octane gamers like Alon. We played it to varying levels of success. Is a game that is most fun after 30+ hours of playing a good game? Why do we love facing and defeating impossibility? How can we be friends when we feel so differently about this game? Few games have matched the immersion and setting of Bloodborne. The further your character dives into the world of beasthood and paleblood, the more you depart from the waking world outside of your Playstation. Jump in. Join our discord!!! <a href="https://discord.gg/ACbDjNhMpJ" rel="noreferrer nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://discord.gg/ACbDjNhMpJ</a> Everywhere that you can find us: <a href="https://linktr.ee/wideflank" rel="noreferrer nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://linktr.ee/wideflank</a> Timestamps: <ul> <li>0:00 - Introduction and background</li> <li>4:00 - A modern Metroidvania</li> <li>5:10 - Bloodborne vs. Souls, Speed</li> <li>13:55 - RPG elements</li> <li>17:30 - How the game undermines regain</li> <li>22:00 - Boss fights</li> <li>24:00 - Summoning and multiplayer</li> <li>28:00 - Weapons</li> <li>33:00 - Tutorializing and mastery</li> <li>35:00 - New Game Plus</li> <li>38:05 - Looking things up</li> <li>41:20 - It’s fine to cheese this game</li> <li>47:30 - Not rewarding risk-taking</li> <li>49:30 - Running through the world</li> <li>54:00 - Artists making gross art</li> <li>57:00 - Why doesn’t Alon like it?</li> <li>1:06:30 - This should be able to be your first Souls game.</li> <li>1:12:35 - The impossibility of Soulsborne</li> <li>1:17:02 - People who love the grind</li> <li>1:28:10 - Aesthetics and outfits and themes</li> <li>1:40:00 - Best areas and moments</li> <li>1:47:45 - Debunking the Soulsborne purity test</li> <li>1:50:10 - Music</li> <li>1:53:25 - Ratings</li> <li>1:58:20 - Chat GPT Haikou</li></ul>

Bloodborne - Gameclub

18 months later, Danny, Alon and Teddy sit down and reflect on the glory of the Wide Flank catalog. Jump in and listen as we discuss our favorite and least favorite Gameclub games, talk about what has aged well, and where we are thinking of going next. It’s been a blast playing games and hanging with you all in discord, and we hope that you’ll stick with us as we keep this train moving in 2023. This is a spoiler-free relaxed episode, and we’ll be back next week to release Bloodborne! Join our discord!!! https://discord.gg/ACbDjNhMpJ Everywhere that you can find us: https://linktr.ee/wideflank

18 months later, Danny, Alon and Teddy sit down and reflect on the glory of the Wide Flank catalog. Jump in and listen as we discuss our favorite and least favorite Gameclub games, talk about what has aged well, and where we are thinking of going next. It’s been a blast playing games and hanging with you all in discord, and we hope that you’ll stick with us as we keep this train moving in 2023. This is a spoiler-free relaxed episode, and we’ll be back next week to release Bloodborne! Join our discord!!! <a href="https://discord.gg/ACbDjNhMpJ" rel="noreferrer nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://discord.gg/ACbDjNhMpJ</a> Everywhere that you can find us: <a href="https://linktr.ee/wideflank" rel="noreferrer nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://linktr.ee/wideflank</a>

Year in Review

It’s time to take your first journey into space, little Hearthian. Blast off into an alien solar system to uncover the strange physics and mechanics of planets you’ve only dreamed of. Many spoilers in this episode. But if that doesn’t bother you, read on. Awaiting your arrival are the Hourglass Twins, a “double planet” (this is a real term), where two celestial bodies are locked together in their orbit around the sun. One is slowly spraying away the sands on its surface to reveal mysteries buried deep. Ember Twin receives all this sand, and you must explore it quickly before its secrets are buried forever, until of course the sun supernovas and you die…. It’s time to take your first journey into space, little Hearthian. Blast off into an alien solar system to uncover the strange physics and mechanics of planets you’ve only dreamed of….Wait didn’t we say this already? Yep –  it’s a time loop. So maybe this time you’ll explore Brittle Hollow with a black hole at it’s center. Or maybe it's volcanic moon? You have 22 minutes before the sun goes bang and we start this all over again. Outer Wilds (the game) believes in you. It knows you will figure out it’s mysteries, even if it takes you a few loops. There is almost no point in beating the game – every little puzzle or planetary quirk is the best victory you could hope for. Outer Wilds' story, on the other hand, doesn't believe in you. It treats you like a kid, and indeed, it seems like all the characters in this game are themselves children. Yet while that’s a miss, nothing could drag down the awe, wonder, and majesty of this solar system. Don’t rush it, enjoy the ride, and roast a marshmallow. Everything will be alright. ==== Our next game for Gameclub is Bloodborne. We would link it, but you know the one. Join our discord!!! https://discord.gg/ACbDjNhMpJ Everywhere that you can find us: https://linktr.ee/wideflank Timestamps:  0:00 - Intro 2:43 - Development and game background 7:15 - Blastoff! 10:30 - The loop 15:35 - Roguelike? Story based mastery 21:25 - The first planet 25:48 - The goal of the game 34:35 - Story vs gameplay 39:26 - Resetting the loop - Live Die Repeat 44:22 Story/writing 50:25 Trust in players 1:02:00 Subnautica’s pillars of game design 1:05:00sh The ending 1:26:45 Two idiots talk about science 1:33:00 Ratings 1:41:17 Goodbye  Show notes  Double-Slit Experiment https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Double-slit_experiment

It’s time to take your first journey into space, little Hearthian. Blast off into an alien solar system to uncover the strange physics and mechanics of planets you’ve only dreamed of. Many spoilers in this episode. But if that doesn’t bother you, read on. Awaiting your arrival are the Hourglass Twins, a “double planet” (this is a real term), where two celestial bodies are locked together in their orbit around the sun. One is slowly spraying away the sands on its surface to reveal mysteries buried deep. Ember Twin receives all this sand, and you must explore it quickly before its secrets are buried forever, until of course the sun supernovas and you die…. It’s time to take your first journey into space, little Hearthian. Blast off into an alien solar system to uncover the strange physics and mechanics of planets you’ve only dreamed of….Wait didn’t we say this already? Yep –  it’s a time loop. So maybe this time you’ll explore Brittle Hollow with a black hole at it’s center. Or maybe it's volcanic moon? You have 22 minutes before the sun goes bang and we start this all over again. Outer Wilds (the game) believes in you. It knows you will figure out it’s mysteries, even if it takes you a few loops. There is almost no point in beating the game – every little puzzle or planetary quirk is the best victory you could hope for. Outer Wilds' story, on the other hand, doesn't believe in you. It treats you like a kid, and indeed, it seems like all the characters in this game are themselves children. Yet while that’s a miss, nothing could drag down the awe, wonder, and majesty of this solar system. Don’t rush it, enjoy the ride, and roast a marshmallow. Everything will be alright. ==== Our next game for Gameclub is Bloodborne. We would link it, but you know the one. Join our discord!!! <a href="https://discord.gg/ACbDjNhMpJ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://discord.gg/ACbDjNhMpJ</a> Everywhere that you can find us: <a href="https://linktr.ee/wideflank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://linktr.ee/wideflank</a> Timestamps: <ul> <li>0:00 - Intro</li> <li>2:43 - Development and game background</li> <li>7:15 - Blastoff!</li> <li>10:30 - The loop</li> <li>15:35 - Roguelike? Story based mastery</li> <li>21:25 - The first planet</li> <li>25:48 - The goal of the game</li> <li>34:35 - Story vs gameplay</li> <li>39:26 - Resetting the loop - Live Die Repeat</li> <li>44:22 Story/writing</li> <li>50:25 Trust in players</li> <li>1:02:00 Subnautica’s pillars of game design</li> <li>1:05:00sh The ending</li> <li>1:26:45 Two idiots talk about science</li> <li>1:33:00 Ratings</li> <li>1:41:17 Goodbye</li> </ul> Show notes <ul> <li>Double-Slit Experiment <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Double-slit_experiment" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Double-slit_experiment</a></li></ul>

Outer Wilds - Gameclub

Hades is the latest release from Supergiant Games, a studio that consistently releases some of the slickest and most stylish games of the generation. This is the best yet. You are Zagreus, a son of Hades, determined to break free from the Stygian realm of your birth. A roguelike (roguelite?) that will test your twitch skills with weapons and power ups that make each run unique. Maybe most remarkably it has a nearly endless trough of voice lines and story beats that punctuate each run and unfold over the many deaths that await you. The game can be a little daunting at first, but we loved this game and bet you will to. Check it out. Next game for the gameclub is Outer Wilds: https://store.steampowered.com/app/753640/Outer_Wilds/ Join our discord!!! https://discord.gg/ACbDjNhMpJ Everywhere that you can find us: https://linktr.ee/wideflank Timestamps:  00:00 - Intro 00:57 What is Hades 07:30 Meta progression vs player mastery 10:30 Story vs challenge 15:05 Roguelikes and roguelites, are they fun? 29:40 Combat/Fav Weapons 37:00 Favorite Boons 41:40 Style, art, etc. 54:53 Music 1:00:00 Mythology 1:07:00: Random thoughts 1:15:00 Ratings  Show Notes:  Eggplant Podcast Hades episode: https://eggplant.show/58-easing-into-hades-with-supergiant-games

Hades is the latest release from Supergiant Games, a studio that consistently releases some of the slickest and most stylish games of the generation. This is the best yet. You are Zagreus, a son of Hades, determined to break free from the Stygian realm of your birth. A roguelike (roguelite?) that will test your twitch skills with weapons and power ups that make each run unique. Maybe most remarkably it has a nearly endless trough of voice lines and story beats that punctuate each run and unfold over the many deaths that await you. The game can be a little daunting at first, but we loved this game and bet you will to. Check it out. Next game for the gameclub is Outer Wilds: <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/753640/Outer_Wilds/" rel="noreferrer nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://store.steampowered.com/app/753640/Outer_Wilds/</a> Join our discord!!! <a href="https://discord.gg/ACbDjNhMpJ" rel="noreferrer nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://discord.gg/ACbDjNhMpJ</a> Everywhere that you can find us: <a href="https://linktr.ee/wideflank" rel="noreferrer nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://linktr.ee/wideflank</a> Timestamps: <ul> <li>00:00 - Intro</li> <li>00:57 What is Hades</li> <li>07:30 Meta progression vs player mastery</li> <li>10:30 Story vs challenge</li> <li>15:05 Roguelikes and roguelites, are they fun?</li> <li>29:40 Combat/Fav Weapons</li> <li>37:00 Favorite Boons</li> <li>41:40 Style, art, etc.</li> <li>54:53 Music</li> <li>1:00:00 Mythology</li> <li>1:07:00: Random thoughts</li> <li>1:15:00 Ratings</li> </ul> Show Notes: <ul> <li>Eggplant Podcast Hades episode: <a href="https://eggplant.show/58-easing-into-hades-with-supergiant-games" rel="noreferrer nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://eggplant.show/58-easing-into-hades-with-supergiant-games</a></li></ul>

Hades - Gameclub

A listener asked us if we prefer the perfect brevity of Portal, or the focused improvements of Portal 2. But that gives it away – perfection wins every time. We often described Portal as a proof of concept, but that isn’t a criticism. What else could you ask of a three hour game? It says everything it needed to say. After Portal was released, the thoughts of a generation of gamers were changed, maybe forever, about what games were and could be. Portal 2 really wrung the rag of what we loved so much about Portal. It tried to be more, and it was in some ways. It was bigger, longer, funnier (or at least tried to be). But it wasn’t more novel or special. That might be too big of an ask to make. Yet with co op Valve proved it had a stone left unturned. That could have been the novelty that the game explored – the proof of concept that was enough to carry us through, but instead they went for…comedy? The moon was cool though. Our next game for Gameclub is Hades. Play it with a controller. Happy gaming. Everywhere that you can find us: https://linktr.ee/wideflank Timestamps:  00:00 - Intro 4:01 - Basic concept of Portaling 11:30 - Portal is an accomplishment of creativity 15:51 - The fun of it 25:00 - Puzzling in Portal 34:40 - What kind of game is this 36:50 - Humor, AI, Marvel 58:25 - An indie game 1:04:28 - Sequels 1:18:34 - Is Portal 2 trying to say anything about Science 1:23:35 - Co Op 1:29:30 - Ratings 1:38:45 - Outro  Show Notes:  Besties Portal Episode - https://the-besties.simplecast.com/episodes/yall-portal-still-rocks-R0q31a2d Bathos video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-QhdzQo66o Theory of relativity - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theory_of_relativity Narbacular drop - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narbacular_Drop Hades: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1145360/Hades/

A listener asked us if we prefer the perfect brevity of Portal, or the focused improvements of Portal 2. But that gives it away – perfection wins every time. We often described Portal as a proof of concept, but that isn’t a criticism. What else could you ask of a three hour game? It says everything it needed to say. After Portal was released, the thoughts of a generation of gamers were changed, maybe forever, about what games were and could be. Portal 2 really wrung the rag of what we loved so much about Portal. It tried to be more, and it was in some ways. It was bigger, longer, funnier (or at least tried to be). But it wasn’t more novel or special. That might be too big of an ask to make. Yet with co op Valve proved it had a stone left unturned. That could have been the novelty that the game explored – the proof of concept that was enough to carry us through, but instead they went for…comedy? The moon was cool though. Our next game for Gameclub is Hades. Play it with a controller. Happy gaming. Everywhere that you can find us: <a href="https://linktr.ee/wideflank" rel="noreferrer nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://linktr.ee/wideflank</a> Timestamps: <ul> <li>00:00 - Intro</li> <li>4:01 - Basic concept of Portaling</li> <li>11:30 - Portal is an accomplishment of creativity</li> <li>15:51 - The fun of it</li> <li>25:00 - Puzzling in Portal</li> <li>34:40 - What kind of game is this</li> <li>36:50 - Humor, AI, Marvel</li> <li>58:25 - An indie game</li> <li>1:04:28 - Sequels</li> <li>1:18:34 - Is Portal 2 trying to say anything about Science</li> <li>1:23:35 - Co Op</li> <li>1:29:30 - Ratings</li> <li>1:38:45 - Outro</li> </ul> Show Notes: <ul> <li>Besties Portal Episode - <a href="https://the-besties.simplecast.com/episodes/yall-portal-still-rocks-R0q31a2d" rel="noreferrer nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://the-besties.simplecast.com/episodes/yall-portal-still-rocks-R0q31a2d</a></li> <li>Bathos video - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-QhdzQo66o" rel="noreferrer nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-QhdzQo66o</a></li> <li>Theory of relativity - <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theory_of_relativity" rel="noreferrer nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theory_of_relativity</a></li> <li>Narbacular drop - <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narbacular_Drop" rel="noreferrer nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narbacular_Drop</a></li> <li>Hades: <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1145360/Hades/" rel="noreferrer nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://store.steampowered.com/app/1145360/Hades/</a></li></ul>

Portal & Portal 2 - Gameclub

Alon is joined by Neil and Chris to talk about the fast, hyper, and hardcore game that is Neon White. We love it and it kicks ass, check it out. Neil is on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/clineil_ Chris recently made a game called Silly Seance: http://sillyseance.com/ Happy gaming. Everywhere that you can find us: https://linktr.ee/wideflank Timestamps:  00:00 - Opening 01:10 - Neon White background 02:00 - How the game feels and the mechanics 03:34 - How it makes you feel 04:33 - The hints 07:17 - How do we play Neon White 11:25 - Difficulty curve and approaching the game in different ways 13:15 - Genius level design (the gifts) 16:54 - Onsighting a level 18:05 - It’s a platforming game 21:19 - The feel of running and jumping 24:01 - “Hellion” by Machine Girl 24:20 - Single player vs. team game responsibilities 28:21 - Too fast and too slow 31:35 - Neon White music compared to other game music 32:38 - “Virtual Paradise” by Machine Girl 33:43 - Favorite tracks from the soundtrack 34:21 -  More “Hellion” by Machine Girl (Godspeed, baby) 35:46 - “Light in the Fog (Red’s Theme)” by Machine Girl 36:06 - Sidequests 40:18 - Steve Blum (Spike Spiegel), the voice acting, and the writing 43:25 - The story has very little to do with the gameplay 47:00 - Am I a Holy Gamer 50:46 - Sense of humor 52:54 - Does this feel like Persona  Show Notes:  Asshole Mario Stage 1 - https://youtu.be/r86NLwCYXfk “Super Sonic Saves The World” (Romhacks) - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLALwcCNEIG0azLsP6LJ-jNw8iauuTr6Ca Eggplant podcast episode with Ben Esposito - https://eggplant.show/94-neon-white Neon White OST 1 - The Wicked Heart - https://machinegirl.bandcamp.com/album/neon-white-ost-1-the-wicked-heart Neon White OST 2 - The Burn That Cures - https://machinegirl.bandcamp.com/album/neon-white-ost-2-the-burn-that-cures

Alon is joined by Neil and Chris to talk about the fast, hyper, and hardcore game that is Neon White. We love it and it kicks ass, check it out. Neil is on Twitter here: <a href="https://twitter.com/clineil_" rel="noreferrer nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/clineil_</a> Chris recently made a game called Silly Seance: <a href="http://sillyseance.com/" rel="noreferrer nofollow noopener" target="_blank">http://sillyseance.com/</a> Happy gaming. Everywhere that you can find us: <a href="https://linktr.ee/wideflank" rel="noreferrer nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://linktr.ee/wideflank</a> Timestamps: <ul> <li>00:00 - Opening</li> <li>01:10 - Neon White background</li> <li>02:00 - How the game feels and the mechanics</li> <li>03:34 - How it makes you feel</li> <li>04:33 - The hints</li> <li>07:17 - How do we play Neon White</li> <li>11:25 - Difficulty curve and approaching the game in different ways</li> <li>13:15 - Genius level design (the gifts)</li> <li>16:54 - Onsighting a level</li> <li>18:05 - It’s a platforming game</li> <li>21:19 - The feel of running and jumping</li> <li>24:01 - “Hellion” by Machine Girl</li> <li>24:20 - Single player vs. team game responsibilities</li> <li>28:21 - Too fast and too slow</li> <li>31:35 - Neon White music compared to other game music</li> <li>32:38 - “Virtual Paradise” by Machine Girl</li> <li>33:43 - Favorite tracks from the soundtrack</li> <li>34:21 -  More “Hellion” by Machine Girl (Godspeed, baby)</li> <li>35:46 - “Light in the Fog (Red’s Theme)” by Machine Girl</li> <li>36:06 - Sidequests</li> <li>40:18 - Steve Blum (Spike Spiegel), the voice acting, and the writing</li> <li>43:25 - The story has very little to do with the gameplay</li> <li>47:00 - Am I a Holy Gamer</li> <li>50:46 - Sense of humor</li> <li>52:54 - Does this feel like Persona</li> </ul> Show Notes: <ul> <li>Asshole Mario Stage 1 - <a href="https://youtu.be/r86NLwCYXfk" rel="noreferrer nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/r86NLwCYXfk</a></li> <li>“Super Sonic Saves The World” (Romhacks) - <a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLALwcCNEIG0azLsP6LJ-jNw8iauuTr6Ca" rel="noreferrer nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLALwcCNEIG0azLsP6LJ-jNw8iauuTr6Ca</a></li> <li>Eggplant podcast episode with Ben Esposito - <a href="https://eggplant.show/94-neon-white" rel="noreferrer nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://eggplant.show/94-neon-white</a></li> <li>Neon White OST 1 - The Wicked Heart - <a href="https://machinegirl.bandcamp.com/album/neon-white-ost-1-the-wicked-heart" rel="noreferrer nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://machinegirl.bandcamp.com/album/neon-white-ost-1-the-wicked-heart</a></li> <li>Neon White OST 2 - The Burn That Cures - <a href="https://machinegirl.bandcamp.com/album/neon-white-ost-2-the-burn-that-cures" rel="noreferrer nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://machinegirl.bandcamp.com/album/neon-white-ost-2-the-burn-that-cures</a></li></ul>

Neon White - Now Playing

We pick a game, play it, then hang out and talk about it. It's a book club for video games. Join us every month as we play classics, recent releases, nostalgia trips, the peculiar, and everything in between. Most of the time we don't know what we're talking about, but we have fun doing it. Play the game and join us! Us being Alon, Danny, and Teddy. Our friendship was born in Counter-Strike, but we became family during PUBG. We're always looking for feedback and questions -- send us some game suggestions and we'll try to play it at some point!Support us at: https://www.patreon.com/wideflank

Another classic that really held up. Released in 1995 for the SNES, Chrono Trigger continues to top “Best Of” video game lists. None of us had played it, so we played it! The combat sort of sucked but there was so much that made up for that. It looked great, the world was compelling, some weird good NPC dialogue and a soundtrack that rocked. Next Gameclub is Portal + Portal 2: https://store.steampowered.com/app/620/Portal_2/ Two months from now we are doing Hades, so start whenever is convenient and don’t save it until the day before the show: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1145360/Hades/ Happy gaming. Everywhere that you can find us: https://linktr.ee/wideflank Timestamps:  0:00 - Opening 1:15 - Chrono Trigger background 4:05 - Our background with games 8:10 - It looks amazing and do newer graphics really matter 13:13 - Is this an RPG? An adventure game? 17:00 - How's the combat? 18:40 - Battles on the area map 21:27 - The combat is bad 29:00 - Combat could have been good: boss fights etc. 36:05 - Music 39:27 - It was all a dream? 41:46 - Open ended endings 44:40 - Story and the world 55:05 - Time travel 1:03:42 - Is Crono the villain? 1:14:00 - Different endings 1:15:45 - Questions 1:18:40 - Ratings 1:22:10 - Next game Portal, Portal 2, Hades  Show Notes:  Final Fantasy XII and the Glory of the Grind: https://killscreen.com/previously/articles/final-fantasy-xii-and-the-glory-of-the-grind/

Another classic that really held up. Released in 1995 for the SNES, Chrono Trigger continues to top “Best Of” video game lists. None of us had played it, so we played it! The combat sort of sucked but there was so much that made up for that. It looked great, the world was compelling, some weird good NPC dialogue and a soundtrack that rocked. Next Gameclub is Portal + Portal 2: <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/620/Portal_2/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://store.steampowered.com/app/620/Portal_2/</a> Two months from now we are doing Hades, so start whenever is convenient and don’t save it until the day before the show: <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1145360/Hades/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://store.steampowered.com/app/1145360/Hades/</a> Happy gaming. Everywhere that you can find us: <a href="https://linktr.ee/wideflank" rel="noreferrer nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://linktr.ee/wideflank</a> Timestamps: <ul> <li>0:00 - Opening</li> <li>1:15 - Chrono Trigger background</li> <li>4:05 - Our background with games</li> <li>8:10 - It looks amazing and do newer graphics really matter</li> <li>13:13 - Is this an RPG? An adventure game?</li> <li>17:00 - How's the combat?</li> <li>18:40 - Battles on the area map</li> <li>21:27 - The combat is bad</li> <li>29:00 - Combat could have been good: boss fights etc.</li> <li>36:05 - Music</li> <li>39:27 - It was all a dream?</li> <li>41:46 - Open ended endings</li> <li>44:40 - Story and the world</li> <li>55:05 - Time travel</li> <li>1:03:42 - Is Crono the villain?</li> <li>1:14:00 - Different endings</li> <li>1:15:45 - Questions</li> <li>1:18:40 - Ratings</li> <li>1:22:10 - Next game Portal, Portal 2, Hades</li> </ul> Show Notes: <ul> <li>Final Fantasy XII and the Glory of the Grind: <a href="https://killscreen.com/previously/articles/final-fantasy-xii-and-the-glory-of-the-grind/" rel="noreferrer nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://killscreen.com/previously/articles/final-fantasy-xii-and-the-glory-of-the-grind/</a></li></ul>

Chrono Trigger - Gameclub

Play the game, then come back and listen to this podcast. How to talk about one of the more peculiar games of the last decade… Inscryption is a lot and it’s hard to describe it without spoiling it. It’s a deck-builder, it’s an escape room, it’s a roller coaster of a roguelike (sort of). You can approximate this game’s vibe by combining the strategy of Slay the Spire, the wonder of Myst, the adventure of Jumanji, and the weirdness of Adaptation. Perhaps it’s best to say Inscryption could not be experienced any other way than as a video game. It is a testament to what the medium is capable of. Play it! The great transcendence awaits. Our next game for the gameclub is going to be Chrono Trigger from 1995: https://store.steampowered.com/app/613830/CHRONO_TRIGGER/ Happy gaming. Everywhere that you can find us: https://linktr.ee/wideflank Timestamps:  0:00 - Intro 01:45 - Inscryption facts 03:41 - Spoiler alert! 05:23 - Deck-builders and roguelikes - we’re in! 06:54 - Act 1 and the ambience of the cabin. 14:10 - The health scales. 15:10 - Sacrificing as a theme. 17:00 - Kaycee’s Mod and the card game mechanics. 20:33 - Deck consistency, lack of synergies, card removal and comparing it to other card games. 34:43 - The game cheats so you can cheat too. And how that works with roguelikes. 35:56 - Best Death Cards. 38:05 - Inscryption isn’t a roguelike deck-builder really… 41:09 - I thought I got it. Act 2. 43:34 - Blair Witch Project type videos in a SD card and fantasy as an adult. 49:10 - Getting back on board with the game. 53:46 - A game for card game players. 56:50 - The conversation in Discord about the game. 58:37 - Another new world! Act 3. 01:02:42 - The bosses of Botopia breaking the fourth wall. The circular wall. 01:14:10 - The climax of the bosses through the end of the game. 01:20:11 - Why is Luke playing this game and why am I playing this game? 01:21:18 - Secrets. 01:24:25 - Luke playing the game vs. you playing the game. 01:28:03 - Video games are art and a unique medium. 01:33:46 - Ratings. 01:39:28 - A game and revelation about the experience of playing video games.  Show Notes:  Slay the Spire - https://store.steampowered.com/app/646570/Slay_the_Spire/ Daniel Mullins episode on Eggplant - https://eggplant.show/84-digging-the-rabbit-hole-with-daniel-mullins-inscryption A Circular Wall? Reformulating the Fourth Wall for Video Games - https://www.gamedeveloper.com/design/a-circular-wall-reformulating-the-fourth-wall-for-video-games Frog Fractions - https://store.steampowered.com/app/1194840/Frog_Fractions_Game_of_the_Decade_Edition/

Play the game, then come back and listen to this podcast. How to talk about one of the more peculiar games of the last decade… Inscryption is a lot and it’s hard to describe it without spoiling it. It’s a deck-builder, it’s an escape room, it’s a roller coaster of a roguelike (sort of). You can approximate this game’s vibe by combining the strategy of Slay the Spire, the wonder of Myst, the adventure of Jumanji, and the weirdness of Adaptation. Perhaps it’s best to say Inscryption could not be experienced any other way than as a video game. It is a testament to what the medium is capable of. Play it! The great transcendence awaits. Our next game for the gameclub is going to be Chrono Trigger from 1995: <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/613830/CHRONO_TRIGGER/" rel="noreferrer nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://store.steampowered.com/app/613830/CHRONO_TRIGGER/</a> Happy gaming. Everywhere that you can find us: <a href="https://linktr.ee/wideflank" rel="noreferrer nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://linktr.ee/wideflank</a> Timestamps: <ul> <li>0:00 - Intro</li> <li>01:45 - Inscryption facts</li> <li>03:41 - Spoiler alert!</li> <li>05:23 - Deck-builders and roguelikes - we’re in!</li> <li>06:54 - Act 1 and the ambience of the cabin.</li> <li>14:10 - The health scales.</li> <li>15:10 - Sacrificing as a theme.</li> <li>17:00 - Kaycee’s Mod and the card game mechanics.</li> <li>20:33 - Deck consistency, lack of synergies, card removal and comparing it to other card games.</li> <li>34:43 - The game cheats so you can cheat too. And how that works with roguelikes.</li> <li>35:56 - Best Death Cards.</li> <li>38:05 - Inscryption isn’t a roguelike deck-builder really…</li> <li>41:09 - I thought I got it. Act 2.</li> <li>43:34 - Blair Witch Project type videos in a SD card and fantasy as an adult.</li> <li>49:10 - Getting back on board with the game.</li> <li>53:46 - A game for card game players.</li> <li>56:50 - The conversation in Discord about the game.</li> <li>58:37 - Another new world! Act 3.</li> <li>01:02:42 - The bosses of Botopia breaking the fourth wall. The circular wall.</li> <li>01:14:10 - The climax of the bosses through the end of the game.</li> <li>01:20:11 - Why is Luke playing this game and why am I playing this game?</li> <li>01:21:18 - Secrets.</li> <li>01:24:25 - Luke playing the game vs. you playing the game.</li> <li>01:28:03 - Video games are art and a unique medium.</li> <li>01:33:46 - Ratings.</li> <li>01:39:28 - A game and revelation about the experience of playing video games.</li> </ul> Show Notes: <ul> <li>Slay the Spire - <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/646570/Slay_the_Spire/" rel="noreferrer nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://store.steampowered.com/app/646570/Slay_the_Spire/</a></li> <li>Daniel Mullins episode on Eggplant - <a href="https://eggplant.show/84-digging-the-rabbit-hole-with-daniel-mullins-inscryption" rel="noreferrer nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://eggplant.show/84-digging-the-rabbit-hole-with-daniel-mullins-inscryption</a></li> <li>A Circular Wall? Reformulating the Fourth Wall for Video Games - <a href="https://www.gamedeveloper.com/design/a-circular-wall-reformulating-the-fourth-wall-for-video-games" rel="noreferrer nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.gamedeveloper.com/design/a-circular-wall-reformulating-the-fourth-wall-for-video-games</a></li> <li>Frog Fractions - <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1194840/Frog_Fractions_Game_of_the_Decade_Edition/" rel="noreferrer nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://store.steampowered.com/app/1194840/Frog_Fractions_Game_of_the_Decade_Edition/</a></li></ul>

Inscryption - Gameclub

This is the story of a man, John-117, the Master Chief. This is the story of America. Of Bungie. This is the story of developer crunch, of sleeping in the office, of grandiose expectations, and of delivering on them (albeit imperfectly). The name itself “Halo: Combat Evolved” is a corporate compromise between Bungie artists and Microsoft marketing shills. This is the story of multiplayer so good that it made mothers across America weep. It’s the story of staying up all night at your friend's house because nothing besides this moment matters. We present this podcast to you as incomplete as any analysis of a seminal game is bound to be. “Halo – it’s finished” “No. I think we’re just getting started” For the next Gameclub we are going to be playing Inscryption - https://store.steampowered.com/app/1092790/Inscryption/ Everywhere that you can find us: https://linktr.ee/wideflank Timestamps:  0:00 - Intro 2:33 - Halo CE facts 5:32 - Combat 11:20 - Guns 14:00 - Comparing to other FPS 23:00 - AI and Aliens 32:01 - Story (What story?) 36:59 - Development 48:35 - Halo isn’t cool 56:00 - Multiplayer 1:10:28 - Deathmatch 1:22:55 - Graphics and the remaster 1:29:23 - Ratings 1:42:29 - Next Gameclub game: Inscryption.  Show Notes:  Aliens influence on Halo CE - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=riJdsvaLS8w Apple keynote - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2RMHeMGDDU Inscryption - https://store.steampowered.com/app/1092790/Inscryption/

This is the story of a man, John-117, the Master Chief. This is the story of America. Of Bungie. This is the story of developer crunch, of sleeping in the office, of grandiose expectations, and of delivering on them (albeit imperfectly). The name itself “Halo: Combat Evolved” is a corporate compromise between Bungie artists and Microsoft marketing shills. This is the story of multiplayer so good that it made mothers across America weep. It’s the story of staying up all night at your friend's house because nothing besides this moment matters. We present this podcast to you as incomplete as any analysis of a seminal game is bound to be. “Halo – it’s finished” “No. I think we’re just getting started” For the next Gameclub we are going to be playing Inscryption - <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1092790/Inscryption/" rel="noreferrer nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://store.steampowered.com/app/1092790/Inscryption/</a> Everywhere that you can find us: <a href="https://linktr.ee/wideflank" rel="noreferrer nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://linktr.ee/wideflank</a> Timestamps: <ul> <li>0:00 - Intro</li> <li>2:33 - Halo CE facts</li> <li>5:32 - Combat</li> <li>11:20 - Guns</li> <li>14:00 - Comparing to other FPS</li> <li>23:00 - AI and Aliens</li> <li>32:01 - Story (What story?)</li> <li>36:59 - Development</li> <li>48:35 - Halo isn’t cool</li> <li>56:00 - Multiplayer</li> <li>1:10:28 - Deathmatch</li> <li>1:22:55 - Graphics and the remaster</li> <li>1:29:23 - Ratings</li> <li>1:42:29 - Next Gameclub game: Inscryption.</li> </ul> Show Notes: <ul> <li>Aliens influence on Halo CE - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=riJdsvaLS8w" rel="noreferrer nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=riJdsvaLS8w</a></li> <li>Apple keynote - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2RMHeMGDDU" rel="noreferrer nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2RMHeMGDDU</a></li> <li>Inscryption - <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1092790/Inscryption/" rel="noreferrer nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://store.steampowered.com/app/1092790/Inscryption/</a></li></ul>

Halo: CE - Gameclub

For this gameclub the Wide Flank gang played “Prey” (2017). The Typhon have broken containment and are running amok on the space station Talos 1. But this is an immersive sim so as much as it is your job to blast these aliens to bits, you also need to read a lot of emails between HR and disgruntled office workers. The game is a little messy, but that's kind of the point. Unfortunately Prey doesn’t communicate the broadness or possibility of its systems early on so your mileage may vary. Space, however, has never looked this good. For the next Gameclub we are going to be playing Halo: Combat Evolved, so get that going: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1064221/Halo_Combat_Evolved_Anniversary/ Everywhere that you can find us: https://linktr.ee/wideflank Timestamps:  0:00 - Intro 1:45 - Game facts 3:55 - Genre 7:45 - Premise 10:19 - The immersive sim 16:04 - GLOO Gun 19:50 - Recognizing playstyle 27:00 - Dead weight or rewarding exploration 30:47 - The game doesn't teach you 33:00 - but the difficulty might 39:00 - Philosophy vs narrative 47:15 - Weak narrative in an immersive sim 57:20 - Pacing and losing steam before the end 1:02:58 - The twist 1:08:50 - Staging and storytelling 1:16:44 - Ratings  Show Notes:  Noclip documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXLxaKrcFZ0 Unfinished Swan: https://youtu.be/Y2B78qD4hGU?t=122 Bullet Points: https://www.bulletpointspodcast.com/post/161359592822/episode-41-prey Being the minotaur: https://www.vice.com/en/article/7xxxvg/prey-might-have-a-terrible-ending-but-thats-what-makes-it-great

For this gameclub the Wide Flank gang played “Prey” (2017). The Typhon have broken containment and are running amok on the space station Talos 1. But this is an immersive sim so as much as it is your job to blast these aliens to bits, you also need to read a lot of emails between HR and disgruntled office workers. The game is a little messy, but that's kind of the point. Unfortunately Prey doesn’t communicate the broadness or possibility of its systems early on so your mileage may vary. Space, however, has never looked this good. For the next Gameclub we are going to be playing Halo: Combat Evolved, so get that going: <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1064221/Halo_Combat_Evolved_Anniversary/" rel="noreferrer nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://store.steampowered.com/app/1064221/Halo_Combat_Evolved_Anniversary/</a> Everywhere that you can find us: <a href="https://linktr.ee/wideflank" rel="noreferrer nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://linktr.ee/wideflank</a> Timestamps: <ul> <li>0:00 - Intro</li> <li>1:45 - Game facts</li> <li>3:55 - Genre</li> <li>7:45 - Premise</li> <li>10:19 - The immersive sim</li> <li>16:04 - GLOO Gun</li> <li>19:50 - Recognizing playstyle</li> <li>27:00 - Dead weight or rewarding exploration</li> <li>30:47 - The game doesn't teach you</li> <li>33:00 - but the difficulty might</li> <li>39:00 - Philosophy vs narrative</li> <li>47:15 - Weak narrative in an immersive sim</li> <li>57:20 - Pacing and losing steam before the end</li> <li>1:02:58 - The twist</li> <li>1:08:50 - Staging and storytelling</li> <li>1:16:44 - Ratings</li> </ul> Show Notes: <ul> <li>Noclip documentary: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXLxaKrcFZ0" rel="noreferrer nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXLxaKrcFZ0</a></li> <li>Unfinished Swan: <a href="https://youtu.be/Y2B78qD4hGU?t=122" rel="noreferrer nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/Y2B78qD4hGU?t=122</a></li> <li>Bullet Points: <a href="https://www.bulletpointspodcast.com/post/161359592822/episode-41-prey" rel="noreferrer nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.bulletpointspodcast.com/post/161359592822/episode-41-prey</a></li> <li>Being the minotaur: <a href="https://www.vice.com/en/article/7xxxvg/prey-might-have-a-terrible-ending-but-thats-what-makes-it-great" rel="noreferrer nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.vice.com/en/article/7xxxvg/prey-might-have-a-terrible-ending-but-thats-what-makes-it-great</a></li></ul>

Prey (2017) - Gameclub

This month the gang played Mega Man X. Was it good? Yes. Could it have been better? Yes. It's a blast from the past with a killer soundtrack and a half-assed attempt at a Blade Runner plot line. What's not to love? How about enemies respawning immediately after killing them just because the camera moved. We spend a lot of time comparing MMX to other games trying to pinpoint what about the mechanics feel so good. We also try to nail down what makes boss fights fun -- if they are ever fun. For the next Gameclub we are going to be playing Prey, so get that going: https://store.steampowered.com/app/480490/Prey/ Everywhere that you can find us: https://linktr.ee/wideflank Timestamps:  0:00 - Intro 2:38 - MMX overview 4:15 - Frame delay 5:02 - Controls/Movement 8:35 - Doom and similar games 14:16 - MMX wants to be fast paced but aint 16:45 - The game is dated 19:50 - Could this have been a Metroidvania? 22:50 - How about make it *only* boss fights 26:30 - Favorite gun 27:00 - Why do a buster only playthrough? 28:20 - Order of bosses 32:20 - Favorite boss 38:30 - Telemelt! 40:27 - Difficulty and Soulsborne 45:20 - Story 47:37 - Opening level game design 54:50 - Cup head and memorization 1:00:00 - Favorite boss…of all time? 1:03:48 - Best music  Show Notes:  Bo Jackson - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bo_Jackson Telemelt - https://telemelt.com/ Ego raptor (don't watch this) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8FpigqfcvlM

This month the gang played Mega Man X. Was it good? Yes. Could it have been better? Yes. It's a blast from the past with a killer soundtrack and a half-assed attempt at a Blade Runner plot line. What's not to love? How about enemies respawning immediately after killing them just because the camera moved. We spend a lot of time comparing MMX to other games trying to pinpoint what about the mechanics feel so good. We also try to nail down what makes boss fights fun -- if they are ever fun. For the next Gameclub we are going to be playing Prey, so get that going: <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/480490/Prey/" rel="noreferrer nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://store.steampowered.com/app/480490/Prey/</a> Everywhere that you can find us: <a href="https://linktr.ee/wideflank" rel="noreferrer nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://linktr.ee/wideflank</a> Timestamps: <ul> <li>0:00 - Intro</li> <li>2:38 - MMX overview</li> <li>4:15 - Frame delay</li> <li>5:02 - Controls/Movement</li> <li>8:35 - Doom and similar games</li> <li>14:16 - MMX wants to be fast paced but aint</li> <li>16:45 - The game is dated</li> <li>19:50 - Could this have been a Metroidvania?</li> <li>22:50 - How about make it *only* boss fights</li> <li>26:30 - Favorite gun</li> <li>27:00 - Why do a buster only playthrough?</li> <li>28:20 - Order of bosses</li> <li>32:20 - Favorite boss</li> <li>38:30 - Telemelt!</li> <li>40:27 - Difficulty and Soulsborne</li> <li>45:20 - Story</li> <li>47:37 - Opening level game design</li> <li>54:50 - Cup head and memorization</li> <li>1:00:00 - Favorite boss…of all time?</li> <li>1:03:48 - Best music</li> </ul> Show Notes: <ul> <li>Bo Jackson - <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bo_Jackson" rel="noreferrer nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bo_Jackson</a></li> <li>Telemelt - <a href="https://telemelt.com/" rel="noreferrer nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://telemelt.com/</a></li> <li>Ego raptor (don't watch this) - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8FpigqfcvlM" rel="noreferrer nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8FpigqfcvlM</a></li></ul>

Mega Man X - Gameclub

This month, Aleah, Teddy and Danny discussed Dune Part 1. There's a lot to like about this film and a lot to look forward to in Part 2, but it definitely has its missteps. As readers of the book, we definitely felt that Denis did a great job visualizing Frank Herbert's novel. Next game for Gameclub is Mega Man X. Happy gaming.  Everywhere that you can find Wide Flank: https://linktr.ee/wideflank

This month, Aleah, Teddy and Danny discussed Dune Part 1. There's a lot to like about this film and a lot to look forward to in Part 2, but it definitely has its missteps. As readers of the book, we definitely felt that Denis did a great job visualizing Frank Herbert's novel. Next game for Gameclub is Mega Man X. Happy gaming.  Everywhere that you can find Wide Flank: <a href="https://linktr.ee/wideflank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://linktr.ee/wideflank</a>

Dune (2021) - Zero One Why

The Last of Us. Yep, we decided to play it one more time (or in Alon’s case, the first time). Teddy and Danny have played this many times since its release, and to no one's surprise, still loved it. It’s a game that gets its storytelling so right. The voice acting is 2nd to none. The plot is familiar, and even has its fair share of tropes, but its characters are so well developed that we didn’t mind. The level traversing and combat leaves something to be desired, but hey, nobody is perfect. While this game might not have GOAT status, it was a great ride and a lot of fun to talk about. This may be one of the best pods yet, but that’s for you to decide. Next game for Gameclub is Mega Man X. Happy gaming. Everywhere that you can find Wide Flank: https://linktr.ee/wideflank Timestamps:  0:00 - Opening 1:32 - Credits 4:08 - Prologue 7:18 - Is this a cinematic? 10:50 - Game synopsis 14:10 - This game gets boring very quickly 21:42 - Cinematics vs gameplay 26:35 - Human contact and bonding moments 29:40 - Combat issues, skill potential 33:39 - Slaves to the script 40:00 - More combat... 49:00 - Zombies: the worst part of the game 52:37 - A story without villains and heroes 55:30 - Empathy for the characters 58:22 - Why is this a game? 1:10:20 - Winter 1:14:32 - Joel’s virtuous circle 1:17:00 - The ending 1:28:40 - The Fight with David 1:32:00 - Best game of all time  Show Notes:  Children of Men (Movie) The Road (Book) Grounded: The Making of The Last of Us Adaptation Die Hard Ish’s story Mega Man X

The Last of Us. Yep, we decided to play it one more time (or in Alon’s case, the first time). Teddy and Danny have played this many times since its release, and to no one's surprise, still loved it. It’s a game that gets its storytelling so right. The voice acting is 2nd to none. The plot is familiar, and even has its fair share of tropes, but its characters are so well developed that we didn’t mind. The level traversing and combat leaves something to be desired, but hey, nobody is perfect. While this game might not have GOAT status, it was a great ride and a lot of fun to talk about. This may be one of the best pods yet, but that’s for you to decide. Next game for Gameclub is Mega Man X. Happy gaming. Everywhere that you can find Wide Flank: <a href="https://linktr.ee/wideflank" rel="noreferrer nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://linktr.ee/wideflank</a> Timestamps: <ul> <li>0:00 - Opening</li> <li>1:32 - Credits</li> <li>4:08 - Prologue</li> <li>7:18 - Is this a cinematic?</li> <li>10:50 - Game synopsis</li> <li>14:10 - This game gets boring very quickly</li> <li>21:42 - Cinematics vs gameplay</li> <li>26:35 - Human contact and bonding moments</li> <li>29:40 - Combat issues, skill potential</li> <li>33:39 - Slaves to the script</li> <li>40:00 - More combat...</li> <li>49:00 - Zombies: the worst part of the game</li> <li>52:37 - A story without villains and heroes</li> <li>55:30 - Empathy for the characters</li> <li>58:22 - Why is this a game?</li> <li>1:10:20 - Winter</li> <li>1:14:32 - Joel’s virtuous circle</li> <li>1:17:00 - The ending</li> <li>1:28:40 - The Fight with David</li> <li>1:32:00 - Best game of all time</li> </ul> Show Notes: <ul> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Children_of_Men" rel="noreferrer nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Children of Men</a><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Children_of_Men" rel="noreferrer nofollow noopener" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Children_of_Men" rel="noreferrer nofollow noopener" target="_blank">(Movie)</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Road" rel="noreferrer nofollow noopener" target="_blank">The Road</a><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Road" rel="noreferrer nofollow noopener" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Road" rel="noreferrer nofollow noopener" target="_blank">(Book)</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yH5MgEbBOps" rel="noreferrer nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Grounded: The Making of The Last of Us</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adaptation_(film)" rel="noreferrer nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Adaptation</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Die_Hard" rel="noreferrer nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Die Hard</a></li> <li><a href="https://thelastofus.fandom.com/wiki/Ish" rel="noreferrer nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Ish’s story</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mega_Man_X" rel="noreferrer nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Mega Man X</a></li></ul>

The Last of US (2013) - Gameclub

Before Wide Flank, there was a podcast called Zero One Why. It was a show where Teddy, Danny and Aleah reviewed movies and gave them a One (watch it) or a Zero (don’t watch it) and talked about why. We reunited to review and react to Bo Burnham’s Netflix special “Inside”. We had an amazing time recording together again and did our best to add some unique takes on the widely lauded and over-reviewed comedy special. Zero One Why is making a return on the Wide Flank channel. Expect to see one of these coming out a month! If you love movies and TV, this is a great series for you. If not, we’ll see you for the next Gameclub!  Join our discord!!! https://discord.gg/ACbDjNhMpJ  Time Stamps Intro: 00:00 Inside Overview: 01:25 Our History with Bo Burnham and Inside: 02:45 What is Comedy? 09:25 Difficulty articulating feelings about Inside: 10:07 Is it Funny?: 13:14 Eight Grade: 15:05 Make Happy: 16:25 Contemporary Comedy: 18:39 The Social Media Generation: 23:55 Approaching Inside: 28:45 Do we care that this isn’t real?: 29:17 Negative Criticism of Inside: 31:05 This is fake and it should be fake: 33:10 Exploring the title: 33:58 Why are musicals good? 35:35 Favorite Moments: 40:55 That Funny Feeling as a time capsule: 43:29 Cancelling Bo Burnham: 46:40 What happened to poetry?: 47:45 White Woman’s Instagram: 50:17 Self Harm and Mental Health: 50:55 When he’s right, he’s right: 1:00:32 Enjoying depressing media mid pandemic: 1:01:40 Ratings: 1:03:20  Wide Flank is also on: - Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wideflank - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wideflank/ - Twitter: https://twitter.com/WideFlank - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wideflank - Substack: https://wideflank.substack.com/ - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzdUM7zORz65-cDDaO7xFaA - Anchor: https://anchor.fm/wideflank/ - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3LQtbRaD7u5cl1gaJCMzS3 - Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wide-flank/id1572726441 - Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy81OWIwNzZlOC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw== - RSS Feed: https://anchor.fm/s/59b076e8/podcast/rss

Before Wide Flank, there was a podcast called Zero One Why. It was a show where Teddy, Danny and Aleah reviewed movies and gave them a One (watch it) or a Zero (don’t watch it) and talked about why. We reunited to review and react to Bo Burnham’s Netflix special “Inside”. We had an amazing time recording together again and did our best to add some unique takes on the widely lauded and over-reviewed comedy special. Zero One Why is making a return on the Wide Flank channel. Expect to see one of these coming out a month! If you love movies and TV, this is a great series for you. If not, we’ll see you for the next Gameclub! Join our discord!!! <a href="https://discord.gg/ACbDjNhMpJ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://discord.gg/ACbDjNhMpJ</a> Time Stamps Intro: 00:00 Inside Overview: 01:25 Our History with Bo Burnham and Inside: 02:45 What is Comedy? 09:25 Difficulty articulating feelings about Inside: 10:07 Is it Funny?: 13:14 Eight Grade: 15:05 Make Happy: 16:25 Contemporary Comedy: 18:39 The Social Media Generation: 23:55 Approaching Inside: 28:45 Do we care that this isn’t real?: 29:17 Negative Criticism of Inside: 31:05 This is fake and it should be fake: 33:10 Exploring the title: 33:58 Why are musicals good? 35:35 Favorite Moments: 40:55 That Funny Feeling as a time capsule: 43:29 Cancelling Bo Burnham: 46:40 What happened to poetry?: 47:45 White Woman’s Instagram: 50:17 Self Harm and Mental Health: 50:55 When he’s right, he’s right: 1:00:32 Enjoying depressing media mid pandemic: 1:01:40 Ratings: 1:03:20 Wide Flank is also on: - Patreon: <a href="https://www.patreon.com/wideflank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.patreon.com/wideflank</a> - Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/wideflank/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/wideflank/</a> - Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/WideFlank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/WideFlank</a> - TikTok: <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@wideflank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.tiktok.com/@wideflank</a> - Substack: <a href="https://wideflank.substack.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://wideflank.substack.com/</a> - YouTube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzdUM7zORz65-cDDaO7xFaA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzdUM7zORz65-cDDaO7xFaA</a> - Anchor: <a href="https://anchor.fm/wideflank/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://anchor.fm/wideflank/</a> - Spotify: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/3LQtbRaD7u5cl1gaJCMzS3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/show/3LQtbRaD7u5cl1gaJCMzS3</a> - Apple Podcasts: <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wide-flank/id1572726441" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wide-flank/id1572726441</a> - Google Podcasts: <a href="https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy81OWIwNzZlOC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw==" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy81OWIwNzZlOC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw==</a> - RSS Feed: <a href="https://anchor.fm/s/59b076e8/podcast/rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://anchor.fm/s/59b076e8/podcast/rss</a>

Bo Burnham: Inside - Zero One Why

For this month’s Gameclub, Alon, Danny and Teddy talk about Metal Gear Solid (1998). This was our hardest episode yet. What can you add to the pile of think pieces and criticism of one of the most beloved games of a generation? We do our best to use terms like postmodern and the 4th wall to describe our experience but not sure if we say them correctly. There are some misses here: Why is it in 3D? Why can’t you aim in first person? But some of its flaws are its greatest strength, like why does Snake repeat back nouns to other characters as a question — “2nd floor basement?”. This is a game with heart. It takes risks and may stumble more often than it succeeds, but Kojima won us over for life (at least Teddy and Danny -- Alon is still a work in progress). Join our discord!!! https://discord.gg/ACbDjNhMpJ Timestamps:  00:00 - Intro 02:08 - Metal Gear Solid overview 04:20 - What version we played 04:51 - Our Metal Gear history 07:40 - Our Kojima history 13:05 - How to describe this game? 15:07 - Game narrative synopsis 16:56 - It’s bad, but also good! 22:09 - The first postmodern game 24:02 - 4th wall for videogames 26:21 - Does a bounty of easter eggs make a game? 32:06 - Holding hands when introducing a game 33:50 - The critics are wrong 39:45 - Kojima make a movie? 44:54 - Not all the gameplay is bad 46:22 - Boss fights 49:40 - Should it be 3D? 52:10 - Mechanics are good, if not gameplay 57:40 - More 3D 1:02:20 - How was the wall breaking 1:07:00 - Translation and story 1:14:00 - Nukes 1:20:45 - Favorite lines 1:29:20 - Sexism 1:36:15 - Does MGS stand alone or lean on the sequels to make its mark 1:43:20 - Movie vs game 1:47:00 - Wrap up  Show Notes:  Escape from New York trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PYYZFcvQfRg Reformulating the 4th wall - https://www.gamedeveloper.com/design/a-circular-wall-reformulating-the-fourth-wall-for-video-games Translation story - https://www.polygon.com/2019/7/18/20696081/metal-gear-solid-translation-japanese-english-jeremy-blaustein the 7 polygon penis in Hitman 2 made me gay - https://twitter.com/radiatoryang/status/1163590116440457216 Solid Gear Metal - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p8iBBJE_MZ0

For this month’s Gameclub, Alon, Danny and Teddy talk about Metal Gear Solid (1998). This was our hardest episode yet. What can you add to the pile of think pieces and criticism of one of the most beloved games of a generation? We do our best to use terms like postmodern and the 4th wall to describe our experience but not sure if we say them correctly. There are some misses here: Why is it in 3D? Why can’t you aim in first person? But some of its flaws are its greatest strength, like why does Snake repeat back nouns to other characters as a question — “2nd floor basement?”. This is a game with heart. It takes risks and may stumble more often than it succeeds, but Kojima won us over for life (at least Teddy and Danny -- Alon is still a work in progress). Join our discord!!! <a href="https://discord.gg/ACbDjNhMpJ" rel="noreferrer nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://discord.gg/ACbDjNhMpJ</a> Timestamps: <ul> <li>00:00 - Intro</li> <li>02:08 - Metal Gear Solid overview</li> <li>04:20 - What version we played</li> <li>04:51 - Our Metal Gear history</li> <li>07:40 - Our Kojima history</li> <li>13:05 - How to describe this game?</li> <li>15:07 - Game narrative synopsis</li> <li>16:56 - It’s bad, but also good!</li> <li>22:09 - The first postmodern game</li> <li>24:02 - 4th wall for videogames</li> <li>26:21 - Does a bounty of easter eggs make a game?</li> <li>32:06 - Holding hands when introducing a game</li> <li>33:50 - The critics are wrong</li> <li>39:45 - Kojima make a movie?</li> <li>44:54 - Not all the gameplay is bad</li> <li>46:22 - Boss fights</li> <li>49:40 - Should it be 3D?</li> <li>52:10 - Mechanics are good, if not gameplay</li> <li>57:40 - More 3D</li> <li>1:02:20 - How was the wall breaking</li> <li>1:07:00 - Translation and story</li> <li>1:14:00 - Nukes</li> <li>1:20:45 - Favorite lines</li> <li>1:29:20 - Sexism</li> <li>1:36:15 - Does MGS stand alone or lean on the sequels to make its mark</li> <li>1:43:20 - Movie vs game</li> <li>1:47:00 - Wrap up</li> </ul> Show Notes: <ul> <li>Escape from New York trailer - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PYYZFcvQfRg" rel="noreferrer nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PYYZFcvQfRg</a></li> <li>Reformulating the 4th wall - <a href="https://www.gamedeveloper.com/design/a-circular-wall-reformulating-the-fourth-wall-for-video-games" rel="noreferrer nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.gamedeveloper.com/design/a-circular-wall-reformulating-the-fourth-wall-for-video-games</a></li> <li>Translation story - <a href="https://www.polygon.com/2019/7/18/20696081/metal-gear-solid-translation-japanese-english-jeremy-blaustein" rel="noreferrer nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.polygon.com/2019/7/18/20696081/metal-gear-solid-translation-japanese-english-jeremy-blaustein</a></li> <li>the 7 polygon penis in Hitman 2 made me gay - <a href="https://twitter.com/radiatoryang/status/1163590116440457216" rel="noreferrer nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/radiatoryang/status/1163590116440457216</a></li> <li>Solid Gear Metal - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p8iBBJE_MZ0" rel="noreferrer nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p8iBBJE_MZ0</a></li></ul>

Metal Gear Solid (1998) - Gameclub

For this month’s Gameclub, Alon, Danny and Teddy talk a lot about Subnautica. You are a lone survivor after an interstellar spaceship crashes down on an ocean planet. What do you do? Scuba dive and mine minerals until you can blast back off into space, of course. The game isn’t perfect, but the ambiance? Flawless. We spend a lot of time talking about the early access release schedule and how that likely influenced the final product. Subnautica isn’t quite sure what it wants to be and as a result doesn’t really nail anything. That’s okay because we love that people are trying big bold things. For the next Gameclub we are going to be playing Metal Gear Solid -- the PC version: https://www.gog.com/game/metal_gear_solid We got a lot of requests to do The Last of Us and Metal Gear Solid 2, which we’ll do next in that order, so we’re going to do a faster turnaround with MGS and record on September 22nd. Join our discord!!! https://discord.gg/ACbDjNhMpJ Timestamps:  00:00 - Intro 02:00 - Subnautica overview 03:58 - Modding, the mother of games 05:54 - Charlie Cleveland’s (lead designer) pillars of game design 08:14 - Early access: medium is the message 11:10 - Criticism is easy - building games is hard 13:40 - From Fortnite to majesty 19:02 - The horror 23:06 - Scuba diving, scale, and realism 30:37 - Wishing this was the real ocean 38:45 - What kind of game is this. Survival? 49:03 - Open World? 54:37 - Teaching you how to play, sort of 59:23 - Retracing your steps feels bad 1:01:11 - Early access content release 1:05:00 - Story drops are cool 1:06:27 - Looking stuff up 1:09:40 - End of the game is hard gated 1:12:45 - Revamping the Cyclops 1:16:30 - It should have been multiplayer 1:26:40 - Hows the story 1:35:55 - Wide Flank questions 1:52:38 - Reflecting on the Pillars  Show Notes:  Ratatouille and being a critic : https://youtu.be/Ih6jcKd7VwU Subnautica update history: https://subnautica.fandom.com/wiki/Update_History_(Subnautica) Medium is the message: https://youtu.be/AxFzf6yIfcc Sonic air bubble: https://youtu.be/WP5CUZZ_vCc Reframing the Cyclops: https://www.charliecleveland.com/reframing-the-cyclops/ Hunt for Red October: https://youtu.be/4unk6siO-tI Deadspace co-op losing your mind: https://youtu.be/Wdws6dtF-2A?t=440s Loss of colors underwater: https://www.scubadiverinfo.com/2_red_at_depth.html

For this month’s Gameclub, Alon, Danny and Teddy talk a lot about Subnautica. You are a lone survivor after an interstellar spaceship crashes down on an ocean planet. What do you do? Scuba dive and mine minerals until you can blast back off into space, of course. The game isn’t perfect, but the ambiance? Flawless. We spend a lot of time talking about the early access release schedule and how that likely influenced the final product. Subnautica isn’t quite sure what it wants to be and as a result doesn’t really nail anything. That’s okay because we love that people are trying big bold things. For the next Gameclub we are going to be playing Metal Gear Solid -- the PC version: <a href="https://www.gog.com/game/metal_gear_solid" rel="noreferrer nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.gog.com/game/metal_gear_solid</a> We got a lot of requests to do The Last of Us and Metal Gear Solid 2, which we’ll do next in that order, so we’re going to do a faster turnaround with MGS and record on September 22nd. Join our discord!!! <a href="https://discord.gg/ACbDjNhMpJ" rel="noreferrer nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://discord.gg/ACbDjNhMpJ</a> Timestamps: <ul> <li>00:00 - Intro</li> <li>02:00 - Subnautica overview</li> <li>03:58 - Modding, the mother of games</li> <li>05:54 - Charlie Cleveland’s (lead designer) pillars of game design</li> <li>08:14 - Early access: medium is the message</li> <li>11:10 - Criticism is easy - building games is hard</li> <li>13:40 - From Fortnite to majesty</li> <li>19:02 - The horror</li> <li>23:06 - Scuba diving, scale, and realism</li> <li>30:37 - Wishing this was the real ocean</li> <li>38:45 - What kind of game is this. Survival?</li> <li>49:03 - Open World?</li> <li>54:37 - Teaching you how to play, sort of</li> <li>59:23 - Retracing your steps feels bad</li> <li>1:01:11 - Early access content release</li> <li>1:05:00 - Story drops are cool</li> <li>1:06:27 - Looking stuff up</li> <li>1:09:40 - End of the game is hard gated</li> <li>1:12:45 - Revamping the Cyclops</li> <li>1:16:30 - It should have been multiplayer</li> <li>1:26:40 - Hows the story</li> <li>1:35:55 - Wide Flank questions</li> <li>1:52:38 - Reflecting on the Pillars</li> </ul> Show Notes: <ul> <li>Ratatouille and being a critic : <a href="https://youtu.be/Ih6jcKd7VwU" rel="noreferrer nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/Ih6jcKd7VwU</a></li> <li>Subnautica update history: <a href="https://subnautica.fandom.com/wiki/Update_History_(Subnautica)" rel="noreferrer nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://subnautica.fandom.com/wiki/Update_History_(Subnautica</a><a href="https://subnautica.fandom.com/wiki/Update_History_(Subnautica)" rel="noreferrer nofollow noopener" target="_blank">)</a></li> <li>Medium is the message: <a href="https://youtu.be/AxFzf6yIfcc" rel="noreferrer nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/AxFzf6yIfcc</a></li> <li>Sonic air bubble: <a href="https://youtu.be/WP5CUZZ_vCc" rel="noreferrer nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/WP5CUZZ_vCc</a></li> <li>Reframing the Cyclops: <a href="https://www.charliecleveland.com/reframing-the-cyclops/" rel="noreferrer nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.charliecleveland.com/reframing-the-cyclops/</a></li> <li>Hunt for Red October: <a href="https://youtu.be/4unk6siO-tI" rel="noreferrer nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/4unk6siO-tI</a></li> <li>Deadspace co-op losing your mind: <a href="https://youtu.be/Wdws6dtF-2A?t=440s" rel="noreferrer nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/Wdws6dtF-2A?t=440s</a></li> <li>Loss of colors underwater: <a href="https://www.scubadiverinfo.com/2_red_at_depth.html" rel="noreferrer nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.scubadiverinfo.com/2_red_at_depth.html</a></li></ul>

Subnautica - Gameclub

We pick a game, play it, then hang out and talk about it. It's a book club for video games. Join us every month as we play classics, recent releases, nostalgia trips, the peculiar, and everything in between. Most of the time we don't know what we're talking about, but we have fun doing it. Play the game and join us! Us being Alon, Danny, and Teddy. Our friendship was born in Counter-Strike, but we became family during PUBG. We're always looking for feedback and questions -- send us some game suggestions and we'll try to play it at some point! Support us at: <a href="https://www.patreon.com/wideflank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.patreon.com/wideflank</a>

Wide Flank - Video Game Book Club

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