FanFare Podcast Posts: Recent Episodes
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We're finally discussing a good book! Naomi Klein's "Doppelgänger" chronicles the long, steady descent of another Naomi — Wolf (buddy oof) — from feminist icon to crank conspiracist. To hear the rest of the episode, support us on Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/IfBooksPod
This single episode has made my months-long Patreon subscription worthwhile.
"This is the third official episode, breaking down the 1974 Pulitzer Prize winning book, The Power Broker by our hero Robert Caro. Blank Check podcast co-host and The Atlantic movie critic David Sims is our book club guest.On today's show, Elliott Kalan, Roman Mars, and David Sims will cover the first section of Part 4 of the book (Chapters 11 through the end of Chapter 15), discussing the major story beats and themes."
This is the second official episode, breaking down the 1974 Pulitzer Prize winning book, The Power Broker by our hero Robert Caro. New York Times political columnist Jamelle Bouie is our book club guest.On today's show, Elliott Kalan and Roman Mars will cover Part 3 of the book (Chapters 6 through the end of Chapter 10), discussing the major story beats and themes, with occasional asides from Jamelle Bouie guiding us through the politics of the era.
That was the official description. I add: are you already behind in your reading? Don't worry about it! Janelle Bouie hasn't read the book at all and he's a guest! This episode gives useful background and context for those of us who are catching up.
My goodness, that's certainly a special guest: Robert Caro! Let's discuss the book and the podcast, through the end of chapter five.
The Dracula Hunters head into the town of Lumineax to gather information from some familiar faces. Brother Phileaux makes a confession. Lady Godwin tests her strength. Mutt confronts a frenemy.
Additional Music in this Episode: "I'm a Monster" by Nuno Adelaida: https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Nuno_Adelaida; and "Kindness" by Edoy: https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Edoy/.
Dracula has spread chaos in the realm of Angrave for too long, casting a dark shadow over the city of Lumineaux. Can a semi-retired monster hunter, a man of the cloth, and a muscled high-society woman team up to take him down?
Additional Music in this Episode: "Trio for Piano Violin and Viola" and "Erik Satie: Gymnopedie No 3" by Kevin MacLeod: https://incompetech.com/; and "Celosia" by sawsquarenoise: http://rolemusic.sawsquarenoise.com/;
Patients at a fertility clinic experience excruciating, unexpected pain. For months the reason for that pain remains hidden. Then they get a letter from the clinic.
The patients in this story came to the Yale Fertility Center to pursue pregnancy. They began their I.V.F. cycles full of expectation and hope. Then a surgical procedure called egg retrieval caused them excruciating pain.
Some of the patients screamed out in the procedure room. Others called the clinic from home to report pain in the hours that followed. But most of the staff members who fielded the patients' reports did not know the real reason for the pain, which was that a nurse at the clinic was stealing fentanyl and replacing it with saline.
From Serial Productions and The New York Times, The Retrievals is a five-part narrative series reported by Susan Burton, a veteran staff member at "This American Life" and author of the memoir "Empty."
Burton details the events that unfolded at the clinic, and examines how the patients' distinct identities informed the way they made sense of what happened to them in the procedure room. The nurse, too, has her own story, about her own pain, that she tells to the court. And then there is the story of how this all could have happened at the Yale clinic in the first place.
Throughout, Burton explores the stories we tell about women's pain. How do we tolerate, interpret and account for it? What happens when pain is minimized or dismissed?
The podcast 99% Invisible is reading The Power Broker next year. Let's do a readalong / listenalong! I know I've done this under the podcast and not the book, but the book weights three point five freaking pounds and I like the idea of discussing it in chunks. We could talk about the book and the podcast here.
Can't stop, won't stop, #Deathblart The Blart quintet are back for a ninth year. Nothing will stop them from their annual watch and review of BP:MC2, not an industry-wide strike, not a lack of enthusiasm for the film.
In this refreshingly straight-laced approach at the material, all five reviewers have remained (mainly) sober and checked in. This mentally sharp environment has allowed for a Griffin-Timbo mindmeld to explore the possible religious and philosophical ramifications of Paul fighting a bird in a fake garden setting to piano music. Travis is attempting to explain to his child that this movie IS a comedy. Guy is quick to defend the Toyota Yaris. And Justin has once again figured out a way to turn the watch into a joyful experience while watching shirtless in bed. Please enjoy, season greetings to one and all and do consider purchasing a shirt or poster this year because all the proceeds go to the First Nations Development Institute.
Current hosts: Justin, Travis and Griffin McElroy, Tim Batt and Guy Montgomery
In 1968, two women find themselves in rural Pennsylvania during what turns out to be some kind of apocalyptic event. By the time they discover that everyone else is gone, it's too late to figure out what happened. Despite not liking each other at all, the women work together to survive, until six years later one of them sets out on her own, driving around the country to find other survivors. This is her, calling out to anyone who might listen.
Lauren Shippen, creator of The Bright Sessions and Passenger List, writes and stars in this weekdaily micropodcast (around 5 minutes per) about a post-apocalyptic road trip.
Nothing's better than when you don't know that a game exists, and then POOF! It's just right there on the homepage of whatever digital games distributor you use to get new games. Even better? When it's super fun, like Tango Gameworks' rhythm-based beat-em-up, Hi-Fi Rush! Also discussed: Forward: Escape the Fold, Yakuza: Like a Dragon, Physical: 100, Rock Band, Guitar Hero, DJ Hero, Season, Letterkenny, 20 Minutes Until Dawn
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Join us as we revisit the USG Ishimura, the pride of Earth's planet-cracking operations and, also, the extremely monster-infested setting of EA's remake of their classic survival horror title Dead Space. Does it still hold up some 15 years after its initial release? (Spoiler alert: Yes. Yes it does.) Also discussed: Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Mario 64, Half-Life, Fable, Burnout 3: Takedown, Metal Gear Solid, Metroid Prime, Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, Freelancer, Time's Ours, You Pod to Win the Game, My Perfect Console, Teardown, Vampire Survivors, Paul T. Goldman, The Traitors, Yakuza: Like a Dragon
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Intelligent Systems' long-running series of strategy-RPGs gets even longer this week with the release of Fire Emblem Engage! Join us as we discuss the evolved tactics in this new installment, as well as the ethics of trapping ghost soldiers in Cracker Jack prize rings.Also discussed: IGF Award Nominees, Pocket Card Jockey: Ride On, Futureport 82, &Juliet
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Welcome to the Pod F. Tompkast! When night descends on the internet, Paul F. Tompkins keeps watch over all their is, fueled by the music of Eban Schletter's pianoforte. Together, these two sentries ail unseen towards the shores of day, passing the time with comedy type ramblings and bitlets.
Revisit 2010, way before podcasts were cool, and hear Paul F. Tompkins interrupt Eban Schletter's piano playing to bring us surreal monologues, bits from his live shows, various guests and the adventures of John Lithgow, Cakeboss and Ice T.
A classic from the pre-Serial era of podcasting, the last episode was close to a decade ago. I thought briefly of trying to do one post for every episode, but only so I could reproduce the feel of listening to the original by pretending a new episode was coming soon and then needing to focus on my day job for a month or tow.
To kind-of-celebrate the almost-25th anniversary of Metal Gear Solid, we went back and played a couple different versions of the game to see how well Hideo Kojima's super spy thriller holds up. And hey, how's the pilot episode of HBO's adaptation of The Last of Us? Also discussed: Sea of Thieves, Traitors, Neon White, Industry, The Shout
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This week, we're joined by GameSpot's Lucy James as we discuss Squanch Games' joke-packed first-person shooter High on Life. How many full-belly chuckles did we experience during our time alien bounty hunting? Also, can J.B. Smoove do voices in every game? Also discussed: Disco Elysium, 100 Ft. Robot Golf, Towerfall, Overcooked, Portal 2, The Stanley Parable, Prey, Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow, The Past Within, Outpath: First Journey, Dragon Quest IX
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With last year's best games played and adjudicated, we look forward to some of our most anticipated releases of 2023. Sure, you got your Zeldas and your Starfields, but there's way more coming down the pipeline — some of which are out pretty soon! Games discussed: Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Starfield, Final Fantasy XVI, Diablo 4, Star Wars: Jedi Survivor, Hollow Knight: Silksong, Atomic Heart, Judas, Suicide Squad, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, Pragmata, STALKER 2, Fire Emblem Engage, Armored Core 6, Redfall, Alan Wake 2, The Wolf Among Us 2, Playdead's New Game.
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We continue the ritual of making the ritual slightly different every year, when we bring the final eight down to the final four, and then introduce another contender before we rank the final five. And at last we'll have the answer to the burning question: what's the second-best game of 2022?
Besties GOTY Extravaganza - Part One on FanFare
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IT BEGINS. Well, it ends. Okay, actually, both. This week, we're taking our top 16 games of the year and pitting them against one another in arbitrary combat until only eight remain. Next week, we'll get things sorted down to a nice, tidy ranking of the five best games of the year. Join us! But like, get comfortable, because this is going to take a while.
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This week, we're joined by beloved Besties guest host Ron Funches as we discuss the gory extravaganza called Warhammer 40K: Darktide. Is Left 4 Dead still fun when it's in space and there's religion and cyberskulls and stuff? Let's find out! Also discussed: Elden Ring, OlliOlli World, Astronite, Need for Speed Unbound, Marvel Snap, Evil West, WCW Matches from 1991-1992.
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How do you take down a criminal network that's hidden in the shadows? How do you rescue child abuse victims who could be anywhere in the world? Hunting Warhead follows the journalists and police on a global mission to expose the darkest corners of the internet. What they discover shocks them. Host Daemon Fairless tracks down the investigators, survivors and criminals themselves. A co-production of CBC Podcasts and the Norwegian newspaper VG. [All the content warnings. If you think you might be disturbed by this, you are probably right.]
Marvel's Midnight Suns is a tactics game from XCOM developer Firaxis, only instead of shooting aliens a hundred times from behind cover, you play cards to beat ass with your best friend, Blade. This is, objectively, a very good idea, but how well does the rest of the game hold up? Also, what's on our backlog as we approach the GOTY proceedings? Also discussed: Dave the Diver, Pentiment, What the Bat, Binding of Isaac, Andor, Soccer Story, Peglin, Tiny Rogues
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It's one of the biggest releases of the year and Justin paid his daughter, Charlie McElroy, to play it for him. Yes, it's Pokémon time once again and we're diving into Scarlet and Violet. We've also got way more to say about Pentiment. Also discussed: Andor, Fargo Season 4, Spy x Family and Warhammer: Darktide.
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Somehow, inexplicably, American Thanksgiving is here again, and so it's once again time for our five bold visionaries to view and discuss Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2. But make no mistake - this year, things are different. This year, there is a mole. One of the five was chosen at random to watch Here Comes the Boom instead of PBMC2. The vibes get weird. Dig in.
Current hosts: Justin, Travis and Griffin McElroy, Tim Batt and Guy Montgomery
In the 1990s, the Food Pyramid was one of the most recognizable symbols in nutrition education. But where did it come from? Why was it created by the agriculture department? And why did it tell us to eat a whole loaf of bread every day?
Sonic Frontiers, the open-world iteration of Sega's fast rodent simulator, is kind of a mess. But is it the fun kind of mess, like when a can of spray cheese explodes in your car, and it's gross and everywhere, but man it'll be a great story later? Let's talk about it, and also a random assortment of other new releases! Also discussed: McPixel 3, Somerville, Pentiment, GOTY Award Nominees, Reservation Dogs, Andor
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How do you follow up a certified club banger like 2018's God of War? Join us as we discuss Sony Santa Monica's daunting sequel and its unsurprising breakout star. (Spoiler: It's Richard Schiff.) Also discussed: Signalis, Dave the Diver, Marvel Snap, Binding of Isaac
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From Realm. When a fierce tribe of woodland elves—the Wolfriders—are burned from their homes by hostile humans, their chief, Cutter, must tap every reserve of strength and will to lead his people to safety. Barely surviving brutal setbacks, the Wolfriders discover to their astonishment other elves—the Sun Folk—who exist in the world they thought was theirs alone.
"Audio movie," which is to say, "podcast." Adapts the first volume of the original quest, "Journey to Sorrow's End," with some additional backstory/characterization from the novelization.
Rosamund Pike stars as Edith Wilson in Edith! a scripted comedy podcast exploring the untold true-ish story of America's secret First Female President, from Gonzalo Cordova and Travis Helwig.
"Rosamund Pike is a sharp and biting Edith Wilson, and a surrounding cast of sycophants, friends, and nemeses world build effectively, but go just enough over-the-top to remind you this is fiction after all." -- Ashley Lusk, The Bello Collective (100 Best Podcasts of 2021)
"Quirky, stylish, and probably historically inaccurate, Edith! stands out as one of the best celebrity-led podcasts to date." -- Podcast Review, 3 Podcasts to Listen to in July
"Mixing high stakes with farce – and a delightful American accent from Pike – the result is a wry take on the historical machinations of power." -- Ammar Kalia, The Guardian
Bayonetta is back after a long sabbatical, and now there's like a million of her. Is that too many Bayonettas? Is such a thing possible? Let's find out as we share our thoughts on Bayonetta 3! Also discussed: Signalis, Marvel Snap, Idle Acorns, Binding of Isaac, Banshees of Inisherin
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Mario and Rabbids, two distinguished IPs operating on identical levels of critical acclaim, have been squished together once again in the turn-based stratgizer, Sparks of Hope. Join us as we examine their japes, and also get really into a Marvel-based TCG. 2022's just full of surprises. Also discussed: God of War: Ragnarok, Resident Evil 8 DLC, Case of the Golden Idol, The Hidden, Willie's Wonderland, Dangerous Game: The Legacy Murders
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Look, we were gonna do Arkham Knights this week, but realized nobody wanted to hear an hour long dunkfest - join us as we pivot to talking about a bunch of good games, instead! With just a liiiiittle dunking for good measure. Games discussed: Case of the Golden Idol, EverCrawl, Binding of Isaac, I Was A Teenage Exocolonist, Deadeye Deepfake Simulacrum, No Man's Sky
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With the impending multiplatform launch of Persona 5 Royal and its portable predecessors, we decided to sit down and discuss all the highs and lows of Atlus's super-social RPG franchise. Also, what's the best way to quit playing a game? Let's find out!Also discussed: Binding of Isaac: Repentance, In Memoriam series, At Dead of Night, Neon White, Rogue Legacy 2, Tunic, Sniper Elite 5
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The story picks up 8 years after the end of the television series. Cosima Niehaus looks into a new job opportunity, but it turns out to be more than it seemed to be. A newly identified clone becomes involved, and things change for the club forever.
Hosted by Realm.fm
The first season of Orphan Black: The Next Chapter was performed by Tatiana Maslany on her own.
This week, we're playing Obsidian's miniaturized survival sim Grounded, and mostly talking about stripping Rick Moranis of his science license. Also, ROCK AND STONE! By which we mean: We're also talking about Deep Rock Galactic, now that we've all actually played it! Also discussed: Binding of Isaac, RogueJack, Mars First Logistics, Near Dark, Q: The Winged Serpent
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We couldn't pick a game to discuss this week, so instead we present to you an installment of Oops! All Indie Games. We've got a bumper crop of backlog material for you to dive into, from slime-based horticulture to interstellar mining simulators.Games discussed: Trombone Champ, Slime Rancher 2, Shovel Knight Dig, Deep Rock Galactic, The Diofield Chronicle, Steel Rising, Squad 51 vs. the Flying Saucers
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"A hundred and fifty years ago, the Osage Nation bought a stretch of prairie the size of Delaware, in what's now Oklahoma. The Osage owned the land and everything beneath it. Today, much of present-day Osage County has left Osage hands. In some cases, appropriation was swift and brutal: Dozens of Osages were murdered for their share of lucrative mineral rights to this oil-rich land, a period often referred to as the Reign of Terror. But other transfers of wealth played out more subtly—dollar by dollar and acre by acre, over decades—helped along by policies created by the US government." A six-episode iHeartMedia / Bloomberg production, reported and narrated by R. Adams-Heard; series podlink here.
As recently recommended by Lifehacker's L. Passell: "The show paints a picture of Oklahoma in the early 1900s and uncovers dark truths that were never supposed to be discovered — some of them connected to TV's "Pioneer Woman" Ree Drummond herself."
More on the Reign of Terror.
We're as surprised as anyone that Dreamlight Valley, Gameloft's Disney-flavored life sim, has enraptured our hearts and our minds. Join us as we force feed Goofy raw fish while hunting the unquiet spirit of Minnie Mouse. Also discussed: Return to Monkey Island, Final Fantasy X, The Elden Ring Manga, Predator: A Memoir, Arcade Paradise, Slay the Spire
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The great inkening is upon us once again. Join us for a discussion about Nintendo's third installment in their paint-wasting simulator Splatoon! Also, we break down the big announcement's from this week's Nintendo Direct, which is to say, we talk about like a hundred farming games. Also discussed: Dark Souls 2, Godard films, Severance, Melvor Idle, Slay the Spire, Le Circ Rouge
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If you think you just played a version of the original The Last of Us, we're here to tell you that you probably did, but here's a new one with prettier graphics! Well, pretty is maybe not the right word as much as it is far more viscerally depressing now. Also discussed: Bounty of One, Zor: Pilgrimage of the Slorfs, Arcade Paradise, Dark Souls 2, and Immortality.
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This week, we're discussing the latest Sam Barlow FMV game, Immortality. It's all about the history of cinema and auteur theory and, tragically, Chris Plante isn't here to explain what all of that means. Also, what other FMV performances have stolen our hearts? Also discussed: Dark Souls 2, Dark Cloud 2, Alan Wake, Simulacra, Diveki Games, Jetpack Joyride 2
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Travis returns to MC Season 2 of The Adventure Zone: Dust. Special guest Erika Ishii (@erikaishii on twitter) joins the adventure to Wild-West inspired Crescent City. Listen in as we create our characters and give a primer on the mechanics of the game.We're playing Urban Shadows by Magpie Games: https://magpiegames.com/pages/products
Crime. Crime never changes. But the perps do, so let's meet the new squad in the Saints Row reboot! Also, what games do we like that you probably despise? Games discussed: Saints Row, Fallout New Vegas, Madden, SimCity, Heavy Rain, Dark Souls 2, Multiversus, Dark Cloud 2, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Ultimate Chicken Horse
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This week, at least three of us dirty dogs are fulfilling our every fantasy by putting our way through purgatory in Cursed to Golf! Also, we dump out the mailbag again, and dive into it like so many leaves. Also discussed: Minecraft, Journey, Return of the Obra Dinn, Desert Golfing, Her Story, Contradiction, Pokemon Go, Going outside, Poinpy, Gigabash, Rollerdome
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This week we're answering some questions about The Adventure Zone: Ethersea, as well as talking a bit about our next two (!) projects. To learn more about Urban Shadows: https://magpiegames.com/pages/products To learn more about Blades in the Dark: https://evilhat.com/product/blades-in-the-dark/
Podcaster Mitra Kiboli spends the summer of 2021 in Provincetown, Massachusetts, and gets to know locals and tourists, summer and year-round residents, and the beach. 10 half-hour episodes
WBUR interview with host Mitra Kiboli and co-creator Ben Riskin (July 2022)
Stitcher | Apple
Cult of the Lamb came out of nowhere and has enchanted us like so many woodland acolytes. Join us as we discuss the finer points of managing a demonic community, and share some of our fondest Mortal Kombat memories for good measure. Also discussed: Beetlejuice, Xenoblade Chronicles 3, Terraria, Pokemon Go, Slay the Spire: Downfall, Poinpy, Universal Paperclips, A Dark Room, The Ensign
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How do you pack the perfect video game for a long trip? This week, we speak with resident gaming travel expert and Besties co-host Justin McElroy to learn his secrets to success. Will we mention clicker games? Just you wait! Plus, Plante loves Xenoblade Chronicles 3. Twist!
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This week we're diving into a wide swath of new game releases, at least one of which kinda came out of nowhere and ended up being super good! Heck, they're all good, but just very different.On the bill: Forza Horizon 5's new Hot Wheels DLC, EX-Zodiac, and Multiversus. We also discuss Drop 7, Dr. Awesome, Sword & Poker and other games that have been removed from App Stores.
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In 1864, a group of working men formed an international association called The International Working Men's Association. (I didn't see a way to post by season for podcasts; I was thinking we could use this thread to discuss all of Season 10 on the Russian Revolution)
Revolutions website, and some thoughts on the show
With Justin and Griffin on tour, we've brought in Tina Sanchez (@teanah), who has worked on some of the biggest franchises in the games industry (and even hosted a podcast with Chris Plante ages ago!). She's here to teach us the magical world of video game producing and how the sauce all comes together into a bigger, better sauce. We're also diving a bit into our backlog, from Yakuza 0 to Outer Wilds and beyond. Other things talked about: Call of Duty, Apex Legends, God of War Ragnarok, Stray, Deep Rock Galactic and The Rehearsal on HBO.
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We know that you, a diehard Besties listener, have heard us talk about all the great games that came out so far this year. But if you enjoyed all that jazz, you're gonna LOVE hearing us stack those games up against each other in our mid-year checkpoint special!
Games discussed: Super Auto Pets, Wordle, Vampire Survivors, Nobody Saves the World, Pokemon Legends Arceus, Dying Light 2, Olliolli World, Horizon Forbidden West, Destiny 2: The Witch Queen, Elden Ring, Kirby and the Forgotten Land, Tunic, Star Wars Skywalker Saga, Teardown, Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe, Rogue Legacy 2, Citizen Sleeper, V Rising, Hardspace: Ship Breaker, TMNT Shredders Revenge, Neon White, AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES - nirvanA Initiative
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We hope you're hungry, because this week brings us Cuphead's shiny new DLC, The Delicious Last Course. Also, we bought egg sandwiches for everyone, and man, we just bought waaaay too many. Take as many as you want. Bring some home to your family.Other games discussed: Neon White, Hero Emblems 2, Teardown, Clap Hanz Golf, Fall Guys, AI Somnium Files 2
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This week, we're playing Supermassive's latest interactive horror movie-game-thing, which we played in a bunch of different ways, some less recommended than others. Also, we discuss the genre's origins in FMV at length, because ... of course we do. Other games discussed: Until Dawn, Heavy Rain, The Looker, Neon White, Card Shark, Stardew Valley Expanded
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We're serving up game criticism on a half shell and trashing like a million Foot Clan conscripts as we discuss TMNT: Shredder's Revenge, Tribute's modern take on Konami's classic beat-em-up series.Also: Mailbag's full! Let's dump it on out. Also discussed: Fall Guys, Fortnite, Yakuza 0, Rogue Legacy 2, Pokemon Shield, Five Dates
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One last thing before we go.
Episode page on Gimlet
This episode brought to you by the number seven, which tastes like the color yellow, which is the same as the smell of sending a risky text to your crush, which sounds kind of like finding out your great grandfather was a pirate who murdered a prince and blames it on another prince, which disrupted a long-standing alliance between two nations, sending the price of cotton candy through the roof ...
You know Mario, from Mario? He's so much more than a jumping plumber, you know. He's doing soccer now, too. I mean, he's been doing soccer, and a lot of other stuff, and we're going to be talking about ALL that while we share some thoughts about Mario Strikers: Battle League. Games discussed: No Man's Sky, Rogue Legacy 2, Path of Exile, Fortnite, Vampire Survivor, Yakuza 0
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Stefan Ashton Frank, Rose Johnson and Susan Harrison tell the story of the Lord Of The Sun, in an episode that might well have come straight out of Joe Frank or Blue Jam. But with significantly more rich beef sausage.
Join us as we bust out our phones and apply for a high interest personal loan with Diablo Immortal! How does Blizzard's hack and slash RPG hold up on phones, and how close has it brought us to abject financial ruin? Find out within. Games discussed: Diablo Immortal, Resident Evil 4 Remake, Street Fighter 6, Final Fantasy XVI, Soda Crisis, Sniper Elite 5, Super Auto Pets, V Rising
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Sure, E3 isn't "officially" happening this year, but there's still a lot of hot, hot gaming news dropping over the next couple of weeks! Join us as we discuss the evolution (and de-evolution) of the industry's (former) big summer event, and what we can expect from The Triple in years to come.
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This week, we're chatting about an up-and-comer on the Steam charts — the vampire survival sim V Rising. Find out why we're so smitten; with special guest Travis McElroy! Games discussed: V Rising, Everquest TLP, Who Pressed Mute on Uncle Marcus, Vampire Survivors, Stardew Valley. Direct Episode Link
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This week, we're circling back with some of the lil' guys you might have missed this Spring while you were traipsing in the bluebonnets, or collecting berries or whatever. Games discussed: Shotgun King, Vampire Survivors, Haiku the Robot, Mini Motorways on Switch, OlliOlli World, Dungeons of Dreadrock, Rogue Legacy 2, Peglin, Who Pressed Mute on Uncle Marcus?, Songpop Party, Forager, Fall Guys, Citizen Sleeper
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In today's episode, we're exploring the absolutely pristine history of Star Wars video games, and assigning each of them a grade in an EXTREMELY scientific and deliberate manner. It's a journey, y'all. Also discussed: Nobody Saves the World on Switch, Death's Gambit: Ashes of Vados, Fortnite, Rogue Legacy 2
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This week, we're tapping into the Old Ways of E-Bowling and Cyber-Tennis in Nintendo Switch Sports! It's like falling off a log, only the log is a sword, and we're using it to battle our children. Also discussed: Halo Infinite Season 2, Stanley Parable Ultra Deluxe, Knotwords
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Today on the show we're answering a long-requested question: What sorts of games do you play with kids? The Besties weigh in on some of their chosen diversions. Games discussed include: Monster Legends, ABCYa/ABCMouse/PBSkids, Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Super Mario Odyssey, Kirby and the Forgotten World, Roblox, The Room, Humongous Games, and Chuchel. Direct Episode Link
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With the McElboys on tour, Plante and Frushtick bring in a special guest, Kahlief Adams of the Spawn on Me podcast, to talk about just what makes a great video game movie, and whether we could narrow down five that best represent the medium. Also, what's up with those Goombas?
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Watch out, evildoers and college kids who need advice! Doreen Green, the Unbeatable Squirrel Girl, is back, in podcast form!
Milana Vayntrub leads the cast, Ryan North writes, Nancy and Rachel and Koi Boi and Chipmunk Hunk and Brain Drain return, what's not to love?
Debunking some of the most widely repeated myths about fat and health. Here's Mike's new video! Support us:Hear bonus episodes on PatreonDonate on PayPalGet Maintenance Phase T-shirts, stickers and moreThanks to Doctor Dreamchip for our lovely theme song!Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/maintenancephase)
Michael slays the twin dragons of bad journalism and public health scaremongering!
Look, we told you we'd be talking about Elden Ring for a very long time, and here we are, doing just that. We're going to be talking about the game's first half, and then, after a brief interlude, the second half! And then we're gonna talk about it less in the future, probably! Other media discussed: Sonic 2, Everything Everywhere All at Once, Old Enough, Perfect Tides, Minx
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We're ditching the gruesome violence of the Borderlands franchise in exchange for the whimsical violence of Tiny Tina's Wonderlands; an exchange that then inspires us to reinvent Doom for an all-ages audience. Also discussed: The Afterparty, Dragon Quest V, Bloons TD 6+, All in the Timing
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This week we're diving into the latest installment of the long-running Kirby franchise, Kirby and the Forgotten Land. We'll also discuss Sony's attempt to take on the juggernaut that is Game Pass with its new PlayStation Plus service. Other games discussed: 13 Sentinels, Tunic.
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How a liberal journalist entrenched a libertarian fantasy. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/maintenancephase)
This week, a Super Tech Support: a listener's Spotify Wrapped is dominated by a mysterious artist she's never heard of and swears she's never listened to. And the songs she supposedly played are even weirder. Emmanuel investigates.
Spoilers: the call was coming from inside the house!
Additional material:
Peter Slattery's series on spotify scammers
Check out Drumkoon's music, including a new genre of music he calls "Venova Fusion" on bandcamp
Elden Ring is amazing, but it's also intimidating. Since we'll be talking about the game on The Besties throughout 2022, we wanted to help newcomers and lapsed Dark Souls fans take their first steps into this beautiful, but sometimes unforgiving world. Join us as we discuss the best starting class, where to invest upgrades, and the many unspoken rules you should know as you grow from a timid target to the one and only Elden Lord. Plus, more talk on Steam Deck and Valve's surprise, free Portal spin-off.
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Hey so there's some soundbites in here that you definitely shouldn't be using out of context. It's a really bad idea. We promise. No one wants to hear them, trust us. Suggested talking points: CFO Jerimoo, Gab-battical, Mr. Shivers, Ruin Those Bodies, Extra-Crispy Sin
Consider the title of this episode a warning: Elden Ring is a game that we're gonna be discussing A LOT for the foreseeable future, starting in this very episode. Join us as we discuss what works about From Software's new open-world Souls-like, which is to say, everything. Other games discussed: Puzzle Quest 3, Steam Deck, Colin Farrell
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It's feast or famine out there, games-wise, and this week's a FEAST: We're talking about Sony's newest first-party blockbuster, Horizon: Forbidden West. Also, Destiny 2's new expansion is out! And it's pretty good! Other games discussed: Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Magic the Gathering Arena, Hollow Knight, Final Fantasy Tactics Advance, Celeste, Terraria, The Room
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To celebrate our tenth year of intractable debate over which video games are better than the other video games, we're doing EXACTLY THAT. For over an hour. We're pitting the best games of the last decade against one another, and only ONE survives. (One game, we mean. All the hosts are doing just fine.) Direct Episode Link
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Aubrey thought she could swear less in this week's episode. She was wrong. Support the show!(https://www.patreon.com/maintenancephase)
This week we're discussing Dying Light 2, a game that poses a novel question: What if dead people turned into monsters and you had to hit them with pipes and stuff? Also, we calculate the precise amount of time games are allowed to not be fun before they get fun. Also discussed: OlliOlli World, Finding Drago, Vampire Survivors, Everyday Shooter. Direct Episode Link.
And with this post, we're caught up! The Besties backlog since 2000 episode mark back in October 2021 is all here. Moving forward, new posts will only go up when new eps drop.
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Wondering what's next for the Pokemon franchise? Just how many games could they put out that are basically the same thing? Well, we finally have something pretty dramatically different! The gang dives into Pokemon Legends: Arceus and whether this is finally the game to recommend to newcomers to the franchise. Also discussed: Vampire Survivors, Station Eleven and, yes, Roblox. Direct Episode Link.
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As we build towards our 10 year anniversary in February, we decided to look back at some of the winners of The Besties Game of the Year throughout the decade. Were we right? Were we wrong? Let's find out! Each year we'll take a look at the original winner and decide what we'd put up as an alternate to go against it. You won't believe what we have for 2017! Or maybe you will. Yeah, you probably will. Direct Episode Link.
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The new podcast from Serial/NYT, a mystery in eight parts: A strange letter appears on a city councillor's desk in Birmingham, England, laying out an elaborate plot by Islamic extremists to infiltrate the city's schools. The plot has a code name: Operation Trojan Horse. The story soon explodes in the news and kicks off a national panic. By the time it all dies down, the government has launched multiple investigations, beefed up the country's counterterrorism policy, revamped schools and banned people from education for the rest of their lives. To Hamza Syed, who is watching the scandal unfold in his city, the whole thing seemed ... off. Because through all the official inquiries and heated speeches in Parliament, no one has ever bothered to answer a basic question: Who wrote the letter? And why? The night before Hamza is to start journalism school, he has a chance meeting in Birmingham with the reporter Brian Reed, the host of the hit podcast S-Town. Together they team up to investigate: Who wrote the Trojan Horse letter? They quickly discover that it's a question people in power do not want them asking.
Early reactions:
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N. Quah in Vulture: The Trojan Horse Affair Is a Twisty Thrill
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S. Hooper in Middle East Eye: UK minister Gove launched 'Trojan Horse' inquiry despite being told letter was bogus
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R. Adams in The Guardian: Gove acted on 'bogus' allegations of Islamist plot to take over Birmingham schools
Here is a copy of the "letter" itself.
Things come full circle as we once again dip into the Drinkbox catalogue with their newest Action RPG title, Nobody Saves the World! Also, we discuss the enormous and dumb implications of Microsoft buying Activision Blizzard. Also discussed: A bunch of old Activision titles that will definitely never be revived, Station Eleven, Peacemaker, Hawkeye. Direct episode link.
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Sept. 16, 2021: Just hours after a Confederate monument was removed in Richmond, VA, Jason Isbell made his take very clear: "Nostalgia requires a lack of examination." Amid the backdrop of a region reckoning with its past, this week's Call & Response features Adia Victoria speaking with Jason, the Grammy award-winning songwriter from Green Hill, Alabama. Jason reflects on his identity as a white Southern man, why he seeks communion in his work, and the pitfalls of unquestioned nostalgia in country music.
Music In This Week's Episode
Brittney Spencer, "Sober and Skinny"
Mickey Guyton, "Remember Her Name"
Amythyst Kiah, "Fancy Drones (Fracture Me)"
Shemekia Copeland, "Give God The Blues"
Allison Russell, "All of the Women"
Joy Oladokun, "Bad Blood"
Adia Victoria feat. Kyshona, Margo Price and Jason Isbell, "You Was Born To Die"
In 2015, Belle Gibson was an Australian "eco-preneur" with a vegetarian cookbook, a blockbuster wellness app and a terminal cancer diagnosis. Today, she's one of the most hated figures in the country.Support us:Hear bonus episodes on PatreonDonate on PayPalGet Maintenance Phase T-shirts, stickers and more https://www.patreon.com/maintenancephase
Direct episode link since FanFare doesn't love the feed. We like to think of ourselves as four cool dads who have their finger on the pulse of what's hip with young gamers. That's why, in the year of our lord 2022, we're spending a whole episode discussing Fortnite, a game that has gone COMPLETELY off the rails in the past few years. Other media discussed include: Mario Paint, Illusion of Gaia, General Chaos, Haunting, Some Baby Mario Game Russ Can't Remember, How To With John Wilson, Neon Genesis Evangelion, Zelda: Oracle of Seasons, Keys and Kingdoms
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We're jumping into the next 12 months with gusto. These are the games we'll be watching, including some games that were on our 2021 list but didn't actually come out. Games discussed: Destiny 2: The Witch Queen, Rune Factory 5, Triangle Strategy, Elden Ring, Starfield, Skin Deep, Sonic Frontiers, Kirby and the Forgotten Land, Stray, STALKER 2, Tunic, Cursed to Golf, Horizon Forbidden West, Wordle, Record of Lodoss War - Deelit in Wonder Labyrinth, Coral Island, After Life, Nine Days, Fortnite, the Analogue Pocket.
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THE RITUAL IS COMPLETE. Once again, we've weighed the merits of EVERY VIDEO GAME released in 2021, and named one of them the ultimate victor. May the Gaming Gods bless us with an even richer crop in the coming year, and also happy holidays, or whatever.
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Who's that Bond villain stroking a cat and yelling at beloved public figures? It's Karl Lagerfeld! This week, Mike and Aubrey go in on fashion's favorite turbo troll and his fancy, joyless diet. This episode serves four. https://www.patreon.com/maintenancephase
It's the day of the show, y'all! We've got a sweet sixteen games from this year up for the GOTY consideration, and by the end of the episode, we'll have whittled them down to an exquisite eight. Join us for a extra-long episode as we begin arbitrarily smashing these pieces of software together until only one survives!
The bracket can be found in this tweet.
The Besties chose 12 / 16 games for the bracket, and let the audience vote to choose 4 more to round out the bracket.
The audience chose: Loop Hero, Ratchet & Clank, Psychonauts 2, and Outer Wides: Echoes of the Eye.
QUARTERFINALS:
Metroid Dread vs Loop Hero
Death's Gambit vs Wildermyth
Halo Infinite vs The Forgotten City
Outer Wilds: EotE vs Monster Hunter Rise
Inscryption vs Psychonauts 2
Forza Horizon 5 vs Death's Door
Deathloop vs Unsighted
Ratchet & Clank vs Resident Evil Village
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How much can a single device — one that's been present in video games as long as there's been video games — renovate the Halo formula? As it turns out: A whole bunch. Join us as we discuss Halo Infinite's campaign and multiplayer modes, and talk at length about where Chief's poop goes.Games discussed: Halo Infinite, Loop Hero on Switch, Binding of Isaac (again), Final Fantasy 14: Endwalker (briefly)
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As we near the thrilling climax of 2021, we're taking a seasonal approach to see what games stood out over the last three (or so) months. Joining us this week is Kirk Hamilton (of the Triple Click and Strong Songs podcasts) to dive into this giant leaf pile that is the fall release calendar. Games discussed: Metroid Dread, Resident Evil 4 VR, Deathloop, Outer Wilds: Echoes of the Eye, Death's Gambit Afterlife, Forza Horizon 5, Inscryption, Archvale, The Binding of Isaac Repentence, and Wildermyth.
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In which we discuss, with equal levels of enthusiasm, the latest remake from the world of Pokémon, and also the franchise as a whole. Then we take a deep dive into the mailbag, and share a blue million honorable mentions! Other games discussed include: Pokémon Snap, Pokémon Unite, Pokémon Let's Go, Pokémon Sword and Shield, Forza Horizon 5, Unsighted, Pony Island, Halo Infinite Multiplayer, Binding of Isaac: Repentance, Minecraft's Magic Kingdom Pack.
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It's the best time to tune in for the first time as we set goals, or maybe just settle on some mood lighting, for the year 2022. However long it takes. Ten minutes. Forty minutes. The whole episode. It's only three years into the twenties and we honestly already can't wait for the thirties. Suggested talking points: Carl Daniels, Sarcopha-Get It, A Night to Remember, Turn up the Fondue, Not That Kangaroo Jack. Center for Reproductive Rights: https://reproductiverights.org/
Today, we're cracking into the oftentimes impenetrable Shin Megami Tensei series' fifth major installment, and share some thoughts on the masterful GTA Trilogy remasters, which are terrible. Other media discussed: Halo Infinite Multiplayer, Resident Evil 4 VR, Cape Fear 1962 and Moonlighter.
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This week, we're breaking down two great tastes that taste great together: The many faces of Call of Duty: Vanguard, and the newly expanded Animal Crossing: New Horizons. We also give a metric ton of iOS recommendations, and argue about the Mario Bros' Mushroom Kingdom citizenship. Other games discussed: Inscryption, Devil's Gambit, The Binding of Isaac: Repentence, Bloodshore, Nickelodeon All Stars Brawl, Super Stickman Golf 3+, Clap Hanz Golf, Solitarica, SNKRX, Fire Emblem Heroes
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Have you ever had the sudden urge to go to the bathroom while browsing in a TJ Maxx or a book store? Well, apparently many people have. This phenomenon was first mentioned by Mariko Aoki to a Japanese magazine in 1985, and has recently made its way to TikTok. Dr. Sydnee and Justin investigate some different theories and philosophies around the sudden need to poop while book shopping. Music: "Medicines" by The Taxpayers
How America's oldest fat camp — and the inspiration for Disney's "Heavyweights" — became the symbol of a health intervention that enjoys worldwide popularity despite no evidence that it improves anyone's health. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/maintenancephase)
Buckle up fans, this is going to be a rough one. CONTENT WARNING.
How well do you know the person you love? Sweet Bobby, released in 6 episodes (plus a Q&A) starting October 2021, was a live, multi-part investigation in search of one of the world's most sophisticated catfishers. "It's a story about who we are online, and how social media can be weaponised as a tool of abuse and coercion."
Reported by Alexi Mostrous, produced by Tortoise Media, and recently named the Guardian's Best Podcast of 2021.