Remember The Game?
262 episodes -
last episode 28 Jun 2023Comedian Adam Blank and his guests reminisce about their favourite retro video games
2023-06-28
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Twitter: @MemberTheGame
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And if you want access to hundreds of bonus (ad-free) podcasts, along with multiple new shows EVERY WEEK, consider showing us some love over at Patreon. Subscriptions start at just $2/month, and 5% of our patreon income every month will be donated to our 24 hour Extra-Life charity stream at the end of the year!
Patreon.com/RememberTheGame
I've been beating the F-Zero drum for years, while showing the series about as much love as Nintendo does. It took TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTY FOUR episodes to cover one of my favourite games of all-time. Simply inexcusable.
But we're trying to right that wrong this week by showing some love to a game that launched not only a franchise, but a console. Yeah, this was an SNES launch title, and I think it speaks to damned good it is that once the Super Nintendo was all said and done, this still stands out as one of the better games in one of the best libraries of all-time.
My guest this week is Juris Dr. Mario, long time supporter of the show and one of the generous mofos that donated $1,000 to the Stollery Children's Hospital last year as part of my 24 hour Extra-Life stream. His reward? Good karma and a chance to talk to me. It's a ying/yang thing. But we both loved F-Zero, so in the end, I think it all worked out.
And before we blow smoke up that soundtrack's ass, I race through another edition of the Infamous Intro!
This week, we talk about gamers that seem to hate gaming. On the heels of the Mario RPG announcement, what Nintendo game do I most want to see remade? And will Spider-Gwen ever get her own game?
Plus we play another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One', too! This one features 3 SNES racers: Uniracers, Micro Machines, and Rock N Roll Racing.
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2023-06-21
Are you on social media? Of course you are. So follow us!
Twitter: @MemberTheGame
Instagram: @MemberTheGame
Twitch.tv/MemberTheGame
Youtube.com/RememberTheGame
And if you want access to hundreds of bonus (ad-free) podcasts, along with multiple new shows EVERY WEEK, consider showing us some love over at Patreon. Subscriptions start at just $2/month, and 5% of our patreon income every month will be donated to our 24 hour Extra-Life charity stream at the end of the year!
Patreon.com/RememberTheGame
And you can check out Bradley McCue on Instagram @thegamingodyssey
It's here. It's finally time to talk freaking Metal Gear Solid 3. People have been asking for this episode for years, and I've always hesitated because I hate (HATE) Metal Gear Solid 2. I was worried the third entry wouldn't click any better than the second one did, and after 15 or so hours of crawling around on my belly and watching cutscenes, I can confirm that that is the case.
I don't like these games.
Fortunately, my guests this week do. Darth Skywalter, hot dog and cool dude, sponsored this episode and swings by to explain why he's such a Snake fan. And then the one and only Bradley McCue completes the Metal Gear/RTG trilogy by giving me a shout and telling me why the ladder doesn't suck as much as I think it does.
And before I burn this podcast to the ground, I sneak through another edition of the Infamous Intro!
This week, we talk about where a new metroidvania player should start. What third-party controllers are worth your money? And could 2023 go down as one of the greatest years in gaming history?
Plus we play another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One', too! This one features 3 Metal Gear gears: Metal Gear Solid, Metal Gear Solid 2, and Metal Gear Solid 4.
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2023-06-14
Are you on social media? Of course you are. So follow us!
Twitter: @MemberTheGame
Instagram: @MemberTheGame
Twitch.tv/MemberTheGame
Youtube.com/RememberTheGame
And if you want access to hundreds of bonus (ad-free) podcasts, along with multiple new shows EVERY WEEK, consider showing us some love over at Patreon. Subscriptions start at just $2/month, and 5% of our patreon income every month will be donated to our 24 hour Extra-Life charity stream at the end of the year!
Patreon.com/RememberTheGame
NBA Jam tackled our Patreon Poll a couple months ago, and people were shocked to find out that I've...never...played it...before.
Seriously. People have been yelling at me for weeks.
But I'm remedied that. I may not know the players, the lingo, or the rules, but I know a good game when I see one. And NBA Jam is the fucking. Shit.
My buddy Brad agrees, and we're all up in the rim talking about one of the greatest sports games ever made this week.
And before we pass the rock, I stumble through another edition of the Infamous Intro!
This week, we discusss whether or not Sony is making a mistake putting their exclusives on PC. If I had to set a speed-run record for any game, what would I pick? And aside from blowing in the cartridge, what did we do to make our old games work?
Plus we play another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One', too! This one features 3 sports classics: NHL Hitz, NFL Blitz, and NBA Street.
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2023-06-05
Our backlog of episodes on Patreon has gotten MASSIVE over the years, so I thought I'd start tossing a freebie on the RTG feed once in a while.
On this episode, I look back at the consoles I have some semblance of knowledge about and tell you what I think the "must own" game for each one is. This episode originally went live for Patreons on February 27, 2021.
If you enjoy this episode, consider supporting us on Patreon. You'll get instant access to our entire back catalog (ad-free) and new podcasts EVERY week!
Patreon.com/RememberTheGame
Thanks for listening, and enjoy the show!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2023-05-31
Are you on social media? Of course you are. So follow us!
Twitter: @MemberTheGame
Instagram: @MemberTheGame
Twitch.tv/MemberTheGame
Youtube.com/RememberTheGame
And if you want access to hundreds of bonus (ad-free) podcasts, along with multiple new shows EVERY WEEK, consider showing us some love over at Patreon. Subscriptions start at just $2/month, and 5% of our patreon income every month will be donated to our 24 hour Extra-Life charity stream at the end of the year!
Patreon.com/RememberTheGame
Back in November, I held my annual 24 hour stream to raise money for the Stollery Children's Hospital here in Edmonton. And four generous mo-fos each donated $1,000 for the opportunity to come on the show and talk games with me. This is the first of those four mo-fos.
Captain N has selected Dark Cloud for the PS2. I know some of you love this game, so be warned: I do not. I think the city-building and randomly generated dungeons are rad, but the tedious combat, breakable weapons and stupid fucking thirst meter kept me from really falling in love.
Some of you love it. Some of you hate it. Either way, we're gonna lift this dark cloud by talking about Dark Cloud on the show this week!
And before we break our weapons and yell at Toro, I stumble through another edition of the Infamous Intro!
This week, we discusss whether or not games from today will hold their value like retro games do. Is Tears of the Kingdom a good "jump-in" point for a new Zelda fan? And what game have me and the hot dogs disagreed on the most?
Plus we play another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One', too! This one features 3 PS2 RPGs: Kingdom Hearts, Suikoden III, and Dragon Quest 8.
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2023-05-24
Are you on social media? Of course you are. So follow us! Twitter: @MemberTheGame Instagram: @MemberTheGame Twitch.tv/MemberTheGame Youtube.com/RememberTheGame And if you want access to hundreds of bonus (ad-free) podcasts, along with multiple new shows EVERY WEEK, consider showing us some love over at Patreon. Subscriptions start at just $2/month, and 5% of our patreon income every month will be donated to our 24 hour Extra-Life charity stream at the end of the year! Patreon.com/RememberTheGame We made it. 250 episodes. I have no idea how the hell this happened, but we're here, and we're gonna celebrate. This week, we're talking about one my favourite games of all-time, one of our most requested games, and the game that brought me back to the hobby: Gears of War. I'll get into it on the podcast this week, but in my early 20's, I had kinda gotten out of gaming for the first time in my life. Once I decided I'd had enough of the bar scene, I needed something to keep me busy. So on a whim one day, I picked up an Xbox 360 and a copy of Gears. And the rest, as they say, is history. My pal Tyler is my guest this week. He's another card carrying member of the church of Fenix, and we're super stoked to be talking Gears of War this week. And before we scratch some grubs, I stumble through another edition of the Infamous Intro! This week, we talk about Tears of the Kingdom and whether or not it's harder than Breath of the Wild. I break out a 'Canadian Boomhauer' impression. And do I skip over games with really complex stories? Plus we play another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One', too! This one features 3 of my favourite 360 titles: Halo 3, Gears of War 2, and Bioshock.
2023-05-17
Are you on social media? Of course you are. So follow us! Twitter: @MemberTheGame Instagram: @MemberTheGame Twitch.tv/MemberTheGame Youtube.com/RememberTheGame And if you want access to hundreds of bonus (ad-free) podcasts, along with multiple new shows EVERY WEEK, consider showing us some love over at Patreon. Subscriptions start at just $2/month, and 5% of our patreon income every month will be donated to our 24 hour Extra-Life charity stream at the end of the year! Patreon.com/RememberTheGame Ad the older brother in my house growing up, my little bro would watch me play games from time to time. I would never watch him, because frankly, I didn't think it was a cool thing to do. But when he got Advance Wars, I'd peak over his shoulder every now and then and think "that looks really fun". I just never asked to play it because I couldn't show weakness. I'm sure you understand. I finally played it on my Switch, thanks to the Re-Boot Camp remasters, and holy fuck, I should have played this a long time ago. Is it the deepest, most challenging tactical game ever made? Not even close. But sometimes simple is a good thing. This game's fun, charming, and addictive. What else could you ask for? My buddy Keegs and I are gonna explain why if you haven't already played Advance Wars, you need to right that wrong on this week's show. And before we get advance our wars, I stumble through another edition of the Infamous Intro! This week, someone asks if I'd give up gaming for a million bucks? What am I always referencing with my shout outs? And we talk a little bit of Survivor, too. Plus we play another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One', too! This one features 3 GBA tactics games: Final Fantasy Tactics Advance, Fire Emblem, and Mega Man Battle Network.
2023-05-10
Are you on social media? Of course you are. So follow us! Twitter: @MemberTheGame Instagram: @MemberTheGame Twitch.tv/MemberTheGame Youtube.com/RememberTheGame And if you want access to hundreds of bonus (ad-free) podcasts, along with multiple new shows EVERY WEEK, consider showing us some love over at Patreon. Subscriptions start at just $2/month, and 5% of our patreon income every month will be donated to our 24 hour Extra-Life charity stream at the end of the year! Patreon.com/RememberTheGame You can check out this week's sponsor, The Big Deal (!), here: Twitter: @thebigdealdb Instagram: @thebigdealdb Facebook.com/thebigdealdb AND you can find my guest, Mike The Ref, here: Saturday Night Slam Masters YouTube Playthrough: https://youtu.be/azOJdR6ISdE LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/miketheref Twitch: twitch.tv/miketheref I don't know if Saturday Night Slam Masters should be classified as a fighting game, a wrestling game, a beat'em up, or some weird combination of all of those. But personally, I'd file it under "rad". I traditionally suck at fighting games, and this is no different. But throw in a wrestling ring, championship belts, whipping guys into the ropes, and a giant dude that looks like Vader, and you have my attention. A listener/supporter/friend of the show that goes by the moniker 'The Big Deal' sponsored this week's episode, and turned me on to blaming people on Saturday nights. He swung by the show to explain why he loves this game so much. And then my go to fighting game guy, Mike The Ref, and I have a nice chat about the good, the bad, and the fucking cheap, that is Saturday Night Slam Masters! And before we get screwed out of all our quarters, I stumble through another edition of the Infamous Intro! This week, someone asks if I think Phil Spencer should resign as the head of Xbox? What are my favourite gaming commercials from my childhood? And what was mu most anticipated game back in the day? Plus we play another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One', too! This one features 3 retro scrappers: Tekken 3, Street Fighter 2, and Mortal Kmobat II.
2023-05-03
Are you on social media? Of course you are. So follow us! Twitter: @MemberTheGame Instagram: @MemberTheGame Twitch.tv/MemberTheGame Youtube.com/RememberTheGame And if you want access to hundreds of bonus (ad-free) podcasts, along with multiple new shows EVERY WEEK, consider showing us some love over at Patreon. Subscriptions start at just $2/month, and 5% of our patreon income every month will be donated to our 24 hour Extra-Life charity stream at the end of the year! Patreon.com/RememberTheGame I like Samus, and I like the Metroid series. Well, at least games from Super Metroid onward. I tried the original Metroid on the NES last year and respected what it did, but thought it was a little frustrating for my tastes. Fast forward a year later, and Metroid II: Return of Samus for the Game Boy is on the hot seat after overcoming all comers in our Patreon Poll. Some seem to love it, some find it a little confusing. I definitely fund myself in the second category. I think it's a cool concept, but my "Metroid gets good at Super Metroid" stance hasn't changed. My buddy Daniel is the biggest Metroid fan I know, and he gave me a call this week to talk about hunting Metroids on a little green screen, and how this game is ambitious, albeit, maybe a little flawed. And before we get lost and rage quit, I stumble through another edition of the Infamous Intro! This week, someone asks if I'll ever cover pre-NES games on the podcast? Do I break out my Simpsons impressions when I'm doing standup? And what's my favourite Metroid game? Plus we play another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One', too! This one features 3 Samus classics: Super Metroid, Metroid Fusion, and Metroid Prime 2: Echoes.
2023-05-01
Our backlog of episodes on Patreon has gotten MASSIVE over the years, so I thought I'd start tossing a freebie on the RTG feed once in a while. I love indie games, and this episode, I counted down my 10 favourites and showed a little love to the little games that could/can/do
If you enjoy this episode, consider supporting us on Patreon. You'll get instant access to our entire back catalog (ad-free) and new podcasts EVERY week!
Patreon.com/RememberTheGame
Thanks for listening, and enjoy the show!
2023-04-26
Are you on social media? Of course you are. So follow us! Twitter: @MemberTheGame Instagram: @MemberTheGame Twitch.tv/MemberTheGame Youtube.com/RememberTheGame And if you want access to hundreds of bonus (ad-free) podcasts, along with multiple new shows EVERY WEEK, consider showing us some love over at Patreon. Subscriptions start at just $2/month, and 5% of our patreon income every month will be donated to our 24 hour Extra-Life charity stream at the end of the year! Patreon.com/RememberTheGame Golden Axe edged out Beavis & Butthead in our Sega Genesis Patreon Poll a couple months ago, and now that I've spent a few weeks playing it, I see why people love it so much. It isn't that deep, but it plays well, looks nice, and it's short - three things I love in my video games. I'm gonna have to track down an arcade cabinet and see how it plays in its original form now. My buddy Chris returns to the show this week, he's a card carrying Sega kid, and it was fun catching up with someone that grew up with axes made of gold (or fucking green, you lying sons of bitches). Let's talk Golden Axe! And before we steal magic from elves, I stumble through another edition of the Infamous Intro! This week, someone asks if I had to choose, would I only play games prior to the PS2 generation, or after it? What's my favourite handheld console ever? And a lifelong Nintendo fan is looking for some direction. Plus we play another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One', too! This one features 3 classic beat 'em ups: Spider-Man & Venom: Maximum Carnage, Battletoads & Double Dragon, and TMNT Hyperstone Heist.
2023-04-18
Are you on social media? Of course you are. So follow us! Twitter: @MemberTheGame Instagram: @MemberTheGame Twitch.tv/MemberTheGame Youtube.com/RememberTheGame And if you want access to hundreds of bonus (ad-free) podcasts, along with multiple new shows EVERY WEEK, consider showing us some love over at Patreon. Subscriptions start at just $2/month, and 5% of our patreon income every month will be donated to our 24 hour Extra-Life charity stream at the end of the year! Patreon.com/RememberTheGame I don't think it's a stretch to say the Tony Hawk Pro Skater games were to kids in the early 2000's what Fortnite was to them whenever Fortnite was cool. EVERYONE played these games, they were a phenomenon. They made gaming cool, they made skateboarding cool, and they made Tony Hawk a household name. I can barely stand on a skateboard, but I'll fuck you up at some THPS 2. At least, I would have back in the day. I was in love with these games when I was in high school, as I'm sure many of you were. My younger bro, Josh, was an even bigger junkie than I was. This was a really fun episode. We didn't do a lot of homework or replay the games to get ready, we just talked about our memories of kick flipping 900's and wasting time with Tony and friends. So many great memories. And before we kickflip into your hearts, I stumble through another edition of the Infamous Intro! This week, someone asks if I ever fire up New Game + for games in 2023. What's the hardest level I've ever played through? And what Nintendo franchise do I want to see get the movie treatment next? Plus we play another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One', too! This one features 3 EXTREME sports games: 1080 Snowboarding, Jet Set Radio, and Skate.
2023-04-12
Are you on social media? Of course you are. So follow us!
Twitter: @MemberTheGame
Instagram: @MemberTheGame
Twitch.tv/MemberTheGame
Youtube.com/RememberTheGame
And if you want access to hundreds of bonus (ad-free) podcasts, along with multiple new shows EVERY WEEK, consider showing us some love over at Patreon. Subscriptions start at just $2/month, and 5% of our patreon income every month will be donated to our 24 hour Extra-Life charity stream at the end of the year!
Patreon.com/RememberTheGame
I LOVE Earthbound. It's one of my favourite games of all-time. And I'm also quite fond of its long lost younger sibling, Mother 3. But until recently, I'd never played the original Mother/Earthbound Beginnings. That changed over the past few weeks, and I'm not sure that's a good thing...
Earthbound Beginnings isn't without its charm, but the non-stop grinding, aimless map, unbalanced enemy encounters and lack of story really make it hard to love. It's not the worst game I've ever played, but it sure isn't it's much more famous younger brother/sequel...
I rolled solo this week, added in a dash of listener comments, and explained why I'm glad to have finally played Earthbound Beginnings, and why I'll never do it again.
And before we grind, I stumble through another edition of the Infamous Intro!
This week, someone asks me to explain why I don't like Majora's Mask once and for all. Would I ever try speed-running a game? And why is Sony coming up with all these weird peripherals for the PS5???
Plus we play another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One', too! This one features 3 NES RPGs: Crystalis, Dragon Warrior, and Faxanadu.
2023-04-06
Our backlog of episodes on Patreon has gotten MASSIVE over the years, so I thought I'd start tossing a freebie on the RTG feed once in a while. We did a Super Nintendo game draft this week, so I thought I'd toss our NES draft from last Fall up here for everyone to enjoy.
If you enjoy this episode, consider supporting us on Patreon. You'll get instant access to our entire back catalog (ad-free) and new podcasts EVERY week!
Patreon.com/RememberTheGame
Thanks for listening, and enjoy the show!
2023-04-05
Are you on social media? Of course you are. So follow us!
Twitter: @MemberTheGame
Instagram: @MemberTheGame
Twitch.tv/MemberTheGame
Youtube.com/RememberTheGame
And if you want access to hundreds of bonus (ad-free) podcasts, along with multiple new shows EVERY WEEK, consider showing us some love over at Patreon. Subscriptions start at just $2/month, and 5% of our patreon income every month will be donated to our 24 hour Extra-Life charity stream at the end of the year!
Patreon.com/RememberTheGame
And you can find Stuttering Craig and the Side Scrollers Podcast at:
Youtube.com/@SideScrollersPodcast
Twitch.tv/StutteringCraig
They record LIVE Monday - Friday at 11am Central!
Remember ScrewAttack.com? If you grew up watching gaming content in the mid 2000's - 2010's, it's almost a lock that you watched some of their stuff. Top 10's, Death Battles, Video Game Vault, they were THE premier source for gaming content back in the day. And as a founder of ScrewAttack, Stuttering Craig was there right from the start. They got HUGE! Then Craig left. What the hell happened?
I'm very stoked to have the one and only Stuttering Craig on the show this week. We talked about the formation and rise of ScrewAttack, why he left, where he went, and why he's decided to come back to the world of gaming content creation with his show, the Side Scrollers Podcast.
I know some of you have been asking for more interview episodes, and I think we nailed it this week. I hope you enjoy listening to Craig as much as I enjoyed talking to the guy.
And before we start Stuttering, I HAVE to stumble through another edition of the Infamous Intro!
This week, someone asks if I still play any games just for fun, and not for the podcast. Have I ever been in a fight?? And if I go back and give little Adam 3 pieces of gaming advice, what would they be??
Plus we play another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One', too! This one features the 3 finalists from the most intense Patreon Poll we've ever held: Metroid II, Wario Land 3, and the Pokemon Trading Card Game!
2023-03-29
Are you on social media? Of course you are. So follow us!
Twitter: @MemberTheGame
Instagram: @MemberTheGame
Twitch.tv/MemberTheGame
Youtube.com/RememberTheGame
And if you want access to hundreds of bonus (ad-free) podcasts, along with multiple new shows EVERY WEEK, consider showing us some love over at Patreon. Subscriptions start at just $2/month, and 5% of our patreon income every month will be donated to our 24 hour Extra-Life charity stream at the end of the year!
Patreon.com/RememberTheGame
Back on Remember The Game? #81, Mark McCue and I reviewed Banjo-Kazooie. I'd never played it before, and when I was done with it, I said I thought it was better that Super Mario 64 (a statement I stand by today). We both agreed that we needed to get around to playing Banjo-Tooie, and then, like, 3 years passed. I knew we'd get to it eventually, but I wasn't sure when. And then a Patreon of the show by the name of Banjo (coincidence?) sponsored an episode, and said it's time. Play Banjo-Tooie. So I did. And hooooo boy, do I have a lot to say about it.
It takes the formula of the original game, and expands on it in a massive way. Bigger levels, more puzzles, and a long-ass cutscene to start the thing off. It's definitely more ambitious than the first game. Is it better? You'll have to listen to find out.
Show sponsor, Banjo, swings by to explain why this game is so damned near and dear to his heart. And then the Banjo to my Kazooie, Mark McCue himself, gives me a call and we take a deep dive into the fun, albeit somewhat controversial, Banjo-Tooie.
And before we get jiggie (see what I did there?), I slap together another edition of the 'Remember The Game? Infamous Intro'!
This week, someone asks how I feel about buying new games at full price. How excited am I about the TMNT: The Last Ronin game?? And how often do people complain about the Infamous Intro??
Plus we play another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One', too! This one features 3 Rare (developed) Nintendo 64 games: Diddy Kong Racing, Perfect Dark, and Conker's Bad Fur Day.
2023-03-22
Are you on social media? Of course you are. So follow us!
Twitter: @MemberTheGame
Instagram: @MemberTheGame
Twitch.tv/MemberTheGame
Youtube.com/RememberTheGame
And if you want access to hundreds of bonus (ad-free) podcasts, along with multiple new shows EVERY WEEK, consider showing us some love over at Patreon. Subscriptions start at just $2/month, and 5% of our patreon income every month will be donated to our 24 hour Extra-Life charity stream at the end of the year!
Patreon.com/RememberTheGame
And you can check out Patrick's handywork at:
https://linktr.ee/burgerfinger
breakfastwizard.bigcartel.com
Or on Instagram:
@burgerfinger
@discount.lion.safari
@breakfastwizardtoys
Two of my favourite things from my childhood are the GameBoy, and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. But I never had a chance to combine them until last year, when the Cowabunga Collection dropped and I finally had access to the trilogy of Game Boy TMNT games. Admittedly, the first 2 are 'meh', but TMNT III: Radical Rescue? That's a special little game, and a true hidden gem on the GB.
You start out playing as Michelangelo, and you have to proceed through a map, finding and rescuing Leo, Donnie, and Raph. Each of the turtles has a unique ability, and it makes the game into a metroidvania. As you find new turtles, their new abilities let you access new areas of the map. It's a little basic and small scale, but it doesn't mean it isn't a really rad idea. It's also tough as fuuuuck.
My resident Game Boy guru, Patrick, gave me a call this week, and we talked about what is not only the best TMNT game on Nintendo's first handheld system, but one of the best TMNT games ever made. It's all about Radical Rescue this week!
And before we get radical, I slap together another edition of the 'Remember The Game? Infamous Intro'!
This week, someone asks what would happen if Nintendo, PlayStation or Xbox got bought up by a competing company? Why do I dislike Resident Evil 3? And what's my favourite handheld console of all-time?
Plus we play another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One', too! This one features 3 of the Game Boy's best: Super Mario Land 2, Kirby's Dream Land 2, and Metroid II.
2023-03-15
Are you on social media? Of course you are. So follow us!
Twitter: @MemberTheGame
Instagram: @MemberTheGame
Twitch.tv/MemberTheGame
Youtube.com/RememberTheGame
And if you want access to hundreds of bonus (ad-free) podcasts, along with multiple new shows EVERY WEEK, consider showing us some love over at Patreon. Subscriptions start at just $2/month, and 5% of our patreon income every month will be donated to our 24 hour Extra-Life charity stream at the end of the year!
Patreon.com/RememberTheGame
It's one of our illustrious Patreon Poll winning episodes this week, and the winner in question is The Legend of Dragoon for the original PlayStation, which overcame 7 other JRPGs to get itself an episode of RTG.
This one was tough for me, because I didn't play it growing up, so I don't have the rose coloured nostalgia shades we all wear when we look back at the games we grew up with. I also don't love the JRPG genre as a whole. That said, I might not have loved this game, but I see why so many do. I think I give it the "tough but fair" treatment, and while the cons didn't sit all that well with me, there's some definite pros here, too.
My buddy Keegs DID grow up playing this one, and he's a pretty big fan. We spent over an hour talking about the funky combat, the awesome soundtrack, the weird-ass story, and everything in between.
And before we fuck up another one of Albert's additions, I slap together another edition of the 'Remember The Game? Infamous Intro'!
This week, someone writes in to defend soccer (football, whatever). If you could only play one, would you play all the games PRIOR to the PS2 era, or all the games after it?? And what do I want to see in Tears of the Kingdom?
Plus we play another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One', too! This one features 3 of the PSone's biggest RPGs: Final Fantasy IX, Final Fantasy Tactics, and Suikoden II.
2023-03-09
Our backlog of episodes on Patreon has gotten MASSIVE over the years, so I thought I'd start tossing a freebie on the RTG feed once in a while.
If you enjoy this episode, consider supporting us on Patreon. You'll get instant access to our entire back catalog (ad-free) and new podcasts EVERY week!
Patreon.com/RememberTheGame
Thanks for listening, and enjoy the show!
2023-03-08
Are you on social media? Of course you are. So follow us!
Twitter: @MemberTheGame
Instagram: @MemberTheGame
Twitch.tv/MemberTheGame
Youtube.com/RememberTheGame
And if you want access to hundreds of bonus (ad-free) podcasts, along with multiple new shows EVERY WEEK, consider showing us some love over at Patreon. Subscriptions start at just $2/month, and 5% of our patreon income every month will be donated to our 24 hour Extra-Life charity stream at the end of the year!
Patreon.com/RememberTheGame
It's about damned time we showed the Tiger Woods games a little love. I'm not a huge fan of playing golf in real-life, but I LOVE golf video games. Arcade, simulation, I don't care. I love just about all of them. And the Tiger Woods PGA Tour games are as gold as a gold standard can get.
I'm sure I'm far from the only one that's lost countless hours of my life to mashing the backspin button, reading putt previews, and listening to that heart beat, well, beat. It's so fucking intense! God, I love these games.
As does my buddy Brad, who gave me a call to talk about why the Tiger Woods series is so special to so many people. This was a really fun episode, albeit not quite as fun as playing the games. Hope ya like it!
And before we blame the controller for missing that putt, I slap together another edition of the 'Remember The Game? Infamous Intro'!
This week, someone asks about my editing process. Will Nintendo ever move on from Mario & Zelda? And where do I buy most of my retro games?
Plus we play another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One', too! This one features 3 of EA's biggest franchises: NHL, Madden, and FIFA.
2023-03-01
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For the first time in 238 episodes, we're talking about the Sega Master System. Admittedly, I've never played one before, and even in this case, I bought a modern port of one of its games. But it's time to show the SMS some love, and I gotta say, if Wonder Boy In Monster Land is any indication of what the Master System could do, I might have to look up some more of its classics down the road.
If you've never played it, Wonder Boy is a mix of Adventure Island and Zelda II, for lack of a better combo. You're traveling from area to area, buying equipment and spells and talking to townspeople looking for tips on where to go, but while you're doing that, a timer is ticking away and taking your health with it. It's tough as balls, I couldn't finish it, but I also couldn't stop playing it. I have a thing for tour retro games, and Wonder Boy scratched me right where I itched.
This episode is sponsored by long-time supporter and friend of the show, Mr. McG. He swings by to explain why he has so much love for the Boy of Wonder, and then my buddy Chris, a card-carrying Sega kid, gave me a call and helped me understand why Wonder Boy was so beloved back in the day.
And before we die over and over, I slap together another edition of the 'Remember The Game? Infamous Intro'!
This week, someone asks if I have any regrets about taking RTG and turning it from a hobby into a business. Why do I prefer digital games over physical? And are there any games I've kept playing, despite not loving the combat, just because the story was so good??
Plus we play another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One', too! This one features 3 Master System Mainstays: Marble Madness, Golden Axe Warrior and Alex Kidd in Miracle World.
2023-02-22
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Bradley McCue has been on me to play The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap since the first time he appeared on the show years ago. I kept saying I'd get to it, and truth be told, I was just getting ready to find a way to play it when Nintendo said "Hey everyone, we're adding GBA games to the Switch!", and Minish Cap just happened to be one of the games they launched with. (More proof that I have a weird ability to will things into existence).
So I finally tried this cap on, and damned if this isn't a pretty solid little Zelda game. Looks great, awesome items, good story. I have a couple minor gripes (looking at YOU, kinnstones in the clouds), but for the most part, it's a clever little Zelda game. And another example of what a beast the GBA was.
Bradley swings by the show this week to FINALLY talk The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap. If you've been on the fence about giving it a shot, maybe this episode will be the kick in the bum you've been waiting for.
And before we try on caps, I slap together another edition of the 'Remember The Game? Infamous Intro'!
This week, we talk about whether or not subscription services are a disservice for younger gamers today. Am I gonna try the PSVR2? And was Mario the right franchise for Nintendo's first (modern) movie?
Plus we play another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One', too! This one features 3 GBA heavyweights: Metroid Fusion, Golden Sun and Advance Wars.
2023-02-15
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And if you want access to hundreds of bonus (ad-free) podcasts, along with multiple new shows EVERY WEEK, consider showing us some love over at Patreon. Subscriptions start at just $2/month, and 5% of our patreon income every month will be donated to our 24 hour Extra-Life charity stream at the end of the year!
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Doom 3 was a reimagining of the series back in 2004, but these days, it's kinda the "forgotten" Doom. People love the original Dooms, and Doom 2016 & Eternal reviewed really well (Eternal is phenomenal), but Doom 3 just gets left behind. It was a MASSIVE step forward back when it came out. The graphics were insane and it was legitimately terrifying. But it was also kinda basic, combat wise, and once the scares wore off it was a fairly standard shooter. Or at least, that's how I felt.
Replaying it for the first time in almost twenty years her the past couple weeks, I feel the same way. I love the graphics, like the level design, got kinda bored of the combat, and fucking HATE the PDA system.
This was one of our Stupid Sexy Sponsored episodes, so community member/hot dog Brandon is gonna pop by and tell me why he's such a Doom 3 junkie, and then I'm explain why I like this game, but don't think I can fall in love with it. And yeah, I rant about the PDAs.
And before that, I slap together another edition of the 'Remember The Game? Infamous Intro'!
This week, we talk about what could be in store for the Switch as it starts to enter its home-stretch. What should you say what someone tells you that video games are a waste of time? And why don't I like Diablo??
Plus we play another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One', too! This one features 3 additional FPSs from 2004: Half-Life 2, Metroid Prime 2, and Halo 2.
2023-02-08
Check out my Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles walkthrough here:
https://youtu.be/ir5qUzzXqLs
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I know. You couldn't beat this game as a kid. None of us could. But I still love it. And over the pandemic, I decided I was sick of driving around that stupid city level and not being able to find Splinter. So I figured this game out once and for all.
I'm rolling solo for this week's podcast, and I want to get into some of the strategies I use for TMNT, talk about the parts that still fuck me up, and explain why I think this is not only one of the best Turtles games ever, but one of the best games on the NES.
And before April supports us, I slap together another edition of the 'Remember The Game? Infamous Intro'!
This week, I pick my favourite iteration of each of the four Turtles. What games on my backlog am I most looking forward to playing? And what would I rather give up: TMNT or The Simpsons?
Plus we play another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One', too! This one features 3 NES Saturday morning cartoon games: G.I.Joe, Ghostbusters, and X-Men.
2023-02-06
Our backlog of episodes on Patreon has gotten MASSIVE over the years, so I thought I'd start tossing a freebie on the RTG feed once in a while.
If you enjoy this episode, consider supporting us on Patreon. You'll get instant access to our entire back catalog (ad-free) and new podcasts EVERY week!
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Thanks for listening, and enjoy the show!
2023-02-01
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This stupid game. If you grew up in the NES era, chances are you had at LEAST one game based on a big IP that you played over and over, even though it kinda sucked. Maybe you didn't realize it sucked, but now you know the truth. For my brother and I, Dick Tracy was one of those games.
We'd rent it, and spend 2 days interrogating the wrong the people or dying on the first level, and then we'd go back to it again the next time. And the next time...
Playing it now as an adult, I actually appreciate what it was trying to do. I don't know if I'd say it's "good", but I wouldn't call it "bad", either. Long-time listener Heggowaffle owned this one growing up, played it like crazy, and has enough nostalgia for it that he sponsored this episode and came by to tell me what it was like growing up chasing Prune Face (or whatever that guy's name was).
And the my brother Josh give some a call to talk about driving around that stupid city, shooting rooftop snipers, looking for clues, and dying at the hands of stupid rats. Stupid Dick Tracy.
And before we trace some dicks, I slap together another edition of the 'Remember The Game? Infamous Intro'!
This week, we get into the hypothetical discussion of what gaming would look like today if Nintendo and Sony had worked together in the 90's. I share some of my thoughts on the Steam Deck. And what console did I miss out on in its prime, that I wish I could go back and play more of?
Plus we play another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One', too! This one features 3 crappy NES-movie games: Friday the 13th, Jaws, and Back to the Future.
2023-01-25
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I don't play a lot of online shooters. I suck at them, and none of my friends were into them back in the day, so I didn't have anyone to play with anyway. But for some damned reason, Left 4 Dead just struck a cord with me. I don't know if it was the zombie thing, the co-op thing, or the catchy name thing, but I played the HELL out of these games back in the day.
I started playing them again over the past few weeks to get ready for this podcast, and I can't believe how well they hold up. Left 4 Dead will never be left for dead, because players can't get enough of shooting zombies and getting puked on and all that good stuff.
My buddy Tyler loves getting puked on. He also loves Left 4 Dead. And we talked about the latter love on this week's podcast. I had almost as fun fun talking about Left 4 Dead as I did playing it, and I hope you enjoy listening as much as we enjoyed talking.
And before we slay some zombies, I slap together another edition of the 'Remember The Game? Infamous Intro'!
This week, someone asks what my back-up plan was, should RTG have fallen apart in its early days. Why don't I cover more handheld games? And after my girlfriend made her podcast debut on Expansion Pass last week, is she planning to come back on the show anytime soon?
Plus we play another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One', too! This one features 3 zombie-centric games from the Left 4 Dead era: Deadrising, State of Decay, and Dead Island.
2023-01-18
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Every time are talk about the GameCube on this show, I end up bringing up the four horsemen of Mario sports games. I think Mario sports, and frankly, couch multiplayer, peaked on the Nintendo GameCube. So any chance I have to blow smoke up one of those game's asses, I'm gonna start blowing. And what better way to praise a game, than to dedicate an entire episode of a crappy podcast to it?? We're talking the phenomenal Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour this week. The gameplay can be as deep, or as simple, as you want it to be. And the graphics, courses, modes, and gameplay still hold up twenty years later.
RTG's resident artist, Joe Gillespie, makes his podcast debut this week, and we talked about how awesome Toadstool Tour is, despite having some bullshit holes (looking at YOU, King Bobomb). If you never played this one, you missed out. Don't let Mario Golf: Super Rush fool you, Mario Golf used to be the shit.
And before we talk birdies and pipes, I slap together another edition of the 'Remember The Game? Infamous Intro'!
This week, we get into the Nintendo Switch's quest to dethrone the PlayStation 2 as the best-selling console ever, and whether or not Switch and Switch Lite sales should be combined. Where should someone that's new to the GameCube start? And y'all know I love The Simpsons, but what are my top 3 animated series of all-time?
Plus we play another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One', too! This one features the remaining 3 GameCube Mario sports heavyweights: Mario Superstar Baseball, Super Mario Strikers, and Mario Power Tennis.
2023-01-11
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In over two hundred episodes, this might just be the weirdest game we've ever covered. But "weird" doesn't always mean "bad". I love indie games for their creativity and off-the-wall ideas, and this game plays like an indie game from 1993. And it was made by EA of all companies. It's Haunting Starring Polterguy! You control this dead punk skater looking dude, and go from house to house terrorizing a family of four. It's hilarious, weird, and I like it.
RTG Supporter Hawgzilla sponsored this episode, and it was great chatting with him and finding out why he has such an odd attachment to such an odd game. And then I lay into Polterguy and explain why I think this really is a hidden gem on the Genesis, albeit maybe one without a lot of replay value.
And before we scare some kids, I slap together another edition of the 'Remember The Game? Infamous Intro'!
This week, we talk about new console generations, and if console developers give up on old consoles too quickly? I find out what Polybius is (spoiler: it's terrifying). And does a Steam Deck make you a PC Master Racer??
Plus we play another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One', too! This one features 3 terrifying Genesis games: Michael Jackson's Moonwalker, Splatterhouse 2, and Ecco The Dolphin.
2023-01-04
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Kick! Punch! It's all in the mind...including that song, that's almost 100% stuck in your head now. We're kicking the year off by talking PaRappa the Rapper! I always wanted to play this one back in the day, but it was always rented when I'd go to Blockbuster. I finally gave it a chance over the holidays, and while I'm 100% convinced it was written and designed by people on drugs, it didn't take away from the fact that it's charming, hilarious, and pretty damned fun.
The guy that started this stupid show with me back in 2018, my buddy Chris, gave me a call to rap (see what I did there?) about PaRappa. He even spit some funky lyrics himself, and we had a great time talking about one of the original PlayStation's flagship titles.
And before we crack crack crack the egg into the bowl, I slap together another edition of the 'Remember The Game? Infamous Intro'!
This week, someone asks if we'll ever do another guest hosted episode like the Majora's Mask show from last year. How do I decide which games I'm gonna play for the podcast out of the hundreds (literally) of suggestions I get from everyone? And what's the deal with "purple monkey dishwasher"?
Plus we play another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One', too! This one features 3 old school rhythm games: Um Jammer Lammy, Bust-A-Groove, and Space Channel 5.
2022-12-28
Happy holidays, hot dogs! We were gonna take the week off, but I wanted do something special for y'all as a thank you for making 2022 such a great year for the show. So I decided to play a game that people have been calling one of the GOATs for years - Valve's Portal.
And yeah, this is one of the GOATs. I get it. I'm not sure how it did it, but it not only lived up to the hype; it exceeded it.
My companion cube, Mark McCue, joined me on the show this week for a very positive, happy, cake filled (?) episode of Remember The Game? to wrap up 2023. Ypu've been asking for a Portal episode, and after playing it, I'm all too happy to oblige.
And before we chase some cake, I slap together another edition of the 'Remember The Game? Infamous Intro'!
This week, someone asks if PlayStation will come up with their own Call of Duty, should the Activision sale go through. Would I ever consider taking this podcast to one of the big gaming sites/networks? And what the hell is Boxing Day??
Plus we play another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One', too! This one features 3 of Valve's best: Counter-Strike, Half-Life, and Left 4 Dead.
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And if you want access to over 250 bonus podcasts, along with multiple new shows EVERY WEEK, consider showing us some love over at Patreon. Subscriptions start at just $2/month, and 5% of our patreon income every month will be donated to our 24 hour Extra-Life charity stream at the end of the year!
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2022-12-21
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I remember when Castle Crashers first released on the Xbox 360 back in the day. I really wanted to play it, but none of my buddies were into a game like this, and I assumed playing it alone would suck. All these years later, I've finally spent a few weeks with it, and it's frigging awesome. Playing alone isn't that bad, and I finally have people to play it with, too!
It slots in to a pretty high spot on my favourite beat 'em up games of all-time, and I'm pretty jacked to finally be giving it a turn in the RTG spotlight. Long time hot dog, Holms, sponsored this episode, so he swung by the show to explain why he likes Castle Crashers so much, and to talk about what it was like carrying me through. couple games.
And then my good buddy Tyler makes his return to the show to get into the countless hours he spent crashing castles back in the day while also schooling me on the history of Newgrounds (I'm such a boomer...). This game kicks ass, and I hope this episode of the show does it justice!
And before we crash castles, I slap together another edition of the 'Remember The Game? Infamous Intro'!
This week, someone asks if there are any games I regret playing for the podcast. Do I have any old gaming habits that I haven't been able to shake? And I answer the trillion dollar question: sandwiches or burritos??
Plus we play another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One', too! This one features 3 OG Xbox Arcade games: Trials HD, Shadow Complex, and Braid.
Are you on social media? Of course you are. So follow us!
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And if you want access to over 250 bonus podcasts, along with multiple new shows EVERY WEEK, consider showing us some love over at Patreon. Subscriptions start at just $2/month, and 5% of our patreon income every month will be donated to our 24 hour Extra-Life charity stream at the end of the year!
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And you can find Tyler's work over at:
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2022-12-14
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Ape Escape is one of those games I've been hearing about since before I started this show. It shows up on every "Best PlayStation Games" list out there, and a lot of people seem to have a really soft spot for it from back in the day. I never played it when it released, and I was chapped when it didn't make the cut on the PlayStation Classic because I've always wanted to see what all the hype is about.
Well, now I have. And while yeah, it is kind of a giant tech demo for the DualShock analog sticks, it's also just a really charming little game. You travel from location to location hunting down apes (that are fucking hilarious) and every once and a while you race this kid through weird futuristic obstacle courses, and really isn't that al we want in our games?
My buddy Keegs is one of those "grew up loving this game" kids, and he gave me a call to talk about Spikde, Spector, shitty Jake, and our adventures hunting escaped apes. We're finally talking Ape Escape, and RTG is better because of it.
And before we catch apes, I slap together another edition of the 'Remember The Game? Infamous Intro'!
This week, we talk about feeling out of touch with the younger gamers today. Someone asks my opinion on letting their kids play violent games. And I'm a huge fan of The Simpsons, but how does that translate into my comedy?
Plus we play another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One', too! This one features 3 of the highest scoring PlayStation games on Metacritic: PaRappa The Rappa, Wipeout XL, and Syphon Filter.
Are you on social media? Of course you are. So follow us!
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And if you want access to over 250 bonus podcasts, along with multiple new shows EVERY WEEK, consider showing us some love over at Patreon. Subscriptions start at just $2/month, and 5% of our patreon income every month will be donated to our 24 hour Extra-Life charity stream at the end of the year!
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2022-12-07
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One of the coolest things about hosting this podcast over the past 200+ episodes is discovering "new" retro games that I missed out on back in the day. And Alundra is a prime example of that. It's an action RPG from the original PlayStation (incredibly influenced by The Legend of Zelda: A Link To The Past) and after spending about 40 hours of my life with it, I can safely say this was a diamond in the rough that I skipped over.
If you've never played it before, you play as, well, Alundra. You're on a ship that crashes on a beach and you tackle dungeons to track down 7 crests to save the world with your sword and magical items and...look, I know it sounds a lot like Zelda, and it is. But give it a chance. There's a focus on puzzles, a better story than just about anything Link has ever done, it looks gorgeous, and you can freaking JUMP!
Long-time hot dog and Alundra fan Timmy The Exuberant Turtle sponsored this episode, and he swung by to tell me why he likes this game so much (along with sharing the phenomenal origin of his online handle), and then I hogged the mic for a while and explained what I liked, loved, and hated about the superb PSOne classic, Alundra.
And before we invade some dreams, I slap together another edition of the 'Remember The Game? Infamous Intro'!
This week, we get into dealing with that problem every gamer has where you're excited to play games, but can't decide what to play! Someone asks for my opinion on the Switch vs the Switch Lite (and I stumble through it), and what game(s) do I turn to when I'm feeling blue?
Plus we play another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One', too! This one features 3 "lesser known" PlayStation RPGs: Dragon Valor, Star Ocean, and Brave Fencer Musashi.
Are you on social media? Of course you are. So follow us!
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And if you want access to over 250 bonus podcasts, along with multiple new shows EVERY WEEK, consider showing us some love over at Patreon. Subscriptions start at just $2/month, and 5% of our patreon income every month will be donated to our 24 hour Extra-Life charity stream at the end of the year!
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And check out Timmy The Exuberant Turtle on YouTube at:
youtube.com/@selbrooks7
2022-11-30
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This episode was tricky, because there was no way in hell we weren't gonna hit Earthbound up for a re-visited episode at some point, but I feel like I talk about this game all the time. What's left to say??
You know I love it. I know most of you love it. I could've just spent another hour talking about loving it. And we did, for a big portion of the episode. But we also pulled back the curtain a little bit and talked about a few of the minor, nit-picky faults that Earthbound has. Because as much as I adore it, it isn't quuuuite perfect.
My younger brother Josh returns to the show this week, and we went back and forth on one of the most treasured games of our childhoods, on one of the most treasured consoles in history. Earthbound may be mainstream now, but Josh and I loved it back when everyone thought it stunk. Literally.
And before we eat Hamburgers and SMAAASSSHHHh, I slap together another edition of the 'Remember The Game? Infamous Intro'!
This week, a listener asks if I'll ever do another interview style episode of the show. We get into the Michael Bay TMNT movies, and why us fans need to stick together. And doI have any advice for a new Slay The Sire player???
Plus we play another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One', too! This one features 3 "lesser known" SNES RPGs: Breath of Fire II, Lufia, and Illusion of Gaia.
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And if you want access to over 250 bonus podcasts, along with multiple new shows EVERY WEEK, consider showing us some love over at Patreon. Subscriptions start at just $2/month, and 5% of our patreon income every month will be donated to our 24 hour Extra-Life charity stream at the end of the year!
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2022-11-23
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I've never hidden the fact that I missed out on most of the big PlayStation 2 games back in the day, and every freaking time I try one, I grow a little fonder of that little black box. But of all the beauties I've fired up on the PS2 over the past couple years, Sly Cooper might just my favourite.
People have been on me to play this game for years, and now that I'm done, I can't freaking wait to sink my teeth into the rest of the trilogy. It still looks great, plays perfect, and to be honest, I've thought long and hard about slapping a rare perfect score on this one. Will Sly join the incredibly exclusive 10/10 club? Give us a listen and find out.
My buddy Darren is the biggest Sly Cooper fan I know, and we spent almost an hour talking about how phenomenal this game is, and how badly we wish Sucker Punch would revive the series.
And before we steal books, I slap together another edition of the 'Remember The Game? Infamous Intro'!
This week, we talk about the miss that Pokemon Violet & Scarlet appears to be, and speculate about what the hell happened. Are "service" games like GTA Online and Destiny handcuffing developers? And why exactly do I hate the Sega Saturn??
Plus we play another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One', too! This one features 3 of the PlayStation 2's best: Metal Gear Solid 3, Silent Hill 2, and Kingdom Hearts.
Are you on social media? Of course you are. So follow us!
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And if you want access to over 250 bonus podcasts, along with multiple new shows EVERY WEEK, consider showing us some love over at Patreon. Subscriptions start at just $2/month, and 5% of our patreon income every month will be donated to our 24 hour Extra-Life charity stream at the end of the year!
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And you can check Darren's streams out over at:
Twitch.tv/adjectiveandnoun
2022-11-16
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It's the busiest time of the year for my comedian alter ego, so I thought I'd give myself a break and commit to watching a 2 hour movie, instead of playing through a twenty hour video game this month. We tossed a bunch of old video game flicks on the Patreon Poll, and 1995's Mortal Kombat came out on top.
I've heard so much about this movie, and I remember the soundtrack being huge back when I was a kid, but I don't think I ever watched it. So a couple weeks ago, I finally subjected myself to the original MK flick, and I have a lot to say about it. You want to know if I liked it? Loved it? Hated it? You're gonna have to listen to the episode!
My buddy and fighting game fanatic Mike The Ref is my guest this week, and we had a long chat about whether or not this movie is good, and I blew smoke of Johnny Cage's ass, because he's the man, of course.
And before we dig into this bad boy, I piece together another edition of the 'Remember The Game? Infamous Intro'!
This week, a listener writes in praising game devs that include extra accessibility options in their games. What would I change about Yoshi? And have my gaming tastes changed as I've gotten older??
Plus we have a rare round of 'WATCH One, Remake One, Erase One', too! This one features 3 90's gaming flicks: Double Dragon, Street Fighter, and Mortal Kombat: Annihilation.
And as Mike mentioned, he'll be streaming for 12 straight hours to raise money for Jack.org the day this episode goes live! You can find all his info at https://linktr.ee/miketheref
Are you on social media? Of course you are. So follow us!
Twitter: @MemberTheGame
Instagram: @MemberTheGame
Twitch.tv/MemberTheGame
Youtube.com/RememberTheGame
And if you want access to over 250 bonus podcasts, along with multiple new shows EVERY WEEK, consider showing us some love over at Patreon. Subscriptions start at just $2/month, and 5% of our patreon income every month will be donated to our 24 hour Extra-Life charity stream at the end of the year!
Patreon.com/RememberTheGame
2022-11-09
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In hindsight, it probably would have made more sense to talk about a sequel, or some game that ends in '2', considering this is episode 222, but we don't do the whole "logic" thing around here. So instead, we're talking about a game that many people don't consider all that good, but that I've had a soft spot in my heart for ever since I was a kid - Bubsy!!
It looks great, sounds good, and plays...not that well, but I don't care. I've wanted to give Bubsy his moment in the spotlight since I started this podcast, and that day has come. My buddy Keegs is my guest this week, and we're talking air gliding, yarn balls, constant deaths, and stupid shirts. "What could possibly go wrong!?!?"
And before we dig into this bad boy, I piece together another edition of the 'Remember The Game? Infamous Intro'!
This week, a concerned listener writes in about the future of physical games. Was the Virtual Boy where VR gaming started? And do I ever get nervous about playing really hyped up games for the first time?
Plus we have another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One', too! This one features 3 crappy animal mascots: Gex: Enter the Gecko, Croc: Legend of the Gobbos, and Aero the Acro-Bat.
Don't forget, both Keegs and I are taking part in Extra-Life this weekend, to raise money for the Stollery Children's Hospital here in Edmonton.
I'll be streaming on Twitch for 24 straight hours, Nov 12 - 13, 8am - 8am (Mountain). Find all the info at RememberTheGamePodcast.com
And Keegs and his friends will be running TWO 12 hour days of games this weekend. You can find more info and donate to his campaign by visiting https://www.extra-life.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.participant&participantID=488766
Are you on social media? Of course you are. So follow us!
Twitter: @MemberTheGame
Instagram: @MemberTheGame
Twitch.tv/MemberTheGame
Youtube.com/RememberTheGame
And if you want access to over 250 bonus podcasts, along with multiple new shows EVERY WEEK, consider showing us some love over at Patreon. Subscriptions start at just $2/month, and 5% of our patreon income every month will be donated to our 24 hour Extra-Life charity stream at the end of the year!
Patreon.com/RememberTheGame
2022-11-02
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We're running a little behind on our Patreon Poll winner episodes right now, but I'm working on it! In August, Star Wars Episode I: Racer came out on top of the poll, and 2 months later, I've bought it, played it, and suckered one of my friends into talking to me about it.
This was a tricky episode for me, because it's a game I never played growing up that a ton of you are nostalgic for, based on a franchise I don't really know that well, in a genre I could live without, on a system I don't like very much. I was worried this would be another Sonic Adventure 2, but it wasn't. The deck was stacked against this bad boy, but it's too damned fun for me to hate (even if I suck asssss at it).
Former RTG Hall of Fame Mark McCue is back this week for another tantalizing chat about an old video game, and we got into the Light Side, and the Dark Side, of the beloved Star Wars Episode I: Racer.
And before we crash over and over again, I piece together another edition of the 'Remember The Game? Infamous Intro'!
This week, we talk about what happens to the games that come up short on Patreon Polls. What single player games would we like to see made into co-op titles? And is Nintendo's Switch Online Expansion Pack worth the extra money if you're just interested in a few N64 games?
Plus we have another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One', too! This one features 3 retro Star Wats titles: Rogue Squadron, Super Star Wars, and Shadows of the Empire.
Are you on social media? Of course you are. So follow us!
Twitter: @MemberTheGame
Instagram: @MemberTheGame
Twitch.tv/MemberTheGame
Youtube.com/RememberTheGame
And if you want access to over 250 bonus podcasts, along with multiple new shows EVERY WEEK, consider showing us some love over at Patreon. Subscriptions start at just $2/month, and 5% of our patreon income every month will be donated to our 24 hour Extra-Life charity stream at the end of the year!
Patreon.com/RememberTheGame
2022-10-26
It's the episode before Halloween, so of course we have to cover one more "scary" game. And I can't think of a better option than one of the OG scary games, and honestly, just one of the best games on the NES altogether: Castlevania.
This bad boy has been near the top of the "most requested" list for years now, but the issue was that I just didn't play a ton of it growing up. I used to rent it sometimes, but the Medusa heads and stairs gave me nightmares and I never went back. So I spent 3 days just binging the game in preparation of this podcast, and we actually recorded it minutes after I beat the game on stream (and I was still pretty riled up).
My boy Mark McCue is my guest this week (he spent a large chink of this past week playing Castlevania to get ready for this episode as well), and we had a great time talking about stupid stairs, evil Medusa heads, a certain fight against a certain dead guy, and most importantly, about why Castlevania is an all-time classic.
And before we fall through some stairs, I scrape together another edition of the 'Remember The Game? Infamous Intro'!
This week, we talk about the impact Goldeneye 007 will have on Nintendo's Switch Online subscriber count. Is the Xbox Series S becoming an issue? And can Pokemon only say their names, or are they named after the only word they can say??
Plus we have another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One', too! This one features 3 Konami NES classics: Base Wars, Metal Gear, and Top Gun.
Are you on social media? Of course you are. So follow us!
Twitter: @MemberTheGame
Instagram: @MemberTheGame
Twitch.tv/MemberTheGame
Youtube.com/RememberTheGame
And if you want access to over 250 bonus podcasts, along with multiple new shows EVERY WEEK, consider showing us some love over at Patreon. Subscriptions start at just $2/month, and 5% of our patreon income every month will be donated to our 24 hour Extra-Life charity stream at the end of the year!
Patreon.com/RememberTheGame
2022-10-19
I can't definitively say what game we get the most requests to cover on the show, but I know Grand Theft Auto IV is near the top of the list. And after spending a massive chunk of the past couple weeks playing it, it's time to go bowling (if you know, you know).
I've never been the biggest fan of the GTA series. I think they're fun to fuck around in, but the only one I played around the time of it's release was Vice City, which I didn't love. I finally played San Andreas a couple years ago and adored it, and I've been jonesing to play IV and V ever since.
Longtime supporter of the show, Mr. Doug Dorn, sponsored this episode, finally giving me the kick in the ass I needed to get around to playing GTA IV, and I'm so damned glad he did. This game is now easily my favourite Grand Theft Auto (until I play V, apparently), and it was great chatting with Doug and finding out why this game means so much to him.
And after that, my buddy (and the Roman to my Niko) Andre, comes by the show and we get into the seedy underbelly of Liberty City, and talk about what makes this game so damned good.
And before we go bowling, I toss together another edition of the 'Remember The Game? Infamous Intro'!
This week, we talk about old gaming cartoon like Captain N and The Super Mario Bros. Super Show. Why the hell does Super Mario World end at 96 exits and not 100?? And what's the deal with the constant short stock on Nintendo's N64 Switch controller??
Plus we have another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One', too! This one features 3 grand Grand Theft Autos: Vice City, San Andreas, and Liberty City Stories.
Are you on social media? Of course you are. So follow us!
Twitter: @MemberTheGame
Instagram: @MemberTheGame
Twitch.tv/MemberTheGame
Youtube.com/RememberTheGame
And if you want access to over 250 bonus podcasts, along with multiple new shows EVERY WEEK, consider showing us some love over at Patreon. Subscriptions start at just $2/month, and 5% of our patreon income every month will be donated to our 24 hour Extra-Life charity stream at the end of the year!
Patreon.com/RememberTheGame
You can check out The Good Enough Gamer on Youtube at:
youtube.com/channel/UCTXCVSGZJUYWoeF-6pncmWw
And you can find Andre's new wrestling show at:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeZh7hUW1xH20M9EttBfgng/videos
https://www.facebook.com/AndreAndMelball
https://www.twitch.tv/andreandmelball
2022-10-12
It's October, so you know we have to cliche it up and roll out at least one episode about a scary game. And for my money, scary games don't get much better than Dead Space. This bad boy is hella fun to play, and it's scary as fuck, too!
Resident Evil 4 was my first real experience with a "horror" game, and I loved it. When I saw Dead Space, I thought "that looks like a better Resident Evil 4". And I don't think it's a hot take to put these games in the same S Tier of survival horror. Two of the best to ever do it.
My buddy Patrick returns to the show this week, and we spent an hour talking about why the game mechanics, controls, sound, atmosphere, and practically everything else about Dead Space is almost perfect. If you haven't played it yet, hopefully we can convince you to grab your plasma cutter (and a change of pants) and give it a shot!
And before we enter zero gravity, I toss together another edition of the 'Remember The Game? Infamous Intro'!
This week, we talk about the spring system I use here on RTG. Someone asks my gaming experience is different when I play a game for the podcast vs just playing it for fun. And do you ever feel guilty about playing video games??
Plus we have another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One', too! This one features 3 more survival horror heavies: F.E.A.R. 2, Fatal Frame, and Condemned: Criminal Origins.
Are you on social media? Of course you are. So follow us!
Twitter: @MemberTheGame
Instagram: @MemberTheGame
Twitch.tv/MemberTheGame
And if you want access to over 250 bonus podcasts, along with multiple new shows EVERY WEEK, consider showing us some love over at Patreon. Subscriptions start at just $2/month, and 5% of our patreon income every month will be donated to our 24 hour Extra-Life charity stream at the end of the year!
Patreon.com/RememberTheGame
And you can check out Patrick's handywork at:
https://linktr.ee/burgerfinger
Or on Instagram:
@burgerfinger
@discount.lion.safari
2022-10-05
I know some of you want more PC love on the podcast. The problem is, I haven't played anything PC. I think we've literally covered every PC game I've played in my life on the show already. So if I play something new, bet your ass it's gonna get an episode of RTG. And our Patreons decided I should play Half Life last month, so here we are.
I didn't love playing with mouse & keyboard (in fact, I fucking hated it), but I sure liked this game. Even 20+ years later its release, I can see what a monumental, influential game this is. I really feel like it's one of those games every gamer should experience, and I'm glad I finally have. (The last 25% of the game sucks, though.)
My buddy Tyler is back this week, and we spent over an hour talking about Valve's game debut, and one of the most important first-person shooters ever made. Half Life is pretty dope, and it was worth going against my anti-PC heritage to experience.
And before we swing crowbars, I toss together another edition of the 'Remember The Game? Infamous Intro'!
This week, we talk about cloud gaming, and what role it could play in gaming in the future. Someone asks me to break down the new PS Plus tiers. And what does a game have to do to get me to buy it on multiple platforms?
Plus we have another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One', too! This one features 3 of the greatest retro PC shooters ever: Duke Nukem 3D, DOOM, and Wolfenstein 3D.
Are you on social media? Of course you are. So follow us!
Twitter: @MemberTheGame
Instagram: @MemberTheGame
Twitch.tv/MemberTheGame
And if you want access to over 250 bonus podcasts, along with multiple new shows EVERY WEEK, consider showing us some love over at Patreon. Subscriptions start at just $2/month, and 5% of our patreon income every month will be donated to our 24 hour Extra-Life charity stream at the end of the year!
Patreon.com/RememberTheGame
And you can check out Tyler's short film, 'Quiet Enable', at:
YouTube.com/s762official
2022-09-28
Working my way through the Sega Genesis library has been one of the coolest things about hosting this podcast. There's so many games on the other side of the console war trenches that I've always wanted to get my hands on, and most of the titles I've gotten to haven't disappointed.
TMNT: Hyperstone Heist is the latest game I've crossed off my list, and I'm not sure how I feel about it. I didn't disappoint me, but it didn't blow my socks off, either. I feel like it's too good of a game to simply call it a lesser Turtles in Time...but...it's kind of a lesser Turtles in Time...
I found this to be a tough game to review, because we've covered Turtles in Time (twice), and most of the best features of Hyperstone Heist are the same features from Turtles in Time. But I got my buddy Mark McCue on the phone, we to a 16-bit beat 'em up about one of the best franchises in the history of the universe, and we did our best not to shortchange Hyperstone Heist on this episode. Because it really is a pretty solid game.
And before we talk turtles, I toss together another edition of the 'Remember The Game? Infamous Intro'!
This week, we talk about the prospects of more RPG episodes of the podcast in the future. What video game character do you want to punch in the teeth the most? And does anyone actually enjoy blowing in NES cartridges?
Plus we have another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One', too! This one features 3 Genesis beat 'em ups: Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers: The Movie, Spider-Man & Venom: Maximum Carnage, and X-Men 2: The Clone Wars.
Are you on social media? Of course you are. So follow us!
Twitter: @MemberTheGame
Instagram: @MemberTheGame
Twitch.tv/MemberTheGame
And if you want access to over 250 bonus podcasts, along with multiple new shows EVERY WEEK, consider showing us some love over at Patreon. Subscriptions start at just $2/month, and 5% of our patreon income every month will be donated to our 24 hour Extra-Life charity stream at the end of the year!
Patreon.com/RememberTheGame
2022-09-21
Every couple months, we dedicate an episode of the show to "revisiting" a game we covered back in the early days of the podcast, when we had even less of an idea of what we were doing than we do now. And this week, we're taking another look at one of my absolute favourite games of all-time, and for my money, the best Mega Man game ever created - Mega Man X.
I think this game is a stone's throw from being perfect. It looks great, plays well, and the soundtrack is one of the best in all of retro gaming. I suppose you could argue it's a littttttle easy (for a Mega Man game), and there's a particular jump that just chaps my ass, but other than that, I have a really hard criticizing X's debut title. It's just a damned good video game.
The one and only Bradley McCue gave me a call this week, and we went through what makes X so rad, and even got into a little strategy talk (which is a rare thing here on RTG, as I normally suck at the games we're talking about). I could talk about this game every week. I hope y'all enjoy it!
And before we talk X, I toss together another edition of the 'Remember The Game? Infamous Intro'!
This week, we talk about the modern games that'll be considered "classics" someday. What's the optimal number of party members for an RPG? And what do you do to combat gamer burnout?
Plus we have another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One', too! This one features 3 Mega Man games: Mega Man X: Command Mission, Mega Man Legends, and Mega Man: Battle Network.
Are you on social media? Of course you are. So follow us!
Twitter: @MemberTheGame
Instagram: @MemberTheGame
Twitch.tv/MemberTheGame
And if you want access to over 250 bonus podcasts, along with multiple new shows EVERY WEEK, consider showing us some love over at Patreon. Subscriptions start at just $2/month, and 5% of our patreon income every month will be donated to our 24 hour Extra-Life charity stream at the end of the year!
Patreon.com/RememberTheGame
2022-09-14
I consider myself fairly well traveled when it comes to the NES. I've played MOST of the big titles in some capacity, and I know most of the origin stories when it comes to Nintendo's mainstream franchises. But one that's always eluded me was Metroid. So while I was on holidays in July, I decided to break out my Switch and see where Samus came from. And while I'm glad I've experienced her first game, I can confidently say that I never want to play it again, haha.
This game is innovative, creative, easy to look at, and pretty damned fun. But it's also hard. NES hard. And if you know NES hard, you know that I resisted the urge to throw my Switch in the ocean on a few occasions. I had to look up a map, and I'm not even ashamed of it.
My buddy Daniel is the biggest Metroid fan I know, but he missed this one back in the day, too. So we both just finished our first run through Metroid on the NES, and we got together to talk about the years it took off both of our lives. Holy fuck, why does it have to be so hard????
And before we talk Samus, I toss together another edition of the 'Remember The Game? Infamous Intro'!
This week, we talked about how I pick my guests for the show. If I could go drinking with one gaming character, who would it be? And why the hell is RTG not on TikTok??
Plus we have another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One', too! This one features 3 "NES Tough" games: Blaster Master, Fester's Quest, and Battletoads.
Are you on social media? Of course you are. So follow us!
Twitter: @MemberTheGame
Instagram: @MemberTheGame
Twitch.tv/MemberTheGame
And if you want access to over 250 bonus podcasts, along with multiple new shows EVERY WEEK, consider showing us some love over at Patreon. Subscriptions start at just $2/month, and 5% of our patreon income every month will be donated to our 24 hour Extra-Life charity stream at the end of the year!
Patreon.com/RememberTheGame
2022-09-07
I don't think I've ever ragequit/returned/ragequit/returned a video game as many times as I did Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee. This game is clever, very easy on the eyes, creative as fuck, and TOUGH AS NAILS. The controls are weird, the checkpoints suck, and your margin for error is practically non-existent. I spent the entire playthrough getting angry. But when I finally finished the game, I wanted to go back and play it again. This game is so fucked.
One of our listeners by the online handle of 'Blaine the Hoagie Man' sponsored this episode, tolerated my repeated ragequitting, and managed to convince me that Oddworld belongs up there with Metal Gear Solid, Final Fantasy VII, and Resident Evil as one of the defining games in the original PlayStation's library. He swung by the show this week to explain why he thought I'd enjoy this game, and why it didn't break him back in the 90's.
And after I chat with Blaine, I give my buddy Tyler a call to break down the good, the bad, and the odd that makes up Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee.
And before we talk farts and stuff, I toss together another edition of the 'Remember The Game? Infamous Intro'!
This week, we talked about whether or not mobile gaming is a threat to handhelds like the Nintendo Switch and the Steam Deck. How do I determine the value of a game when I think about buying it? And what's the best retro compilation available on modern consoles these days?
Plus we have another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One', too! This one features 3 games that contain farts (yes, seriously): Conker's Bad Fur Day, Fable, and Boogeyman.
Are you on social media? Of course you are. So follow us!
Twitter: @MemberTheGame
Instagram: @MemberTheGame
Twitch.tv/MemberTheGame
And if you want access to over 250 bonus podcasts, along with multiple new shows EVERY WEEK, consider showing us some love over at Patreon. Subscriptions start at just $2/month, and 5% of our patreon income every month will be donated to our 24 hour Extra-Life charity stream at the end of the year!
Patreon.com/RememberTheGame
And you can check out Tyler's short film, 'Quiet Enable', at:
YouTube.com/s762official
2022-08-31
It took 212 episodes, but we're finally talking Silent Hill. Silent Hill 3, to be exact. People have been asking for us to show this franchise some love since the early days of RTG, and the only reason it took this long is because, well, I'm a bitch when it comes to scary stuff.
But one of our listeners by the name of Ryan finally kicked me in the ass and told me to suck it up by sponsoring an episode of the show about how favourite game in the series, Silent Hill 3. So I played it. I sent hours getting freaked out by the sound of static while trying to open locked doors, and now that I've finally rolled the credits on a Silent Hill game, I get why y'all pushed for this so much. This is a pretty damned good video game.
Ryan pops by the show to explain why Silent Hill 3 was his poison, and then my buddy Patrick makes his return to the show to help me break down the good, the bad, and the gruesome of the third entry in the Silent Hill series.
(And no, I haven't played Silent Hill 2 yet. But I will.)
And before we silence hills, I roll out another edition of the 'Remember The Game? Infamous Intro'!
This week, someone asks if I regret selling my video game collection? When do we think the next Nintendo console will drop? And why do I refuse to use walkthroughs for my games??
Plus we have another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One', too! This one features 3 niche horror classics: Clock Tower, System Shock 2, and ManHunt.
Are you on social media? Of course you are. So follow us!
Twitter: @MemberTheGame
Instagram: @MemberTheGame
Twitch.tv/MemberTheGame
And if you want access to over 250 bonus podcasts, along with multiple new shows EVERY WEEK, consider showing us some love over at Patreon. Subscriptions start at just $2/month, and 5% of our patreon income every month will be donated to our 24 hour Extra-Life charity stream at the end of the year!
Patreon.com/RememberTheGame
And you can check out Patrick's handywork at:
https://linktr.ee/burgerfinger
Or on Instagram:
@burgerfinger
@discount.lion.safari
2022-08-24
Wave Race 64 was added to the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack library last week, and I figured it'll probably never be this topical again, so let's strike while the iron's wet. I've been looking for an excuse to cover this one on the podcast anyway. I remember playing it back when I got my 64 and thinking the water physics were incredible, and the game itself was really fun.
I've been playing it over the past couple days to get ready for the show, and even after all these years, those statements hold true. The water is STILL incredible, and the game is STILL really fun! I was actually surprised by just how well this mofo has aged, to tell you the truth.
My younger brother, Josh, is my guest again this week, and it was a real trip going back to 1996 and talking about a game we used to play together as kids (and as much as I hate to admit it, a game he used to be able to kick my ass at). Wave Race 64 hold up, and hopefully this week's podcast convinces you to give it a spin.
And before we race on waves, I CRUSH another edition of the 'Remember The Game? Infamous Intro'!
This week, someone asks how I deal with haters and negative listeners online. How does Yoshi's Island stack up against Super Mario World? And do I think I'll ever stop buying new consoles and games?
Plus we have another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One', too! This one features 3 N64 racers: Excitebike 64, Star Wars Episode I: Racer, and Ridge Racer 64
Are you on social media? Of course you are. So follow us!
Twitter: @MemberTheGame
Instagram: @MemberTheGame
Twitch.tv/MemberTheGame
And if you want access to over 250 bonus podcasts, along with multiple new shows EVERY WEEK, consider showing us some love over at Patreon. Subscriptions start at just $2/month, and 5% of our patreon income every month will be donated to our 24 hour Extra-Life charity stream at the end of the year!
Patreon.com/RememberTheGame
2022-08-17
I think most of our listeners know I'm a Mario fan-boy. We've covered most of his games from the old days, with Super Mario All-Stars being a rare exception. I know this is a phenomenal collection of games, and you probably know it, too. But we've already covered all the included games in greater detail on their own episodes of the podcast. I wasn't sold there was enough meat on the bone to justify talking about them all again.
But then I started replaying it, and remembered just how incredible this collection is. Better graphics, better music, save files, a never before released (in North America) Mario game. Super Mario All-Stars is phenomenal, and dammit, it's time to give it its due on RTG.
David Rae makes his triumphant return to the show this week. He was my guest for the Lost Levels, Super Mario Bros 2, and Super Mario Bros episodes, and we talked about what made this collection special, what other NES games would have benefitted from the All-Stars treatment, and whether or not these games are the greatest remasters of all-time...
And before we star is all the way up, I stumble through another edition of the 'Remember The Game? Infamous Intro'!
This week, I answer a bunch of "will this game ever get an episode of the podcast?' questions. Why do I hate Assassin's Creed? (I don't.) And what games have let me down and surprised me the most over the years?
Plus we have another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One', too! This one features 3 SNES platforming greats: Donkey Kong Country, Super Mario World, and SMW2: Yoshi's Island.
Are you on social media? Of course you are. So follow us!
Twitter: @MemberTheGame
Instagram: @MemberTheGame
Twitch.tv/MemberTheGame
And if you want access to over 200 bonus podcasts, along with multiple new shows EVERY WEEK, consider showing us some love over at Patreon. Subscriptions start at just $2/month, and 5% of our patreon income every month will be donated to our 24 hour Extra-Life charity stream at the end of the year!
Patreon.com/RememberTheGame
And you can find David and his podcast 'Quantum Kickflip' at:
www.quantumkickflip.com
Twitter: @quantumkickflip
Instagram: @quantumkickflip
2022-08-10
Splinter Cell is a tough episode for me. I was once a secret agent that snuck into Government agencies to steal briefcases full of data sticks, and it isn't something I like to talk about.
Also, it's a really impressive game, but it's a stealth game, and as an impatient dipshit, I fucking hate stealth games.
So this is one of those episodes where I'm trying to walk the line and explain why I don't really like it, but why there's not really a lot wrong with it, either. It's not perfect, but it's revolutionary as hell. And honestly, I think it has a better game engine than it's stealthy opposition, Metal Gear.
My buddy, Bradley McCue, returns to the show this week. He's a big Metal Gear fan, I don't particularly like stealth games, and I thought we'd be the perfect duo to review a stealth game that isn't Metal Gear.
And before we anger all you Splinter Cell junkies, I sneak in (see what I did there?) another edition of the 'Remember The Game? Infamous Intro'!
This week, we get into our most satisfying gaming moments. A listener asks me what I would have done differently if I could go back in time and call the shots at Sega. And will physical copies of modern video games be sought after like NES cartridges are in thirty years?
Plus we have another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One', too! This one features 3 Xbox badasees: Hitman 2, Max Payne, and Thief: Deadly Shadows.
Are you on social media? Of course you are. So follow us!
Twitter: @MemberTheGame
Instagram: @MemberTheGame
Twitch.tv/MemberTheGame
And if you want access to over 200 bonus podcasts, along with multiple new shows EVERY WEEK, consider showing us some love over at Patreon. Subscriptions start at just $2/month, and 5% of our patreon income every month will be donated to our 24 hour Extra-Life charity stream at the end of the year!
Patreon.com/RememberTheGame
And you can check out Bradley's Instagram at:
@thegamingodyssey
2022-08-03
I feel like every time I try a PlayStation 2 game I missed out on back in the day, I talk about how much I regret sleeping on that damned console. That theme continues this week, because we're talking about June's Patreon Poll winner: Ratchet & Clank. And this game charmed the hell out of me. The PS2 really was a beast.
I've played the modern 2 R&C games on the PS4 & PS5, but this was my first time checking out the origins of the franchise. The controllers and camera and stuff are a little wonky by today's standards, but the game is still fire. The voice acting, graphics, weapons, characters, gameplay; all great. I get why people that started with this game stuck with the franchise over the last couple decades now. I'm a fan.
Especially when it comes to Clank. Love that little bastard!
My buddy Darren, who happens to be a Ratchet & Clank super-fan, returns to the show this week, and we spent a solid hour talking about what makes this game, and series, so damned charming.
And before we talk about clanking ratchets, I serve up another edition of the 'Remember The Game? Infamous Intro'!
This week, we talk about female gamers, and whether or not I know many of them. Someone throws a BRUTAL play one/remake one/erase one at me. And which major console has the proper button layout on their controller?
Plus we have another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One', too! This one features 3 of the highest rated games of 2002: GTA: Vice City, Metroid Prime, and Tony Hawk Pro Skater 4.
Are you on social media? Of course you are. So follow us!
Twitter: @MemberTheGame
Instagram: @MemberTheGame
Twitch.tv/MemberTheGame
And if you want access to over 200 bonus podcasts, along with multiple new shows EVERY WEEK, consider showing us some love over at Patreon. Subscriptions start at just $2/month, and 5% of our patreon income every month will be donated to our 24 hour Extra-Life charity stream at the end of the year!
Patreon.com/RememberTheGame
And you can check out Darren's Twitch streams over at:
Twitch.tv/AdjectiveandNoun
2022-07-27
Pokemon episodes make me nervous. I love the passion, but you pokemaniacs are hardcore, and sometimes my limited pocket monster knowledge ends up getting me a little heat, because I just don't know that franchise well enough. And Pokemon Gold/Silver/Crystal is easily the generation of Pokemon games we've had the most requests for. So the pressure is on.
I put over 45 hours into my first ever play-through of Pokemon Gold just to prepare for this episode, and while I don't know everything about these games, I know why so many people consider Gen II to be top tier in the world of Pokemon. So does my buddy Miklos. He's a diehard Pokemon junkie, and he joined me on the show this week to talk about what makes Gen II so special.
AND this episode was sponsored by longtime community member, Deendonian, who swung by to talk about what these games mean to him, and we get into his hobby of speed running them, as well!
You can check his Pokemon streams out at twitch.tv/deendonian
And before we talk about trapping animals in little balls, we serve up another edition of the 'Remember The Game? Infamous Intro'!
This week, we talk about whether or not indie games can overtake AAA games for top spot on the gaming food chain. Which games are better story tellers; retro titles, or modern games? And who's my favourite Ninja Turtles villain?
Plus we have another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One', too! This one features 3 complete console libraries: The Game Boy Color, The Game Boy Advance, and The Nintendo DS.
Are you on social media? Of course you are. So follow us!
Twitter: @MemberTheGame
Instagram: @MemberTheGame
Twitch.tv/MemberTheGame
And if you want access to over 200 bonus podcasts, along with multiple new shows EVERY WEEK, consider showing us some love over at Patreon. Subscriptions start at just $2/month, and 5% of our patreon income every month will be donated to our 24 hour Extra-Life charity stream at the end of the year!
Patreon.com/RememberTheGame
2022-07-20
I've been away on holidays, and to kill two birds with one stone, I've handed the keys to the S.S. RTG to someone else for the first time in our 4+ year history. FORMER RTG Hall of Fame Mark McCue and his bro Bradley are covering me this week, and talking about a game that I've had so many requests for I hear them in my sleep - The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask.
I hate this God damned game, I refuse to talk about it, and so the guys are covering me while I'm away AND crossing a game off my backlog at the same time. For all of you that have ben asking a Mask episode for years, this is it. This is the one. I hope you like it because that damned game is never getting another chance to be on my show.
And before the guys get into some weirdo named Majora and their freaky mask, the serve up another edition of the 'Remember The Game? Infamous Intro'!
This week, I don't remember what they talk about because we recorded this episode over a month ago.
BUT, the blow in some cartridges. And we have another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One', too! This one features 3 N64 heavyweights: xi, Super Mario 64, and Banjo-Kazooie.
Are you on social media? Of course you are. So follow us!
Twitter: @MemberTheGame
Instagram: @MemberTheGame
Twitch.tv/MemberTheGame
And if you want access to over 200 bonus podcasts, along with multiple new shows EVERY WEEK, consider showing us some love over at Patreon. Subscriptions start at just $2/month, and 5% of our patreon income every month will be donated to our 24 hour Extra-Life charity stream at the end of the year!
Patreon.com/RememberTheGame
And don't forget to check out Mark McCue's debut comedy album, Son of a Drama Teacher, on BandCamp! Thanks again for the cover, boys!
You're both banned from the Hall, though.
2022-07-13
I'm away on holidays this week, so I thought I'd give everyone a free bump and release a previously Patreon exclusive episode of Expansion Pass. This time, it's Expansion Pass #26 - Gamer Confessions. One of the most popular episodes of XP we've ever done. Listeners confess their darkest gaming secrets, and I judge them accordingly.
This originally went live in September of 2020, and it was such a hit, we published a second edition last September. And Gamer Confessions III will show up this Fall.
I hope you enjoy the extra episode, and if you do, consider supporting us on Patreon for $2/month. You'll get instant access to over 200 bonus podcasts, and get 2 additional episodes every week!
Patreon.com/RememberTheGame
2022-07-06
This episode of 'Remember The Game?' is sponsored by Ekster wallets. You know exactly which wallets I'm talking about - those rad ones with the push button where your cards pop out of the top. It looks like something James Bond would carry. I have one, and I absolutely LOVE it.
Plus, it has a tracker in it, so I can't lose it like I have so many others over the years.
The hot dogs can save up to 20% on their purchase by using the promo code 'RTG' at shop.ekster.com/RTG
Check them out at
https://www.instagram.com/eksterwallets/
https://www.facebook.com/eksterwallets
https://twitter.com/eksterwallets
https://www.tiktok.com/@eksterwallets
What can we say about WWF No Mercy that hasn't already been said a million times? The best wrestling game from the best wrestling era ever. As good as it gets for multi-player on the Nintendo 64. Tight controls, awesome gameplay, fantastic modes. This game is everything a pro wrestling video game should be.
In fact, it's so good, we're doing a second episode about it. I knew we were going to continue our 'revisited' series after episode 200, and I also knew that WWF No Mercy was gonna be the next one we were going back to. I love this game so much, I could probably do a weekly show about it.
My buddy Marc Majeau (who also co-hosts the outstanding MCTV podcast) makes his RTG debut this week, and we spent over an hour just marking out about ladder matches, the 3D, hitting opponents with a ring bell, and Scotty 2 Hotty's infamous worm (if you know, you know).
And before we show little mercy, I serve up another edition of the 'Remember The Game? Infamous Intro'!
This week, we talk about the dude that bought $40,000 worth of Nintendo stock just to ask where the hell F-Zero is. What kind of screen do I play my retro games on? And was JBL a good WWE Champion?
PLUS, we have another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One', featuring 3 wrestling classics: WWF Attitude, WWF SmackDown, and WWF Wrestlemania: The Arcade Game.
Are you on social media? Of course you are. So follow us!
Twitter: @MemberTheGame
Instagram: @MemberTheGame
Twitch.tv/MemberTheGame
And if you want access to over 200 bonus podcasts, along with multiple new shows EVERY WEEK, consider showing us some love over at Patreon. Subscriptions start at just $2/month, and 5% of our patreon income every month will be donated to our 24 hour Extra-Life charity stream at the end of the year!
Patreon.com/RememberTheGame
And if you're interested in checking out Marc's podcast, MCTV, you can find it here:
Twitter: @MCTVPodcast
Instagram: @MCTVPodcast
https://linktr.ee/MCTVPodcast
2022-06-29
I don't know how to describe Snake Rattle N Roll. A cult classic? A hidden gem? I think people that grew up with it, love it. And if you didn't play it as a kid, you probably won't like it now. But for my money, it's one of the best, most creative games on the NES. And it's about damned time it got its own episode of RTG.
If you've never played it, you control a snake and you have to climb a mountain and eat pieces of yourself without getting stepped on or blown up, and the whole game is in an isometric view and features some of the toughest platforming on the NES. And if that didn't convince you? You also get to fight toilet seats. C'mon now.
My brother Josh and I used to play this all the time as kids, so this felt like the perfect episode for him to make his RTG debut. We talk about how stupidly difficult Snake Rattle N Roll was, why we loved it anyway, he tells me about the final boss (as I've never got there before), and yes, we tell a couple stories about fighting as kids.
And before we Rattle and Roll, I serve up another edition of the 'Remember The Game? Infamous Intro'!
This week, we talk about Mario sports games, and whether or not the magic is gone. What's the best time of day to do your gaming? And will Breath of Fire ever get some love around these parts?
PLUS, we have another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One', featuring 3 Rare developed NES gems: Battletoads, RC Pro-Am, and NARC.
Are you on social media? Of course you are. So follow us!
Twitter: @MemberTheGame
Instagram: @MemberTheGame
Twitch.tv/MemberTheGame
And if you want access to over 200 bonus podcasts, along with multiple new shows EVERY WEEK, consider showing us some love over at Patreon. Subscriptions start at just $2/month, and 5% of our patreon income every month will be donated to our 24 hour Extra-Life charity stream at the end of the year!
Patreon.com/RememberTheGame
2022-06-22
This podcast is sponsored by Better Help. They offer affordable, confidential online therapy with trained counselors that specialize in a variety of topics and issues. Visit BetterHelp.com/RememberTheGame and get 10% off your first month. Taking care of your mental health is important, and talking to someone is the first step.
Betterhelp.com/RememberTheGame
Sports games are weird, because "old" sports games, like NHL '13 or Madden '14, are completely worthless today. But "older" sports games, like NHL '94, NBA Jam, and Tecmo Bowl, are timeless. Absolutely timeless. In twenty years, nobody will be playing this year's Madden game, but people will STILL be hosting Tecmo Bowl tournaments. THAT'S how good this damned game is.
I didn't play a lot of sports games as a kid, aside from hockey and wrestling, but I'm slowly making up for lost time in my old age. Tecmo Bowl happened to find it's way to the top of the list, and holy hell, I get it now. I get all of it. The tournaments. "No Bo". Why people still play these games over Madden. It's just, immaculate. So simple to learn, so fun to play. I'm mad at myself for not playing it sooner.
My buddy Brad DID play Tecmo Bowl as a kid, and we almost got through an entire episode without arguing with each other, because we both just agree that this game slaps, and it should have gotten an episode of RTG a long time ago. It's time to right that wrong.
And before we Bowl some Tecmo, I serve up another edition of the 'Remember The Game? Infamous Intro'!
This week, I lay out my stance on reproduction cartridges of retro games. What do I think of the situation with Vince McMahon right now? And do I have any interest in attending E3 in person anymore?
PLUS, we have another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One', featuring 3 NES sports classics: Baseball Stars, Tecmo Super Bowl and Mike Tyson's Punch-Out!
Are you on social media? Of course you are. So follow us!
Twitter: @MemberTheGame
Instagram: @MemberTheGame
Twitch.tv/MemberTheGame
And if you want access to over 200 bonus podcasts, along with multiple new shows EVERY WEEK, consider showing us some love over at Patreon. Subscriptions start at just $2/month, and 5% of our patreon income every month will be donated to our 24 hour Extra-Life charity stream at the end of the year!
Patreon.com/RememberTheGame
2022-06-15
I don't think it's an exaggeration to call Mario Tennis one of the most influential video games ever made. Not only did it convince Nintendo that they could put Mario into any game they want and we'd buy it up, but it also introduced a character that would go on to become one of the most popular creations to ever come out of the house of Mario - Waluigi.
I hated that son of a bitch when this game came out, but like so many of you, the internet has made him into the hero Nintendo never thought he could be. So when you look at the whole package, we have the debut of a legend, and one of the best multi-player games on one of the best multi-player consoles of all-time. I don't know if it's possible NOT to love Mario Tennis.
My buddy and former RTG Hall of Famer, Mark McCue, gave me a call this week, and we had a nice long rally of a chat talking about why Mario Tennis is so damned good, as playable today as it was in 2000, and why Waluigi is a boss, despite being OP as fuck in his debut.
And before we deuce it up, I serve up another edition of the 'Remember The Game? Infamous Intro'!
This time around, I make my stance on playing or not playing Metal Gear Solid 3 clear. Has PlayStation completely dropped the ball when it comes to promoting the new PS Plus tiers? And if I had to give up coffee, what would I do?
PLUS, we have another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One', featuring 3 more tennis titles: Super Tennis, Hot Shots Tennis and Virtua Tennis.
Are you on social media? Of course you are. So follow us!
Twitter: @MemberTheGame
Instagram: @MemberTheGame
Twitch.tv/MemberTheGame
And if you want access to over 200 bonus podcasts, along with multiple new shows EVERY WEEK, consider showing us some love over at Patreon. Subscriptions start at just $2/month, and 5% of our patreon income every month will be donated to our 24 hour Extra-Life charity stream at the end of the year!
Patreon.com/RememberTheGame
2022-06-08
This podcast is sponsored by Better Help. They offer affordable, confidential online therapy with trained counselors that specialize in a variety of topics and issues. Visit BetterHelp.com/RememberTheGame and get 10% off your first month. Taking care of your mental health is important, and talking to someone is the first step.
Betterhelp.com/RememberTheGame
It has been 18 years since Fable was released, and if you weren't part of the gaming eco-system back in those days, you might not remember the INSANE hype around this game. Fable was gonna be the most revolutionary game since Super Mario Bros. It was gonna change gaming forever. It was going to be legendary.
And then it came out.
And we played it.
And it was...fine. It's not a bad game by any means. It's just kinda...fine.
My buddy Keegs joins me on the show this week, and we get into the stuff we liked, loved, and hated about Fable. It might not have changed gaming forever, but that doesn't mean it was a bad game. It was just...fine.
And before we Fable it up, I serve up another edition of the 'Remember The Game? Infamous Intro'!
This time around, we get into the topic of micro-transactions, and whether or not they're the black eye on gaming we all make them out to be. Does anyone else get excited for a long gaming session and then struggle to pick something to play? And will we ever cover Neo-Geo or Turbo Grafx games on the show?
PLUS, we have another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One', featuring 3 of the heaviest hitters from 2004: Metal Gear Solid 3, Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door, and KOTOR II.
Are you on social media? Of course you are. So follow us!
Twitter: @MemberTheGame
Instagram: @MemberTheGame
Twitch.tv/MemberTheGame
And if you want access to over 200 bonus podcasts, along with multiple new shows EVERY WEEK, consider showing us some love over at Patreon. Subscriptions start at just $2/month, and 5% of our patreon income every month will be donated to our 24 hour Extra-Life charity stream at the end of the year!
Patreon.com/RememberTheGame
2022-06-01
This podcast is sponsored by Better Help. They offer affordable, confidential online therapy with trained counselors that specialize in a variety of topics and issues. Visit BetterHelp.com/RememberTheGame and get 10% off your first month. Taking care of your mental health is important, and talking to someone is the first step.
Betterhelp.com/RememberTheGame
Welp, we did it. 200 episodes. From "Nobody will listen to this anyways" to the biggest video game podcast in Canada in just under 4 years. Fucking eh. Thank you all!
And to celebrate 200 of these monstrosities, we're finally talking about the most requested game in the history of the show: Final Fantasy Tactics.
**If that's all you're here for, skip to about 42:30**
I was nervous this bad boy wouldn't live up to the expectations, but I'm happy to say that if you're a diehard FFT fan, the only thing you might hate about this episode is that I don't know as much about the game as you do. I loved this game, and my buddy David Rae and I spent over 90 minutes explaining what makes it so great (aside from a certain bullshit boss fight in chapter 3).
Seriously, thank you all for the support, and I really hope this episode lives up to your expectations the same way Final Fantasy Tactics lived up to mine.
And before I inevitably let you down, I bake up another edition of the 'Remember The Game? Infamous Intro'!
This week, someone calls me out on my flip flopping Aerith stances. Have I ever performed stand-up comedy while stoned? And why do I fear Metroid on the NES?
PLUS, we have another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One', featuring 3 of the most requested games in RTG history: Portal, The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask, and Diablo II.
Are you on social media? Of course you are. So follow us!
Twitter: @MemberTheGame
Instagram: @MemberTheGame
Twitch.tv/MemberTheGame
And if you want access to over 200 bonus podcasts, along with multiple new shows EVERY WEEK, consider showing us some love over at Patreon. Subscriptions start at just $2/month, and 5% of our patreon income every month will be donated to our 24 hour Extra-Life charity stream at the end of the year!
Patreon.com/RememberTheGame
And you can find David and his podcast 'Quantum Kickflip' at:
www.quantumkickflip.com
Twitter: @quantumkickflip
Instagram: @quantumkickflip
2022-05-25
I'm just gonna lay my cards on the table here - I don't like Mickey Mouse. I think he's creepy, his voice is annoying, and Donald Duck should frame him for murder and take over as the face that runs the place at Disney. And whether it's due to my hatred of Mickey or just my lack of sophistication, I don't think I've ever played a Mickey Mouse game before this one. So I went into Castle of Illusion expecting it to suck...
But to my surprise, it's actually a pretty competent platformer! I don't think it does anything revolutionary, and I certainly don't think it's among the Genesis's best game like some people do. But I didn't hate my time with this game.
I'm rolling solo this week, I'm whacked out on Benadryl, and I'm ready to explain my Mickey sucks but his video game doesn't.
And before that, I bake up another edition of the 'Remember The Game? Infamous Intro'!
This week, someone asks me what I think Nintendo's let impressive franchise is. Is going commando ever socially acceptable? And what was the response to covering a 3DS game on a "retro" gaming podcast?
PLUS, we have another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One', featuring three cartoon characters: Tiny Toons: Buster Busts Loose, Bugs Bunny: Lost in Time, and World of Illusion - Starring Mickey Mouse & Donald Duck.
Are you on social media? Of course you are. So follow us!
Twitter: @MemberTheGame
Instagram: @MemberTheGame
Twitch.tv/MemberTheGame
And if you want access to over 200 bonus podcasts, along with multiple new shows EVERY WEEK, consider showing us some love over at Patreon. Subscriptions start at just $2/month, and 5% of our patreon income every month will be donated to our 24 hour Extra-Life charity stream at the end of the year!
Patreon.com/RememberTheGame
2022-05-18
The GBA and the PS2 are the consoles I get the most requests for, and as I've explained, I just didn't play them much in their prime, so I'm slowly catching up on the catalogs. You could lump the 3DS into that conversation, too. I don't get as many requests for episodes about its best games, but I've also only played a handful of titles on it, so the podcast options are pretty limited.
Fortunately, I DID play The Legend of Zelda: Link Between Worlds. And I'll plant my flag in the sand right now - this is not only my favourite game on the 3DS, its one of my favourite Zelda games of all-time. As a card-carrying Link to the Past fanboy, this game was a fantasy come to life. It's a sequel to one of the greatest games ever made, and while they had every opportunity to fuck it up, they didn't. In some way, I actually this is a better game than its older brother, and I'm pumped that it's the first 3DS review in the almost 200 episode history of RTG.
My buddy Mark McCue gave me a call this week, and we had a nice, beefy chat about that time Link rented tools from a rabbit, turned into a painting, and did all the other stuff he does in every other game.
**PLUS, we plug Mark's first stand-up comedy album, which releases TODAY!
It's called 'Son of a Drama Teacher', and you can find it on Bandcamp through Billy James Records.
Show McCue some love!!!**
And before we talk renting boomerangs and stuff, I bake up another edition of the 'Remember The Game? Infamous Intro'!
This week, we talk about the best Metroidvanias on the Switch. What horror game has scared me the most? And I address the rampant speculation that I hate the PSP.
PLUS, we have another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One', featuring three sequels: Silent Hill 2, Half-Life 2, and Final Fantasy X-2.
Are you on social media? Of course you are. So follow us!
Twitter: @MemberTheGame
Instagram: @MemberTheGame
Twitch.tv/MemberTheGame
And if you want access to over 200 bonus podcasts, along with multiple new shows EVERY WEEK, consider showing us some love over at Patreon. Subscriptions start at just $2/month, and 5% of our patreon income every month will be donated to our 24 hour Extra-Life charity stream at the end of the year!
Patreon.com/RememberTheGame
2022-05-11
This episode of RTG is sponsored by Better Help. BetterHelp.com/RememberTheGame
Sometimes the best way to deal with an issue is to simply talk to someone. Unfortunately, that can be easier said than done. But Better Help is making is easier than ever. They offer secure, confidential, online therapy sessions with professional, licensed counsellors, specializing in things like depression, stress, family conflicts, LGBT matters, and more.
You can get 10% off your first month of Better Help services by visiting BetterHelp.com/RememberTheGame. Join the over 1 million people that are living a happier life after talking to Better Help today. And we thank them for sponsoring the podcast.
We've been talking about doing an episode of this show about Yo! Noid for, man, it has to be years at this point, doesn't it? I was worried there wouldn't be enough meat on the pizza to talk about. I was sweating that nobody aside from my guest and I ever played it to begin with. And I was a little nervous the noid would show up and start wrecking my pizzas...
But we finally threw caution into the wind, and recorded what could very well be the first ever podcast dedicated to the NES "classic" that is Yo! Noid.
My pal Tyler makes his return to the show this week, and we talked about the stupid skateboard levels, the boring pizza eating contests, the cheap, cheap, CHEEEEAAAAAP deaths that this stupid game is full of, and why despite all of those faults, this is still a pretty adequate NES game. I know it took forever, but enjoy your damned Yo! Noid podcast!
And before we talk pizzas and Noids, I bake up another edition of the 'Remember The Game? Infamous Intro'!
This week, we get into the fact that Nintendo, PlayStation and XBx all have the 'X' button on their controllers in a different spot, and why it needs to stop. As a comedian, am I getting nervous that someone will rush the stage and beat me up after seeing what happened to Dave Chapelle? And should we let our gaming backlogs get to us?
PLUS, we have another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One', featuring three mascot-centric duds: Cool Spot, Chester Cheetah's Wild Wild Quest, and MC Kids.
Are you on social media? Of course you are. So follow us!
Twitter: @MemberTheGame
Instagram: @MemberTheGame
Twitch.tv/MemberTheGame
And if you want access to over 200 bonus podcasts, along with multiple new shows EVERY WEEK, consider showing us some love over at Patreon. Subscriptions start at just $2/month, and 5% of our patreon income every month will be donated to our 24 hour Extra-Life charity stream at the end of the year!
Patreon.com/RememberTheGame
2022-05-04
A few months ago, we reviewed Castlevania: Symphony of the Night. I didn't really like it, and I took a lot of shit for that opinion (which I stand by, screw that stupid inverted castle). This week, we're looking another Castlevania - Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow. And I'm happy (and relieved) to say that it was everything I wanted SOTN to be. This game is outstanding.
From the bad-ass soul sucking (and you can suck EVERY enemy in the game!), to the simplified inventory system, to the lack of a hidden second half of the game without fucking telling you it's there, Aria of Sorrow absolutely blew my expectations out of the water. I'm no Castlevania expert, but in my limited experience with the series, I'd probably place Sorrow atop my official Vania of Castle rankings.
Plus, what kind of beast was the GBA? Such a powerhouse of a console!
My buddy Bradley McCue returns to the show this week, (he was actually my guest on the Symphony of the Night episode as well), and we didn't butt heads nearly as much this time around. He had a couple more nitpicks than I did, but at the end of the day we both agreed that Aria of Sorrow is just a damned fine piece of video game.
And before we talk Sorrowing Arias, I roll out another edition of the 'Remember The Game? Infamous Intro'!
This week, we talk about what's a better investment of your gaming dollar: a AAA game, or a handful of random indie titles? We talk about Achievements/Trophies for retro games via the website RetroAchivements. And what's the toughest game I've played in the past year or so?
PLUS, we have another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One', featuring three Castlevania Classics: Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse, Super Castlevania IV, and Castlevania: Bloodlines.
Are you on social media? Of course you are. So follow us!
Twitter: @MemberTheGame
Instagram: @MemberTheGame
Twitch.tv/MemberTheGame
And if you want access to over 200 bonus podcasts, along with multiple new shows EVERY WEEK, consider showing us some love over at Patreon. Subscriptions start at just $2/month, and 5% of our patreon income every month will be donated to our 24 hour Extra-Life charity stream at the end of the year!
Patreon.com/RememberTheGame
2022-04-27
I've recorded over 500 podcasts since I launched this show, and I sleep easy at night knowing that if I ever erase them (which, I mean, is fairly likely. You know how I am with computers...), I have a backup, thanks to folks over at Backblaze!
They offer unlimited backups for both PCs and Macs for just $7/month! And it's super easy to do, even I was able to figure it out!
You can get a full-feature 15 day trial (with no credit card required!) at Backblaze.com/RTG. Check 'em out!
Final Fantasy VII is one of those games everyone knows. Maybe you haven't played it, but I'm willing to bet Gil to Materia that if you're listening to this episode, you know about this game. It's one of the most iconic, influential, and popular JRPGs ever made. So we decided to dedicate a second episode to it.
When we first covered FF7 back on episode 12, I was a little hard on it. I like the game just fine, but it's not in my top 3 Final Fantasies. And I think sometimes it gets just a little overhyped because of its impact on the industry. But since that episode, I've played quite a few RPGs, including Final Fantasy VII Remake, and I've really grown to appreciate what this game did a lot more. I'm glad we're giving Cloud and friends another chance in the big chair, and I had a lot of fun recording this episode.
My childhood friend Daniel makes his return to the show this week, and we went in a little bit of a different direction for this episode. We still talked about our memories of the game and everything, but we really got into the characters, material system, and stuff like that, and kinda stayed away from the story and everything. If you're a Final Fantasy VII fan, I think you'll really enjoy this.
And before we talk Shinra, I get into another edition of the 'Remember The Game? Infamous Intro'!
This week, I share my opinion on the Rise of the TMNT animated series. Can the Steam Deck dethrone Nintendo as the go-to portable gaming device? And with the TMNT and Sonic collections right around the corner, what other retro gaming franchises would we like to see get a compilation re-release?
PLUS, we have another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One', featuring three PlayStation RPGs: Legend of Dragoon, Suikoden II, and Vagrant Story.
Are you on social media? Of course you are. So follow us!
Twitter: @MemberTheGame
Instagram: @MemberTheGame
Twitch.tv/MemberTheGame
And if you want access to over 200 bonus podcasts, along with multiple new shows EVERY WEEK, consider showing us some love over at Patreon. Subscriptions start at just $2/month, and 5% of our patreon income every month will be donated to our 24 hour Extra-Life charity stream at the end of the year!
Patreon.com/RememberTheGame
2022-04-20
There's absolutely no reason why I should like this game. It's a JRPG, and it has random encounters, tons of grinding, practically no story, and it'll kill you without blinking, and you won't have been able to save for at least the last hour. I should despise this game.
But y'know what? I love it.
I don't know what it is about the original Dragon Warrior that wets my whistle. Maybe it's just the heavy layer of nostalgia sauce. But whatever it is, it's a powerful drug. I adore this game. It's almost beautiful in it's simplicity, and while diehard modern day JRPG fans might find it a little bland for their tastes, I'll always prefer it to some of the fancier, deeper, funking role playing games of today.
Making his return to the show this week is my buddy and fellow comedian, podcaster, and NES geek, the gentleman of RTG, David Rae, and we had a nice beefy chat about how boring this game is, and why (for the most part) it works really well.
Minus losing half your gold when you die. Fuck that.
And before we talk slime(s), I get into another edition of the 'Remember The Game? Infamous Intro'!
This week, I give a few of my must play Game Pass picks to someone that's new to Xbox. We also sing the praises of the PlayStation 5 controller. And if I could instantly be a pro-level player of any game genre, what would it be?
PLUS, we have another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One', featuring three NES RPGs: StarTropics, Crystalis, and Willow.
Are you on social media? Of course you are. So follow us!
Twitter: @MemberTheGame
Instagram: @MemberTheGame
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And if you want access to over 200 bonus podcasts, along with multiple new shows EVERY WEEK, consider showing us some love over at Patreon. Subscriptions start at just $2/month, and 5% of our patreon income every month will be donated to our 24 hour Extra-Life charity stream at the end of the year!
Patreon.com/RememberTheGame
And you can find David and his podcast 'Quantum Kickflip' at:
www.quantumkickflip.com
Twitter: @quantumkickflip
Instagram: @quantumkickflip
2022-04-13
A lot of people dunk on the tank controls of the original Resident Evil games, but I always thought they worked pretty well when it came to dealing with slow moving zombies. But how they stack up in Dino Crisis, when you use those same controls against dinosaurs?
Actually, not horribly.
Dino Crisis gets referred to as "Resident Evil with dinosaurs", and I think it's a pretty fair comparison. Similar controls, graphics, that same fixed camera, and horrible inventory systems. But I think the puzzles are better, the enemies are cooler, and with the exception of Resident Evil 2, I think Dino Crisis does "late 90's PlayStation survival horror" better than Resident Evil does.
My guest this week is my buddy Tyler, who makes his return to the podcast to talk about Regina (which was say wrong, as you'll hear shortly), stupid crane puzzles, dinosaurs, and crawling through heat vents. It's all about Dino Crisis week, baby!
And before we talk what a piece of shit Gail is, I get into another edition of the 'Remember The Game? Infamous Intro'!
This week, someone asks why I love wrestling games so much, when they seemingly just do the same thing over and over again. Which non-Nintendo franchises am I praying for the video games Gods to revitalize? And let's talk about my let's plays for a minute...
PLUS, we have another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One', featuring three dino-centric games: Jurassic Park (SNES), DinoPark Tycoon, and Turok: Dinosaur Hunter.
Are you on social media? Of course you are. So follow us!
Twitter: @MemberTheGame
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And if you want access to over 200 bonus podcasts, along with multiple new shows EVERY WEEK, consider showing us some love over at Patreon. Subscriptions start at just $2/month, and 5% of our patreon income every month will be donated to our 24 hour Extra-Life charity stream at the end of the year!
Patreon.com/RememberTheGame
2022-04-06
With the new Sonic movie coming out this week, I thought it would be a great time to talk about the little blue blur's debut. We're finally talking about the original Sonic The Hedgehog. Personally, I think it's a revolutionary game, but the gameplay is mid, at best.
However...
The music, graphics, speed, and characters in this game are iconic. I'm such a big fan of Sonic himself, and my love of gaming history prevents me from really dunking on the aspects of this game that I don't like as much.
My buddy (and FORMER RTG Hall of Famer) Mark McCue joins me on the show this week, and we spent about half of the episode talking about the game itself, and the other half on Sonic's legacy, and the impact this game had on gaming back in the early 90's. No Angry Adam this week, just straight up admiration for one of the most important and iconic games in retro gaming - Sonic the Hedgehog.
And before we talk Sonic, it's another edition of the 'Remember The Game? Infamous Intro'!
This week, we talk about what gaming would look like today if Sega hadn't dropped the ball in the 90's. A listener asks if anyone else spends more time collecting games than actually playing them? And how does it make me feel to be told people use this podcast to fall asleep?
PLUS, we have another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One', featuring three Sonic games: Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Sonic CD, and Sonic Adventure 2.
Are you on social media? Of course you are. So follow us!
Twitter: @MemberTheGame
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And if you want access to over 200 bonus podcasts, along with multiple new shows EVERY WEEK, consider showing us some love over at Patreon. Subscriptions start at just $2/month, and 5% of our patreon income every month will be donated to our 24 hour Extra-Life charity stream at the end of the year!
Patreon.com/RememberTheGame
2022-03-30
You know how it feels to try a food you've never really had before? That nervous excitement? Thats how I felt going into Need For Speed: Most Wanted. Outside of kart racers, I've never been a racing game guy. I don't know cars, or parts, or strategies. But this game won our Patreon Poll, and I'm a man of my word. So I fired it up, and it was really damned fun!
I loved the lack of technical car specs, not having to fix my ride after each race, and I LOVED the cheesy cutscenes. Seriously, the forage is off the charts in this game. I don't think I'll become a racing game guy after this, but I had a really good time. At least, until I got stuck near the end of the game and realized how much I suck at these games.
My buddy Joe makes his return to the show this week, and as a much bigger car/racing game fan than I am, he was the perfect guest to bounce game gossip off of. We had a great chat about what makes this game so fun, and why everyone out there that feels like I do about driving games should give this one a shot.
And before we talk about Razor and his cheesiness, it's another edition of the 'Remember The Game? Infamous Intro'!
This week, we talk about the dope-ass community we've built around here. Who's the greatest tag team in WWE/WWF history? And what do I think of the PSP?
PLUS, we have another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One', featuring three racers: Gran Turismo 3, Burnout 3 and Midnight Club 3.
Are you on social media? Of course you are. So follow us!
Twitter: @MemberTheGame
Instagram: @MemberTheGame
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And if you want access to over 200 bonus podcasts, along with multiple new shows EVERY WEEK, consider showing us some love over at Patreon. Subscriptions start at just $2/month, and 5% of our patreon income every month will be donated to our 24 hour Extra-Life charity stream at the end of the year!
Patreon.com/RememberTheGame
2022-03-23
I don't think there's franchise that I've grown more fond of since the beginning of this podcast than Resident Evil. I went from only playing a couple of the mainline games, to running through most of the core games in the series. But I always slept on Code Veronica, because I assumed it was just a half-assed spin-off.
Turns out, it's kinda like Resident Evil 3.5 as far as the main series goes, and it's actually pretty fun! There's a boss fight on a plane that can get bent, and getting rid of a fire extinguisher screwed me over, but it's still a solid RE experience. Aside from that stuff (and Steve. Fuck that guy.), this game is really fun!
This episode was sponsored by Slick Rick, one of the longest running hot dogs in the pack, and I'm really pumped that he convinced me to give this game a shot. We had a chat about why Resident Evil: Code Veronica meant so much to him, and then my buddy Patrick and I explained everything we liked (and hated) about Claire's return to the spotlight.
And before we talk about Steve and his uselessness, it's another edition of the 'Remember The Game? Infamous Intro'!
This week, someone asked if I prefer playing retro games on their native hardware, or current consoles? We also talk about the new Mario Kart tracks, and what non-fiction video game books are worth a glance.
PLUS, we have another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One', featuring three early 2000's Capcom classics: Devil May Cry, Viewtiful Joe, and Okami.
Are you on social media? Of course you are. So follow us!
Twitter: @MemberTheGame
Instagram: @MemberTheGame
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And if you want access to over 200 bonus podcasts, along with multiple new shows EVERY WEEK, consider showing us some love over at Patreon. Subscriptions start at just $2/month, and 5% of our patreon income every month will be donated to our 24 hour Extra-Life charity stream at the end of the year!
Patreon.com/RememberTheGame
2022-03-16
If you've never heard of Gun.Smoke, don't skip this episode. I was in the same boat as you until about a month ago. But now I know this game very, very well, and my life is better for it. It's an arcade port of a tough but fair, auto scrolling run and gun. And if it isn't perfect, it's damned close.
I can't get enough of these types of games. One of my favourite things about hosting this podcast is discovering retro titles that I missed back in the day, and this week is a shining example of that.
This episode was sponsored by Holms, a longtime member of our community, and I can't thank him enough for his generosity, and for introducing me to Billy Bob, ninjas, a bullet sponge of a horse, and the rest of the greatness that is, Gun.Smoke.
And before we talk about the wild west, I scrape together another edition of the 'Remember The Game? Infamous Intro'!
This week, I respond to the controversy surrounding last week's heated argument about who's on the cover of the Contra box. I also pick my favourite single player wrestling game campaign mode. And do I plan to keep re-visiting games we covered in the early days of the podcast moving forward?
PLUS, we have another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One', featuring three NES arcade ports: Galaga, Donkey Kong, and Paperboy.
Are you on social media? Of course you are. So follow us!
Twitter: @MemberTheGame
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And if you want access to over 200 bonus podcasts, along with multiple new shows EVERY WEEK, consider showing us some love over at Patreon. Subscriptions start at just $2/month, and 5% of our patreon income every month will be donated to our 24 hour Extra-Life charity stream at the end of the year!
Patreon.com/RememberTheGame
2022-03-09
It took wayyyyyy too long for Contra to make an appearance on the podcast, and that's a mistake I'll never fully forgive myself for. But I can dwell on past mistakes, or try to be better in the present, and I'm a positive guy. So we're finally talking Contra, and I cannot fucking wait. I adore this game (and its little brother Super C, too!)
These games are the definition of "tough, but fair". If you practice and put in the time, you can beat these games. I can beat both of them, and they're two of the prouder accomplishments I list on my gaming resume. You get out what you put in with Contra.
Or you can just use the Konami code.
My buddy and fellow old man, Brad, returns to the show this week, and we talk about what makes these games so damned good. I explain why I think the SNES Contra is inferior. We do a deep dive into what the 'S' in S-weapon stands for. And it gets a little heated when we talk about who the guys on the cover are based on. Fuck, I love Contra.
And before we talk shooting aliens, I drop another steaming edition of the 'Remember The Game? Infamous Intro' on ya!
This week, I answer some questions about the podcast itself that come up from time to time. I also answer the question: Ninja Turtle movies: CGI or live action? And if I had to take one RTG guest as my partner for The Amazing Race, who would it be?
PLUS, we have another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One', featuring three of Konami's NES heavies: Castlevania III, TMNT III: The Manhattan Project, and Super C.
Are you on social media? Of course you are. So follow us!
Twitter: @MemberTheGame
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And if you want access to over 200 bonus podcasts, along with multiple new shows EVERY WEEK, consider showing us some love over at Patreon. Subscriptions start at just $2/month, and 5% of our patreon income every month will be donated to our 24 hour Extra-Life charity stream at the end of the year!
Patreon.com/RememberTheGame
2022-03-02
Every once and a while, I fire up a retro game that I missed back in its heyday, and it rocks my world so hard that I spend the next week kicking myself for not playing it sooner. Shadow of the Colossus is one of those games.
Its controls leave a little to be desired, but everything else about it is just, beautiful. The story, bosses, music, graphics are all spectacular, and there's no fat to be found. 'Less is more' should be this game's motto. It's a legitimate work of art.
This week's episode was sponsored by RTG community member JohnnyCCDC over on Patreon, and I can't thank him enough for the support, and for showing me the error of my non-Colossi battling ways. We have a nice chat about why this game scratches him where he itches, and then my buddy Miklos manipulated his way back onto the podcast (and by that, I mean I called him), and we broke it down for another hour or so. All kind of Colossus goodness over here this week!
And before we talk about Colossus shadows, I drop another steaming edition of the 'Remember The Game? Infamous Intro' on ya!
This week, we talk about our hopes for Sony's rumoured 'PlayStation Spartacus' service. We talk about the legendary Bebop and Rocksteady, and which iteration of them is best. And how much longer will physical video games be a thing?
PLUS, we have another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One', featuring three of the PS2's best: GTA: San Andreas, Metal Gear Solid 3, and Silent Hill 2.
Are you on social media? Of course you are. So follow us!
Twitter: @MemberTheGame
Instagram: @MemberTheGame
Twitch.tv/MemberTheGame
And if you want access to over 200 bonus podcasts, along with multiple new shows EVERY WEEK, consider showing us some love over at Patreon. Subscriptions start at just $2/month!
Patreon.com/RememberTheGame
And check out JohnnyCCDC's deets here:
Instagram: @JohnnyCCDC
Twitter: NextRoundsOnMe
Instagram & Twitter @CatoctinCreek
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2022-02-23
I think one of the hottest debates among retro gamers is "which console had the better RPG library? The SNES or the original PlayStation?" And frankly, I don't think I'm knowledgable enough to offer a serious opinion. (But the SNES is the correct answer.)
I don't play a ton of JRPGs these days, but I used to. And I've played a bunch of the SNES's best, such as Earthbound, Final Fantasy II & III, Chrono Trigger, Super Mario RPG. But one that always seemed to fall off my radar was Secret of Mana. It won our Patreon Poll in January, though. So I finally sat down and gave this bad boy a play-through. And it left me very...conflicted.
I don't know if I've ever liked a game that annoyed me more than this. The menu navigation, collision detection, lack of navigation, subpar story, and stupid inventory system all grinder my gears. But despite all of that, I still had a great time playing it. I say it all the time, but if a game is fun, I can look passed a lot of problem.
My buddy Keegs makes his return to the show this week, and it was a weird episode, because we probably spent more time talking about the stuff we didn't like than the stuff that we did, but at the end of the podcast, came around and slapped a pretty good score on this game. Secret of Mana is a funky title, and if you haven't played it yet, maybe we can convince you to give it a shot (just make sure you look up a walkthrough before you do).
And before we talk about Mana secrets, I drop another steaming edition of the 'Remember The Game? Infamous Intro' on ya!
This week, we talk about games we're reminded of when we hear retro console load-up chimes. Are indie games proving that a game doesn't have to look like a blockbuster movie to be considered a work of art? And how do you avoid seeing gameplay of an upcoming game when it's embargo lifts a week (or longer) before it's release date??
PLUS, we have another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One', featuring three of the SNES's best RPGs: Final Fantasy III, Chrono Trigger, and EarthBound.
Are you on social media? Of course you are. So follow us!
Twitter: @MemberTheGame
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If you want access to over 200 bonus podcasts, along with multiple new shows EVERY WEEK, consider showing us some love over at Patreon. Subscriptions start at just $2/month!
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2022-02-16
I'm tossing a disclaimer into the very beginning of this description - If you're looking for a podcast that breaks down the strategies, intricacies, and fine details of Pokemon Red & Blue, you might want to keep looking. That's not us. But if you're just looking for a big fat syringe of nostalgia, and a couple of nerds talking about a pair of games they grew up adoring? C'mon in!
I put Super Mario Bros. on the pedestal of all pedestals around here, due to the impact it had on gaming, and one of the largest franchises in the industry. And I don't think it's an exaggeration to put Pokemon Red & Blue on that same level. I think everyone that grew up in the late 90's had Pokemon fever. And yeah, the movies, toys, TV shows, and future video games are all great. But we wouldn't have any of them with the OGs: Red & Blue.
My buddy Andre and I took a trip down memory lane this week, and had a HELL of a time talking about our experiences with Pokemon from back in the day. I defend Bulbasaur, we talk about how everyone SHOULD hate Nintendo for the way they monetize these series (but we don't), and we get into our favourite, and least favourite, Pokemon from the original 150.
And yes, it's 150. Mew sucks.
And before we talk about 'em all, I host another edition of the 'Remember The Game? Infamous Intro'!
This week, we ponder the future of gaming and whether or not "consoles" as we know them will keep releasing forever. Someone asks what gaming would look like today if SEGA had won the console wars instead of Nintendo. And if I could DE-make one modern game into an SNES iteration, which would it be?
PLUS, we have another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One', featuring three Pokemon spinoffs: Pokemon Puzzle League, Pokemon Stadium, and The Pokemon Trading Card Game.
Are you on social media? Of course you are. So follow us!
Twitter: @MemberTheGame
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If you want access to over 200 bonus podcasts, along with multiple new shows EVERY WEEK, consider showing us some love over at Patreon. Subscriptions start at just $2/month!
Patreon.com/RememberTheGame
2022-02-09
What can we say about Mass Effect 2 that hasn't already been said? It's probably the best game in one of the best trilogies in the history of this industry. The story telling, characters, combat, graphics, voice-acting; all top shelf. It might not be perfect, but if it isn't, it's damned close.
But you've probably already heard all this.
We've realized there isn't anything new we can say about Mass Effect 2. So we're just gonna say the same stuff everyone else has been saying about it for over a decade, but we're gonna splash some hot dog water on top of it to give it that unique RTG flavour.
This episode of the show was sponsored by a member of our community, Zach Shepard, on Patreon. We spend a few minutes chatting about why Mass Effect 2 means so much to Zach, and get his official score (along with his picks for best party members), before my buddy Chris and I geek out all over the place and explain why we both think this is simply one of the greatest video games ever made.
And before we get to gushing, I host another edition of the 'Remember The Game? Infamous Intro'!
This week, I explain the origin of my anti-PC gaming stance. We talk about pre-ordering games, and if it's necessary, or worthwhile, in 2022. And who would I rather go on a road trip with; Ashley from Resident Evil 4, Tidus from FFX, or Navi from Ocarina of Time? (None, BTW)
PLUS, we have another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One', featuring three BioWare RPGs: Jade Empire, Star Wars KOTOR, and Dragon Age: Origins.
Are you on social media? Of course you are. So follow us!
Twitter: @MemberTheGame
Instagram: @MemberTheGame
Twitch.tv/MemberTheGame
If you want access to over 200 bonus podcasts, along with multiple new shows EVERY WEEK, consider showing us some love over at Patreon. Subscriptions start at just $2/month!
Patreon.com/RememberTheGame
And check out Zach's friend Jason May's information here:
Jason May is an illustrator out of Rhode Island, USA. He has a YouTube show, Jason May Draws, where he and Chris Gugliotti, another illustrator, draw audience suggestions. Family friendly with a lot of retro references, a lot of Remember the Game audience members would enjoy the show. Jason has worked on tons of original works while recently doing a few Lego holiday books. His newest book “I love you to pieces” is out on bookshelves now. Chris has worked on DC’s Teen Titans and Wonder Woman and is currently working on his new mini series “Into the Emberdoham” Check them out at youtube.com/c/JasonMayDraw every Wednesday night, 7pm EST
2022-02-02
Sonic Adventure 2 won our Patreon Poll in December, and I gotta be honest, I was excited. The original Sonic Adventure wasn't perfect, but it was fun enough. And the consensus seemed to be that the sequel was better. I was told there'd be no Big the Cat. Shadow's kinda cool. Fucking eh, let's go.
But then I played it. And I have to be honest. This is one of the worst game I've ever played of the podcast. The Sonic and Shadow levels are pretty dope. It's too bad that they're only about 25% of the fucking game. Everything else is mashing B with Tails/Eggman, or the most tedious, obnoxious, boring scavenger hunts I've ever experienced with Knuckles/Rouge. This game should have been called "crappy spin-off levels with occasional appearances by the two characters on the cover". What a joke.
"Well, the best part of the game is the Chao Garden." Oh, the mini game that has nothing to do with SONIC?? The guy I bought the game to play as!?!?? Unacceptable.
Angry Adam is in his final form on the show this week, and my friend Kait (who likes this game a lot) tries to calm him down, to minimal success. Kait explains why she likes this game, and I yell about why I hate it. And make no mistake - I fucking HATE it.
Fortunately, it isn't all angry. Because before I crap all over your childhood, I host another edition of the 'Remember The Game? Infamous Intro'!
This week, we talk about which Rare titles we want to see make the leap over to the Switch's Nintendo 64 Online service. When are we gonna get our hands on Metroid Prime 4? And I toss around my long standing idea of hosting an indie game podcast.
PLUS, we have another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One', featuring three of RTG's worst - Virtual Bart, Ecco the Dolphin, and Mario is Missing.
Are you on social media? Of course you are. So follow us!
Twitter: @MemberTheGame
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And if you want access to over 200 bonus podcasts, along with multiple new shows EVERY WEEK, consider showing us some love over at Patreon. Subscriptions start at just $2/month!
Patreon.com/RememberTheGame
2022-01-26
**I'm away this week, so there's no episode of RTG. But I hope you enjoy this spoiler-free review of Metroid Dread**
For this week's episode, I'm sharing my thoughts on Metroid Dread for the Nintendo Switch. Is it too difficult? Is it worth all the hype? Can I get away from an E.M.M.I? Listen and find out!
And like all my review podcasts, the review portion is spoiler-free, but I have added a short spoiler cast to the end of the show (I'll warn you several times before the spoilers start!)
2022-01-19
The following podcast is intended for mature audiences. It may contain opinions and comments about Castlevania: Symphony of the Night that some might find offensive. Listener discretion is advised.
Symphony of the Night is considered by many to be one of the greatest video games of all-time. It's one of the pioneers of the Metroidvania genre (hence the name), and it's easily one of the games I've been asked to review the most over the years. I'd never played it before, so when it won our Patreon poll, I was excited. I love metroidvanias, I love retro games, this should be a lay-up, right??
Well, not exactly. I gotta be honest - I didn't love this game. Truth be told, I didn't like it very much at all. It looks great, it sounds nice. I respect what it did for a genre I love so much. But I found it, kinda boring. Tedious. And "the best part of the game" is hidden in the most obnoxious fashion possible. I, I just don't get why this game is so popular.
But my guest, Bradley McCue, does. He loves this game, which is why he was the perfect ying to my yang this week. I had no choice but to agree with some of the stuff he loved, and he had no choice but to come along with a few mechanics that I hated.
And I want to be clear. There's no Angry Adam this week. I don't rip SotN a new ass or anything. I respect its legacy, and I tried my best to show as much. But I don't like this game, and this week, I'm gonna tell you why.
And of course, before I completely ruin my reputation and RTG comes crashing down all around me, I run through another edition of the 'Remember The Game? Infamous Intro'!
This week, we talk about how damned good Sega Genesis soundtracks are. Were we better gamers when we were kids? And what's the best controller for the Nintendo Switch?
PLUS, we have another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One', featuring three pre-SotN Castlevania games - Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse, Super Castlevania IV, and Castlevania: Bloodlines.
Are you on social media? Of course you are. So follow us!
Twitter: @MemberTheGame
Instagram: @MemberTheGame
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And if you want access to over 200 bonus podcasts, along with multiple new shows EVERY WEEK, consider showing us some love over at Patreon. Subscriptions start at just $2/month!
Patreon.com/RememberTheGame
2022-01-12
I thought I had played all the best games that the SNES had to offer. Super Ghouls 'N Ghosts never jumped out at me as a must-play title. But I finally got around to playing it last year, and realized the error of my ways.
Super Ghouls 'N Ghosts IS a must-play title, and it's absolutely one of the best games on the SNES. Consider my stance corrected.
This game is tough as fuck, but it rarely feels unfair. Practice pays off, and it clearly subscribes to the old school logic of "get good" or die trying. And you will die. A lot. I'm not ashamed to admit that I can't quite beat this game, but as you'll hear on this week's show, it doesn't stop me from loving it anyway. The SNES isa till the gold standard for retro gaming in my eye(s), and Super Ghouls 'N Ghosts is a prime example of why.
My buddy Tyler returns to the show this week. He didn't play much of the SNES version of the game, but he sunk a ton of time into Ghouls 'N Ghosts in the arcade. So we're kinda going over both games this week and talking about how they're very hard not to love, despite the fact that it doesn't really feel like they love you back.
And of course, before we talk about fighting ghouls in your underwear, I run through another edition of the 'Remember The Game? Infamous Intro'!
This week, we talk about resellers, and whether or not they're as bad as society thinks they are. If you're new to the Xbox universe, is the Series S and GamePass all you need? And would you rather EVERY game in the future be open-world, or none of them?
PLUS, we have another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One', featuring three Capcom SNES games - Final Fight 2, X-Men: Mutant Apocalypse, and Demon's Crest.
Are you on social media? Of course you are. So follow us!
Twitter: @MemberTheGame
Instagram: @MemberTheGame
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And if you want access to over 200 bonus podcasts, along with multiple new shows EVERY WEEK, consider showing us some love over at Patreon. Subscriptions start at just $2/month!
Patreon.com/RememberTheGame
2022-01-05
I've never hidden the fact that I'm a card carrying Mega Man fanboy. I love that little blue bastard so much. And we've reviewed of a few of his games on the podcast over the years, but his debut title has slipped under the radar. Admittedly, that might be because it just isn't as good as most of his other games, but it's a still a really fun, solid (and tough) NES platformer. It's also where the Blue Bomber started, and it's time to give it it's due.
I'm rolling solo this week, not because I couldn't get anyone to talk Mega Man, but because I didn't want to bug any of my friends to record a podcast over the holidays. And I'm so damned passionate about this game (and franchise) that I had no problem carrying a conversation on with myself.
I get that Mega Man isn't for everyone, but if I turn even one more person onto the greatness that is the Mega Man series with this episode, I'll sleep easy knowing I made the world a better place.
And before I go down on that Mega Man meat, I stumble through another edition of the 'Remember The Game? Infamous Intro'!
This week, I talk about the way female characters are portrayed in video games. Someone asks what advice I would offer myself if I go back to the launch of this podcast. And does anyone else feel pressure to get to the end of a game that seems to be taking too long?
PLUS, we have another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One', featuring three Capcom NES games - Ghosts N Goblins, Bionic Commando, and Little Nemo: The Dream Master.
Are you on social media? Of course you are. So follow us!
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2021-12-29
I'm away for holidays this week, so I thought I would release an episode of our Patreon exclusive show 'Expansion Pass' for everyone to enjoy. This was episode #50, and I ranked my favourite SNES games of all-time.
I hope you enjoy the podcast, and Happy Holidays!
And if you're interested in gaining instant access to our entire bonus podcast library, check out Patreon.com/RememberTheGame!
2021-12-22
I've said it before, and I'll say it again; the Nintendo GameCube is the greatest (pre-online) multiplayer console in history. And while the Mario Kart, wrestling games, and Mario Parties were fun, the Mario sports games are the titles that I have the best memories of. Baseball, golf, tennis, and soccer. It's like the Mount Rushmore of Mario sports games. And it's about time we start talking about them.
The Waluigi to my Wario, former hall of fame Mark McCue returns to the show this week, and we're taking a nice long look at Super Mario Strikers (Mario Smash Football on the other side of the pond). It was Nintendo's golden goose's first attempt at playing some footie, and it's didn't disappoint. From fun gameplay, to 'easy to learn/tough to master' mechanics, to electrocutions, this game is just straight up fun to play. Especially with friends.
I fucking adore this game, and I'm pray that this episode of the podcast wills the gaming Gods into giving us another entry in the Strikers franchise in the near future.
And before we get our red cards or whatever soccer players get, I sneak in the final 2021 edition of the 'Remember The Game Infamous Intro'!
This week, we talk about the games that are on the "no fly" list here at RTG Industries. Is multiplayer a better experience online, or in person? And if Adam could design a Christmas video game, what would it be like?
PLUS, we have another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One', featuring three other "arcadey" sports games - Mutant League Hockey, Base Wars, and MegaMan Soccer.
Are you on social media? Of course you are. So follow us!
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And if you wanna check ol' Mark McCue out on TikTok, hit him up @barkmccue
Thanks for all the love this year, hot dogs. Happy Holidays!
2021-12-15
Final Fantasy X is one of the games that listeners have been asking us to review ever since we launched the podcast. And seeing as it's the 20th anniversary of Tidus & friends here in North America this week, I figured it was time to talk Blitz Ball.
I didn't play a ton of PlayStation 2 back in it's prime, but Final Fantasy X was one of the few PS2 games that I dedicated some screen time to. I didn't get around to finishing the game until this year when I picked it up for my Switch, but I've always enjoyed my time with it. Great graphics, good story, fun combat, one of the best mini games in Final Fantasy history. I have some minor nitpicks, but by and large, this is a hell of a video game.
One of our Discord moderators, Keegs, makes his RTG debut this week, to talk about one of his favourite games of all-time. I don't know if I hold it in that high of regard, but FFX is one of the most iconic games in gaming history, I respect the hell out of (most of) it, and it's about damned time we showed it some love on this stupid show.
And before we laugh ( HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA, ugh), I sneak in another edition of the 'Remember The Game Infamous Intro'!
This week, we talk about games that we can just lose ourselves in for hours at a time. Did you ever lend someone a game and never get it back? And is it harder to review a remake or remaster if you're nostalgic for the original version of a game?
PLUS, we have another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One', featuring three PS2 RPG heavyweights - Dragon Quest VIII, Persona 4, and Final Fantasy XII.
Are you on social media? Of course you are. So follow us!
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And if you're interested in supporting my 24 hour Extra Life charity stream on December 18 and 19, you can find more information at RememberTheGamePodcast.com!
2021-12-08
Every month, our supporters on Patreon get to vote for a game that want to hear us cover on the podcast. The poll is made up of games listeners have been asking for, that I've never played. Sometimes this results in an episode where I just get pissed off at how bad a game is. And sometimes it results in me finally playing a game that I should have played a long-ass time ago.
Fortunately for all you Luigi's Mansion fans, this time around, its scenario #2. This game is a must-play for any Nintendo GameCube fan. I'm still confused as to why they launched a console with a vacuuming simulator starring the character that was previously relegated to younger siblings, but at the end of the day, I guess it doesn't matter. From the graphics, to the sound, to the mansion itself, Luigi's Mansion oozes charm. I had a fucking blast playing this game.
My buddy Darren returns to the show this week, and we spent a good hour chatting about the many things we loved about this game, as well as the minor nitpicks that we didn't. We tried to figure out why Nintendo decided to come out of the gate with this game instead of a Mario title, too. If you're a GameCube fan, you're gonna dig this episode.
And before we bust (or suck?) ghosts, I sneak in another edition of the 'Remember The Game Infamous Intro'!
This week, we talk about the increasing number of video games being made into TV shows. Sony doesn't really have one "front and centre" mascot, and maybe they don't really need one. And what does Adam think of the Angry Video Game Nerd?
PLUS, we have another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One', featuring three of the GameCube's best - Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door, Metroid Prime, and Animal Crossing.
Are you on social media? Of course you are. So follow us!
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And if you're interested in supporting my 24 hour Extra Life charity stream on December 18 and 19, you can find more information at RememberTheGamePodcast.com!
2021-12-01
Every time we talk about a Sega Genesis game, I bring up that I was a Nintendo kid in the 90's, and I love discovering great games that I missed out on. And this week, that all applies again. I fired up Gunstar Heroes after hearing for years that it's one of the best titles the Genesis has to offer, and damned if that isn't spot on. I'm a huge Contra fan, but this might be the best run and gun I've ever played (that isn't called Cuphead.)
Saturday morning cartoon graphics, customizable weapons, characters with different traits and perks, levels that are playable in any order you want, a banging soundtrack. This game has it all. I thought Streets of Rage 2 was a lock for my favourite Genesis game of all-time, but Gunstar Heroes has me reconsidering that number 1 spot.
My pal Chris returns to the show this week. He's a fitting guest considering he's one of the Sega kids that has been hounding me to play this game forever, and we had a great time talking about a great game. Gunstar Heroes is a retro gaming gem, and if you haven't already played it, I hope this podcast convinces you to right that wrong ASAP.
And before we become heroes, I sneak in another edition of the 'Remember The Game Infamous Intro'!
This week, we sing the praises of the PlayStation 4 game library. I talk about games that I'm scared to start playing, despite wanting to figure them up. And on the heels of last week's Ocarina of Time podcast, a listener asks me to try and convince them the game is worth playing, despite my mixed opinions on it.
PLUS, we have another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One', featuring three of my favourite Genesis games - Shinobi 3, Earthworm Jim 2, and ToeJam and Earl.
Are you on social media? Of course you are. So follow us!
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And if you're interested in supporting my 24 hour Extra Life charity stream on December 18 and 19, you can find more information at RememberTheGamePodcast.com!
2021-11-24
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. I've never hidden the fact that I have very mixed opinions of this game. I played it when it came out in 1998 (pre-ordered one of the gold cartridges!), but it wasn't until this past couple weeks that I finally beat the Nintendo 64 version for the first time. Before then, I'd only ever finished the 3DS port. And going back to the original version in preparation for this podcast, I was reminded of why I can't decide whether or not I like Ocarina of Time as a whole.
The nostalgia this game triggers is off the charts. And I respect the hell out of it's legacy and what it did for 3D gaming, Nintendo, and the Zelda franchise. But I can't be convinced that it doesn't control like a shopping cart, and Navi and that stupid owl are co-favourites in the "Most annoying character ever" championship tournament.
So revisiting this game is a slippery slope. I'm not gonna come in here and crap all over a game thats beloved by so many of us, but I'm not gonna pretend it's perfect when it just isn't, either.
My buddy Bradley McCue returns to the show this week, as a card carrying Zelda fanboy, and we break down the 'yays' & 'nays' of one of the most iconic video games ever created; The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. (It's pronounced 'Oak-a-rhine-ah of Tim', FYI).
And before we risk alienating half our listeners, I sneak in another edition of the 'Remember The Game Infamous Intro'!
This week, we talk about trying to focus on a game with so many other screens around to distract you while you're playing. Someone asks why sports games seem to be getting worse every year. And are you willing to look by a game that ships full of bugs and glitches, if it's still fun to play?
PLUS, we have another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One', featuring three of the "middle of the pack" Zelda games - Zelda 2, The Minish Cap, and Twilight Princess.
Are you on social media? Of course you are. So follow us!
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And you can check out Bradley's movie podcast 'Little Movie Dates' wherever you get podcasts, or on Instagram @LittleMovieDates
2021-11-17
I love Mega Man. And I love the Game Boy. But Mega Man on the Game Boy? It shouldn't work. And the first four times they tried it, it doesn't really look like it did. But as the old saying goes, the fifth times the charm!
Because Mega Man V...is...awesome.
It looks good. It controls well. It sounds great. It has a different story with different robot masters. And it has a robotic cat. He kinda sucks, but still. This game takes that NES Mega Man goodness we all knew and loved and puts it in your pocket on a puke green screen, and it works so damned well. I would argue this game is better than a couple of the NES Mega Man games, to be honest.
My buddy Patrick is a Game Boy super fan, and he returns to the show this week to combine his handheld nerdiness with my Mega Man obsession, and we churned out a podcast that's almost as good as Mega Man V itself.
And before we fight planets and Tango, I sneak in another edition of the 'Remember The Game Infamous Intro'!
This week, I talk about games that I never would have tried without GamePass. A listener challenges me to read a comment full of ten dollar words (and I fail miserably). And which Metroid villain would you rather run into in a dark alley? SA-X, or an E.M.M.I?
PLUS, we have another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One', featuring what might be the three best Mega Man games ever created - Mega Man 2, Mega Man 3, and Mega Man X.
Are you on social media? Of course you are. So follow us!
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And you can check out Patrick Discount Lion Safari (shout out to anyone that get's that reference!) here:
Instagram:
@burgerfinger
@discount.lion.safari
DiscountLionSafari.bandcamp.com
2021-11-10
We're finally talking Tomb Raider. I missed these games back in their prime, but I sure remember them. Lara Croft was EVERYWHERE back in the day, and if people weren't talking about her games, they were talking about certain "codes" that we thought were in the game...
And while I'm sure the powers that be figured "If we give her big triangle boobs, people will talk about them" (which was true), the fact remains that these were pretty important games on their own. I adore the modern Tomb Raider trilogy and the Uncharted series, and I don't know if either would exist without the original Tomb Raider games.
They may not have aged all that well, but I still had a great time raiding my first tomb with Lara. My friend Kait grew up playing these games, and we had a great time talking about how hard it was to jump from platform to platform and killing a T-Rex with a pair of pistols. And yeah, we talk triangle boobs, too.
And before we get into all that, it's another edition of the 'Remember The Game Infamous Intro'!
This week, I talk about how we're entering a new golden age in gaming (in my opinion). I read and respond to a negative review of the podcast. And what are some 'wing and a prayer' games we want to see added to the Nintendo 64 Online service?
PLUS, we have another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One', featuring three of the OG PlayStation's best - Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, Metal Gear Solid, and Vagrant Story.
Are you on social media? Of course you are. So follow us!
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2021-11-03
I say this every time we cover a fighting game, but this genre intimidates the hell out of me. I respect people that play these games at a high level so much, but even at their easiest difficulties, they're out of my league. Mortal Kombat II is a rare exception. I still suck at it, but I owned it growing up, and I played it quite a bit. I might even go as far as to say this is the game that convinced me I suck at fighting games.
Fortunately, I don't have to be good at a game to talk about it. And my buddy Mike The Ref makes his triumphant return to the podcast this week to carry me through another conversation about fighting games. He killed it on our Killer Instinct episode (no pun intended), and he brought the heat again this time around.
I still don't understand how people knew how to do fatalities, either.
And before we talk Johnny Cage and guts, it's another edition of the 'Remember The Game Infamous Intro'!
This week, I give some game advice to a new PlayStation 5 owner. Someone asks if I hate the sound of my own voice when I hear it (yes, very much). And is it a pro, or a con, when games come with all the playable characters/levels unlocked day one?
PLUS, we have another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One', featuring some of the..."lesser known" fighting classics - TMNT: Tournament Fighters, Clayfighter, and Power Stone.
Are you on social media? Of course you are. So follow us!
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And Mike is raising money for Jack.org, who works to reduce youth suicide in Canada. It's a great cause, show him some love!
Donation link: https://tiltify.com/@miketheref/be-part-of-the-solution
Merch Link: miketheref.live/merch
And find the rest of Mike's work here:
Personal Twitter: @miketheref
Twitch Channel: miketheref.live or twitch.tv/miketheref
Wrestling YouTube: youtube.com/c/Backbreakermedia
Gaming Twitter: @BackbreakerGame
Gaming YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1IHuDfLwrqF_GCt2nkLzVQ
2021-10-27
I don't know if there's a game we've had more requests to cover on the podcast than Diddy Kong Racing. And the reason it took so long was because as a kid, I never played it. I had Mario Kart 64, and damned if I was gonna waste a Christmas or Birthday present on another kart racing game (that I always assumed wasn't as good, anyway).
Well, I've finally played it. And it turns out I was just a dumb kid. This game is absolutely as good as Mario Kart. It might even be better, to be honest. The single player certainly it, at least.
My buddy, and former Hall of Famer Mark McCue gave me a call this week, and we gushed about that time Diddy Kong and a bunch of weird animals went racing to try and defeat an evil pig (by racing him, too). It's way better than it sounds, I promise.
And before we talk Diddy Kong, it's another edition of the 'Remember The Game Infamous Intro'!
This week, I talk about what levels I hate most in games; swimming, ice, or desert. We also get into what we'd like to see in future WWE games, and if it's reasonable to pass on the new GTA remastered trilogy if they don't include the original soundtracks.
PLUS, we have another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One', featuring some of the best run and gun titles ever made - Gunstar Heroes, Contra III: The Alien Wars, and Metal Slug 3.
Are you on social media? Of course you are. So follow us!
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2021-10-20
Did you use strategy guides growing up? Of course you did. These books were the holy grails of gaming in the 90's and 2000's. Even if you weren't looking for tips on how to save princesses or find material, they were just a blast to read. Like instruction manuals on steroids. But did you ever think about where those guides came from?
Some poor bastard must have spent days and days sitting in a room playing all those games, finding all the coins, the secret doors, the Knights of the Round materias, right? Well, we found one of those poor bastards, and he agreed to come on the show!
Doug Walsh spent eighteen years writing strategy guides, before the industry fell apart at the hands of Youtube and the internet. He wrote a fantastic book about his time as a gaming guru, The Walkthrough: Insider Tales from a Life in Strategy Guides, and he's my guest on the podcast this week. We talk about his time in the industry, some of the highlights and lowlights of his career, and he gives us an idea of what went into writing those guides we all grew up with.
This is one of my favourite episodes to date, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. (Check out Doug's socials at the end of this description and show him some love.)
And before we talk to Doug, I squeeze in another edition of the 'Remember The Game Infamous Intro'!
This week, I weigh in on Kotaku telling people they can emulate Metroid Dread already (with a guest appearance by Angry Adam). I talk about how I balance my gaming time and what motivates me to finish as many games as I do. And with Halloween right around the corner, I reveal the one horror movie franchise I watch fairly religiously.
PLUS, we have another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One', featuring some zombie-centric titles - Dead Island, Resident Evil 5, and DeadRising!
Are you on social media? Of course you are. So follow us!
Twitter: @MemberTheGame
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And show our special guest Doug Walsh some love:
The Walkthrough: https://dougwalsh.com/book/the-walkthrough/
Author Site: www.dougwalsh.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dougwalshwrites/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DougWalsh.Author
Twitter: https://twitter.com/doug_walsh75
2021-10-13
RC Pro-Am is not only one of my favourite games on the NES, but it's one of the best games in that iconic little grey box's library. And I'll be damned if I'm gonna sit here and let anyone say anything different. Fortunately, nobody seems to be.
The game is pretty basic. There's no real car customization, no multi-player, it only features one game mode, and there isn't even any in-game music, but none of that matters. You control a red car, you try to drive faster than blue, green and (cheating) yellow cars, and it's just a really fun experience. The game is over thirty years old, and I'll argue it's as playable today as it was back in the 80's.
My buddy Brad is my guest this week, and we talked about how less was more when it came to the NES sometimes, with RC Pro-Am being exhibit A for that argument. We also touched on the fact that this was the beginning of great things for RARE as a developer, and how I didn't realize "R.C" stood for "remote control" until about a week ago...
And before we talk about my incompetence, it's time for another edition of the 'Remember The Game Infamous Intro'!
This week, we talked about how some games are synonymous with their creators (Hideo Kojima, specifically), and whether or not that's a detriment to the games themselves. Someone asks how often I get "you should play _____" messages, and how I respond to them. And I share my initial thoughts on Metroid Dread (it's very, very good.)
PLUS, we have another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One', featuring some retro racers - Super Off-Road, Uniracers, and Virtua Racing!
Are you on social media? Of course you are. So follow us!
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Twitter: @quantumkickflip
RC Pro-Am is not only one of my favourite games on the NES, but it's one of the best games in that iconic little grey box's library. And I'll be damned if I'm gonna sit here and let anyone say anything different. Fortunately, nobody seems to be.
The game is pretty basic. There's no real car customization, no multi-player, it only features one game mode, and there isn't even any in-game music, but none of that matters. You control a red car, you try to drive faster than blue, green and (cheating) yellow cars, and it's just a really fun experience. The game is over thirty years old, and I'll argue it's as playable today as it was back in the 80's.
My buddy Brad is my guest this week, and we talked about how less was more when it came to the NES sometimes, with RC Pro-Am being exhibit A for that argument. We also touched on the fact that this was the beginning of great things for RARE as a developer, and how I didn't realize "R.C" stood for "remote control" until about a week ago...
And before we talk about my incompetence, it's time for another edition of the 'Remember The Game Infamous Intro'!
This week, we talked about how some games are synonymous with their creators (Hideo Kojima, specifically), and whether or not that's a detriment to the games themselves. Someone asks how often I get "you should play _____" messages, and how I respond to them. And I share my initial thoughts on Metroid Dread (it's very, very good.)
PLUS, we have another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One', featuring some retro racers - Super Off-Road, Uniracers, and Virtua Racing!
Are you on social media? Of course you are. So follow us!
Twitter: @MemberTheGame
Instagram: @MemberTheGame
Facebook.com/MemberTheGame
Twitch.tv/MemberTheGame
Twitter: @quantumkickflip
2021-10-06
**There's a slight buzzing sound in the intro this week. I didn't catch it until the episode was finished. The game chat portion of the show doesn't have the same problem. My apologies!**
DinoPark Tycoon was a game we originally brought up about a year ago when we covered Oregon Trail. It's another one of those games many us played in school in the early 90's, but unlike Oregon Trail, DinoPark was fun because it was fun, not just because you weren't learning something boring like math or science.
Not as many seem to have played this one growing up, and that's really too bad, because for a "educational" game, it's really not that bad. You build a theme park, make money, and of course, play with dinosaurs. Every kid's dream! Former Hall of Famer Mark McCue and I had a great time reminiscing about our failed business ventures in the dinosaur theme park world, and I really hope we did this game justice. There may not be much meat on the bone, but the meat that's there is top shelf.
And before we talk about our childhood bankruptcy proceedings, it's time for another edition of the 'Remember The Game Infamous Intro'!
This week, we talk about the possibility of running out of games to talk about on the podcast. I share a heartwarming story that a gaming Dad sent into the show. And is it bullshit that some games give you a "grade" when you finish them? (Yes, it is.)
PLUS, we have another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One', featuring some of the best PC simulation games ever made - The Sims, Rollercoaster Tycoon, and Tropico!
Are you on social media? Of course you are. So follow us!
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Twitter: @quantumkickflip
2021-09-29
I feel like I've been teasing a 'Bart vs The Space Mutants' episode of this show since we started it. It's not a great game, but I played it religiously as a kid, and I have a weird soft spot for it and it's many, many, many faults. I wasn't able to set up a regular episode of the show this week, so I'm rolling solo, and finally gushing about my favourite bad game of all-time.
I gotta say, I'm a little shocked that so many people played this one back in the day. It was one of the first Simpsons video games, it released during Simpsons-mania, and maybe we hasn't realized that buying a Simpsons game in the 90's was akin to burning your money. Or singing it, anyway (shout out to anyone that gets that reference).
And before we talk about Bart looking for purple coloured items, it's time for another edition of the 'Remember The Game Infamous Intro'!
This week, we talk about Nintendo 64 games coming to the Nintendo Switch, because like it or not, a lot of people are talking about it. We also talk about what difficulty setting we normally play games on, and is it reasonable to have high expectations for the new upcoming Ghostbusters flick?
PLUS, we have another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One', featuring some of the suckiest bunch of sucks that ever sucked - Bart vs The World, Bart's Nightmare, and Virtual Bart.
Are you on social media? Of course you are. So follow us!
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2021-09-22
It's pretty rare that we get to talk about an iconic gaming character's debut, so episodes like this hit a little harder for me. And when you add in my previous traumatic experiences with Kirby's Dream Land, and I really feel like I'm taking a big step on the podcast this week.
And if you're wondering, "how someone could have a traumatic experience with a Kirby game?" Well, you'll have to listen and find out.
My buddy Patrick makes his return to the podcast this week. He's a GameBoy junkie, a nerd like the rest of us, and a great guest. We took a trip back to 1992 on the show this time around, and looked at the debut of Nintendo's resident foodie, Kirby, with Kirby's Dream Land.
And before we talk about eating everything and a wimpy ass tree, it's time for another edition of the 'Remember The Game Infamous Intro'!
This week, we talk about the potential for emulation on the Steam Deck. I also talk about how I was set up for a great career in voice acting before puberty wrecked everything, and I go after Wata games again, because they're a fucking joke.
PLUS, we have another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One', featuring some flagship Kirby titles - Kirby's Adventure, Kirby Super Star, and Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards.
Are you on social media? Of course you are. So follow us!
Twitter: @MemberTheGame
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And find Patrick and his tunes on Instagram:
@burgerfinger
@discount.lion.safari
2021-09-15
Holes burnt in your palms be damned, Mario Party is a special franchise. Has it lost its way at times over the past 20+ years? No question. But it just seems like everybody has played these games from time to time over the years, and wheel e may not love every iteration, we all get hella excited when a new one is announced.
So this week, former RTG Hall of Famer Mark McCue and I are taking a look back at the franchise that is Mario Party. From the 64, to the Gamecube, to that God awful Wii U iteration, we're covering it all this week. The games really do kind of bleed together, so I thought trying to review one in particular might be a little tough. And I love this series too much to risk leaving out any of the good games (of which there's quite a few). Let's a go!
And before we talk about the Mushroom Kingdom and their weird ass parties, it's time for another edition of the 'Remember The Game Infamous Intro'!
This week, we talk about what the 90's would have looked like if EA had then all their sports titles and released their own console. I lock in my pick for my most anticipated game coming in the next few years. And we talk about the TV shows we watched as kids (aside from Ninja Turtles).
PLUS, we have another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One', featuring some of the best multi-player experiences of all time - Mario Kart 64, WWF: No Mercy, and GoldenEye 007.
Are you on social media? Of course you are. So follow us!
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2021-09-08
I don't know how Nintendo convinced all of us to accept the idea that Mario is a Doctor now, but they did it. And thank fuck they did, because this game is just...really, really good.
Dr. Mario might not be as iconic as Tetris, but to anyone that grew up playing it on their NES (or GameBoy), it's pretty damned close. From the multiplayer, to firing it right up to level 20, to that damned music; this is just a really special video game.
My fellow old-timer/comedian/podcast host David Rae joins me on the show this week, and we just had a really great time talking about a game that we both grew up loving. And playing with our parents, which isn't something I can say about another game. Long live Dr. Mario.
And before we talk about Mario's medical credentials, it's time for another edition of the 'Remember The Game Infamous Intro'!
This week, I offer some streaming advice to people thinking about taking the plunge. We play 'Desert Island: Video Game Edition'. And which is the better Splinter origin; a rat that becomes human, or a human that becomes a rat?
PLUS, we have another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One', featuring retro puzzlers Solomon's Key, The Adventures of Lolo, and Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine!
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And find David at:
www.quantumkickflip.com
Twitter: @quantumkickflip
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2021-09-01
I ignored the Spyro games when they came out. I was in high school and they looked like games for babies. But I've played the first two games now, and you know what? They're pretty damned fun. Maybe a little baby-ish, but so are those digestive cookies. And those things are fucking delicious.
Does Spyro 2 stay on the rails and just improve on the original game's formula? Or does it get a little too zany and stray too far off the course? Honestly, I think it does a little bit of both. But there's WAY more good than bad in this game. Remove Moneybags and it's almost perfect. Fucking greasebag.
My pal Darren returns to the show this week. He was my guest for our last Spyro episode, he's a huge fan of the franchise, but he has some mixed opinions on Ripto's Rage. Have a listen and see what we like, and don't like, about raging Ripto (awesome villain, BTW).
And before we talk dragons, it's time for another edition of the 'Remember The Game Infamous Intro'!
This week, we rant about how a video game should value quality over quantity, and why every game doesn't need to be 200 hours long. We talk about the video game advertisements from back in the day that stuck with us. And are kids these days going to be S.O.L down the road when they try to fire up their childhood consoles?
PLUS, we have another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One', featuring Donkey Kong 64, Jak and Daxter, & Banjo Kazooie!
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2021-08-25
There were so many bad games on the NES. I love that little grey box, but I'd say 70-75% of the library was forgettable. And Skate or Die is one of those bad games. But for whatever reason, it isn't forgettable. It seems like EVERYONE played this game at least once or twice.
And honestly, once or twice was enough. This game suuuucks haha.
My buddy Brad returns to RTG Industries this week, and we talk about the dope soundtrack, the great...box art. The title screen was nice. And the we shit all over everything after you press start, because...ugh.
Great title screen, though.
And before we talk Skating and Dying, it's time for another edition of the 'Remember The Game Infamous Intro'!
This time around, I talk about some games that I've done a 180 on since I launched the podcast. We talk about gaming burnout. And we discuss whether or not Epic did anything wrong by copying the Among Us formula and putting it into Fortnite Imposters.
PLUS, we have another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One', featuring Super Dodgeball, Cool Boarders 2 and Wave Race 64!
Are you on social media? Of course you are. So follow us! We'll probably follow you back ;)
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2021-08-18
This week is one of our prestigious Patreon Poll winner episodes, and we're talking about a game that launched one of Playstation's flagship franchises, and a title many consider to be amongst the best the PS2 has to offer - God of War.
I've only ever played the most recent God of War title, (on the PS4), so many of you warned me that the previous games in the series were a little different to 2018's. I expected a hack and slash beat 'em up with Gods yelling at each other; and for better (and) worse, that's what I got.
My childhood chum Daniel pops by the podcast this week, and we had a long chat about the pros and cons of Kratos's gaming debut (and there's definitely a few of each). I hope those of you that love this game still love me when you're done!
And before we talk Gods, it's time for another edition of the 'Remember The Game Infamous Intro'!
This time around, I talk about my experience with video game betas. We get into products from The Simpsons we'd like to see in real life. And I lock in my prediction as to when we'll see Nintendo's next console.
PLUS, we have another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One', featuring Metroid Fusion, Metroid Prime and Super Metroid!
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2021-08-11
Would you kindly check out this week's podcast? It's finally time for the much anticipated (or at least promoted) Bioshock episode. This is one of my favourite games of all-time, and when we started talking about PS3 and Xbox 360 titles on the podcast, Bioshock was the game I had in mind.
My buddy Tyler makes another visit to Remember The Game? Industries this week, and we get into what makes Bioshock such a special game. And it might just contain the best plot twist in the history of video games. It's more than just a first person shooter (in our opinions), it's God damned art.
And before we visit Rapture, it's time for another edition of the 'Remember The Game Infamous Intro'!
This week, someone asked what my least favourite console is. A listener and I defend the Michael Bay Ninja Turtle movies. And I give a shout-out to one of the comedians that inspired me to start telling jokes.
PLUS, we have another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One', featuring Resident Evil 4, GTA: San Andreas and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic!
Are you on social media? Of course you are. So follow us! We'll probably follow you back ;)
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2021-08-04
Due to my holiday, we weren't able to get this week's 'Remember The Game?' finished in time to go live as scheduled. So I thought I'd give those of you that aren't members of our Patreon a free bonus podcast this week.
Expansion Pass is my gaming discussion show, featuring game rankings, reviews, discussion, and some comedy episodes as well. This is episode 20, and it originally aired back on August 9, 2020. I break down my top 20 favourite NES games of all-time.
Enjoy the bonus podcast, we'll be back next week! And if you enjoy this episode, consider supporting us on Patreon. New episodes of Expansion Pass and Game Patch every week, and instant access to our entire library for only $2/month!
Patreon.com/RememberTheGame
2021-07-28
It took 159 podcasts, but we're finally talking about the damned Nintendo Wii. And what better way to start than with the flagship title for Nintendo's little white phenomenon; Wii Sports!
Like the Wii or not, Wii Sports was a HUGE game. In my opinion, it played a bigger role than any other title in helping the Wii set the record sales numbers it did. Maybe everyone didn't want to play Mario or Zelda, but who doesn't like to go bowling?
My guest this week is my buddy Bradley McCue, who was actually the one that suggested Wii Sports as a game for the podcast in the first place. And dammit, it was a hell of a suggestion. A lot of good times (and the odd hole in the wall) with this bad boy.
And before we play sports, it's another edition of the 'Remember The Game Infamous Intro'!
This time around, we talk about games based on the olympics. Someone asks what would be a harder library to collect; the NES or the PS4? And if I could only keep one of my Playstation 5 or Xbox Series X, which would it be?
AND, we have another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One', featuring Wii titles Wii Fit, Wii Sports Resort and Wii Party!
Are you on social media? Of course you are. So follow us! We'll probably follow you back ;)
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2021-07-21
We have a very vocal group of fighting game fans here at 'Remember The Game?', and I do my best to satiate them. I just didn't play a lot of fighters growing up. I thought I was throwing them a bone with Shaq-Fu a little while back, but that went across like a slap in the face (which would be my signature move if I was in a fighting game). So we're taking it up a notch.
Killer Instinct is one of the rare (pun intended) fighters I played growing up. And while I stink at it, I really like this game. It was, and is, so damned cool! So we're giving it a chance to escape the shadows of Street Fighter and Mortal Kombat this week on the show.
My guest is making his RTG debut. He's a fighting fan and the Killer to my Instinct; Mike the Ref! Mike grew up playing KI in the arcade, I played it on the Game Boy (ugh) and the SNES (yay) and we're showing Rare's little fighter some love on this episode of the podcast.
And before we talk the instincts of killers, it's another edition of the 'Remember The Game Infamous Intro'!
This time around, we talk about the recently announced Steam Deck and whether it's a threat to Nintendo's handheld crown. We also get into games we wanted to get into, but never did. And a listener writes in with a tale of gaming heartbreak, which prompts Adam to revisit one of his most traumatic gaming memories.
AND, we have another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One', featuring retro fighters Street Fighter II, Mortal Kombat 3 and Killer Instinct!
Are you on social media? Of course you are. So follow us! We'll probably follow you back ;)
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And you can find Mike at:
Twitter: @MikeTheRef
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Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/backbreakermedia
And check out the Clandestine Society (@ClandestineSOC) at the Youtube channel above! New episodes debuting on July 22 and August 19!
2021-07-14
The SEGA Dreamcast is the little system that could, but didn't. I have a soft spot in my hard heart for Sega's final console, and while it may not have gotten enough love in it's prime, it sure as hell is gonna get some all these years later at Remember The Game? Industries.
This week, we're talking the odd, yet superb, yet slightly poorly aged, yet unique and super fun inline skating/graffiti laying Jet Set Radio. One of the more unique titles I've played in my life. It still looks and sounds great all these years later. Does it still play great? Let's just say at least it's easier on your eyes and ears than it is on your fingers today.
My buddy Chris returns to the show this week. He's a life-long SEGA fan, and a suspected graffiti vandal/artist, and he has a lot of love for Jet Set Radio, as well. We get into the good and bad of this game, and speculate as to why SEGA ignores this series harder than gamers ignored the Saturn.
And before we talk about fighting street thugs with spray paint, it's another edition of the 'Remember The Game Infamous Intro'!
This time around, we talk gaming subscription services like GamePass, and what affect they may have on gaming collecting. We also discuss the idea that it's time to stop considering Nintendo a competitor to PlayStation and Xbox. And are there any retro games we DON'T want to see remastered/remade? We'll tell you!
AND, we have another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One', featuring the Dreamcast titles Soul Calibur, Shenmue and Virtua Tennis!
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2021-07-07
It's another 'Patreon Poll' edition of the show this week. Every month, you hot dogs get to pick a game I haven't played that you want to hear us cover on the podcast, and I play through it and then ramble about it into a microphone for an hour.
And this time, we're talking about the weirdo of the Zelda family - Zelda II: The Adventure of Link for the NES. Nintendo struck gold with the first Zelda game, and so they decided to change EVERYTHING while developing it's highly anticipated sequel. Was it the right call? Gamers debate that to this very day.
Former RTG Hall of Famer Mark McCue returns to the show this week, fresh off playing this bad boy for the first time himself. Did we like it? Love it? Hate it? Maybe a little bit of all of those and just spent a hour trying to decide whether or not this game is good? Listen and find out!
And before we try to make up our minds about Zelda II, it's another edition of the 'Remember The Game Infamous Intro'!
This time around, we talk about Mario Golf: Super Rush, and the idea that maybe Nintendo is getting a little complacent. We look at the idea of indie gaming being in trouble, as the big boys in video games continue to buy gaming studios like a game collector at a flea market. And a few of you just wrote in with Simpsons quotes, and I read them because I'm a sucker for that shit.
AND, we have another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One', featuring the Gamecube titles Super Mario Strikers, Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour, and Mario Power Tennis!
Are you on social media? Of course you are. So follow us! We'll probably follow you back ;)
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2021-06-30
This week, it's another one of our 're-visited' series, where we take another look at one of the heavyweight titles we covered back in the show's early days.
And this time, it's all about one of the most influential titles ever made. It launched a franchise, a genre, and convinced Nintendo they could stick Mario into literally any scenario they could think of and it would make money; Super Mario Kart!
By popular demand, my buddy Kait makes her long awaited return to the Blankphone this week, and we spent almost an hour gushing about the first time Mario and Bowser rounded up their crews and destroyed a bunch of Lakitu's go-karts.
And before we talk about that, it's another edition of the 'Remember The Game Infamous Intro'!
This time around, I get called out for cheering for Canada in the Euro last week. A listener is looking for help getting their retro games running on modern TVs. And someone writes in in defence of Ubisoft Plus (after I came down on it a couple weeks ago), and raises some great points.
AND, we have another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One', featuring Super Mario 64, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, and Mario Kart 64!
Are you on social media? Of course you are. So follow us! We'll probably follow you back ;)
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2021-06-23
Is Batman the best game based on a movie from the 80's on the NES? Who are we to say?
But yes. It is.
My guest this week is the Robin to my Batman, my good buddy Brad Woren. And we're going back to 1989 for this episode, and talking about the tough but fair NES action game, Batman. Most people remember it for being tough as nails, but they need to also remember the kick-ass soundtrack, above average graphics, and surprisingly fun gameplay. We'll make sure that's the case after this week's podcast.
And before we talk about men made of bats, it's another edition of the Remember The Game Infamous Intro!
This time around, we talk about stuff like other retro games we would have liked see take advantage of the Sonic & Knuckles "lock-on technology", whether long forecast or short term plan E3 presentations are the better approach, and about how the new golden age of gaming could be right around the corner!
AND, we have another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One', featuring Who Framed Roger Rabbit?, Ghostbusters, and Back to the Future for the NES!
Are you on social media? Of course you are. So follow us! We'll probably follow you back ;)
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2021-06-16
Remember gaming magazines? Pepperidge Farms remembers. And so do we.
My guest this week is our resident former Hall of Famer - Mark McCue. We changed the formula up a little this week, and instead of talking about the games we played back in the day, we talked about the magazines about the games we played back in the day. From the ads, to the reviews, to the tips and tricks and the killer cover art; we're talking gaming magazine memories.
And before we talk about Nintendo Power, it's another edition of the Remember The Game Infamous Intro!
This time around, we talk about stuff like the best character class in RPGs, whether or not online trophies should be included in a platinum trophy's criteria, and whether or not Playstation should get away from this tried and true "third person action game" formula.
AND, we have the first ever round of 'Read One, Revive One, Remove One', featuring Nintendo Power, EGM, and GamePro!
Are you on social media? Of course you are. So follow us! We'll probably follow you back ;)
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2021-06-09
Parasite Eve won our Patreon Poll back in April, and it's finally time to talk about it, dammit. My sincere apologies for the delay. It took longer than I expected to track down a way to play this one.
But play it I did.
I love some parts of it. I don't like others. It's like Final Fantasy and Resident Evil hooked up and made a game, and it's one of the weirder games I've played over the years. I have a LOT to say about Aya and her quest to stop people from spontaneously combusting (seriously, that's the game), and it's time to talk about.
My guest this week is a RTG regular - my buddy, Tyler. He played Parasite Eve back when it was fresh. I played it 23 years later. And a lot of our thoughts lined up, which, in my opinion, means this game has aged pretty damned well. Does that mean you should play it? Listen and find out!
And before we talk about Aya and friends, it's another edition of the Remember The Game Infamous Intro!
This time around, we talk about stuff like my dream game room, great retro game box art, and why certain games we've covered on the show, like Final Fantasy VIII, are so damned divisive.
AND, we have another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One'. This time, it's the "Playstation games that I want to play but haven't" edition, featuring Dino Crisis, Tenchu, and Syphon Filter.
Are you on social media? Of course you are. So follow us! We'll probably follow you back ;)
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2021-06-02
Last week, we talked Super Mario Bros. Maybe you're wondering, 'where do you go after talking about one of the greatest Nintendo games of all-time?'
You talk about one of the greatest SEGA games of all-time! And that's what we're doing this week with the phenomenal beat 'em up; Streets of Rage 2.
Sometimes I struggle with playing a retro game for the first time nowadays, because their warts and imperfections just stand out so much more than they did back when the game released. But I gotta tell you kids - Streets of Rage 2 is every bit as playable today as it was in 1992. And that's really fucking playable.
My guest this week is my buddy Joe. He's a born and bred Sega kid, who grew up on a steady diet of Streets of Rage, and we blew so much smoke up this game's ass it looked like it was on fire. This might just be my favourite game on the Genesis, period.
And before we talk about rage filled streets, it's another edition of the Remember The Game Infamous Intro!
This time around, we talk about stuff like games that make us angry, but we play them anyway. I explain how much money I make on services like Patreon and Twitch, as opposed to how much those platforms take for themselves. And someone asks which console I've enjoyed more so far; my Playstation 5 or my Xbox Series X.
AND, we have another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One'. This time, it's the "beat 'em ups that aren't Streets of Rage" edition, featuring Double Dragon II, River City Ransom, and Battletoads.
Are you on social media? Of course you are. So follow us! We'll probably follow you back ;)
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2021-05-26
I wasn't sure we'd ever cover Super Mario Bros on this show. Of course it deserves an episode, but I was worried we wouldn't be able to do the game justice. I've never connected with a piece of media, in any form, like I have with the NES's flagship title.
But between the evolution of the podcast, my comfort and confidence level behind a microphone, and the YEARS of badgering by my guest this week, I think it's finally time. Episode 150 calls for a special game, and there's nary a game on the planet I consider more special than Super Mario Bros.
My guest this week is "the gentleman of RTG Industries" David Rae, and we shattered the record for the longest episode of the podcast while talking about Super Mario Bros, going for almost 2 hours. This was a very sentimental episode of the show for me, and I hope you hot dogs dig it.
*The Mario Bros portion of the podcast starts around the 58 minute mark*
And before we talk goombas, flowers, and those fucking Hammer Brothers, it's another (long) edition Remember The Game Infamous Intro!
This time around, we talk about stuff like launching a Youtube channel/podcast. I also design my own Mega Man game, and we speculate about physical vs digital games in the future. I also debut the first ever song of RTG Industries; courtesy of fan of the show Michael Leavitt.
AND, we have another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One'. This time, it's the "franchise" edition, featuring Mario, Zelda, and Pokemon.
Are you on social media? Of course you are. So follow us! We'll probably follow you back ;)
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And find David's show at:
www.quantumkickflip.com
Twitter: @quantumkickflip
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2021-05-19
Final Fantasy IV & VI (II & III on the SNES) are considered by many to be among the best in the series. But what about the forgotten Fantasy; Final Fantasy V? I finally played it (no pun intended), and I gotta tell ya, it's just as good. Maybe even a little better. I fucking love it.
The story is a little on the shallow side, but the game's extraordinary job system more than makes up for it. The level of customization you're presented with in regards to how you assemble your team is just insane, and it made for one of the best JRPG experiences I've ever had. So good!!
My guest this week is longtime show supporter Ben Beaulieu, and we had a hell of a time talking about a hell of a game. It's all about the phenomenal Final Fantasy V this week!
And before we talk Exdeath and friends, it's another edition Remember The Game Infamous Intro!
This time around, we talk about stuff like backlogs, the upcoming Gotham Knights and Suicide Squad games, and the Super Scope!
Plus, we have another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One'. This time, it's the "RPGs that everyone doesn't talk about all the time" edition, featuring Phantasy Star IV, Secret of Evermore, and Secret of Mana!
Are you on social media? Of course you are. So follow us! We'll probably follow you back ;)
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2021-05-12
The NES library is FULL of games based on popular IPs. Unfortunately, most of them suck.
Fortunately, Chip n Dale doesn't!
In an era where so many developers relied on a popular name being printed on a box to sell games, Capcom bucked the trend. And while many of their NES Disney games are awesome, Chip n Dale Rescue Rangers might just be the best of the bunch.
It's not the hardest game you'll ever play. Or the deepest. Or the longest. But it's a rock solid, fun little platformer that even a below average gamer can finish. And sometimes, an easier game just hits right.
My pal Brad is the Chip to my Dale, and we had a nice, fat cat sized chat about the iconic NES gem; Chip N Dale Rescue Rangers.
And before we talk chipmunks, it's another edition Remember The Game Infamous Intro!
This week, I explain why I don't think buying EA's card "packs" is the same as buying physical cards. We also look at video game power-ups we wish were real, and one of our listeners has an idea for a Nintendo Gamerscore/Trophy system.
Plus, we have another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One'. This time, it's the "Games Based on Cartoons" edition, featuring Bucky O'Hare, Tiny Toons: Buster Busts Loose, and Goof Troop!
Are you on social media? Of course you are. So follow us! We'll probably follow you back ;)
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2021-05-05
A frequent request of the hot dogs is for us to cover more handheld games on the podcast. And I'm nothing, if not a man of the hot dogs. So today we're talking Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins for the OG Game Boy.
This is a special game for a few reasons. First and foremost, it's really good. The original Super Mario Land was sweet, but the sequel was a HUGE jump in quality in every regard; graphics, gameplay, music, everything. It's a game tons of us 90's kids grew up with.
And most importantly, Super Mario Land 2 saw the debut of one of the greatest characters in not only Nintendo history, but GAMING history - Wario.
My friend Bradley joins me on the show this week, and we got fired right up talking about Mario, Wario, and 6 gold coins. If you haven't played this game, take a couple hours and run through it. Wario commands you!
And before we talk Wario, it's another edition Remember The Game Infamous Intro!
This week, I share my opinions on pinball, point & click adventure games, and whether or not the onus is on us, as gamers, to buy games at full price to support studios and developers.
Plus, we have another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One'. This time, it's the "Game Boy Greats" edition, featuring Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3, Metroid II: Return of Samus, and Mega Man V!
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2021-04-28
ToeJam & Earl won our Patreon Poll last month, and now that I've the chance to spend time with it, I gotta say - well done, hot dogs. This game kicks an insane amount of ass.
If you've never played it, you control a pair of aliens named Toe Jam & Earl who have crash landed on Earth. You help them collect the pieces of their ship, while avoiding some of the weirdest enemies I've ever seen in a video game. You pick up presents along the way that contain random items; some good, some bad. What makes this game special is that every game can be different. You never know what's in a present until you open it. It's like a retro rogue like, and it's spectacular.
My friend Kait joins me on the show this week, and we geek out all over these stupid aliens and their weird presents. ToeJam & Earl is now one of my absolute favourite Genesis games, and I hope our show this week convinces you to give it a shot if you haven't.
And before we get funky, it's another edition Remember The Game Infamous Intro!
This week, we talk about stuff like kids listening to this podcast, a potential Metal Gear Solid remake, what other consoles would I like to see get the "mini" treatment, and I rant about SEGA Saturn fans again.
Plus, we have another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One'. This time, it's the "Genesis Gems" edition, featuring Comix Zone, Vectorman, and Gunstar Heroes!
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2021-04-21
This week, we're revisiting another one of the games we covered back in the baby days of the show, and we picked a beast of a game to back to. The iconic, beloved, best-selling, rumble packing, friendship destroying Goldeneye 007 for the Nintendo 64!
I'm willing to bet a VAST majority of our audience has played this one, and everyone in our audience has at least heard of it. My guest this week is my buddy David Rae, and we spent over an hour talking about the game one of our listener's called "The Godfather of First Person Shooters". It's Goldeneye. What else can I say?
And before we tear down you sleaze bags that tried to play as Oddjob, it's another edition Remember The Game Infamous Intro!
This week, we talk consoles we don't cover (or at least, don't cover enough) on the show. We also get into why more developers didn't utilize "lock on technology" in the 90's, and Playstation backtracking on the closures of the PS3 and PS Vita Playstation stores.
Plus, we have another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One'. This time, it's the "Games Based on Movies" edition, featuring Spider-Man 2, Willow, and The Lion King!
Are you on social media? Of course you are. So follow us! We'll probably follow you back ;)
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2021-04-14
Remember playing Metal Gear Solid back in the day? You (probably) either thought the story telling and cinematic were incredible, or you thought the cutscenes sucked and you just wanted to play the game. And there's a decent chance you felt the same way about Uncharted.
I was late to the Playstation 3 party, and when I finally got there, Uncharted was the first series I got into. REALLY into. I love this series. All four games are a great combination of story telling, graphics, gameplay, and fantastic music. These really are like playing a movie. Some people love that, and some people hate it. My guest Tim and I are both 100% the former.
This is one of those episodes where we kinda look at the series as a whole, as opposed to focusing on one particular game. I hope ya like it!
And before we listen to Sully offer us useless advice, it's another Remember The Game Infamous Intro!
This week, we talk about my reliance on food metaphors, TV shows from our childhood that have been completely forgotten about, and the shit everyone is giving Outriders (and whether or not it's deserved).
Plus, we have another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One'. This time, it's the "Playstation exclusives that HAVEN'T been remade lately" edition, featuring Jak and Daxter, Sly Cooper and Infamous!
Are you on social media? Of course you are. So follow us! We'll probably follow you back ;)
Twitter: @MemberTheGame
Instagram: @MemberTheGame
Facebook.com/MemberTheGame
Twitch.tv/MemberTheGame
And find Tim here:
Instagram: @Tim_Riel
Twitch.tv/Tim_Riel
2021-04-07
It's Wrestlemania week in WWE, so I thought it would only be fitting to cover a game with 'Wrestlemania' in the title. Initially, we planned to talk about WWF Wrestlemania for the NES, but after playing it for 10 minutes, I realized that not only does it suck, but there's nothing there to talk about. We ended up throwing a short bonus "review" of it into this episode, but that's all we could come up with.
WWF Wrestlemania 2000 for the Nintendo 64, however? I could talk about that game for days! Or an hour at least. My buddy Brad returns to the podcast this week, and we went back to 1999, the Attitude Era, THQ's transition from WCW video games to WWF video games, and we had a great chat about the occasionally overlooked member of the THQ quartet of wrestling games; WWF Wrestlemania 2000.
I love this game.
And as always, before we get to the main event, it's another Remember The Game Infamous Intro!
This week, we talk about nerdy tattoos, which Ninja Turtles cartoon was the best, and I give some Mario Kart 8 advice to a fellow hot dog.
Plus, we have another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One'. This time, it's the "Couch Co-op/Mulitplayer" edition, featuring Mario Party, Super Bomberman, and Mario Strikers!
If you want to skip to something specific, here's where to go:
0:00 - Intro
2:30 - Initial self-indulgent rambling & 'Expansion Pass #53: Video Game Rental Memories' Clip
11:15 - 'Blowing In The Cartridge' (Listener comments & questions)
24:00 - 'Play One. Remake One. Erase One.'
37:05 - What have I been playing?
38:55 - Listener's 'Mania 2000 Thoughts
42:30 - WWF Wrestlemania 2000 talk!
Enjoy the podcast!
2021-03-31
Star Fox 64 won our Patreon poll last month, and a deal is a deal. I played through it - multiple times - and I'm ready to rant.
I know this game is pretty beloved by a large chunk of the retro gaming community. Personally, it's not really my cup of tea, but there's a big difference between a bad game, and a good game that I just don't like. I think this is the latter, and while I definitely got into the stuff that didn't tickle my fancy, I did my best to show this game the respect that I think it deserves. Except Slippy. Fuck him so much.
Plus, my buddy Daniel was my guest this week, and he grew up playing this bad boy, so even if you don't like what I have to say, he should make up for it.
And as always, before we start doing barrel rolls, it's another Remember The Game Infamous Intro!
This week, we talk about my inability to pronounce people's names. We also get into working out to video game soundtracks, a bunch of listeners throw game suggestions at me, and a lifelong Playstation fan picked up an Xbox Series S when he couldn't find a PS5, and now he finds himself at a gaming crossroads.
Plus, we have another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One'. This time, it's the "Forgotten Nintendo Franchise" edition, featuring the entire franchises of Punch-Out!, Star Fox, and F-Zero!
If you want to skip to something specific, here's where to go:
0:00 - Intro
2:45 - Initial self-indulgent rambling & 'Expansion Pass #52: Couch Co-op Memories' Clip
11:30 - 'Blowing In The Cartridge' (Listener comments & questions)
26:20 - 'Play One. Remake One. Erase One.'
38:00 - What have I been playing?
40:45 - Listener's Star Fox Thoughts
43:30 - Star Fox 64 talk!
Enjoy the podcast!
2021-03-24
Is Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest the best game we've never covered on the show? I'd certainly listen to that argument, but fortunately, it's a right that's been wronged! My buddy, and the Diddy to my Donkey, Bradley McCue, joins me this week, and we have a nice beefy chat about the game many consider to be the best of the original DKC trilogy.
This episode is worth listening to for the music alone.
And as always, before we talk Dixie Kong's debut, it's another Remember The Game Infamous Intro!
This week, we talk about what consoles should be considered "retro", the games I didn't understand as a kid, "petty" enemies, and why a game's length is directly compared to it's value.
Plus, we have another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One'. This time, it's the Rare edition, featuring Donkey Kong Country, Banjo-Kazooie, and Diddy Kong Racing!
If you want to skip to something specific, here's where to go:
0:00 - Intro
2:20 - Initial self-indulgent rambling & 'Expansion Pass #51: God of War (2018) Review' Clip
9:25 - 'Blowing In The Cartridge' (Listener comments & questions)
29:30 - 'Play One. Remake One. Erase One.'
38:20 - What have I been playing?
41:00 - Listener's DKC2 Thoughts
48:00 - Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest talk!
Enjoy the podcast!
2021-03-17
For quite some time, a vocal portion of our audience has asked me to weigh in on speed running. If you don't know what 'speed running' is, it's when players attempt to finish a game as fast as humanly possible. And admittedly, I don't know that much about it. So I found someone who does. My special guest this week is the one and only, Summoning Salt!
Summoning Salt is a Youtuber that creates phenomenal documentary style videos about speed running. He takes individual games, breaks down the history of the speed run world record for said particular game, and does a great explaining not only what the record is and who holds it, but how they got there. Tricks, tips, strategies. I went into his videos knowing NOTHING about speed running, and I've learned a ton from watching his youtube channel.
And in addition to his channel, Summoning Salt is a speed runner himself. He holds several world records right now, with his area of expertise being Mike Tyson's Punch-Out!! from the NES. One of his records is the fastest ever TKO of Tyson himself, clocking in at an INSANE 2:00:97!!!!
We had a great chat about the hobby itself, advice for new speed runners, Salt's records, how he got into making videos, the speed running community as a whole, and more. It was a real pleasure talking with him, and I hope you enjoy the episode.
You can find Summoning Salt here:
Youtube Channel - Youtube.com/SummoningSalt
Twitter - @SummoningSalt
And as always, before we talk speed running, it's another Remember The Game Infamous Intro!
This week, we talk about TMNT: Shredder's Revenge, where I see 'Remember The Game?' in five years, gaming fatigue, and someone asks which Super Mario game they should play first.
Plus, we have another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One'. This time, it's the TMNT edition, featuring Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (NES), TMNT IV: Turtles in Time, and TMNT: Tournament Fighters!
**If you're interested in tickets to my online comedy show on March 20th, you can find them at Eventbrite.com!**
And if you want to skip to something specific, here's where to go:
0:00 - Intro
5:17 - Initial self-indulgent rambling & 'Expansion Pass #50: Ranking My Favourite SNES Games' Clip
13:55 - 'Blowing In The Cartridge' (Listener comments & questions)
29:30 - 'Play One. Remake One. Erase One.'
39:50 - What have I been playing?
41:25 - Listener's 'Speed Running' Thoughts
48:00 - Interview with Summoning Salt!
Enjoy the podcast!
2021-03-10
We're going all the way back to 1985 this week. The NES has just hit North America, and while everyones obsessed with Mario and trying to figure out which fucking castle that princess is hiding in, they're also hunting ducks. And then failing. And then getting laughed at by a digital dog. And then shooting said dog to no affect.
Let's talk Duck Hunt.
Admittedly, I was a little nervous this episode would be kinda boring, but I think we pulled a gem outta the bushes here. My buddy, fellow comic, and NES lover David Rae returns to the show this week, and damned if we didn't have a nice chat about giving up after 3 ducks and putting your zappers right up against the TV screen, among other things. I hope you enjoy it!
And as always, before we hunt ducks, it's another Remember The Game Infamous Intro!
This week, we talk about Christmas video game memories, Zelda 2 from the NES rears it's misunderstood head, and we talk a little Ninja Turtles 'The Last Ronin' comic books.
I also answer a question about the early days of the show, and explain what exactly inspired me to create 'Remember The Game?'
Plus, we have another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One'. This time, it's the NES Black Box edition, featuring Excitebike, Balloon Fight, and Ice Climber!
**If you're interested in tickets to my online comedy show on March 20th, you can find them at Eventbrite.com!**
And if you want to skip to something specific, here's where to go:
0:00 - Intro
1:50 - Initial self-indulgent rambling & 'Expansion Pass #49: Happy 4th Birthday, Nintendo Switch' Clip
8:40 - 'Blowing In The Cartridge' (Listener comments & questions)
29:40 - 'Play One. Remake One. Erase One.'
40:09 - What have I been playing?
41:50 - Listener's 'Duck Hunt' Memories
45:18 + Duck Hunt Talk!
Enjoy the podcast!
2021-03-03
This week, we're gonna right two wrongs with one stone, and show both the GBA and the Metroid franchise some much overdue love on the show. It's all about the (outstanding) Game Boy Advance title Metroid Fusion this week!
I played this thing for the first time recently, at the suggestion of my guest Daniel, and I get the hype now. It's shorter than you'd expect, and quite linear - especially for a Metroid title - but damned if they didn't pack everything they had into that short line of a game. I'm not ready to say this is my favourite GBA game of all-time, but it's a contender without a shadow of a doubt.
I gotta play more GBA and more Metroid. If only Nintendo had a handheld console that could address both of those things at once...
And of course, before we talk Metroid Fusion, it's the Remember The Game Infamous Intro!
This week, I suck the dick of both Ori games extensively. We talk about a possible 'Resident Evil Ranking' episode of Expansion Pass, and I answer the question "who's your favourite wrestler of all-time?"
Plus, we have another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One'. This time, it's the GBA edition, featuring Metroid Fusion, Advance Wars, and The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap!
**If you're interested in tickets to my online comedy show on March 20th, you can find them at Eventbrite.com!**
And if you want to skip to something specific, here's where to go:
0:00 - Intro
2:04 - Initial self-indulgent rambling & 'Expansion Pass #48: Each Console's "Must Own" Game' Clip
9:00 - 'Blowing In The Cartridge' (Listener comments & questions)
17:50 - 'Play One. Remake One. Erase One.'
28:37 - What have I been playing?
30:33 - Listener's 'Metroid Fusion' Memories
33:30 + Metroid Fusion Talk!
Enjoy the podcast!
2021-02-24
It's finally time to sit down and talk about Final Fantasy VIII. Unquestionably, the most divisive game in the history of this stupid podcast. A vocal majority of you hate this game, and an even more vocal minority defend it like their lives depend on it. I had never played it, but then it won our Patreon poll, and I put a good 40 hours into seeing what all the hubbub is about.
And I have a LOT to say.
My pal Andre is one of those Final Fantasy VIII defenders, and he gave me a call last week to chat about Squall and friends. And chat we did. The 'game talk' portion of this week's show clocked in around ninety minutes, and we went over all the stuff we liked, and all the stuff we hated about this game. And trust me, there's plenty of both.
And of course, before we talk Final Fantasy, it's the Remember The Game Infamous Intro!
This week, I get into stuff like whether someone should buy a Switch now, or wait for a potential 'Pro' iteration. I pick my four character dream team of Final Fantasy characters, and decide which Final Fantasy villain they'll go up against. Why the hell has Nintendo not brought back the NES Remix series?? And more!
Plus, we have another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One'. This time, it's the PSOne Final Fantasy' edition, featuring Final Fantasy VII, Final Fantasy VIII, and Final Fantasy IX!
If you want to skip to something specific, here's where to go:
0:00 - Intro
2:15 - Initial self-indulgent rambling & 'Expansion Pass #47: Best/Worst Controllers' Clip
9:05 - 'Blowing In The Cartridge' (Listener comments & questions)
25:10 - 'Play One. Remake One. Erase One.'
36:10 - What have I been playing?
38:10 - Listener's 'Final Fantasy VIII' Memories
42:05 + Final Fantasy Talk!
Enjoy the podcast!
2021-02-17
Zombies Ate My Neighbours has been one of the most requested games for us to cover on the show over the last couple years. I never played it back in my youth, and honestly, I kinda wrote it off. I thought it looked generic. One of those games that ended up selling for $19.99 after the console generation was coming to an end.
But then I played it.
This game kicks ass. It's tough, but fair(ish). The combination of 'easy to learn, tough to master' mechanics and randomly generated item drops keeps you coming back for one more game, and every time you get past the level that beat you on your last attempt, you feel rejuvenated and want to keep going.
I like Zombies Ate My Neighbours now. My guest, the incomperable Thaddeus Archer the Third, has always been a fan. We finally put our heads together and had a nice chat about saving BBQ'ing weirdos and cheerleaders from demon baby dolls, and you can listen it on it this week.
And of course, before we talk Zombies, it's the Remember The Game Infamous Intro!
This week, we look at the best retro gaming soundtracks, and retro series we'd like to see continued (a discussion sparked by Streets of Rage 4). We also look at the possibility of Nintendo 64 games coming to Switch, and if they do, whether or not we'd like to see Nintendo release N64 controllers for the Switch like they did with NES and SNES controllers.
Plus, we have another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One'. This time, it's the 'retro halloween-y games' edition, featuring Zombies Ate my Neighbours, Splatterhouse 2, and Super Ghouls 'n' Ghosts!
If you want to skip to something specific, here's where to go:
0:00 - Intro
2:50 - Initial self-indulgent rambling & 'Expansion Pass #46: Play One/Remake One/Erase One - Hot Dog Edition' Clip
10:40 - 'Blowing In The Cartridge' (Listener comments & questions)
23:50 - 'Play One. Remake One. Erase One.'
32:30 - What have I been playing?
34:45 - Listener's 'Zombies Ate my Neighbours' Memories
37:20 + Zombie Talk!
Enjoy the podcast!
2021-02-10
This week, we're re-visiting a game that we covered back in the infant days of 'Remember The Game?', and this one goes all the way back to episode 2! My buddy Tyler is my guest, and we're taking another peak at one of the most beloved beat 'em ups in gaming history; Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles IV: Turtles in Time!
This bad boy is considered by many to be the best Ninja Turtles game ever made, and it's frigging thirty years old. I don't know if that's a testament to the quality of the game, or a shot at the lack of good Turtles games over the past 3 decades, but I digress. This game is rad, and I'm happy to welcome it back to the show.
And of course, before Sewer Surfin', it's the Remember The Game Infamous Intro!
This week, a listener writes in and says that 'Angry Adam' makes him feel better about his own kid's controller throwing. I get asked if I'd rather have all my childhood games back, or have the opportunity to invest in GameStop before that whole thing happened. And we talk about all the dormant Nintendo IPs, and why they aren't doing anything with them!
Plus, we have another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One'. This time, it's the 'Make Adam Sweat' edition, featuring Super Mario World, The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, and Earthbound.
This is a big 'un. If you want to skip to something specific, here's where to go:
0:00 - Intro
2:45 - Initial self-indulgent rambling & 'Expansion Pass #45: Cyber Shadow Review' Clip
9:30 - 'Blowing In The Cartridge' (Listener comments & questions)
22:15 - 'Play One. Remake One. Erase One.'
36:20 - What have I been playing?
38:15 - Listener's Turtles in Time Memories
45:00 + Turtle Talk!
Enjoy the podcast!
2021-02-03
I've been promising for a couple months now that we'd start covering the odd Playstation 3/Xbox 360 game. Whether or not these games are considered "retro" had been a divisive topic among our listeners, but more and more younger fans of the show have reached out and said these games were to them what the NES, SNES, and Genesis were to old folk like me.
So I decided to play to the young whippersnappers with the occasional episode, and why not start with one of the biggest games of the generation; The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim.
This game intimidates me. There's so much to cover and talk about. Everyone experiences it differently. For example, I have 100 hours logged in this game and I've never finished it. I don't really know what the story is. I just like exploring. My guest, former RTG Hall of Fame Mark McCue, has finished it several times, and knows all about the various stories and sub-stories and everything.
We spent almost an hour and a half talking about Skyrim. The good, the bad, the bugs. What it did for gaming, and what the next entry has to do to stay relevant. This is the longest episode in RTG history, and I hope it proves to be worth your time.
And of course, before Skyrim, it's the Remember The Game Infamous Intro! This week, I get into stuff like the frustrations that come with trying to learn a game at a high level, and whether or not Nintendo will ever implement their own Trophies/Achievements system. We also talk about the growing number of game studios popping up in the news due to poor work conditions, harassment, and abusive management, and if we, as gamers, should still be supporting them.
Plus, we have another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One'. This time, it's the 'Some of the best games from the PS3/Xbox 360 era' edition, featuring Dead Space, Batman: Arkahm City, and Fallout 3.
This is a big 'un. If you want to skip to something specific, here's where to go:
0:00 - Intro
3:30 - Initial self-indulgent rambling & 'Expansion Pass #44: Worst Enemies in Gaming' Clip
11:46 - 'Blowing In The Cartridge' (Listener comments & questions)
25:05 - 'Play One. Remake One. Erase One.'
38:58 - What have I been playing?
41:16 - Listener's Skyrim Memories
45:00 + Skyrim Talk!
Enjoy the podcast!
2021-01-27
It's Royal Rumble weekend in the WWE, so I figured it was the perfect time to talk about one of my favourite games of the early 90's - WWF Royal Rumble!
We rented this game over and over and over as kids, before finally just plunking down the cash and buying it from the video store. It's funny, because WWF Royal Rumble really hasn't aged well. There's not really any depth at all to the gameplay, and the only mode that was worth a damn was the Royal Rumble itself. But that was all little Adam the booger eating wrestling junkie needed!
My buddy and fellow comedian Miklos Blackshaw returns to the show this week, and we had a nice chat about cheaply throwing guys over the top rope as soon as they got in the ring, unplugging your opponent's controller to finally fill up your move gauge, and of course, those fucking awesome old school entrance themes. It's WWF Royal Rumble!
And as always, before the main event, you have to have an undercard, featuring the Remember The Game Infamous Intro! This week, I talk about whether you should hack an arcade cabinet to add more games, or leave it as is. Should game stores still be promoting Cyberpunk 2077? Which game(s) made me so mad I considered quitting gaming? And more!
Plus, we have another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One'. This time, it's the 'Wrestling GOATs' Edition, starring SmackDown: Here Comes the Pain!, WWF: No Mercy, and WCW/nWo Revenge!
If you want to skip to something specific, here's where to go:
0:00 - 2:25 Intro
2:25 - 10:00 Initial self-indulgent rambling & 'Expansion Pass #43: 2021 Gaming Predictions' Clip
10:00 - 23:10 'Blowing In The Cartridge' (Listener comments & questions)
23:10 - 37:30 'Play One. Remake One. Erase One.'
37:30 - 38:50 What have I been playing?
38:50 - 40:42 Listener's Royal Rumble Memories
40:42 + WWF Royal Rumble Talk!
Enjoy the podcast!
2021-01-20
River City Ransom won last month's Patreon poll, and I figured this would be a perfect time to cover it, because it'll get the horrible taste of last week's Shaq-Fu episode of out our mouths.
If you haven't played River City Ransom, it's a beat 'em up from way back on the ol' NES. You control little square headed guys and fight other little square headed guys to save your girlfriends (who I assume are also square headed). At a glance, it's just a funny looking button masher. But once you get into the game, you realize it has some RPG mechanics, tons of items and power ups to buy, and while it can be a little confusing without a manual or guide, it's a pretty fun game that might have been ahead of it's time.
I liked it. I don't know if I loved it. But I have good things to say. So does my friend Chris, who grew up paying ransoms in River City, and we'll tell you all about it on this week's show.
And of course, we have another edition of the Remember The Game Infamous Intro! This time, I get into stuff like censorship in video games (and all media, frankly), which Ninja Turtle would win a fight to the death over his brothers, is there a non-Nintendo franchise that's as consistent and frequent as Mario and Zelda, and more!
Plus, we have another round of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One'. This time, it's the 'Previous Patreon Poll Prevailers' Edition, starring Sonic Adventure, Shining Force, and Final Fantasy.
If you want to skip to something specific, here's where to go:
0:00 - 1:40 Intro
1:40 - 8:28 Initial self-indulgent rambling
8:28 - 30:50 'Blowing In The Cartridge' (Listener comments & questions, and Letter Time!)
30:50 - 41:22 'Play One. Remake One. Erase One.'
41:22 - 43:55 What have I been playing?
43:55 - 46:05 Listener's Shaq-Fu Memories
46:05 + River City Ransom Talk!
Enjoy the podcast!
2021-01-13
Sigh...
Last week, we covered Tetris. Arguably the single greatest video game ever made. This week? Shaq-Fu. Arguably the worst video game ever made. It's all about balance, you guys.
Shaq-Fu is a game about former NBA All-Star Shaquille O'Neal. And maybe you're thinking, well that's cool. I love basketball games. This isn't a basketball game. That would make too much sense. This is a fighting game. Shaq goes to an alternate dimension (via Toyko) and fights aliens to save a missing child before his basketball game.
I know. Remember The Game? might be jumping the shark this week.
My guest is my best good friend Brad Woren, and damned if we didn't swear, scream and stumble our way through a chat about one of the biggest abominations in gaming history; Shaq-Fu.
And speaking of abominations, this episode features another Remember The Game Infamous Intro! It's a long one this week, and we get into stuff like why more movies don't get video games released alongside their theatrical debuts anymore, whether or not Arcade 1Up is running out of ideas, and what Nintendo might have up their sleeves for Zelda's 35th Anniversary this year.
And of course, we play 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One'. This time around, it's the 'Games That Feature Athletes In Their Titles' Edition, starring Mike Tyson's Punch-Out, Jordan vs Bird, and Ken Griffey Jr. presents Major League Baseball!
If you want to skip to something specific, here's where to go:
0:00 - 3:40 Intro
3:40 - 5:10 Expansion Pass #41 - 'The Blankies' Clip
5:10 - 9:02 Initial self-indulgent rambling
9:02 - 26:30 'Blowing In The Cartridge' (Listener comments & questions, and Letter Time!)
26:30 - 38:15 'Play One. Remake One. Erase One.'
38:15 - 41:45 What have I been playing?
41:45 - 44:18 Listener's Shaq-Fu Memories
44:18 + Shaq-Fu Talk!
2021-01-06
The term "the greatest video game in the history of the industry" gets thrown around a lot these days, but when it comes to Tetris, it may actually be true.
Everyone, and I mean EVERYONE, has played Tetris. The concept is so damned simple. Make lines out of falling bricks. When you do, the line disappears. Rinse and repeat until the screen fills up or the batteries on your GameBoy die. It's so easy to learn, so difficult to master, and it's more addictive than cigarettes*.
*Haven't fact checked that.
My guest, former RTG Hall of Famer Mark McCue is a Tetris junkie just like me, and damned if we didn't find a way to make a conversation about bricks entertaining. I really like this episode, and I hope you do too.
But before we talk the famous Tetris, it's the Remember The Game Infamous Intro! This week, I talk about Ready Player One, we debate Raphael's value to the TMNT, someone asks for PS4 game recommendations, and more!
And of course, we play 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One'. This time around, it's the High Score' Edition, starring Galaga, Pac-Man, and Donkey Kong.
If you want to skip to something specific, here's where to go:
0:00 - 2:15 Intro
2:15- 10:34 Initial self-indulgent rambling
10:34 - 21:10 'Blowing In The Cartridge' (Listener comments & questions, and Letter Time!)
21:10 - 31:42 'Play One. Remake One. Erase One.'
31:42 - 32:50 What have I been playing?
32:50 - 36:20 Listener's Tetris Memories
36:20 + Tetris Talk!
Enjoy the podcast!
2020-12-30
2020 has been, not...good. I think most of us can agree on that. But one of the bright lights of the last year was that we finally got Crash Bandicoot 4. And haters gonna hate, that game is fucking awesome. So is Crash Bandicoot. Which is why for the final episode of 2020, we're talking about the box breaking Bandicoot's debut title; Crash Bandicoot for the PlayStation.
I've been wanting to talk about this game for quite a while, and we finally made it happen. My guest this week is my pal and fellow comedian Darren Morris, who you may remember from our Spyro The Dragon podcast, and we spent a good hour talking about the ups and downs of the Crash franchise, why he didn't stick as Playstation's "mascot", and a bunch of other Bandicooty stuff.
And as always, before we break boxes, it's the Remember The Game Infamous Intro! This time around, I talk about why Nintendo games don't drop in price like other games do, are PlayStation 4s designed to slow down like old smartphones are, I talk about what I played over Christmas break, and more!
And of course, we play 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One'. This time around, it's the 'Great games that I played on my 24 hour charity stream and all end with the number 2' Edition, starring Donkey Kong Country 2, MegaMan 2, and Sonic The Hedgehog 2.
If you want to skip to something specific, here's where to go:
0:00 - 1:45 Intro
1:45 - 9:25 Initial self-indulgent rambling
9:25 - 23:22 'Blowing In The Cartridge' (Listener comments & questions, and Letter Time!)
23:22 - 34:46 'Play One. Remake One. Erase One.'
34:46 - 35:55 What have I been playing?
35:55 - 38:25 Listener's Crash Bandicoot Memories
38:25 + Crash Bandicoot Talk!
Enjoy the podcast!
2020-12-16
When you think of Rockstar games, you probably think of Grand Theft Auto and Red Dead Redemption. But back in 2006, the folks that are best known for making games about stealing cars and riding horses released Bully, which took that tried and true formula and applied it to spray painting walls and fighting jocks instead.
And dammit, it was absolutely delightful.
In fact, Bully won our patreon poll last month. And after spending about 25 hours playing through it for the first time, I can absolutely see why. Despite not being the world's biggest GTA fan, I fucking adored my time with Bully. My guest Bradley McCue thinks it's fantastic as well. We had a nice long chat about what we liked and disliked about Jimmy Hopkins' adventures, and that's the focus of the show this week.
And as always, before we go to school, it's the RTG Industries Infamous Intro! I talk about whether or not Xbox needs Joanna Dark, is there any reason whatsoever to pay a scalper for a Series X or PlayStation 5, the games I've been playing lately, and more!
And of course, we play 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One'. This time around, it's the 'Rockstar' Edition, starring State of Emergency, Max Payne, and Bully.
If you want to skip to something specific, here's where to go:
0:00 - 1:45 Intro
1:45 - 10:15 Initial self-indulgent rambling
10:15 - 16:35 'Blowing In The Cartridge' (Listener comments & questions, and Letter Time!)
16:35 - 26:35 'Play One. Remake One. Erase One.'
26:35 - 28:20 What have I been playing?
28:20 - 29:50 Listener's 'Bully' Memories
30:45 + 'Bully' Talk!
Enjoy the podcast!
2020-12-09
Every gamer has holes in their resume. Big titles they missed out on when they were hot and fresh, and never had a chance to go back to. A couple of mine were the big Disney titles, including the focus of this episode: Aladdin for the SNES.
"The Genesis version is better!" I know, I know. We talk about that, too.
I played this bad boy for the first time a couple months ago, and while it's no Super Mario Bros, it was a damned solid little platformer. And I figured it deserved it's own hour in the Remember The Game? spotlight. My guest and former RTG Hall of Fame Mark McCue agreed, and we had a nice little chat about Aladdin, that little monkey, and a big fat blue guy.
And as always, before we get into your feature presentation, it's the RTG Industries Infamous Intro! I talk about whether or not game reviewers are entitled to free copies of games, game suggestions from listeners, what classic game franchise would make a good TV show, and more!
And of course, we play 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One'. This time around, it's the 'Disney' Edition, starring The Lion King, The Castle of Illusion: Starring Mickey Mouse, and The Little Mermaid.
If you want to skip to something specific, here's where to go:
0:00 - 1:54 Intro
1:54 - 6:33 Initial self-indulgent rambling
6:33 - 18:30 'Blowing In The Cartridge' (Listener comments & questions, and Letter Time!)
18:30 - 27:50 'Play One. Remake One. Erase One.'
27:50 - 29:08 What have I been playing?
29:08 - 30:45 Listener's 'Aladdin' Memories
30:45 + 'Aladdin' Talk!
Enjoy the podcast!
2020-12-02
I think we've had more requests to review this movie on the show than just about any game we haven't covered yet. I had no idea it had the following it did, but your wish is my (eventual) command. Get out your Power Gloves, fire up Mario 3, and say "Californiaaaaa" a few times; we're reviewing The Wizard.
Is it a great movie? Not at all. But if you grew up in the NES's prime years, The Wizard is a 2 hour trip back to your childhood. It's basically a long-ass Nintendo commercial, and it's awesome. My buddy Tyler returns to the show this week, and man oh man did we have a good time talking about Fred Savage and Lucas and all the other weirdos in this movie.
And as always, before we get to the main course, you get a delicious appetizer in the RTG Industries Infamous Intro! I talk about what Venom wears under the symbiote, would I like another TMNT movie in the style of the original trilogy, why I won't give out another perfect review score on the show, and more!
We also have a spin-off edition of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One'; it's 'WATCH One, Remake One, Erase One'!! We're talking gaming movies on the 'Crappy video game movie' edition of the show, starring DOOM, The Super Mario Bros. Movie, and the Street Fighter movie.
If you want to skip to something specific, here's where to go:
0:00 - 2:40 Intro
2:40 - 6:33 Initial self-indulgent rambling
6:33 - 13:40 'Blowing In The Cartridge' (Listener comments & questions, and Letter Time!)
13:40 - 24:56 'WATCH One. Remake One. Erase One.'
24:56 - 27:23 What have I been playing?
27:23 - 30:10Listener's 'The Wizard' Memories
30:10 + 'The Wizard' Talk!
Enjoy the podcast!
2020-11-25
I don't throw the word 'hero' around very often. But The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past is a damned hero.
For my money, it's the best game in the Zelda catalog. I love the combat, the graphics, the music, the items, the world, the exploration. I love it. I hate the boulders on Death Mountain, but I even love Death Mountain.
We talked about A Link to the Past back on episode 3 of the show, but we had no idea what we were doing back then. We still don't, but we have more listeners now and everyone should love this game. Bradley McCue gave me a ring on the ol' Batphone, and we spent an hour blowing smoke right up Link's ass this week.
And as always, before the game talk, it's the fabled 'Remember The Game?' intro! I talk about games that end with cliff-hangers, what video game character can eat the most hot dogs, should Game of the Year awards wait until January, and more!
We also have another ripping edition of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One'. This week, sticking with the theme of Zelda, it's the 'old Zelda games that aren't Ocarina of Time' edition, starring original Legend of Zelda, Zelda 2: The Adventure of Link, and The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask.
If you want to skip to something specific, here's where to go:
0:00 - 1:45 Intro
1:45 - 7:21 Initial self-indulgent rambling
7:21 - 17:08 'Blowing In The Cartridge' (Listener comments & questions, and Letter Time!)
17:08 - 28:09 'Play One. Remake One. Erase One.'
28:09 - 32:43 A copy of Super Mario Bros 3 sold for $156,000!?
32:43 - 33:45 What have I been playing?
33:45 - 36:35 Listener's 'Link to the Past' Memories
36:35 + The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past Talk!
Enjoy the podcast!
2020-11-18
We waited too long to talk Bubble Bobble. I know it, I admit it, I apologize for it, and I plan to fix it right fucking now.
This is one of those games that everyone knows. Even if you didn't play it back in the day, you've heard of it. The gameplay is very simple, and so damned fun. One of the things I adore about (good) retro video games is that they didn't rely on 4k ray tracing dynamic explosive graphics or fancy controllers, they were either fun or they weren't. No smoke and mirrors. Bubble Bobble falls into that category, and games like this are timeless. Absolutely timeless.
My buddy and fellow old piece of shit Brad is back on the show this week, and we spent a nice little chunk of time talking about blowing bubbles and eating candy and running away from a stupid fucking white ghost whale that eats souls.
And as always, before the game talk, it's the fabled 'Remember The Game?' intro! I talk about teachers being under-appreciated, the Uncharted series, when we'll start talking PS3 and Xbox 360 on the show, and more!
We also have another ripping edition of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One'. This week, sticking with the theme of Bubble Bobble, it's the 'cute gaming characters that have apparent eating disorders' edition, starring Yoshi, Snake Rattle N' Roll, and Kirby's Adventure.
If you want to skip to something specific, here's where to go:
0:00 - 2:05 Intro
2:06 - 10:30 Initial self-indulgent rambling
10:30 - 19:32 'Blowing In The Cartridge' (Listener comments & questions, and Letter Time!)
19:32 - 30:00 'Play One. Remake One. Erase One.' - Snake Rattle N'Roll, Yoshi, Kirby's Adventure.
30:00 - 32:55 Did you know the original PlayStation could recover deleted save files!?
32:55 - 34:05 What have I been playing?
34:05 - 36:20 Listener's 'Bubble Bobble' Memories
36:20 + Bubble Bobble Talk!
Enjoy the podcast!
2020-11-11
A lot of people would argue that The Simpsons should have stopped churning out episodes years ago, because the quality isn't what it used to be. I can't believe that you can say the same thing about their video games, but maybe you can.
The Simpsons Arcade Game was the first video game made for the franchise. It's a pretty primitive beat 'em up, and while it may not be as complex or ambitious as some of their future games, I think most Simpsons fans would agree that it's still more fun. And seeing as it came out in 1991, around the same time 'Simpson-Mania' took off, it's understandable that so many old-school fans of the series have fond memories of playing it.
Fellow Simpson nerd and frequent guest Chris Heber is back on the show this week, and we went over our memories of pumping quarter after quarter (or Chuck-E-Cheese token after Chuck-E-Cheese token) into this game back in the day, and while it's still so well regarded almost 30 years later.
And before we talk about Marge's vacuum swinging antics, it's the fabled 'Remember The Game?' intro! I talk about gaming franchises I'd like to see squished together, whether or not people should sell their PS4s and Xbox Ones, and more!
We also have another ripping edition of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One'. This week it's the 'Beat 'em Up' edition, starring Double Dragon, Spider-Man & Venom: Maximum Carnage, and Streets of Rage 2.
If you want to skip to something specific, here's where to go:
0:00 - 3:27 Intro
3:28 - 8:38 Initial self-indulgent rambling
8:38 - 17:00 'Blowing In The Cartridge' (Listener comments & questions, and Letter Time!)
17:01 - 26:48 'Play One. Remake One. Erase One.' - Spider-Man & Venom: Maximum Carnage, Streets of Rage 2, Double Dragon.
26:49 - 28:45 What have I been playing?
28:46 - 31:30 Listener's Simpsons Arcade Game Memories
31:30 + Simpsons Arcade Game Talk!
Enjoy the podcast!
2020-11-04
There are some timeless retro gaming debates. Nintendo or SEGA? Super Mario Bros 3 or Super Mario World? And if you're a Mega Man fan; Mega Man 2 or Mega Man 3?
These two games will be compared to each other forever, and there really is no clear winner (they're both fucking awesome). We covered Mega Man's second game way back on episode 5 of the show, and finally 2 years later, we're talking Mega Man 3. This is the game that introduced the power slide, Proto Man, and Rush; three staples of the Blue Bomber's core series. It truly is one of the best video games ever made.
My buddy and podcast regular Bradley McCue is my guest this week, and we spent almost an hour talking about the greatness that is Mega Man 3. Buckle up and get ready for a long one, I think this is the lengthiest podcast in RTG history.
And before we talk Mega Man and friends, it's the fabled 'Remember The Game?' intro! I apologize to the city of Great Britain, we talk about micro-transactions in gaming, discuss waiting to upgrade to a Playstation 5 or Xbox Series X/S, and more!
We also have another ripping edition of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One'. This week it's the 'Capcom' edition, starring Mega Man 2, Chip N Dale: Rescue Rangers, and Street Fighter II.
If you want to skip to something specific, here's where to go:
0:00 - 5:10 Intro and apology to Great Britain
5:11 - 9:25 Initial self-indulgent rambling
9:25 - 22:10 'Blowing In The Cartridge' (Listener comments & questions, and Letter Time!)
22:10 - 32:16 'Play One. Remake One. Erase One.' - Mega Man 2, Street Fighter II, Chip N Dale: Rescue Rangers.
31:20 - 33:55 What have I been playing?
33:55 - 36:40 Listener's Mega Man 3 Memories
36:40 + Mega Man 3 Talk!
Enjoy the podcast!
2020-10-28
South Park won this month's Patreon poll, so you have nobody to blame for this episode but yourselves.
This game fucking sucks. I remember playing it back in High School and the multiplayer was good for a laugh, but man oh man the campaign deserves some vintage Kenny treatment. Absolutely awful. And those turkeys? Don't even get me started.
My buddy Andre (who was also my guest for the Ecco the Dolphin episode because he's a sicko) is back this week, and we went over why South Park sucks so much on this week's show. Enjoy the podcast and then forget that this game even exists.
And before that, it's the fabled 'Remember The Game?' intro! I talk about a review that called me a 'rambling idiot' (spot on), Atari's new hotels, could SEGA compete with Nintendo in 2020? And more!
We also have another fantastic edition of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One'. This week it's the 'Scary retro games that haven't already been remade and aren't Silent Hill or Castlevania' edition, starring Maniac Mansion, Zombies Ate My Neighbours, and Haunting: Starring Polterguy.
If you want to skip to something specific, here's where to go, Stephen:
0:00 - 11:18 Initial self-indulgent rambling
11:19 - 23:50 'Blowing In The Cartridge' (Listener comments & questions, and Letter Time!)
23:51 - 31:19 'Play One. Remake One. Erase One.' - Maniac Mansion, Haunted: starring Polterguy, Zombies Ate My Neighbours.
31:20 - 32:27 What have I been playing?
32:28 - 33:40 Listener's Sonic Adventures Memories
33:41 + South Park Talk!
Enjoy the podcast!
2020-10-21
For the first time in the history of Remember The Game?, I'm doing an apology episode.
I've always been anti-Mario 64. I didn't like it when it came out and I've been quite vocal about it. But I recently played through it for the first time since the 90's, thanks to Mario 3D All-Stars. And I was wrong. It's fantastic.
It's not perfect. The camera can be a jerk and the flying is hilariously bad. But a healthy serving of nostalgia combined with the lack of the Nintendo 64 controller has turned me around on Super Mario 64. I'm solo this week, and I want to apologize.
And before that, it's the fabled 'Remember The Game?' intro! We talk about renting video games back in the day, games we continue to play even though they suck, and the NES's 35th birthday!
We also have another fantastic edition of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One'. This week it's the 'Happy Birthday NES' edition, starring Contra, Bat-Man, and Mike Tyson's Punch-Out!!
Enjoy the podcast!
2020-10-14
It took 119 episodes, and a patreon poll victory, but we're finally talking SEGA Dreamcast on Remember The Game? And what better place to start than with the game that started it all - Sonic Adventure.
There's certainly a lot to criticize here. The camera. The glitches and bugs. Horrible voice acting. A certain cat (FUCKKKKKKKK!!!) And we do indeed criticize all of that. But we also talk about how fun this game is when this stuff gets out of the way, and how this game really was a great debut title for the Dreamcast. My guest this week is my pal and Sega lover Chris Heber, and we spent an hour talking about the good and bad aspects of Sonic's 3D debut.
And before Chris and I complain about that jungle and that fucking cat, it's the fabled 'Remember The Game?' intro! We talk about the possibility of a new Nintendo 64 console, the rumours surrounding the Dreamcast mini, kickstarting video games, and more!
We also have another fantastic edition of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One'. This week it's the 'First Person Shooter' edition, starring Half-Life 2, Perfect Dark, and Turok: Dinosaur Hunter.
If you want to skip to something specific, here's where to go:
0:00 - 7:50 Initial self-indulgent rambling
7:51 - 21:40 'Blowing In The Cartridge' (Listener comments & questions, and Letter Time!)
21:41 - 30:19 'Play One. Remake One. Erase One.' - Silent Hill, Metal Gear Solid, Castlevania: SOTN.
30:20 - 33:24 SEGA Dreamcast Mini Rumours
33:25 - 35:14 What have I been playing?
35:15 - 37:18 Listener's Sonic Adventures Memories
37:19 + Sonic Adventure Talk!
Enjoy the podcast!
2020-10-07
Remember when Nintendo and Rare were the gaming tag team champions? Banjo-Kazooie, Goldeneye, Perfect Dark, and Conker's Bad Fur Day...Good times. And in the case of Conker, hilarious times.
This game has some warts. The gameplay isn't great, the camera sucks, the controls aren't very good. But the sheer hilarity Bad Fur Day brings to the table neutralizes most of that. I would put this game right up alongside the two South Park RPGs as the funniest damned games I've ever played in my life.
FORMER 'Remember The Game?' Hall of Famer Mark McCue agrees with me. We spent a good hour getting angry at this game, and then laughing about the same stuff that pissed us off. If you like Conker's Bad Fur Day, you'll love this episode.
And before Mark and I talk about fighting giant piles of poo and watching pitchforks try to kill themselves, it's the fabled 'Remember The Game?' intro! We talk about the movie Grandma's Boy (ugh), the possibility of another Playstation Vita, have a great discussion about Playstation's refusal to adopt a Gamepass style subscription service, and more!
We also have another fantastic edition of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One'. This week it's 'Konami/Playstation One games that haven't already been remade' edition, starring Silent Hill, Metal Gear Solid, and Castlevania: Symphony of the Night.
If you want to skip to something specific, here's where to go:
0:00 - 8:25 Initial self-indulgent rambling
8:26 - 24:45 'Blowing In The Cartridge' (Listener comments & questions, and Letter Time!)
24:46 - 34:22 'Play One. Remake One. Erase One.' - Silent Hill, Metal Gear Solid, Castlevania: SOTN.
34:23 - 35:46 NHL 94 Rewind is kinda neat
35:47 - 37:55 What have I been playing?
37:56 - 40:35 Listener's Conker's Bad Fur Day Memories
40:36+ Conker Talk!
Enjoy the podcast!
2020-09-30
Another wrestling game? Damned right it's another wrestling game. I love wrestling almost as much as I love video games. And for my money, Tecmo World Wrestling is as good as it gets before the Nintendo 64.
It isn't perfect. No big name wrestlers, no tag team matches or variants at all. But damned if this game isn't just straight up fun. Plus the commentary is better than most CURRENT wrestling games!
My friend and returning guest Brad agrees with me. We had a hell of a time talking Tecmo World Wrestling, and if we don't convince you this game is worth your time by the end of the podcast, I don't know what it'll take. This shit is still real to us, dammit!
And before Brad and I talk about headlocks and bodyslams, it's the fabled 'Remember The Game?' intro! We chat about some new stuff I'm rolling out for the podcast, we talk about the Among Us phenomenon, whether or not esports will catch on in North America, and more!
Qe also have another fantastic edition of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One'. This week it's the weird mutant animal edition, starring Ninja Turtles, toads that battle and a fox that flies a spaceship.
If you want to skip to something specific, here's where to go:
0:00 - 8:32 Initial self-indulgent rambling
8:33 - 18:53 'Blowing In The Cartridge' (Listener comments & questions, and Letter Time!)
18:54 - 28:18 'Play One. Remake One. Erase One.' - TMNT, Battletoads, and Star Fox.
28:19 - 29:39 What have I been playing?
29:40 - 30:50 Listener's Tecmo World Wrestling Memories
30:51+ Tecmo World Wrestling Talk!
Enjoy the podcast!
2020-09-23
GTA: San Andreas HAS to be one of the biggest retro games we've never covered on the show. Fortunately for you, dear listener, it won our Patreon poll. And with that nail biting victory, it locked down a spot in our podcast rotation.
I had never played this game prior to it winning our poll. And damned if I didn't sit down and power through this entire campaign. I still have a mountain of side missions and collectables and stuff to go back to, but I beat the game. I'm not the world's biggest GTA fan, and this is actually the first GTA game I've ever played through to the end. Is it good enough to convert me into a Grand Thefting Autoite? You'll have to listen to find out.
My buddy Andre is a big GTA fan, he played this game religiously when it came out, and we break down the good, the bad, and the RC plane flying mission of GTA: San Andreas over an hour or so.
And BEFORE we get into CJ and friends, it's the fabled Remember The Game? intro! I share some quick thoughts on the Microsoft/Bethesda acquisition, look into what was waiting at the end of the Hero Quest countdown clock we mentioned last week, talk a little Nintendo LEGO and more!
Plus, we also have another fantastic edition of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One'. This edition features the three worst games we've covered on the podcast so far.
If you want to skip to something specific, here's where to go:
0:00 - 8:20 Initial self-indulgent rambling
8:21 - 17:27 'Blowing In The Cartridge' (Listener comments & questions, and Letter Time!)
17:28 - 27:22 'Play One. Remake One. Erase One.' - Ecco The Dolphin, Virtual Bart, Mario Is Missing
27:23 - 29:05 The board game Hero Quest is back!?
29:06 - 30:48 What have I been playing?
30:49 - 34:14 Listener's GTA: San Andreas Memories
34:15+ GTA: San Andreas talk!
Enjoy the podcast!
2020-09-16
We talked about Super Mario RPG: The Legend of the Seven Stars wayyyyy back on episode 9 of the podcast. And 106 episodes later, we're doing it again. Because this game is so good it deserves two podcasts.
That, and we're re-visiting some of the mega-hit games we covered in the early days of the podcast because our show is better now than it was back then and I hate that some of the best games ever didn't get the profanity laced, pumped full of passion podcasts we churn out now. So this week's episode is an hour of gushing over Mario, Bowser, GENO, and I guess a little Mallow, even though he sucks.
I've probably finished this game a dozen times. My guest Tyler hasn't actually beaten it yet, but he's gotten far enough to know it's something special. Rest assured, we're gonna make sure you feel the same way by the time we're done, too.
And first, the fabled Remember The Game? intro! We talk about third party Switch docks, I rant about how stupid "fanboys" are (again), and the board game Hero Quest is back?????
Plus, we also have another fantastic edition of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One' and more!
Also, this week's episode is sponsored by our friends at the 'Press Start 2 Join' Podcast! Look for them wherever you get podcasts, or at ps2jshow.com!
And toss 'em a follow! Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook @ps2jshow
If you want to skip to something specific, here's where to go:
0:00 - 8:05 Initial self-indulgent rambling
8:06 - 16:05 'Blowing In The Cartridge' (Listener comments & questions, and Letter Time!)
16:06 - 24:50 'Play One. Remake One. Erase One.' - Super Mario RPG, Paper Mario, Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door
24:55 - 26:32 What have I been playing?
26:33 - 28:27 Listener's Super Mario RPG Memories
28:27+ Super Mario RPG talk!
Enjoy the podcast!
2020-09-09
Sure, maybe we're trying to ride the Mario 35th Anniversary Direct's momentum and use their hashtags to get attention. And sure, maybe we talk a lot of Mario on this show as it is. But hey, it's Mario. He can do whatever he wants around here.
This week, we're talking about the weirdo of the Mario family, Super Mario Sunshine on the ill-fated Nintendo Gamecube (and the Nintendo Switch next week!) This was the only Mario game I hadn't finished, and based on the feedback we're received, the same applies to a lot of you. Should you finish it? Yeah, but....(listen to the show and see the but is!)
My old buddy Bradley McCue is my guest this week, and while perhaps a little alcohol was consumed, we had some laughs and broke down the good and bad of Super Mario Sunshine.
And first, the fabled Remember The Game? intro! Which includes some Mario 3D All-Stars talk, are all the remakes and remasters coming out these days making the original games obsolete? We also have another fantastic edition of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One' and more!
If you want to skip to something specific, here's where to go:
0:00 - 5:40 Initial self-indulgent rambling
5:41 - 17:15 'Blowing In The Cartridge' (Listener comments & questions, and Letter Time!)
17:31 - 27:53 'Play One. Remake One. Erase One.' - Final Fantasy II/IV, Final Fantasy III/VI, Final Fantasy IX
27:54 - 30:57 What have I been playing?
30:58 - 33:25 Listener's Super Mario Sunshine Memories
33:26+ Super Mario Sunshine talk!
Enjoy the podcast!
2020-09-02
People write Kirby off these days, and it's a damned shame. His modern games might be too easy and kinda lame, but back in the day he was a beast. And for my money, he was never more beastly than he was in Kirby Superstar.
This title was 8 games in 1 (9 in 1 if you want to get technical), and while a couple of the modes were a little lazy, there's a ton of quality meat on the bone here. A clever second player mechanic, absolutely gorgeous graphics, a banging soundtrack and a smorgasbord of cool powers makes this a title that really is worth playing, even today.
Former Hall of Fame Mark McCue makes his triumphant return to the podcast this week, and we're explain why all you Kirby haters should stop hatin' and start playing Kirby Superstar!
And before we inhale enemies and poop their souls into adorable sidekicks, there's the fabled Remember The Game? intro! Which includes trying to help a community member find their first RPG, the release of a new Commodore 64 (?), another fantastic edition of 'Play One, Remake One, Erase One', and more!
Also, an insanely sincere thank-you to the 'Press Start 2 Join' podcast for sponsoring this episode of the show! It's a really great technology and gaming podcast that I listen to myself, and I can't recommend it enough.
Find them wherever you get podcasts, or hit up ps2jshow.com. You can find them on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook @ps2jshow as well!! Show them some love!
If you want to skip to something specific, here's where to go:
0:00 - 6:00 Initial self-indulgent rambling
6:01 - 17:30 'Blowing In The Cartridge' (Listener comments & questions, and Letter Time!)
17:31 - 26:28 'Play One. Remake One. Erase One.' - Sonic 2, Shinobi 3, Phantasy Star IV
26:29 - 28:07 The Commodore 64 is back?!
28:08 - 30:25 What have I been playing?
30:26 - 31:40 Listeners Kirby Superstar Memories
31:41+ Kirby Superstar talk!
Enjoy the podcast!
2020-08-26
There isn't a franchise in gaming that I'm more nervous to talk about the show than Pokemon. The fanbase is rabidly loyal and knowledgeable, and I just know I'm gonna say something stupid.
That said, let's talk Pokemon! Pokemon Emerald, specifically. This bad boy won our Patreon poll last month, I know how many of you love this franchise, and I was pretty excited to play a Pokemon game I haven't played before. I have to say, this is a pretty divisive title online, and after playing it, I understand why. There was some stuff I loved, and some stuff I fucking hated.
I went out and got my buddy Miklos for this episode, a certified Pokemon junkie, and he picks up the slack this time around. He doesn't dislike the extras nearly as much as I do, and it actually made for a pretty tolerable podcast.
And before we get into monsters of pockets, we talk about a bunch of stuff, including what I've been playing, are modern retro consoles "cheating"?, and which Nintendo characters would I use for a beat 'em up game?
If you want to skip to something, here's where to go:
2:22 - 9:30: What's happening behind the scenes at 'Remember The Game?'
9:30 - 24:29: 'Blowing In The Cartridge' (Listener comments & questions, and Letter Time!)
24:30 - 33:55 'Play One. Remake One. Erase One.' - Super Mario 64, GoldenEye 007, Ocarina of Time
33:56 - 36:05: What have I been playing?
36:05 - 37:56: Listeners Pokemon Emerald Memories
37:57+: Pokemon Emerald
Enjoy the podcast!
2020-08-19
We finally delivered the Resident Evil 2 episode. Are you happy now?
Leon, Claire, zombies, Mr. X. It's all here. You all know damned well what this game is, which is why you've been asking for this episode for so long. My buddy Tyler and I had a nice long chat about the going ons inside the RCPD, and I hope you enjoy it.
But first!
It's a new era here it Remember The Game? Industries. Our gaming news show debuts this Friday, and that means the intro to this show isn't about gaming news anymore, it's about retro games!
I debut a few new segments this week, and share quite a few listener thoughts and comments as well. Feel free to skip around if you want to, here's the show breakdown:
2:35 - 10:03: Breaking down our new weekly podcast schedule, project level up progress, and SHOUT-OUTS!!
10:04 - 22:43: 'Blowing In The Cartridge' (Listener comments & questions, and Letter Time!)
22:43 - 26:48: 'Play One. Remake One. Erase One.' - The NES Super Mario Bros Trilogy
26:49 - 28:45: Retro Gaming News
28:46 - 29:50: What have I been playing?
29:51 - 33:10: Listener's Resident Evil 2 Memories
33:11+: Resident Evil 2
Enjoy the podcast!
2020-08-12
I don't think there's a game I love more that gets less damned love from people than Mario Kart: Double Dash!! (I had to read that a couple times to make sure it made sense)
The two drivers in one kart mechanic was a great idea that added a fantastic layer of depth and strategy to the Mario Kart series, and frankly I think it should be an option in all Mario Kart games moving forward. Add in some of my all-time favourite tracks and that game changing controller, and you have yourself a damned gem of a game.
Ironically, I'm solo this week to talk about a game that revolves around teams of two. But I had a great time talking to myself about Mario Kart: Double Dash's greatness, and I hope you enjoy it too.
If that's all you're here for, skip to 30:55. It's a longer intro than normal, but I really hope you listen to the first 7 or 8 minutes before you skip. Or at least swing by RememberTheGamePodcast.com and read the blog I've posted. I'm making some massive changes to our product over the next couple weeks, and I'd love a chance to explain them to you.
And you should listen to the whole thing anyway! Because before we get into Mario Kart...
...Halo Infinite has been delayed. What is Microsoft gonna launch the Series X with now??
...Spider-Man is exclusive to the Playstation build of Avengers, and people are pissed. Are exclusives bad for gaming?
...When the hell are we getting GTA VI???
And more!
Thanks for listening, and thanks for the support. You guys rock.
Enjoy your podcast!
2020-08-05
Before there was SEGA vs Nintendo, Playstation vs Xbox, or Mortal Kombat vs Street Fighter, there was Ice Hockey vs Blades of Steel.
We covered Ice Hockey wayyyy back on episode 49, and now we're finally looking at the other side of the frozen coin. Blades of Steel was my personal preference between the two, and I have a great time explaining why with my childhood chum Dan on the show this week.
It's The Pass! Hit The Pass! With The Pass! Whatever they say, it helped make this game iconic, and it's about damned time Blades got it's moment in the Remember The Game? sun.
If that's all you're here for, skip to 23:48.
Or be a good teammate and listen to the whole thing! Because before we get into Blades of Steel I share my thoughts on...
- The new Battletoads game!!
- Luigi was supposed to be in Mario 64!?!?
- What games do you want to play again, but know you'll never have the time?
And more!
Enjoy the podcast!
2020-07-29
Final Fantasy is one of the most iconic franchises in gaming. And unlike other hall of fame series like Zelda, Mario, Halo, and Sonic, I've never played the game that launched the franchise. Until this month, when Final Fantasy won our Patreon poll and was thrown into my backlog.
And all of you, every person that reached out, said "Don't play the NES version. Play a remake!" and I thought you were all wimps. Turns out, you knew what you were talking about.
I finished the original Final Fantasy on my NES Classic. It took forever, but I did it. And while it was fun, I'm NEVER firing up the NES version of this game again. Why is it so bad? My buddy Miklos and I will tell you on this week's episode of the show.
Skip to 28:20 if that's all you're after.
Or listen to the whole thing, dammit. Because we have a lot to discuss this week, including:
- Microsoft showed us games last week. And the internet hated them.
- Which is stupid. So after I talk Microsoft I rant about losers on the internet.
- Why do retro game collectors collect retro games? To play them? As an investment? Let's talk about it.
And more!
2020-07-24
Before Gamespot, IGN, and YouTube, we had Video & Arcade Top 10.
It aired in Canada on YTV from 1991 - 2006, and kids watched it religiously. It featured kids playing the newest video games, along with other gaming, music and movie news. I vividly remember seeing Super Mario RPG for the first time on this show and losing my mind! Kids across Canada loved everything about V&A Top 10, including it's longtime host, Nicholas Picholas.
14 years after the show's run ended, Nicholas still gets for his work on Video & Arcade Top 10. I reached out to him on Twitter to see if he would be willing to come on the podcast and talk about his time on the show, and he was quick to accept the invitation. He couldn't have been a nicer guy, and it was a real dream come true for 10 year old me to get to talk with the guy I spent so many hours looking up to as a kid.
We get into the production of the show and what it was like during tapings. Nicholas also explains the origins of the iconic "It's Letter time, it's letter tiiiiimmeee" jingle, where his nickname came from, and more!
I hope you all enjoy this special edition of 'Remember The Game?' as much as I did!
You can find Nicholas Picholas on Twitter and Instagram @nickinbuffalo. Throw him a follow!
2020-07-22
If you listen to the show at all, you know that I love wrestling games. Particularly the Nintendo 64 wrestling games. But what if you took the engine from those games, replaced the wrestlers with rappers, piped in some of their music and made them fight each other?
You'd have Def Jam Vandetta. And it would be as awesome as it sounds. I loved these games for the fun gameplay, and it introduced me to music I wasn't familiar with. My buddy Alex loved the music, and discovered games that are as much fun to play as they are to listen to. It's like peanut butter and chocolate, but better! Or more violent, anyway.
Alex and I are gonna explain why the Def Jam games were so awesome on this week's podcast. Def Jam is one of the most requested series we get here at RTG Industries, and I'm happy we're finally making it happen.
If that' all you're here for, skip to 23:50.
Or listen to the whole show! Because before we get into Method Man vs DMX, there's a lot to talk about. Such as...
- What the hell is Nintendo going to do this Fall???
- Microsoft can't afford to screw up their Series X presentation tomorrow.
- A copy of Super Mario Bros. sold for $114, 000!!!!!
And lots more! Enjoy the show!
2020-07-15
We've been kicking around 'revisiting' some of the games we covered in the early days of the podcast for a while, and the time has come. This week's episode is about the greatest game on the greatest console in the history of the greatest hobby in history; Super Mario World.
My ol' buddy (and potential Hall of Famer) Mark McCue is back this week, and we dedicated over an hour to Mario's greatest adventure. And we could have kept going! Maybe a Part 3 down the road...?
Either way, we talk a lot of Super Mario World on this episode. If that's all you're here for, skip to 19:30.
Or listen to the whole show! Because before we get into Mario and friends, there's a lot to talk about. Such as...
- Ubisoft's presentation this weekend. We look at the good, and the Vikings...
- Nintendo added more games to their Online service, including the phenomenal Donkey Kong Country!
- How much should you pay for GameCube these days?
And lots more! Enjoy the show!
2020-07-08
Over the past few months, I've been playing a lot of old school Playstation. Metal Gear Solid, Spyro the Dragon, WWF SmackDown!, Crash Bandicoot, and now Medievil. And I have to say; while they aren't the prettiest games, Sony's little grey box holds up!
Medievil was the runner up in our Patreon Poll a couple months ago, and a very vocal percentage of our listeners wanted an episode about Sir Fortesque and his weird world. I've always been intrigued by it, so I figured "what the hell?" and fired it up. It controls like a shopping cart, but even with that wart, it was absolutely delightful.
My buddy Andre thinks so, too. He was on me to talk Medievil the second it showed up on our poll, and I think you're really gonna enjoy this episode of the show. This game oozes charm, and...ooze. We like it a lot, and we tell you why on this episode of the show.
If that's all you're here for, skip to 20:35.
Or listen to the whole show! Because before we get into Medievil, there's a lot to talk about. Such as...
- Fallout is getting a TV show!!
- Min Min is in Smash Bros. Who's Min Min, you ask? I was gonna ask you...
- We're getting a ton of demos on the Xbox One later this month. Why aren't there more demos!?!?!
- Is Mark McCue going back into the Hall of Fame? And do you guys want a Dinopark Tycoon episode of the show?
And more!
Enjoy the show!
2020-07-01
I have to give credit where it's due, covering this game on the show was a great idea. And it wasn't mine.
Former Remember The Game? Hall of Famer Mark McCue suggested we talk about Oregon Trail, and it was a great suggestion. This was a really fun episode to record, and everybody (over the age of 30) played this game in school. Most of us remember it being awesome, too. But I'm gonna let you in on a little secret.
It wasn't.
It was fun because we weren't in class. You can't convince me that if you were sitting on the couch and you could play Super Mario Bros or Oregon Trail, you'd rather play a game where you're lost in the woods and fighting off Malaria over saving a Princess. It's not on the level of most of the NES, SNES, or (sigh) Geneeis games we played growing up. But you know what? It's better than fucking Mario is Missing. So tip of the hat to ol' Mark McCue.
If that's all you're interested in, skip ahead to 19:20. (And visit ClassicReload.com to fire up Oregon Trail and judge whether or not it's fun for yourself).
Before we get into the Trail, I have a few things to weigh in on:
- We got some new Cyberpunk 2077 info, and holy hell does that game look rad!
- I can't wait for Crash Bandicoot 4. But is it gonna get bogged down with micro-transactions?
- For just $260 you can play your Sega CD games on...your Genesis...
And I announce July's Patreon Poll games!
Load up your Ox, grab some spare wagon wheels and enjoy the show!
2020-06-24
I know, I know, another wrestling game.
Listen, The Undertaker is retiring (allegedly). That's a big deal. Plus, I love wrestling, lots of you love wrestling, and I want to try and cash in on all the wrestling and Undertaker hash tagging on social media right now. So know your role.
WWF SmackDown! was the Playstation's answer to the Nintendo 64's vastly superior WWF games. And while it's not as good as those games, it was still damned fun. Frankly, I think it's a little underrated. It brought some rad features to the table, and SmackDown evolved into the SmackDown vs RAW series, which eventually became the 2K wrestling titles. So it's kind of important.
My buddy, frequent podcast guest and fellow booger eating wrestling fan Andre is back on the show this week, and we're gonna break down the Stone Cold-esque highs and the Al Snow style lows of the original Playstation's WWF SmackDown!
If that's all you're here for, skip to 20:50.
Or pay attention to the entire thing! Because before we get into The Rock and friends, I have a lot say about this stuff:
- EA showed us some games. And nobody really cared.
- We're getting a new Pokemon Snap! (100% thanks to this show)
- Crash Bandicoot is back, and holy hell I can't wait to play this!
And more! Thanks for the support, enjoy the podcast!
2020-06-17
Simon Belmont is finally making his first appearance on Remember The Game?
The fact that it took 101 episodes to happen is unforgivable, but we're gonna right some wrongs in the next hundred episodes. Plus, Super Castlevania IV steamrolled the competition and took down last month's Patreon Poll, so here you go.
This game kicks some serious ass. I've always liked and respected the Castlevania games, but I never really put any time into finishing one until now. Thanks to my handy SNES Classic, I can say that I've beaten a Castlevania game, and damned if it doesn't make me want to add more to my resume. (Looking at you, Symphony of the Night...)
Co-host of The Movie Epidemic podcast Bradley McCue was kind enough to give me a call and talk Super Castlevania IV, and if you like fast talking blowhards rambling on about kick ass video games from 30 years ago, get comfy.
If that's all you're here for, skip to 18:00.
Or eat all your dinner and listen to the entire show. We roll out a brand new segment this week! Which involves your reaction to the Playstation 5 reveal. I have a few thoughts about it myself, including the odd design of the system and the games that looked the most interesting to me. I also talk about the gaming blackhole I'm wallowing in while I wait for The Last of Us Part II.
Just another day at Remember The Game? Industries. Enjoy the podcast!
2020-06-10
These days, huge game releases are the norm. You can pre-download titles on your consoles if you're buying them digitally, or line up at the store and get it at midnight if you want to, and everyone gets excited and fucking losers spoil games early for everyone and it's just craziness. That wasn't the case back in 2004. Until Halo 2 anyways.
The hype for the second Master Chief adventure was insane. We had all played the original Halo campaign to death, and we wanted more. People were completely addicted the multi-player and needed more levels to kill each other on. Halo 2 had promised an incredible new single player story, along with a beefed up multi-player mode, and the bar had been set almost unreachably high. Fortunately, Bungie came through. Not only did they reach the bar, they jumped over it and sniped a couple Grunts in the process.
I love this game, I think it has the best campaign in the series history, the multi-player is on point, Halo 2 rocks. My pal Tyler agrees, and we'd love to tell you all about it.
Skip to 20:00 if you just want that.
But I think you should listen to the whole thing. The music slaps, and before we get into Halo 2 I talk about a few things, including...
- Sony has announced a new date for their first big Playstation 5 presentation. What do I think we'll see, and when are we getting freaking pricing???
- Did SEGA's big announcement we teased last week live up to the hype?? (No.)
- A whole bunch of thank-yous, and I reveal the winner of our Switch Lite! If you want to see the video, it's available at this link: https://youtu.be/1ev8fwLVrAs
Thanks for listening, you guys are the best. Here's to 100 more. Enjoy the podcast!
2020-06-03
I'm a proud Canadian, a hockey fan, and it's episode number 99. So we had to talk something with Wayne Gretzky in it. Like NHL Stanley Cup...kinda...does. That's him on the cover! I think?
NHL Stanley Cup was NHL 94's vasty inferior competition. It doesn't have players names, full rosters, trades, the ability to edit lines, and really anything fun. All it had was a God-awful camera and goalies that couldn't look up. They tried to make a hockey game with the 'Mode 7' graphics thingy that made Super Mario Kart and F-Zero, and my buddy Brad and I had a great time explaining why it didn't work. At all. I owned this game as a kid and I used to really like it, but I'm not sure why...
If that's all you're here for, skip to 19:20. Or listen to the whole thing and hear me talk about:
- Sony was going to tell us about the Playstation 5 on June 4th, but they've (wisely) decided to delay it.
- Apparently we're getting some big SEGA news on June 4th instead. What could it be?? A Dreamcast mini? A SEGA network? SEGA is taking over Xbox????
- Minecraft has sold 200 million copies! Where does that stand up on the all-time sales charts, and does Minecraft belong on the list of the greatest games ever made?
And finally, this is your last week to get in on our Switch Lite draw! Deadline is June 8th. To enter, sign up for our Patreon (patreon.com/RememberTheGame) or send your answer to our trivia question to
memberthegame@gmail.com
Good luck and enjoy the podcast!
2020-05-27
Practically every list of the best original Xbox games has some combination of Halo, Halo 2, and Star Wars: Knight of the Old Republic as it's top 3 games.
That's a fantastic "top tier" of games, and for my money it stands against any consoles all-star lineup. We talked Halo back on episode 43, and Halo 2 will be popping by for episode 100. So today I figured we'd touch on the game most consider to be the best Xbox title NOT starring Master Chief; Star Wars: KOTOR. (Plus, it won the Patreon Poll for May, so a deal's a deal).
I'm new to the Star Wars universe, and this is actually the first Star Wars game I've ever played. And it was absolutely delightful! I'm worried the rest of the games based on the franchise won't live up to the standard KOTOR set for them. Which I guess is kind of like watching the movies after New Hope and Empire Strikes Back, but that's a discussion for a different podcast.
My buddy and RPG nerd Miklos is back on the show this week, and we had a great time talking about our adventures with Bastilla, HK-47, and stupid Carth. If that's all you're here for, skip to 16:00.
Or be a completionist and listen to the whole thing, because before we get into KOTOR, I talk about:
- Our episode 100 Switch Lite giveaway! Sign up for our Patreon to be entered automatically, or send your entries to the email address - memberthegame@gmail.com (deadline is June 8th, 2020)
- It's a great time to pick up a PS4 or an Xbox One, if you don't have one.
- I (quickly) rank the Star Wars movies, now that I'm a Star Wars guy.
Enjoy the show!
2020-05-20
We've waited long enough. It's time to talk about the iconic Metal Gear Solid. We covered the sequel back on episode 73, and the last 6 months people have been asking me "when are you covering the original?" Well, here it is. Yes, it's a better game, and yes, we probably should have covered it first, and yes it's awesome and yes we waited too long and, well, you get it.
Bradley McCue of The Movie Epidemic Podcast and I broke down the original Metal Gear Solid this week. And when I say we broke it down, I mean it. We cover the whole game, talk plot details, bosses, surprises, game mechanics. If you haven't played this game and still want to someday, maybe skip the second part of the show this week, because SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS!
On the other hand, if that's why you're here, skip to 11:20.
And before we get into the Playstation One gem that is MGS, I touch on a couple things. We're getting a new Paper Mario, and that's awesome! I think we're gonna get a smorgasbord of game announcements this Summer, and I can't wait. And speaking of this Summer, there are awesome games coming out every month from June - September! Who needs to go outside anyway??
And speaking of awesome, we're giving away a Nintendo Switch Lite! June 10th will be our 100th episode, and as a thank you for all the support, we're giving one listener a brand new Nintendo Switch Lite. And it's FREE TO ENTER!!
Listen to this week's intro for details, and send your answer to the trivia question (along with your name) to:
Memberthegame@gmail.com
Deadline is June 8th! And one entry per person, please. Don't be a douche.
Good luck and enjoy the podcast!
2020-05-13
It's 2 for 1 week here at Remember The Game industries! This time around, we're going back to the world of Link, boring talking owls and golden triangles. It's The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons & Oracle of Ages on the Game Boy Color!
If you never played these games, you're not alone (sadly). I feel like these are two of the most overlooked games in the Legend of Zelda's iconic catalog, and that's really too bad. They're both really, really good. The same basic engine as Link's Awakening, but there's colour, different characters, and there's TWO of them! They're linked (no pun intended) together, and it's a really cool concept.
My pal - resident Zelda superfan and former podcast Hall of Famer - Mark McCue is my guest this week, and we had a lot of fun breaking down how awesome the Oracle games are. If that's all you're here for, skip to 16:00.
Or don't be a Warp Whistles kid and listen to the whole podcast! Before we get into the ageless seasons, I talk about a bunch of stuff! Microsoft held their first Inside Xbox presentation last week, and everyone is mad at them (but they shouldn't be). Sony is launching Playstation Studios with the Playstation 5, and I think it's a great idea. And Tony Hawk Pro Skater is back!!!! *Insert Kermit freaking out GIF*
Plus I weigh in on what I've been playing, how bad I am at Twitch streaming, and lots more. Enjoy the podcast!
2020-05-06
We haven't shown the Game Boy Advance nearly enough love on this show. That's because I barely played mine back in it's prime, unfortunately. But one of the few GBA games I DID play (and love) is Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga.
If that's all you're here for, skip to 14:40.
This bad boy launched the "Mario & Luigi Handheld RPG" series, and along with the Paper Mario games, is the spiritual successor to legendary Super Mario RPG. It's full of charm, fun battle mechanics, overworked puzzle solving, and of course, Mario & Luigi.
I haven't played this game in probably fifteen years, and I still have a great fondness for it. It had a lasting affect on me, and it's generally considered one of the best games in the historic GBA library - for good reason. My guest this week is Bradley McCue from The Movie Epidemic podcast, and we had a great time talking about Mario & Luigi's quest to rescue Princess Peach's voice.
And before we get into this week's game, I have to ramble, of course. This month's Patreon poll is live, and you have a chance to pick one of the games we'll cover in an upcoming episode! Also, more news has come out regarding the Last of Us Part 2 leaks, and I get mad about all you spoiler asshats again.
I also rant about stupid kids on Reddit, and what life would have been like if social media had existed during the SNES/Sega Genesis wars. And Microsoft is giving us more info about the Series X this week! Where the hell is Sony???
Wash your hands, clean your controllers, look out for giant hornets, and enjoy this week's show!
2020-04-29
I say it every time I play a game I like for the first time, but one of the coolest things about this podcast is discover new games that I missed when they originally released. Shining Force, Shinobi 3 and Banjo-Kazooie have been my favourites so far, and you can add Spyro the Dragon to that list. This game is awesome! If that's all you're here for, skip to 18:00.
3D platformers have always been very hit and miss for me, but the crew at Insomniac deserve a ton of credit for making a game that's fun, charming, and just the right level of difficulty. Growing up, I skipped this game because I thought Spyro was for babies. It might start out pretty easy, but the final few levels of this game really crank up the difficulty, particularly if you're collecting everything (which you should be). I enjoyed this game so much I 120% completed it, and I hardly ever 100% games.
Spyro won our March Patreon Poll, and as promised, here's an episode about it. My buddy and fellow comedian Darren joins me to talk about one of his favourite games of all-time; Spyro the freaking Dragon.
And before we get into the little purple dragon that could, there's other stuff to talk about! I weigh in Expansion Pass returning to it's normal schedule after a shaky April. I'm trying to spend a *little* less time playing video games during these crazy times. And The Last of Us 2 has a new release date (YAY), because someone leaked the entire story and it's being spoiled all over the internet (Boo....).
Thanks for listening, clean your controllers, and enjoy the episode!
2020-04-22
Another Pokemon game. Kind of.
Every time we talk the monsters of pockets and their games, I get a little nervous. I know how passionate the die-hard pokeheads out there are, and one little mix-up or slip of the tongue can result in days of "actuallllllly" tweets and messages.
Mark McCue is my guest this week, and we decided to talk about the Nintendo 64 behemoth that was Pokemon Stadium. This game blew minds back in 1998, and it took those little blobs of pixels we called pets on Game Boy and made them giant blobs of pixels on TV. This game actually looked pretty fucking good for it's time, and I didn't realize just how many copies of Stadium had sold until I started working on this episode. We all played this game one way or another, and it damned well deserves it's moment in the Remember The Game spotlight.
If that's all you're here for, skip to 14:10.
Or listen to the whole thing (what else do you have to do?) and hear me share my thoughts on stuff like the losers out there using computer programs to buy up the world's Nintendo Switch reserves and the Mario Maker 2 update and whether or not it'll convince me to buy a copy of the game. I also touch on the upcoming PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X news that's allegedly coming, our Patreon is back, and I'll tell you about all the games I've been playing between naps over the last week!
Stay safe, clean your controllers, and enjoy this week's podcast!
2020-04-15
As you all know, I'm a former SEGA hater. I grew up on the SNES side of the 90's console wars, and missed out on most of the best games that were exclusive to Sega's little black box. In the last year or so, I've played Shining Force, Shinobi, Ecco the Dolphin; I'm trying to make up for lost time. One of the games that constantly pops up on the "best of" lists when it comes to the Genesis is Phantasy Star IV. So I finally got around to giving it a shot. And while I think calling it "Sega's Final Fantasy VI" is a little extreme, it's pretty good!
My buddy Chris is a Sega kid, and we had a good time breaking down the good, the bad, and the ugly about Chaz and friends. If that's all you're here for, skip to 15:00.
Before we get into Phantasy Star, I rambled like the old man that I am. I quickly touched on the sheer amount of sales going on in the gaming world right now, and whether or not physical game buyers are finally joining the digital team.
Sony is following in Ubisoft's footsteps and giving away games for free to try and get people to stay home, and publicity move or not, I think they deserve some love. Apparently Capcom is remaking Resident Evil 4, and I'll jump on any excuse to sing that game's praises. And finally, I'm playing a lot of video games right now, and I talk about them for a couple minutes.
We've done this 92 times, you guys know what to expect. Stay safe and enjoy the podcast!
2020-04-08
Even if you haven't played Megaman X3, you should still absolutely listen to this episode. Everyone has a played a MM game, so it's easy to follow along, and the music alone makes this worth your time.
That said, I love Megaman. But I don't love Megaman X3. It feels like a frustrating (VERY frustrating) incomplete MM game. My guest this week is the Movie Epidemic podcast's Bradley McCue, and we go over the good, the bad, and the ugly of X's third adventure. Angry Adam pops up a couple times too, if you like him. Skip to 23:05 if you're just here for that.
Or listen to the whole thing and hear me talk about:
- Final Fantasy VII Remake comes out this week!!!!
- Last of Us 2 isn't. In fact, we won't see it for a while...
- The Messenger is getting a prequel, and it looks like Chrono Trigger!
- People are scalping Nintendo Switches again!?
And more!
2020-04-01
I've wanted to talk about this movie for a 'spin-off' type episode of the show for a long time. But then we did. And I remembered how terrible it really is. I'm not a film buff, I don't pretend to know anything about movies. And if this movie wasn't called Super Mario Bros, it might have been a weird sci-fi flick that people didn't think was that bad.
But it was called Super Mario Bros. And it was that bad. As a kid, I loved it. I think most of us did. Mario and Luigi were real humans. And so was King Koopa! And...wait, what?
If you like the episodes of the podcast where I get angry and wound up, this one is for you. My pal Tyler is back this week, and we had a good time trying to figure out the plot to this stupid cash grab of a movie. If that's all you care about, skip to 24:08.
Or listen to the whole thing, because there's lots to talk about!
We're launching 'Remember The Game: Expansion Pass' this Sunday, and I tell you what the first episode will be about. I also give a quick shout-out to the show Video & Arcade Top 10, that apparently everyone remembers as fondly as I do!
Ubisoft is giving away free games to people that stay inside, which is cool. Nintendo rolled out a Mini-Direct last week, which is really cool. And I spend some time breaking down the rumours that Mario 64, Mario Sunshine and Mario Galaxy are coming to the Nintendo Switch, which is INSANELY COOL!!!!
This week is a roller coaster of emotions. Curl up on the couch and come for a ride with me.
2020-03-25
Some people skip episodes about games they don't know. I get that, but don't skip this one! You can play it online for free, so this is like a commercial for it. Plus, what else do you have to do these days??
The Lost Vikings is a platformer/puzzle game, originally released on the SNES and developed by Blizzard (the little known game developer behind World of Warcraft, Diablo, and Overwatch). Before anyone knew who they were, they made a game about three vikings and their adventures through spaceships, jungles and pyramids, and it was awesome.
This game isn't perfect, but it's fun, and it's charming as all hell. I used to play with my friend Daniel when we were kids, and we had a great time breaking down the good, the bad, and the ugly about Erik, Baleog, and Olaf (the vikings) adventure. If that's all you're here for, skip to 24:15.
Before we get into Lost Vikings, I get some stuff off my chest. I weigh in on the Corona situation quickly. I'm glad this show is helping some of you get through it, because you're all helping me more than you know.
Video games are helping us pass time too, and there's an INSANE run of new releases right now! I break down some of the top scoring games that have come out over the past few weeks. I also talk about all the games I've been playing while I'm locked down (including the return of my let's play series 'Adam Sucks at Video Games'!)
And finally, I rant about EB Games/Gamestop again, because their management team is hot garbage.
Enjoy the podcast, wash your hands (and your controllers), and stay safe.
OH YEAH! We're gonna try running another Mario Kart tourney Saturday night. Follow us on Twitter or Instagram for the tournament ID (we follow back!)
Twitter - @memberthegame
Instagram - @memberthegame
2020-03-18
I'm considering revoking Mark McCue's Hall of Fame status for suggesting we talk about this piece of crap.
Also, this episode contains more adult language than most episodes. You've been warned.
This week's episode is all about the "educational"- "Mario" - "video game" (imagine that was said with air quotes) that is Mario is Missing. What should have been a sequel to Super Mario World starring the often overlooked Luigi is really nothing more than a crappy history lesson. It was designed to fool parents (like mine) into buying their kids a game that looked like the one they've been playing since they got their SNES. I hate it.
If you only want to hear me yell about this dumb game, skip to 14:50.
Before I get into Mario Is Missing, I obviously address the Coronavirus that's taking over the world right now. There's a new perk for Patreons of the show, and I tell you all about it! And Xbox revealed some Series X specs that I don't understand.
Thanks for listening, enjoy the podcast, and wash your controllers.
Also, follow us on Instagram & Twitter @memberthegame - We follow back!
2020-03-11
It took us 87 episodes of the show to talk about Naughty Dog's apple collecting, box smashing, shirt not-wearing Bandicoot, and for that I apologize. But the day has finally come. We're talking Crash Bandicoot on the show this week, specifically Crash Bandicoot: Warped (3), and I'm damned excited. If you want to skip over my rambling and get right to Crash, skip to 17:20.
Also on this week's show:
- I give the second round of shout-outs to our Patreons for March.
- Reggie Fils-Aime of Nintendo fame has joined the video game nWo and is working with GameStop now. I don't want to see them go out of business, but is this too little, too late?
- Happy Mar10 day! Let's talk a little Mario.
And more! And once we're done with all that, my buddy Andre and I talk about Crash Bandicoot's third adventure on the original Playstation; Crash Bandicoot: Warped. Enjoy the show!
And please, toss us a good review and a follow, would ya? We'll follow you back!
Twitter - @memberthegame
Instagram - @memberthegame
And as always, $2/month will get you bonus podcasts, a shout-out on the show, and a chance to win 25% of our Patreon! Patreon.com/RememberTheGame
2020-03-04
Well, this episode has a much, much more positive vibe than last week's adventures with Ecco the stupid fish. We're talking about one of the best games on the NES, and frankly maybe the best Kirby game ever made; Kirby's Adventure. If you want to skip over the rambling and get right to Kirby, skip to 22:12.
Before we go on Kirby's Excellent Adventure, I give some shout-outs to our Patreons. I also explain why I think the Final Fantasy VII Remake demo is a GREAT thing, even though I'm not gonna play it. I actually take a pretty long look at that game as a whole. Despite all of the things I don't like about the Remake, it's one of my most anticipated games of the year.
I weigh in on the Playstation 5 and Xbox Series X again, because how can you not? Sony isn't saying ANYTHING. Is it because they're getting ready to strike? Or is it because they're looking for something to use as a weapon? And a sealed copy of Megaman sold for $40,000 and I don't get it.
All that before Bradley McCue and I have a great chat about one of the NES's crown jewels; Kirby's Adventure. Enjoy the show!
And please, toss us a good review and a follow, would ya? We'll follow you back!
Twitter - @memberthegame
Instagram - @memberthegame
2020-02-26
Fuck. This. Game. This episode contains a little more profanity than your standard episode of the show, so be warned. We also only cover the first world of the game, but chances are that's as far as you've ever gotten, too. If all you want to hear about is the steaming pile of fish feces that is Ecco The Dolphin, skip to 20:25.
Before I start losing on my mind on Sega's giant tuna, I explain why March's Patreon giveaway prize will be bigger than normal, and I lay out some plans I have for the future. I also just bought a PS4 for the second time, and I'm looking for your game suggestions!
And I explain why console wars made sense for kids in the '90s, but if you're an adult and you think someone is stupid because of the console they play on, you're a fucking idiot.
Once all that is done, my buddy Andre and I talk about the steaming pile of fish feces that is Ecco The Dolphin.
And please, toss us a good review and a follow, would ya? We'll follow you back!
Twitter - @memberthegame
Instagram - @memberthegame
2020-02-19
Every once and a while, shows have to do something different. Christmas specials, clip shows, Treehouse of Horrors, etc. Well, this week it's a "very special" episode of Remember The Game? I'm solo, and instead of looking at a game we played back in the day, I'm looking at a movie. About a game we played back in the day.
The Sonic the Hedgehog movie is out, and as a life-long Nintendo fanboy, I really liked it. Enough to dedicate an episode of my podcast to a movie about my childhood arch-nemesis. It's not a super in-depth movie review, it's just me explaining why you should (or shouldn't) go see this flick.
The rambling intro is longer than normal this week. I announce the official game of the podcast (unofficially). I also take a long look at the Nintendo Playstation thats up for auction right now, and share my thoughts on what gaming would look like today if Nintendo and Sony had formed the MegaPowers. And finally, my stupid joy-cons are finally becoming an issue I can't ignore. Has Nintendo handled this drifting fiasco properly?
We'll be back next week with a regular episode of the podcast about an old video game. Enjoy the break this week, and go see Sonic!!
2020-02-12
I think the term "hero" is thrown around too loosely these days, but this week on the show I'm shouting out our Patreons, because they're God damned heroes.
I also explain why I don't cover games older than the NES on here (Atari, ColecoVision, etc). I talk about how nostalgia can drastically impact your opinion of an old video game. And finally, I rant about how a game should worry about being fun before it worries about it's frame rate, resolution, blah blah blah. Just make your game fun, nothing else matters!!!!
And after all that, my buddy Chris and I talk about Super Punch Out for the Super Nintendo, the (slightly) superior sequel to the legendary Mike Tyson's Punch Out on the NES. If you just want to hear about that, skip to 17:40.
And please, toss us a good review and a follow, would ya? We'll follow you back!
Twitter - @memberthegame
Instagram - @memberthegame
Super Punch Out!! is one of the games I owned as a kid. And dare I say, it's the first game I mastered. I was 255-0 on my save file (the game maxes out there). I had the top times and scores for every boxer/circuit (including beating everyone in under 1:00). I knew this game like the back of my hand. And I never got sick of it.
I don't know if it's the graphics, the fact that I owned it, maybe the lower difficulty, whatever the reason, I like Super Punch Out!! better than Mike Tyson's Punch Out! on the NES. It's the better game, and I'll die on that hill. And even if you think the original game is better, you still have to admit the 16-bit adaption is pretty awesome. My buddy Chris agrees, and he's here this week to tell you all about it.
Also, fuck you, Super Macho Man.
2020-02-05
This week, I touch on the Nintendo Switch surpassing the iconic Super Nintendo in console sales totals. The Wii is Nintendo's top-selling home console of all-time, can the Switch catch it? (Yes, it can). I also send my best wishes to MariKar, the Tokyo based go-kart tour company that was recently sued by Nintendo. They aren't allowed to let their clients dress up as Nintendo characters anymore, and it's sad. My girlfriend and I got to give it a shot back in 2018, and it was one of the best experiences of my life.
And on the heels of the Final Fantasy VII remake delay, I take a quick look at some of the upcoming games in 2020, too. Two new consoles, some incredibly heavy hitting games, the Switch is rolling along; this is shaping up to be one of the biggest years in gaming history!
All that (and more!) before my pal Tyler and I take you back to 1993 and talk about a Fox helping a frog fight a gorilla in space. If you just want to hear about that, skip to 21:30.
And please, toss us a good review and a follow, would ya? We'll follow you back!
Twitter - @memberthegame
Instagram - @memberthegame
StarFox is tricky. I played it as a kid, just like you probably did. Skippy the stupid frog would fly around and beg me for help, and I'd save him every time. We thought the graphics were revolutionary. Nintendo was taking gaming into exciting new places! And they had a trillion dollar franchise on their hands! Right??
Wrong. Well, kinda right...I don't know.
StarFox is still around. Primarily in Smash Bros, but I think we'll see another mainline game eventually. And when we do, I hope it ages better than the first one did. Replaying this game to prepare for the podcast hurt my heart a little, because this game just isn't as good as I thought it was.
Have a listen to this week's show and I'll tell ya all about it!
2020-01-22
This week, I share my thoughts on Byleth being announced as the final Smash Bros DLC character (for now at least), touch on the greatness that is Witcher 3 on the Switch, and I'm finally playing Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night. Oh yeah, and Mark McCue and I talk about a bear that keeps a bird trapped in his backpack. If you just want to hear about that, skip to 14:50.
And toss us a follow, pleeeease? We'll follow you back!
Twitter - @memberthegame
Instagram - @memberthegame
I missed out on Banjo-Kazooie back in the Nintendo 64 days. As I've (infamously) made clear on the show, I'm not a huge fan of old-school 3D platformers, and it just never jumped out at me back in the day. I always thought it looks colourful and nice, but I never really had a crazy urge to play it. Luckily, I have a friend named Mark McCue that wouldn't stop badgering me to give Banjo a shot, and for the sake of this show, I finally did.
And it was absolutely delightful.
I can't even explain how impressed I was with Banjo-Kazooie, although I'll give it a shot on the podcast this week. To be fair, I did play the Xbox Arcade remastered version and not the original Nintendo 64 release, but from what I've been told, that's the way to go. The game SCREAMS retro gaming, from the graphics, to the music, to the gameplay, it took everything Mario 64 did and did it better. And that's from a life long Mario fanboy. This game is fucking awesome, and if you haven't played it, you really should.
We'll tell you why on the show this week. Mark McCue is a Banjo-Kazooie super fan, and I'm a junkie in training, and if you're not already one of those things, we're gonna change your mind over the next hour or so. Enjoy the podcast!
2020-01-15
This week, I touch on the upcoming PS5/XBox wars, how can the Switch stay relevant, Final Fantasy VII remake has been delayed, and I let you know what I've been playing. Then we shift into Rock Band! If you just want to hear about that, skip to 20:10.
And toss us a follow, would ya? We'll follow you back!
Twitter - @memberthegame
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"Well technically, I don't think Rock Band is considered a 'retro' video game..."
I know. I don't care. It's my show and you can listen to this for free. If you don't like it, go watch cartoons. It'll be thirteen years old this year, and I mean, who DOESN'T "remember" playing Rock Band back in the day? See what I did there?
This game was the shiiiiit. Music games EXPLODED in the 2000's. Guitar Hero lit the fuse, and Rock Band was the dynamite that boomed. I remember going to parties where the centre of the festivities was arguing about who's turn it was to play next. Get a big TV, turn the volume up, and it was better than air-drumming in your car. It was the ultimate party game. And if you had someone that didn't really know how to play, you just stuck them on the bass like a real band would.
We all have our own stories about how we broke our drum pedal, and what we did to fix it. You see the plastic instruments laying around people's houses, at garage sales and flea markets. They're everywhere. And you know why they're everywhere? Because everyone played Rock Band.
My buddy Andre did. He's my guest this week, and we had a hell of a time looking back on life in a band. I hope this episode hits the nostalgia button for you a hard as it did for me!
2020-01-08
**Game talk starts at 16:05**
Few games are as sure fire slam-dunk first ballot hall of famers as DOOM. It's just one of those series that everybody's played. It's on everything. Everyone knows it. I mean, it's DOOM.
Admittedly, I don't have a ton of experience with it. I remember some of my friends playing it when I was a kid, but I didn't spend a ton of time with it until I started playing it on the Super Nintendo. And as much as I was enjoying it then, I had people telling me that was one of the worst versions of it. I couldn't believe it. From the online play, to modding the bad guys, to the pop-culture references, DOOM did it all, it was everywhere, and it had something for everyone.
This is one of those games and franchises that has such a loyal and hardcore fanbase, I got a little nervous about covering it on the show. I don't know it that well, and I'm completely PC illiterate, and the last thing I need is a bunch of angry emails and tweet from you damned "PC Master Race"ers yelling at me because I didn't do you stupid gun game justice. Luckily, my guest this week picks up the slack.
My pal and returning guest to the show Patrick (Resident Evil 4, Super Mario Land) is back this week, and he loves him some DOOM. By the end of the episode, I loved DOOM. You'll love DOOM, too.
2020-01-01
**Game talk starts at 16:55**
When a majority of people think of first-person shooters and the Nintendo 64, Goldeneye 007 probably comes to mind. And while it's unquestionably an iconic video game (we covered it all the way back on episode 11!), Perfect Dark is better. At everything.
From the additional weapons, to the insane multi-player options, to the great story telling (Elvis for the win), Perfect Dark was a masterpiece. I'm not sure how well the Nintendo 64 version has aged - that controller is such a monstrosity - but the fantastic Microsoft-centric port is absolutely the definitive way to play anyways. And it's still worth firing up all these years later.
I'll be honest, I don't have a ton of memories when it comes to Perfect Dark. I wasn't a huge shooter fan, and after Goldeneye I moved on from the genre until Halo got it's claws in me. But after playing it on my 360 a few years ago, I regretted that choice whole-heartedly. This game was one of the swan song titles for the Nintendo 64, and it really pushed the console to it's absolute limit. Rare and everyone involved should be proud of this game, and its about damned time we gave it a chance to step out James Bond's shadow and shine.
My pal David Rae is my first guest of 2020, and we're looking back at the iconic Perfect Dark. It's a *perfect* way to start the year! See what I did there??
2019-12-18
**Game Talk starts at 10:50**
This is what 'Remember The Game?' is all about. Old cartoons, old video games, old video games about old cartoons. So much nostalgic goodness this week. (And the entire 8-bit version of the theme song makes this episode worth downloading on it's own!)
So many video games that are based on a popular franchise turn out to be hot garbage (exhibit A: Episode 70 of this show; Ghostbusters), but luckily for all of us 80's kids, Capcom decided to swim against the current and buck that trend. DuckTales isn't just a decent video game adaption of it's cartoon counterpart, it's a great one.
This game is crazy fun, and while it has a challenge to it, it's not soul crushing like so many of it's NES brothers and sisters. You play the role of Scrooge McDuck, and the game sees you travel all over the planet solar-system in search of treasure. You can play the levels in (almost) any order, and there's a ton of exploration involved. It's not linear at all, and it pushes you to search every nook and cranny of each level if you want to go for a high score. Or worth, in this case.
DuckTales also features cameos by so many great characters from the show, including Scrooge's nephews; Huey, Dewey, and Louie, Launchpad the pilot, that cranky old Scottish duck that raced Scrooge to the lamp in the intro, and the vampire lady duck. (I'm not caught up on my DuckTales characters).
It also introduced the cane/pogo stick mechanic, which was so popular it still pops up in games today. Donkey Kong: Tropical Freeze and the iconic Shovel Knight both borrow it with great success.
Mark McCue and I gush about one of the best damned games the NES has to offer this week. Not ponytails or captain tales, no...DuckTales! Whoo-oo!
2019-12-11
**Game Talk begins at 18:30**
I'll never get tired of talking about wrestling video games. The only issue with talking wrestling video games is the fact that there's probably more bad titles than good ones. Lucky for all of us, this is one of the good ones. In fact, it's one of the great ones.
WWF Wrestlefest is everything video games should be. It's bright and colourful, the gameplay is addictive, and it's an arcade game. As much as I love vegging out on my couch playing video games on my TV, there's just something special about standing at an arcade cabinet. Holding that greasy, germ covered joystick in your hand while you mash those giant buttons...you can barely hear the game you're playing because there's so many other games around you. It's video game euphoria...
I don't even know if anyone reads these stupid things, so we're just gonna get to the show. My buddy Brad is back this week, and it's our first episode recorded by phone, so if the sound quality is off, I apologize. I hope you can trudge through it and enjoy this week's episode, because it's a gooder. It's Hulk Hogan. It's Sgt. Slaughter. It's Demoilition. It's WWF WrestleFest!
2019-12-04
**Game talk starts at 17:40**
Back in the late 80's, everything the Ninja Turtles touched turned to gold. TV, cereal, toys, movies, music, and of course, video games. The original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles on the NES (covered on episode 18 of this show!) was pretty good, but the sequel is the one everyone still loves and plays today.
Originally released as an arcade game, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II blew the first Ninja Turtles game away. Gone was the "puzzle solving/platforming" single game, and in it's place was a classic side scrolling, beat 'em up that we didn't know we wanted. And it was multi-player!!!! In the arcade version, you and three friends could pump your parents' quarters into a cabinet and stand side by side, pounding on foot soldiers and classic Turtles villains like Bebop, Rocksteady, and of course, Shredder. I remember going to Chuck 'E' Cheese for my birthday as a kid and literally pumping every single token I had into this game.
Then it released on the NES. Apparently, the graphics and other specs were dialled back so it could run on the NES, but none of us noticed. They also reduced the number of people that could play at once from 4 to 2, but again, we didn't care. Every kid I knew loved this game. Some of my fondest memories are going to sleepovers with my friends when we were young and taking turns playing TMNT 2. And when it wasn't your turn to play the game, you were watching one of the movies or playing with the action figures.
This game is fantastic. Sure, Turtles in Time on the SNES did everything it did better (frankly, so did the often overlooked TMNT 3 on the NES), but everyone loved this game. I can't believe it took us 75 episodes to talk about it. But it's here now, and you should be as excited as I am.
My buddy Miklos returns to the show this week, and man oh man did we have a great time talking Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2. Enjoy the show!
2019-11-27
**Game talk starts around 18:45**
I love Mario. And while it hasn't aged all that well, I'm pretty fond of the original Game Boy too. We could play video games anywhere!! So Mario on the Game Boy should have been a match made in heaven. And eventually it was; Super Mario Land 2 is incredible. But Mario's first road trip, Super Mario Land, wasn't quite as good.
That's not to say it was bad. Mario is like pizza; even when it's not great, it's still pretty great.
This game felt more like a demo for what the Game Boy was capable of. It was also overshadowed by a little known Game Boy launch title called Tetris. They introduced a bunch of new stuff, like different enemies, a new world, they replaced fireballs with rubber....balls? You don't save Princess Toadstool, you save that weirdo, Daisy. The only real thing that makes this a Mario game is Mario himself. But dammit, that's all it takes.
My buddy Patrick returns to the show this week, you may remember him from such episodes as "Game Collecting" and "Resident Evil 4". Patrick loves the Game Boy, loves Super Mario Land, and I loved talking with him. Come feel the love on this week's episode.
2019-11-20
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**Game Talk starts around 18:40**
I have no idea where Metal Gear Solid 2 sits in the history books of gaming. Is a Playstation 2 classic? Forgotten gem? Is it the worst game in the Metal Gear series? The best? Overrated? Underrated? If you look it up online, you'll find every single one of these opinion floating around.
What do I think? You'll have to listen to the show to find out. Nice try.
I associate this game almost as much as any other with the PS2. It was one of the first games I remember buying for the second Sony console, and man oh man was I excited to get my hands on it. After playing (and quite enjoying) the original Metal Gear Solid, I couldn't wait to play more. The hype was real, but what was one of the most anticipated games of all-time became one of the most controversial once it got released into the wild. People would debate the creative decisions Kojima and friends made for years to come.
What couldn't be debated was the games sales numbers. MGS 2 ended up selling over 7 MILLION copies. We got Metal Gear Solid V recently, and the Metal Gear games have sold a combined 49 million units. So the Metal Gear series is alive and well. But there are gamers out there that abandoned the series at this title. Was I one of them? Was my guest Bradley McCue? Did we like Raiden? What about Snake?
Does this game suck?? No, it doesn't. But do we like it? Have a listen and find out.
2019-11-13
**Game talk starts at 13:50**
I can't believe it took us 72 episodes of the show to cover Mario Kart 64. I mean, it's Mario Kart freaking 64! If you're listening to this show, you've played this game.
I'm a Nintendo fanboy through and through, but the Nintendo 64 is admittedly, not one of my favourite systems. I don't think games from the 64/Playstation era have aged particularly well, and a majority of them just irritate me when I try to play them today. But not this game. The memories I (and I'm sure most of you) have of multi-player MK64 is the stuff gaming nostalgia is made of.
Super Mario Kart was fun, but Mario Kart 64 is the reason this franchise is still so massive over twenty years later. The tracks are bigger, the characters are cooler (Wario!!!!!!), Battle Mode is better, and you could play with four players at once. Just that last fact rocked my socks. This game featured some insane tracks; Toad's Turnpike is still to this day one of my favourites in Mario Kart history. Add in Wario and the fact that you could listen to Toad yell "Wooo hooooo!!", and it was the perfect package.
I legit smile just thinking about all the good times we had playing this game when we were kids. I would (and hopefully will) buy a Nintendo 64 Classic someday just for this game. Forget your Ocarina of Times and Super Mario 64's; Mario Kart 64 is the king. I love this game. So does my pal Miklos. Have a listen and let us remind you why you probably do too.
2019-11-06
** Game talk starts around 14:44**
The original NES controller was a brick. It was practically indestructible. Need proof? Ask anyone that played Ninja Gaiden back in the day.
This game was designed to make you want to throw your controller against the wall. You would die and start over, and over, and over, and every time you did, you knew you would inevitably lose and slam your controller against something else. You'd swear (quietly), maybe walk away for a couple hours. But you always came back. And that's the great thing about Ninja Gaiden. Despite it's ridiculous difficulty and rage inducing mechanics, it was always fun to play. It might be the "best bad game" on the NES.
(And to be clear, I don't think it's "bad" necessarily. I just think it's too hard. Call me a bitch, I don't care.)
The enemies re-spawn if you so much as think about turning around after you kill them. They come out of nowhere, and quite often they show up where you need to land after a precise jump. They can be impossible to avoid. Which leads into the second problem. Every time they touch you, you bounce back half way across the fucking screen. If there's a pit behind you, landing in it is a guarantee. Or you'll bounce into another that just re-spawned, and they'll bounce you into the pit. And then you'll start over, and you'll know it's coming, but they'll get you again. And then you'll finally get by them only to die because you dropped down to the next screen instead of taking the ladder. And that'll be your final life, and you'll start over and bounce into a pit again and WHAM!!!
That was your controller hitting the wall.
This game drives me insane. But I can't stop playing it. My buddy and guest Bradley McCue knows the feeling. We'll tell you all about it on this week's podcast. Enjoy!
2019-10-30
**Game Talk starts at 16:05**
Oh Ghostbusters...
I love this damned franchise. Ghostbusters and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles were my life as a kid. I had the action figures, movies, cartoons, clothes, books, toys, halloween costumes, and of course, video games. This was one of the games I rented over and over again. Pretty well every time my brother and I convinced our Mom to let us rent games for the weekend, Ghostbusters found it's way into the pile. We refused to admit it wasn't good.
Well, I'm thirty-five now. And it's time to face the music. The horribly repetitive 8-bit music. Ghostbusters on the NES is not a good video game. I'm sorry, Mr. Aykroyd...
(Many people have said that versions of this game on other consoles, such as Atari, Commodore 64 and Master System are a little better. I've never played any of them, so we're sticking to the NES version.)
I actually beat this game for the first time this week, prepping for this podcast. No cheat codes, turbo controllers, nothing. Just a little patience. OK, a lot of patience. The entire game is one boring grind to save money to buy gear to beat a boring level where you do nothing but climb 23 flights of stairs. Then you get one fun boss fight, and then the most infamous end screen in gaming history.
If you just read that and thought, "why the hell would anyone play this??", you get it. We don't know why we played it. But a lot of us did...
I wanted to cover a scary game for Halloween, and seeing as this is a nostalgia podcast, I saw this week as a perfect opportunity to review not only a treasured game from my childhood, but a "scary" game as well. The ghosts won't scare you in this game, but it'll still give you nightmares.
I'm solo this week, and I hope enjoy this trip down memory lane as we look back at the Walter Peck of NES games; Ghostbusters.
2019-10-23
**Game Talk starts at 14:10**
Over the last 69 (nice) episodes of this podcast, we've stumbled across a couple forgotten franchises, and it's really made me sad that they seem like they're just destined to wallow in the obscurity that is video game history for the rest of time. Franchises like BattleToads, Earthworm Jim, and now, Twisted Metal.
When I think OG Playstation, I think of the heavy hitters like Metal Gear Solid and Final Fantasy. But I also think of the Twisted Metal series. I really liked these games. My fondest multiplayer experiences with Sony's little grey box were with wrestling games and Twisted Metal. They're the reason I have Rob Zombie music on my phone to this day, and for my money, Twisted Metal Black is still one of the best games on the Playstation 2.
And dammit, these games were cool. Twisted Metal was the first game I played on my Playstation that really made it feel like a more "grown up" console, compared to my beloved Nintendo 64. It was the first system I bought with my own money, the first non-Nintendo console I ever owned, and Sweet Tooth and friends really made me feel like I hadn't wasted my cash.
We approached this episode the same way we tackled the original Tony Hawk games. I don't feel like there's enough meat on the bone to give each of the original 4 titles it's own episode, so we're just looking back the original quartet as a whole. My buddy Andre likes these games as much as I do, and we had a hell of a time cracking open a cold bottle of nostalgia this week. Enjoy the show!
2019-10-16
**Game talk starts at 12:40**
I can't believe how many people played this game back in the day. It's awesome, but it's also kinda nerdy, even by video game standards. It's slow, quiet, there's no bad guys (except the ridiculous crime rate that will inevitably plague your city). It doesn't seem like a game kids would be interested in. But man oh man, we were.
Almost everyone I knew that had an SNES had Sim City. The fact that it was a launch title for the Super Nintendo probably helps, because after Super Mario World, there weren't too many options. Sim City was my first trip into the simulation/city planning genre of video games, and I loved it. I played the hell out of this game. My brother and I would spend hours just staring at the TV, not even doing anything because we were out of money and waiting on our taxes to come through, and it was still a blast.
Sim City is responsible for sparking my love of this genre of video game, and it's funny because I still adore them today, but I rarely play them. As an adult in a fast moving adult world, I rarely have the time to just sit down and spend an hour designing a virtual city anymore. These types of games are endless, and when I get a gaming session in these days, I feel like I have to get closer to the end of a game to enjoy myself. Which is stupid. This game is fun, and that's all gaming should be. I wish Nintendo would re-release this game somewhere so we could dink around with it again...
It would be perfect on the Switch, in case you're reading this, Nintendo. PERFECT.
Anyway, Sim City is rad. My guest David Rae agrees. We didn't expect this episode to be as long as it was, but once we get rambling about sky-high crime rates, people whining about their taxes, and Bowser attacks, we couldn't stop. Enjoy this week's show!
2019-10-09
**Game Talk starts at approx. 17:20**
We all know that Nintendo has this weird hobby of taking their phenomenal catalog of older games and making it as hard as humanly possible to play them. That's precisely what they've done with Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door. It's available on the Gamecube, if you buy a Gamecube, a memory card, and a copy of the game somewhere (which isn't cheap these days). It's also available on...oh wait, that's it.
Much like many of the other great Gamecube titles, TTYD has been left in the past. And that really sucks, because this game is so, so good. The original Paper Mario (Nintendo 64) was a great concept. This game takes it's predecessor's charm, battle mechanics, gameplay and obviously it's graphics, and polishes them even more. It's plagued by a little more backtracking than I would like to see, but that's a minor hiccup in an otherwise brilliant game.
You obviously control Mario - er, Paper Mario - and you're on a mission to collect the seven stars that control the seal on the thousand year door. You also have to save the Princess again (surprise). Bowser keeps showing up, too, but he's the comic relief this time around instead of the villain, and he's legitimately funny in this game. You make friends with a bunch of odd characters, including a shy Koopa Troopa, a know-it-all Goomba, and an old Bob-omb pirate, and it's the way they change not only your battle strategy, but the areas of the over-world you can access that keep the game moving. This game has hints of Metroid-Vania in it, and that's usually all it takes to hook me.
I originally was going to break down the combat and villains, too, but then you'd have no reason to listen to the episode. Longtime show supporter, first time guest Bradley McCue joins me this week, and we set a new Remember The Game? record for episode length this time around. There's a lot to talk about here, so quit reading and get listening!
2019-10-02
**Game talk starts at 14:05**
Whenever I talk a Genesis game on the show, I feel like I'm doing my part to help re-build the bridge that Nintendo and Sega kids burned down in the 90's. And honestly, I'm really enjoying most of these Sega games. It's like discovering a treasure trove full of retro games that I've had a chance to play, and it's been really fun to try some of the games Genesis kids grew up obsessing over and considering the best that their console of choice had to offer. Sonic The Hedgehog 2 is at the top of that list.
I've always been torn on Sonic The Hedgehog. I love the character, the universe, the look. I collected the comic books, watched the cartoon show (Steve Urkel voiced Sonic, if you didn't know!), but I never got super into the games. Primarily because I didn't have a ton of access to them, but also because I just wasn't sure if I thought they were fun. The speed concept was cool, but I found it semi-gamebreaking. You want to go fast, but when you are you don't always have time to react when an enemy pops up. If you go slow, you have time to deal with the bad guys, but it feels like you're playing wrong. I always thought maybe I just didn't understand how to play Sonic.
Well, I played quite a bit of Sonic 2 on the Sega Classic Collection package that came out a couple years ago, and it was the first game I jumped into when I hooked up my Sega Genesis Mini. Not necessarily for this podcast, either. I just loved the graphics, liked the music, and found myself wanting to play it over and over again. And really, that's the best thing you can say about a video game, isn't it? Much like Super Mario World, Link To The Past, and Donkey Kong Country, I just find myself never getting sick of playing Sonic The Hedgehog 2. It's just...fun!
My buddy Miklos thinks so, too. He's one of the biggest Sega fans I know, and this week, we're continuing to tear down the Console Wars wall by talking about Sega's poster child. Everyone should play Sonic The Hedgehog 2, and we'll tell you why on episode 66 of Remember The Game? Enjoy!
2019-09-25
**Review starts at 14:05**
If you didn't grow up playing the Sega Genesis, is the new mini adaption of it worth your money? That's the question I set out to answer on this week's podcast.
Not only did I not own a Sega Genesis, I hardly knew anyone that did. I honestly didn't even realize Sega's little Sonic Station was as popular as it was until I was an adult and started to get into game collecting. I've played the original 3 Sonic games, a little NHL, and some Lion King. When Sega announced the Genesis Mini, I was intrigued. This could be my chance to play the few Sega games I remember from my childhood, right?
Wrong. Sonic 3, Sonic & Knuckles, and the Lion King aren't on it. Neither is a single sports game. Unlike the SNES Classic, most of the games we associate closest with the Genesis didn't make it into it's miniature counterpart. If you grew up loving the Genesis, and you know all about their other titles, like Phantasy Star IV, Shining Force, Ecco the Dolphin, and Gunstar Heroes, then I could understand why this thing would have you excited. But what if you didn't?
Are these games worth playing in 2019 if they don't trigger those warm and fuzzy nostalgic feelings? Is the Sega Genesis Mini Sega's answer to the SNES Classic? Or is it another Playstation Classic? *shudder* Should you spend your hard earned money on this thing? Have a listen and I'll tell you.
I'm solo this week for the first time in the history of the podcast, and I actually did some homework this week as well. I feel I've put together a very entertaining, thorough, and honest review of the Sega Genesis Mini from the viewpoint of someone that grew up considering the Sonic Squad to be the enemy. I'm proud of this week's episode, and I hope you enjoy it.
2019-09-18
** Game talk starts at 15:30**
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Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master (Shinobi III moving forward, that title is too long) is what retro gaming is all about. The graphics, the music, the gameplay, the difficulty. It nails it. I played this for the first time in my life almost 26 years after it released, and if you told me it was a retro-inspired indie title that just came out this year, I'd believe you.
It seems to me like Shinobi was Sega's answer to Nintendo's Ninja Gaiden series. You play as a bad-ass ninja, running from left to right, wall jumping and killing bad guys. You die a lot. But admittedly, I never really felt like the deaths were cheap. Ninja Gaiden has caused a few controller throws in it's time, but I don't know if Shinobi III has. The game is hard as fuck, but there weren't too many instances where I felt my deaths were cheap. It nails, for better or worse, that classic 90's "play it over and over until you can beat it" model.
When I think of the Sega Genesis, I think of Sonic, sports games, and Disney. I think most Nintendo kids feel the same way. But that little black box has some phenomenal games in it's library that I feel have been passed over undeservedly. This game is one of them. I had a fucking...blast...playing through this game on my Switch, and I'm pretty excited to talk about it on this week's podcast. If you've never played it, give this episode a listen. We may just convince you.
I say "we", because as always I'm joined by a fellow nerd. This week, my buddy Miklos returns to the show. You may remember him from our "Sega vs Nintendo" and "Shining Force" episodes. Mik was a die-hard Sega kid, and I owe him a great deal for helping to open my eyes and show me that the Genesis had more games than just crappy over-rated platforms about a little blue rat. (I kid, I kid...mostly). Enjoy the podcast!
2019-09-11
**Game talk starts around 13:45**
When I launched this podcast, my idea was for my guests and I to reminisce about the games we played as kids. Both good games, and bad. It's taken 63 episodes, but we're dipping into the really bad end of the pool. Worse than Power Rangers. Worse than Bart's Nightmare or Boy and his Blob. Hell, this is worse than the last fifteen years of The Simpsons. Today, we're talking Virtual Bart.
This was one off the few Simpsons video games I never owned as a kid. We rented it a couple of times, and I wanted to like it. I mean, it was The Simpsons! But I never got into it. I can look past the faults of most Simpsons games because I loved the show so much, but this game sucks. Half of the mini games are borderline unplayable. The controls are hot garbage. A few cameos by various characters from the show aren't nearly enough to salvage this piece of crap.
You play as Bart (obviously), and he gets strapped into a VR machine at a scene fair. The opening cutscene is actually the best part of the game. The machine then turns into a gameshow style wheel. The player stops it, and whatever image Bart's head stops on decides what mini-game you play. I have no idea what happens if you finish all the levels, because I can't beat most of them.
We'll explain what they all are this week. Listen to this podcast and move on. If you want The Simpsons to ruin your day, just watch one of the modern episodes of the show. They're all way better than Virtual Bart.
I hate this game. My buddy Chris is my guest this week, and we have a couple beers while we tell you why it sucks on this episode of 'Remember The Game?'. Enjoy the podcast, and then try to forget this game.
2019-09-04
**Game Talk starts at 10:25**
Now, I don't throw around the word "masterpiece" very often. But this game? This game is a masterpiece.
It's freaking Resident Evil 4. Practically a lock to show up on any respectable 'greatest games of all-time' list. Originally released as an "exclusive" for the criminally underrated Nintendo Gamecube, it's been ported to everything over the last fourteen years. Literally everything. There's probably a SNES version of this game now. And that's ok. This game is incredible, and it should be ported to everything so everyone gets a chance to play it.
I remember playing through it for the first time on my Gamecube. I had never really gotten into a Resident Evil game up to this point. This one dropped, and the reviews were insane. People were calling it the greatest game ever made. I thought that seemed a little extreme, but I was looking for something beside Mario sports games to play on my 'Cube, so I gave it a chance. When I reached that first village, and realized I had complete control over how I tackled all these creepy hillbilly people that wanted to kill me, I was hooked.
The atmosphere in this game is INSANE!! The music isn't great on this week's episode, because there isn't any. Capcom did a phenomenal job of setting the mood and making you constantly pay attention to your surroundings. The way that creepy little tune kicks in whenever bad guys are approaching was genius, too. It never gets old.
The graphics have held up, too. I just played the Switch port of this game a couple months ago, and I'm happy to report Resident Evil 4 still looks great. It has a very dark, almost foggy aesthetic to it, and it really adds to the tension and feel of the game. I never found myself trying to figure out what I could and couldn't interact with, which I find can be an issue with some more realistic looking titles.
I only really have two minor issues with RE4. The controls (Wii version aside, apparently), take a little getting used to. And the story can be tough to follow. But the controls felt fine after a couple hours of play, and the story doesn't really matter. You have to save the President's daughter, and that's good enough for me.
This game is the bee's knees. My guest Patrick thinks so, too. We'll tell you why over the next hour or so. Enjoy!
2019-08-28
**Game talk starts at 13:00**
The fact that we haven't seen a Pokemon Snap re-release, remake, or sequel on smartphones, the Wii U, or the Switch is almost mind-boggling.
And then you remember it's Nintendo...
We all played this, right?? I remember this being one of the few games I could play with my brother and not fight (much). Pokemon Snap. You're on rails, and you can't die. You just take photos of Pokemon. Might sound silly in 2019, but holy hell this game was a big deal twenty years ago.
Outside of the cartoon, we hadn't really seen much of Pokemon outside of their pixelated Game Boy iterations. Getting to see all of our favourites (and that loser Charmander) out in the wild was pretty damned cool. Being able to throw apples at them to make them happy or angry was even cooler. And flipping through your roll of film to find your best photos and using them to impress a weird old man? The coolest.
That's all Pokemon Snap was. Try to get Pokemon to react to something you did, so you could snap killer photos of them. The better your photo, the better the score. That's it. No fighting. no bosses, no real drama or story. It didn't need it, though. There was something so addictive about constantly trying to get a better shot. You could play levels over and over looking for secret paths or different ways to cause the pokemon to do things you could get new photos of. And obviously, the biggest hook (for me anyways), was constantly exploring in hopes of finding a new pokemon. I don't think all original 151 were in here (which is very weird), but enough were there to justify running the levels or and over again. This was, in 1999, the closest we'd seen to Pokemon in real life.
This game SCREAMS for a sequel or remake with today's technology. Being able to spin around with your Switch, take photos, and then post your best ones online would be fucking awesome. Because admit it, when you got a killer shot of a Charizard looking all pissed off, you wanted to show it to everybody. Anybody. Someone other than that stupid old man Oak...
This wasn't the deepest game in the world, but it didn't matter. It was huge. We all loved it (whether we admitted it or not), and my buddy Andre and I had a hell of a time looking back at it. Give us a God damned sequel, Nintendo!!!
2019-08-21
"My name is Adam Blank, and I'm a recovering retro game collector."
I love looking at video game collections. I used to love collecting them myself, too. But it can be an expensive hobby. It takes up a lot of space (particularly if you do it like I did and try to collect everything at once). After a couple of years, I had amassed a decent little collection. I was having fun, but I was also spending more money than I should have been. And eventually I realized that I didn't even want to play most of the games I was buying. I love retro video games, but let's be honest; there's a lot of crappy games from back in the day.
After some deep soul searching, I decided to sell off most of my collection and move on to a new hobby. I was buying crappy video games I'd never heard of with money I could be spending on new games I wanted to play (or y'know, stuff like bills and food). I kept only my SNES and about a dozen of my favourite games. And once the virtual consoles and retro collection compilations started launching and becoming more readily available, I even got rid of my Super Nintendo. I was out, and I was ok with it.
I miss my game collection once and a while. Sometimes I even get the urge to jump back into the hobby, but I take one look at the prices people are asking for their NES games and their Sega Genesises (what's the plural of Genesis? Geneseye?), and it quickly goes away. Prices have exploded on retro gaming gear since I collected, and it's a rich man's game in 2019.
Prices are a lot higher than they were fifteen years ago, because the demand is there. I'm not sure why people are so hungry for these old games today, though. Is it because people just want to play the games from their childhood? Maybe they see pictures of collections posted online, think to themselves "that looks awesome" and try to do it themselves? Maybe it's just people thinking if they sock away old games they'll get rich off them in thirty years (you probably won't). For whatever reason, retro game collecting is a big-time hobby these days, and while I think prices are too high, I love it.
I don't have the money, space, or patience to collect video games anymore, but I still love the hobby. I could read and talk about it for hours. I have great memories of my collecting days, but if I was to start collecting again today, I'd take a different approach than I did right out of High School. My buddy Patrick is another former collector who feels the same way, and on this week's episode of the show we had a great time looking back on our days of blowing all of our money on video game cartridges, as opposed to the video game downloads we blow it on now.
We're going to try and do a few more of these conversation style episodes moving forward. If you like it, please let me know. If you hate it, REALLY let me know. I just want to make you happy.
2019-08-14
We're finally making our way into the arcades. Admittedly, I didn't really live near one growing up, so my experience with stand up cabinets is pretty minimal. And while I don't have a ton of playtime under my belt, I know damned well what a big deal Street Fighter II is.
*For the record, I used the SNES box art because it fit well in the thumbnail and it was the cleanest art I could find. But we talk a little bit about the arcade, a little home port, a little variation and re-releases; we're all over the map this week*
Street Fighter II considered one of the greatest fighting games, and video games, of all-time. It's Turbo port is a lock to be in the top 10 of any "best SNES game of all-time" list. It's one of the most popular arcade machines ever made, up there along Donkey Kong and Pac-Man. I'd love to know how much money this game and it's variants have made Capcom over the years. It frustrates me that is legit may be the biggest video game in history that I just cannot play...
I've always been terrible at the fighting genre of my favourite hobby. Aside from Mortal Kombat 2 (which I owned growing up) and a little bit of Smash Bros, I haven't really put any time into trying to get good at them, either. Fighting games are a unique animal, because you can play and practice against the computer all you want, and it just won't prepare you for battle against a skilled human opponent. A big gap in the skill levels of two players is as crippling in fighting games as it is in any genre of video game. I didn't have much money as a kid, and when the odd chance came along to play arcade games, I sure as hell wasn't going to pump my quarters into getting my ass kicked. Especially if the Ninja Turtles cabinet was nearby.
But my pal David Rae did. And he's my guest this week, helping me breakdown the iconic Street Fighter II franchise. I know how much this game means to some of you, so I really did my best to do your game justice. I hope you geeks like it!
"HADOOKIN!" or whatever it is...
2019-08-07
Remember when World Championship Wrestling was the hottest thing on the planet?
In the late '90s, WCW was giving the WWF the fight of their lives. The nWo(s), Goldberg, Sting, DDP, Raven, Bret Hart, Ric Flair; that wrestling company from down south had one of the most ridiculous rosters in the history of the business. Pro wrestling was white hot. If you weren't watching wrestling on TV, you were playing a wrestling video game. And there wasn't a better option than WCW/nWo Revenge.
The THQ/Nintendo 64 wrestling games are the stuff of legend. I don't know if there's a video game series I've spent more hours of my life with than the four horseman of 64-bit wrestling. WCW World Tour was the first one, and it planted the seeds that would eventually blossom into it's sequel; WCW/nWo Revenge. I wasn't the biggest fan of WCW's TV product (I was a hardcore WWF guy), but I couldn't get enough of their video games. The WWF had video games - War Zone and Attitude specifically - but as much as I tried to like them, they just weren't that good. The graphics tried to look real and didn't, and the controls were a disaster.
WCW/nWo Revenge was the first "perfect" wrestling game. The graphics were bright, colourful, and a little cartoon-ish (it worked great), and it had the most iconic control scheme of wrestling game history. It didn't have things like individual wrestler's entrance music, create-a-wrestler, or a decent career mode (all things that would be added to the later THQ wrestling games), but it was finally a wrestling game that felt fun to play. Being able to play it with 3 of your friends was mind-blowing. And being able to change each wrestler's name and wardrobe added a surprising level of depth. I remember drafting a roster of wrestlers to go up against my friend Shawn's, we'd assign all of our wrestlers a certain shirt, and battle for HOURS.
If you hold a conversation about the greatest wrestling game of all-time, the two runaway answers are WWF: No Mercy and SmackDown! Here Comes The Pain (both covered in our archives, FYI!). And while those answers aren't wrong, they wouldn't be options without WCW/nWo Revenge. My favourite memory of World Championship Wrestling isn't anything they did in the ring, it was this video game.
My buddy Brad returns to the show this week, and man oh man did we have a time talking old wrestling, old wrestling games, and old Nintendo 64. Enjoy!
2019-07-31
Yep, it's another Simpsons game. At least this is the good one!
The Simpsons: Hit & Run is pretty universally considered the best video game adaption of The Simpsons. Sure, you could make an argument for The Simpsons Game that came out on the PS3 and Xbox 360 or the original arcade game. And they're both pretty solid, too. But at the end of the day, Hit & Run is the GOAT.
I won't lie, I haven't played this game in fifteen years. When we started covering Simpons game on the show, this was the one people were looking for. I had to do a little homework this time around and refresh my memory, and it actually turned out to be pretty fun. I'm a MASSIVE old-school Simpsons fan, and I'd forgotten just what an incredible love letter this game is to nerds like me.
They packed an insane amount of Simpsons references and easter eggs into this game. Much like The Stick of Truth did for South Park, Hit & Run finally gave us a chance to explore the cartoon community of Springfield that we've all loved for so many years. Everywhere you go, there's another nod to something from one of the glory seasons of the show. The voice acting is on point and the story is actually pretty entertaining (much better than anything they've put on TV in years). And frankly, even if this game had kept up with the trend of Simpsons games having terrible controls, all the little extras they squeezed in for die-hard fans would have made it a contender for the best Simpsons game ever.
But in addition to being funny, they FINALLY broke The Simpsons/broken control curse! This game is actually fun to play. It isn't perfect, and near the end is gets frustratingly difficult, but it's a good time. It's almost like they "right clicked" a Grand Theft Auto game and "saved as" a Simpsons title. And that's not a bad thing. This game is a good time. Ripping around Springfield causing mayhem is a fucking blast.
It hurts my heart that The Simpsons have had so many awful video games. Growing up a huge fan, I played almost all of them. They were my Mom's default go to games for Christmas presents, and it was pretty rough as a kid. Luckily, the suffering ended in 2003 with the release of The Simpsons: Hit & Run. So good.
My buddy Mark McCue feels the same way! He's back, and we're talking about our favourite Springfield experience on this week's episode. Enjoy!
2019-07-24
**The sound may be a little off on this week's podcast. I suggest using headphones if you can. Sorry about that!**
I know, I know. It's Final Fantasy IV. The box says II, and the people that know, know. But the people that don't will be like "what the hell is this?". So we're goin' with Final Fantasy II.
If you're not sure why people call it the fourth FF instead of the second, listen to the episode!
I love this game. As I type this, I noticed an Instagram comment from @burgerfinger that pointed out how often I say games are one of my "absolute favourites", but in this case it's true! This was the first RPG I ever played, and I became absolutely obsessed with it. I've probably finished it 10 times, and I plug it into my top three Final Fantasy titles, along with VI and IX. (The order changes all the time, depending on my mood).
If you haven't played the game, I'll give you a quick lowdown right now, but this episode is chalk full of meaty spoilers, so you've been warned. The game stars Cecil, a Dark Knight who commands the Kingdom of Baron's Red Wings (airships). He is being ordered to do terrible things, and when he questions his King's motives, he gets in trouble and all hell breaks loose and you end up helping him and his friends save the world. It's fantastic.
This game gets overlooked because it's always in it's SNES brother's shadow, but Final Fantasy II deserves a ton of credit. It introduced a more complex story than we'd ever seen, ushered in the Active Time Battle system we all know and love, and on a personal note, it showed me how great RPGs are. Anyone that has played this game knows how special it is. Aside from Super Mario World, there isn't a video game from my childhood I have more nostalgia and appreciation for. It legitimately shaped me as a gamer.
And it has Edge the ninja in it, and Edge is the fucking coolest.
My guests this week are two of my oldest childhood friends, Dan and Rob. Rob actually introduced me to Final Fantasy II 25+ years ago, so this was a really special episode for me. Getting to talk about one of my most beloved retro games with the guys I grew up playing it with was a real treat for me. I hope you guys enjoy this episode!
2019-07-17
Look at me, being all topical and professional and stuff. Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 3 comes out this Friday, so I thought it would be a perfect time to dedicate an episode to one of my favourite games of the last couple generations; the original Marvel: Ultimate Alliance.
This game was a follow-up to the two (kick-ass) X-Men Legends games. Taking the initial formula and expanding on it to include characters from all walks of Marvel life, as opposed to just Professor X's team of misfits (and The Brotherhood, Legends 2 SPOILER!), Ultimate Alliance gave the player the opportunity to build a team of their favourite Marvel superheroes, and just run around beating up bad guys for fifteen hours. It was perfect!
Obviously, the main hook to the game is the roster. Being able to build a team of four heroes from the likes of Spider-Man, Captain America, Wolverine, Ghost Rider, Elektra, Thing, blah blah blah, was awesome. Being able to switch your team out regularly added a ton of replay to the game, and kept it from getting stale. The combat stayed fresh and fun thanks in large part to the fact that each of the heroes felt and controlled unique. Wolverine was an absolute button mashing tank, whereas Iron Man was better served staying in the sky blasting away at enemies from a distance. Anytime you'd start getting bored, you could just pick a different group of heroes and freshen the (admittedly somewhat repetitive) combat up.
Another giant hook to these games is the multi-player. Being able to run through levels with up to 3 of your buds was awesome. I have great memories of playing this game (and it's sequel) with my nephew for hours at a time. Single player did the job just fine, but it was definitely better with friends.
These games also contain RPG elements. As you use heroes, you'd gain experience points that you could use to level up their specific abilities as you saw fit. I loved pumping all of Iron Man's XP into his various lasers and weapons, and he really did feel stronger as the game went on. I think the game could have survived without this aspect, but it wouldn't be nearly as beloved as it is today without giving players the ability to "tinker under the hood" of their favourite Marvel characters with such detail.
If you haven't figured it out by now, I love me some Ultimate Alliance. So does my buddy Tyler. We'll tell you all about it on this week's episode of the show. Enjoy!
2019-07-10
As much as it pains the loyal, completely biased Nintendo fanboy in me to admit, Sega had better sports games than Nintendo. Case in point? NHL '94.
That isn't to say the SNES version is unplayable, but anyone that has tried both would be lying if they said the Nintendo version was superior to the Genesis one. I didn't really play either, at least not when they came out. I was an NHL Stanley Cup kid (sad trombone). I got into the series around NHL '96, but I've had many opportunities to go back and play NHL '94, on the Genesis and my beloved SNES. And while my nostalgia heart lays with the '96 and '97 iterations of EA's NHL video game, it's pretty damned obvious why NHL '94 still shows up on lists of the greatest sports games ever made over twenty-five years after it was released. It's that damned good.
The NHL video games have evolved (?) into a very deep, simulation style franchise over the years. Much like EA's other flagship sports titles (Madden and FIFA), their yearly hockey game contains everything a die-hard hockey fan/armchair GM could ever want. You can manage a franchise for decades, stock your farm systems with can't miss prospects, and manage your salary cap season after season. NHL '94 doesn't have any of that stuff. It doesn't even have a season mode. But what it lacks in bells and whistles, it makes up for in unmatched, incredible, addictive, FUN gameplay.
If you own a current NHL game and try to play against someone that's never played before, it won't be fun. It'll take them a few games just to figure out how to shoot the puck properly. NHL '94 is like a jacked up version of Ice Hockey on the NES; anybody can pick up a controller and have the controls locked down in minutes. The physics engine is great, it really feels like your skating on ice. And this game introduces the one timer. It might seem laughable now, but this was a HUGE deal back then!!!
Two and a half decades after it's release, NHL '94 is still one of the most beloved sports video games of all-time. Tournaments still get held regularly, and it has a loyal fanbase. So much so, that on it's 20th anniversary, EA added an "NHL '94" mode to NHL '14. It constantly shows up on "greatest games in history" lists, and Jeremy Roenick has said on numerous occasions that he's more well known for his NHL '94 counterpart than he is for anything else he accomplished in his career. This game is the Wayne Gretzky of hockey video games. (Which is ironic, considering there are a bunch of Wayne Gretzky branded hockey games throughout history, and they all suck).
My buddy Brad makes his podcast debut this week. We're both gamers and huge sports nerds, and we had a hell of a time talking NHL '94. Enjoy!
2019-07-03
Spider-Man is awesome. Venom is even more awesome. Carnage isn't quite as awesome as either of them, but he's still pretty awesome. So what happens when you take all that awesome and squeeze it into a video game? You get a freaking awesome video game.
Worst. Intro. Ever.
It's true, though. Maximum Carnage is awesome. It certainly isn't perfect, but it scratches all the basic video game itches. It handles pretty well, it looks sweet, and it's fun to play. The music is really good, and thanks to the source material it's based on, it has a solid (albeit somewhat confusing if you don't know anything about the original comic books) story.
The quick version is as follows: Spider-Man (Peter Parker) came into contact with an alien symbiote in space. He was able to wear it as a new costume, but eventually found it was taking over his brain and actions, so he got rid of it. The discarded alien found a new host in Eddie Brock (who already hated Peter Parker), and combined with him to form Venom. Eddie Brock eventually found himself separated from the suit and in jail, sharing a cell with serial killer Cletus Kasady. The symbiote came to the jail to help Eddie escape, but left it's offspring behind. That new symbiote bonded with Kasady to form the super villain Carnage. Spider-Man and Venom put their differences aside and defeat him, but eventually Carnage breaks out of jail again, and forms a stable of villains to wreak havoc with.
*Deep breath*
That's where the game picks up. You control Spider-Man and Venom (separately), and the object of the game is to take down Carnage and friends. Having to control the two heroes individually is my biggest gripe with the game. Multi-player seemed like a no brainer. This game is a fun, VERY DIFFICULT beat 'em up, and that genre screams "couch co-op". Particularly when the entire game is centred around an alliance between two characters.
As disappointing as the lack of a second player is, it doesn't break the game. Maximum Carnage is still fun to play, and you'll enjoy yourself until you inevitably lose too many times and get frustrated. This game is hard as fuck. But like most games of that era, a lot of repetition and practice makes it tolerable. The great graphics and music help with that, too.
This isn't the best beat 'em up of all-time, or even just of it's era (you can pry that title from Turtles In Time's cold, dead hands), but it's still sweet. That distinctive red cartridge helps it stick out, and it seems like even casual Marvel fans know these characters and the story involved. My buddy Tyler does, and so do I. We'll tell you all about it this week. Have a listen!
2019-06-26
Super Mario Bros 2 is the oddball of the NES Mario Bros games. Along with Super Mario Sunshine, it's the oddball of the entire Super Mario series. But you know what? I like oddballs.*
*I rewrote that about ten times, and that was the least creepy sounding thing I could come up with...
I like Super Mario Bros 2. A lot. I owned Super Mario Bros 1 & 3 as a kid, but never got my hands on the second one. So any chance I had to play it, I jumped all over it. I couldn't wrap my little mind around it! You could pick up bad guys and throw them at each other! (Before picking up Koopa Troopa shells, this was crazy). There were weird potions that took you into an alternate universe, and that's the only place you could find mushrooms. Stars floated up from the bottom of the screen. You could play as Princess Toadstool (old school) and Toad!?!? Where'd this game come from????
As we would all later find out, it came from Japan. Because they decided that the kids over in North America that played Nintendo weren't good enough to play the game they originally wanted to release as Super Mario Bros 2. And after playing that original sequel (released everywhere as The Lost Levels years later), there were right.
But this episode isn't about the sequel we didn't get (there's already an episode of the show about that game, The Lost Levels - Episode 26 if you're interested!), it's about the one we did. Super Mario Bros 2 is a beauty of a game. It introduced gameplay mechanics to the Mario Bros series that still exist today, like Birdo, Shy Guys, and the Princess's floating ability. It's still as fun to play in 2019 as it was in 1988, and it's about damned time it got it's own episode of the podcast.
My buddy/fellow comedian/improv king David Rae is my guest this week, and we have a great chat about the Cousin Oliver of the Super Mario Bros series; Super Mario Bros 2. Enjoy!
2019-06-19
One of my favourite things about doing this podcast is that I'm discovering new retro games all these years later. Particularly when it comes to Sega. You're going to see more Genesis love in year 2 of this show, and it starts with today's game; Shining Force.
**On that note, if you haven't played a game that's covered on the show, I encourage you to give the episode a listen, anyways. Maybe it'll peak your interest and help you discover a new game to play as well! (And please let me know if that ends up being the case!)**
Shining Force is rad. I just recently played through it on my friend Miklos's suggestion, and I loved it. It's a great tactical RPG (imagine an RPG board game). You and the computer move your characters around on a grid style map, taking turns attacking each other. Most maps have various landscapes throughout their tiles, and they can provide offensive and defensive strategies. It's like playing RPG chess in a way. And Shining Force is one of the grandfather's of the genre. I think I described it as the Dragon Warrior of tactical RPGs. For better and for worse.
While the gameplay itself is fun, and it contains many of the elements that have caused me to completely fall in love with the tactical genre (strategy, levelling up characters, and a stiff challenge) it has a lot of faults, too. Clearly, this was a learning process for the developers, and some of the mechanics are ancient and frustrating to work through. Menu navigation is a nightmare. So is inventory management. It's just clunky and boring. Luckily, that makes up just a small portion of your experience with Shining Force. I found myself gritting my teeth and slogging through the standard "village between battles restock" that comes with most RPGS, because I knew another fun battle map was waiting on the other side.
Tactical RPGs have become one of my favourite styles of video game, and it was really cool playing what some consider the Super Mario Bros of the genre. It has it's warts, but nothing that ruins the experience. My buddy Miklos came through with a killer recommendation by suggesting I give Shining Force a shot, and he joins me on the show this week to talk about why it's so awesome. Enjoy!
2019-06-12
I can't believe we've made fifty episodes of this train wreck of a podcast! And speaking of train wrecks, today we're talking Super Mario 64! (Just kidding!)
Kind of.
I won't lie to you, loyal reader/listener/fellow nerd. The core Mario series is my favourite in all of gaming. But the first foray into the world of 3D just didn't grab me. I remember getting this game as a kid, and yeah, I played the hell out of it. But it never took over my life like it's two dimensional brethren did. I was way more into Mario Kart 64, which we got at the same time. I struggled with the camera, the controller, and just didn't enjoy it as much as I did Mario's other adventures.
Having said that, I came into this podcast ready to rip Mario 64 a new ass. And I just couldn't do it. I think that's a true testament to the genius of this game and just how groundbreaking it was. I wanted to spend an hour trashing it, and every time I tried I found myself bringing up something it did right. Watching clips of the game in preparation for this episode, I was mesmerized by the music and the world Nintendo created for the launch of the Nintendo 64. It's truly a masterpiece. I want to hate it, I think I hate it, I'll tell you I hate it. But....I don't.
Super Mario 64 is one of the most important video games of all-time. I thought it would make a perfect topic of conversation for the 50th episode of "Remember the Game?", and I brought my buddy Mark McCue with me.
Thank you so much for listening to the show. Whether you've listened to all 50 episodes, cherry picked the ones about games you know, or this is your very first one, I can't tell you how much I appreciate it.
2019-06-05
In a world where sports video games have become deep, complex, virtual simulations of their real-life counterparts, Ice Hockey still stands out. It's the epitome of the saying "Less is More". Sure, if you're looking for a hockey game where you can develop rosters, play 100+ hours of a franchise, and manage my salary cap, there are better options. But if you just want to play a quick game of hockey against a friend, and have a really good time doing it, it's still hard to beat Ice Hockey.
It's not a very deep game. You play against either the computer or a friend in a single game, and that's it. No seasons or tournaments. You get to pick from one of six national teams, and then you make up your four man roster. You can pick between skinny players (fast but wimpy), medium players (meh), and heavy/fat players (slow but powerful), and you can mix and match to create any combination of four that you want. And within that lies the genius of Ice Hockey. Do you roll with a team of four skinny players, skate circles around your opponent, but get knocked off the puck every time somebody sneezes? Or do you load up on heavyweights and just hope the other team skates into one of your guys? It might not be as deep as navigating the AHL looking for a fourth line winger, but it works perfectly. The combinations are practically endless.
I guess technically there's 256 combinations. But whatever.
The gameplay is insanely simplistic and easy to pick up. Steer your highlighted player with the D-pad. "A" passes or steals, and "B" shoots or changes players. The D-pad controls your goalie at the same time, which is also really fun. I'd argue that controlling the goalie in Ice Hockey is as fun as controlling the goalie in any hockey game ever made. And that's it. Most of the basic rules from hockey are here, and you just try to score more goals than your opponent. There's no load times, no rosters updates, it's just simple, arcade hockey. And it's awesome.
Most people compare Ice Hockey to it's NES counterpart Blades of Steel. I knew a ton of people that owned one, but I don't think I knew anybody that owned both. I preferred Blades of Steel as a kid, but I think Ice Hockey has held up infinitely better over the years. It recently released on the Nintendo Switch as part of their NES Online service, and I can confirm it's as fun to pick up and play today as it was over thirty years ago. It's not perfect; and it certainly isn't worth paying anymore than a few bucks for these days. But for my money, it's the Ric Flair of Nintendo sports games. One of the all-time greats, and I love it.
My buddy David Rae does too. He's my guest this week, and we had a ton of laughs talking Ice Hockey. I hope you guys enjoy this one as much as we did!
2019-05-29
They might seem silly now (they're not silly at all, by the way) but in the mid 90's, the Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers were in control of every kid on the planet. Who didn't love the "teenagers with attitude"??
TV show(s), movies, actions figures, comic books, the Rangers were everywhere. Video games were inevitable. I remember wanting to get my hands on every Mighty Morphin' thing I could during my phase a Ranger junkie. Especially the video games. But the only one I ever owned - and played for that matter - was the self titled game on the Super Nintendo. And when I was young I thought it was incredible, albeit a little easy. As a jaded, grumpy old man now, I can see it for what it is. Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers on the SNES was a half-assed, cookie cutter beat 'em up.
On a console that boasted incredible beat 'em ups like Battletoads in Battlemaniacs, Maximum Carnage, Final Fight 3 and (insert your favourite game that I missed here), not to mention the undisputed king of beat 'em up - TMNT IV: Turtles In Time, Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers came up short in every possible way. It snuck by on the back of the franchise itself, and while many of us played and loved it as kids, it's aged terribly.
I could beat this game as a kid without breaking a sweat. I'm not great at games now, but man did I suck back then. You just ran left to right, punching generic putties over and over again. Being able to pick from Jason, Trini, Zack, Kimberly and Billy before each level was cool, but they all pretty well controlled identically. And once they morphed from their teenage selves into their Power Ranger counterparts, they were simple palette swaps of one another. Some of the boss fights were kind of cool, but the two minutes it took to beat them didn't make up for the ten minute slog you went through to get there. The game ends with a couple Street Fighter style battles between Megazord and some villain, and they're only slightly more fun than the countless putty fights before them.
Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers isn't a great game. But it's based on a great franchise, and it kicks my nostalgia sensors into overdrive. My buddy Andre is back this week, and we're talking about the video game and the Rangers themselves, and we had a hell of a time doing it.
Plus, I snuck the theme song into the beginning of the episode :)
2019-05-22
Everyone knows that most video games based on The Simpsons, sucked.
But, everyone played video games based on The Simpsons.
I know I did. I think I've played every Simpsons video game ever made, except for The Simpsons Skateboarding and The Simpsons Wrestling. It didn't matter how big of fan you were, one look at the back of those CD cases was enough to realize these games were real life versions of Lee Carvallo's Putting Challenge. But I played the rest of them. I owned a lot of them, too. Including The Simpsons: Bart's Nightmare.
For the record, I loves me some Simpsons. Admittedly, I'm one of the old school fans that doesn't care for the last fifteen years of the show. But in it's glory days, I was flat-out obsessed with the show. I watched a couple hours of it every day. My parents knew it, too. And they knew that Santa would look like a hero if he could combine my love of The Simpsons with my love of video games. Christmas morning, a Simpsons game found it's way into our house more often than not.
I'm sure we'll do episodes of this show about some of those other games down the road. Today, we're talking Bart's Nightmare. I had it for the SNES, and I actually really liked it. I think the plot of the game isn't terrible. Bart falls asleep doing his homework, and you have to go through his dreams/nightmares to get the 8 pages of his homework back before he wakes up, which happens when you get a game over. The more pages you collect, the better grade Bart gets on his paper.
OK. Maybe it is terrible. But I liked it. I still do. It has issues, and they're the same issues that plague almost every Simpsons video game. The controls (at times), are awful. It's hard as balls. Frankly, it's a stupid game. But they nail some of the cameos and references to the show, and that's why I liked playing these games as a kid.
I never beat it, but I didn't care. I have great memories of fighting Homer Kong, flying through the sky as Bartman, and popping bubblegum on Principal Skinner's head. I like this game. My buddy Darren does too. He joins me on the podcast this week, and we finally dive into the urine-soaked hellhole that is the world of Simpsons video games on Remember The Game?
And I know, I could have said peepee-soaked heck hole.
2019-05-15
There may not be another game in my "illustrious" gaming career that I have fonder memories of after a single play-through than The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker. I played through it one time, on my GameCube back in the day, and never turned it on again. Not because I didn't like it, but because I just ended the game feeling....satisfied.
I've seen the criticisms of Wind Waker. Too much time is sent just floating around on the boat. The art style looks too childish. I was going to list a third one, but honestly, that's all I can really remember ever seeing anyone bitch about when it comes to this game. The "too much time on the water" complaint is slightly justified. I never felt it was a chore, but I guess I could see where someone is coming from. Anyone that complains about the art style is straight up crazy.
For my money, this is the best looking game in the Zelda series (and yes, I'm including Breath of the Wild). I'm infatuated with the way this game looks. From the first time I saw it, I thought it was gorgeous. I think it's aged incredibly well, and I'd love to see another entry done in the same style. It's like playing one of the best looking cartoons ever. The bright colours helped make the time drifting around on a boat seem light and enjoyable. I'm not a graphics guy in the least, but I'd play this game again just to get another look at it.
I'm a pretty fair weather Zelda fan. Mario has always been my guy, and while I've played a nice chunk of Link's games, few of them would be on the short list for my favourite games ever. Link To The Past, Link Between Worlds, and The Wind Waker would be the exceptions to that rule. I absolutely adore this game, and I pray the HD Wii U port we got a few years ago finds it's way onto the Switch soon.
My buddy Mark is back this week. We've talked about a few Zelda games already, and we were both hella excited to add The Wind Waker to that list. Kick back, relax, and let's go on a boat ride!
2019-05-08
The whole concept behind this podcast was to talk about the games we played as kids and to stir up those feelings of nostalgia, and that's exactly what A Boy and His Blob does for me. My brother and I played the hell out of this game as kids.
We never owned it, but we rented it. Over and over and over. Everyone remembers doing that with a game or two back in the day, right? By the time you stopped renting it, you could have just bought the damned game with all the money you spent! We never came anywhere close to beating it, either. And honestly, without the internet, I doubt we ever would have. But we didn't care.
This game was built to be played alongside the internet. Tons of trial and error, and hard to solve puzzles. You play as "boy" - I don't remember them actually saying what his name was - and this blob thing follows you around. I didn't know it back in the day, but apparently the object of the game was to collect treasure (that was in caves under the ground) to buy vitamins to feed bad guys back on Blob's home planet. Oh yeah, and you had a ton of different jellybeans to feed blob, and when you did, he turned into different things like a ladder, a bubble, and a blowtorch.
Yeah...
It didn't tell you what each flavour of jellybean did to blob, either. You had to feed him different kinds of beans, and see what happened. We kept a handwritten list of what bean did what. And then once you knew you could make blob into, you had to figure out where to use him to stay alive. Because everything killed you. Falling, enemies, spikes, water, falling rocks, ugh.
This game had a ton of flaws, but I still have a soft spot for it. My buddy and fellow comedian Ty does too. He's my guest this week, and we look back at our adventures dying alongside Blob as kids. Grab a bag of ketchup jellybeans, put your feet up, and go for a ride back in time with us, won't you?
2019-05-01
Super Metroid turned 25 a couple weeks ago! A better podcast host would have caught that and ran with it, but what can you do? I don't think it cared that we missed it.
One of the greatest games - not only on the Super Nintendo, but of all-time - Super Metroid is an absolute gem. A perfect combination of action, exploration, challenge, and atmosphere (which in the 16-bit era is no small feat), it takes you on a ride. Super Metroid is so good, it served as a primary inspiration in the formation of an entire new genre of video game; the Metroid-Vania. When you look at any list of the "greatest SNES games of all-time", Samus's Super Nintendo adventure is a lock for a spot in the top 5. Considering the insane library of games those lists contain, that's a pretty incredible feather in it's cap.
I missed this one as a kid, but luckily, I caught up to it as an adult. I've probably played through it half a dozen times in the last 10 years, and it's one of those titles I keep going back to. When I think of video games, it's one of the titles that comes to mind. I love the graphical style of it so much, and when you add in the action, power-ups, and exploration that comes with it, it's everything a video game should be. I've tried playing Metroid on the NES in recent years, and while I respect the role it played in paving the way for Super Metroid, it just hasn't stood the test of time like it's 16-bit counterpart has. And while there are a lot of franchises that made massive improvements during their transition from the 8-bit generation to the 16-bit one, I don't think there's an IP that levelled up as hard as Samus and friends did.
Super Metroid is a hall of fame worthy video game. Two of my childhood friends, Daniel and Rob, joined me this week to explain why. This was a fun episode, I hope you like it.
And for the love of video games, if you haven't played Super Metroid, get your shit together.
2019-04-24
The NES had Super Mario Bros. The Genesis had Sonic The Hedgehog. And Microsoft's Xbox? It had Halo. And Halo is awesome.
I was skeptical of the Xbox. I remember reading a great article in a gaming magazine (remember those?) about how there just wasn't room in the gaming industry for four home consoles. At least one of the Nintendo Gamecube, Playstation 2, Sega Dreamcast and Microsoft's Xbox wasn't going to survive. In hindsight, we all know the - unfortunate - victim of the crowd selves was the Dreamcast, but I would have bet money it would be the Xbox. But, I didn't know that Microsoft had Bungie and a little someone named Master Chief in their back pocket.
When you think of the Xbox, it's hard not to think of Halo: Combat Evolved. I guess you could think of Halo 2, but whatever. It's the system Master Chief built. I vividly remember playing Halo with my friend Chris and just being blown away by the graphics and the gameplay. Until then, all I knew of first person shooters was Goldeneye, Perfect Dark and DOOM. Halo was incredible. It was like playing a movie. It raised the bar. A lot.
Some of my best memories of Halo are playing the campaign on Legendary difficulty. Getting my ass handed to me over and over and not caring. The music got you so fired up. Ripping around in Warthogs. The multi-player!! Grunts are one of my favourite villains in a video game to this day. Halo: Combat Evolved is the best.
My buddy and fellow comedian Ty joined me this week, and we took a long look back at the debut of Master Chief, the arrival of the Xbox, and the gem that is Halo: Combat Evolved. Enjoy!
2019-04-17
I say it almost every episode, but I'm really excited to talk about this week's game. Donkey Kong Country is easily on "10 favourite games of all-time" list. It's a masterpiece.
Donkey Kong Country is just one of those games that everybody has played. It's one of the best selling video games in history, and at one point it was even been packaged with the Super Nintendo itself. At a time when people were looking at the Sega Genesis and it's graphical capabilities, this game was the SNES's way of pushing back. It's absolutely gorgeous, and as far as I'm concerned it looks as good today as it did twenty-five years ago.
I've said it a million times, but Super Mario World is my favourite game ever. I think it's literally the perfect video game. Donkey Kong Country is just as good. Frankly, it looks better and it has better music than Mario does. The 16-bit era of video games is still the golden age in this old timer's mind, and this game is one of the crown jewels of that generation. I don't even know what to say about, I just love it that much.
I've beaten this game a million times, and I find myself going back to it again and again. The gameplay is tight, it's fun to play, it's perfect. It introduced us to Diddy Kong, and it showed the world why Cranky Kong (who's the original Donkey Kong, FYI) is the best character in gaming history.
And we got Funky Kong. And Donkey Kong is a boss. King K Rool is a dope villain. The mine cart levels! Shooting from barrel to barrel! In a blizzard!! You can ride a swordfish! So damned good.
Games like Donkey Kong Country are why I started this podcast in the first place. I have so many great memories of playing it as a kid. And this week, my buddy Henry came by to listen to me talk about some of them. He had a few of his own too. Great game, great guest, great episode. Check it out.
2019-04-10
Spider-Man is my favourite superhero. Even if you ignore all of the "he's a normal guy trying to do the right thing/with great power comes great responsibility" stuff and just focus on superpowers, the guy is sick. Climbing walls, super strength, agility, and of course, web-slinging. He seems like he'd be perfect for video games. And unfortunately, that wasn't really the case for a long time. Then came Spider-Man for the PlayStation.
Developed by Neversoft, Spider-Man initially released on the PlayStation in the summer of 2000. It later found it's way onto the Nintendo 64 and Sega Dreamcast, but for me and most my friends, this game's practically a PlayStation exclusive. It's one of the games I most wanted to see on the PS Classic last year - although I didn't expect it because of licensing and the fact that the PS Classic is garbage - and aside from Final Fantasy VII, Metal Gear Solid, and the Tony Hawk series, it's one of the titles I most associate with Sony's first foray into the console world.
(On a side note, Neversoft developed the Tony Hawk games along with Spider-Man. That's a pretty sick track record)
You (obviously) play the role of Peter Parker/Spider-Man. You fight bad guys, climb walls, and yep, web-sling around New York. Kind of. Doctor Octopus and Carnage release a fog across the city, and it blocks out the lower half of New York for the duration of the game. Obviously a way to work within the limitations of the PlayStation's hardware capabilities (I assume anyway), you web-sling along the skyline of the city without ever seeing the streets, traffic, and people. It actually works really well, and doesn't take away from the game.
Where this game truly shines, in my opinion, is it's story. It absolutely captures the feel of the modern Marvel movies, and the roster of characters that make appearances in Spider-Man is INSANE! Spider-Man, Venom (my other favourite. And they team up, which is the best!), Punisher, Captain America, Doctor Octopus, Mysterio, Carnage, Human Torch, Daredevil, Rhino; the list goes on and on. Stan Lee even shows up! I say it during the podcast this week, but nothing makes me happier than when I see a game developer truly cares, and it's obvious while playing this game that Neversoft set out to make something special. And they succeeded.
An original story, incredible gameplay and graphics, and a little TLC, Spider-Man has it all. My buddy Tyler and I had a great time talking about one of the stand out (and occasionally forgotten) gems on the PlayStation. It's all about Spider-Man this week on 'Remember The Game?'!
2019-04-03
It's WrestleMania week! This is like the Stanley Cup Finals/World Series/Super Bowl for wrestling fans, so I figured it was the right time to jump back into the world of wrasslin' video games. We've already covered the iconic WWF: No Mercy, and it's dimwitted cousin WWF Attitude. This week, we leaping forward to the Playstation 2 and another of the most beloved wrestling games of all-time; WWE SmackDown! Here Comes The Pain...
Featuring the cover athlete BROOOOOCCKKKK.....LESSSSSSNAAAAARRRRRR! (That's for you current WWE fans)
I won't lie, my heart belongs to the Nintendo 64 when it comes to wrestling games. Not just No Mercy, either. All the THQ games from that system (going back as far as WCW World Tour), stole countless hours from my childhood. They may not have had the deepest career modes of all-time, but the controls were perfect, and the multiplayer was legendary. I loved those games. I bought the first couple SmackDown! titles when they released on the original PlayStation, but they didn't hook me in the same way. Once the SmackDown series made it's leap to the PlayStation 2, it really hit it's stride. Shut Your Mouth was pretty good, but Here Comes the Pain is - in my opinion - the definitive title of the PS2, the SmackDown series, and early 2000's pro wrestling.
It really played a big role in shifting the wrestling video game genre toward a more simulation style game, being able to work on specific body parts during a match and seeing the damage that has been done to each leg, arm, etc. It pumped steroids into the THQ grapple engine everyone knew and loved. It really took the gameplay to the next level, and aside from the obvious graphical enhancements, I remember this feeling like the first game that was taking full advantage of a more powerful console (the PS2 as opposed to the original PlayStation).
I love the career mode in this game, too. I like the tight menu, no walking around. You pick what you want to do between matches, and it happens. Its the KISS method - Keep It Simple, Stupid. It also introduced the Elimination Chamber to video games, and I found that as fun as I did ladder matches when they were first introduced back in WWF No Mercy. It was the first time bra and panties matches were playable too, but, yeah...
It has a great roster, plucked from a great time in pro wrestling. Tight controls, great graphics, fun career mode, Here Comes The Pain checks all the right boxes. I haven't played it in a long time, but doing a little homework for this episode brought back a lot of great memories. This is unquestionably one of the crown jewels of the wrestling video game library, and my buddy Andre joined me this week to help explain why.
Enjoy the podcast, and enjoy WrestleMania, fellow nerds. It's still real to me dammit.
2019-03-27
What can I possibly say about The Legend of Zelda that hasn't already been said?
It's one of the most influential and iconic games of all-time. It launched one of the greatest franchises in the history of the industry. It's an absolutely masterpiece that - for my money - is as enjoyable today as it was over THIRTY years ago. It might even be better now, because the internet is around to help you.
I didn't play this much as a kid. It wasn't until A Link to the Past that I really discovered the greatness that is The Legend of Zelda franchise. I finally went back and played through it from beginning to end earlier this year, and I've been jonesing to talk about it ever since. I think it says a ton about this game when literally every thing it did has been improved upon in different games over the years, but it's still a blast to play. It's legendary.
This might be the shortest podcast post I've written so far, but I just don't know what else to say. My buddy David Rae is my guest this week, and we spend almost 50 minutes talking about gaming royalty. It's all about The Legend of Zelda this time around. Enjoy!
2019-03-20
StarTropics is the little game that almost could. Developed by Nintendo of America and released exclusively in North America and Europe (most NES games made their way to North America after being released in Japan), this game gets an awful lot right. And the stuff is gets wrong can be overlooked or chalked up to system limitations and industry standards in the late 80's.
The game stars some guy named Mike, and he travels from tropical island to tropical island (and eventually to spaceship, because video games) in search of his missing Uncle. Each "level" is a cave/temple that you have to find your way out of, battling enemies with yo-yos and baseball equipment. The strict "grid" movement (left/right/up/down one space at a time) can be frustrating, but the puzzle solving and exploration in the caves make up for it. Most of the time, anyway. It starts off pretty simple, but by the third or fourth level, this game gets viciously difficult. And a little cheap. It's still hella fun, though.
This is one of those games I never owned as a kid, but I have fond memories of playing anyways. I had a friend that lived across the street from me, and he owned it. I'd go over to play games with him and we'd spend hours dying on the same boss (that God damned fire guy). But we kept coming back for more. Something about this game just hooks you. As frustrating as it can be, it really is fun to play.
It also shipped with a letter (an actual physical, piece of paper letter), that had to be dipped in water to reveal a secret code necessary to finish the game. It might sound hokey in 2019, but in the early 90's, that was some crazy innovation! My friend and I never had that paper, but luckily for us we never got that far in the game, so it didn't matter.
StarTropics is a beauty, and it just released on Nintendo's Switch Online Service. If you haven't played it, I strongly recommend giving it a shot. But not until after you listen to my buddy Chris and I talk about it for half an hour on this week's podcast!
2019-03-13
In early 2001, the Nintendo 64 was running out of gas. The Playstation was in full swing, and Nintendo was looking vulnerable for the first time. Their new console, the Gamecube, was only months away. The 64 was about to be left behind. But before that happened, it had one last hurrah. And that hurrah was a gorgeous RPG called Paper Mario.
Not officially a "sequel" to the beloved Super Mario RPG on the SNES, Paper Mario was our favourite plumbers second foray into the world of role-playing game. Borrowing some elements from it's 16-bit cousin - timed hits/defending in combat and top shelf writing, to name a couple - Paper Mario managed to hold onto the Nintendo charm and approachability, while still remaining a deep, competitive RPG.
The combat system isn't simply a matter of tapping "A" and coasting through battles. Attacking in this game requires some form of action if you want to cause maximum damage. Little things like tapping a button at the right time or pulling the joystick to the left and then swinging it to the right help break up the monotony of combat that a lot of RPGS struggle with. Each battle feel fresh and fun.
Your attacks do various types of damage to your opponents, too. In a standard Mario game, you have to jump on a Koopa Troopa before you can pick it up and use it. They managed to transition that style of gameplay into RPG combat with Paper Mario. It's an RPG that still feels a lot like a platformer/action game. There's also NO RANDOM ENCOUNTERS!!!!! How all RPGS haven't adapted that approach by now is a frustrating mystery that may never be solved. Ugh.
This game is charming, gorgeous, and it's a blast to play. The writing is clever and funny. The paper art style looks great, even by today's standards. I feel that games from the 64-bit era haven't aged well cosmetically, but this game looks as good today as it did eighteen years ago. And the most important thing, in my opinion, is that it's just as fun now as it was when it launched. If Nintendo ever does release a Nintendo 64 Classic, I'd buy one just to play this game again. It's that good.
My buddy Mark McCue agrees. He's my guest on the podcast this week, and damned if we didn't have a hell of a time revisiting Paper Mario. I hope you enjoy this one as much as we did.
2019-03-06
When you think of platformers, Super Mario Bros jumps to mind as the most influential to the genre. First Person Shooters, that nod might go to Wolfenstein or Doom. And when you get into the world of horror video games, the undisputed king is the Playstation classic, Resident Evil.
Admittedly, I'm a wuss when it comes to horror and scary things. I don't watch a lot of the movies, and I haven't played many of the video games. My first experience with the Resident Evil franchise was Resident Evil 4 on the Gamecube. I adored it. And it made me want to go back and try some of it's predecessors. When I finally got a chance to play the game that started it all, I was....underwhelmed.
However, in retrospect, Resident Evil deserves a lot of credit. You can certainly criticize the control scheme and the God awful voice acting (although I think the cheesy voice acting adds to the game, like a bad 80's horror movie), but what you can't deny is that this game defined a genre. Capcom did something new with Resident Evil. They tried to take a horror movie that you'd see in a theatre, and make it into a video game. The Playstation had the technical capabilities to do what the 16-bit era consoles couldn't, and the end result is a game that may be laughable today, but was revolutionary and down-right scary in it's prime. The franchise has gone on to become one of the most famous in gaming, spawning countless video games and several films, and horror games like Outlast, The Evil Within, and (my personal favourite) Dead Space, owe a great debt to Resident Evil.
Like I said, the horror genre in gaming isn't my forte. But my buddy Tyler knows this game like the back of his hand. He's my guest this week, and we had a blast remembering the crazy, campy, crappy controlling world of Resident Evil.
2019-02-27
For my money, there may not be a game in the NES library (at least, not without "Mario" in the title) that has aged better than the masterpiece that is Mike Tyson's Punch Out!!
Punch Out!! was one of the first sports video games to really nail it. The controls are snare drum tight, the graphics are still gorgeous today, and the gameplay mechanics strike a perfect balance between "simulation-y" and "arcade-ish". Aspects like stamina that depletes as you get punched and have your strikes blocked makes it feel like you're in a real boxing match, but at the same time the idea of your opponent teleporting around the ring while he throws punches at you reminds you that this is still a video game. It's a magical combination that works splendidly. And it makes it's insane difficulty tolerable.
Because make no mistake - this game is hard. Like, really hard. Mike Tyson is considered one of the most difficult "final bosses" in the history of gaming, and that's assuming you can even get to him. I never have. In classic Nintendo style, the first few levels (opponents) are pretty easy, slowly introducing new game mechanics and teaching you everything you need to know. But once the difficulty starts to ramp up, it punches you right in the face. Because it's a boxing game, you get it?
I've always preferred the Super Nintendo sequel to this game, but after spending some serious time with Mike Tyson's Punch Out!! in preparation for this podcast, I've remembered what an absolute classic it is. It's as fun to play in 2019 as it was in 1987, and it deserves it's spot alongside the Mario Bros, Castlevanias and Mega Mans on the list of the greatest games in the NES's legendary library.
My pal and fellow NES junkie David Rae returns to the show this week, and damned if we didn't spend almost hour talking about how we couldn't beat Mike Tyson. Enjoy the podcast!
2019-02-20
Pro wrestling is probably the only thing on the planet on par with retro video games when it comes to making me feel nostalgic. Being a teenager during the Monday Night Wars and the Attitude Era was something special. If you liked wrestling in those days (and who didn't?), you know what I'm saying. Combine the Attitude Era with the Playstation and the Nintendo 64, and you have nostalgia overload.
Enter WWF Attitude.
When people talk wrestling games from the 90's and early 2000's, the instant focus falls on THQ. WCW/nWo Revenge, Wrestlemania 2000, and of course, WWF No Mercy are all absolutely incredible. But before the WWF got in bed with THQ, Akklaim was in charge of bringing Stone Cold and friends into the world of video games. And while WWF Attitude doesn't have anything close to the legacy WWF No Mercy (or even SmackDown does), it doesn't deserve to be overlooked like it usually is.
A lot of features that are common place in wrestling games today began with WWF Attitude. Things like super deep rosters, in depth create a wrestler, and even the ability to create an event all started with this game. While the THQ titles were taking the game in an "easy to approach and simple to control" direction, Akklaim focused on trying to make their wrestling games a more complicated, simulation type of experience. And while it's easy to look back on some of their decisions and laugh - and believe me, we do on the podcast this week - I think the powers that be behind this game deserve a little bit of credit for trying something different. It may not have worked all that well, but they helped lay the groundwork for what wrestling games would become.
My guest this week is fellow wrestling nerd and podcast host Kyle Shaw, and we had a great time sharing stories about not only playing video games, but watching wrestling as well. Enjoy the podcast!
2019-02-13
In an era filled with weird animal heroes like the Battletoads, Samurai Pizza Cats, Bucky O'Hare and Biker Mice from Mars, Earthworm Jim still managed to stand out. His video games are hilarious, and the original game launched a franchise that went on to produce an animated series, comic books, and action figures, along with several video game sequels, as well.
Whenever I hear the word "groovy", I can't help but think of Earthworm Jim. It's funny, because I don't remember when I discovered the franchise, just like I can't remember when it all disappeared. But there was definitely a time in the 90's where Earthworm Jim could do no wrong. his entire universe was fantastic, propelled by an insane cast of characters that included Queen-Slug-For-A-Butt, a Killer Goldfish named Bob, and of course, Peter Puppy. The characters transitioned perfectly between television and video game. Possibly more than any game before it, Earthworm Jim felt like you were playing a Saturday morning cartoon.
A very difficult Saturday morning cartoon. These games are vicious. I replayed this one quite a bit in preparation for this podcast, and hardly got anywhere. I think some criticism of the controls is warranted, but I still myself wanting to play some more. This game is from the era of "practice makes perfect". If you wanted to beat it, all you had to do was play it enough to get good. It didn't hold hands, and it rewarded skill.
Did I mention it was funny? I did? Well, I'll say it again. This game is hilarious. There's a level where you go to Hell and the bad guys consist of lawyers. Evil crows try to pull Jim out of his suit, reminding you that at the end of the day, he's just an earthworm. You're trying to save Princess What's Her Name? Really, that's what she's called.
Jim steals the show. He uses his own body as weapon, a hand while he hangs from clotheslines, and a jump rope when he's bored. This game is one of the first I can remember playing that legitimately made me laugh while I stared at the screen. This game is a beauty. It's too bad the franchise doesn't get more love today.
My buddy Patrick is back on the show this week, and we had a great time remembering the Grooviest hero in gaming; Earthworm Jim.
2019-02-08
Welcome to a special Friday edition of Remember The Game! For this episode, we're jumping forward in time. Instead of looking at a game that took over our lives in the 80's or 90's, we're talking about a game that is taking over our lives right now. Today I'm talking Fortnite and Super Smash Bros Ultimate with my nephew, Ben.
Ben is a returning guest to the podcast (we talked about the Mario Party franchise way back in episode 8), and I love talking games with him. He's twelve years old, and every bit as passionate (addicted) to video games as I am. I like talking to younger gamers today, and seeing what fires them up about the industry. Not only do Ben and I dip into two of the biggest franchises on the planet, but we talk a little about game streaming, Youtube, and the politics that come with it.
Not only is Ben a gaming junkie, but he's incredibly well spoken and intelligent. He's big into creating on Youtube, etc, and he's a natural behind a microphone. He was a great guest, and I had a really good time recording this episode with him. I hope you guys enjoy it as much as we did. Thanks Ben!
2019-02-06
This episode is for all you "PC Master Race" nerds. Outside of Oregon Trail and some shareware games, there's really only one PC game I played growing up, and holy hell did I play a lot of it. I loved building roller coasters, charging people $5 to use the bathroom, and of course, picking people up with tweezers and dropping them in the middle of nowhere. This week, we're talking RollerCoaster Tycoon.
I don't remember where I first saw this game, but I remember being excited for it before it even released. I probably read about it in a gaming magazine leading up to March '99, and I vividly remember going to the store after work and buying it one day. I didn't even know if our computer was powerful enough to play it, but I figured it was worth the risk. And it was. Partially because my computer could play the game, and partially because this game is awesome.
It's sad that this franchise has lost it's way as hard as it has in recent years, because when it launched, it was incredible. I didn't know a ton of people that played it in my circle, but my brother and I played it non-stop. The various challenge levels got old fast, but that's not why anybody played this game. It was all about building the greatest amusement park in the world. Sitting there, studying your customers and watching the money roll in was as addictive as anything I had experienced in gaming up to that point. I bought it years later for my Xbox, and I have it installed on my iPad and my phone now, too. I'll never stop giving this game my money.
RollerCoaster Tycoon is a phenomenal game, and it's still my favourite simulation style game of all-time. My buddy Mark McCue loves it, too. He's my guest this week, and we're going to take you to the official Remember The Game theme park. Admission is free, and good times are guaranteed.
2019-01-30
Does anyone else hear the chorus to I Ran (So Far Away) and instantly think of Vice City? Oh, all of you? At least it isn't just me then....
Everyone played Grand Theft Auto: Vice City. I know there had been the original top-down style GTA games, and GTA 3 had been out for a little while, but this seemed like the one that really kick-started the Grand Theft Auto phenomenon. I know personally, this one the first one I played. I never actually finished the story, but I'd spend hours just driving around causing chaos and running away from the police. I'd never played a game like this before, it felt so....real (for lack of a better word).
The soundtrack for this game is absolutely iconic. Just driving around listening to the radio was so much fun. The amount of time Rockstar spent on the radio DJ's conversations was incredible for the time. As someone that would usually turn the sound off on my video games and listen to a CD instead (fuck I'm old), this game really grabbed my attention from an audio perspective. It was so good.
I'm sure kids that grew up on GTA V would take one look at Vice City and laugh, but for us old folks, this game was the cat's ass. I've been looking forward to uploading this episode for a while, because I know every gamer from my generation remembers ripping around, seeing if they could max out their stars and still get away from the cops. This game was like playing a movie. It's unquestionably one of the most iconic games of it's generation, and I had a great time chatting about it with my buddy Andre. I hope you guys have as much fun with this episode as we did.
Find us on Twitter and Instagram - @memberthegame
And check out our website! https://www.rememberthegamepodcast.com
2019-01-23
Battletoads is one of those franchises that has always had a strong cult following, but nobody really knows why. They're blatant Ninja Turtle ripoffs. The games are ridiculously difficult. The characters have some of the grossest names in gaming history (Zitz, Pimple, and Rash). Nothing about the franchise makes sense whatsoever.
But people really like them. Myself included.
Battletoads in Battlemaniacs is, for my money, the best game in the series. At times it almost plays like a 16-bit remake of the NES original. The levels, enemies, and attack animations are similar, but they all look much, much better. While criticisms of it's controls, collision detection and difficulty are valid, nobody can say this game doesn't look gorgeous. It's like playing a really bad-ass cartoon. After recording this episode of the podcast and reflecting on the series, I think it's art style and "edginess" (for lack of a better word) are the primary reasons the series developed a following in the first place. It just feels like a cool video game.
Battlemaniacs is also home to undoubtably one of the best soundtracks of the 16-bit era. When I edit these podcasts, one of the highlights for me is going back and listening to the music from games I played growing up. The music from this game is so good that I actually downloaded some of it's songs to my phone, and plan to keep them there. Maybe that's part of the reason players keep coming back, despite knowing they can't win; that music makes you feel like a badass.
My buddy Patrick makes his podcast debut this week, and we had a great time looking at Battletoads in Battlemaniacs through a very critical lens. This game has it's faults, no question. But at the end of the day, it's just fun to play. Except maybe those fucking speed bikes....
We have a website! https://www.rememberthegamepodcast.com
And we're on Twitter and Instagram (we follow back, too!) @memberthegame
Thanks for listening!
2019-01-16
I vividly remember getting this game for my birthday the year it came out. And despite the fact that I had a house full of my friends over for a party, and this was a single player game, it was all I did for the rest of the day. No regrets.
The first thing that stands out about this game are the graphics. It's simply gorgeous. It was released less than a year before the Nintendo 64 launch, and the advancement Nintendo made between the original Super Mario World that debuted alongside the SNES and this game are undeniable. Clearly, the powers that be had a firm handle on what the Super Nintendo was capable of at this point. I consider this game to be the SNES's swan song. It's a hell of a way to go out.
Everyone had fallen in love with Yoshi after his appearance in Super Mario World a few years earlier, and we were excited for the opportunity to play as him some more. It took one game (if you don't count spinoff appearances and the awful Super Scope game) for the dinosaur/sacrificial lamb to leap into a starring role. It took poor Luigi like 20 years to do that! (Again, no spinoffs. Looking at YOU, Mario Is Missing.....)
This game featured some new gameplay mechanics, like launching eggs and the debut of Yoshi's "flutter" jump. The levels are deep and lengthy, and I *think* this was the first "Mario" game to feature collectibles in each level that you had to seek out if you wanted to 100% the game. And 100%ing this game was hard. I haven't done it to this day, although it's something I intend to do at some point. It gave you a ton of bang for your buck, and while it isn't really a sequel to the original Super Mario World per say, it lives up to the name sake from a quality perspective.
I'd be curious to know how it would've sold it they had simply called it "Yoshi's Island", without slapping Super Mario World 2 on the cover. I have to assume it would have hurt sales somewhat, especially after Yoshi's Safari was such a disappointment a couple years prior. And without the success of this game, Yoshi might not be as big of character in the Nintendo universe as he is today. People forget that Yoshi didn't appear as a "power up" in a Mario game again until Super Mario Galaxy 2 15 years later.
It doesn't really matter in the end, I suppose. Yoshi is awesome, and so is this game. My buddy Kyle and I had a great time explaining why on this week's podcast. Enjoy.
You can find everything 'Remember The Game?' at our new website; rememberthegamepodcast.com!
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2019-01-09
If Mario was the video game Heavyweight Champion in the 90's, Sonic The Hedgehog was the #1 contender. I didn't own a Sega Genesis growing up, but I played all the Sonic games. I watched the cartoon. I read the comic books. Sonic was everywhere! He was fast, he was cool, and he was the face of SEGA. But, were his games fun to play?
My buddy Andre was a Sega kid, and he returns to the podcast this week to help me remember not one, but TWO Sega Genesis games that are attached at the hip (thanks to "cutting edge, lock on technology"); Sonic The Hedgehog 3, and Sonic & Knuckles. Enjoy!
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AND NOW Instagram! @memberthegame
Thanks for listening!
2019-01-02
Happy new year! I hope you had a great holiday season, and the "January Blues" aren't hitting you too hard. And if they are, hopefully a new podcast will help snap you out of it!
We're going with a bit of a black sheep this week (there are only so many Chrono Triggers and Tony Hawk games out there!). My buddy and fellow comic Dave Rae returns to the show, and we decided to have a chat about the Cousin Oliver of the NES Mario family; the REAL Super Mario Bros 2. You may know it as Super Mario Bros - The Lost Levels.
Originally finding it's way over to North America in the Super Mario All Stars compilation on the SNES, the original version has popped up on Virtual Consoles over the years as well. It's unquestionably the most difficult core Mario Bros game, and I like it a lot. If you've played it, you know just how brutally challenging it is. If you haven't, this probably won't sell you on it, but it should. Give it a shot!
We've seen a crazy spike in downloads the last couple weeks, which I can only chalk up to people discovering the podcast for the first time, and exploring the back catalogue. So THANK YOU to all of you for listening to, supporting, and sharing the podcast with your friends. I really do appreciate it, and I can't wait to see where we end up in 2019!
We're also on Twitter! @memberthegame
AND facebook! facebook.com/memberthegame
2018-12-26
Happy Boxing Day! I have a late Christmas present for all you nerds. An episode of Remember The Game about the single most requested game we've had since we launched the podcast earlier this year; Chrono Trigger!!
My pal Tyler is a Chrono Trigger junkie, and we spent a good 45 minutes looking back at one of the most celebrated and beloved RPGs of all time. I hope this episode helps you kill some time while you're standing in a Boxing Day sale line. Maybe it just provides an escape from the in-laws for an hour. Regardless of how you're spending your holidays, I hope they're going well, Santa came through for ya, and I really appreciate you spending an hour of them geeking out with us.
I'm really excited to see where this podcast goes in 2019, and thank all of you so much for supporting it like you have.
And hey, we're on Twitter! @memberthegame
AND Facebook! facebook.com/memberthegame
Happy New Year!
2018-12-19
Playstation vs Nintendo 64. PS3 vs Xbox 360. Virtual Boy vs sanity. All among the greatest rivalries in video game history. But none of them can touch the blood feud that was Nintendo vs Sega in the 90's.
This week, my buddy Miklos joins me, and we take a look back at what it was like growing up during the premier Console Wars. Miklos was a Sega Genesis kid, I had my Super Nintendo. We probably would have fought as kids. As adults, the wounds have healed. Enough time has passed. We were finally able to sit in the same room, shake hands, and talk about what it was like on the other side of the fence.
I really enjoyed this episode, it was one we've kicked around for quite a while. I hope you all enjoy it, too.
And hey, we're on twitter! @memberthegame
And hey, we're on Facebook! facebook.com/memberthegame
And hey, thanks for listening. Merry Christmas!
2018-12-12
Do you still have your SNES mouse??? That big, boring grey mousepad?? Is there any reason to play Mario Paint in 2018??
Of course there is; the fly swatter game!
My fellow gaming nerd Mark McCue is back this week, and we took a trip down memory lane and remember Mario Paint for the SNES. In a time before iPads, smart phones, and even home computers, we had Mario Paint. Colour pictures, make stupid songs, create comics, and yep, swat flies. Everyone played with this game in the '90s. I really feel this was the launching pad for some of Nintendo's "outside of the box" ideas that would come down the road.
If you're enjoying the podcast, follow us on Twitter! @memberthegame
OR/AND join our Facebook group! facebook.com/memberthegame
Thanks for listening!
2018-12-05
*NOTE: We recorded this episode several weeks ago. We do talk a little Smash Bros Ultimate, and address some rumours floating around at the time that turned out not to be true. Please don't email us to tell us we're dumb. At least, not because of that*
With Super Smash Bros Ultimate releasing this week, we thought it would be a great week to remember one of the best fighting/party games of the last 25 years; Super Smash Bros Melee!
My pal Mark McCue is back this week, and we took a trip down memory lane and reminisced about the premier Smash Bros game. This game still has an insanely active competitive scene almost 20 years after it's initial release! Nintendo has released Gamecube controllers and adapters for the Wii U AND the Switch specifically for the franchise, and more importantly, because of this game.
I love Smash Bros. Melee, and so should you. If you don't, hopefully this week's episode changes your mind!
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And thank you for listening. You guys are the best!
2018-11-28
Is there a video game series from the late 90's/early 2000's that stole more hours of our lives than the Tony Hawk series?? EVERYONE played these games!
The wicked soundtracks, the tight controls, the insanely addictive gameplay; this series had it all. My buddy Tyler is back this week, and we take a trip down memory lane and look back at the legendary Tony Hawk Pro Skater 2. Enjoy!
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2018-11-21
For my money, this isn't just the best Final Fantasy on the original Playstation, it might be the best Final Fantasy game, period.
My buddy Andre returns to the show this week, and we look back at the masterpiece that is Final Fantasy 9. I don't know if it's possible to describe a Final Fantasy game as "overlooked", but I think if there's one core title in the series that might be, it's this one. I love this game, and you should, too.
Did you know this podcast has a twitter account?? @memberthegame
AND it has a Facebook page!? facebook.com/memberthegame
Thanks for listening!
2018-11-14
"SAY FUZZY PICKLES!"
When it was originally released, Earthbound was an absolutely criminally overlooked game on the SNES. Years later, it became one of the most expensive and sought after cartridges on the console in the eyes of collectors. These days (fortunately), it's available everywhere; Wii U Virtual Console, the SNES classic, it's even on the new 3DS.
My buddy Chris returns to the show this week, and we spend some time explaining why you HAVE to play this masterpiece, if you haven't already.
Find 'Remember The Game?' on Twitter! @memberthegame
And on our Facebook group! facebook.com/memberthegame
2018-11-07
Find us on Twitter @memberthegame
And on our new Facebook page; facebook.com/memberthegame
Possibly the most beloved "bad" game of all-time, this week my friend David Rae returns to the podcast and we look back at the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles on the NES. This game was ridiculously tough, didn't control great, the graphics were "meh", but I loved it. Everyone that grew up in the era played it. Remember the f&$%ing seaweed!?
If anything, it deserves an episode of this podcast for one reason; it proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that Donatello is the best Ninja Turtle.
Enjoy!
2018-10-31
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And we have a Facebook page now! facebook.com/memberthegame
We're trying something a little different this week. Regular guest Mark McCue returns to the podcast, and instead of looking at a particular game, we take a look at the possibility of a Nintendo 64 Classic. Would you buy one? What games would go on it? Would it work at all?
Nintendo could announce an N64 Classic at any moment, so I'm glad we got this episode out there beforehand. I'm really happy with how this episode turned out, and I'd like to try a couple more episodes in this style moving forward. I hope you enjoy it!
2018-10-24
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This week, my buddy Miklos returns to the podcast, and we take a look back at what is absolutely, unquestionably, one of the greatest video games of all-time; Super Mario Bros 3 for the NES. This game had of the most insane marketing campaigns ever (it had a MOVIE made about it!!), and it lived up to all the hype and then some. Who HASN'T played Mario 3?!
I love this game. Enjoy the podcast!
2018-10-17
This week, my buddy Mark is back, and we delve back into the world of AA batteries, puke green screens, and playing video games on road trips. Of course we're talking the Game Boy, and more specifically; The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening.
To this day, I think Nintendo deserves a tip of your cap for making a game this good run on a system like the Game Boy. If you've never played it, you're crazy! Check it out, but only after you check out this week's podcast!
2018-10-10
Diggity Dog!
This week, my friend Andre and I sat down and remembered the greatest wrestling video game of all time; WWF No Mercy for the Nintendo 64. This game comfortably fits into my list of favourite video games of all time. It was the perfect package; tight controls, great graphics (at the time), and it was at the peak of the Attitude Era. It was video game perfection.
Enjoy!
2018-10-03
Think back to a simpler time. Before bills, jobs, car repairs. When your biggest worry was that your Mom wouldn't have 4 more AA batteries stashed somewhere and you'd have to take them out of the TV remote to keep playing Pokemon. Good times.....
This week, my friend Mark McCue returns to the podcast, and we nerd out over three of the most legendary and successful titles in gaming history, the start of a phenomenon; Pokemon Red, Blue, and Yellow for the Game Boy.
If you're on twitter, toss us a follow @Memberthegame, and thank you so much for listening. Enjoy!
2018-09-19
I'm a little concerned that nobody has heard of this week's game, but they can't all be classics.
My friend Tyler and I spent almost an hour nerding out over of the most talked about video game of all time; Final Fantasy VII. Is it the greatest Final Fantasy ever? Maybe the greatest RPG? Is it maybe a little.....overrated? Well, you'll have to listen to find out.
2018-09-12
Everyone knew that kid that insisted on playing as Oddjob, and they're probably in jail for tax fraud or something now.
This week, my friend Kevin and I sit down and talk one of the most beloved games in the Nintendo 64 library, GoldenEye 007. The single player was great, but the multiplayer was legendary.
Enjoy!
2018-09-05
The Mega Man franchise is one of my all-time favourites, and for my money the debut of X is the best of all of them. My old friend Tyler comes by this week, and we catch up by reminiscing about one of the best games on the SNES; Mega Man X. Enjoy!
2018-08-29
The fact that Geno has yet to get his own game is one of the biggest fails in the history of gaming.
This week on Remember the Game, my friend Kevin comes by, and we talk about one of the many RPG masterpieces that call the SNES home; Super Mario RPG.
Enjoy!
2018-08-22
Who doesn't have fond memories of sitting on the couch, laughing and arguing with your friends playing Mario Party? At one point, this franchise was the pinnacle of multi-player gaming, and this week I'm joined by my nephew, Ben, as we break down the highs and lows of the Mario Party franchise. Ben is 12, incredibly well spoken, and a video gaming junkie much like the rest of us. I really had a lot of fun recording this episode, and I hope you enjoy it, too.
And if you do enjoy it, please leave a positive review and tell a friend. I really appreciate your support.
You can follow Remember The Game on Twitter @memberthegame
And find all my podcasts and info at abcomedy.net
Lets-a-go!
2018-08-15
Final Fantasy VI! Or, Final Fantasy III?! Or, whatever...Call it whatever you want, this is one of the greatest RPGs ever made.
My friend (and fellow geek) Miklos Blackshaw sat down with me this week, and we spent almost an hour nerding out about the game many consider to the best entry into the legendary Final Fantasy series. This episode features a little more music than most, because I just couldn't decide what song to use. I hope you guys like it!
You can find Mik on Instagram @comedianmiklos
And you can find me on Instagram @adamblank17
Remember the Game is on Twitter @memberthegame
And as always, check out my website; abcomedy.net
Thanks for listening!
2018-08-08
I have no idea how or why someone decided to have Mario and friends spend a day go karting, but I'm so glad they did!
This week, David Rae and I reminisce about the game that kicked off one of the most beloved franchises in Nintendo's storied history; Super Mario Kart. This is back before the days of blue shells and golden mushrooms, kids. Battle mode, Rainbow Road, Stupid Toad.....this game is an absolute gem.
Thanks for listening! If you like what we're doing, please leave us a good review, and tell a friend!
2018-08-01
What do you get when you combine some of the greatest music in gaming history with some of the worst box art in gaming history? Mega Man!!
My buddy David Rae came by this week, and we talked about the first original NES game in Remember the Game history, Mega Man 2. I LOVE the Mega Man series, and MM2 was when the secret sauce was perfected. This is one of the greatest games of all time, and it was a lot of fun nerding out about it with David.
Enjoy the show!
2018-07-25
Hey! Listen! *?$#&$& Navi....
This week, my pal Mark and I remember the game The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. We both have some critical views of this entry into the Zelda series. Often considered one of the greateat games of all time, Mark and I spend 40 minutes talking about what we liked, and didn't like, about Link's transition into 3D.
Thanks for listening!
2018-07-18
This week on Remember the Game, I'm joined by my good buddy and fellow comedian, Mark McCue. Mark is the biggest Zelda junkie I know, and we recorded a couple Hyrule-centric episodes back to back. First up, my vote for the greatest Legend of Zelda game ever; Link to the Past. Enjoy!
2018-07-03
Welcome to Remember the Game! My buddy Chris Heber joins me this week, and we kick this podcast off by talking about my favourite video game of all time; Super Mario World!