Taking one game per month (old, new and everything in between) and talking though an in-depth examination of narrative, mechanics, theme, and the interplay betw...
In this episode, Josh and Bryan don their pixelated sombreros and head into the Mesoamerican wilderness to check out the latest in indie tactical greatness with Arco! Boasting some snappy writing, inventive tactical gameplay, and truly gorgeous pixel artistry, Arco has a lot on offer. Arco is the product of Polish pixel artist Franek Nowotniak (one of Josh’s pixel artist idols), Australian game developer Max Cahill, Spanish composer and sound designer José Ramón "Bibiki" García, and Mexican developer Antonio "Fayer" Uribe, and published by Panic Inc. While it initially did not have the commercial success the team hoped for, it has begun to quickly rack up awards and nominations as we near the end of 2024. It can be tough to break through in today’s indie landscape, with so many high quality games coming out every week, but Arco is beyond a shadow of a doubt a game that is worth your time. From the compelling “inverse Western” story which conveys a unique perspective on the history of the colonization of the Americas, to the novel tactical mechanics which integrate player choice in a profound and intriguing way, you will not find many games that feel as tight and well integrated as Arco. So saddle up and join Bryan and Josh on their quest for revenge, er I mean, discussion as they journey through Arco!Three Word Reviews:Bryan - Personal Pixelated Parables Josh - Fresh Tactical Take
--------
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2
This episode Clint, Josh, and Bryan pledged their eternal service to the Emperor and suited up in some fancy new blue power armor to defend humanity in Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2! While only one of us has played the series’ first entry, the Warhammer atmosphere and Saber Interactive’s tight and polished co-op gameplay pulled all three of the guys through to victory. Its rare in today’s video game release landscape to get a well-scoped and extremely high fidelity co-op campaign like Space Marine 2’s, so if you are a fan of co-op PVE, enjoy the Warhammer Universe, or just like stomping around as a giant space marine then be sure to check this one out! So suit up with Bryan, Josh, and Clint as they face down the Tyranid scourge in Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2!Three Word Reviews:Bryan - Epic Cooperative Crusade Josh - Big Boots, FilledClint - Gears of Warhammer
--------
Tactical Breach Wizards
Have you ever asked yourself what quirky humor forward take on a breach and clear tactics game featuring wizards might look like? Well about 8 years ago Tom Francis of Suspicious Developments did just that, and what started as a throw away in-joke amongst colleagues is now one of the most impressive and enjoyable indie games of 2024. Bringing his signature wit in the writing and character development along with a tactics sandbox that is polished to a mirror shine Tactical Breach Wizards is a step in the right direction for everything Francis and his studio have been building towards with their previous outings. So hop on your tactical broomstick and set your assault wand to stun as Bryan and Josh flex their magical mastery with Tactical Breach Wizards!Three Word Reviews:Bryan - Tom’s Tactics Triumph Josh - Terrific, Brief, Witty
--------
Townscaper and Tiny Glade
Join Josh and Bryan as they flex their design skills, mostly unsuccessfully, and still manage to create incredibly charming scenes with Townscaper and Tiny Glade. Both of these games offer a different take on the ‘city painting’ or ‘diorama design’ genre of creative game. With little to no direction, and a not insignificant helping hand extended to the player, both of these games interpret the player’s design decisions and render them into utterly gorgeous structures, landscapes, and villages. Townscaper, released in 2021, is the passion project of the developer Oskar Stålberg, who also created Bad North among other projects. It allows the player to create a tiny seaside town with just a few clicks. Tiny Glade was released in 2024 and offers the player the opportunity to create a cozy castle or village diorama set in the variety of seasons with a truly impressive camera mode with which the player can then share and experience their creation. So join Bryan and Josh, and lets get creative!Three Word Reviews:TownscaperBryan - Needs a ChecklistJosh - Building with OomphTiny GladeBryan - Daily Creative MeditationJosh - Cup of TeaShow Notes:Web version of TownscaperFlurdeh’s Youtube ChannelJosh's Latest Game: Neongarten
--------
1000xResist
Its been a while since Bryan and Josh sat down and recorded a podcast about a good old fashioned Narrative Game… enter 1000xResist, the narrative game that Bryan brought to Josh after being completely blown away by the game’s incredible economy of storytelling and deep, varied themes. Needless to say, both were enthralled with Sunset Visitor’s foray into game development and the lengthy conversation they had is testament to the deep read the game received, and deserves. At its heart 1000xResist is a walking sim about a society of clones existing in a post apocalypse an unknown number of years after an alien invasion. The clones are all descended from a young woman who was immune to the disease that the alien Occupants brought. What makes it unique (among many things) is its attention to cinematography, captivating theming, and frequent narrative swerves. Its an incredible work of storytelling, featuring unique exploration of multiple key topics including: family, immigration, resistance, illness, oppression and more. So join Bryan and Josh in praising the ALLMOTHER that this game graced our PC’s and listen in for an in depth, spoiler-filled discussion of the experience. Hekki Almo, Hekki Grace!Three Word Reviews:Bryan - Break the CycleJosh - Watch and RememberShow Notes:Devised Narratives
Taking one game per month (old, new and everything in between) and talking though an in-depth examination of narrative, mechanics, theme, and the interplay between the three.
Colombia