Eggplant: The Secret Lives of Games EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Planet Zoldath
Nov 15, 2024
Joining the hosts are Marc Flury, an independent game developer famed for his work on Thumper, and Alfredo Barraza, a talented game trailer maker and musician from Riot Games. They dive into the intriguing world of Planet Zoldath, discussing its unique game mechanics and the philosophical themes of exploitation and nostalgia. The conversation shines a light on procedural generation and its emotional impact on players. They also explore the quirks of game ports, revealing the charm of imperfect gaming experiences.
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Episode notes
Zoldath as a Board Game
- Alfredo Barraza enjoyed Planet Zoldath and completed it on his first try, not realizing the game's randomized elements.
- He compared the experience to the board game Enchanted Forest, enjoying the mental mapping and resource management.
Retro Appeal and Alien World
- Marc Flury found Planet Zoldath's clunky controls and unclear affordances reminiscent of retro games.
- The game's randomization forces players to relearn the rules each playthrough, creating a unique alien world experience.
Imperialist Undertones
- Marc Flury noted a potentially negative interpretation of Planet Zoldath's gameplay.
- The game's resource-driven logic can be seen as embodying an imperialist mentality of exploitation.