Guest Marcos Taboas, producer extraordinaire, discusses topics such as trust, radio broadcasting, soccer vs NBA, a cautionary tale at the bar, making it happen in the industry, standing up for oneself in college, the evolution of gaming and issues with microtransactions, skill-based matchmaking and game options, and entertainment law and tattoo legalities.
Classic video games required players to use their imagination to make sense of minimal graphics and narratives.
Inconsistencies and absurdities in old video games capture the charm and carefree nature of gaming.
Def Jam Vendetta was a unique game with distinctive characters and gameplay that wouldn't be feasible to create today.
Deep dives
Super Biker Mice from Mars: A Childhood Favorite
Super Biker Mice from Mars was a childhood favorite game that I enjoyed on the NES. It was a racing game based on the cartoon show, and despite its flaws, I found it incredibly fun to play. Each character had unique abilities, and the 3D graphics were impressive for the time. Even though it may not have the best overall score, it held a special place in my heart and I still enjoy playing it occasionally.
The Bouncer and Fighting Force: Underrated Beat 'Em Ups
The Bouncer and Fighting Force were two beat 'em up games that I thoroughly enjoyed, even though they may not have had the best reviews. The Bouncer, a PlayStation 2 game, offered upgraded graphics and gameplay for that console generation, and it had a memorable villain named Mugetsu. Fighting Force, a PlayStation 1 game, captivated me with its action-packed gameplay and characters. Although both games may not have been critically acclaimed, I found them to be fun and engaging experiences that held their own in the beat 'em up genre.
Questioning the Inconsistencies of Street Fighter's Storyline
Street Fighter is a classic fighting game series, but when looking back at the storyline, inconsistencies and absurdities become apparent. Characters like Blanka, who was a wild green beast, and possessed minimal intellect, somehow participated in organized tournaments and had a concept of time. These inconsistencies, while nonsensical, capture the charm and carefree nature of older games, where logic was often disregarded in favor of fun gameplay.
The Nostalgia of Classic Video Games
The podcast episode discusses the nostalgia and imaginative element of playing classic video games. The hosts reminisce about how these games required players to use their imagination to make sense of the gameplay and story, as the graphics and narratives were often minimal. They mention games like Metal Gear Solid and Splinter Cell as examples, highlighting the importance of storytelling and direction in games. They also touch on the current trend of open-world games and microtransactions, expressing their preference for more focused and narrative-driven games.
The Uniqueness of Def Jam Vendetta
The podcast hosts discuss the unique nature of the game Def Jam Vendetta and how it wouldn't be feasible to create a similar game today. They point out that the game featured rappers with distinctive characteristics and moves, allowing for creative gameplay. They reflect on the lack of individuality and definitive personas in contemporary rap, noting that artists today often have a similar style and lingo. The hosts emphasize the fun and nostalgic aspect of playing Def Jam Vendetta, appreciating its memorable characters and solid gameplay mechanics.
Audio Dope makes a triumphant return from hiatus with Marcos Taboas, producer extraordinaire at Sirius XM Radio. We discusse topics such as trust, radio broadcasting, soccer vs NBA, cautionary tales, standing up for oneself, the evolution of gaming and issues with microtransactions, skill-based matchmaking and game options, and entertainment law and tattoo legalities