The Short Game

The Steam Deck is the number one console(ish) platform for playing ILLEGAL GAMES that Nintendo doesn’t want you to play! This week we’re talking about games that STEAL intellectual property from the RICH FAT CATS at Nintendo and their cronies and remix it into FREE GAMES for the PEOPLE.

Toby Fox is back, and it’s TV TIME! Previously: Episode 320 – Chapter 1 Episode 324 – Chapter 2 Episode 65 – Undertale Episode 66 – Undertale Spoilers

From the depths of Steam and YouTube comes ENA, a strange polygonal girl in a surreal hypercapitalist dreamscape. Your hosts were left wondering what the hell this was all about, and why is it so incredibly beautifully animated?

Dive into the whimsical world of a new immersive sim where players pop the detachable heads off space pirates to save talking cats! Discover the unique mechanics and humor that define the gameplay. Follow Nina Pasadena, a cryogenic commando, as she battles quirky enemies in an imaginative sci-fi setting. The discussion includes creative strategies for rescuing cats and the delightful chaos of cross-platform play. Full of narrative depth and comedic charm, this game is sure to entertain gamers and cat lovers alike!

Dive into a nostalgic journey as the hosts reminisce about their childhood soccer experiences in Ecuador leading up to the 2002 World Cup. They discuss the unique video game 'Despelote,' which captures the cultural essence of soccer like never before. The conversation touches on immersive gaming experiences, innovative mechanics that reflect familial dynamics, and the intersection of personal memories with modern game design. Listeners will enjoy funny anecdotes, critiques of commercialized experiences, and thoughts on reinterpreting classic games.

Dive into a meditative archery game merging ancient rituals with modern mechanics. Experience the weight of community wishes as players navigate a vibrant island setting. Discover emotional dilemmas presented through unique gameplay, where decisions significantly impact characters’ narratives. Enjoy nostalgic family game nights with adjustable challenges in titles like Shredder's Revenge. The hosts also tackle digital clutter and social media overload, offering tips for a more intentional online experience.

Dive into the world of 'Expelled', where unexpected plot twists and rich character arcs take center stage! Unravel the transformation of Verity, who shifts from protagonist to villain. Explore quirky gameplay strategies, including manipulating social dynamics and humorous narratives, like that of a pregnant nun. The hosts share their gaming adventures, personal anecdotes, and the fascinating intersections of morality and gameplay. Join the conversation as they invite listener engagement and tease future developments in this captivating gaming universe!

This week, Laura and Nate dive into Trash the Planet, a free, browser-based resource-management game that subverts clicker mechanics to serve its narrative. You play as a group of raccoons who start out collecting trash and, through a rapid evolution of society, end up ruling the planet—manipulating the stock market with absolutely no consequences. Stick around for the return of What’s Making Us Happy This Week.

Shane and Nate were buzzing about FlyKnight, a $5 indie dungeon crawler that surprised us with its humor and depth. In this episode, we break down what makes this tiny first-person RPG so fun, from its retro aesthetic and first person Souls-like combat to its great co-op potential. Should you bug your buddies to play it? Let’s find out!

The hosts dive into the exciting world of 'Expelled!', a follow-up to 'Overboard!', blending humor and intrigue. They explore gameplay innovations in a murder mystery set in a 1920s girls' school. Discussions include how player choices impact narratives and create moral dilemmas. The unique mechanics of conversational design and character motivations enhance engagement and replayability. They also reflect on their podcast's expansion to YouTube, emphasizing community building and unique storytelling techniques.