
1Upsmanship
Michael likes story-driven games with lots of contemplative moral quandaries and inventory management. Adam likes action-driven FPS games with gorgeous graphics and no down-time. Together, their friendship is constantly on the verge of ruin! But you can watch it all crumble before your very ears on 1Upsmanship, the pod where two lifelong gamers run one game an episode through the crucible to determine if it belongs on the Celestial Hard Drive. GAME ON.
Latest episodes

May 31, 2022 • 1h
1Upsmanship: Fallout 4 (Feat. Vanessa Gritton)
Do synths dream of synthetic sheep? And if so, does that justify their total enslavement for the purposes of salvaging an apocalypse-ridden post war 1950's-style Earth? Vanessa Gritton joins Michael and Adam to parse the philosophy of Fallout 4, burn Boston, and argue about the potential future of the franchise.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 31, 2022 • 1h 1min
1Upsmanship: God of War 4
Adam and Michael discuss the latest installment in the Wad of Gore franchise, Wad of Gore 4: "Boy!" Edition.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 31, 2022 • 1h 7min
1Upsmanship: Far Cry 5 (Feat. David Bell)
Whether you cry near or far, this is the fifth time you've done it, and it's in America now! Is that good? Join David Christopher Bell, Adam Ganser and Michael Swaim as they answer that question more thoroughly than anyone probably should.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 31, 2022 • 1h 2min
1Upsmanship: Portal 2 (Feat. Starline Hodge)
Starline Hodge returns to discuss and praise Portal 2. Topics include: the speaker's experience playing Portal for the first time, praising Jonathan Coulton's music, analyzing the flaws of the game, the unique sequel approach taken by Portal 2, the brilliance of the puzzle design, and a discussion on the success and quality of game franchise installments.

May 31, 2022 • 1h 2min
1Upsmanship: Skyrim
No guests. No filler. Just Skyrim. The 1Upsmanship fellas take on an obligatory entry in gaming history, and the current crown jewel of the Elder Scrolls universe.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 31, 2022 • 50min
1Upsmanship: The Last of Us (Feat. Tom Reimann)
Tom Reimann, discusses gameplay mechanics and story of The Last of Us, expressing frustration with lack of multiple solutions. The DLC revealed a more refined version of the game. Debate on game's length and financial implications. Effects of creating sequels and controversy over likeness. Opinions on its artistry and narrative, comparing it to Zelda and Mario. Annoyance with waiting for rain and tension between games and stories.

May 31, 2022 • 60min
1Upsmanship: Overwatch (Feat. Starline Hodge)
Star Hodge joins the 1Upsmanship fracas to discuss Overwatch, soccer, and bespectacled gorillas.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 31, 2022 • 1h 1min
1Upsmanship: Bioshock Infinite (Feat. Tom Reimann)
Every possible multiverse version of Adam Ganser and Michael Swaim welcome every possible multiverse version of Tom Reimann to discuss the social and philosophical implications of Bioshock: Infinite.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 31, 2022 • 1h 3min
1Upsmanship: Grand Theft Auto V
Mr. Ganser and Mr. Swaim both played GTA V Remastered, and their opinions on it differ substantially.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 31, 2022 • 54min
1Upsmanship: The Legend of Zelda, Breath of the Wild
Michael and Adam dissect The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.