
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

Jun 1, 2022 • 1h 14min
1Upsmanship: Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2 (Feat. Vanessa Gritton)
Vanessa Gritton joins the co-hosts for the recent remastering of the OG and sequel of the classic Tony Hawk Pro Skater franchise. The gang reminiscences on the changes from the original releases and how brands change over time. Though, they all agree it’s worth letting the nostalgia do a sweet pop shove-it over your face. I know you wish you could choose Rodney Mullen, but you’re left with Michael, Adam, and Vanessa. Sorry. Also, Vanessa explains why she’s a wiener. Adam explains what being rad is.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 1, 2022 • 1h 13min
1Upsmanship: Death Stranding
Join Michael and Adam on their divisive discussion about the video game 'Death Stranding'. They explore the unique gameplay mechanics and themes, share their differing opinions on video game maturity, and discuss the potential for DLCs to expand on the storyline. The chapter also touches on film editors, Scorsese and Tarantino, longing for loved ones during the pandemic, and various anecdotes.

Jun 1, 2022 • 1h 8min
1Upsmanship: Hades (Feat. Kevin Anderson)
Kevin Anderson joins Michael and Adam to discuss the indie game Hades, exploring rogue-likes, game loops, and player satisfaction. They dive into weapon choices, strategic gameplay, and the unexpected narrative depth of Hades. The conversation also touches on completing a game, game design craftsmanship, and managing Nintendo Switch storage space.

Jun 1, 2022 • 1h 4min
1Upsmanship: Luigi’s Mansion 3
Michael and Adam take a break from the real world and discuss the beautiful world of being the brother that will never be first place. They discuss how in this game you play as a lean, green, ghost-bustin’ machine who projects a goo-version of himself, which is what cum is! Michael believes that this episode suffers from the game being “good, but nothing to talk about.” Let’s see if Adam can bring the fire and convince Michael that there’s more than meets the eye (that follows you around).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 1, 2022 • 1h 13min
1Upsmanship: Ghost of Tsushima (Feat. Zachary Ryan)
Michael and Adam are joined by IGN’s Zach Ryan and tackle the moral implications, grind, and narrative of Sucker Punch’s Ghost of Tsushima. The group discusses genre as a whole and the combination of inspirations that made the game. Also, uncle-fathers. They talk a bit about uncle-fathers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 1, 2022 • 1h 5min
1Upsmanship: Limbo & Inside (Feat. Daniel Vincent Gordh)
Daniel Vincent Gordh, fellow actor and writer, joins Adam and Michael to discuss the games Limbo and Inside by Playdead. They explore the unique art styles and narratives of the games, the interpretation of symbolism in Inside, and the satisfying movement in Inside compared to Limbo. They also express a preference for Inside due to its better gaming experience and lasting impact.

Jun 1, 2022 • 1h 9min
1Upsmanship: Bioshock
No Gods or Kings. Only Beans. The 1Ups beans have returned to dissect the 2007 GOTY Bioshock. Let’s get into the story of the franchise and the Half-Life-esque game mechanics and determine for once and for all if it is kept or deleted.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 1, 2022 • 1h 31min
1Upsmanship: The Last of Us Part II (Feat. Tina Amini)
The 1Ups beans are joined by new beanie, Tina Amini, IGN’s editor-in-chief to discuss TLOU2, the most talked about game of the summer thus far. How did Naughty Dog do? Is the game a worthy follow up to one of the best games of all time? What the hell is up with the internet’s reaction to this game? Contains heavy spoilers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 1, 2022 • 1h 22min
1Upsmanship: Xbox vs. Playstation 2
Whoa, what an episode. Michael and Adam make the cases for the cases that hold our gaming history. Let's examine the culture, the economics, the hardware, and the games through the lens of two very different gamers defending what made the system's special. Unfortunately, once they complete the segment "Keep or Delete" most of us will have to erase half of our formative gaming memories.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 1, 2022 • 1h 12min
1Upsmanship: Destiny 2 (Feat. Robert Brockway)
Ex-cracked alum, Robert Brockway, joins the hosts to discuss Destiny 2 gameplay, missions, and raid challenges. They debate if video games are better than huge orgies and share funny anecdotes. Dive into the evolving dynamics of Destiny 2, raid teamwork, and generational gaming bonds.