Triple Click

In this discussion, Cameron Kunzelman, a writer and podcaster who explores gaming cultures, shares insights on the RPG landscape of 2025. He debates the definition of RPGs, highlighting the balance between player agency and predefined characters in titles like Avowed and The Outer Worlds 2. The evolution of Assassin's Creed into RPG territory is also a focal point, as Cameron discusses its new mechanics and design philosophy. The conversation is spiced up with thoughts on modern onboarding design and the nostalgic influences of JRPGs like Claire Obscur.

Dive into the spooky world of a detective game set in a haunted manor. The hosts explore its unique time mechanic that intertwines urgency with deduction, enhancing emotional stakes. They praise its 90s adventure vibes, stunning visuals, and rich Irish folklore. Delve into the strategies of clue-gathering amidst the tension of time management and decision-making during interrogations. Enjoy entertaining recommendations, from AI-induced humor to cinematic masterpieces, rounding off a captivating discussion.

The hosts dive into the vibrant world of The Outer Worlds 2, highlighting its improved combat and deeper writing. They discuss major factions and the complexities of branching dialogues, emphasizing the unique playstyles players can adopt. The fun and funny 'Dumb' trait leads to hilarious quest outcomes, while the game's design encourages exploration and discovery. They also touch on performance issues on PC and share recommendations for other media, including a compelling mystery game and a thought-provoking documentary.

It's time for a video-game grab bag as the Triple Click gang talks about some of the games they've been playing recently. They dive into Double Fine's Keeper, the new indie sensation Ball X Pit, Supergiant's Hades 2, and Absolum. Also they get derailed by the term "friendslop."One More Thing:Kirk: The Diplomat (Netflix)Maddy: The Venture Bros. (2004-2018)Jason: Workhorse (Caroline Palmer)LINKS:Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/joinBuy Some Triple Click Merch!! https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=lastJoin the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpodTriple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/

That's right: it's another mailbag! Kirk, Jason, and Maddy talk about the criteria of a dad game, print vs web journalism, and when you know that a video game has outstayed its welcome. Plus: Kingdom Come Deliverance 2!One More Thing:Kirk: Kingdom Come: Deliverance IIMaddy: High PotentialJason: Long Story Short (Netflix)LINKS:“May I Stand Unshaken” by D’Angelo from Red Dead Redemption 2, 2018“The Decline” by NOFX, 1999“I’m Only Happy When It Rains” by Garbage, 1995Lee Roy Chapman’s “The Nightmare of Dreamland: Tate Brady and the Tulsa Outrage” - https://www.centerforpublicsecrets.org/post/the-nightmare-of-dreamland-tate-brady-and-the-tulsa-outrageStephen Totilo’s 2015 interview with Kingdom Come director Daniel Vávra: https://kotaku.com/my-e3-meeting-with-a-pro-gamergate-developer-1715511964Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/joinBuy Some Triple Click Merch!! https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=lastJoin the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpodTriple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/

The hosts dive into whether Activision's acquisition damaged Xbox's culture and stability. They explore the challenges new studios face while developing games and discuss the pressing issue of gender representation in esports. Listeners' questions spark lively debates on art's value compared to medicine and the quirky world of non-human video game voice lines. Plus, recommendations shine a light on intriguing documentaries and shows worth watching.

Kirk, Jason, and Maddy convene to talk about the big news of the week — Electronic Arts going private as part of a $55 billion leveraged buyout — and what it could mean for the people involved. Then they talk about Ghost of Yotei, the latest PlayStation 5 exclusive and an open-world samurai game about exploring feudal Japan and killing ronin with a sword. It's fun! One More Thing:Kirk: Baby StepsMaddy: Drop Dead Gorgeous (1999)Jason: One Battle After Another (2025)LINKS:“How Private Equity Destroys the Companies You Depend On” - The Culture Study Podcast w/ Megan Greenwell: https://culturestudypod.substack.com/p/how-private-equity-destroys-the-companiesSupport Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/joinAll-New Triple Click Merch!! https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=lastJoin the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpodTriple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/

Kirk, Maddy, and Jason are all playing the new remaster of Final Fantasy Tactics, which is widely considered to be one of the greatest games ever made. The gang talks about how the 1998 classic holds up today, the complexity of its systems, and all of the new features that Square Enix added for this version, like voice acting. Plus: Hades 2!One More Thing:Kirk: Hades 2Maddy: Moral Combat: Why the War on Violent Video Games Is Wrong (Christopher Ferguson and Patrick M. Markey)Jason: Rise of the Golden IdolLINKS:Jason and Kirk published their entire text conversation about Final Fantasy Tactics’ Dorter Slums: https://kotaku.com/man-final-fantasy-tactics-sure-had-a-steep-learning-cu-5974665Kirk talks to game developers about why they love Final Fantasy Tactics: https://kotaku.com/why-everybody-loves-final-fantasy-tactics-59731962013 Jason on Video Game Violence: https://kotaku.com/from-halo-to-hot-sauce-what-25-years-of-violent-video-5976733Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/joinAll-New Triple Click Merch!! https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=lastJoin the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpodTriple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/

The hosts dive into the latest Nintendo Direct, discussing the Super Mario Galaxy movie, new Fire Emblem titles, and exciting announcements like Metroid Prime 4. They also explore the eagerly anticipated Hollow Knight: Silksong, debating its difficulty and design elements. Kirk shares insights on Fourth Wing's romantic fantasy trend and its cultural impact, while Maddy recommends a thought-provoking book on 1990s political shifts. Plus, they highlight the comedic genius of Nathan For You and its influence on modern surreal comedy.

The hosts dive into the highly anticipated Silksong, discussing its stunning improvements and the epic journey of Hornet. They highlight the game's artistic elements and sound design, while exploring the emotional depth and religious symbolism that enrich the narrative. Mastering challenging boss battles is a key focus, alongside strategies for navigating the evolved healing mechanics. Mixing gaming and NFL reflections, they share personal anecdotes that blend the thrills of gaming nights with sports frustrations, creating an entertaining discussion.