Video games: they're cool! There are a lot of new games out, so let's talk about them. Games discussed this week: Wanderstop, Expelled, Split Fiction, Rise of the Golden Idol DLC, Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist, Lost Records: Bloom and RageOne More Thing:Kirk: Reacher (Prime Video)Maddy: Paradise (Hulu)Jason: The Corrections (Jonathan Franzen)LINKS:Analysis of duplicated host introductions using spectral analysis: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EQmbU451Ob5rmqKUDAdwAjuSysx7oEvW/view?usp=sharing“The Guilt of the Video Game Millionares” by Simon Parkin for The New Yorker, 2014 https://www.newyorker.com/tech/annals-of-technology/the-guilt-of-the-video-game-millionairesFeaturing an excerpt from the Wanderstop theme by C418Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/joinBuy 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 grab their Palicoes and pull out their dual blades for a monster hunt extraordinaire. This week, the gang is talking about Capcom's latest Monster Hunter. They talk about the appeal of the core gameplay loop, the thrill of the combat, and the approachability compared to previous entries.One More Thing:Kirk: The Murderbot Diaries (Martha Wells)Maddy: The Contestant (2023)Jason: Suikoden I&II HD Remaster Gate Rune and Dunan Unification WarsLINKS:Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/joinBuy 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 podcast dives into the struggles of the video game industry, highlighting job losses and studio closures post-pandemic. It contrasts these challenges with Nintendo's success and the impact of popular games like Fortnite. The hosts discuss how changing consumer habits are reshaping the landscape, and the polarizing divide between indie and AAA titles. They share humorous insights on gaming community dynamics and personal experiences with streaming solutions, reflecting on the balance between creativity and commercial success in today's market.

Dive into the enchanting world of Obsidian's latest RPG, Avowed, where thrilling exploration and engaging combat mechanics take center stage. The crew discusses impactful story decisions and immersive character relationships. Plus, nostalgia hits as they reminisce about iconic SNL moments and their cultural legacy. They also explore the fascinating narrative of Priscilla Presley in a new film and analyze the stunning character designs that enhance gaming experiences. Prepare for a blend of gaming insights and cultural reflections!

Dive into the iconic Civilization series as the hosts discuss the launch of Civilization VII and explore the allure of 4X games. They share personal stories and nostalgia, revealing how earlier titles shaped their gaming journeys. The conversation also shifts to anticipated new RPGs, touching on both Obsidian's Avowed and the complexities of developing engaging gameplay. Plus, a thought-provoking look at Spotify's pivot to curated content wraps up the discussion, raising questions about the future of music engagement.

The podcast dives into the thrilling conclusion of the console wars—PC gaming emerges victorious! Maddy shares her personal adventure in building a new gaming rig, filled with humorous anecdotes and tech hiccups. They discuss the surging popularity of PC gaming, spurred by platforms like Steam and the Steam Deck. The rise of advanced technology is also explored, alongside insightful commentary on the latest gaming titles. A highlight is the captivating narrative of 'Citizen Sleeper 2' and the wild surprise of an NBA trade, showcasing the intersection of gaming and sports culture.

Dive into the fascinating world of video game titles! The hosts dissect what makes a name memorable and discover the magic behind effective branding. They analyze examples from franchises like Indiana Jones and discuss the marketing power of a well-crafted title. Listen for humorous takes on bizarre naming conventions and light-hearted brainstorming for quirky consultancy names. Plus, hear their takes on the latest season of 'Silo' and Stephen King's stories, making for an entertaining mix of insights and commentary.

Nintendo has officially unveiled the Switch 2, sparking excitement and discussions about its features and how it will fare against competitors like the Steam Deck. The hosts debate the relevance of Mario Kart and explore the potential of mouse functionality in Nintendo titles. Meanwhile, they unpack PlayStation's struggles with live-service games and the creative challenges faced by developers in an evolving landscape. Plus, they share insights on a heartwarming father-daughter construction show and a thrilling movie review that resonates with family themes.

Video game budgets have skyrocketed, leaving many to wonder why. The hosts discuss the financial landscape of game development, including salaries and project management costs. They also tackle engaging games for older players while exploring the disconnect between vocal critics and the broader audience. Additionally, there's a humorous take on YouTube apologies and a heartfelt celebration of community bonds. Lastly, the captivating game 'Root Trees Are Dead' is praised for its innovative mechanics and storytelling.

The hosts playfully reflect on their past predictions for the gaming world. They share bold forecasts for 2025, including a new Half-Life installment and a Nintendo Switch update. Expect quirky features like interactive pet mechanics in games and exciting additions to the Game Awards. They also delve into iconic films like 'Encanto' and Scorsese's classics, examining their emotional impact and storytelling brilliance. The mix of gaming insights and cinematic reflections guarantees a fun listen!