

Call Me By Your Game
Conner McCabe
a nostalgic video game podcast
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 2, 2020 • 55min
Preview: Co-op Episode 3: Final Fantasy X
Welcome to the preview of Call Me By Your Game Co-op Episode 3 featuring Final Fantasy X. Co-op episodes are monthly patreon exclusive episodes from Super NPC Radio, our little video game podcast network. They’re a part of the $10 DJ Toad Tier but we will bring a preview of each episode to the traditional feed. They’re more of a deep dive look from a group on a particular game focusing mostly on what we love and what works best for the game. Enjoy!
Back in 2001 the world was introduced to Zanarkand. Now, twenty years later, Conner McCabe (4D Printer, UCB, Dave and Bruce) Jake Sprague (Unsolicited Advice, UCB PONY), Oscar Montoya (Spanish Aqui Presents, Bless The Heart), and Kristin Thorson (Twitch, Jeff and Them) do a deep dive discussion on what made Final Fantasy X so special.
On episode 3 of Call Me By Your Game Co-op, Conner is joined by 2 returning champions and newcomer / FFX scholar Kristin Thorson. They discuss not only how they all experienced FFX for the first time and how it differed from previous Final Fantasy games. They dive into the fun of filling out the sphere grid, exploration of themes such as institutionalized religion and what comes with it, gush about how fresh and fantastic the battle system is, and so much more. Tidus and the gang would be proud of this episode’s guardians for making this such a great hang
Episode Show Notes
Kristin Thorson – twitch.tv/kreestin, @lolkristin (twitter) @iamkreestin (instagram)
Oscar Montoya – Podcasts (Inside the Disney Vault, Spanish Aqui Presents) TV (Bless the Hearts on Fox, Final Space on TBS) @ozzymo (twitter/insta)
Jake Sprague – twitch.tv/spragels, Unsolicited Advice podcast, @jakesprague (twitter) @jakeissupercool (instagram)
Conner McCabe – @conner_mccabe (twitter/insta), twitch.tv/conziscool69
Produced by Jeremy Schmidt – Video Games: a Comedy Show
Call Me By Your Game – Website
Instagram – @callmebyyourgamepod
Email – callmebyyourgamepod@gmail.com
Super NPC Radio – Patreon, Twitter, Instagram

Sep 30, 2020 • 1h 51min
Episode 39 – Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy’s Kong Quest with Alec Robbins
Get your nanners peeled because we’re finally following up the first episode of this podcast with one of the greatest sequels of all time, Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy’s Kong Quest. On this episode of Call Me By Your Game Conner is joined by Mariologist, Comic strip auteur, fashion icon, and Mr. Boop himself, Alec Robbins.
Conner and Alec have a ball discussing the state of Nintendo just a week before the announcement of Super Mario 3D All-Stars. Alec also gives us a rundown of his Nintendo fandom and sticks up for both the criminally underrated Wii U and flawed but wonderful Super Mario Sunshine.
The two of them also discuss the trend of video games not focusing on what makes a game fun to play, how DKC2 is an example of two contrasting art styles that make each other pop, and how the developers of this game threw all of their best ideas at the proverbial board in order to make a fantastic and dynamic 2D platformer.
Actions for 9/30/2020
Support the Breathe Act – Link
LA Election Items
Support Yes on Measure J
CD4 Residents: Support Nithya Raman for City Council
Supporting Black Lives – Email List
Register to vote – Vote.org
Episode 39 – Show Notes
Alec Robbins – Mr. Boop web page, Mariology, Heartbreak High, @alecsrobbins (Intagram) @alecrobbins (Twitter)
Conner McCabe – @conner_mccabe (Gram/Twit), twitch.tv/conziscool69
Produced by Jeremy Schmidt – Video Games: a Comedy Show
Call Me By Your Game – Website
Instagram – @callmebyyourgamepod
Email – callmebyyourgamepod@gmail.com
Patreon – Super NPC Radio

Sep 23, 2020 • 1h 16min
Episode 38 – Baseball Spotlight Part III – MVP Baseball 2005
As we enter the final week of Major League Baseball’s regular season we find ourselves longing for another Baseball Spotlight. Well looks like we’re in luck because on today’s episode we get exactly that. Guest host Jeremy Schmidt sits down with Conner as he talks about the greatness, legacy, and lasting impact of the best baseball video game of all time, MVP Baseball 2005.
On this edition of Call Me By Your Game’s Baseball Spotlight Conner tells of the legend that is the MVP Baseball series and longs for a return. He speaks lovingly of the phenomenal controls and gameplay, the attention to detail given to both the physics engine and player detail, and tells of the time that So Taguchi saved him not once but twice against his greatest MVP challenge ever. Bonus: we finally get the Martin family tree reveal. How neat!
Actions for 9/23/2020
Support the Breathe Act – Link
LA Election Items
Support Yes on Measure J
CD4 Residents: Support Nithya Raman for City Council
Supporting Black Lives – Email List
Register to vote – Vote.org
Super NPC Radio – Patreon
Website: callmebyyourgame.com
The Show – @callmebyyourgamepod (Instagram)
Jeremy Schmidt – @scaremyschmidt (Intagram) @ocarinaofcrime (Twitter)
Conner McCabe – @conner_mccabe (Gram/Twit), twitch.tv/conziscool69
Produced by Jeremy Schmidt – Video Games: a Comedy Show

Sep 16, 2020 • 1h 43min
Episode 37 – Harvest Moon and Stardew Valley with Bryce Gangel
What the heck in this world is more relaxing than farming relationship simulation games? Nothing I tell ya! Nothing! Games like Harvest Moon and Stardew Valley hold a similar place in people’s hearts because of their play styles and relaxing nature. On this episode actor and work confidant Bryce Gangel talks to Conner about her connection with those two games.
Bryce reminisces about how fun it was to play Harvest Moon 64 at her friend’s house growing up who she first bonded with after seeing the Parent Trap in theaters together. Umm… adorable! She tells how years later after not really playing video games a friend introduced her to Stardew Valley and the void was suddenly filled. She walks Conner through the ins and outs of Stardew Valley explaining how it incorporates several real world elements both in theme and in reality.
Actions for 9/16/2020
Support the Breathe Act – Link
LA Election Item – Support Yes on Measure J
Supporting Black Lives – Email List
Register to vote – Vote.org
Super NPC Radio – Patreon
Website: callmebyyourgame.com
The Show – @callmebyyourgamepod (Instagram)
Bryce Gangel – @bryce.gangel (Instagram)
Conner McCabe – @conner_mccabe (Gram/Twit), twitch.tv/conziscool69
Produced by Jeremy Schmidt – Video Games: a Comedy Show

Sep 9, 2020 • 1h 29min
Episode 36 – Assassin’s Creed with Jonathan Sims
Put on your Sunday shoes because this week we’re traveling through genetic memories and diving into haystacks. That’s right, we’re talking about the first game in the Assassin’s Creed franchise, Assassin’s Creed(who could have guessed?). We’re graced by the presence of actor, teacher, and GameStop Careers survivor Jonathan Sims.
On this episode Conner and Sims reminisce about their days at college together and discuss when they took a sketch class and then later wrote a web series with some friends. Wholesome, right? Sims also shares how he was the PlayStation kid in the family but still liked the Nintendo hits, how he got to play Assassin’s Creed over a holiday season and had so much free time, and this game fit perfectly into his eternal enjoyment of open world action adventure style games.
Actions for 9/9/2020
Supporting Black Lives – Email List
Register to vote – Vote.org
The Okra Project – helps bring Black Trans people healthy, nutritious, and culturally specific meals, especially those experiencing food insecurity
Super NPC Radio – Patreon
Website: callmebyyourgame.com
The Show – @callmebyyourgamepod (Instagram)
Jonathan Sims – @mrjpsims
Conner McCabe – @conner_mccabe (Gram/Twit), twitch.tv/conziscool69
Jeremy Schmidt – Video Games: a Comedy Show

Sep 2, 2020 • 1h 26min
Episode 35 – Mario Party 4 with Jessica Svendsgaard
There’s nothing that tests the bond of friendships and humanity quite like a round of Mario Party, and today we’re finally going to tackle it once and for all. This one goes out to all the dice rollers, mini game winners, and star stealers out there. We’re joined by bird savior and hilarious comedian Jessica Svendsgaard to discuss Mario Party 4 (2002) for the Nintendo GameCube.
Conner sits down to hear of Jessica’s memories of playing this game with her musical theater friends in high school, they discuss how no matter how far ahead you are there’s a looming threat of the game being turned upside down, and Jessica even shares with us a thorough powerpoint detailing what it means to choose your Mario Party character.
Actions 9/2/2020
Supporting Black Lives – Email List
Register to vote – Vote.org
Support your local progressive candidates and hold them accountable
Nithya Raman – LA City Council Candidate for CD4
Los Angeles Residents, check out the LA podcast
Support your LA unhoused Neighbors – Streetwatch LA
Super NPC Radio – Patreon
Website: callmebyyourgame.com
The Show – @callmebyyourgamepod (Instagram)
Jessica Svendsgaard – @svendsgaard (Twitter) @fatcuckbaby (Instagram) @Jessica-Svendsgaard (Venmo)
Conner McCabe – @conner_mccabe (Gram/Twit), twitch.tv/conziscool69
Jeremy Schmidt – Video Games: a Comedy Show

Aug 31, 2020 • 50min
Preview: Co-op Episode 2 – Super Mega Baseball 3 with Ben Wietmarschen and Greg Smith
Welcome to the preview of Call Me By Your Game Co-op Episode 2 featuring Super Mega Baseball 3. Co-op episodes are monthly Super NPC Radio Patreon exclusives a part of the $10 tier. We’ll be bringing you a preview of each one here to get a taste of the sort of deep dive discussion and overall great hangs that happen. The full Co-op episodes are available on the Patreon.
This is also Part II of the Baseball Spotlight series from Call Me By Your Game. Part III will feature MVP Baseball 2005 and Part IV will wrap up the series for us and discuss a true masterpiece: Backyard Baseball.
There is no finer form of the sport of baseball than that featured in Super Mega Baseball 3. You’ve got your homers, you’ve got your diving catches, and of course you’ve got the Sirloins celebrating another win. Super Mega Baseball 3 is a game worth celebrating for countless reasons and on this episode your panel tries their best to do so. Host Conner McCabe is joined by former MLB Fan Cave Contestant and current Ohio track star Ben Wietmarschen as well as prospective umpire and Detroit jack of all trades Greg Smith. We revel at the deep customization options and goofy personality, gush over the gradual acclimation available to the player, and how this game scratches a baseball video game itch that hasn’t been scratched in years.
Super NPC Radio – Patreon
Website: callmebyyourgame.com
The Show – @callmebyyourgamepod (Instagram)
Ben Wietmarschen – @benwietmarschen (Twitter)
Greg Smith – @smithlgreg (Twitter/Instagram) smithlgreg.com
Conner McCabe – @conner_mccabe (Gram/Twit), twitch.tv/conziscool69
Produced by Jeremy Schmidt – Video Games: a Comedy Show

Aug 26, 2020 • 1h 26min
Episode 34 – Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 with Nick Costanza
Pew pew pew. “That’s Call of Duty’s Music!” That’s right folks today we’re discussing a heralded title in one of the most popular franchises ever, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2. We’re joined by writer, Pokédex completer, and the COD King himself, Nick Costanza. You might know Nick from the Los Angeles improv scene as well as being a regular guest on Video Games: a Comedy Show.
On this episode Nick tells of playing Pokémon while on the plane to Japan as a child during the height of Pokémania, how he was introduced to Assassin’s Creed and Call of Duty by his YOUTH PASTOR, and how playing Modern Warfare 2 helped build real friendships in high school. Happy birthday Nick Costanza! You are a true gem in the world.
Actions for 8/26/2020
Supporting Black Lives – Email List
Demand Justice for Jacob Blake – Link to Instagram post with Actions
Donate to the Milwaukee Freedom Fund – Link
Demand Justice for Anthony McClain – Link to Instagram post with Actions
Super NPC Radio – Patreon
Website: callmebyyourgame.com
The Show – @callmebyyourgamepod (Instagram)
Nick Costanza – @nickcostanza (Instagram) @Nick_Costanza (Twitter)
Conner McCabe – @conner_mccabe (Gram/Twit), twitch.tv/conziscool69
Jeremy Schmidt – Video Games: a Comedy Show

Aug 19, 2020 • 1h 29min
Episode 33 – Mass Effect with Beverlee Jean
Finally, we’ve reached the year we’ve all been dying to visit, 2183! And you know what that means, we’re getting into some Mass Effect (2007) for the Xbox 360. It’s about to get space and alien-y up in here.
On this episode we are joined by the furiously talented actor, podcaster, and theater wiz Beverlee Jean to talk about a hugely important game. On this episode Bev shares a few video game lottery winning stories from her life, tales of waiting years to play Mass Effect, and how it got her back into video games for good.
Action Items for 8/19/2020
Supporting Black Lives – Email List
The Okra Project – helps bring Black Trans people healthy, nutritious, and culturally specific meals, especially those experiencing food insecurity
Support the USPSText USPS to 50409
Buy stamps, envelopes, cards shipping and supplies
Call your senators and reps and urge them to support the USPS
Support your unhoused neighbors. If you’re in LA, follow Streetwatch LAInstagram – Twitter
Super NPC Radio – Patreon
Website: callmebyyourgame.com
The Show – @callmebyyourgamepod (Instagram)
Beverlee Jean – @sincerelybeverlee (Instagram) – 1PDnD Podcast – Shaky Understanding
Conner McCabe – @conner_mccabe (Gram/Twit), twitch.tv/conziscool69
Jeremy Schmidt – Video Games: a Comedy Show

Aug 12, 2020 • 1h 5min
Episode 32 – Return of the Obra Dinn with Tao Yang
Ahoy mateys! We’re boarding an old vessel in search of mystery. We’re also doing a podcast while aboard the ship so bear with us as we look for the most conducive place to record. Quiet on deck please!
On this episode we are joined by sketch writer, slick improviser, and former New York City boy Tao Yang to talk about the relatively new mystery puzzle game, Return of the Obra Dinn. By his own admission Tao has played nearly game ever, so you know this one is gonna be good. You just KNOW it!
While discussing this episode one of the bad boys of Jetset Tao tells of the time his brother taught him how to do a Hadoken in Street Fighter II, Conner attempts to come up with a game Tao hasn’t played, and Tao shares how this game was more of a summer romance than a long term relationship.
Action Items for the Week
Supporting Black Lives – Email List
The Okra Project – helps bring Black Trans people healthy, nutritious, and culturally specific meals, especially those experiencing food insecurity
Register to vote in our imperfect voting system – Vote.org
Super NPC Radio – Patreon
Website: callmebyyourgame.com
The Show – @callmebyyourgamepod (Instagram)
Tao Yang – @tyang209 (Instagram/Twitter)
Conner McCabe – @conner_mccabe (Gram/Twit), twitch.tv/conziscool69
Jeremy Schmidt – Video Games: a Comedy Show


