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The Hall of Games

Author: Video Game Bard

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Email askvgb@gmail.com to have your gaming questions, comments, and concerns addressed directly on the next podcast.

This is The Hall of Games, a topical video games deep dive show. Hosted by videogamebard.com senior editor Joshua Gallegos, each episode recaps the biggest news in gaming for the week before the panel cracks open the strange {DEFAULT} segment. In addition, each episode highlights another "favorite video game"--that might just become your next.
70 Episodes
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TIMESTAMPS: 00:15 - Update! 11:15 - Housekeeping 13:30 - Q: Any 2024 hopes? 38:45 - The Games We Playin' 1:07:55 - {DEFAULT} - GOTYS 2023 2:40:15 - THE PICK: Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim SYNOPSIS: Wow! What a ride this podcast has been. In what is (for now) Jared and Josh's final episode, we discuss looking forward to 2024, our GOTY picks from 2023, and of course the pick of the week (and one a long time coming!) Skyrim. After 4 years and 60 episodes, I can't help but be proud of the work Jared and I have done and for how both of us have grown, changed, improved, and lived. It is definitely one for the history books. Thanks for listening!!!
TIMESTAMPS: 02:59 - Housekeeping 11:55 - Q: Do you go through phases? 25:12 - The Games We Playin' 34:48 - {DEFAULT} - What are your best tips for making friends? 1:03:50 - THE PICK: Super Mario Party SYNOPSIS: Behold, a new Jared-hosted episode! Jared brings the research and the FIRE in this episode, tackling the evergreen and ever-popular Mario Part series in as thorough detail as you'd expect from a Jared episode. I (Josh the Bard) personally love handing the controller over to Jared because he always knocks it out of the park and does something unique with it to boot. That being said, this is a doozy of an episode, so feel free to use timestamps if you feel inclined! In the first portion of the episode, we lengthily discuss topics like making friends and going through phases. Of course the upcoming school year, the occasional background bump, and the Souls franchise all make appearances as well! Enjoy the 59th Hall of Games!
TIMESTAMPS: 04:02 - Housekeeping 11:05 - Q: Would you rather be haunted by a ghost or be a ghost? 14:02 - The Games We Playin' 28:27 - {DEFAULT} - The Backlog Reaping 2023 1:44:02 - THE PICK: Detention SYNOPSIS: The Reaping was a wonderful time this year! What would've otherwise been a one-hour episode is much bigger due to a fantastic Reaping conversation/debate/baring of souls. Plus we also nominate a particularly interesting (and artsy, some may argue) video game in Detention, a politically-charged Taiwanese horror point-and-click adventure. And it lives up to each of those beats, in more ways than one. But as the Reaping segment proves, the Hall of Games is growing more elite and exclusive by the year... so does Detention have what it takes to make the cut? Jared's new nickname--SOFT SERVE--makes its debut, and we chat fireworks at 4th of July, the difference between being a ghost and being haunted by one, Attack on Titan, Josh's PS5's demise, the guilty pleasures of Dark Souls 2, and we even have a lengthy conversation on the tragedy of divorce. It's bursting at the seams, ladies and gents--we hope you enjoy!
**late upload due to poor scheduling, a holiday, and general laziness TIMESTAMPS: 00:42 - Housekeeping 07:22 - Q: Do our cars have names? 11:03 - The Games We Playin' 21:25 - {DEFAULT} - GOTY Check-in's 29:52 - THE PICK: BioShock SYNOPSIS: I'm very excited to finally sit down to chat BioShock with Jared!!! (I'm doing this under duress so not enough time to describe everything, although we definitely talk about GOTYS and cars).
TIMESTAMPS: 02:35 - Housekeeping 11:20 - Q: What's a favorite gaming memory from our childhood? 22:20 - The Games We Playin' 31:06 - {DEFAULT} - REAL or FAKE: Dead Cells weaponry edition 53:45 - THE PICK: Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom SYNOPSIS: It's TIME!... even though I am absolutely unprepared for it. In a move that is wholly unlike me, I the videogamebard was unable to complete this episode's Pick before we recorded--and there's a very interesting reason as to why. With Jared having spent over 100 hours and I having spent over 50, we still feel more than capable to cover what is perhaps the biggest game of the year and one of the greatest games of the 2020's so far: The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. Does this massive expansion on the highly lauded Breath of the Wild live up to its predecessor and the hype? Will the controversial additions to the game be enough to keep it from being put into the Hall? Do we even LIKE the game at all??? Listen to see. We also talk a bunch about Dead Cells weaponry (lots of fun!), normalizing cartoons, and Jared's heartfelt memories playing none other than the Game of Life on the PSX (of course). And hey! We launched our official Twitter! Go follow us, @hallofgamespod.
TIMESTAMPS: 06:01 - Housekeeping 10:40 - Q: What's a book we wish we could read for the first time again? 26:25 - The Games We Playin' 44:30 - {DEFAULT} - Gaming on vacation 58:30 - THE PICK: Dead Cells SYNOPSIS: With a wild spring now behind us, Jared and I were finally able to reconnect after some *slight* delay to talk about DEAD CELLS. Josh has an extensive history with Dead Cells, but Jared has actually beaten it! (curse his rogue-like skillage). Will the fast-paced deathloop have what it takes to stand above the other rogue-likes out there? Does Jared's trick disqualify him from gaming forever? Is vacation possible with kids?! We talk about that, as well as best books to reread, Tears of the Kingdom's scope, and of course, Breckenridge!
TIMESTAMPS: 06:48 - Housekeeping 14:00 - Q: What's our take on poetry? Do we have a favorite poem? 19:22 - The Games We Playin' 30:15 - {DEFAULT} - Should using a guide while gaming be universally accepted? 49:55 - THE PICK: The Last of Us Part I SYNOPSIS: It's been far too long since the start of this love project for us to have NOT covered The Last of Us in any way. After a 2022 full of AAA experiences and Jared's baptism in the Playstation catalog, Naughty Dog's premiere title is finally up to bat. Will the state of modern games overshadow what was a significant 2013 title? Does The Last of Us stand the test of time well enough to enter into the great Hall? Will ushering in such a juggernaut upset the balance of the Hall??? Listen and discover alongside us! One of my favorite things about the podcast is that we go into it not knowing where the other stands on the title, nor knowing the verdict. Plus! We discuss poetry, video game guides, and a crazy busy May!
I finally coaxed Jared into fully playing Dark Souls II and its DLC, and we have QUITE a few thoughts on it as is evident by the length! Not to worry, every minute is spent productively and the conversation needed to be as thorough as this one to fully understand the controversial behemoth Dark Souls II. Listen on to discover if we enter it into the Great Hall, or pass on it like its sequel! The penultimate Souls game is now in the books! Plus, some riddles to stump Jared, Mario movie chat, differences between the sexes, and LOTS of general From Software chat (after all, we're a Dark Souls podcast). Timestamps: 00:50 - Mario movie chat 13:32 - Housekeeping 16:02 - Q: When single, would we have married ANYONE immediately? 46:00 - The Games We Playin' 1:03:08 - {DEFAULT} - Can Jared answer all the riddles from The Batman 1:13:17 - THE PICK: Dark Souls II
This week we cover the seminal Pokemon Legends Arceus! Will the offshoot entry in the beloved series be original enough to be entered into the Hall? Listen and find out! We also discuss comebacks, famous people, Fortnite and the uncanny valley! Timestamps: 01:49 - Housekeeping 09:25 - Q: Who's the most famous person we've personally met? 18:00 - The Games We Playin' 38:34 - {DEFAULT} - What is the Uncanny Valley? 56:08 - THE PICK: Pokemon Legends Arceus
Now entering the second phase of the Hall of Games, Jared and Josh bring up one of gaming's classics--Metroid Prime Remastered. Is old game too old? Does a facelift do enough justice to a game from 2002, or is the core too weak to stay afloat in 2023? There's a reason it topped Switch charts for so long, but in a post-Dread world, does Prime have what it takes to enter into the Hall of Games? Listen and find out! We also discuss what IP we'd like to "Elden-Ring-ify," what reality shows we could win, and a small discussion on our spoilery conversations. Timestamps: 03:37 - Housekeeping 04:01 - On spoilers... 07:18 - Q: What reality show/game/contest could we win?? 13:53 - The Games We Playin' 31:05 - {DEFAULT} - What IP would we "Elden-Ring-ify"? 50:50 - THE PICK: Metroid Prime Remastered
Wow! Hard to believe we reached a sum total of 50 episodes! 6 out of the 50 have been non-Hall-centric, but to think we've played and covered so many games in the last 3 years is hard to believe. And what an awesome journey it's been as well. Thanks for coming alongside us. To celebrate, we're giving out "Best Of" awards to our Hall of Games entries, crowning only the best of the best. Plus, some trivia to stump Jared! We also discuss Lance Reddick, Fortnite updates, and of course our pick, Vampire Survivors! Here's to 50 more games! Timestamps: 02:47 - Housekeeping 05:17 - Q: What is the future of the Hall of Games? 11:49 - The Games We Playin' 19:56 - {DEFAULT} - 50th Episode Extravaganza! 21:55 - Best World 35:05 - Best Story 48:37 - Best Art Direction 58:29 - Best Characters 1:12:10 - Best Gameplay 1:24:04 - THE PICK: Vampire Survivors
Our first AAA game of 2023 is one near and dear to Josh's heart. Jared, however, has no deep love for Star Wars or Souls knockoffs. Will Fallen Order, Respawn's first foray into action adventure, be a contender for the Great Hall? Or will the game's elements not come together into a cohesive package worthy of such an honor? Listen and find out! We also discuss gaming's golden age, the tragedy of the Star Wars sequels, and tha games we never finished! Timestamps: 00:38 - Housekeeping 03:31 - Q: Are we living in gaming's golden age? 12:03 - The Games We Never Finished (NEW!) 25:04 - {DEFAULT} - Can the Star Wars franchise be saved?? 41:03 - THE PICK: Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
This week we tackle the wholly original Doki Doki Literature Club! Timestamps: 05:45 - Housekeeping 07:37 - Q: Fiction vs. nonfiction 15:10 - The Games We Playin' 26:44 - {DEFAULT} - Anti-bucket list items 35:13 - THE PICK: Doki Doki Literature Club 1:27:05 - Jared's Poetry Corner
I cannot explain how glad I am to have tricked Jared into playing Inside--and I'm even more glad at the episode's results! Some of the best episodes are the most surprising ones. Inside resides in a haunted part of our souls, so listen as we break down what makes this delightfully unnerving experience a classic. We also chat about Jared's racism, Valentine's Day plans, game-to-TV adaptations, and a lot of Games We Playin! Timestamps: 04:20 - Housekeeping 08:08 - Q: Valentine's Day preferences and plans 12:50 - The Games We Playin' 41:53 - {DEFAULT} - Game-to-TV adaptations: predictions, hopes, and pipe dreams 53:51 - THE PICK: Inside
This episode's topic is one long in the making--we FINALLY cover Deathloop! With a presence more powerful than Black Adam, Deathloop made its mark with the way it struck gamers with either immense love or the depths of hate. Jared (disclaimer: he gets motion sick with FPS games lulz) and Josh have takes that may surprise you. We also discuss what we're most excited for in 2023 (so much yet to come!), what we want done with our bodies when we die, and of course, ELDEN RING. Timestamps: 02:45 - Housekeeping 08:32 - Q: What should be done with our bodies after we die?? 13:25 - The Games We Playin' 36:11 - {DEFAULT} - Our Top 5 Most Anticipated 2023 Games 1:08:16 - THE PICK: Deathloop 2:16:41 - Deja Vu
A new year, a new look and sound! Enjoy the aesthetic updates while we chat through our picks for Game of the Year! Here's to an exciting 2023! Timestamps: 00:40 - Housekeeping 04:38 - Listener email!! 11:45 - The Games We Playin' 45:50 - {DEFAULT}: 2023 hopes and dreams 52:49 - GOTY Awards 55:15 - Biggest Moment award 1:12:15 - Most Frustrating Moment award 1:24:29 - Best AAA Game award 1:32:50 - INTERLUDE 1:33:44 - Best Indie Game award 1:43:59 - Best Story award 1:49:00 - Best Character award 1:56:03 - Most Addicting award 2:01:40 - Most Disappointing award 2:08:00 - Best Music award 2:11:38 - Game of the Year Award
A GOTY contender is on the chopping block! Will Jared and Josh's affinity for From Software get in the way of this evaluation? Does Ragnarok's PS4 roots keep it from new heights? Ragnarok is a powerful contender, but the Hall of Games is sacred indeed! Listen and hear Jared and Josh's reasoning for their decision! TIMESTAMPS: 00:35 - Thanksgiving chat 06:55 - Housekeeping 08:50 - Q: Game Award winner predictions 25:03 - Tha Games We Playin' 35:30 - {DEFAULT}: Is gaming a weaker storytelling format? 50:17 - THE PICK - God of War: Ragnarok
Forbidden West is up next on the chopping block. Can the sequel to one of Jared and Josh's most-praised games make it into the esteemed Hall? Has enough changed / improved, or no? Listen to see! TIMESTAMPS: 00:35 - Housekeeping 02:29 - Q: favorite soda? 07:33 - Tha Games We Playin' 16:12 - {DEFAULT}: Is the world we live in unfair? 25:30 - THE PICK - Horizon: Forbidden West
Jared and Josh reunite after some time off for another episode! This time, we discuss the controversial remake of Link's Awakening. Released in 1993, has too much time passed to enjoy this old Game Boy original? The 2019 version may be pretty, but it is still the original at its core. Or has Nintendo updated enough and softened its edges enough to make it a timeless classic? Perhaps the most zany Zelda game, and Jared's 3rd so far--listen and see if it makes it into the Hall of Games! Plus: Jared is back in Connecticut, Josh is rehearsing Shakespeare, and we FINALLY chat Horizon Forbidden West! TIMESTAMPS: 04:45 - Housekeeping 06:12 - Q: favorite theatre production? 15:55 - Tha Games We Playin' 35:22 - {DEFAULT}: Jared Lore 42:57 - THE PICK - Link's Awakening (2019)
Returnal has a loop unlike any other; what else would you expect from Housemarque? Its slick colors, intense difficulty, and rewarding gameplay all come together into one vibrant PS5 package, but is it enough to allow it entry into the Hall of Games? How come Jared is so much better at this game than Josh is?! Plus--poopy pants, the dreamscape, and Mario Kart DLC! TIMESTAMPS: 00:30 - Housekeeping 03:22 - Q: so scared we soiled ourselves? 10:03 - Tha Games We Playin' 15:42 - {DEFAULT}: What are dreams?? 24:49 - THE PICK - Returnal
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