State of the Save

This week on State of the Save, Michael and Eric dive into two famously ambitious but undeniably flawed games: Hulk for the PlayStation 2 and Obsidian’s cult-favorite spy RPG Alpha Protocol. From chaotic superhero destruction to branching espionage gone off the rails, both titles spark a deeper conversation about what makes broken-but-bold games so fascinating.Michael also shares his time with Guilty Gear Strive, exploring its insane characters and bonkers style, along with the surprisingly deep Kirby Air Riders. Eric checks in with an update on his growing CloverPit addiction and how it’s shaping his week in gaming, and his return to Night City in Cyberpunk 2077.Looking ahead, our next episode will be our annual Holiday Special, where we break down our favorite games of the year and highlight the releases that defined our 2024 playlists.Then, starting in January, we’re bringing back the classic GameClub format for a full three-part deep dive into Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots. Just like our earlier GameClub series, we’ll take the game section by section, analyzing story beats, gameplay systems, major themes, standout moments, and the legacy it left behind.Follow @StateOfTheSave on Instagram and Bluesky for updates, and catch streams, clips, and highlights on YouTube, Twitch, and TikTok. Subscribe and leave a review—every rating helps more listeners discover the show.Timecodes:0:00 - Intro4:02 - Guilty Gear Strive15:03 - Kirby Air Rider21:30 - Cyberpunk 207730:20 - CloverPit37:47 - Hulk (2003)1:00:33 - Alpha Protocol1:23:40 - Game of the Year Show/METAL GEAR SOLID 4!

In this episode of State of the Save, Michael finally plays Halo 3: ODST… but before he can even talk about the game, he drops a long-kept secret about his personal history with the Halo franchise that changes everything.Eric takes on Return of the Obra Dinn, the critically acclaimed investigative adventure from Lucas Pope. With its meticulous logic puzzles and unforgettable art style, it pulls him in like a gripping mystery novel he can’t put down.The guys also delve into the 2025 games they missed, along with the 2026 games worth looking forward to, the ways Call of Duty Black Ops 7 falls short, and Michael’s sudden obsession with Hypnospace Outlaw.To wrap it up, they trade picks for the next episode—two flawed but fascinatingly ambitious games from the PS2/Xbox 360 era. Follow @StateOfTheSave on Instagram and Bluesky for updates, and catch streams, clips, and highlights on YouTube, Twitch, and TikTok. Subscribe and leave a review to help more listeners discover the show!Timecodes: 0:00 - Intro3:15 - Call of Duty: Black Ops 79:00 - 2025 Games as the year wraps up19:30 - Final Fantasy XVI21:20 - Hypnospace Outlaw31:54 - Return of the Obra Dinn55:10 - Halo 3: ODST1:30:15- Michael's Pick for Eric1:34:30 - Eric's Pick with Michael

Michael and Eric return for another episode of State of the Save, diving deep into two wildly different retro experiences. Michael takes on Metal Gear Acid for PSP—a tactical, card-based spin on the Metal Gear Solid series with a plot twist no one will see coming. He also celebrates rolling credits on Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles and admits to falling into Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate thanks to some questionable impulse control.Meanwhile, Eric embraces the Halloween spirit with Haunting: Starring Polterguy, a Sega Genesis cult classic full of ghoulish humor and haunted hijinks. He also shares his thoughts on Ninja Gaiden 4, exploring how it stacks up to the series’ legendary past.To close out the episode, the duo trade picks once again—this time featuring a spooky ghost-ship mystery and a game from one of Eric’s favorite series.Follow @StateOfTheSave on Instagram and Bluesky for show updates. Watch full episodes, clips, and live playthroughs on YouTube, Twitch, and TikTok. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review—every rating helps more gamers discover the show.Timecodes: 0:00 - Intro3:03 - Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles13:30 - Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate16:55 - Ninja Gaiden 427:05 - Outer Wilds 2 looks interesting/Obsidian Games35:22 - Mass Effect Andromeda40:19 - Haunting: Starring Polterguy58:30 - Metal Gear Acid1:13:35 - Eric's Pick with Michael1:23:28 - Michael's Pick for Eric

Eric and Michael revisit the golden PS2 era with two very different titles: Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, the groundbreaking Ubisoft action adventure, and The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age, EA’s cinematic RPG with, perhaps, too many ties to the legendary film trilogy.In this episode of State of the Save, the hosts explore what made these games unforgettable, from fluid parkour mechanics and movie-licensed storytelling to the signature early-2000s style that defined the generation. Eric shares his frustrations with Xbox’s new pricing model, while Michael returns to Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles, reflecting on an unfinished journey from his youth.The episode also set up the next Game Trade, where Eric challenges Michael to test out a spin-off of one of his favorite series, and Michael introduces Eric to a spooky Sega Genesis game perfect for Halloween season.Follow @StateOfTheSave on Instagram and Bluesky for show updates. Watch streams, clips, and highlights on YouTube, Twitch, and TikTok. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review—every rating helps us bring you more gaming podcasts, reviews, and retrospectives!Timecodes:0:00 – Intro1:45 – Xbox Game Pass Price Increase15:55 – Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles37:05 – Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time49:50 – The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age1:16:08 – Michael's Pick for Eric - A Spooky Sega Genesis Game1:20:55 - Eric Bullies Michael into playing a spin-offMusic:Jungle Mood — Peyruis [Audio Library Release]Music provided by Audio Library PlusWatch: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://youtu.be/AE4AWGTNa-A⁠⁠⁠⁠Free Download / Stream: ⁠⁠⁠⁠http://alplus.io/JungleMood⁠⁠⁠⁠Metro — Scandinavianz [Audio Library Release]Music provided by Audio Library PlusWatch: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://youtu.be/NPKwINq8D_4⁠⁠⁠⁠Free Download / Stream: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://alplus.io/metro⁠

It’s game swap time on State of the Save! This week, Eric planet-hops his way through Super Mario Galaxy, while Michael battles against the AI in NFL Blitz 2001 to figure out how the classic football game cheats.In a fun twist, the guys swap unexpected picks—Eric hands Michael an RPG, and Michael drops Eric into a once-beloved franchise that’s due for a comeback.Along the way, they dive into nostalgic discussions about two iconic retro titles: The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker and Halo 2. If you love classic Nintendo and Xbox games, quirky game swaps, and deep-cut gaming conversations, this episode has it all.Follow @StateOfTheSave on Instagram and Bluesky for show updates. Watch streams, clips, and highlights on YouTube, Twitch, and TikTok. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review—every rating helps us bring you more gaming podcasts, reviews, and retrospectives!Timecodes:0:00 – Intro2:00 – The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker11:35 – Halo 216:15 – Super Mario Galaxy27:40 – Retro Game Talk32:40 – Back to Mario Galaxy35:30 – NFL Blitz 200150:25 – Michael’s pick for Eric53:08 – Eric’s pick for MichaelMusic:Jungle Mood — Peyruis [Audio Library Release]Music provided by Audio Library PlusWatch: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://youtu.be/AE4AWGTNa-A⁠⁠⁠⁠Free Download / Stream: ⁠⁠⁠⁠http://alplus.io/JungleMood⁠⁠⁠⁠Metro — Scandinavianz [Audio Library Release]Music provided by Audio Library PlusWatch: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://youtu.be/NPKwINq8D_4⁠⁠⁠⁠Free Download / Stream: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://alplus.io/metro⁠

Michael takes on Resident Evil: Revelations while Eric dives into Ace Combat: Assault Horizon—and the results are hilarious, confusing, and surprisingly deep. In this episode of State of the Save, the guys trade games in another Game Swap, share their takes on the latest Nintendo Direct announcements, and dig into Gears of War: Reloaded with some personal stories along the way.If you love retro games, classic franchises, and modern gaming deep dives, this episode has it all:Nintendo Direct Recap — surprises, highlights, and big revealsResident Evil: Revelations — Michael’s baffling experience with the survival horror spin-offAce Combat: Assault Horizon — Eric’s unexpected existential journey through the skiesGears of War: Reloaded — gameplay talk, nostalgia, and personal loreFollow @StateOfTheSave on Instagram and Bluesky for updates, and check us out on YouTube, Twitch, and TikTok for streams, clips, and more gaming shenanigans.Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review—it helps us bring you more gaming podcasts, reviews, and retrospectives!Timecodes:0:00 - Intro2:10 - Nintendo Direct14:03 - Chibi-Robo17:08 - Gears of War: Reloaded27:55 - Ace Combat: Assault Horizon42:45 - Resident Evil: Revelations58:45 - Eric's pick for Michael1:01:02 - Michael's pick for EricMusic:Jungle Mood — Peyruis [Audio Library Release]Music provided by Audio Library PlusWatch: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://youtu.be/AE4AWGTNa-A⁠⁠⁠⁠Free Download / Stream: ⁠⁠⁠⁠http://alplus.io/JungleMood⁠⁠⁠⁠Metro — Scandinavianz [Audio Library Release]Music provided by Audio Library PlusWatch: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://youtu.be/NPKwINq8D_4⁠⁠⁠⁠Free Download / Stream: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://alplus.io/metro⁠

It’s time for our very first Game-Swap! Michael dives back into his Blockbuster rental nostalgia with Project: Snowblind, while Eric realizes the crew of Final Fantasy XV feels a lot like the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in black coats.The swap continues with a portable spin-off and a questionable Call of Duty clone that alienated a fan base. Plus: Michael shares why UFO 50 is his current obsession, and Eric breaks down his excitement for Battlefield 6 after an intense Beta Weekend.If you love retro games, shooters, and discovering hidden gems, this episode is packed with laughs, hot takes, and plenty of nostalgia.Follow @StateOfTheSave on Instagram and Bluesky for podcast updates, and check us out on YouTube, Twitch, and TikTok for streams, clips, and more gaming shenanigans!Subscribe and leave a review to support the show - it helps us bring you more gaming deep dives!Timecodes:0:00 - Intro2:40 - UFO 5013:20 - Battlefield 6 Beta26:00 - Looking forward to Metal Gear Solid Delta33:50 - Project: Snowblind46:45 - Final Fantasy XV1:00:20 - Michael's pick for Eric1:05:50 - Eric's pick for MichaelMusic:Jungle Mood — Peyruis [Audio Library Release]Music provided by Audio Library PlusWatch: ⁠⁠https://youtu.be/AE4AWGTNa-A⁠⁠Free Download / Stream: ⁠⁠http://alplus.io/JungleMood⁠⁠Metro — Scandinavianz [Audio Library Release]Music provided by Audio Library PlusWatch: ⁠⁠https://youtu.be/NPKwINq8D_4⁠⁠Free Download / Stream: ⁠⁠https://alplus.io/metro

The horrors persist, but SO DOES STATE OF THE SAVE, with a new, sustainable show format.Hosts Eric and Michael reunite to swap video games they want the other to experience, bringing fresh perspectives, laughs, and plenty of friendly debate.In this comeback episode, we:Share the games we played during our hiatusKick off our new "game trade” formatDiscuss Michael’s metal arm (not a bit!)If you love gaming podcasts, video game reviews, retro gaming discussions, and genuine co-op chemistry, you’ll feel right at home.Follow @StateOfTheSave on Instagram and Bluesky for show updates, and catch us on YouTube, Twitch, and TikTok for streams, podcast clips, and other schenanigans. Welcome back. It's been a while. Let's have some fun.0:00 - Intro4:54 - Games we played on hiatus39:25 - Explaining the new format41:50 - Michael's pick for Eric46:28 - Eric's pick for MichaelMusic:Jungle Mood — Peyruis [Audio Library Release]Music provided by Audio Library PlusWatch: ⁠https://youtu.be/AE4AWGTNa-A⁠Free Download / Stream: ⁠http://alplus.io/JungleMood⁠Metro — Scandinavianz [Audio Library Release]Music provided by Audio Library PlusWatch: ⁠https://youtu.be/NPKwINq8D_4⁠Free Download / Stream: ⁠https://alplus.io/metro

3...2...1....RAAAAACE! It's time for Michael and Tanner to break down one of Nintendo's greatest and often forgotten franchises: F-Zero. In This Episode, we break down the history of the series from its inception all the way through F-Zero Maximum Velocity, as well as detailing our thoughts on each game. This is the biggest and most elaborate episode of State of the Save yet! I hope you all enjoy it. Show us your moves by leaving a review!

Michael continues breaking down his favorite games from every year while slowly realizing he left Arcade Racers behind in favor of Single-Player Fighting Games. Music: Jungle Mood — Peyruis [Audio Library Release] Music provided by Audio Library Plus Watch: ⁠⁠https://youtu.be/AE4AWGTNa-A⁠⁠ Free Download / Stream: ⁠⁠http://alplus.io/JungleMood⁠⁠ Metro — Scandinavianz [Audio Library Release] Music provided by Audio Library Plus Watch: ⁠⁠https://youtu.be/NPKwINq8D_4⁠⁠ Free Download / Stream: ⁠⁠https://alplus.io/metro

It's a special solo show for State of the Save as Michael takes some time in-between GameClubs to go Year-By-Year to discuss his favorite games from each one. Plus, he gives an update on his progress in Baldur's Gate 3, also THERE'S A NEW F-ZERO! Music: Jungle Mood — Peyruis [Audio Library Release] Music provided by Audio Library Plus Watch: ⁠⁠https://youtu.be/AE4AWGTNa-A⁠⁠ Free Download / Stream: ⁠⁠http://alplus.io/JungleMood⁠⁠ Metro — Scandinavianz [Audio Library Release] Music provided by Audio Library Plus Watch: ⁠⁠https://youtu.be/NPKwINq8D_4⁠⁠ Free Download / Stream: ⁠⁠https://alplus.io/metro

Moon Moon, Ja Ja. Michael and John take Europe from Deathshead and live to tell the tale...after dying in the same hallway over and over. That's right, it's time to discuss the second half of Wolfenstein: The New Order! Before the discussion, Michael and John spend some time talking about Baldur's Gate III!. Timecodes 0:00 - Intro 2:43 - Baldur's Gate III 25:26 - Wolfenstein: The New Order (Chapters 9 - The Ending) As always, follow @StateOfTheSave on Instagram and Twitter for Show Updates and general social media stuff. We're also on YouTube, Twitch, and TikTok for Streams, Podcast Clips, and other shenanigans. Music: Jungle Mood — Peyruis [Audio Library Release] Music provided by Audio Library Plus Watch: ⁠⁠https://youtu.be/AE4AWGTNa-A⁠⁠ Free Download / Stream: ⁠⁠http://alplus.io/JungleMood⁠⁠ Metro — Scandinavianz [Audio Library Release] Music provided by Audio Library Plus Watch: ⁠⁠https://youtu.be/NPKwINq8D_4⁠⁠ Free Download / Stream: ⁠⁠https://alplus.io/metro

Michael returns to Castle Wolfenstein, to play through a game he did not finish back in 2016, and he recruits John to join him. Together, they discuss the first half of Wolfenstein: The New Order, playing through Mission 8: Camp Belica. Join us in 2 weeks for Part 2! As always, follow @StateOfTheSave on Instagram and Twitter for Show Updates and general social media stuff. We're also on YouTube, Twitch, and TikTok for Streams, Podcast Clips, and other shenanigans. Music: Jungle Mood — Peyruis [Audio Library Release] Music provided by Audio Library Plus Watch: ⁠⁠https://youtu.be/AE4AWGTNa-A⁠⁠ Free Download / Stream: ⁠⁠http://alplus.io/JungleMood⁠⁠ Metro — Scandinavianz [Audio Library Release] Music provided by Audio Library Plus Watch: ⁠⁠https://youtu.be/NPKwINq8D_4⁠⁠ Free Download / Stream: ⁠⁠https://alplus.io/metro

It's time for some good, old fashioned, Fascist butt-kicking. But before that, we have to do some research. Join Michael as he prepares us for our GameClub of 2014's Wolfenstein: The New Order This will be a 2 part series: Part 1 will cover until the end of Chapter 8: Camp Belica Part 2 will cover the rest of the game. Until then, we'll see you in a couple of weeks Music: Track: Chicago — Jey Co [Audio Library Release] Music provided by Audio Library Plus Watch: ⁠⁠⁠https://youtu.be/MNbfbvZR10A⁠⁠⁠ Free Download / Stream: ⁠⁠⁠https://alplus.io/chicago⁠⁠⁠ Track: Jungle Mood — Peyruis [Audio Library Release] Music provided by Audio Library Plus Watch: ⁠⁠⁠https://youtu.be/AE4AWGTNa-A⁠⁠⁠ Free Download / Stream: ⁠⁠⁠http://alplus.io/JungleMood

Apologies for the delayed episode, my air went out so that was fun. Tanner joins Michael as they investigate the disappearance of a space crew contracted by a shady corporation. What could possibly go wrong? I'll tell you: several in-the-weeds conversations about Sci-Fi movies. As always, follow @StateOfTheSave on Instagram and Twitter for Show Updates and general social media stuff. We're also on YouTube, Twitch, and TikTok for Streams, Podcast Clips, and other shenanigans. Music: Jungle Mood — Peyruis [Audio Library Release] Music provided by Audio Library Plus Watch: ⁠⁠https://youtu.be/AE4AWGTNa-A⁠⁠ Free Download / Stream: ⁠⁠http://alplus.io/JungleMood⁠⁠ Metro — Scandinavianz [Audio Library Release] Music provided by Audio Library Plus Watch: ⁠⁠https://youtu.be/NPKwINq8D_4⁠⁠ Free Download / Stream: ⁠⁠https://alplus.io/metro

MegaMan.EXE is our WHAT?! We talk about some wild revelations and mechanics in the second part of our Mega Man: Battle Network GameClub. Plus, we lay down some prep for our next game, Tacoma. Jack-In to this podcast (or the closest potted plant) and join us. stateofthesave@gmail.com and @stateofthesave on TikTok, Instagram, Twitter, and Youtube.  Timecodes - 0:00 - Intro 25:45 - Mega Man Battle Network Metro — Scandinavianz [Audio Library Release]  Music provided by Audio Library Plus  Watch: https://youtu.be/NPKwINq8D_4 Free Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/metro Jungle Mood — Peyruis [Audio Library Release]   Music provided by Audio Library Plus  Watch: https://youtu.be/AE4AWGTNa-A Free Download / Stream: http://alplus.io/JungleMood

Grab your PETs and Jack-In so we can take down the WWW! It's time to throw it back to early 2000s internet culture and discuss our time with Mega Man Battle Network. Tanner joins Michael for his first GameClub episode of the show, too! This first part covers up to the fight with Colorman.EXE. As always, follow @StateOfTheSave on Instagram and Twitter for Show Updates and general social media stuff. We're also on YouTube, Twitch, and TikTok for Streams, Podcast Clips, and other shenanigans. Timecodes: 0:00 - Intro 8:53 - Final Fantasy XIV (14) 18:58 - Street fighter VI 22:52 - Mega Man Battle Network Music: Jungle Mood — Peyruis [Audio Library Release] Music provided by Audio Library Plus Watch: ⁠⁠https://youtu.be/AE4AWGTNa-A⁠⁠ Free Download / Stream: ⁠⁠http://alplus.io/JungleMood⁠⁠ Metro — Scandinavianz [Audio Library Release] Music provided by Audio Library Plus Watch: ⁠⁠https://youtu.be/NPKwINq8D_4⁠⁠ Free Download / Stream: ⁠⁠https://alplus.io/metro

Michael and John lay the groundwork for the next GameClub - Mega Man Battle Network. Grab your PETs and Jack-In with us as we detail the fun we'll have this Thursday on State of the Save. This will be a 2 part series: Part 1 of our Battle Network discussion will cover from the game's beginning to the boss fight with Colorman.EXE Part 2 will cover the rest of the game. Until then, We'll Jack-Out and see you later this week! Music: Track: Chicago — Jey Co [Audio Library Release] Music provided by Audio Library Plus Watch: ⁠⁠https://youtu.be/MNbfbvZR10A⁠⁠ Free Download / Stream: ⁠⁠https://alplus.io/chicago⁠⁠ Track: Jungle Mood — Peyruis [Audio Library Release] Music provided by Audio Library Plus Watch: ⁠⁠https://youtu.be/AE4AWGTNa-A⁠⁠ Free Download / Stream: ⁠⁠http://alplus.io/JungleMood

Grab your Huff 'n Puffs, because it's time to blow the house down as we talk about the final Episodes of The Wolf Among Us. Michael and John do everything they can to not make Snow White mad while hunting down the mysterious Crooked Man. They also touch on their time with Tears of the Kingdom and Street Fighter 6. As always, follow @StateOfTheSave on Instagram and Twitter for Show Updates and general social media stuff. We're also on YouTube, Twitch, and TikTok for Streams, Podcast Clips, and other shenanigans. Timecodes: 0:00 - Intro 2:35 - Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom 12:25 - Street Fighter 6 27:25 - The Wolf Among Us Music: Jungle Mood — Peyruis [Audio Library Release] Music provided by Audio Library Plus Watch: ⁠⁠https://youtu.be/AE4AWGTNa-A⁠⁠ Free Download / Stream: ⁠⁠http://alplus.io/JungleMood⁠⁠ Metro — Scandinavianz [Audio Library Release] Music provided by Audio Library Plus Watch: ⁠⁠https://youtu.be/NPKwINq8D_4⁠⁠ Free Download / Stream: ⁠⁠https://alplus.io/metro

With Eric away, John and Michael take a trip to Fabletown, NYC to unravel a conspiracy in our GameClub of The Wolf Among Us. We also talk about our time with the new Zelda, Tears of the Kingdom. As always, follow @StateOfTheSave on Instagram and Twitter for Show Updates and general social media stuff. We're also on YouTube, Twitch, and TikTok for Streams, Podcast Clips, and other shenanigans. Timecodes: 0:00 - Intro/Housekeeping 2:55 - Resident Evil 4 Remake 7:00 - The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom 19:50 - The Wolf Among Us (Episode 1 - The First 2 Scenes of Episode 3) Music: Jungle Mood — Peyruis [Audio Library Release] Music provided by Audio Library Plus Watch: ⁠⁠https://youtu.be/AE4AWGTNa-A⁠⁠ Free Download / Stream: ⁠⁠http://alplus.io/JungleMood⁠⁠ Metro — Scandinavianz [Audio Library Release] Music provided by Audio Library Plus Watch: ⁠⁠https://youtu.be/NPKwINq8D_4⁠⁠ Free Download / Stream: ⁠⁠https://alplus.io/metro