The Insert Credit Show

<p>A relentlessly on topic smorgasbord of hard hitting video game questions as addressed by a panel of experts. Featuring Frank Cifaldi, Ash Parrish, Brandon Sheffield, and a rotating group of special guests. Hosted by Alex Jaffe. Edited by Esper Quinn. Original music by Kurt Feldman.</p>

Ep. 364 - Way More Chooms, with Kieron Gillen

Author and journalist Kieron Gillen joins the panel to cover the golden age of games journalism, Squaresoft’s 1996 SNES licensed X-Men JRPG, and the mysterious Hat Man. Hosted by Alex Jaffe, with Frank Cifaldi, Ash Parrish, Brandon Sheffield, and Kieron Gillen. Edited by Esper Quinn, original music by Kurt Feldman. Watch episodes with full video on YouTube Discuss this episode in the Insert Credit Forums SHOW NOTES: Riders on the Storm Ghost Riders in the Sky The Doors Ghost Rider 2: Spirit of Vengeance (2011) Mutant Amiga Power Eisner Awards Hugo Award Amiga Mister Sinister 1: What’s the difference between game culture and comics culture? (04:44) Jack Kirby Twine Al Ewing Marvel Cinematic Universe Gamergate (harassment campaign) Sad Puppies Jim Rossignol 2: In tabletop game design, how do you make a game that allows players to do anything, while maintaining a unique identity? (10:03) Mörk Borg OSR Dungeons & Dragons Baldurs Gate III Baldur’s Gate 3 is a masterpiece built on a bad tabletop game 3: What’s the closest a video game has come to ruining your life? (17:19) World of Warcraft World of WarCraft: The Burning Crusade Clash of Clans Princess Pajama Infinity Nikki Shin Megami Tensei: Liberation Dx2 Sonic Advance 3 Nintendo Official Magazine UK Circuit City World of WarCraft: Wrath of the Lich King MUSH Space Invaders The Sims Online Grand Theft Auto IV 4: The year is 1996. Squaresoft wants you to design their final game for the SNES, a licensed X-Men RPG. What have you got? (27:22) Squaresoft Super Nintendo Entertainment System X-Men Image Comics Jim Lee X-Men 2: Clone Wars X-Men: The Animated Series Storm Rise of the Robots Wolverine Princess Maker Charles Xavier Final Fantasy Sentinel Spider-Man The Punisher: The Ultimate Payback! Days of Future Past Chrono Trigger Callisto Marrow Giant-Size X-Men Cyclops Colossus Thunderbird Jean Grey 5: PersonalMatthew asks, how important is it that someone writing about videogames be “good” at videogames? (34:33) Madden DLSS Digital Trends Kimimi The Game-Eating She-Monster Demonschool Final Fantasy Tactics Persona Shin Megami Tensei 6: What was the golden age of video game journalism? (40:53) Spider-Man 3 Mad Men PC Gamer Tomb Raider Rock Paper Shotgun LIGHTNING ROUND: High Scoring (47:22) Recommendations and Outro (57:22): Kieron: The Power Fantasy, We Called Them Giants Frank: Go read Kieron’s comics Brandon: If you’re feeling cold tuck your shirt into your pants, Manga documentary 1982, The Great Cleric if you want some extremely mid anime, follow Brandon on Bluesky Ash: Game Changers on HBO Max This week’s Insert Credit Show is brought to you by patrons like you. Thank you. Subscribe: RSS, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more!

11-18
01:08:20

Ep. 363 - Love in the Time of Dragons

Your new Insert Credit panel, now including Ash Parrish of The Verge, discusses Dragon Age fanfiction, the best video game music of the last ten years, and a Spice Girls nude code. Hosted by Alex Jaffe, with Frank Cifaldi, Brandon Sheffield, and Ash Parrish. Edited by Esper Quinn, original music by Kurt Feldman. Watch episodes with full video on YouTube Discuss this episode in the Insert Credit Forums Discuss this episode in the Insert Credit Forums SHOW NOTES: The beginning of this episode features some words from Brandon Sheffield on personal loss, the election, and what we can do going forward. The usual intro begins at (09:01). Thank you. Vincent Diamante Game Developer Magazine Demonschool Video Game History Foundation The Verge Gojo Industries Dandadan Momo Ayase Bundle for Ukraine The Insert Credit Forums 1: Have video games completely realized the concept of importing your data from one game to the next? (20:59) Assassin’s Creed series Legend of Zelda series Yakuza series Golden Sun series Mass Effect series Pokémon series Dragon Age series 2: What do people really mean when they talk about learning curves? (27:46) Super Mario series Metroid series Crusader Kings III Sid Meier’s Civilization series Warhammer universe 3: What’s up with video games having “Dragon” in the title and then not having very many dragons? (33:41) Dragon Age series Dragon Quest universe Yakuza series Drakengard series Halo series Monster Hunter series Dragon Slayer Panzer Dragoon series Dragon’s Dogma series Spice Girls Spice World The Spice Girls nude in the game Spice World Lara Croft Double Dragon series 4: Which video game character is tattooed on the most human bodies? (38:47) Mario Sonic the Hedgehog Pikachu Ribbit King 1-Up Mushroom Hylian Shield Triforce Space Invaders Pac-Man Squirtle Bulbasaur Snorlax Magikarp Mew Gengar Slime Shanghai Dragons Overwatch Genji Hanzo The Insert Credit Quick Break: Puppy Cam! (44:34) 5: Esther Weinbach asks, what is the most important thing you’ve ever learned from a video game? (45:38) BioShock Bravoman Dragon Age series Cullen Rutherford NieR 6: Can you think of a single piece of memorable video game music from the past ten years? (54:37) Undertale Sonic Mania Yakuza series Baka Mitai Gunsport series Crossniq Border Down Shoji Meguro Persona series Metaphor: ReFantazio Masayoshi Soken Final Fantasy XIV Online NieR: Automata Weight of the World Street Fighter IV Indestructible LIGHTNING ROUND: Celebrity Gamers (01:00:09) Recommendations and Outro (01:09:00): Brandon: Give your coupons to people who seem like they need them, Monoxide Brothers, Megumi Hayashibara’s The Characters Taught Me Everything Ash: Get a puppy, the What is White French Dressing? episode of Aw, Would You Look At The Time Jaffe: 52 Pickup, the first three seasons of Slayers This week’s Insert Credit Show is brought to you by patrons like you. Thank you. Subscribe: RSS, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more!

11-11
01:20:27

Ep. 362 - Official Mario Bong, with Mathew Kumar

Game designer and author Mathew Kumar joins a panel guest hosted by editor Esper Quinn to cover famous famiclones, the latest in Nintendo developments, and Tommy Tallarico’s unexpected ascent into backgammon legend. Hosted by Esper Quinn, with Frank Cifaldi, Brandon Sheffield, and Mathew Kumar. Edited by Esper Quinn, original music by Kurt Feldman. Watch episodes with full video on YouTube Discuss this episode in the Insert Credit Forums SHOW NOTES: Snake Eater (Live at Symphony Hall) Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater Sonic Mania Sonic Mania OST - Studiopolis Act 2 Snow Surfers OST - Ronnie’s Theme Rippin’ Riders alpha’s video game drum and bass music playlist Bomberman Hero Jun Chikuma Saori Kobayashi Sylvan Tale Panzer Dragoon Sylvan Tale シルヴァンテイル組曲/Compose&Arrange:小林早織 Every Game I’ve Finished 14>24 by Mathew Kumar Yakuza 4 Makoto Date Yakuza 4 Theme “For Faith” (with lyrics) 1: merritt k asks, what are some of the more interesting bootleg or knockoff consoles? (06:50) Pegasus famiclone Nintendo Entertainment System EA FIFA series Battletank Circus Charlie Phantom System Dendy Xiao Bawang Handheld TV game Frogger Scramble Commodore 64 ZDog Avatar: The Way of Water (2022) Zdinarsik (Z-Dog) Battle City Bomberman PC Engine Ghostbusters II Predator 2: What The Hell Is Going On At Nintendo? Part II Chapter 2 - Online Network Test (20:16) Ash Parrish Nintendo’s mysterious Playtest begins to leak Minecraft Roblox Pokémon GO Splatoon 3 Animal Crossing series Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Fortnite 3: What The Hell Is Going On At Nintendo? Part III - Nintendo Music (26:50) Alarmo Wii Shop Channel Main Theme Animal Crossing - 5AM Nintendo Museum Rosalina Astro Bot Master Chief 4: At this point in your life, what would it take to get you to play more video games? (32:34) Metaphor: ReFantazio NieR Metroid Prime Castlevania: Symphony of the Night Demonschool Martin Scorsese Stalker (1979) 5: Is Tommy Tallarico a backgammon champion now? (40:37) Tommy Tallarico’s New Goal Is Becoming A Backgammon Legend Tommy Tallarico Backgammon 6: Alex Jaffe asks, what is the strongest emotion that video games can produce? (43:49) Super Princess Peach 7: If you, somehow, wrote an essay for every game you’ve finished, what would you do with those? (51:04) Every Game I’ve Finished 14>24 by Mathew Kumar Ko-fi Kofi Annan Ninja Gaiden Llamasoft: The Jeff Minter Story Digital Extremes Digital Eclipse Warframe Dark Sector Internet Archive The Tower of Druaga Clive James LIGHTNING ROUND: Name Design - Magic: the Gathering Cards (58:24) Chaos Orb Wurmcoil Engine Sublime Epiphany Simian Spirit Guide Mass Hysteria Waste Not Nemesis of Reason Sunfall Sword of Feast and Famine Otterball Antics Thraximundar Recommendations and Outro (01:10:45): Frank: UFO 50 Mathew: It’s very easy to replace your showerhead and shower cartridge, Every Game I’ve Finished 14>24 by Mathew Kumar Brandon: Mariko Tone - Purple Rose Esper: The YouTube version of this very podcast This week’s Insert Credit Show is brought to you by patrons like you. Thank you. Subscribe: RSS, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more!

11-04
01:19:10

Ep. 361 - Specdracular 2024, with merritt k

Writer and game designer merritt k joins the Insert Credit panel on the most haunted podcast of the year, delving into how one really evokes fear in games, Skibidi Toilet costumes, and vampire streaming services. Hosted by Alex Jaffe, with Frank Cifaldi, Brandon Sheffield, and merritt k. Edited by Esper Quinn, original music by Kurt Feldman. Watch this episode with full video on YouTube Discuss this episode in the Insert Credit Forums SHOW NOTES: The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974) The Thing (1982) John Carpenter Sonic the Hedgehog Halloween (1978) Warhammer 40,000 Fledgling Manor Guys: Episode 27 The Mist (2007) The Fog (1980) The Exorcist III (1990) The Exorcist (1973) Exorcist II: The Heretic (1977) Jamie Lee Curtis Ryu 1: What’s the most you were ever scared by a video game? (08:34) Resident Evil 2 Silent Hill Cloverfield (2008) Silent Hill 2 Silent Hill 3 Phantasy Star Wizardry Resident Evil 4 Amnesia series Phantasy Star Online Yuji Naka Balan Wonderworld World of Warcraft Burning Man EverQuest Renaissance fair Destiny 2 2: How do you scare someone in a text or turn-based game where you aren’t required to act immediately? (16:32) Dark Souls series Bloodborne EarthBound Dragon Quest Undertale 3: What are the best ghosts in video games? (22:26) The Addams Family Fester’s Quest Ocean Software Boo Super Mario Maker series Hungry Ghosts Pac-Man Billy Mitchell Sonic & Knuckles Sonic Mania Mother 3 Bubble Ghost Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective 4: What are some last-minute DIY video game costumes our listeners can make at home? (28:03) Tetris Harry Mason James Sunderland OZZY OSBOURNE - “Perry Mason” (Official Video) Grand Theft Auto III Claude Ugly Sonic Donkey Kong Ryu Taekwondo The Atlantic Ian Bogost Skibidi Toilet Garry’s Mod Watch_Dogs series inFAMOUS: Second Son Helldivers II Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth Astro Bot Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine Miles “Tails” Prower Miqo’te Stray UFO 50 5: Nineteenletterslong asks, what are the grossest looking hands in video games? (35:17) Yakuza 0 30 Rock Elden Ring Wallmaster Shenmue Marvel Snap Balatro DC Heroes United Vampire Survivors Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League Why Batman Doesn’t Kill Solomon Grundy Splatterhouse Ethan Winters Resident Evil 7 Resident Evil: Village Resident Evil 5 Resident Evil 6 6: Without looking anything up, what do you think the “Tails Doll” creepypasta is about? (41:23) Tails Doll Tails Doll Creepypasta Sonic Adventure Sonic R Traveller’s Tales Metal Sonic Christian Whitehead Sonic Mania Sonic CD Five Nights at Freddy’s Rad Mobile 7: What is the The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974) of video games? (45:41) The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974) Tobe Hooper The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 (1986) Lifeforce (1985) Deadly Premonition Cavia Kane & Lynch 2: Dog Days Disco Elysium The Cave 8: Merritt, have you worked on any video games with compelling narratives about awful people? (49:34) Fledgling Manor Visual novel Big Brother What We Do in the Shadows In Secret Places Friday Night Funkin’ Vertigo Comics Shade, the Changing Man Chakan Demonschool Baldur’s Gate III FRIGHTENING ROUND: Dating Draculas (58:53) Recommendations and Outro (01:09:22): Merritt: Fledgling Manor on Steam and itch.io, Retro Game Zine Issue 001 - It Came From The Desert, Frank: Vote, and not Republican. Brandon: Vote for Harris regardless of whether or not you like her and her many problems, let’s get those fascists back in the ground where they belong, Hiruko the Goblin (1991), Desert Golfing Jaffe: Consider phone banking for the Environmental Voter Project, send us your homemade Horrible Buzzers to possibly hear them in the show! This week’s Insert Credit Show is brought to you by patrons like you. Thank you. Subscribe: RSS, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more!

10-28
01:18:16

insert credit #360: tim rogers enjoys 36 xbox 360 games

View the full video for this episode on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fi7Sfj3quMA 00:00 - introduction 20:06 - #36 22:53 - #35 25:26 - #34 27:50 - #33 30:29 - #32 33:03 - #31 25:41 - #30 38:27 - #29 41:08 - #28 43:50 - #27 46:30 - #26 48:54 - #25 51:56 - #24 54:16 - #23 56:50 - #22 59:41 - #21 1:02:23 - #20 1:04:39 - #19 1:07:07 - #18 1:09:54 - #17 1:12:31 - #16 1:15:03 - #15 1:17:25 - #14 1:19:51 - #13 1:22:38 - #12 1:25:06 - #11 1:27:46 - #10 1:30:26 - #9 1:33:11 - #8 1:36:08 - #7 1:39:02 - #6 1:41:49 - #5 1:44:32 - #4 1:47:07 - #3 1:49:40 - #2 + #1 2:00:44 - outroduction This week’s Insert Credit Show is brought to you by patrons like you. Thank you. Subscribe: RSS, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more!

10-22
02:05:39

Ep. 359 - Be Curious, with Ash Parrish

Ash Parrish of The Verge returns as host to implement new segments, consider community Halo grievances, and weigh evidence that Frank might have been the first person to ever draw a dick in Pictochat. Hosted by Ash Parrish, with Frank Cifaldi, Tim Rogers, and Brandon Sheffield. Edited by Esper Quinn, original music by Kurt Feldman. Discuss this episode in the Insert Credit Forums SHOW NOTES: Commodore 64 Jet-Boys Overwatch League New York Excelsior “Ante Up” clip M.O.P. - Ante Up (Official Music Video) New jack swing Sonic the Hedgehog 3 Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas Tempo DK Rap DK Rap Composer Chap hop Fighting Trousers - Professor Elemental Mr.B The Gentleman Rhymer Math rock Nerdcore MC Chris MC Frontalot Eminem Penny Arcade Gorillaz PaRappa the Rapper Andy Schatz LMFAO - Shots ft. Lil Jon Parable of the Sower Ursula K. Le Guin Octavia E. Butler Xenogears / Xenosaga universe El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron Alan Rickman Dogma (1999) Metatron 1: When did animals pivot from enemies to allied NPCs in video games? (13:58) Can You Pet the Dog? Tomb Raider Fable Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare Final Fantasy XVI Dead to Rights: Retribution Call of Duty: Ghosts Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare Call of Duty universe Kane & Lynch 2: Dog Days Kane & Lynch: Dead Men Jeff Gerstmann Yes, a Games Writer was Fired Over Review Scores 2: (New Segment) What the hell is going on at Nintendo? Part I - Alarmo (23:00) Alarmo Shigeru Miyamoto Kendrick Lamar - Not Like Us Splatoon 3 Charles Martinet Ring Fit Adventure AIBO Gunpei Yokoi Wii Nintendo DS Pokémon Smile Pokémon GO Pikmin Bloom Pokémon Sleep Dragon Quest Walk Pokéwalker Doom Super Mario Bros. My Cousin Vinny (1992) 3: What should Nintendo’s next lifestyle product be? (31:20) Wii Vitality Sensor Pee-wee’s Playhouse Super Mario 64 Tick Tock Clock Wii Music Animal Crossing series 4: What the hell is going on at Nintendo? Part II - Switch Online Playtest (34:15) Here’s how to apply for Nintendo’s mystery Switch Online playtest Nintendo Switch Online GameCube Super Mario Bros. 35 F-Zero 99 SpotPass and StreetPass Wolf Link Lego Fortnite Fortnite Minecraft Stanford prison experiment PictoChat 5: (New Segment) r/OffMyChest (43:00) Halo series A New Dawn | Halo Studios Melissa Boone Sweet Baby Inc. A paper out of New York University on social media finds “0.1% of users shared 80% of fake news,” and “74% of all online conflicts are started in just 1% of communities” Assassin’s Creed Shadows devs address blowback over game’s ‘historical accuracy’ Yasuke Ubisoft responds to rumors about Tencent’s potential buyout Masahiro Ito Silent Hill 2 Maria Stellar Blade Alan Wake II Disinformation and conspiracy theories cloud Helene recovery efforts in hard-hit areas Yves Guillemot Star Wars: Outlaws The Insert Credit Forums The Action Button Discord AKA The Goblin Bunker Princess Mononoke (1997) Elden Ring Shachō Eiyūden: The Eagle-Shooting Heroes Mortal Kombat Hyung-Tae Kim Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth Master Chief LIGHTNING ROUND: Metaphor: ReFanpastio (01:19:28) Recommendations and Outro (01:29:34): Frank: Own your media, if you know what Frank means, and Frank don’t mean disks, if you know what Frank means Brandon: The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap, 12 Angry Men (1957), don’t forget to watch good things if you’re a person who enjoys trash things, The Matrix Resurrections (2021) Tim: Frankenstein (1931) Ash: The Animatrix (2003) This week’s Insert Credit Show is brought to you by patrons like you. Thank you. Subscribe: RSS, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and more!

10-14
01:42:36

Ep. 358 - Soak the Hippo, Save the World, with Ash Parrish

Reporter for The Verge Ash Parrish guests hosts our panel as they correctly guess the discourse around Zelda and Dragon Age, briefly review Megalopolis, and develop a free exclusive phrase you can use! Hosted by Ash Parrish, with Frank Cifaldi, Tim Rogers, and Brandon Sheffield. Edited by Esper Quinn, original music by Kurt Feldman. Discuss this episode in the Insert Credit Forums SHOW NOTES: Portland Retro Gaming Expo Atari Jeff Minter Llama Alpaca What Is a ‘Beige Flag’? Nosferatu Lumetri scope r/Vexillology Gadsden flag Honey badger Rainbow flag Purdue University Indiana University 1: Are there any games that take heavily from Jewish mythology? (11:01) Dante’s Inferno Inferno Castle Wolfenstein series Noah’s Ark Exile Raji: An Ancient Epic Black Myth: Wukong Journey to the West Dream of the Red Chamber Romance of the Three Kingdoms Water Margin One Thousand and One Nights Majin and the Forsaken Kingdom Golem Kabbalah Sefirot Sephiroth Final Fantasy VII Hironobu Sakaguchi Lost Odyssey Fantasian The Last Story Blue Dragon Etrian Odyssey HD Seinfeld Scene It? 2: How do you feel about the direction Dragon Age is going? (19:16) Dragon Age: The Veilguard Dragon Age series Baldur’s Gate III Lego Playmobil Oliver Twist Star Wars Brown paper bag test the image of Veilguard on Steam tim mentions Mass Effect series Avowed Saints Row: The Third Forspoken Final Fantasy XIV Online Cyberpunk 2077 The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim 1-2-Switch Metroid series Space Channel 5 Nana Ai Yazawa Ai Yazawa’s art of Ulala, with Nana and Hachi Bloodborne 3: What is the Francis Ford Coppola’s Megalopolis (2024) of video games? (36:56) Megalopolis (2024) Francis Ford Coppola Mike Drucker’s tweet Hideo Kojima SimCity Metropolis (1927) Metropolis (2001) Cosmopolis (2012) Casshern (2004) Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow (2004) Tomorrowland (2015) Will Wright Spore Stupid Fun Club The Sims Raid on Bungeling Bay The Conversation (1974) Flash Gordon Jerry Rice & Nitus’ Dog Football Alien Hominid The Godfather (1972) Death Stranding Tim Burton Laurence Fishburne 4: Design a serious triple-A video game about Moo Deng (44:45) Moo Deng The Last of Us God of War: Ragnarök Heroes Hungry Hungry Hippos Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey (2023) Screamboat 5: How can Nintendo make a well-rounded all-ages video game with a female protagonist that isn’t Samus? (48:34) Samus Aran The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom Princess Peach: Showtime! Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom doesn’t test your intelligence enough Princess Peach: Showtime! is clever and playful, but Peach deserves more Astro Bot Super Smash Brothers series Metroid series Super Princess Peach Kirby games Super Mario Bros. Wonder Mario Kart series Shigeru Miyamoto The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening Super Mario Bros. 2 Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker New Super Mario Bros. U 6: Design a game starring either Princess Peach or Zelda (56:58) Tomb Raider series Barbie licensees Super Mario Odyssey The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Three Dirty Dwarves Hyrule Warriors Zelda: The Wand of Gamelon Zelda’s Adventure The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Sheik Mario Kart 8 LIGHTNING ROUND: GameFAQ&As - The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom (01:03:32) Recommendations and Outro (01:09:43): Frank: Sometimes you should have a burrito Tim: See Megalopolis (2024) in theaters. If you want it to be a good movie, watch Metropolis (1927), Metropolis (2001), Nosferatu (1920), and at the lowest framerate possible Intolerance (1916), as well as Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992), and also you should have seen The Godfather (1972) Brandon: Reservation Dogs season 3, the original Bubblegum Crisis OVAs, The Left Hand of Darkness Ash: Appleseed (1988), Dandadan This week’s Insert Credit Show is brought to you by patrons like you. Thank you. Subscribe: RSS, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and more!

10-07
01:28:20

Ep. 357 - Playing Nice, with Jason Schreier

Journalist and author of Play Nice: The Rise, Fall, and Future of Blizzard Entertainment Jason Schreier sits for an interview on Blizzard’s many transformations, diversity scores, and what ultimately happened to Starcraft Ghost and Project Titan. Hosted by Alex Jaffe, with Jason Schreier. Edited by Esper Quinn, original music by Kurt Feldman. Discuss this episode in the Insert Credit Forums SHOW NOTES: Happy Rosh Hashanah! Yom Kippur Hanukkah Sukkot Simchat Torah Shemini Atzeret 1: Was there something about Blizzard in particular that made you want to write a book? (03:21) Acquisition of Activision Blizzard by Microsoft Press Reset: Ruin and Recovery in the Video Game Industry WarCraft series StarCraft series Diablo series 2: Did you actually interview more than three hundred people for this book over three years? (06:19) EverQuest Leeroy Jenkins 3: Was there anyone you couldn’t get an interview with? (07:45) 4: What was your personal investment in Blizzard before writing this book? (08:22) WarCraft III: Reign of Chaos StarCraft: Brood War The Lost Vikings Norse by Norse West: The Return of the Lost Vikings World of WarCraft 5: How would you describe Blizzard’s brand identity? (11:03) Pixar Make Love, Not Warcraft Overwatch series Hearthstone: Heroes of WarCraft 6: When did the “mergers and acquisitions” era of the video game industry really begin? (12:31) Davidson & Associates Math Blaster! CUC International Sierra Entertainment Square Enix Atlus Double Fine PsychOdyssey 7: Is the “loremaster” a real thing? (16:14) Script supervisor Better Call Saul Breaking Bad DC Comics Batman Wonder Woman 8: What was the deal with “diversity scores?” (18:42) Activision Makes ‘Diversity Tool’ For Overwatch 2, Call of Duty King Diversity, equity, and inclusion 9: How involved was Bobby Kotick in development? (20:55) Bobby Kotick Activision Vivendi Games Michael Morhaime Allen Adham Titan Diablo IV Overwatch 2 Overwatch 10: How did Titan become Overwatch? (26:10) Animal Crossing series Team Fortress 2 Tracer Reinhardt 11: If you had to pick an Overwatch character to be the new CEO of Blizzard, who would be best and who would be worst? (27:15) Winston Soldier: 76 Reaper Widowmaker Wrecking Ball 12: EvanArnett asks, in the early 2000s, World of Warcraft was the game most associated with gaming addiction. What was Blizzard’s stance on that? (27:58) 13: Yeso asks, do you still stand by your EPIC/5 review for Final Fantasy XIII on rpgamer.com? (31:01) EXCLUSIVE REVIEW!!! by Jason Schreier Final Fantasy XIII 14: Aleph asks, what is the Day the Clown Cried of Video Games? (32:22) The Day the Clown Cried (1972) Citizen Kane Jerry Lewis Krusty the Clown Final Fantasy Versus XIII Final Fantasy XV Project Milo E3 2009: Project Natal Milo demo 15: Is there a book about games you’d really like to read, but have no interest in writing yourself? (34:44) Midway Games 16: What should readers take away from Play Nice? (37:17) LIGHTNING ROUND: Rapid Fire Blizzard Trivia(38:23) Recommendations and Outro (42:11): Jason: Triple Click Jaffe: 52 Pickup This week’s Insert Credit Show is brought to you by patrons like you. Thank you. Subscribe: RSS, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and more!

09-29
45:28

Ep. 356 - Zeus's Mistress, with ThorHighHeels

Video essayist and composer ThorHighHeels joins video game historian Frank Cifaldi to answer questions about the Dreamcast’s legacy, the PS5 Pro, and penis worms. Hosted by Alex Jaffe, with Frank Cifaldi and ThorHighHeels. Edited by Esper Quinn, original music by Kurt Feldman. Discuss this episode in the Insert Credit Forums SHOW NOTES: Dreamcast ThorHighHeels Grammy Awards Question 1: What does the Dreamcast represent? (02:04) Vaporwave Shenmue Pixies Up close with Sony’s PS5 Pro — and the 30th Anniversary model Sega Genesis Penny’s Big Breakaway Penny Hardaway Xbox PlayStation 4 The Last of Us: Part II PlayStation Question 2: Is it ever worth getting the Pro version of a console? (07:28) PlayStation 3 models PlayStation 2 models Nintendo 3DS Nintendo Switch Game Boy Advance SP Nintendo Entertainment System Mario’s Tribal Tattoo Cybersigilism Nirvana Mark Cerny Question 3: When in your experience have recent video games been most nakedly attempting to generate a meme? (12:56) Borderlands series Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth Wild Bastards Contra Piss Corps Kingdoms of Amalur: Shitening Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal Assassin’s Creed series Don’t Shit Your Pants Can You Pet the Dog? Back At It Again at Krispy Kreme Earth Defense Force 6 All your base are belong to us Question 4: What happened to everybody that was making browser flash games? (17:09) Trials HD Alien Hominid Tom Fulp Bennett Foddy Question 5: Which phylum in the animal kingdom has the best monster design? (18:38) (Content warning: most of these are links to types of worms) Phylum Mollusca (Mollusks) Acanthocephala (Thorny headed worms) Acoelomorpha (Without gut) Annelida (Little ring) Arthropoda (Jointed foot) Brachiopoda (Arm foot) Bryozoa (Moss animals) Chaetognatha (Longhair jaw) Chordata (With a cord) Cnidaria (Stinging nettle) Ctenophora (Comb bearer) Cycliophora (Wheel carrying) Echinodermata (Spiny skin) Entoprocta (Inside anus) Gastrotricha (Hair stomach) Gnathostomulida (Jaw orifice) Hemichordata (Half cord) Kinorhyncha (Motion snout) Loricifera (Corset bearer) Priapulida (Penis worms) Phoronida (Zeus’s mistress) Tardigrada (Slow step) Xenoturbellida (Strange flatworm) Vetulicolia (Ancient dweller) Question 6: Psynuxie asks, what is the “George R. R. Martin should just hire a ghost writer to finish the series” of video games? (21:50) George R. R. Martin A Song of Ice and Fire Game of Thrones Hideo Kojima Metal Gear series Yu Suzuki Shenmue III The Simpsons David Cage Question 7: Ayla asks, what is the most specifically personalized video game recommendation you’ve offered to someone? (28:06) Tim Rogers Undertale EarthBound The Secret of Monkey Island The Sniper 2 Beethoven’s 2nd Postal Wishbone: Activity Zone Question 8: LeFish asks, what game would be most improved with the addition of Satan? (32:46) Spec Ops: The Line Ace Attorney series Daryl F. Gates Police Quest: Open Season Daryl Gates Space Quest series LIGHTNING ROUND: Guess the Top 10 Vtubers (35:25) Shirakami Fubuki Mori Calliope Hoshimachi Suisei Kobo Kanaeru **ZilverK** Filian Kizuna AI Houshou Marine Gawr Gura Recommendations and Outro (42:05): Thor: Electroplankton Frank: King of the Hill This week’s Insert Credit Show is brought to you by patrons like you. Thank you. Subscribe: RSS, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and more!

09-23
46:50

Insert Credit Gaiden #9 - Flapjacks and Threena

While our panel is scattered, enjoy a Bonus Credit-style arrangement of good conversation among brilliant friends. Featuring Frank’s SDCC misadventures, Brandon’s X-Men 97 opinions, and Tim’s pitch for the Bioshock movie. Hosted by Alex Jaffe, with Frank Cifaldi, Tim Rogers, and Brandon Sheffield. Edited by Esper Quinn, original music by Kurt Feldman. Discuss this episode in the Insert Credit Forums SHOW NOTES: The Insert Credit Patreon Horrifying Knowledge Regarding the Flapjack (00:54) Brandon summons Frank specifically to inform him of another appalling revelation regarding the insidious British. Having a very normal morning on this very normal day., the forum thread Brandon mentions Flapjack Pancake Granola Ep. 348: Pre-show (07:12) Frank is going to a cereal panel at San Diego Comic Con. Jaffe got a job as the official Question Answerer in the DC Comics Official Discord Server, and got Cool Gel Foam Headphone Pads. Tim demonstrates his lowly stature with his blown-out headphones, as a visual gag. Sylvester the Cat Tweety Mel Blanc Rabbit Fire Daffy Duck Looney Tunes Golden Collection Ep. 348: Extended break (11:20) Mimsy has excellent comic timing. Brandon needs a haircut. Frank would listen to some nerds talk about there being too much Star Trek, but is avoiding the Browncoat Meeting Room. Jaffe wonders what a Firefly fan is even like in 2024. Jim Henson is back now. We don’t know if Nurse Nancy can revive people from the dead. Warner Bros Discovery Mulling Split To Boost Stock Price Star Trek Firefly Browncoat The Rookie Nathan Fillion Buffy the Vampire Slayer Joss Whedon Johnny Depp Jim Henson Ep. 349: Pre-show (14:17) Special guest Simon Parkin lives very close to The Repair Shop. Brandon enjoys the names of cities that are near rivers. Tim wishes he had a room. The Repair Shop Ep. 349: Extended break (17:11) Tim believes the Dreamcast 2’s slogan should be “en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dreamcast” and invents a future Lightning Round in the process. Brief dog talk! Dreamcast Mahatma Gandhi Final Fantasy VII Dynasty Warriors Romance of the Three Kingdoms Knuckles the Echidna Echidna Ep. 349: Post-show (19:03) Tim finds the perfect video game for Queen Elizabeth. Brandon thinks her tiktok channel would be pretty interesting. Elizabeth II Land Rover Car Mechanic Simulator 2021: Land Rover Ep. 350: Pre-show (20:24) Frank shows off a few of his purchases from his time at San Diego Comic Con, and shares a story about being behind enemy lines. Brandon briefly reviews X-Men 97. Funko fans are very special, and get it. Tim shares something with the panel but not with you, and has a very meticulous reason for it. Frank’s frame of MC Skat Kat blowing smoke in Paula Abdul’s face Opposites Attract Frank’s Frank Gorshin art Frank Gorshin Frank’s Artist Alley find Frank’s Local Graphic Novel Club purchases Some art Frank likes Frank’s Art Adams art X-Men ’97 Some cereal dorks Kelloggs Corn Flakes Bring You Free Dangle-Dandies Hulk enjoying Honey-Comb Kelloggs Stars and Batman Periscope Tony the Tiger Frosted Flakes Kangaroo A panel being ruined Robert Downey Jr. is returning to the MCU as Doctor Doom Funko Barbie (2023) Hi Ken! Ep. 351: Pre-show (32:16) Brandon and Jaffe improvise some Seinfeld theme music. Tim’s dog smells unpleasant at time of recording. Frank shares his recommendation. Brandon shares one last Snake Break observation. Seinfeld Theme The Note E! News report on the guy who made the Seinfeld theme Hungry Snake Woman (1986) Ep. 352: Pre-show (35:59) Tim wanted to talk about a few more Street Fighter games during the recent episode ranking them. Brandon always ends up making the same person when presented with a character creator. Tim shares what he considers the only way to do it, regarding character creators. Skullomania Street Fighter 2010: The Final Fight Elena Cyberpunk 2077 Dragon’s Dogma II Super Mario Maker series Ep. 352: Extended break (38:50) Movie talk! Jack Black is in a bunch of video game movies. Frank is not eating pisketty. Brandon ponders the future of seafood. Tim gives his pitch for a Bioshock movie. Minecraft Movie Trailer: Jack Black, Jason Momoa Team Up Jack Black Steps Away From Tenacious D After Kyle Gass Jokes About Trump Assassination Attempt Cento Crushed Red Pepper Borderlands (2024) Official Trailer (CONTENT WARNING: THIS LINK WILL TAKE YOU TO A TRAILER FOR THE BORDERLANDS MOVIE, CONSIDER THE RISKS BEFORE OPENING) The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023) The Last of Us (TV series) ‘Bioshock’ Movie Still in the Works With Reduced Budget Tár (2022) Insert Credit Gaiden is brought to you by patrons like you. Thank you. Subscribe: RSS, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and more!

09-16
44:25

Ep. 355 - Burger Ring'd By Astro Boy

Your Insert Credit Panel takes a look at the failure of Concord, finds the Normandy Beach of Racing Games, and gets ready to Wake n’ Quake. Hosted by Alex Jaffe, with Frank Cifaldi, Tim Rogers, and Brandon Sheffield. Edited by Esper Quinn, original music by Kurt Feldman. Discuss this episode in the Insert Credit Forums SHOW NOTES: Question 1: Which games have the nicest fans, and which games have the smartest fans? (04:07) Can You Pet the Dog? Brandon Boyer Katamari Damacy Annapurna Interactive Zachtronics 4X The Sims series Pokémon series Fighting game community Question 2: What’s the most you’ve been hurt by a video game? (10:45) 3DO Interactive Multiplayer Playstation 2 Clash Royale Panzer Dragoon Castlevania: Symphony of the Night Incredible Crisis Mario Party series Splatoon series Super Smash Brothers series Question 3: Let’s talk about Concord. Have we seen the death of multiplayer shooters outside the free to play model? (16:43) Sony is taking Concord offline on September 6th after disastrous launch Concord grape Concord Jeff Gerstmann Conker’s Bad Fur Day State of Play | May 30, 2024 Overwatch series Halo series Team Fortress series Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League Cyberpunk 2077 Sony is pulling Cyberpunk 2077 from the PlayStation Store and offering full refunds The Witcher series Marvel Guardians of the Galaxy Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) Guardians of the Galaxy Foamstars God of War LittleBigPlanet / Sackboy series PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale Fat Princess series Fortnite PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds Question 4: Which businesses in 1994 would you try to expand arcade cabinets to? (25:33) Super Street Fighter II Turbo NBA Jam Mortal Kombat II Daytona USA Harry Reid International Airport San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport Hollywood Burbank Airport O’Hare International Airport Midway International Airport Midway Games Cruis’n USA Killer Instinct Target Corporation Darius Question 5: MoxBagel asks, select the ideal game for breakfast, lunch, dinner, supper, and Fourthmeal. (34:45) Al Bundy Bonk’s Revenge Star Wars: Outlaws Pac-Man Sabacc earmark Ford Super Duty Fourthmeal Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade Quake Animal Crossing series Final Fantasy XIV Online Gran Turismo 7 Nürburgring Normandy landings White Castle Grand Theft Auto series Question 6: Which has the best game design: duck hunting, deer hunting, or fishing? (50:32) Waterfowl hunting Deer hunting Fishing Hitman series Final Fantasy XV LIGHTNING ROUND: GameFAQ&As: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (57:26) Recommendations and Outro (01:00:54): Tim: Shadow of the Ninja: Reborn This week’s Insert Credit Show is brought to you by patrons like you. Thank you. Subscribe: RSS, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and more!

09-09
01:13:28

Ep. 354 - FunkoStop

Frank Cifaldi, Tim Rogers and Brandon Sheffield convene once again to eulogize Game Informer, give Tim Walz more Dreamcast games, and declare themselves Clown Man. Hosted by Alex Jaffe, with Frank Cifaldi, Tim Rogers, and Brandon Sheffield. Edited by Esper Quinn, original music by Kurt Feldman. Discuss this episode in the Insert Credit Forums SHOW NOTES: Centipede Berkeley Bowl West Concord Half Price Books Question 1: Game Informer is dead. Let’s talk about it. (03:17) Game Informer GameStop Sega Saturn FuncoLand Funko Castlevania: Symphony of the Night PC Gamer GameSpot IGN Polygon Kotaku GameStop pivots to retro gaming at select locations Magical Chase LaserActive Question 2: What was the last game you bought in a store? (10:16) Final Fantasy XVI Batman: Arkham City Lost Planet 2 Final Fantasy IX Apollo Theater Final Fantasy XV Oculus Rift The Last Guardian Wii U Tokyo Mirage Sessions ♯FE Question 3: Game Science recently released Black Myth: Wukong to creators with warnings against discussing “feminist propaganda.” What? (15:50) Game Science Black Myth: Wukong Black Myth: Wukong team issues bizarre directive to streamers Gamergate Saiyuki Dragon Ball Dragon Quest series Journey to the West Rick and Morty Lies of P Pinocchio Question 4: What games would you add to Vice Presidential candidate Tim Walz’s Dreamcast library? (21:36) Tim Walz VP Candidate Tim Walz Was a Big Dreamcast Fan, and We Think We’ve Found His Favorite Game Crazy Taxi NFL 2K Skies of Arcadia Illbleed L.O.L.: Lack of Love Samba De Amigo Vice President of the United States Crazy Taxi 2 Sonic Adventure 2 The House of the Dead 2 Castlevania: Bloodlines Princess of Moss Tiger Balm Godzilla Mothra Kilik SoulCalibur Utopia bootdisk Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2 Jaffe’s Snake Break (29:06) Snake Eyes (1998) Brian De Palma Phalotris shawnella Nicolas Cage Burmese python Question 5: Feral asks, are there any games that you played as a child that you’ve never been able to find, or must have dreamt? (30:05) Golden Axe Ax Battler: A Legend of Golden Axe The Legend of Zelda Golden Axe Warrior Neutopia Super Punch-Out!! California Extreme RoadBlasters Mach Rider Super Mario Bros. Buggy Run The Cliffhanger: Edward Randy Multibowl Question 6: What’s the most underutilized real world location for driving games? (36:17) Nürburgring Gran Turismo 7 DF Retro: Gran Turismo - A Driving Retrospective - Part 2: The PlayStation 2 Era Gran Turismo 4 Road Rash II Oh, Deer! Moo Moo Farm Forza Motorsport series Forza Horizon series Question 7: What are the best video games to play on your birthday? (41:54) McDonald’s Treasure Land Adventure McDonald’s Burger King Jack in the Box Super Mario Bros. 3 Animal Crossing series NiGHTS into Dreams… Mega Man 8 Rocky II LIGHTNING ROUND: Wikipedia Shootout (48:25) Recommendations and Outro (01:07:28): Brandon: If a big notification pops up when you hit caps lock and you’ve installed Logi Options+ at any point, you can disable that in Logi Options+, and also you should disable the AI stuff in there, They Cloned Tyrone (2023), Star Trek: The Animated Series Jaffe: Great Pretender This week’s Insert Credit Show is brought to you by patrons like you. Thank you. Subscribe: RSS, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and more!

09-02
01:13:08

Ep. 353 - Selfish Survival, with Holly Nielsen

Historian, writer, and narrative designer Holly Nielsen joins Alex and Brandon to cover 19th century party games, Ayn Rand’s The Bachelorette, and David Attenborough narrating Monster Hunter. Hosted by Alex Jaffe, with Brandon Sheffield and Holly Nielsen. Edited by Esper Quinn, original music by Kurt Feldman. Discuss this episode in the Insert Credit Forums SHOW NOTES: Ridge Racer series Question 1: Based on the state of play in the 19th century, which modern video games would past audiences enjoy the most? (03:03) The Jackbox Party Pack Hidden in Plain Sight Quiplash Sid Meier’s Civilization series Mary Todd Lincoln Hearthstone: Heroes of WarCraft Question 2: Y’all seen the news lately? (07:20) The video game industry is mourning the loss of Game Informer Game Informer Edge Fortnite Minecraft Roblox A pivotal online hub for ROM hacks goes news-only after two decades Archive.org Hugh Jackman Deadpool & Wolverine (2024) Unusual Duels Vol 1: The Princess Vs. The Countess Arthur Conan Doyle Cottingley Fairies Question 3: What were the most successful video games of the 16 and 32 bit eras to come from countries that didn’t dominate the market? (17:30) Gaelco, S.A. Radikal Bikers Gaelco Tuning Race Championship Tokyo Cop: Special Police Reinforcement Woody Allen What’s Up, Tiger Lily? (1966) Amanita Design s.r.o Question 4: Adapt Atlas Shrugged into a video game. (21:57) Ayn Rand Atlas Shrugged BioShock The Fountainhead Eli Roth Zack Snyder Rust Peter Molyneux Peter Molyneux is back with yet another new take on the “god game” The Bachelor The Bachelorette Ryū ga Gotoku / Like a Dragon / Yakuza series Brandon’s Snake Break (29:06) Hungry Snake Woman (1986) Question 5: Gaagaagiins asks, other than Saturn Bomberman, what are some ways in which multiplayer games keep eliminated players involved? (30:24) Saturn Bomberman Dodgeball Mario Kart series PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds Dark Souls series Hit the Ice: The Video Hockey League Octodad: Dadliest Catch Call of Duty series Prey Question 6: What episode would you pitch for that Amazon Secret Level show? (38:39) Amazon Sets Premiere Date for Video Game Anthology ‘Secret Level’ God of War series Mega Man series Gamescom Pac-Man The Toys That Made Us The Sims The Twilight Zone Final Fantasy XVI The Bear Final Fantasy XIV Online Harvest Moon series Animal Crossing series Roald Bambi (1942) Goomba Super Mario series David Attenborough Monster Hunter series Question 7: What is the selecting a thermostat temperature to reflect your priorities in comfort, cost, and environmental impact of video games? (44:58) Citizen Kane (1941) Doom Pong Dragon Quest series Chrono Trigger Mario Party LIGHTNING ROUND: Job Interview (50:32) Recommendations and Outro (57:49): Brandon: Former Glory by Atlas_493, Fallout Holly: Trap (2024) This week’s Insert Credit Show is brought to you by patrons like you. Thank you. Subscribe: RSS, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and more!

08-26
01:07:00

Ep. 352 - Poster's Delight

Insert Credit reunites to contemplate The Perfect Jump, share earnest pitches for the Bioshock movie, and witness the long-awaited (and possibly last ever) Violence Island Tournament of Champions. Hosted by Alex Jaffe, with Frank Cifaldi, Tim Rogers, and Brandon Sheffield. Edited by Esper Quinn, original music by Kurt Feldman. Discuss this episode in the Insert Credit Forums View this episode on YouTube SHOW NOTES: Air Bud Rocket League Question 1: Why do we see floatiness in games as a bad thing? (02:04) Super Mario Bros. 2 The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Gunsport Fez Kirby games Hollow Knight Super Ghouls ’N Ghosts Question 2: Design a brand new status effect that has never been in a game. (07:45) Crypto Bro Cryptocurrency Bitcoin Ryū ga Gotoku / Like a Dragon / Yakuza series Gears of War Mario Kart 8 Question 3: What cost-saving measures would you recommend for the Bioshock film? (13:51) ‘Bioshock’ Movie Still in the Works With Reduced Budget BioShock The Shape of Water (2017) Guillermo del Toro Cabinet of curiosities Ayn Rand Nicolas Cage Cameo The Legend of Zelda manual Nicole Kidman Fallout Gore Verbinski Chris Kohler Mike Mika Free Guy (2021) Minecraft Insert Credit Quick Break: Capitalism Is The Constraint by Optimal Monopoly (20:12) Brandon’s Snake Break: (21:34) Hungry Snake Woman (1986) Alien Lebetine viper Question 4: Rice_9 asks, what is your favorite video game magazine cover? (24:39) Game Players Game Players November 1994 cover Donkey Kong Funky Kong Shaquille O’Neal Shaq Fu The Lion King Earthworm Jim Sonic & Knuckles Super Star Wars: Return of the Jedi Indiana Jones’ Greatest Adventures Donkey Kong Country Mortal Kombat II Cruis’n USA 3DO Interactive Multiplayer Atari Jaguar Mickey Mania Atari Age Atari Age January/February 1983 Crazy Climber Dreamcast Magazine August 4/11, 2000 Famitsu Susumu Matsushita Ghost ’N Goblins series Tatsuro Yamashita Treasures Famitsu June 26, 1992 Game Developer Game Developer Feb. 2011 (the Minecraft cover) Minecraft Katamari Damacy Game Developer Dec 2004 (the Katamari cover) Keita Takahashi Question 5: What is a sokoban? (35:36) Sokoban Void Stranger Vagrant Story Sugoroku LIGHTNING ROUND: Violence Island Tournament of Champions (37:17) Sonic Sylvando Booker DeWitt Hunter Tatsuo in the ship from Truxton Agent 47 Frey Holland Aigis Recommendations and Outro (49:55): Brandon: Weekend Players - Pursuit of Happiness, The Summer Hikaru Died Frank: You can just buy dehydrated cheddar as powder called DHC, Cento Diced Hot Cherry Pepper Hoagie Spread Jaffe: Leave a 5-star review on iTunes with your vote on whether to return to Violence Island, or destroy it forever! This week’s Insert Credit Show is brought to you by Capitalism Is The Constraint by Optimal Monopoly, and patrons like you. Thank you. Subscribe: RSS, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and more!

08-19
59:01

Ep. 351 - Dirtbag von Doom

The panel answers listener questions buried deep at the bottom of our Patreon bag of dirt, and in the process concept Brawl Playing Games, remake The Princess Bride, and gain a time bonus! Hosted by Alex Jaffe, with Frank Cifaldi, Tim Rogers, and Brandon Sheffield. Edited by Esper Quinn, original music by Kurt Feldman. Discuss this episode in the Insert Credit Forums SHOW NOTES: Pikablu Pokémon series Phantasy Star IV Phantasy Star NESticle True Detective Destiny’s Child Dragon Quest series Akira Toriyama Chrono Trigger Ruby Weapon Final Fantasy VII Imagine Games Network Sailor Moon Bishōjo Senshi Sailor Moon Panzer Dragoon Saga AOL Question 1: MVB asks can a sports game be good enough to get people into the real sport? (07:55) Gran Turismo series Call of Duty: Modern Warfare series 2024 Summer Olympics Gran Turismo (2023) Lewis Hamilton Super Monaco GP Madden series Haikyu!! NBA 2K series FanDuel NBA Jam Street Fighter series Question 2: Matt asks, of Frank, Tim and Brandon, who has cumulatively sold the largest value’s worth of other people’s products through various casual recommendations and endorsements? (13:29) Steelcase Gesture Yuji Horii Napoleon Senki MiSTer FPGA Question 3: Jack Thompson, Not That One, asks what game would be most improved by a Sega Arcade-style announcer, and what would they say? (18:58) The Last of Us Super Monkey Ball series David Cage Question 4: Kory asks, what have you chosen to use in a video game despite it not being the best choice, and why? (20:56) Final Fantasy XV Call of Duty: Vanguard Dark Souls Red Dead Redemption series Legend of Zelda series Castlevania: Symphony of the Night Initial D Question 5: Malcove asks, what type of video game would The Princess Bride be? (25:45) The Princess Bride (1987) Westley Little Samson Fezzik Inigo Montoya The Lost Vikings Ufouria: The Saga VA-11 HALL-A: Cyberpunk Bartender Action Billy Crystal Miracle Max Valerie Peter Falk Fred Savage Henry Cavill Timothée Chalamet Cary Elwes Shrek Brandon’s Snake Break (30:32) Snake Woman’s Curse (1968) Nobuo Nakagawa Jigoku (1960) Burmese python Question 6: Dilson asks, are there any video game cover bands you actually like? (32:44) The Advantage Minibosses Hella Zach Hill PAX Chemical Plant Zone Theme Sonic the Hedgehog 2 OverClocked ReMix Final Fantasy XVI SOUNDSHOCK: FM FUNK MADDNESS!! MAGFest Masato Nakamura The RAH Band Earth, Wind & Fire RaMu Prism Momoko Kikuchi Dreams Come True Super Soul Bros Question 7: Sleepynice asks, in the spirit of metroidvania, what portmanteaus can you make from two game titles to codify other microgenres? (37:45) Dark Souls series Puzzle Fighter series Super Mario series Tokimeki Memorial series Ryū ga Gotoku / Like a Dragon / Yakuza series Streets of Rage series Elden Ring Question 8: Connor asks, what video game manual is the exemplar of what all video game manuals should be? (42:18) The Legend of Zelda Final Fantasy VI Super Mario Bros. 3 Secret of Mana EarthBound The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening Question 9: Winking Winking Face asks, what is the Robery Downey Jr. returning to the MCU of video games? (47:53) Robert Downey Jr. Sets Marvel Return as Doctor Doom in ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ Mighty No. 9 Goichi Suda The Callisto Protocol Dead Space Mega Man Russo brothers Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I Deadpool & Wolverine (2024) Avengers: Endgame (2019) Oppenheimer (2023) Park Chan-wook The Sympathizer Shenmue III Shigeru Miyamoto Hayao Miyazaki Mario Kart 8 Question 10: Spencergifts asks, who is Mario? (54:14) Princess Peach Luigi Mario Wario John Carter of Mars Kettlebell swing Gorilla Jump Squat Dr. Mario Mario Teaches Typing Mario is Missing! LIGHTNING ROUND: Nick says name ten horror games not made by a Japanese developer (57:33) Recommendations and Outro (58:41): Brandon: Scavengers Reign, Common Side Effects Tim: Purchase an E-350 Super Duty Van and move to the upper west side of Manhattan This week’s Insert Credit Show is brought to you by patrons like you. Thank you. Subscribe: RSS, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and more!

08-12
01:02:56

Ep. 350 - The Great Insert Credit Ranking Show

Insert Credit ranks Street Fighter, Metal Gear Solid, Mega Man, Fallout, Doom, and Disaster Report’s mainline games to find the best of each series. Plus, a snake fact! Hosted by Alex Jaffe, with Frank Cifaldi, Tim Rogers, and Brandon Sheffield. Edited by Esper Quinn, original music by Kurt Feldman. Discuss this episode in the Insert Credit Forums SHOW NOTES: Street Fighter series Castlevania series Dragon Quest series Quest 64 Bonk series Ridge Racer series Brandon’s Snake Fact Corner (03:50) Night of the Cobra Woman (1972) Roger Corman Marlene Clark Joy Bang King cobra Ranking One: Street Fighter series (06:57) (View the finalized Street Fighter series rankings right here on insertcredit.com) Street Fighter II Street Fighter II Turbo Super Street Fighter II Street Fighter II: Champion Edition Super Street Fighter II Turbo Dee Jay Cammy T. Hawk Fei Long Street Fighter Virtua Fighter series Bruce Lee Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike Street Fighter Alpha 2 Street Fighter III: New Generation Evo The King of Fighters XIII Street Fighter IV Street Fighter 6 Street Fighter V Street Fighter III: 2nd Impact The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift (2006) Ryu Street Fighter IV (Indestructible) Theme NuckleDu Ricki Ortiz Terry Bogard Capcom vs. SNK series Tekken series Ranking Two: Metal Gear Solid series (23:07) (View the finalized Metal Gear Solid series rankings right here on insertcredit.com) Mega Man series Metal Gear Solid series Metal Gear Solid Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain **Snatcher** **Death Stranding** Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes Ranking Three: Mega Man series (27:07) (View the finalized Mega Man series rankings right here on insertcredit.com) Mega Man / Rockman series Mega Man 8 Mega Man X7 Mega Man Legends Mega Man 9 Mega Man Legends 2 The Misadventures of Tron Bonne Mega Man X: Command Mission Mega Man Battle Network series (“EXE”) Mega Man Battle Network: Legacy Collection Mega Man: Legacy Collection Mega Man 3 Mega Man 5 Mighty No. 9 Mega Man Powered Up Ranking Four: Fallout series (31:51) (View the finalized Fallout series rankings right here on insertcredit.com) Fallout series Fallout: New Vegas Fallout Fallout 2 Fallout 3 Fallout 4 Fallout 76 Fallout Shelter Fallout: Brotherhood of Steel Fallout Tactics: Brotherhood of Steel Fallout (American TV series) Walton Goggins Insert Credit Quick Break: the DVLSBLSH Full Color Book Series (33:39) Ranking Five: Doom series (34:55) (View the finalized Doom series rankings right here on insertcredit.com) Doom series Doom 64 Doom 64 (Classic Edition) Doom II Doom E4M2: Perfect Hatred Do Me Ternal Doom (2016) Pac-Man Doom: The Dark Ages Doom³ Ranking Six: Disaster Report series (41:20) (View the finalized Disaster Report series rankings right here on insertcredit.com) Disaster Report / Zettai Zetsumei Toshi series Raw Danger! Disaster Report Zettai Zetsumei Toshi 3: Kowareyuku Machi to Kanojo no Uta Disaster Report 4: Summer Memories Boku no Natsuyasumi series Alan Wake II Kyoei Toshi Ultraman Godzilla Neon Genesis Evangelion Patlabor Gamera ThorHighHeels - Japan Only PS4 Games Granzella R-Type series PachiPara 12: Ōumi to Natsu no Omoide PachiPara 13: Super Umi to Pachi-Pro Fūunroku PachiPara 14: Kaze to Kumo to Super Umi in Okinawa Sakurazaka Shouboutai Shutokō Battle series Recommendations and Outro (47:42): Brandon: Walgreens Potato Chips, Have’a Corn Chips Frank: If you’re having a bad time at a convention, try just being a cool person who hangs out Tim: Consider carrying a tiny retractable tape measure everywhere you go This week’s Insert Credit Show is brought to you by the DVLSBLSH Full Color Book Series, and patrons like you. Thank you. Subscribe: RSS, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and more!

08-05
56:52

Ep. 349 - Crab Up, Squad! with Simon Parkin

The New Yorker and The Observer’s Simon Parkin joins the panel to cover a new angle in game genres, the legacy of Segata Sanshiro, and aesthetic crevices. Hosted by Alex Jaffe, with Tim Rogers, Brandon Sheffield, and Simon Parkin. Edited by Esper Quinn, original music by Kurt Feldman. Discuss this episode in the Insert Credit Forums SHOW NOTES: DVD MiSTer FPGA Spacewar Nintendo 64 Wii Link’s Crossbow Training Wii Fit Dreamcast Donkey Konga Let’s Tap Wii Music Mad Maestro! Chainsaw Controller Hori Dragon Quest Slime Controller Question 1: What’s the correlation in game design between fun and player freedom? (03:55) Hirokazu Yasuhara Sonic the Hedgehog series Sokoban Grand Theft Auto III Fallout series SEGA Sports games Just Cause series Ryū ga Gotoku / Like a Dragon / Yakuza series Warren Spector Uncharted series The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Baldur’s Gate series Mass Effect series The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Question 2: What is the most widely held bad take amongst gamers? (12:12) The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Dark Souls Sega Saturn PlayStation GameCube Virtual Boy Video games can never be art Street Fighter series Tommy Tallarico Question 3: Come up with a new “Sega Does What Nintendon’t”-style slogan for the Dreamcast 2 (20:29) Build Back Better Plan Mad Men Roblox en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dreamcast Segata Sanshiro Akira Kurosawa Sanshiro Sugata (1943) Hiroshi Fujioka Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth Segata Sanshiro Commercials Question 4, from CJ Mixy: at what point do games go from being “ripoffs” to part of a genre? (27:36) Genshin Impact The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Koji Igarashi Castlevania: Symphony of the Night Castlevania: Harmony of Dissonance Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia Metroid Super Metroid Metroid Fusion Metroid Prime Bejeweled: Deluxe Candy Crush Saga Doom Asteroids Hexen: Beyond Heretic Why Fish Don’t Exist by Lulu Miller Critter Crunch Magical Drop AstroPop Deluxe Money Puzzle Exchanger Question 5: What is the reading the New Yorker for the cartoons of video games? (37:52) The New Yorker Castle Wolfenstein series Elaine Benes CNN Gran Turismo series Galaxian Ridge Racer series Galaga The Loading Screen Game Patent Finally Expires Gears of War series Final Fantasy XV Dragon’s Dogma LIGHTNING ROUND: Their Perfect Console (44:32) Recommendations and Outro (56:31): Brandon: Orchids are very nice at Trader Joes right now, Black Cat (1991) Tim: Interview with the Vampire Simon: My Perfect Console with Simon Parkin, What Went Wrong Podcast This week’s Insert Credit Show is brought to you by patrons like you. Thank you. Subscribe: RSS, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and more!

07-29
01:05:43

Ep. 348 - Brain Hat

Frank, Tim and Brandon increase replay value, examine trendy new Mario 64 opinions, and search google for sgdq 2024 recommendations reddit. Hosted by Alex Jaffe, with Frank Cifaldi, Tim Rogers, and Brandon Sheffield. Edited by Esper Quinn, original music by Kurt Feldman. Questions this week: What differentiates a good turn-based battle system from a bad one? (05:15) How do you maximize “replay value” in a single player game? (14:15) How do you start watching GDQ? (19:44) If you had to choose a doctor from a video game to be your GP, who would it be? (30:05) Spencergifs asks: What are the greatest video game menus? (37:21) What is something you once believed video games would have gotten around to by now, but still haven’t? (45:25) Which four games best represent the four conflicts of man vs. man, man vs. self, man vs. society, and man vs. nature? (52:52) LIGHTNING ROUND: GameFAQ&As - Stardew Valley (55:17) Recommendations and Outro (59:12) Discuss this episode in the Insert Credit Forums A SMALL SELECTION OF THINGS REFERENCED: Daffy Duck Looney Tunes Golden Collection Sylvester the Cat Tweety Rabbit Fire Legend of Zelda series Zork Landstalker Chain Chomp The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening Super Mario series The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Question 1: What differentiates a good turn-based battle system from a bad one? Final Fantasy Tactics Tactics Ogre Valkyria Chronicles Demonschool Dragon Quest series Wild Arms 5 Wild Arms 4 Free McBoot Shin Megami Tensei IV Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King Brave Story: New Traveler Bravely Default Final Fantasy: The 4 Heroes of Light Question 2: How do you maximize “replay value” in a single player game? Gunstar Heroes Super Metroid Fallout 3 F.I.S.T.: Forged in Shadow Torch Hollow Knight: Silksong Earthblade Hollow Knight Games Done Quick Fallout: New Vegas OutRun Question 3: How do you start watching GDQ? Sonic the Hedgehog series SmartBall Sonic R first result for sgdq 2024 recommendations reddit Mortal Kombat Mythologies: Sub-Zero Super Mario Maker The highlight of Summer Games Done Quick was a very good dog playing 16-bit baseball Super Mario 64 Super Mario Sunshine The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Elden Ring Dark Souls II Hot Ones Question 4: If you had to choose a doctor from a video game to be your GP, who would it be? Dr. Mario Alan Wake Trauma Center series Keith Courage in Alpha Zones Pokémon Center Nurse Joy Mercy Overwatch Octodad Phantasy Star II Question 5: Spencergifs asks: What are the greatest video game menus? Persona 5 Wii SNK 40th Anniversary Collection Ys Metaphor: ReFantazio Pokémon Diamond Version Pokémon Black and White series Inazuma Eleven Question 6: What is something you once believed video games would have gotten around to by now, but still haven’t? Dreamcast Virtuality The Lawnmower Man (1992) God of War Devil May Cry Jak and Daxter series Ratchet & Clank series Question 7: Which four games best represent the four conflicts of man vs. man, man vs. self, man vs. society, and man vs. nature? Street Fighter II Minecraft Grand Theft Auto series Indigo Prophecy David Cage Recommendations: Brandon: Lady Reporter (1989), Don’t use Sticker Mule Frank: GDQ, Don’t use Sticker Mule This week’s Insert Credit Show is brought to you by patrons like you. Thank you. Subscribe: RSS, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and more!

07-21
01:04:23

Ep. 347 - Drake's Retaliation

The Insert Credit Panel as you know and love them covers video game history, the Kendrick Lamar-Drake Feud, and one more trip to Violence Island. Hosted by Alex Jaffe, with Frank Cifaldi, Tim Rogers, and Brandon Sheffield. Edited by Esper Quinn, original music by Kurt Feldman. Questions this week: Frank, the original Resident Evil is back from the dead. What took so long? (03:56) What has never been good in a video game? (09:58) If all knowledge of video games disappeared overnight but games themselves still existed, what would the most popular one be? (18:14) Insert Credit Quick Break: Mannequin Deposit by The Houseflies (28:06) BluntForceMama asks: What properties or statistics about a game should be listed on the back of the box, Nutrition Facts style? (29:28) How do you name a video game character? (37:07) What is the Not Like Us of video games? (42:04) LIGHTNING ROUND: Violence Island (48:00) Recommendations and Outro (01:01:01) Discuss this episode in the Insert Credit Forums A SMALL SELECTION OF THINGS REFERENCED: NPR Video Game History Foundation Game Developer Game Developer Magazine “Minecraft” cover The original Resident Evil is back from the dead. What took so long? Resident Evil “It’s Just Emulation!”: The Challenge of Selling Old Games (Frank Cifaldi’s GDC 2016 talk) Resident Evil on GOG.com Frank Sinatra Spotify Sega CD 3DO Interactive Multiplayer Sega Saturn Sega Genesis Resident Evil 4 Ico Demon’s Souls Final Fantasy II Yggdra Union: We’ll Never Fight Alone Call of Duty: Modern Warfare series Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy Fortnite Yesterday (2019) Minecraft The Beatles Peggy Sue Got Married (1986) John Lennon Yoko Ono Paul McCartney Ringo Starr George Harrison Shigeru Miyamoto The Beatles: Get Back Roblox Marvel Snap Metroid Justin Bailey Nintendo Power Super Metroid Dark Souls Metroid II: Return of Samus Super Mario Bros. New Super Mario Bros. Pac-Man Nutrition facts label HowLongToBeat League of Legends Granblue Fantasy: Relink Granblue Fantasy: Relink at HowLongToBeat.com Monster Hunter series Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth Digital Foundry Entertainment Software Rating Board QWERTY Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing a tweet by tim’s buddy Richmond Jade Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age Jade Empire Demonschool George R. R. Martin Jad The Taff George Lucas Dark Badguy Mace Windu Kendrick Lamar - Not Like Us Drake–Kendrick Lamar feud Kendrick Lamar Drake Mario Sonic Johnny Turbo David Cage Hideo Kojima Death Stranding 2: On The Beach OD PHYSINT is the working title of Hideo Kojima’s new not-a-Metal-Gear game. Konami’s bitter, yearlong breakup with Hideo Kojima, explained Death Stranding Metal Gear: Survive Uncharted series Naughty Dog on Instagram Uncharted (2022) Hideki Kamiya Devil May Cry Ōkami Cool Spot Pepsiman Professor Hershel Layton Aigis Diogenes Hammerin’ Harry Ruby Weapon Wander Recommendations: Frank: That Hitman is $3 during the Steam Summer Sale (which is over as you read this, but, get it anyway, game owns) This week’s Insert Credit Show is brought to you by Mannequin Deposit by The Houseflies, and patrons like you. Thank you. Subscribe: RSS, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and more!

07-15
01:11:51

Ep. 346 - America! Hamburger! with Simone de Rochefort

Supervising Video Producer at Polygon Simone de Rochefort fills in on a star-spangled extravaganza of reward explosions, Turbo Tunnel confinement, and Sonic pogging. Hosted by Alex Jaffe, with Tim Rogers, Brandon Sheffield, and Simone de Rochefort. Edited by Esper Quinn, original music by Kurt Feldman. Questions this week: Brandon asks: Isn’t it kind of cool that you can buy an Xbox One and a bunch of games that aren’t exactly old for pretty cheap? (06:36) Since Super Mario Bros, have we ever come up with anything better than pixelated fireworks to congratulate a player for completing an objective? (13:44) What is pogging? (16:27) What are some of the most important written documents in video game history? (22:17) If the Republic of Gamers was a real place, what would its code of law and justice system be like? (30:50) Insert Credit Quick Break: Mannequin Deposit by The Houseflies (36:18) TheFragranceofDarkCoffee asks: When and where would you set a Yakuza game in the United States? (37:40) Is democracy good for video games? (46:29) What is the most American video game? (51:48) LIGHTNING ROUND: Name Design - State Nicknames (59:52) Recommendations and Outro (01:10:26) Discuss this episode in the Insert Credit Forums A SMALL SELECTION OF THINGS REFERENCED: William Henry Harrison George Washington Abraham Lincoln Polygon Richard Nixon Adam Sandler NHLPA Hockey ’93 Little Nicky (2000) Barack Obama Ep. 345 - Tater Haters Xbox One Ryū ga Gotoku / Like a Dragon / Yakuza series Red Dead Redemption II Anbernic Final Fantasy XV Halo: Infinite Hollow Knight Fortnite Overwatch Sunset Overdrive ReCore Gears of War: Ultimate Edition Super Mario Bros. Pogging Alex Jebailey Toasty! Sonic the Hedgehog series Sonic the Hedgehog 3 Sonic Boom Seanbaby Crate Review System Dragon Quest Snake Rattle N Roll Cobra Triangle R.C. Pro-Am Slalom Kid Icarus Nightmare Sabre Wulf Wii Remote Reggie Fils-Aimé The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess Pedro Pascal Gets Flustered Over The Mandalorian Spoilers Pedro Pascal Baby Yoda Gladiator II Republic of Gamers Superman 64 Battletoads A Moveable Feast Gangs of New York (2002) Howard Hughes Rat Pack Grand Theft Auto series Shenmue World’s fair Fallout: New Vegas Frank Sinatra The Devil in the White City Entertainment Software Rating Board Mass Effect 3 Stellar Blade Review bomb John F. Kennedy Jr. Everybody Votes Channel Splatoon series Sonic ’06 BioShock Infinite Todd Howard Fallout Kestrel Eagle Loon Recommendations: Brandon: Byblos yogurt is actually Lebanese, Homebrew Games Summer Showcase 2024, try watching television on your TV now, Rags to Riches: Sustainable Fashion from Japan Simone: Nobody can stop you from stealing The Great Gatsby Tim: If you do have to do work for free, make sure you have a really funny reason with a really delayed punchline nobody’s ever going to see coming This week’s Insert Credit Show is brought to you by Mannequin Deposit by The Houseflies, and patrons like you. Thank you. Subscribe: RSS, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and more!

07-08
01:18:57

Dominic Kendrick

I really enjoyed the show this week, despite the asynchronicity. Great panel. Please ask Kate back for a synchronous show!

06-12 Reply

Sandra marg

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02-09 Reply

Dominic Kendrick

My favourite kind of IC episode, with Brandon out and about recording. I look forward to the next one!

11-16 Reply

Onslaught Six

its body time.

08-14 Reply

Dominic Kendrick

Great episode! Please more like this at some point :-)

06-14 Reply

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