Geek Fit Podcast

Couch Co-op Needs a Comeback

In this episode of the Geek Fit Podcast, I sit down with Jemma to talk about our love for couch co-op games. We discuss the golden age of couch co-op, from my early days with classics like Halo and Dynasty Warriors to the first games Jemma and I played together. We explore the evolution of couch co-op through iconic titles like Lego Star Wars and Baldur’s Gate, and dive into modern hits like It Takes Two that bring cooperative play to a new level. Whether it’s sharing laughs, working together, or debating our gaming styles, this episode celebrates the unique experience of playing side-by-side. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe or follow on your preferred platform and leave a review. Sharing this episode with a friend is the best way to support the podcast and help it grow! Show Notes / Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction: Opening the episode and introducing the topic of couch co-op games. 01:50 - Early Couch Co-op Days: Sharing memories of early co-op experiences, including games like Halo, FIFA, and Dynasty Warriors. 03:00 - Jemma’s First Couch Co-op Memories: Jemma recalls early multiplayer games like Bomberman and playing FIFA with family. 04:00 - The Impact of Online Gaming on Couch Co-op: Discussing how online multiplayer changed the landscape for local co-op games. 07:00 - Retro Co-Op Classics: Talking about Sonic and Streets of Rage. 10:00 - Iconic Couch Co-op Games of Our Teen Years: Reflecting on PS2 classics like Baldur’s Gate and Lord of the Rings: Return of the King. 14:40 - Exploring the Challenges of Co-op Play: Discussing games that didn’t quite hit the mark, like Spyro: Dawn of the Dragon and Epic Mickey 2. 18:00 - Lego Games and Co-op Fun: Discussing the different Lego games we’ve played, such as Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, Marvel Super Heroes and Star Wars, and what we liked about each of them and what are favourites are! 34:30 - Modern Co-op Games: We discuss games we’ve played like It Takes Two, Diablo, Hyrule Warriors and some we’ve heard about and want to try such as Portal 2, Trine, Baldurs Gate 3 and Unravel 2 plus lots more! 58:40 - Single Player Games as a Couple: Quick mention of some games we like to take it in turns playing and enjoy the game as a viewer! 60:30 - Final Thoughts on Couch Co-op’s Future: Wrapping up with hopes for the future of couch co-op and the games we look forward to playing together. Connect with Me: * Instagram: @harrydavis.coach [https://www.instagram.com/harrydavis.coach] * Substack: Harry Davis [https://substack.com/profile/106732045-harry-davis] Call to Action: If you love couch co-op games as much as we do, don’t forget to follow or subscribe on your favourite podcast platform. Reach out on social media to share your favourite couch co-op memories and any games you think we should try! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit geekfit.substack.com [https://geekfit.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Ep.6| Let’s Talk Everything Pokémon Gen 1: From Red and Blue to Let’s Go!

In this solo episode of the Geek Fit Podcast, I talk about everything Pokémon Gen 1—from the originals, Red, Blue, and Yellow, to the exciting remakes and modern adaptations. Starting with the memories of the 90s Pokémon craze, I share my favourite strategies, including starter Pokémon choices and using the “MissingNo.” glitch for rare candies. I explore the detailed remakes FireRed and LeafGreen, discussing why they stand out with enhanced graphics, updated mechanics, and a refreshed Kanto region. Moving forward, I look at how Let’s Go Pikachu and Eevee brought these classics to a new generation on the Nintendo Switch, combining Pokémon Go features with classic Kanto nostalgia. We also cover the fan-made mods and ROM hacks that have kept Gen 1 fresh for today’s fans, and the thrill of catching the original 151 Pokémon. Join me as I celebrate the impact and legacy of Gen 1 Pokémon games! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe or follow on your preferred platform and leave a review. Sharing this episode with a friend is the best way to support the podcast and help it grow! Time Stamps: 00:00 - Introduction: Opening thoughts and setting the stage for a Gen 1 Pokémon deep dive. 01:30 - Pokémon Craze of the 90s: Reflecting on the Pokémon boom with cards, the TV show, and the original Game Boy games. 03:20 - Choosing Your Starter Pokémon: Why Squirtle was my favourite, Charmander’s popularity, and why I think Bulbasaur was the least effective option. 06:30 - Playing Pokémon with Friends: Stories of playing on the street with friends, trading, and the battles we rarely had due to competitiveness. 08:00 - My First Pokémon Game—Yellow: Getting Pokémon Yellow, the thrill of having Pikachu follow, and my memories of battling Brock. 11:30 - Exploiting Glitches in Red and Blue: The legendary “MissingNo.” glitch, rare candies, and mastering these quirks to get ahead. 13:10 - The Trade Cable Advantage: Using two Game Boys to trade with myself and level up quickly through exploits. 15:00 - Not Playing FireRed the First Time round: Talking about playing other games and how little time there was between the remakes. 16:30 - Why FireRed and LeafGreen are the Definitive Gen 1 Remakes: Updated mechanics, improved sprites, and the more vibrant Kanto region. 19:10 - ROM Hacks and Mods of FireRed and LeafGreen: Exploring fan-made versions like Radical Red and Rocket Red that add fresh twists to these classics. 20:50 - The Pokémon Go Craze and Let’s Go: How the Pokémon Go craze led to the creation of Let’s Go Pikachu and Eevee on the Switch, and how these games pay homage to the originals. 23:20 - Master Trainers and the Overpowered Grind: The challenges of Master Trainers, candy chaining, and my love for powering up Pokémon. 26:40 - Collecting the Original 151: The nostalgia and significance of Gen 1 Pokémon, especially with the recent Pokémon TCG 151 collection. 28:10 - Conclusion: Final thoughts on Gen 1, the enduring love for these games, and an invitation for listeners to share their own Pokémon stories. Connect with Me: * Instagram: @harrydavis.coach [https://www.instagram.com/harrydavis.coach] * Substack: Harry Davis [https://open.substack.com/users/106732045-harry-davis?utm_source=mentions] If you enjoyed this trip down memory lane, don’t forget to follow or subscribe on your favourite podcast platform. Share your Gen 1 memories with me on social media, and let me know which starter you chose back in the day! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit geekfit.substack.com [https://geekfit.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Retro Games, Sega Saturn and Red Dead Redemption 2 with Retro Rat

In this episode of the Geek Fit Podcast, I sit down with Matt, also known as Retro Rat, to talk all things retro gaming, nostalgia and modern gaming experiences. We talk about everything from Pokémon Yellow and Paper Mario on the GameCube to the rise of Grand Theft Auto and why Red Dead Redemption 2 is a must-play game. Matt shares his thoughts on why the N64 is the ultimate nostalgia merchant and explains why supporting your local video game store is crucial to keeping the gaming community alive. Along the way, we chat about our childhood toys like Power Rangers Megazords, WWE wrestling games, and how consoles like the Sega Saturn and PS Vita failed to live up to expectations, as great as they were. Check out Matt’s work online and follow him for more retro gaming content: Instagram - Retro Rat [https://www.instagram.com/retro_rat90/] (retro_rat90) Tik Tok - Retro Rat [https://www.tiktok.com/@retro_rat90?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc] (retro_rat90) Twitch - Retro Rat [https://www.twitch.tv/retro_rat90] (retro_rat90) Time Stamps: 00:00 - Introduction: Welcoming Matt (Retro Rat) and setting the stage for today’s conversation. 01:00 - Where 'Retro Rat' Comes From: Matt explains how he got his nickname and what led him into the world of retro game collecting. 01:30 - First Gaming Memories and the Sega Saturn: Matt shares his earliest gaming memories, including his love for the Sega Saturn. 02:30 - Pokémon Cards and Yellow: Reflecting on collecting Pokémon cards, swapping a very well-known card and playing Pokemon Yellow. 05:00 - GameCube and Rare Finds: Matt's experience collecting consoles and GameCube games as a teenager, including Paper Mario. 08:00 - N64 as the Ultimate Nostalgia Merchant: Discussing the iconic games on the N64, and how you remember your friends and not the game. 11:40 - Talking about Sega and Sega Saturn - Matt talks more about his memories of a Sega Saturn, and why it didn’t do as well as hoped! 15:08 - Nintendo and IP - Does Nintendo just bring out the same game again and again with less advanced graphics than the competition? 19:30 - PSP / PS Vita - Why is the Switch eventually going to be the best selling console of all time due to being handheld but the Vita failed? 22:00 - Grand Theft Auto’s Evolution: From GTA 3 to San Andreas, Matt talks about the GTA series, its humour, and its influence on story based open-world gaming. 32:00 - Power Rangers and Childhood Toys: A lighthearted tangent about the Power Rangers show, toy Megazords and toy weapons. 35:25 - Wrestling Games and WWE: Swapping stories about our favourite wrestlers, the stories, Matts experience with it, watching it growing up and also games like SmackDown 2. 43:40 - What Matts Playing Now - Talking about modern games, with a tangent into Final Fantasy and RPGs. 50:00 - Why Red Dead Redemption 2 Is a Must-Play: Matt shares why Red Dead Redemption 2 is one of his favourite games and why it’s a must-play experience for everyone. 60:00 - The Importance of Supporting Your Local Video Game Store: Matt explains why supporting your local gaming store is essential for building a thriving gaming community and keeping retro culture alive. 1:03:00 - Conclusion and Where to Find Matt Online: Wrapping up the episode with final reflections and how to connect with Matt online. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe or follow on your preferred platform and leave a review. Sharing this episode with a friend is the best way to support the podcast and help it grow! Connect with Me: * Instagram: @harrydavis.coach * Substack: Geek Fit [https://open.substack.com/pub/geekfit] Call to Action: If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to follow or subscribe on your favourite podcast platform and leave a review! Let us know your favourite retro game or thoughts on Red Dead Redemption 2 on social media. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit geekfit.substack.com [https://geekfit.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Ep.4 | What Games I’m Playing and My Top Podcast & Substack Picks for Gamers

In this episode of the Geek Fit Podcast, I discuss the games I’ve been playing recently, ranging from an all time favourite in Final Fantasy X to more recent experiences like Far Cry 6 and Resident Evil 2 Remake. I also touch on side-scrolling gems like Hollow Knight, Zau and Plucky Squire, as well as my experience with Nintendo Switch Online, which allows me to revisit classic games like Super Mario 64 and F-Zero. Plus, Jemma and I have been enjoying co-op gaming with Cult of the Lamb and It Takes Two. Lastly, I share some of my go-to podcasts and Substack newsletters for gaming content, helping you discover new creators and resources. If you're looking for new games to play or interesting gaming discussions to listen to, this episode is for you! Time Stamps: 00:00 - Introduction: Quick overview of today’s episode and what I’ll be covering. 01:20 - Final Fantasy X (Remastered): Why it’s my favourite game and the comfort it brings. 04:20 - Far Cry 6: My thoughts on the story progression, villains, and gameplay. 09:00 - Resident Evil 2 Remake: Venturing into horror games and how the tension keeps me hooked. 13:00 - Nintendo Switch Online: Revisiting classics like Super Mario 64, F-Zero, and more with the Nintendo Switch Online service. 15:00 - Side-Scrolling Games: A look at Zau, Hollow Knight and Plucky Squire, the smaller games I’ve been playing in my spare time. 19:00 - Co-op Games with Jemma: Playing Cult of the Lamb and It Takes Two together and why we love co-op gaming. 23:00 - Podcast Recommendations: Sharing some of my favourite gaming podcasts and that you should definitely have a listen too. 29:00 - Substack Recommendations: Sharing some of my favourite Substack newsletters that you should definitely check out. Links to Podcasts and Substacks Shout out to these awesome creators for the great content they produce! I’ve been loving their work, and I hope more of you get to discover what they’re all about. Podcasts Mentioned: * Remember the Game [https://open.spotify.com/show/3tY3zp72Y4i0x2l3vwQPnx?si=4eb3f2a29f1847ed] * ACG: The Best Gaming Podcast [https://open.spotify.com/show/7ksaVxOmtaWDOYHvg4a4xK?si=7652e8d2d70d4b62] * Gaming in the Wild [https://open.spotify.com/show/0gVnXCO1k5CuFXLnKOB3P5?si=8ceed6cef9124219] * Final Stops for Final Fantasy Talks [https://open.spotify.com/show/0Uqg0uwVwl99rNmzlp6BLw?si=0d784e2ca7c244fc] * Living La Vita Podcast [https://open.spotify.com/show/1d6YYpLivFlBEHu6V0m3KU?si=a91a177da7104efe] * The Back Page: A Video Games Podcast [https://open.spotify.com/show/4l6fx0Cw5GR0lz14qMmWrO?si=fb6921c622fc4473] Substacks Mentioned: * 1UP Vault [https://open.substack.com/pub/1upvault] * Infinite Lives [https://open.substack.com/pub/infinitelives] * Just One More Turn [https://open.substack.com/pub/ingamescientist] * Sonoran Videogame Society [https://open.substack.com/pub/sonoranvgsociety] / Nintendo is Great [https://open.substack.com/pub/nintendoisgreat] * Reconnect Recap [https://open.substack.com/pub/reconnectrecap] Connect with Me: * Instagram: @harrydavis.coach [https://www.instagram.com/harrydavis.coach] * Substack: Harry Davis [https://substack.com/profile/106732045-harry-davis] Enjoyed this episode? Make sure to subscribe or follow on your favourite podcast platform and leave a review! Let me know what games you’re playing and what podcasts or Substacks you’re listening to on social media or via Substack! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit geekfit.substack.com [https://geekfit.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Ep.3 | Retro Games, Halo Battles, and Pokémon Obsessions: A Chat with Tom

In Episode 3 of the Geek Fit Podcast, I sit down with my long-time friend Tom, and we take a nostalgic trip down memory lane, revisiting our favourite games from childhood through adulthood. We talk about the early PlayStation days, Halo’s huge impact on our teenage years, and the countless hours spent mastering Pokémon together. We had so many fun memories to share that we didn’t even make it to the later part of our gaming lives—so stay tuned for Tom’s part 2! Whether you’re a fan of Halo, Crash Bandicoot, or Pokémon, this episode is full of laughs, memories, and gaming discussions that’ll take you right back to your own gaming origins. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe or follow on your preferred platform and leave a review. Sharing this episode with a friend is the best way to support the podcast and help it grow! Connect with Me: * Instagram: @harrydavis.coach * Substack: Harry Davis [https://open.substack.com/users/106732045-harry-davis?utm_source=mentions] Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction02:00 - Tom’s early PlayStation days (Crash Bandicoot, Tekken 2)9:00 - Transition to Xbox and discovering Halo17:00 - Tom getting a Wii and Wii Sports - Having fun with gaming22:00 - Pokémon Snap, Red, Yellow, and our grown-up obsession with SoulSilver and HeartGold27:00 - Halo 2 & Halo 3 multiplayer and campaign memories34:00 - Elder Scrolls Oblivion taking all over our lives38:00 - Honourable mention of games - Metal Arms, Overwatch, Destiny, Dynasty Warriors 441:00 - Everyone should play Halo 243:00 - Wrap up and realising we have loads more to talk about Subscribe, follow, leave a review, and share the podcast to help spread the love for gaming! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit geekfit.substack.com [https://geekfit.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]