Ep. 441 - Sigmas in the Omegaverse

Ep. 441 - Sigmas in the Omegaverse

The finest minds in video games discuss flying in games, retaining players over the course of a series, and self-lubricating anuses. Hosted by Alex Jaffe, with Frank Cifaldi, Ash Parrish, and Brandon Sheffield. Edited by Esper Quinn, original music by Kurt Feldman. Watch episodes with full video on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/insertcreditshow] Discuss this episode in the Insert Credit Forums [https://forums.insertcredit.com/] SHOW NOTES: * Zencastr [https://zencastr.com/] * Power Rangers [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power_Rangers] * Sailor Scouts [https://sailormoondub.fandom.com/wiki/Sailor_Scout] * “Attention street operators! If you’re not operating Mr. Do!‘s Castle you don’t want to make money!” [https://bsky.app/profile/universalfacts.bsky.social/post/3lo5krpikc22k] * Mr. Do! [https://www.mobygames.com/game/9764/mr-do/] * Muenster [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muenster_cheese] * Swiss [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swiss_cheese_(North_America)] * Mozzarella [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mozzarella] * Goat [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goat_cheese] * Cheddar [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cheddar_cheese] * Parmesan [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parmesan] * Macaroni and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macaroni_and_cheese] * Chipotle Mexican Grill [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chipotle_Mexican_Grill] * La Tur [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robiola#La_Tur] * Humboldt Fog [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humboldt_Fog] * Tillamook [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tillamook_County_Creamery_Association] * Cottage [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cottage_cheese] * Chocolate syrup [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chocolate_syrup] 1: How do you make flight feel good? (05:48) * Ace Combat 5: The Unsung War [https://www.mobygames.com/game/19548/ace-combat-5-the-unsung-war/] * Earth Defense Force series [https://www.mobygames.com/group/8735/earth-defense-force-chikyu-boeigun-series/] * Panzer Dragoon [https://www.mobygames.com/game/2897/panzer-dragoon/] * Wing Cap [https://www.mariowiki.com/Wing_Cap] * Steel Battalion [https://www.mobygames.com/game/7805/steel-battalion/] * Diamond Vince [https://www.vincentdiamante.com/] * SkyGunner [https://www.mobygames.com/game/31617/skygunner/] * Superman 64 [https://www.mobygames.com/game/9239/superman/] 2: What makes a good shop theme? (10:22) * Muzak [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muzak] * QVC [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/QVC] * Earthbound - Buy Something Will Ya! [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ofAEBjtc-k] * Wii Shop Theme [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yyjUmv1gJEg] * Kmart [https://archive.org/details/attentionkmartshoppers] * Persona 5 - Weapons Shop [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zs2-InbGkEY] * Demonschool - Shopping [https://kurtfeldman.bandcamp.com/track/shopping] * Jeopardy! [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeopardy!] * Yoshi [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yoshi] * Super Mario World [https://www.mobygames.com/game/6591/super-mario-world/] * iMUSE [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IMUSE] * Super Mario Bros. [https://www.mobygames.com/game/7298/super-mario-bros/] * Super Mario Bros. 2 [https://www.mobygames.com/game/7299/super-mario-bros-2/] 3: What are good ways games can reward you for playing the previous entry in a series? (16:48) * BioWare [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BioWare] * Suikoden series [https://www.mobygames.com/group/465/suikoden-series/] * Yakuza series [https://www.mobygames.com/group/8208/ryu-ga-gotoku-like-a-dragon-yakuza-universe/] * Bob Utsunomiya [https://yakuza.fandom.com/wiki/Bob_Utsunomiya] * Mass Effect series [https://www.mobygames.com/group/8742/mass-effect-series/] * Sonic & Knuckles [https://www.mobygames.com/game/6614/sonic-knuckles/] * Metal Gear Solid series [https://www.mobygames.com/group/380/metal-gear-series/] * Resident Evil series [https://www.mobygames.com/group/374/biohazard-resident-evil-franchise/] * Final Fantasy VII Remake series [https://www.mobygames.com/group/4847/final-fantasy-series/] * Silent Hill series [https://www.mobygames.com/group/476/silent-hill-series/] * Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII [https://www.mobygames.com/game/32846/crisis-core-final-fantasy-vii/] * Nier series [https://www.mobygames.com/group/12322/nier-franchise/] 4: How could you “walk the room” giving a talk at a video game conference? (21:29) * GDC [https://gdconf.com/] * Omegaverse [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omegaverse] * Alpha and beta male [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alpha_and_beta_male] * Mpreg [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mpreg] * Supernatural [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supernatural_(American_TV_series)] * Dark Angel [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dark_Angel_(American_TV_series)] * Pon Farr [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vulcan_(Star_Trek)#Mating_drive] 5: Yeso asks, what is the soda vs. pop of video games? (30:41) * Soft drink [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soft_drink] * Sega [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sega] * Ryu [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ryu_(Street_Fighter)] * The Legend of Kage [https://www.mobygames.com/game/8694/the-legend-of-kage/] * Ninja Gaiden [https://www.mobygames.com/game/7356/ninja-gaiden/] * Nintendo Entertainment System [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nintendo_Entertainment_System] * Final Fantasy VI [https://www.mobygames.com/game/180087/final-fantasy-vi/] * Tidus [https://finalfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Tidus] * Chocobo [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chocobo] * Mortal Kombat series [https://www.mobygames.com/group/87/mortal-kombat-franchise/] * Midway Games [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Midway_Games] * Toasty! [https://mortalkombat.fandom.com/wiki/Toasty!] * Cow Clicker [https://www.mobygames.com/game/209255/cow-clicker/] * Mystery Science Theater 3000 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mystery_Science_Theater_3000] * Drew Carey [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drew_Carey] * Hydrocity Zone [https://sonic.fandom.com/wiki/Hydrocity_Zone] * Sonic the Hedgehog series [https://www.mobygames.com/group/584/sonic-the-hedgehog-universe/] * The Boss Baby (2017) [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Boss_Baby] * City Escape [https://sonic.fandom.com/wiki/City_Escape] * GDQ [https://gamesdonequick.com/] 6: What’s the difference between a director and a lead designer in video games? (37:33) 7: What stats would you add to fighting game character bios? (40:14) * Street Fighter II [https://www.mobygames.com/game/6239/street-fighter-ii/] * Maiden and married names [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maiden_and_married_names] * Quentin Tarantino [https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/quentin-tarantino-films-feet-b1930458.html] * Guile [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guile_(Street_Fighter)] * Blanka [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blanka] * Myspace [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myspace] * Uptown Girl [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hCuMWrfXG4E] * Star Search [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Search] * Mega Man series [https://www.mobygames.com/group/193/mega-man-rockman-series/] * Pokemon series [https://www.mobygames.com/group/8656/pokemon-main-rpg-series/] LIGHTNING ROUND: 21 Questions (45:51) Recommendations and Outro (01:06:31): * Brandon: You can make watermelon gazpacho out of unripe or unflavorful watermelons, Alyzea [https://alyzea.bandcamp.com/music], Dead Mountaineer’s Hotel (1979) [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dead_Mountaineer%27s_Hotel_(film)], Convoy Busters (1978) [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Convoy_Busters], Mona Kimura [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mona_Kimura] * Frank: The Super Mario Galaxy Movie (2026) [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Super_Mario_Galaxy_Movie] if you want to just delete 2 hours of your life This week’s Insert Credit Show is brought to you by patrons like you [https://www.patreon.com/insertcredit]. Thank you. Subscribe: RSS [https://insertcredit.com/show/rss], YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/insertcreditshow], Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-insert-credit-show/id1651429066], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/6CwWZE5p7vazIV1jrV9hln], and more!

Ep. 440 - No More Worlds to Conker

Frank Cifaldi, Ash Parrish, and Brandon Sheffield cover GameStop making an offer for eBay, the hotness of the new StarFox designs, and dead rabbids. Hosted by Alex Jaffe, with Frank Cifaldi, Ash Parrish, and Brandon Sheffield. Edited by Esper Quinn, original music by Kurt Feldman. Watch episodes with full video on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/insertcreditshow] Discuss this episode in the Insert Credit Forums [https://forums.insertcredit.com/] SHOW NOTES: * Nail Bat [https://finalfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Nail_Bat_(Final_Fantasy_VII)] * Final Fantasy VII [https://www.mobygames.com/game/858/final-fantasy-vii/] * Die Hard (1988) [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Die_Hard] * Gotham City [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gotham_City] * Jean-Paul Valley [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean-Paul_Valley] * “Shilly-shally.” [https://forums.insertcredit.com/t/give-me-bad-weird-video-game-quotes/3008/697] * Oreo [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oreo] * Hydrox [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrox] * TurboGrafx-16 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TurboGrafx-16] 1: GameStop isn’t gonna buy eBay, right? (08:56) * GameStop [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GameStop] * eBay [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EBay] * GameStop makes unsolicited bid to acquire online auction giant eBay for $56B [https://www.npr.org/2026/05/05/nx-s1-5810499/gamestop-makes-unsolicited-bid-to-acquire-online-auction-giant-ebay-for-56b] * GameStop CEO Ryan Cohen banned from eBay after takeover bid stunt [https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/stocks/articles/gamestop-ceo-ryan-cohen-banned-115859538.html] * Game Informer [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Game_Informer] * Sumo Fighter [https://www.mobygames.com/game/56109/sumo-fighter/] * Mega Man 7 [https://www.mobygames.com/game/6586/mega-man-7/] * Video Game History Foundation [https://gamehistory.org/] * Vintage Video Game Magazine Monthly Subscription [https://the-video-game-history-foundation.myshopify.com/collections/featured-products/products/blind-box-vintage-game-magazine-subscription?_su_rec=lPTWg0WiTCiHLZJo0vivyLkDZ-E45NuNxphhq-g8rl4mpqF_RNIvuaoW5r0fN8-WMODzA6Hfe0QDe55l4MFkWPo1E1AEAMcgKvJGNnEuWCo2mE3EzqVU2u1OoCylYE5XrC_tQqcf-2Zph2_vACkh6bMoWZHdc_rWip9l796iNK5YSMX3NGA1-dWuhyvEFqG6DfeNbGLdROb2cT8bveZAf7NXpS9DsgJnFOC83cqLDHdoPFDDXS9bPgS_q8fbuQKETUfufUkoq2mLnx1KNCVwFhAd&_su_rec_id=2a5de9f0-d683-4370-a10e-912c217d08f3-1778482269] * FuncoLand [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Funcoland] * Funko [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Funko] * Relooted [https://www.mobygames.com/game/254965/relooted/] * Bram Stoker’s Dracula [https://www.mobygames.com/game/323/bram-stokers-dracula/] * Indiana Jones [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiana_Jones] 2: What are the level 1 magic spells you want to make available to a player in a game? (14:00) Hang on. Is Indiana Jones’s hat a fedora? * Indiana Jones: His Hats Explained [https://www.hatrealm.com/what-type-of-hat-does-indiana-jones-wear/] Okay back to Question 2. * Metroidvania [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metroidvania] 3: Are the Star Fox characters hotter now or not? (18:41) * Nintendo announces new Star Fox for Nintendo Switch 2 [https://www.polygon.com/star-fox-2026-game-nintendo-switch-2/] * The Super Mario Galaxy Movie (2026) [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Super_Mario_Galaxy_Movie] * Falco Lombardi [https://starfox.fandom.com/wiki/Falco_Lombardi] * Garrus Vakarian [https://masseffect.fandom.com/wiki/Garrus_Vakarian] * Mass Effect series [https://www.mobygames.com/group/8742/mass-effect-series/] * Vince Lombardi [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vince_Lombardi] * Doug Lombardi [https://combineoverwiki.net/wiki/Doug_Lombardi] * Nintendo confirms destruction of original Star Fox puppets [https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/insight/nintendo-confirms-destruction-of-original-star-fox-puppets/gm-GM4626528A] * The Amazing Digital Circus [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Amazing_Digital_Circus] * Five Nights at Freddy’s [https://www.mobygames.com/game/68564/five-nights-at-freddys/] * Kermit the Frog [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kermit_the_Frog] * Krystal [https://starfox.fandom.com/wiki/Krystal] * Waluigi [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waluigi] * Star Fox 64 [https://www.mobygames.com/game/3536/star-fox-64/] * Final Fantasy VII: Remake [https://www.mobygames.com/game/141485/final-fantasy-vii-remake/] * Sonic Adventure [https://www.mobygames.com/game/3530/sonic-adventure/] * Rouge the Bat [https://sonic.fandom.com/wiki/Rouge_the_Bat] 4: Write five clues for a Jeopardy! video game category (24:18) * Jeopardy! [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeopardy!] * Pac-Man [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pac-Man] * Donkey Kong [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donkey_Kong] * Mega Man [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mega_Man] * Mario Mario [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mario] * Luigi Mario [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luigi_(character)] * Minecraft Steve [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_(Minecraft)] * PewDiePie [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PewDiePie] * Ninja [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ninja_(gamer)] * Bonk [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bonk_(series)] * J.J. & Jeff [https://www.mobygames.com/game/16519/jj-jeff/] * Hideo Kojima [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hideo_Kojima] 5: LeFish asks, what is the best French thing in video games, and what is the best fish? (28:57) * David Cage [https://kotaku.com/detroit-dev-quantic-dreams-wins-lawsuit-without-actuall-1847716375] * Freddi Fish series [https://www.mobygames.com/group/479/freddi-fish-series/] * Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 [https://www.mobygames.com/game/241065/clair-obscur-expedition-33/] * Ubisoft [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ubisoft] * BioWare Montreal [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BioWare] * Dragon Age series [https://www.mobygames.com/group/9213/dragon-age-series/] * Another World [https://www.mobygames.com/game/564/out-of-this-world/] * Rabbids [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rabbids] * Captain Ahab [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Captain_Ahab] * Super Mario World [https://www.mobygames.com/game/6591/super-mario-world/] * Seaman [https://www.mobygames.com/game/5545/seaman/] * Leviathan [https://finalfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Leviathan] * Putt-Putt series [https://www.mobygames.com/group/515/putt-putt-series/] * James Pond series [https://www.mobygames.com/group/1207/james-pond-series/] 6: What is a more useful aggregation tool: Metacritic, which averages scores, or Rotten Tomatoes, which averages positive vs. negative reviews? (33:53) * Metacritic [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metacritic] * Rotten Tomatoes [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rotten_Tomatoes] * Star Wars series [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Wars] * IMDb [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IMDb] 7: What is the Pee-wee’s Big Adventure (1985) of video games? (37:10) * Pee-wee’s Big Adventure (1985) [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pee-wee%27s_Big_Adventure] * The Groundlings [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Groundlings] * Conker’s Bad Fur Day [https://www.mobygames.com/game/3622/conkers-bad-fur-day/] * Diddy Kong Racing [https://www.mobygames.com/game/3582/diddy-kong-racing/] * Pee-wee’s Playhouse [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pee-wee%27s_Playhouse] * Pee-wee Herman [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pee-wee_Herman] * Bayonetta [https://www.mobygames.com/group/11069/bayonetta-series/] * Tim Burton [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tim_Burton] * The Pee-wee Herman Show [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Pee-wee_Herman_Show] * PlatinumGames [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PlatinumGames] * Donkey Kong Country [https://www.mobygames.com/game/5199/donkey-kong-country/] * Tiptup [https://www.mariowiki.com/Tiptup] * Drumstick [https://www.mariowiki.com/Drumstick_(character)] * Wario [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wario] * WarioWare series [https://www.mobygames.com/group/3512/warioware-series/] * Tingle [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tingle_(The_Legend_of_Zelda)] * Freshly-Picked Tingle’s Rosy Rupeeland [https://www.mobygames.com/game/33792/freshly-picked-tingles-rosy-rupeeland/] * Irozuki Tincle no Koi no Balloon Trip [https://www.mobygames.com/game/69716/irozuki-tincle-no-koi-no-balloon-trip/] * The Frog for Whom the Bell Tolls [https://www.mobygames.com/game/25580/kaeru-no-tame-ni-kane-wa-naru/] LIGHTNING ROUND: User Reviews (43:14) Credit Corner (56:54) Recommendations and Outro (57:19): * Brandon: The Sting (1973) [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Sting], Get Carter (1971) [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Get_Carter] * Frank: Rollick N’ Roll [https://store.steampowered.com/app/3274880/Rollick_N_Roll/] * Ash: Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000) [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crouching_Tiger,_Hidden_Dragon], Love and Deepspace [https://loveanddeepspace.infoldgames.com/en-EN/news/1] This week’s Insert Credit Show is brought to you by patrons like you [https://www.patreon.com/insertcredit]. Thank you. Subscribe: RSS [https://insertcredit.com/show/rss], YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/insertcreditshow], Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-insert-credit-show/id1651429066], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/6CwWZE5p7vazIV1jrV9hln], and more!

Ep. 439 - Deleterious

Our heroes share thoughts on twenty years of achievements, developers responding to player feedback, and whether nail bats count as blunt weapons. Hosted by Alex Jaffe, with Frank Cifaldi, Ash Parrish, and Brandon Sheffield. Edited by Esper Quinn, original music by Kurt Feldman, episode art by Gilbert Smith [https://youtube.com/@thesuckoshow?si=-vHdQVQW-T9eqJdd]. Watch episodes with full video on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/insertcreditshow] Discuss this episode in the Insert Credit Forums [https://forums.insertcredit.com/] SHOW NOTES: * Busby Berkeley [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Busby_Berkeley] * Bubsy [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bubsy] * Fatty Arbuckle [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roscoe_Arbuckle] * “You’re like free pizza at an anime convention. She can smell you. And she wants to consume you.” [https://forums.insertcredit.com/t/give-me-bad-weird-video-game-quotes/3008/700] * Video Game History Foundation [https://gamehistory.org/] 1: When has the appeal of a popular game eluded you? (05:24) * Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream [https://www.mobygames.com/game/259393/tomodachi-life-living-the-dream/] * Mad Libs [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mad_Libs] * The Sims series [https://www.mobygames.com/group/574/the-sims-franchise/] * Hank Hill [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hank_Hill] * Bocchi [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bocchi_the_Rock%21] * Cards Against Humanity [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cards_Against_Humanity] * Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (2023) [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dungeons_%26_Dragons:_Honor_Among_Thieves] * Crimson Desert [https://www.mobygames.com/game/257431/crimson-desert/] * World of WarCraft [https://www.mobygames.com/game/15620/world-of-warcraft/] * Final Fantasy XIV [https://www.mobygames.com/game/48497/final-fantasy-xiv-online/] * Yakuza series [https://www.mobygames.com/group/8208/ryu-ga-gotoku-like-a-dragon-yakuza-universe/] * Shenmue series [https://www.mobygames.com/group/919/shenmue-series/] * The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild [https://www.mobygames.com/game/84595/the-legend-of-zelda-breath-of-the-wild/] Credit Report (11:40) * Sega [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sega] * Taito [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taito] * The Ninja Kids [https://www.mobygames.com/game/66057/the-ninja-kids/] * Raz Karcy [https://overblood.fandom.com/wiki/Raz_Karcy] * OverBlood [https://www.mobygames.com/game/3894/overblood/] * Discord [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Discord_(My_Little_Pony)] * My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/My_Little_Pony:_Friendship_Is_Magic] 2: How have trophies and achievements impacted video games over the past 20 years? (13:39) * Xbox 360 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xbox_360] * SiegfriedX [https://xboxgamertag.com/search/siegfriedx] * Left 4 Dead [https://www.mobygames.com/game/38055/left-4-dead/] 3: Let’s talk about that MindsEye DLC (20:21) * MindsEye [https://www.mobygames.com/game/243449/mindseye/] * Polygon: I played the MindsEye DLC that was supposed to expose ‘sabotage’ and just got a painfully bad mission [https://www.polygon.com/mindseye-blacklisted-dlc-impressions/] * Tommy Wiseau [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tommy_Wiseau] * The Room (2003) [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Room] * Grand Theft Auto series [https://www.mobygames.com/group/167/grand-theft-auto-series/] * The Fall of Communism as Seen in Gay Pornography (1998) [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Fall_of_Communism_as_Seen_in_Gay_Pornography] 4: Give me your dream video game blunt rotation (which is to say, three items to cycle through as blunt weapons in a video game) (25:31) * Nail Bat [https://finalfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Nail_Bat_(Final_Fantasy_VII)] * Mace [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mace_(bludgeon)] * Ice cream sandwich [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ice_cream_sandwich] * EarthBound [https://www.mobygames.com/game/6676/earthbound/] * R.B.I. Baseball series [https://www.mobygames.com/group/2591/rbi-baseball-series/] * Dragon Age: Inquisition [https://www.mobygames.com/game/70317/dragon-age-inquisition/] * Wedge of Destiny [https://dragonage.fandom.com/wiki/Wedge_of_Destiny] * Undercover Cops [https://www.mobygames.com/game/23934/undercover-cops/] * The Boon of the Spoon [https://dragonage.fandom.com/wiki/The_Boon_of_the_Spoon] 5: Issac asks, what makes a good sick game? (32:47) * The Violence Island Gacha Gauntlet #1 [https://www.patreon.com/posts/violence-island-156855199?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link] * Titanium Court [https://www.mobygames.com/game/255417/titanium-court/] * Bejeweled [https://www.mobygames.com/game/5095/bejeweled-deluxe/] * Puzzle Quest [https://www.mobygames.com/group/8688/puzzle-quest-series/] * The Talos Principle [https://www.mobygames.com/game/70587/the-talos-principle/] * Portal [https://www.mobygames.com/game/30616/portal/] * Dragon Quest series [https://www.mobygames.com/group/3601/dragon-warrior-dragon-quest-universe/] * Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater [https://www.mobygames.com/game/15735/metal-gear-solid-3-snake-eater/] * The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time [https://www.mobygames.com/game/3549/the-legend-of-zelda-ocarina-of-time/] * The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask [https://www.mobygames.com/game/3550/the-legend-of-zelda-majoras-mask/] * NieR [https://www.mobygames.com/game/46486/nier/] * The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom [https://www.mobygames.com/game/203119/the-legend-of-zelda-tears-of-the-kingdom/] * The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword [https://www.mobygames.com/game/53708/the-legend-of-zelda-skyward-sword/] * Chutes and Ladders [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snakes_and_ladders] * Ys series [https://www.mobygames.com/group/1497/ys-series/] * For the Frog the Bell Tolls [https://www.mobygames.com/game/25580/kaeru-no-tame-ni-kane-wa-naru/] * Cookie’s Bustle [https://www.mobygames.com/game/112541/cookies-bustle/] 6: To what extent should a studio consider the feedback of their playerbase, and when should they ignore it? (39:34) * BioWare [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BioWare] * Elden Ring [https://www.mobygames.com/game/174989/elden-ring/] * Game Developer Magazine [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Game_Developer_(magazine)] * Telltale Games [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telltale_Games] * Sam & Max [https://www.mobygames.com/group/6520/sam-max-licensees/] * Downwell [https://www.mobygames.com/game/76071/downwell/] * Overwatch [https://www.mobygames.com/game/79170/overwatch/] 7: What is the realizing you’ve been to a restaurant too many times because the workers know who you are by sight of video games? (44:51) * Sonic the Hedgehog 2 [https://www.mobygames.com/game/6611/sonic-the-hedgehog-2/] * Bonk’s Revenge [https://www.mobygames.com/game/17189/bonks-revenge/] * Paradise Killer [https://www.mobygames.com/game/150137/paradise-killer/] * Dragon Age: The Veilguard [https://www.mobygames.com/game/232711/dragon-age-the-veilguard/] LIGHTNING ROUND: Circle K Corral (51:11) Recommendations and Outro (59:34): * Brandon: Def By Temptation (1990) [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Def_by_Temptation], Ooh Rap I Ya [https://georgeclanton.bandcamp.com/album/ooh-rap-i-ya] * Ash: Actually don’t watch For All Mankind, Titanium Court [https://www.mobygames.com/game/255417/titanium-court/], Bon Appétit, Your Majesty [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bon_App%C3%A9tit,_Your_Majesty] * Frank: Eat a ton of shredded cabbage This week’s episode art was done by Gilbert Smith [https://youtube.com/@thesuckoshow?si=-vHdQVQW-T9eqJdd]. Insert Credit Show is brought to you by patrons like you [https://www.patreon.com/insertcredit]. Thank you. Subscribe: RSS [https://insertcredit.com/show/rss], YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/insertcreditshow], Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-insert-credit-show/id1651429066], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/6CwWZE5p7vazIV1jrV9hln], and more!

Ep. 438 - We Will Not Be Kept in Your Balls

Your Insert Credit Panel discusses the future of Xbox, the difference between dad games and mom games, and weird little guys. Hosted by Alex Jaffe, with Frank Cifaldi, Ash Parrish, and Brandon Sheffield. Edited by Esper Quinn, original music by Kurt Feldman. Watch episodes with full video on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/insertcreditshow] Discuss this episode in the Insert Credit Forums [https://forums.insertcredit.com/] SHOW NOTES: * KEXP [https://www.kexp.org/] * Italian AOC [https://bsky.app/profile/dieworkwear.bsky.social/post/3mk2dpy4nb226] * “This wild aura, man. Can’t let this go.” [https://forums.insertcredit.com/t/give-me-bad-weird-video-game-quotes/3008/682] * Falsetto [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Falsetto] 1: When are you convinced to go back to a particular game after putting it down? (02:51) * Red Dead Redemption: Undead Nightmare [https://www.mobygames.com/game/55816/red-dead-redemption-undead-nightmare/] * Cronos: The New Dawn [https://www.mobygames.com/game/247308/cronos-the-new-dawn/] * Red Dead Redemption II [https://www.mobygames.com/game/115902/red-dead-redemption-ii/] * Deadwood [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deadwood_(TV_series)] * Sega Genesis [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sega_Genesis] * Sony PlayStation [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PlayStation_(console)] * World of WarCraft [https://www.mobygames.com/game/15620/world-of-warcraft/] * Quest 64 [https://www.mobygames.com/game/6688/quest-64/] * Quest 64 Official [https://bsky.app/profile/quest64official.bsky.social] * The Ooze [https://www.mobygames.com/game/8063/the-ooze/] * barleybap [https://bsky.app/profile/barleybap.bsky.social] 2: Through video game history, how has the job of level designer evolved? (07:44) * TUME [https://segaretro.org/TUME] * Disney’s Aladdin [https://www.mobygames.com/game/2069/disneys-aladdin/] * Hirokazu Yasuhara [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hirokazu_Yasuhara] * Sonic the Hedgehog series [https://www.mobygames.com/group/584/sonic-the-hedgehog-universe/] * Uncharted series [https://www.mobygames.com/group/8931/uncharted-series/] * Titanfall 2 [https://www.mobygames.com/game/81350/titanfall-2/] * Iwata Asks [https://iwataasks.nintendo.com/] * Legend of Zelda series [https://www.mobygames.com/group/596/legend-of-zelda-series/] * Shigeru Miyamoto [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shigeru_Miyamoto] * Takashi Tezuka [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Takashi_Tezuka] 3: What are the differences between a dad game and a mom game? (12:59) * Pragmata [https://www.mobygames.com/game/251832/pragmata/] * Cooking Mama [https://www.mobygames.com/game/22521/cooking-mama/] * Bayonetta [https://www.mobygames.com/game/43659/bayonetta/] * Amnesia: Rebirth [https://www.mobygames.com/game/151786/amnesia-rebirth/] * Super Metroid [https://www.mobygames.com/game/6627/super-metroid/] * NieR [https://www.mobygames.com/game/46486/nier/] * NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139… [https://www.mobygames.com/game/161794/nier-replicant-ver122474487139/] * Stardew Valley [https://www.mobygames.com/game/80992/stardew-valley/] * The Sims [https://www.mobygames.com/game/860/the-sims/] * Black & White [https://www.mobygames.com/game/3598/black-white/] * Peter Molyneux [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Molyneux] * You know it’s bad for AI when even Peter Molyneux, king of overpromising, is tepid on its use in game dev [https://www.pcgamer.com/software/ai/you-know-its-bad-for-ai-when-even-peter-molyneux-king-of-overpromising-is-tepid-on-its-use-in-game-dev-i-think-we-have-to-be-very-very-careful/] * Grateful Dead [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grateful_Dead] * Black Sabbath [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Sabbath] 4: Design a video game trilogy intended to grow up with the player base (19:39) * Pokemon series [https://www.mobygames.com/group/8656/pokemon-main-rpg-series/] * Palworld [https://www.mobygames.com/game/215998/palworld/] * Mewgenics! [https://www.mobygames.com/game/252481/mewgenics/] * Final Fantasy XII [https://www.mobygames.com/game/21692/final-fantasy-xii/] * Master Chief [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Master_Chief_(Halo)] * Game Freak [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Game_Freak] * NFT [https://www.web3isgoinggreat.com/] 5: Death_Strandicoot asks, is Xbox a third party now? Is there still a Big 3? (28:01) * Halo: Campaign Evolved launches on PS5 [https://blog.playstation.com/2025/10/24/halo-campaign-evolved-launches-on-ps5-in-2026/] * ‘We Are Xbox’: read the memo defining Microsoft’s gaming future [https://www.theverge.com/news/917689/microsoft-xbox-gaming-future-memo-asha-sharma-matt-booty] * Developers, developers, developers [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-u8fo5esYI] * Nintendo [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nintendo] * Sony [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sony] * Roblox [https://www.forbes.com/sites/conormurray/2026/04/21/roblox-settles-with-alabama-over-child-safety-concerns-but-still-faces-state-lawsuits/] * Epic [https://kotaku.com/tim-sweeney-epic-fortnite-layoffs-ceo-resign-2000681859] * Fortnite [https://www.mobygames.com/game/104208/fortnite/] * Circana [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circana] * List of largest video game companies by revenue [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_largest_video_game_companies_by_revenue] 6: What are some new ways to torture players in masocore games? (33:42) * Masocore [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Masocore] * Getting Over It with Bennett Foddy [https://www.mobygames.com/game/99109/getting-over-it-with-bennett-foddy/] * QWOP [https://www.mobygames.com/game/70271/qwop/] * Dark Souls [https://www.mobygames.com/game/53619/dark-souls/] * Minecraft [https://www.mobygames.com/game/110401/minecraft/] * Marvel Rivals [https://www.mobygames.com/game/234101/marvel-rivals/] * Jackass [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jackass_(franchise)] * Virtual Boy [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtual_Boy] * Speedrunning [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Speedrunning] 7: What is the McDonald’s Sprite of video games? (38:42) * McDonalds [https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/food/2026/04/09/mcdonalds-ceo-blames-mom-viral-burger-bite/89535181007/] * Sprite [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sprite_(drink)] * Steam Deck [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steam_Deck] LIGHTNING ROUND: GameFAQ&As - Roblox Mobile (43:51) Recommendations and Outro (49:51): * Frank: apply for Video Game History Foundation’s Charity Development Coordinator if you meet the qualifications [https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/4403331398/] * Ash: For All Mankind [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/For_All_Mankind_(TV_series)] * Brandon: Boogiepop Phantom [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boogiepop_Phantom], Ikarie XB-1 (1963) [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ikarie_XB-1], Baby Steps Developers React to 7 Minute Speedrun [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQx_S_iu-g8] This week’s Insert Credit Show is brought to you by patrons like you [https://www.patreon.com/insertcredit]. Thank you. Subscribe: RSS [https://insertcredit.com/show/rss], YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/insertcreditshow], Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-insert-credit-show/id1651429066], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/6CwWZE5p7vazIV1jrV9hln], and more!

Ep. 437 - Cookie's Bustacular

The panel reviews Cookie’s Bustle [https://www.mobygames.com/game/112541/cookies-bustle/], a Japanese PC adventure game hindered by endless copyright strikes and finally freed by the Video Game History Foundation. Hosted by Alex Jaffe, with Frank Cifaldi, Ash Parrish, and Brandon Sheffield. Edited by Esper Quinn, original music by Kurt Feldman. Watch episodes with full video on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/insertcreditshow] Discuss this episode in the Insert Credit Forums [https://forums.insertcredit.com/] SHOW NOTES: * Yoko Kanno [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yoko_Kanno] * Cowboy Bebop [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cowboy_Bebop] * The Real Folk Blues [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CjUVTEExfBg] * Vincent Diamante [https://www.vincentdiamante.com/] * Alto saxophone [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alto_saxophone] * The Offspring [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Offspring] * Phil Collins [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phil_Collins] * Wet Leg [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wet_Leg] * Wednesday [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wednesday_(American_band)] * The Weeknd [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Weeknd] * Taking Back Sunday [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taking_Back_Sunday] * Wednesday Campanella [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wednesday_Campanella] * Cookie’s Bustle [https://www.mobygames.com/game/112541/cookies-bustle/] * Streisand Effect [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Streisand_effect] 1: How did we get here? (05:53) * Rodik, Inc [https://www.mobygames.com/company/33768/rodik-inc/] * ClassicsOfGame [https://bsky.app/profile/classicsofgame.bsky.social] * Video Game History Foundation [https://gamehistory.org/] * Games That Weren’t [https://www.gamesthatwerent.com/] * Moon Child [https://bsky.app/profile/gamesthatwerent.com/post/3mj4tipxlms2a] * The Video Game History Hour [https://gamehistory.org/the-video-game-history-hour/] 2: How hard is it to get this Japanese abandonware game from 1999 running on your PC in 2026? (11:38) * Sega Genesis [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sega_Genesis] * QuickTime [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/QuickTime] 3: What is happening in Cookie’s Bustle and what are you doing in it? (18:18) * sebmal [https://www.youtube.com/@sebmal] * Mr. Bean [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mr._Bean] * James Bond [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Bond] * Pac-Man 2: The New Adventures [https://www.mobygames.com/game/15846/pac-man-2-the-new-adventures/] * Lara Croft [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lara_Croft] 4: Apart from financial cost, what are the material advantages of keeping a development team small? (36:43) * Tokyo Godfathers (2003) [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tokyo_Godfathers] 5: Chopemon asks: If you were to go on an adventure, what items have video games taught you to take that you wouldn’t normally think to take? (43:26) 6: Developer Keisuke Harigai once said in a 2001 interview that he designed Cookie’s Bustle with the European market in mind. What do you think that means? (49:51) * Keisuke Harigai [https://www.mobygames.com/person/931055/keisuke-harigai/] * New Jersey [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Jersey] * LucasArts [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lucasfilm_Games] * Wizardry: Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord [https://www.mobygames.com/game/1209/wizardry-proving-grounds-of-the-mad-overlord/] * Grim Fandango [https://www.mobygames.com/game/201/grim-fandango/] * Euro Truck Simulator series [https://www.mobygames.com/group/10495/euro-truck-simulator-series/] * Farming Simulator series [https://www.mobygames.com/group/10135/farming-simulator-series/] * Football Manager series [https://www.mobygames.com/group/5043/sports-interactives-football-manager-series/] * Total War series [https://www.mobygames.com/group/1002/total-war-series/] * Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 [https://www.mobygames.com/game/241065/clair-obscur-expedition-33/] * Atomic Heart [https://www.mobygames.com/game/121102/atomic-heart/] * Disco Elysium [https://www.mobygames.com/game/136046/disco-elysium/] 7: Do you like Cookie’s Bustle? (56:07) * Tony Hawk series [https://www.mobygames.com/group/442/tony-hawk-skateboarding-series/] * Mario Party series [https://www.mobygames.com/group/1765/mario-party-series/] * Gold Saucer [https://finalfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Gold_Saucer_(Final_Fantasy_VII)] * Mr. Bones [https://www.mobygames.com/game/24489/mr-bones/] * Bennett Foddy [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bennett_Foddy] * GDC [https://gdconf.com/] * Penn & Teller’s Smoke and Mirrors [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penn_%26_Teller%27s_Smoke_and_Mirrors] * Alter Ego [https://www.mobygames.com/game/2194/alter-ego/] * SimTunes [https://www.mobygames.com/game/22668/simtunes/] * CD-ROM [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CD-ROM] * Myst [https://www.mobygames.com/game/1223/myst/] * Wii Fit [https://www.mobygames.com/game/34059/wii-fit/] * MobyGames [https://www.mobygames.com/] * To-Gen-Kiko [https://www.mobygames.com/game/112721/to-gen-kiko/] 8: Let’s talk about the mystique of inaccessible games (01:04:24) * Fushigi Yûgi [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fushigi_Y%C3%BBgi] * Atari [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atari] * Atomiswave [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atomiswave] * Dreamcast [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dreamcast] * QAnon [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/QAnon] * George Lucas [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Lucas] LIGHTNING ROUND: Recommendations (01:15:56) * Brandon: Moon Child [https://bsky.app/profile/seven.eurosky.social/post/3mjogzvc6ec2e] * Frank: The Cookie’s Bustle collection at the Video Game History Foundation [https://archive.gamehistory.org/folder/7cfc8743-06e9-495c-8940-c22612a1a9e4?sortField=title&sortDir=asc&showUncatalogedFiles=true] * Ash: Pizza [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pizza] This week’s Insert Credit Show is brought to you by patrons like you [https://www.patreon.com/insertcredit]. Thank you. Subscribe: RSS [https://insertcredit.com/show/rss], YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/insertcreditshow], Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-insert-credit-show/id1651429066], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/6CwWZE5p7vazIV1jrV9hln], and more!