Triple Click
Video games: They’re serious business! Except when they’re not serious at all. Each week on Triple Click, video game experts Kirk Hamilton, Maddy Myers, and Jason Schreier journey into the fascinating world of games. They’ll explore hot topics in video game news and culture, answer burning listener questions, debate the pros and cons of the biggest new games, and replay old classics together.
Thu, April 03, 2025
Jason Played The Switch 2
Thanks to yesterday's Nintendo Direct, we now know a lot more about the Nintendo Switch 2, from the price (high!) to the release date (soon!) to the fact that omg they showed Silksong for three seconds and said it's coming in 2025, which means it MUST come out this year since when has a console maker ever been wrong about when Silksong is coming out??? Also they announced a bunch of other Switch 2-related stuff, and Jason actually attended the press event and played the thing, and Maddy spent all day directing coverage of it, so they got on a zoom call with Kirk to talk about all of it. And then they both went to sleep and Kirk stayed up to edit the episode and write this episode description. One More Thing: Kirk: The Princess Bride (William Goldman) Maddy: The Residence (Netflix) Jason: Saga Frontier 2 LINKS: Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, March 27, 2025
Triple Play: Assassin's Creed Shadows
There's a new Assassin's Creed out, and there's lots to discuss. Kirk, Maddy, and Jason talk about the structure of Assassin's Creed Shadows, the balance between protagonists Naoe and Yasuke, how the game might impact Ubisoft's future, and much more. One More Thing: Kirk: Search Engine with Ira Glass Maddy: Heretic (2024) Jason: Vantage Point (Sara Sligar) LINKS: Featuring excerpts from the AC Shadows soundtrack composed by The Flight and TEKE::TEKE Shogun’s subtitles: https://www.polygon.com/24124644/star-wars-shogun-influence-subtitle-font Polygon’s Heretic interviews: https://www.polygon.com/horror/476433/heretic-ending-explained-by-directorsHeretic’s directors unpack its ambiguous ending Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, March 20, 2025
What Would We Do In The Video Game Industry?
If the Triple Click gang worked in the video game industry, what would they each do? What's it like to pitch a game? And should Steam bring back its Greenlight process to help slow down the barrage of new games every year? This week, it's time for some burning questions! One More Thing: Kirk: Notifications Maddy: We Are Lady Parts Jason: Dead Money (Jakob Kerr) LINKS: “The Writer Will Do Something” by Matthew Seiji Burns and Tom Bissell: https://matthewseiji.itch.io/twwds Arydia: The Paths We Dare Tread https://faroffgames.com/pages/arydia Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, March 13, 2025
Wanderstop, Split Fiction, and More New Games
Video games: they're cool! There are a lot of new games out, so let's talk about them. Games discussed this week: Wanderstop, Expelled, Split Fiction, Rise of the Golden Idol DLC, Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist, Lost Records: Bloom and Rage One More Thing: Kirk: Reacher (Prime Video) Maddy: Paradise (Hulu) Jason: The Corrections (Jonathan Franzen) LINKS: Analysis of duplicated host introductions using spectral analysis: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EQmbU451Ob5rmqKUDAdwAjuSysx7oEvW/view?usp=sharing “The Guilt of the Video Game Millionares” by Simon Parkin for The New Yorker, 2014 https://www.newyorker.com/tech/annals-of-technology/the-guilt-of-the-video-game-millionaires Featuring an excerpt from the Wanderstop theme by C418 Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, March 06, 2025
Triple Play: Monster Hunter Wilds
Kirk, Maddy, and Jason grab their Palicoes and pull out their dual blades for a monster hunt extraordinaire. This week, the gang is talking about Capcom's latest Monster Hunter. They talk about the appeal of the core gameplay loop, the thrill of the combat, and the approachability compared to previous entries. One More Thing: Kirk: The Murderbot Diaries (Martha Wells) Maddy: The Contestant (2023) Jason: Suikoden I&II HD Remaster Gate Rune and Dunan Unification Wars LINKS: Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, February 27, 2025
Why The Video Game Industry Is Struggling
What's with the video game industry? Over the last three years, tens of thousands of jobs have been cut, dozens of studios were shut down and countless projects got canceled. Kirk, Jason, and Maddy break down why and how this is all happening, from flattened console growth to the rise of Fortnite and other Black Hole games like it. One More Thing: Kirk: The Pitt (Max) Maddy: Moonlight Internet Hosting Tool Jason: This is the Tom Green Documentary (Amazon Prime) LINKS: Matthew Ball’s presentation on the state of the video game industry: https://www.matthewball.co/all/stateofvideogaming2025 Chris Hayes on Know Your Enemy talking about attention and his new book The Siren’s Call : https://www.dissentmagazine.org/blog/know-your-enemy-pay-attention/ Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, February 20, 2025
Triple Play: Avowed
The gang takes a deep dive into Obsidian's latest roleplaying game, Avowed. They talk about the crunchy combat, the ramifications of story decisions, and why the exploration works so well. Plus: SNL turns 50! One More Thing: Kirk: Ladies and Gentlemen…. 50 Years of SNL Music (Peacock) Maddy: Priscilla (2023) Jason: Lisa Jewell LINKS: Featuring “Avowed” by Venus Theory and Justin E. Bell Hbomberguy’s “Fallout New Vegas is Genuis, Here’s Why”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzF7aHxk4Y4 Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, February 13, 2025
What's The Deal With: Civilization Games?
Civilization VII is out this week, and it's time to break down Sid Meier's iconic series. Kirk, Jason, and Maddy talk about their favorite games in the franchise, what "4X" actually means, and why Civ games are so appealing to so many people. One More Thing: Kirk: “The Ghosts in the Machine” an excerpt from Mood Machine by Liz Pelly Maddy: ‘ Dragon Age: The Veilguard Just Went From A Good RPG To One Of BioWare’s Most Important Games ’ by Ken Shepard [Spoilers] Jason: Avowed LINKS: “Casual Viewing: Why Netflix Looks Like That” by Will Tavlin for N+1: https://www.nplusonemag.com/issue-49/essays/casual-viewing/ Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, February 06, 2025
And The Winner Of The Console War Is... PC
The console wars are over. The winner? PC gaming! This week, the Triple Click gang gets into Maddy's recent quest to build a new PC and some of their favorite PC building experiences. Then they talk about the recent explosion of PC gaming, what's caused it, and what it might mean for the future of games. One More Thing: Kirk: Demon Copperhead (Barbara Kingsolver) Maddy: Citizen Sleeper 2 Jason: The craziest trade in NBA history LINKS: Featuring “Sleeper” by Amos Roddy from Citizen Sleeper Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, January 30, 2025
Please Let Us Fix Your Video Game Name
Wondering what makes some video game titles good and some bad? Just bring in Triple Click Consulting — we've got you covered. This week, the gang goes through a whole bunch of names and discusses what makes them work and what doesn't, from Balatro to EA Sports FC. One More Thing: Kirk: “All Work and No Play” - Sam Adler-Bell for Dissent , 2021 Maddy: Silo season 2 Jason: You Like It Darker (Stephen King) LINKS: The Know Your Enemy Podcast: https://www.dissentmagazine.org/category/podcast/know-your-enemy/ Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/ A good name should be at least two of: Memorable (vs. Forgettable) Punchy (vs. Floppy) Understandable (vs. Confusing) Enticing (vs. Off-Putting) Surprising (vs. Predictable) (??)
Thu, January 23, 2025
Switch 2: Switch Harder
Nintendo officially announced the Switch 2 last week, and there's oh so much to discuss. Jason, Maddy, and Kirk give their initial impressions of Nintendo's next console, talk about how it will fit into a post-Steam Deck world, and debate whether Mario Kart is any good. Then they talk about PlayStation's failing live-service initiative. Plus: a bonus Burning Question! One More Thing: Kirk: Trap (dir. M. Night Shaymalan) Maddy: Building Outside the Lines (HGTV) Jason: The Puzzle Maker: Cebba’s Odyssey (Steam) LINKS: Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, January 16, 2025
Why Do Games Cost So Much to Make?
How have video game budgets skyrocketed to the hundreds of millions? What are some good video games for elderly people? And is it possible there's a game as good as Balatro out there, but nobody has found it yet? This week, the Triple Click gang opens up the mailbag and takes some of your questions on all sorts of topics. One More Thing: Kirk: Black Doves (Netflix) Maddy: Steam Families Jason: The Roottrees Are Dead LINKS: Excerpts from “Crowning Celebration” by Paul Misko from The Case of the Golden Idol, 2022 and “New Wells of Conformity” by Paul Alexander from Case of the Golden Idol, 2024 Kirk’s new prediction: Death Stranding 2 will feature one (1) of the following people: Sydney Sweeney, Zendaya, Florence Pugh, Timothée Chalomét, Christopher Nolan, Daniel Craig Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, January 09, 2025
Our Predictions for 2025
Jason, Kirk, and Maddy revisit last year's predictions to see what game they'll be playing this year, then go through some new predictions for 2025, from the Nintendo Switch 2 to... new Half-Life? One More Thing: Kirk: Interviewing your friends & family / StoryCorps Maddy: Scorcese double feature (Taxi Driver + King of Comedy) Jason: Encanto (2021) LINKS: StoryCorps: https://storycorps.org/ Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/ 2025 PREDICTIONS KIRK At least one game will be released and then un-released within the year Hollow Knight: Silksong will actually come out Valve will announce a new non-VR Half-Life game The new Nintendo console will have the word "Switch" in the name Conan O'Brien or Geoff Keighley will appear in Death Stranding 2 (either/both) Valve will announce a new Steam controller that's on par with Steam Deck You will be able to "pet the dog" in The Game Awards' GOTY, i.e. the game will have a "pet animal" interact prompt At least two TGA GOTY nominees will be for a studio's first game In the new Fable, you will be able to plant an acorn and have it grow into a tree Square Enix will announce Final Fantasy VII.... Return Bonus: Nintendo will announce they're bringing games to Steam Game: SOMA MADDY A Deadpool video game will get announced The Guillemot family will get pushed out of controlling Ubisoft Metroid Prime 2 + 3 will get remasters released on a Switch in 2025 A full-length film will be screened in Fortnite A game made on Roblox will become a huge hit/phenomenon on the scale of Pokemon Go or Among Us Microsoft/Xbox will remove the requirement for new Xbox games to be able to also run on Xbox Series S Half-Life 3 will be announced Silksong will get a release date announcement that will be “it’s out right now” (which means I am also implicitly predicting Silksong comes out in 2025) There will be two more prominent live service game failures in 2025 in the style of Concord and Suicide Squad Waluigi will figure into a new Mario game Bonus: Half-Life 4 will
Bonus · Thu, January 02, 2025
Triple Quest, Act 3: All Good Things...
It's a race to the top as Leon, Key, and Bing reckon with a ghost from the past... and some imps in the present. Leon makes a surprising discovery. Key takes a big risk. Bing rearranges the furniture. LINKS: Support Triple Click: https://maximumfun.org/join Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, December 26, 2024
Our Favorite Video Games of 2024
It's time for the best games of the year! Kirk, Maddy, and Jason go through 2024's lineup and talk about their favorites. GAME OF THE YEAR: Kirk: Balatro Animal Well Helldivers 2 1000xRESIST Mouthwashing Dragon's Dogma 2 Tactical Breach Wizards Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown Indiana Jones and the Great Circle Maddy: Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree Metaphor: ReFantazio Fields of Mistria Tactical Breach Wizards Balatro Dragon Age: The Veilguard Tales of Kenzera: Zau Animal Well Astro Bot Jason: Animal Well Balatro Final Fantasy VII Rebirth Metaphor ReFantazio Secrets of Grindea Astro Bot Rise of the Golden Idol Ace Attorney Investigations 2 Dragon Quest 3 HD Nine Sols One More Thing: Kirk: Detroiters Maddy: Battle Royale by Koushun Takami Jason: Happy Endings (Hulu) LINKS: Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, December 19, 2024
The Game Awards and Indiana Jones
Jason, Kirk, and Maddy talk about The Game Awards 2024 (and determine the predictions winner) before breaking down Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, the latest game in the whip-cracking, fedora-wearing archeologist's adventures. They talk about the puzzles, the fist-fighting, and which parts of the game belong in a museum. One More Thing: Kirk: Thank Goodness You’re Here! (PC + Consoles) Maddy: Drumline (2002) Jason: Say Nothing (Patrick Radden Keefe) LINKS: Featuring Excerpts from “Intergalactic” by The Beastie Boys from Hello Nasty, 1998, and “Raiders March” by John Williams from Raiders of the Lost Ark, 1981 Smack Barm Pey Wet: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_fid-RMAm4U Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, December 12, 2024
Gaming's Biggest Night (Since The Last One)
Finally, it's time for gaming's biggest night. Kirk, Maddy, and Jason go through each category at the 2024 Game Awards, from Game of the Year to Content Creator of the Year, and make their predictions. They talk about the biggest snubs, what they expect, and which game announcements they hope to see. One More Thing: Kirk: A Man on the Inside (Netflix) Maddy: Scream (2022) Jason: The Diplomat (Netflix) LINKS: Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, December 05, 2024
What's the Deal With: Dungeons & Dragons?
Grab your D20 and roll initiative — it's time to talk Dungeons & Dragons. Inspired by their recent Triple Quest journey, the gang talks about their experiences playing with Matthew Mercer this year. They also get into their personal D&D histories, the game's recent surge of popularity, and how Baldur's Gate 3 has impacted it all. One More Thing: Kirk: Mouthwashing (PC/Steam) Maddy: Infinity Nikki Jason: Secrets of Grindea LINKS: Luke Winkie’s 2023 interview with Matt Mercer: https://slate.com/life/2023/08/dungeons-dragons-critical-role-matthew-mercer-twitch.html Mages and Murderdads: https://rangedtouch.com/mages-murderdads/ Jason on Secrets of Grindea: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2024-05-31/-secrets-of-grindea-the-hit-indie-video-game-that-took-13-years-to-make Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Bonus · Tue, December 03, 2024
Triple Quest, Act 2: Entering and Breaking
On part two of Triple Quest, the trio visits the library. Leon and Luther take their relationship to the next level. Bing plays some piano. Key gets into pottery. LINKS: Support Triple Click: https://maximumfun.org/join Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, November 28, 2024
STALKER 2, Rise of the Golden Idol, and More
It's a Thanksgiving cornucopia full of video games as the Triple Click gang talks about what they've been playing. They discuss Rise of the Golden Idol, STALKER 2, Loco Motive, and Tactical Breach Wizards. Plus: spatchcocking! One More Thing: Kirk: Slow Horses (Mick Herron) Maddy: Les Miserables (2012) Jason: Thanksgiving LINKS: Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, November 21, 2024
How to Make Friends and Have Better Conversations
You all asked for advice, so here it is! Kirk, Maddy, and Jason open up the mailbag for a special Burning Questions all about life advice. They talk about how to make friends as adults, how to have better conversations, how to convince your children to cook with you and much more. One More Thing: Kirk: Echo Point Nova Maddy: Scream 2 + 3 Jason: Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake LINKS: Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, November 14, 2024
Triple Play: Dragon Age: The Veilguard
Kirk and Maddy have played a lot of Dragon Age: The Veilguard! Jason... well, Jason can just listen. The gang talks about BioWare's latest RPG and how much it changes after the first few hours, mostly for the better. One More Thing: Kirk: City Cast Maddy: Evil Men (podcast) Jason: Rise of the Golden Idol LINKS: Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, November 07, 2024
Metaphor, Dragon Age, and What Makes a Great RPG Party
Triple Click gathers their party for a discussion of ensemble casts. They talk about Metaphor: ReFantazio, Dragon Age: The Veilguard, and other RPGs this year to analyze the strengths and weaknesses of each game's party. No, not that party. The other one. One More Thing: Kirk: Black Ops IIIIII Maddy: Metaphor: ReFantazio Jason: The Unseen World (Liz Moore) LINKS: Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, October 31, 2024
What's The Deal With: Dragon Age?
For the first time in ten years, a new Dragon Age is out this week. Maddy and Jason give some quick impressions on Dragon Age: The Veilguard, then get into overall series discussion with Kirk. The three of them talk about the long shadow of Origins, how the series has evolved over the years, and why people love Dragon Age characters so much. One More Thing: Kirk: The Legend of Vox Machina (Prime Video) Maddy: Scream (1996) Jason: We Solve Murders (Richard Osman) LINKS: Kirk’s 2014 Dragon Age lore explainer: https://kotaku.com/a-beginners-guide-to-all-things-dragon-age-1658487212 Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Bonus · Wed, October 30, 2024
Triple Quest, Act 1: The Call of Adventure
Bing, Leon, and Key hear from an old friend. A tchotchke seller has an unexpected windfall. Thornhold's friendliest guard makes some new acquaintances. Listen to Act Two right now by becoming a member at maximumfun.org/join . SCHEDULE: Triple Quest will be told in three acts, along with a "session zero" planning session. All episodes will be published to the members-only feed first, and will hit the main feed a month later. Part One and the planning session will debut at the end of September. Parts Two and Three will debut at the ends of October and November, respectively. LINKS: Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Bonus · Wed, October 30, 2024
Triple Quest: Planning and Character Creation
Maddy, Jason and Kirk sit down with guest game master Matthew Mercer to roll their characters and plan out the coming adventure. Listen to Act Two right now by becoming a member at maximumfun.org/join . SCHEDULE: Triple Quest will be told in three acts, along with a "session zero" planning session. All episodes will be published to the members-only feed first, and will hit the main feed a month later. Part One and the planning session will debut at the end of September. Parts Two and Three will debut at the ends of October and November, respectively. LINKS: Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, October 24, 2024
What Do You Do About That One Jerk In Chat?
How do you handle that one jerk in your gaming group? What games are good for each season? And what don't Kirk, Jason, and Maddy agree on? This week, we're opening up the mailbag for your burning questions on all that and much more. One More Thing: Kirk: I Am Your Beast (PC/Steam) Maddy: The “I Hate Bill Maher” podcast Jason: Sunderfolk LINKS: The New York Times on Xalavier Nelson Jr: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/22/arts/xalavier-nelson-strange-scaffold.html Jason’s Bloomberg interview with Mike Morhaime: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/videos/2024-10-10/dreamhaven-s-morhaime-on-creating-games-that-connect-and-the-next-hit Luke Plunkett on replaying Bully in 2024: https://aftermath.site/bully-rockstar-pc-steam Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, October 17, 2024
Triple Play: Metaphor: ReFantazio
Jason, Kirk, and Maddy take a deep dive into Metaphor: ReFantazio, the new game from a team of former Persona directors at Atlus. They talk about Metaphor's gameplay, its similarities to (and differences from) Persona 5, and what they like and don't like about this stylish new RPG. One More Thing: Kirk: Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024) Maddy: Agatha All Along Jason: LOST (2004) LINKS: Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, October 10, 2024
Triple Play: Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
Maddy, Jason, and Kirk conjure echoes of themselves to record a podcast and then sit back and eat some chips. It's time to talk The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom! One More Thing: Kirk: Delicious in Dungeon (Netflix) Maddy: Elsbeth [Paramount+] Jason: Metaphor: ReFantazio LINKS: Featuring excerpts from the Echoes of Wisdom score and “Sleep Walking Orchestra” by BUMP OF CHICKEN from Delicious in Dungeon Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Bonus · Mon, October 07, 2024
EXCERPT: Play Nice: The Rise, Fall, and Future of Blizzard Entertainment
Here's a special treat — the first chapter of Jason Schreier's PLAY NICE: The Rise, Fall, and Future of Blizzard Entertainment, read by Ray Chase and free for all Triple Click listeners. You can buy the audiobook right here: https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/jason-schreier/play-nice/9781668639818/
Thu, October 03, 2024
The Rise and Fall of Blizzard Entertainment
How did Blizzard transform from one of the most beloved game companies on the planet into a shell of itself? This week, Maddy and Kirk probe Jason about his new book — PLAY NICE: The Rise, Fall, and Future of Blizzard Entertainment (out October 8) — which chronicles the 33-year history of the company behind Warcraft, StarCraft, Overwatch, and Diablo. They talk about Blizzard's string of corporate parent companies, the development struggles of Overwatch 2, the wild story of Blizzard North, and much more. One More Thing: Kirk: Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster Maddy: XBPlay Jason: The Afterparty season 2 LINKS: Preorder Jason’s Book! https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/jason-schreier/play-nice/9781538725429/ Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, September 26, 2024
UFO 50, Tactical Breach Wizards, and More Indie Games
A ton of indie games have come out over the last few weeks and months, so it's time for a roundup! Jason, Maddy, and Kirk talk about UFO 50 (which is really 50 games in one), Arranger, The Operator, Tactical Breach Wizards, and The Plucky Squire. Some they like... some they don't! One More Thing: Kirk: Apple TV Maddy: Crime Scene Cleaner Jason: The NFL preseason LINKS: Preorder Jason’s Book! https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/jason-schreier/play-nice/9781538725429/ Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Trailer · Mon, September 23, 2024
Announcing: Triple Quest
We're doing something pretty cool.
Thu, September 19, 2024
PS5 Pro, Annapurna Exodus, And Concord's Demise
It's time for some news! The Triple Click gang gathers to talk about the newly announced PS5 Pro ($700!), the Annapurna Interactive exodus, and the tragic demise of Concord, a game that lasted less than two weeks. One More Thing: Kirk: Rebel Ridge (2024, Netflix) Maddy: Nimona (2023, Netflix) Jason: Fleishman Is In Trouble (Taffy Brodesser-Akner) LINKS: The (really good!) NYT article about Ezra Edelman’s lost Netflix Prince documentary: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/08/magazine/prince-netflix-ezra-edelman-documentary.html Preorder Jason’s Book! https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/jason-schreier/play-nice/9781538725429/ Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, September 12, 2024
Astro Bot Is Delightful
The new PlayStation 5 exclusive Astro Bot is an extraordinary platformer, one that just continues to surprise and delight Jason, Maddy, and Kirk. The gang talks about their favorite moments, what makes a platformer feel good, and whether all those PlayStation references might be a little much. One More Thing: Kirk: Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga Maddy: The Fall Guy (2024) Jason: The God of the Woods (Liz Moore) LINKS: Oli Welsh’s Astro Bot review: https://www.polygon.com/review/447564/astro-bot-review Jason’s interview with the game’s director: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2024-09-06/playstation-s-astro-bot-is-a-model-for-the-video-game-industry?srnd=undefined Featuring excerpts from “Astro Bot,” “Crash Site,” and “Disco Tree” by Kenneth CM Young from Astro Bot, 2024 Preorder Jason’s Book! https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/jason-schreier/play-nice/9781538725429/ Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, September 05, 2024
Triple Play: Star Wars Outlaws
Kirk, Maddy, and Jason grab their blasters and hop on their speeder bikes for a trip to Star Wars Outlaws, the latest game in a galaxy far, far away. They talk about what they like, what they don't like, and break down the Star Wars-iness of it all. One More Thing: Kirk: StReam Deck Maddy: Love Lies Bleeding (2024) Jason: Ace Attorney Investigations Collection LINKS: Featuring excerpts from “Star Wars” by John Williams from Star Wars and “Kay Vess, Outlaw” and “The Trailblazer” by Wilbert Roget II from Star Wars Outlaws Preorder Jason’s Book! https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/jason-schreier/play-nice/9781538725429/ Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, August 29, 2024
How Should Video Game Companies Be Run?
What's the best way to run a video game company? Do people care less about graphics these days? And did Maddy get a say in the Polygon redesign? It's time to answer some burning questions! One More Thing: Kirk: A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder (Netflix) Maddy: 5-4 podcast Jason: Star Wars Outlaws LINKS: Ethan failing every QTE in Heavy Rain’s best chase scene: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSTYpaRp5kQ Preorder Jason’s Book! https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/jason-schreier/play-nice/9781538725429/ Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, August 22, 2024
We Finish Resident Evil 2 Remake
Jason, Maddy, and Kirk finish up their playthrough of Resident Evil 2 Remake. They talk about their second run through the game (as Leon this time), that big, beautiful police station, and that truck driver at the end... which, like, what? One More Thing: Kirk: Godzilla Minus One Maddy: Fields of Mistria Jason: Deadpool & Wolverine (2024) LINKS: Preorder Jason’s Book! https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/jason-schreier/play-nice/9781538725429/ Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, August 15, 2024
How Are Games Made By One Person So Good?
How can video games made by a single person surpass $200 million AAA beasts? What are some weird things that have happened to the Triple Click gang because of games? And has the era of paid expansions come to an end? This week, Kirk, Jason, and Maddy answer listener questions! One More Thing: Kirk: Mistborn (Sanderson) Maddy: Hacks Jason: The Bright Sword (Lev Grossman) LINKS: Featuring an excerpt from the Balatro theme by LouisF Ben Abraham’s “Permanent Death,” a 2009 permadeath run through Far Cry 2: https://drgamelove.blogspot.com/2009/12/permanent-death-complete-saga.html Preorder Jason’s Book! https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/jason-schreier/play-nice/9781538725429/ Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, August 08, 2024
Video Game Maps!
The Triple Click gang puts on their cartography monocles and mulls over the eternal question of what makes for a video game map? They talk about what they like and don't like in the maps of games like Resident Evil 2 and Elden Ring, what maps say about our relationship with games, and the joy of exploring! One More Thing: Kirk: Steamworld Heist II Maddy: Dream Scenario (2023) Jason: Red Dead's History (Tore C. Olsson) LINKS: Preorder Jason’s Book! https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/jason-schreier/play-nice/9781538725429/ Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, August 01, 2024
Triple Play: Resident Evil 2 (2019)
Kirk won last year's predictions bet, so it's time to play the Resident Evil 2 remake! The Triple Click gang makes their way through the police station, gets chased by Mr. X, and screams a lot of obscenities in a gross sewer. One More Thing: Kirk: The Operator Maddy: The Lord of the Rings Extended Editions Jason: Long Island Compromise (Taffy Brodesser-Akner) LINKS: https://www.polygon.com/lord-of-the-rings/22811800/gollum-lord-of-the-rings-actor-andy-serkis-weta-digital Preorder Jason’s Book! https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/jason-schreier/play-nice/9781538725429/ Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, July 25, 2024
Cheating In A Video Game
When is it OK to cheat in a video game? When is it not OK? This week, the Triple Click gang ponders all things cheating, from codes to mods, and talks about the ethical dilemmas (or lack thereof) when it comes to altering the intended experience in a video game. One More Thing: Kirk: Twister (1996) Maddy: Suicide Squad Isekai Jason: Blink 182 (Live at Citi Field) LINKS: You Are Good’s Twister episode: https://www.podpage.com/you-are-good/twister-w-niko-stratis/ Preorder Jason’s Book! https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/jason-schreier/play-nice/9781538725429/ Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Bonus · Thu, July 18, 2024
The Games That Shaped Our Childhoods
In this bonus episode, Kirk, Jason and Maddy each picked five games that played a formative role in their development as little lower-case “g" gamers. And then they talked about them! KIRK: TMNT: Fall of the Foot Clan (1990) Kings Quest VI: Heir Today, Gone Tomorrow (1992) Quest For Glory IV: Shadows of Darkness (1993) The 7th Guest (1993) Magic: The Gathering (1993) MADDY: Tetris (1989) Super Mario Land 2: Six Golden Coins (1992) The Oregon Trail Deluxe (1992) Myst (1993) Doom (1993) JASON: Zork Zero (1988) Final Fantasy IV (1991) Warcraft II:Tides of Darkness (1995) Evergrace (2000) Aliens vs. Predator MUD (1997) ------------ Featuring musical excerpts from Tetris (Russian trad.) and Quest for Glory IV: Shadows of Darkness (Aubrey Hodges) Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, July 11, 2024
Our Favorite (Bad) Movie Tie-In Games
Who makes money when a game is sold but its developer has shut down? What otherwise good behaviors might tank creative projects? And what are the best (bad) movie tie-in games? This week, the gang opens up the mailbag to take some of your excellent questions. One More Thing: Kirk: Elantris (Brandon Sanderson) Maddy: Selaco Jason: Final Fantasy XIV LINKS: Jason’s Suicide Squad Story: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-06-06/-suicide-squad-warner-bros-s-200-million-flop-haunts-the-gaming-industry Jason's Hironobu Sakaguchi interview: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2024-07-03/-final-fantasy-creator-hironobu-sakaguchi-reunites-with-square-enix?srnd=technology-vp Riley MacLeod’s Aftermath article about the Dr. Disrespect story: https://aftermath.site/dr-disrespect-allegations-twitch-journalism X-Men Arcade Game Source Material, “Pryde of the X-Men”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBI8GIjf5HA Luke Plunnkett on Chuds and Star Wars: The Acolyte: https://aftermath.site/the-acolyte-star-wars-controversy-ratings-this-is-all-terrible IGN article by Matt Kim about Asian representation and Assassin’s Creed Shadows: https://www.ign.com/articles/assassins-creed-shadows-yasuke-asian-protagonist Writing Tools by Roy Peter Clark How To Write One Song by Jeff Tweedy Preorder Jason’s Book! https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/jason-schreier/play-nice/9781538725429/ Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, July 04, 2024
We're Still Obsessed With Elden Ring's DLC
It's time to revisit Elden Ring... again. Kirk, Maddy, and Jason are still obsessed with Shadow of the Erdtree (or should we say Scadu of the Erdtree?) and its sprawling new regions and dungeons. They talk about why they're captivated, what makes its level design so great, and those pesky quests that will lock you out if you breathe on them wrong. One More Thing: Kirk: 1000xResist (Switch and PC) Maddy: Master Chef Junior Jason: Real Americans [Rachel Khong] LINKS: Preorder Jason’s Book! https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/jason-schreier/play-nice/9781538725429/ Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, June 27, 2024
Triple Play: Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree
Kirk, Jason, and Maddy put on their finest Tarnished gear and get ready for a trip to the Shadow Realm. How does Elden Ring's big expansion compare to the base game? What's it like to revisit the game in 2024? And is it really too difficult? One More Thing: Kirk: Hit Man (2024, Netflix) Maddy: Butterfly In The Sky (Reading Rainbow documentary) Jason: Babel (R.F. Kuang) LINKS: Kirk’s Dragon Age Explainer: https://kotaku.com/a-beginners-guide-to-all-things-dragon-age-1658487212 Preorder Jason’s Book! https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/jason-schreier/play-nice/9781538725429/ Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, June 20, 2024
Playable Zelda, Metroid Prime 4, And More Big News
Kirk, Jason, and Maddy unwind from this year's not-E3 by getting back into it. They talk about the big Xbox showcase, the big Nintendo showcase, and some of the embargoed games they saw at Summer Games Fest, such as Dragon Age: The Veilguard and Star Wars Outlaws. One More Thing: Kirk: Tactical Breach Wizards Maddy: Valorant (new Xbox port) Jason: The Spectacular Failure of the Star Wars Hotel (Jenny Nicholson) LINKS: IGN story on development of Perfect Dark: https://www.ign.com/articles/xboxs-perfect-dark-reboot-is-still-years-away Cory Doctorow’s “enshittification” essay: https://pluralistic.net/2023/01/21/potemkin-ai/#hey-guys Preorder Jason’s Book! https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/jason-schreier/play-nice/9781538725429/ Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, June 13, 2024
LIVE from Summer Game(s) Fest in Los Angeles!
LIVE FROM LOS ANGELES... it's Maddy, Jason, and Kirk! The gang talks about what we all saw at Summer Game Fest, what they played, and how much they miss E3. Plus: audience Q&A! One More Thing: Kirk: Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth Maddy: Dune Part Two Jason: Holly (Stephen King) GAMES DISCUSSED Civilization VII Monster Hunter Wilds Heartworm Dragon Age: The Veilguard WanderStop Metaphor: ReFantazio Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves UFO 50 Arranger Building Relationships Stormgate & Battle Aces SpinRhythm XD Slitterhead Alan Wake II: Night Springs LINKS: Preorder Jason’s Book! https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/jason-schreier/play-nice/9781538725429/ Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, June 06, 2024
A Guide To Summer Games Fest 2024
It's time for not-E3 — aka Summer Games Fest — where the video game industry will once again convene on Los Angeles for a week full of game demos, trailers, and exciting reveals. Well... sort of. This week, the Triple Click gang talks about their hopes, expectations, and predictions for the weekend ahead. Plus: don't miss Triple Click live in Los Angeles! One More Thing: Kirk: Crow Country Maddy: My inflatable kayak Jason: The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley LINKS: Oli Welsh on the death of console exclusives: https://www.polygon.com/24166647/aaa-exclusive-games-are-dead-playstation-xbox-multiplatform Triple Click LIVE in LA! Saturday, June 8, 6:30PM at the Teragram Ballroom: https://teragramballroom.com/tm-event/triple-click-podcast/ Preorder Jason’s Book! https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/jason-schreier/play-nice/9781538725429/ Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, May 30, 2024
Why Are There No Pregnant Video Game Characters?
Where are all the pregnant video game NPCs? What happens when you grow out of a video game genre? And what's it like to be both friends and professional podcast coworkers? This week, the Triple Click gang opens up the mailbag for some wacky listener questions, and confesses that they're actually all secretly enemies. One More Thing: Kirk: Ed Wood (1994) Maddy: Elden Ring Jason: Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door (Remake) LINKS: Kirk's 2018 Kotaku piece "Real Guns, Virtual Guns, and Me" Jason's interview with Jake Solomon: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2024-05-14/game-makers-at-midsummer-studios-look-to-take-on-the-sims Lorelei and the Laser Tampon: https://www.polygon.com/gaming/24162613/lorelei-and-the-laser-eyes-tampon-why-reason-item Shadow of the Erdtree Miyazaki interview: https://www.famitsu.com/news/202402/22335199.html Triple Click LIVE in LA! Saturday, June 8, 6:30PM at the Teragram Ballroom: https://teragramballroom.com/tm-event/triple-click-podcast/ Preorder Jason’s Book! https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/jason-schreier/play-nice/9781538725429/ Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, May 23, 2024
Diablo 4 Reborn, Assassin's Creed Racism, And Much More
Kirk is back and there's much to discuss. This week, the gang does a lightning round of topics, from the fallout of the Xbox shutdowns to Assassin's Creed racism and Hades 2 and the plethora of other killer indie games that have come out this year. One More Thing: Kirk: Lois McMaster Bujold’s fantasy novels (The Curse of Chalion (2001), Paladin of Souls (2003), The Sharing Knife (2006-9)) Maddy: Hades 1 Jason: The Lost Shtetl (Max Gross) LINKS: Featuring an excerpt from “The Crossroads” by Darren Korb from Hades 2 Triple Click LIVE in LA! Saturday, June 8, 6:30PM at the Teragram Ballroom: https://teragramballroom.com/tm-event/triple-click-podcast/ Preorder Jason’s Book! https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/jason-schreier/play-nice/9781538725429/ Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, May 16, 2024
Triple Play: Animal Well (with Russ Frushtick)
Animal Well is one of the best video game surprises in recent memory, and we'll be talking about it for years. This week Jason, Maddy, and special guest Russ Frushtick (Polygon, The Besties) give their impressions of the game in three increasingly obsessive phases. One More Thing: Maddy: Doppelganger by Naomi Klein (she finished it!) Jason: Minishoot Adventures LINKS: Russ's gaming podcast The Besties and his Polygon review of Animal Well Triple Click LIVE in LA! Saturday, June 8, 6:30PM at the Teragram Ballroom: https://teragramballroom.com/tm-event/triple-click-podcast/ Preorder Jason’s Book! https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/jason-schreier/play-nice/9781538725429/ Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, May 09, 2024
Xbox Mess, Helldivers Debacle, And Hades 2
Kirk is out this week, so Jason and Maddy convene to talk about a grab bag full of topics including the Xbox mess, the Helldivers 2 debacle, and two games they're really enjoying: Hades 2 and Animal Well. One More Thing: Maddy: Master Chef Jason: Demon Copperhead (Barbara Kingsolver) LINKS: Triple Click LIVE in LA! Saturday, June 8, 6:30PM at the Teragram Ballroom: https://teragramballroom.com/tm-event/triple-click-podcast/ Preorder Jason’s Book! https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/jason-schreier/play-nice/9781538725429/ Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, May 02, 2024
Is Nostalgia A Good Thing?
Jason's been playing Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes, a game that feels a lot like Suikoden, which made the Triple Click gang wonder: how does nostalgia impact our enjoyment of video games? Can it make games better? Worse? Both at once? Let's discuss! One More Thing: Kirk: Fiasco (Jason Morningstar) Maddy: Hades 2 technical test Jason: Girls5eva LINKS: Triple Click LIVE in LA! Saturday, June 8, 6:30PM at the Teragram Ballroom: https://teragramballroom.com/tm-event/triple-click-podcast/ Preorder Jason’s Book! https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/jason-schreier/play-nice/9781538725429/ Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, April 25, 2024
How To Make Good Video Game Lore
When is video game lore good? When is it bad? This week, the Triple Click gang talks about Skyrim books, Elden Ring item descriptions, Destiny guns, and all the other delectable morsels of plot that exist underneath the stories of video games. One More Thing: Kirk: Heavenly Creatures (1994) Maddy: Tales of Kenzera: Zau Jason: Eiyuden Chronicles LINKS: Mossbag’s Hollow Knight Lore video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0XDiWYFGGqY Triple Click LIVE in LA! Saturday, June 8, 6:30PM at the Teragram Ballroom: https://teragramballroom.com/tm-event/triple-click-podcast/ Preorder Jason’s Book! https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/jason-schreier/play-nice/9781538725429/ Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, April 18, 2024
What's The Deal With: Stardew Valley
Eight years after it first came out, Stardew Valley is still getting patches. But what's the deal with this one-man-developed farming simulator? How was it created, and what makes it so appealing? Allow us to explain! One More Thing: Kirk: Children of the Sun (Steam) Maddy: Wingspan (board game version) Jason: Fallout (Amazon Prime) LINKS: Search Engine: “What are we gonna do about all these cats?” https://pjvogt.substack.com/p/whatre-we-gonna-do-about-all-these Triple Click LIVE in LA! Saturday, June 8, 6:30PM at the Teragram Ballroom: https://teragramballroom.com/tm-event/triple-click-podcast/ Preorder Jason’s Book! https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/jason-schreier/play-nice/9781538725429/ Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, April 11, 2024
Are Video Games Really A Waste Of Time?
It's the 200th episode of Triple Click, and to celebrate, it's time for a mailbag! The gang answers listener questions such as "could we ever see gambling in video games?" and "are games really a waste of time?" One More Thing: Kirk: “Behind F1’s Velvet Curtain” by Kate Wagner Maddy: Sailor Moon Jason: The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels by Janice Hallett LINKS: “Behind F1’s Velvet Curtain” by Kate Wagner, preserved in archive form: https://web.archive.org/web/20240301170542/https://www.roadandtrack.com/car-culture/a46975496/behind-f1-velvet-curtain/ and at Escape Collective: https://escapecollective.com/behind-f1s-velvet-curtain/ Triple Click LIVE in LA! Saturday, June 8, 6:30PM at the Teagram Ballroom: https://teragramballroom.com/tm-event/triple-click-podcast/ Preorder Jason’s Book! https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/jason-schreier/play-nice/9781538725429/ Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, April 04, 2024
Dragon's Dogma 2 Makes Friction Fun
What is "friction" in video games? We've got a taxonomy, of course! This week, the Triple Click gang talks about how Dragon Dogma 2 tries to push players away, the necessity of video game friction, and what it means when a game is impenetrable. One More Thing: Kirk: Girls5Eva (Netflix) Maddy: The Holdovers (2024) Jason: Secrets of Grindea LINKS: Triple Click LIVE in LA! Saturday, June 8, 6:30PM at the Teagram Ballroom: https://teragramballroom.com/tm-event/triple-click-podcast/ Tim Rogers’ “In Praise of Sticky Friction,” 2010 https://kotaku.com/in-praise-of-sticky-friction-555816 Preorder Jason’s Book! https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/jason-schreier/play-nice/9781538725429/ Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/ Kirk’s Three Types of Video Game Friction Mechanical Friction: Relating to inputs and interaction. i.e. kinesthetics, “game feel” Certain moves require complex inputs or timing Beating a boss means not just attacking but reacting/countering Combat’s relationship to animation, e.g. locked animation means you can't interrupt attacks and dodge whenever you want No jump button, you have to use the world to get vertical advantage (souls, monster hunter) Enemies can stagger or stun-lock you just like you can them Stamina bar limits the number of chained inputs you can give Delay on spellcasting means relying on teammates to provide cover Slow or complex reloads with modifiers, minigames for healing, sub-inputs required while in the heat of action (stratagems, active reload, far cry healing animations, etc) "Sticky Friction" (TM Tim Rogers) - inertia, weight, acceleration, the feel and heft of movement and interaction tied to pause/delay/rhythm and animation Logistical Friction: Relating to planning, (in)flexibility, the need to prepare Customization is costly or difficult. e.g. to change classes or appearance, you have to go see a vendor in a town There's limited fast travel, so you have to plan trips carefully. Or can only travel from certain points on map The ga
Thu, March 28, 2024
We Seriously Can't Stop Playing Balatro
Balatro is one of the best games of 2024 so far — and certainly the most addictive. This week, the Triple Click gang dives into the new poker roguelike and dissects what makes it so great. They talk about the three phases of Balatro players, the appeal of randomness, and the thrill of this game's parade of interesting decisions. One More Thing: Kirk: Dragon’s Dogma 2 Maddy: Princess Peach Showtime! Jason: The Last Murder at the End of the World (Stuart Turton) LINKS: Preorder Jason’s Book! https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/jason-schreier/play-nice/9781538725429/ Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, March 21, 2024
How Do You Know When A Game Should Be Canceled?
Happy MaxFunDrive! This week, the Triple Click gang opens up the mailbag and takes some listener questions: Are libraries ethical? How bad will ads in video games get? And when does a game developer know if it's time to cancel a project? One More Thing: Kirk: FF7 Rebirth Piano Minigame & Music Notation Maddy: Shogun Jason: Dragon’s Dogma 2 LINKS: Hearthstone’s Ben Brode on Search Engine: https://pjvogt.substack.com/p/how-do-you-make-an-addictive-video Tantacrul’s incredibly good video about music notation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eq3bUFgEcb4 Preorder Jason’s Book! https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/jason-schreier/play-nice/9781538725429/ Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, March 14, 2024
Triple Play: Helldivers 2
Jason, Maddy, and Kirk pull up their strategem monitors and dive into Helldivers 2. They share their favorite memeable moments, talk about the game's unique story, and dive into what does and doesn't work about the hit new game. One More Thing: Kirk: Home Safety Hotline (PC) Maddy: The Insurrectionist Next Door (2023) Jason: Unicorn Overlord (Current Consoles) LINKS: Featuring Johan Lindgren’s Helldivers 2 theme Joel the game master: https://www.pcgamer.com/we-have-an-actual-person-with-the-title-of-game-master-a-single-helldivers-2-dev-named-joel-is-pulling-the-strings-on-its-galactic-war-like-an-all-powerful-dandd-dungeon-master-war-will-become-more-and-more-sophisticated-over-time/ Preorder Jason’s Book! https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/jason-schreier/play-nice/9781538725429/ Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, March 07, 2024
A Deeper Look At Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
Kirk, Maddy, and Jason travel back in time and make their way up Mt. Nibel for a deeper look at the stellar Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, a game about traveling the world and playing animal soccer. One More Thing: Kirk: Our Last Best Hope (Magpie Games) Maddy: True Detective: Night Country (Max) Jason: The Dynasty (by Jeff Benedict) LINKS: Preorder Jason’s Book! https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/jason-schreier/play-nice/9781538725429/ Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, February 29, 2024
Triple Play: Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
Kirk, Maddy, and Jason return to the world of buster swords and moogles to hunt Sephiroth, trying not to get too distracted by all the minigames along the way. It's time for Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, the sequel to Final Fantasy VII Remake. How good is it? Let's discuss! One More Thing: Kirk: Oppenheimer in 70mm Maddy: True Detective S3 Jason: Balatro LINKS: Preorder Jason’s Book! https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/jason-schreier/play-nice/9781538725429/ Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, February 22, 2024
What's Going On With Xbox?
Xbox recently announced plans to bring four games to PlayStation and Switch. But why? What's Microsoft's gaming strategy? And why are they even bothering to keep selling consoles? The Triple Click gang discusses. One More Thing: Kirk: Helldivers 2 (PS5, PC) Maddy: Doppelganger: A Trip into the Mirror World (Naomi Klein) Jason: Everyone On This Train Is A Suspect (Benjamin Stevenson) LINKS: Preorder Jason’s Book! https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/jason-schreier/play-nice/9781538725429/ Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, February 15, 2024
God of War, Last of Us, And Other Roguelikes
It's time to analyze roguelikes — the latest trend sweeping games from God of War to The Last of Us — as Kirk, Jason, and Maddy get ready to dive into a dungeon full of random levels, cool weapons, and permadeath. One More Thing: Kirk: Scavenger’s Reign (Max) Maddy: King of the Hill Jason: Super Bowl 58 LINKS: “Grounded II: The Making of The Last of Us Part 2”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SC3C7GMMfDU Preorder Jason’s Book! https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/jason-schreier/play-nice/9781538725429/ Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, February 08, 2024
Suicide Squad: Kill The Live Service Games
The Triple Click gang takes a look at Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, the latest game from Rocksteady Studios and a new entry into the oversaturated "live service" market. They talk about why publishers love service games, superhero fatigue, and how this new Suicide Squad game came to be. One More Thing: Kirk: Mr. and Mrs. Smith (2024) (Amazon Prime) Maddy: True Detective S2 (HBO) Jason: Play Nice: The Rise, Fall, and Future of Blizzard Entertainment (Jason Schreier) LINKS: Preorder Jason’s Book! https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/jason-schreier/play-nice/9781538725429/ Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, February 01, 2024
Why There Are So Many Video Game Layoffs
Xbox laid off nearly two thousand people last week. Before that, Riot laid off hundreds more. Why does this keep happening, and how does it affect people's lives? This week, Jason, Kirk, and Maddy talk about the video game layoff epidemic and try to pinpoint the causes and effects. One More Thing: Kirk: One Piece (Netflix) Maddy: True Detective S1-S2 Jason: Cultish (Amanda Montell) LINKS: Ezra Klein on the hollowing out of media: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/21/opinion/pitchfork-gq-internet-media.html With an excerpt from Netflix’s One Piece theme by Sonya Belousova and Giona Ostinelli Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, January 25, 2024
What's The Deal With: Ace Attorney
We have no objections to Ace Attorney, Capcom's brilliant series about lawyers attacking each other with dangerous weapons. To celebrate this week's release of the Apollo Justice collection (aka: Ace Attorney 4-6), the gang explains why this adventure game series is so appealing, from the zany courtroom antics to the truly absurd animations. One More Thing: Kirk: Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (2023) Maddy: Tiny Shoulders: Rethinking Barbie (2018) Jason: Palworld LINKS: Bloomberg article about Palworld: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-01-22/what-is-palworld-pokemon-like-game-with-guns-goes-viral-irks-nintendo-fans?srnd=undefined Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, January 18, 2024
Prince of Persia Is 2024's First Great Game
Less than three weeks into 2024, we've already discovered what will likely be one of the year's best games: Ubisoft's Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, which the gang is loving. Maddy, Jason, and Kirk talk about the new game's satisfying platforming, the time-twisting story, and how it feels a whole lot like Hollow Knight. One More Thing: Kirk: Guitar Zero: The Science of Becoming Musical at Any Age by Gary Marcus Maddy: Liftoff by Casey Johnston Jason: Battle of Ink and Ice by Darrell Hartman LINKS: Maddy’s Prince of Persia review: https://www.polygon.com/24033589/prince-of-persia-the-lost-crown-review-ubisoft-switch Featuring excerpts from the Lost Crown soundtrack by Gareth Coker and Mentrix Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, January 11, 2024
Can A Video Game Really Last Ten Years?
Jason, Maddy, and Kirk open up the mailbag to answer listener questions on all sorts of things. Why do games like Skull & Bones languish in development hell forever? What makes Chants of Sennaar such a bad name? And, uh, what's the best investment advice? One More Thing: Kirk: Fargo Seasons 4 and 5 (FX/Hulu) Maddy: A Little To The Left Jason: I hate advertisements LINKS: Reddit Personal Finance https://www.reddit.com/r/personalfinance/wiki/commontopics “Fargo Season 5 Theme” by Jeff Russo A Little to the Left Screenshots: https://bsky.app/profile/midimyers.com/post/3kib5xfds3g23 Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, January 04, 2024
Our Predictions For 2024
What will this next year bring? And what does it mean for gaming? Kirk, Maddy, and Jason go over last year's predictions to see who won the big bet, then throw down some hot new declarations for what's to come in 2024. One More Thing: Kirk: Learning to Play Piano When There Is No Recital, by Kelsey McKinney Maddy: Dark Souls Jason: Ace Attorney 4: Apollo Justice LINKS: Chris Dahlen’s excellent 2012 essay about Dark Souls: https://kotaku.com/what-dark-souls-is-really-all-about-5874599 Kelsey McKinney’s essay “Learning To Play Piano Where There Is No Recital”: https://defector.com/learning-to-play-piano-when-there-is-no-recital Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/ PREDICTIONS KIRK The new Nintendo console will have "Switch" in the name Ubisoft will be acquired REDACTED will still die in FFXVII Rebirth An indie game (small team) will win GOTY at the game awards Nintendo will announce a remake of A Link to The Past At least one video game will use generative AI in the game itself Bethesda/Microsoft will announce an Elder Scrolls TV show Hollow Knight: Sillksong will come out in May Valve will announce a non-VR Half-Life game Nvidia will announce a Steam Deck Competitor Bonus: Apple buys Nintendo Game: Far Cry 2 MADDY The Switch 2 will be called the Super Nintendo Switch Metroid Prime 4 will be a launch game on the Switch 2 in 2024 Summer Game Fest 2024 will get material participation from either Sony or Nintendo (showing games on campus) Warner Bros. will announce a sequel to Hogwarts Legacy Tears of the Kingdom will announce DLC after all FF7 Rebirth will NOT kill off that one character who we all know died in the original game and instead a different character will be killed in that same way Three major games will use AI voices in a method similar to The Finals, meaning human actors’ performances are bolstered by AI trained on their voices Geoff Keighley will become embroiled in a career-threaten
Thu, December 28, 2023
Our Favorite Games of 2023
It is time once again for that wonderful annual tradition: the best video games of 2023. One More Thing: Kirk: Futureproof: 9 Rules for Humans in the Age of Automation (Kevin Roose, 2021) Maddy: Pit Bulls and Parolees Jason: Dredge LINKS: Jason’s piece on the Insomniac hack: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2023-12-22/playstation-employees-at-insomniac-studio-fear-identity-theft-after-massive-hack Featuring soundtrack excerpts from Jusant, Hi-Fi Rush, Alan Wake 2, and Super Mario Bros. Wonder Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/ GAMES OF THE YEAR Jason Octopath Traveler 2 The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Baldur’s Gate 3 Chants of Sennaar Super Mario Bros. Wonder Star Wars Jedi: Survivor Paranormasight: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo Spider-Man 2 Diablo IV Case of the Golden Idol DLC Kirk Jusant Dredge Lies of P Hi-Fi Rush Alan Wake 2 Baldur's Gate 3 Chants of Sennar Cyberpunk 2077 2.0 Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Maddy The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Alan Wake 2 Baldur's Gate 3 Metroid Prime Remastered Venba Dredge Chants of Sennaar Cocoon Dead Space Super Mario Wonder
Bonus · Thu, December 21, 2023
Beanscast: HBO's The Last of Us
Jason, Maddy and Kirk take on the clickers once more in this spoiler-filled discussion of HBO's hit adaptation of The Last of Us. LINKS Kirk's 2013 article about the game's ending Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, December 14, 2023
GTA VI, The Game Awards, And Some Cool Games We've Been Playing
Kirk, Jason, and Maddy determine who won last week's award predictions before jumping into a jam-packed episode full of hot news and video games. They talk about The Game Awards, the GTA VI reveal, and the cancellation of E3, then talk about games like Avatar, Fortnite, and God of War Ragnarok's new Valhalla DLC, plus much more. One More Thing: Kirk: GPT4 Maddy: Amsterdam (2022) Jason: Eiyuden Chronicles LINKS: Featuring excerpts from “Love is a Long Road” by Tom Petty from Full Moon Fever, 1989, and the A Highland Song soundtrack, composed by Laurence Chapman Games Discussed: Paranormasight: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo, A Highland Song, Lil’ Gator Game, Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora, Fortnite (Lego Fortnite, Rocket Racing, Fortnite Festival/Main Stage), God of War Ragnarok: Valhalla Jason’s GTA VI article: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-07-27/gta-6-release-date-rockstar-cleans-up-image-after-employee-backlash Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, December 07, 2023
Gaming's Biggest Night (Aside From Maddy's Wedding)
The Triple Click Trio takes on The Game Awards: Who will win? Who'll get snubbed? What's an Action/Adventure game, again? Also, the hosts make some predictions! One More Thing: Kirk: Jusant Maddy: Chants of Sennar Jason: Going Infinite (Michael Lewis) LINKS: Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, November 30, 2023
Everything Is Connected
Maddy, Kirk, and Jason pull out their red-stringed corkboards for a dive into the world of connected universes. What's the deal with games that seem connected in both subtle and blatant ways? Why does Jason hate multiverses so much? And what's a "brand-iverse"? The Types of Connected Universe: Shared Universe - A collection of stories and characters that all occupy the same time and place, e.g. MCU, most Marvel Comics, Star Trek, Star Wars, Assassin's Creed, Persona, etc. Transmediaverse - A collection of stories and characters that exist in parallel across media and occasionally intersect, often abstractly but sometimes concretely. A great source of easter eggs. E.g. any transmedia adaptation, MCU, novel adaptation, TLOU show, Alien: Isolation, so many more Multiverse - An explicit fictional construct in which multiple timelines exist in parallel, allowing for infinite variations of various characters, storylines, and events. E.g. Everything Everywhere All at Once, Spider Man: No Way Home, Into/Across the Spider-Verse, Flash and the Arrowverse, Post-Thanos MCU, Dungeons & Dragons, etc. Brand-iverse - A collection of characters united primarily by their shared brand ownership and/or licensing deals between IP owners. E.g. Space Jam, Smash Bros, MultiVersus, the Sonyverse, Playstation All-Stars Battle Royale, Fortnite, Ralph Breaks the Internet, Indie game cameos Fan-iverse - A shared universe as imagined and defined by fans of an existing set of characters or stories. E.g. The Zelda Timeline, The Pixar Theory Abstractiverse - A shared universe defined according to abstract, shifting rules. Often but not always the product of a single creative vision. E.g. Zelda, The Kingiverse, Final Fantasy, The Remedy Connected Universe, Mario, Dungeons & Dragons and other tabletop settings One More Thing: Kirk: Steam Deck OLED Maddy: Venba Jason: Billions LINKS: Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, November 23, 2023
Has Super Mario RPG Still Got It?
Maddy, Kirk, and Jason take a trip to the Mushroom Kingdom and almost get skewered by a giant sword as they play through Super Mario RPG, the new remake of the iconic Super Nintendo game. The gang talks about how it's aged in 2023, the turn-based combat, and just how damn funny the whole thing is. One More Thing: Kirk: Scott Pilgrim Takes Off Maddy: Grand Theft Auto 5 Jason: Interest rates LINKS: J Kenji López-Alt’s YouTube Channel and his book, The Food Lab Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, November 16, 2023
Baldur's Gate 3 And Multiple Endings
What's the deal with multiple endings? Does the gang save-scum and look up which ones they're going to get? Are multiple endings better than singular ones? And is this all just a thinly veiled excuse for Maddy, Kirk, and Jason to keep talking about Baldur's Gate 3? One More Thing: Kirk: The Vorkosigan Saga (Lois McMaster Bujold) Maddy: The Marvels (2023) Jason: Red Dead Redemption 2 LINKS: A More Civilized Age plays Knights of the Old Republic: https://amorecivilizedage.net Kirk’s review of Red Dead Redemption 2: https://kotaku.com/red-dead-redemption-2-the-kotaku-review-1829984369 A great reading order for the Vorkosigan Saga: https://bookriot.com/vorkosigan-saga-reading-order/ Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, November 09, 2023
Triple Play: Alan Wake 2
Jason, Maddy, and Kirk pull out their flashlights and go spelunking in the Dark Place for this week's episode, all about the wonderful new game Alan Wake 2. They talk about the increasingly fascinating Remedyverse, the game's Resident Evil inspirations, and try to figure out if Mr. Door was supposed to be played by Lance Reddick. One More Thing: Kirk: Blue Eye Samurai (Netflix) Maddy: Quiz Lady (2023) Jason: MCU (Joanna Robinson, Dave Gonzales, Gavin Edwards) LINKS: Variety on the turmoil at Marvel Studios: https://variety.com/2023/film/features/marvel-jonathan-majors-problem-the-marvels-reshoots-kang-1235774940/ Polygon feature on Blue Eye Samurai director Jane Wu: https://www.polygon.com/23945186/blue-eye-samurai-action-jane-wu-animation Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, November 02, 2023
Which Troubled Video Games Still Turned Out OK?
What video games went through turbulent development cycles and still turned out good? What are some tips for getting into video game journalism? And should we gender-swap... Kratos? This week: your questions, answered! One More Thing: Kirk: El Paso, Elsewhere Maddy: Us (2019) Jason: Killers of the Flower Moon LINKS: Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, October 26, 2023
Super Mario Bros. Wonder Is Sheer Delight
Super Mario Bros. Wonder is joy bottled up into a video game. Jason, Maddy, and Kirk break down the ubiquitous plumber's latest adventure to save the... err, to stop Bowser from being a castle. They talk about what makes Wonder so special, 2D vs. 3D Mario games, and how this is basically just one big music game. One More Thing: Kirk: Deadloch (Amazon) Maddy: If Books Could Kill (podcast) Jason: The Fall of the House of Usher (Netflix) LINKS: Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, October 19, 2023
Triple Play: Marvel's Spider-Man 2
With great power comes... something something. Jason, Maddy, and Kirk put on their spidersuits and get their senses tingling for a dive into the new PS5 exclusive Spider-Man 2. They talk about the game's strengths, its weaknesses, and just how incredible it all looks. One More Thing: Kirk: Zodiac (2007) Maddy: The Golden Bachelor Jason: Final Fantasy VII Rebirth LINKS: Blank Check’s Zodiac episode with Leslye Headland: https://soundcloud.com/griffin-and-david-present/zodiac-with-leslye-headland Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, October 12, 2023
How To Play Games With Your Significant Other
What's it like to play games with your partner? Can video games strengthen a relationship... or will they just make it worse? This week, the Triple Click Gang talks about their own experiences playing games with their wives and other significant others over the years. One More Thing: Kirk: Dredge vs. Dave the Diver Maddy: Jaws (1975) Jason: My Perfect Console podcast w/ Simon Parkin LINKS: Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, October 05, 2023
Cyberpunk 2077, Three Years Later
Three years after it first came out, Cyberpunk 2077 is finally finished. Kirk, Maddy, and Jason revisit CD Projekt Red's much-hyped game, which has changed quite a bit thanks to a brand new patch and the Phantom Liberty expansion. They talk story, gameplay, racism, and much more. One More Thing: Kirk: Lies of P Maddy: Cocoon Jason: Assassin’s Creed Mirage LINKS: Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, September 28, 2023
Triple Click Picks: The Games You Should Play (Vol. 4)
Kirk, Jason, and Maddy revisit the Triple Click Picks, a list of ten games that this podcast unreservedly recommends you play... right now! Which new games made the cut? Which didn't? The answers may (or may not) surprise you. One More Thing: Kirk: Who Shat on the Floor at My Wedding? (Podcast) Maddy: Spyder Games (2001) MTV soap opera Jason: Number Go Up (Zeke Faux) LINKS: Number Go Up Excerpt: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2023-08-17/my-crypto-hell-journey-started-with-a-wrong-number-scam-text Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, September 21, 2023
Xbox Leaks And Unity Explodes
It's time for a news roundup! Maddy, Kirk, and Jason break down a whole bunch of recent headlines, from the Unity price hike debacle to the massive Xbox document leak. They also talk layoffs, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, and much more. One More Thing: Kirk: Killers of the Flower Moon (David Grann) Maddy: The Other Black Girl (Zakiya Dalila Harris) Jason: The Wager (David Grann) LINKS: Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, September 14, 2023
Triple Play: Starfield
For all, into the Triple Click! Kirk, Maddy, and Jason put on their Constellation outfits and go off into space in search of... now loading... special artifacts that... now loading... are all over the planets of... now loading... Starfield! One More Thing: Kirk: The Bear Maddy: Demi Adejuyigbe’s Letterboxd account ( link ) Jason: Aaron Rodgers LINKS: Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, September 07, 2023
What's The Ideal Switch 2 Launch Lineup?
Maddy, Jason, and Kirk open up the mailbag and pull out some of your hottest questions. What's the best way to get kids into gaming? What minor video game mechanics could be expanded to full games? And what should the Switch 2 launch lineup look like? One More Thing: Kirk: The Making of Karateka Maddy: Chain Gang All Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah Jason: Chants of Sennaar LINKS: Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, August 31, 2023
Starfield And What Makes a 'Bethesda Game'?
What's the deal with: Bethesda games? To prepare for Starfield, Jason, Maddy, and Kirk take a trip all the way back to the Elder Scrolls: Arena days and go through the storied company's long history, which of course involves more than forty thousand versions of Skyrim. One More Thing: Kirk: How To with John Wilson (Max) Maddy: Imbeciles by Adam Cohen Jason: Sea of Stars LINKS: Hbomberguy’s videos on: Fallout 3 & Fallout: New Vegas Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, August 24, 2023
StarCraft II Has Aged Well
Jason, Kirk, and Maddy have played through all of StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void, a game that has aged quite well. They talk about multitasking, the impact of MOBAs on RTS games, and a very epic game of tug-of-war. One More Thing: Kirk: The Afterparty S2 Maddy: Asteroid City (2023) Jason: Traffic (by Ben Smith) LINKS: Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, August 17, 2023
Deeper Into Baldur's Gate 3
Jason, Maddy, and Kirk are still obsessing over Baldur's Gate 3, the tremendous new roleplaying game from Larian Studios. This week they dive deeper into the game's multiplayer, the pros and cons of its opacity, and of course, exploding barrels. One More Thing: Kirk: Frosthaven Maddy: Angel Jason: Traffic (by Ben Smith) LINKS: Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, August 10, 2023
Triple Play: Baldur's Gate 3
Maddy, Kirk, and Jason put on their Gauntlets of Ogre Power and jump into Baldur's Gate 3, one of the hottest (and best) games of the year. They talk about this incredible new adaptation of Dungeons & Dragons, look in awe at the game's tremendous scope, and just generally rave about their time with it all. One More Thing: Kirk: “Country Music’s Race Problem” - Into It with Sam Sanders feat. Tressie McMillan Cottom Maddy: I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy Jason: Silicon Valley LINKS: Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, August 03, 2023
What's The Deal With: Baldur's Gate?
Baldur's Gate 3 is out this week, and it's primed to be one of the year's biggest games. But why? What's the deal with this series that hasn't received a new game in more than 20 years? Why are people so excited for it? And what do we think of the new game so far? One More Thing: Kirk: The Vorkosigan Saga (Lois McMaster Bujold) Maddy: Pokemon Sleep Jason: Billions LINKS: Baldur’s Gate 1&2 story recap by WolfheartFPS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6L50P-lBGkM Kirk’s Vorkosigan reading order: https://bookriot.com/vorkosigan-saga-reading-order/ Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, July 27, 2023
What Even Is a 'Role-Playing Game'?
These days, just about every video game either claims to be an RPG or has "RPG elements." But what does that mean? What is a role-playing game, exactly? And what that signify in this day and age? From Baldur's Gate 3 to Disco Elysium, let's discuss! One More Thing: Kirk: Planet of Lana (Xbox, PC) Maddy: They Cloned Tyrone (Netflix) (2023) Jason: Search Engine (with PJ Vogt) LINKS: Triple Click on Twitch: https://twitch.tv/tripleclickpod (Starcraft 2 Stream July 21 at 8PM Eastern) Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, July 20, 2023
How's Starcraft II Hold Up In 2023?
Has StarCraft II aged well? What's with all the proper nouns? And how does it feel to play an old RTS game in 2023? This week, Triple Click revisits Blizzard's classic strategy game, playing through a chunk of Legacy of the Void and some multiplayer... for Aiur! One More Thing: Kirk: Overcooked 2 Maddy: Barbie (2023) Jason: It’s Not TV: The Spectacular Rise, Revolution, and Future of HBO (John Koblin and Felix Gillette) LINKS: Triple Click on Twitch: https://twitch.tv/tripleclickpod (Starcraft 2 Stream July 21 at 8PM Eastern) Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, July 13, 2023
Do Games Live Or Die On Day One?
Do indie studios live or die based on day-one game sales? How do you make games for girls? And is it OK to cheat in JRPGs? Maddy, Kirk, and Jason open up the mailbag for some of YOUR questions on all sorts of things. Plus: meet Ghost Maddy! One More Thing: Kirk: Jury Duty Maddy: The Werewolf Experiment (Escape Room In A Box) Jason: New PC build LINKS: Triple Click on Twitch: https://twitch.tv/tripleclickpod (Starcraft 2 Stream July 21 at 8PM Eastern) Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, July 06, 2023
Triple Play: Final Fantasy XVI
Jason, Maddy, and Kirk strap in their Torgals and take a wild ride to Valisthea to talk about Final Fantasy XVI, the latest RPG from Square Enix. How does the new combat hold up? What's the deal with the story? And does it feel like a Final Fantasy game? All those questions answered... and much more. One More Thing: Kirk: Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective Maddy: Boston Strangler (2023) (Hulu) Jason: Everybody Knows (Jordan Harper) LINKS: Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, June 29, 2023
Final Fantasy XVI and Video Game Pacing
Jason, Maddy, and Kirk talk about the opening hours of Final Fantasy XVI, a game with some very strange pacing, and use that as a springboard to talk about pacing in general. How do you deal with pacing in video games when the player is control? And do big, emotional moments need a cigarette afterwards? One More Thing: Kirk: Beef (Netflix) Maddy: Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card Jason: Nintendo Direct LINKS: Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Bonus · Thu, June 22, 2023
The 1993 Mario Movie Sure Was Weird (BONUS)
The triple click trio dimension-hop to the gritty dystopia of Dinohattan, where they fight for freedom against the villainous politician Koopa, an evolved T-rex who wants to reunite the dimensions and… turn humans into monkeys using de-evolution technology… wait, how is this a Mario movie? LINKS Featuring an excerpt from “Walk the Dinosaur” by Was (Not Was), 1987 A chronology of script rewrites for Super Mario Bros. ‘93: http://www.smbmovie.com/SMBArchive/preproduction/script.htm A Collider story recounting the film's troubled production: https://collider.com/super-mario-bros-movie-1993-history-explained/ Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, June 15, 2023
Summer Game Fest vs. E3
It's June, which means it's time for... *checks notes*... Summer Game Fest? What the heck is that? The gang breaks down all of the big news and commercials, and Jason reports live from Not E3 in Los Angeles, where he's played the new Cyberpunk DLC and one of his best games of the show is... Crash Team Rumble? Note: Triple Click is off next week! One More Thing: Kirk: Diablo IV Maddy: Diablo IV (as a Rogue) Jason: Writers Strike LINKS: Kirk’s Arc Lash Sorcerer Build: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=STHHBCPnywc Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, June 08, 2023
Our First Dive Into Diablo IV
Things get bloody as the Triple Click Trio dive into Diablo 4. One More Thing: Kirk: Mrs. Davis (Peacock) Maddy: Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (Theatrical) Jason: I Think You Should Leave Season 3 (Netflix) LINKS: The LOST chapter from Maureen Ryan’s forthcoming book Burn It Down: Power, Complicity, and a Call for Change in Hollywood: https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2023/05/lost-tv-show-culture Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, June 01, 2023
Physics, Dungeons, And Yes, More Zelda
Hope you're not too sick of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom yet, because it's all we can play. Kirk, Jason, and Maddy take another deep dive into Hyrule, talking about physics engines (and what makes them tick), dungeons, and tales from their adventures through one of this year's finest games. One More Thing: Kirk: Silo (Apple TV+) Maddy: Missing (2023) Jason: Final Fantasy XVI LINKS: Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, May 25, 2023
Let's Talk Zelda, LIVE in Brooklyn!
It's the very first TRIPLE CLICK LIVE!!! From the Bell House in Brooklyn, Jason, Kirk, and Maddy talk about... well, what else? The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. Plus: live Q&A and live One More Things. One More Thing: Kirk: Somebody, Somewhere S2 Maddy: Monitor arms Jason: Bojack Horseman LINKS: Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, May 18, 2023
Triple Play: Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
Kirk, Jason, and Maddy do the only thing that could justify taking a break from playing Zelda: talking about playing Zelda! This week, they give their initial impressions of the impossibly big The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. They talk about how the new abilities work, what it's been like exploring the skies and depths, and how strange it is that Nintendo made a direct sequel in this way. Then they all go back to playing Zelda. One More Thing: Kirk: Ashes of the Unhewn Throne #1: The Empire’s Ruin (Brian Stavely, 2021) Maddy: Bodies Bodies Bodies (2022) Jason: Guardians of the Galaxy 3 Links: Triple Click LIVE IN BROOKLYN, May 18th: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/triple-click-live-tickets-513213584647 Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, May 11, 2023
Mailbag: Microsoft-Activision, Sims, And Zelda Sax
The Triple Click crew opens up the mailbag to answer some listener questions about all sorts of things: why the United Kingdom can block Microsoft-Activision, what jobs we'd turn into sim games, and what Kirk thinks of Zelda's jazzy sax. Plus: One more week until Triple Click Live! One More Thing: Kirk: Party Down Season 3 (Starz) Maddy: Zelda: Breath of the Wild (still) Jason: Magic for Liars (Sarah Gailey) Links: Triple Click LIVE IN BROOKLYN, May 18th: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/triple-click-live-tickets-513213584647 Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, May 04, 2023
Triple Play: Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
Kirk, Jason, and Maddy strap on their blasters and take a trip to Koboh for Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, the latest game in a universe far, far away. They talk about PC performance problems, whether Survivor is too much of a direct sequel, the brilliant traversal mechanics, and the cutest droids in the galaxy. One More Thing: Kirk: PsychOdyssey Maddy: Dredge Jason: Case of the Golden Idol DLC Links: Digital Foundry’s analysis of Jedi Survivor’s PC Version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uI6eAVvvmg0 Maddy would die for Turgle: https://www.polygon.com/23707008/star-wars-jedi-survivor-turgle-frog-alien-character Triple Click LIVE IN BROOKLYN, May 18th: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/triple-click-live-tickets-513213584647 Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, April 27, 2023
Jedi Survivor and Star Wars Games
The Triple Click gang offers some early impressions on the new game Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, then dives into a brief history of Star Wars games. When were they good? When weren't they? And what makes for the best kind of Star Wars game these days? Plus: Jason played Tears of the Kingdom! One More Thing: Kirk: The Last House on Needless Street (Catriona Ward, 2021) Maddy: Blank Check podcast archives Jason: Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Links: Jason’s 2015 story on the death of LucasArts: https://kotaku.com/how-lucasarts-fell-apart-1401731043 Triple Click LIVE IN BROOKLYN, May 18th: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/triple-click-live-tickets-513213584647 Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, April 20, 2023
Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Six Years Later
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is just three weeks away, which means it's a good time to revisit The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild! Kirk, Maddy, and Jason talk about how 2017's Zelda shook up the series, what pros (and cons) it has over other Zelda games, and how it feels to play in 2023. One More Thing: Kirk: Shadow and Bone Season 2 Maddy: Chess Jason: Unlock! Exotic Adventures Links: Triple Click LIVE IN BROOKLYN, May 18th: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/triple-click-live-tickets-513213584647 Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, April 13, 2023
The Great AI Craze (With Casey Newton)
Maddy, Jason, and Kirk bring on special guest Casey Newton (Platformer, The Verge, Hard Fork) to talk about the generative AI craze that's sweeping the land. Artificial intelligence: what even is it? How did it become such a popular trend? And what does it all mean for video games? One More Thing: Kirk: Nope (2022) Maddy: The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023) Jason: Talk to Me: How to Ask Better Questions, Get Better Answers, and Interview Anyone Like a Pro by Dean Nelson Links: Casey Newton’s newsletter, Platformer , and his podcast, Hard Fork Kevin Roose’s unsettling encounter with Bing/Sydney: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/16/technology/bing-chatbot-microsoft-chatgpt.html Triple Click LIVE IN BROOKLYN, May 18th: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/triple-click-live-tickets-513213584647 Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, April 06, 2023
They Remade Resident Evil 4
Resident Evil 4: it's remade! Kirk, Maddy, and Jason step into the shoes of himbo Leon Kennedy and take a trip to rural Spain to rescue the president's daughter in this remake of one of the most influential games ever made. One More Thing: Kirk: Tár Maddy: Misericorde: Volume One Jason: The Legend of Heroes: Trails from Zero Links: Mike Mahardy on RE4’s lasting legacy: https://www.polygon.com/23660168/resident-evil-4-remake-the-last-of-us-pc-hbo Kim Stanley Robinson’s extremely great 2020 interview on Ezra Klein about The Ministry for the Future: https://www.vox.com/2020/11/30/21726563/kim-stanley-robinson-the-ezra-klein-show-climate-change Dan Kois on the final act of Tár: https://slate.com/culture/2022/12/tar-cate-blanchett-movie-ending-explained-analyzed.html Triple Click LIVE IN BROOKLYN, May 18th: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/triple-click-live-tickets-513213584647 Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, March 30, 2023
Two Weekends With The Diablo IV Beta
Kirk, Jason, and Maddy have spent a whole bunch of time with Diablo IV! Well, act one of it. The Triple Click gang talks about their time with the beta, the classes they played, their overall thoughts, and much much more. After all, you can't click click click click click click click click click click click without triple click! One More Thing: Kirk: The Ministry for the Future (Kim Stanley Robinson) Maddy: Metroid Fusion Jason: Everyone In My Family Has Killed Someone (Benjamin Stevenson) Links: Triple Click LIVE IN BROOKLYN, May 18th: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/triple-click-live-tickets-513213584647 Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, March 23, 2023
Can A Game Be Good When It Makes You Feel Bad?
Kirk, Jason, and Maddy open up the mailbag to answer some of YOUR burning questions. Do we ever return to side quests after beating a game? Can a game succeed while making you feel bad for playing it? And what kind of impact did the pandemic have on video game endings? Plus: Video game novels! One More Thing: Kirk: New Morning Routine Maddy: Triangle of Sadness Jason: Unscripted by James Stewart and Rachel Abrams Links: MaxFunDrive Livestream! Wednesday March 29, 8PM Eastern: https://www.twitch.tv/tripleclickpod Kirk’s 2013 interview with Neil Druckmann and Bruce Straley about the ending to The Last of Us: https://kotaku.com/the-last-of-us-climactic-moments-could-have-been-very-600685013 The Writer Will Do Something: https://matthewseiji.itch.io/twwds Triple Click LIVE IN BROOKLYN, May 18th: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/triple-click-live-tickets-513213584647 Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, March 16, 2023
Does Perfect Dark Hold Up In 2023?
It's time to follow Maddy's wishes and play Perfect Dark, the 2000 Nintendo 64 shooter (remastered for Xbox in 2010) developed by Rare. We put on our Joanna Dark night-vision goggles and shoot our way through office buildings and alien labyrinths. How does it feel to play Perfect Dark today? Is the lack of checkpoints too much of a challenge? And just what is up with Elvis? One More Thing: Kirk: De-Inverting my Brain Maddy: Clue: Treachery at Tudor Mansion Jason: Paul T. Goldman Links: Featuring tracks from Perfect Dark (2000) by Grant Kirkhope The jump Cate Archer in No One Lives Forever (2000) and in No One LIves Forever 2 (2002) , which also added facial animation and lip-synching. Tell us why you like Triple Click! Email memberstories@maximumfun.org or leave us a message at (323) 601-8719. Triple Click LIVE IN BROOKLYN, May 18th: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/triple-click-live-tickets-513213584647 Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, March 09, 2023
Zelda, Starfield, And The Year To Come
Zelda! Diablo! Baldur's Gate! Final Fantasy! Maddy, Jason, and Kirk pull out the calendar and get overwhelmed by the number of massive games that are coming in the next few months. They talk about what to expect from the rest of 2023, some of the news that has happened so far, and whether or not this new console generation has been a disappointment so far. One More Thing: Kirk: Slow Horses Maddy: Total Recall Jason: The Poppy War (R.F. Kuang) Links: Tell us why you like Triple Click! Email memberstories@maximumfun.org or leave us a message at (323) 601-8719. Triple Click LIVE IN BROOKLYN, May 18th: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/triple-click-live-tickets-513213584647 Featuring excerpts from Yasunori Nishiki’s Octopath Traveler 2 score Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, March 02, 2023
The Two Types Of Video Game
Octopath Traveler II has gotten Jason thinking of a brand new taxonomy... the two types of video game. This week, the gang talks about flow vs. thought, JRPG story-telling, the brilliance of Octopath Traveler II (and how it out-classes the first game), and mysteries in Metroid Prime, Elden Ring, and so much more. One More Thing: Kirk: Cocaine Bear Maddy: Robocop Jason: Tracers in the Dark by Andy Greenberg Links: Tell us why you like Triple Click! Email memberstories@maximumfun.org or leave us a message at (323) 601-8719. Triple Click LIVE IN BROOKLYN, May 18th: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/triple-click-live-tickets-513213584647 Featuring excerpts from Yasunori Nishiki’s Octopath Traveler 2 score Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, February 23, 2023
Harry Potter and the Cursed Video Game
Hogwarts Legacy is a brand new video game set in the Harry Potter universe, which would have been a lot more exciting five years ago! Today, however, we have to reckon with the fact that Harry Potter's creator is a bigot. So let's reckon with it, shall we? Jason, Maddy, and Kirk talk about their personal relationships with Harry Potter, their thoughts on the new game, and whether this franchise can ever really be saved. One More Thing: Kirk: Ultra Widescreen Gaming Maddy: Below Deck Jason: Octopath Traveler 2 Links: Gita Jackson’s review of Hogwarts Legacy: https://www.polygon.com/reviews/23603142/hogwarts-legacy-review-harry-potter-jk-rowling-transphobic-ps5-pc-xbox The Shrieking Shack podcast (it’s so good!): https://soundcloud.com/shriekingshack Triple Click LIVE IN BROOKLYN, May 18th: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/triple-click-live-tickets-513213584647 Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, February 16, 2023
Triple Play: Metroid Prime Remastered
Nintendo surprised us all last week with a remake of Metroid Prime, so it's time for Triple Click to drop everything and play it. Maddy, Jason, and Kirk talk about Retro's classic first-person shooter: how influential it's been, what it does well, and where it goes wrong. One More Thing: Kirk: South Side Maddy: Tár (2022) Jason: Psychonauts 2 documentary Links: The Psychonauts 2 documentary: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIhLvue17Sd70y34zh2erWWpMyOnh4UN_ Triple Click LIVE IN BROOKLYN, May 18th: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/triple-click-live-tickets-513213584647 Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, February 09, 2023
Triple Play: Dead Space Remake
Maddy, Kirk, and Jason board the USG Ishimura and figure out that not all is as it seems. And the Dead Space remake is pretty damn good. One More Thing: Kirk: Hitman Freelancer Maddy: Animorphs #1 - The Invasion Jason: All Good People Here (by Ashley Flowers) Links: https://www.polygon.com/guides/23585108/is-dead-space-scary-remake-jump-scares https://www.polygon.com/23588490/animorphs-book-pdf-audiobook-graphic-novel-movie-k-a-applegate Triple Click LIVE IN BROOKLYN, May 18th: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/triple-click-live-tickets-513213584647 Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, February 02, 2023
Triple Play: Fire Emblem Engage
Jason, Maddy, and Kirk put on their Emblem rings and take a trip to the land of anime for Fire Emblem Engage, the latest entry in Nintendo's strategy-RPG series. They talk about the game's insipid dialogue, the terrible character art, and the pros and cons of grid-based combat. One More Thing: Kirk: Hi-Fi Rush Maddy: Women Talking (2022) Jason: Poker Face Links: Triple Click LIVE IN BROOKLYN, May 18th: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/triple-click-live-tickets-513213584647 Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, January 26, 2023
Romance in Video Games
And now for a subject near and dear to our hearts: Romance! Maddy, Kirk, and Jason talk about video game love stories and which games do them right (and wrong), from Mass Effect to Uncharted to Hatoful Boyfriend. Can a video game romance ever really work if it's based on dialogue options? Plus: impressions of the new Square Enix game Forspoken! One More Thing: Kirk: Star Wars Imperial Assault: Legends of the Alliance (2017) Maddy: Then We Came To The End by Joshua Ferris Jason: Forspoken Links: Triple Click LIVE IN BROOKLYN, May 18th: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/triple-click-live-tickets-513213584647 Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, January 19, 2023
How Do You Fix Free-To-Play Games?
How can free-to-play games be fixed? What are the small details in games that annoy you? And is it censorship for a video game to have a gore filter? This week, Jason, Maddy, and Kirk crack open the mailbag and take some of YOUR questions on all sorts of things. Plus: the rise of the CASUAL WIFE. One More Thing: Kirk: Avatar: The Way of Water Maddy: The Fabelmans Jason: New Simpsons Links: Triple Click LIVE IN BROOKLYN, May 18th: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/triple-click-live-tickets-513213584647 Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, January 12, 2023
Video Games And Comedy
There's nothing funnier than dissecting comedy, right? This week, Kirk, Jason, and Maddy talk about humor in video games, from Monkey Island to Dark Souls. They talk about what kind of games are funny, why they're funny, and the role that social media plays in the grand comedy equation. Plus: why "YOU DIED" is such a good punchline. One More Thing: Kirk: Detectorists Maddy: Hey Arnold! Jason: The Menu Links: Triple Click Live at the Bellhouse!!! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/triple-click-live-tickets-513213584647 Heavy Rain “Press X to Shaun” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vEK5VxDMMjo Kirk’s review of Octodad: Dadliest Catch: https://kotaku.com/octodad-dadliest-catch-the-kotaku-review-1512040710 “Octodad” by Ian McKinney Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, January 05, 2023
Our Predictions For 2023
What will the year bring? Time for some guesses! It's the episode you've all been waiting for... Jason, Kirk, and Maddy go through their predictions from 2022 to see who won the annual bet and whose game we'll all play. Then, the gang whips out some hot new predictions for 2023. One More Thing: Kirk: Defunctland’s “Disney Channel’s Theme: A History Mystery” Maddy: Metroid Prime on Steam Deck Jason: The Man Who Died Twice (Richard Osman) Links: Disney Channel’s Theme: A History Mystery https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_rjBWmc1iQ Metroid Prime on Steam Deck: https://www.theverge.com/2022/12/25/23518873/metroid-prime-trilogy-valve-steam-deck-primehack-emudeck-emulation Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/ PREDICTIONS KIRK Microsoft will not own Activision/Blizzard at the end of 2023 Nintendo will announce a Legend of Zelda movie Someone will announce a game that is being written by an AI Gabe Newell will retire from Valve Amazon will buy Roblox House House will announce a sequel to Untitled Goose Game it will feature both a goose and another animal Two games will include a menu toggle for NPC puzzle suggestions There'll be an Elden Ring TV series Xbox Cloud Gaming will come to Nintendo Switch Atlus will announce Persona 6, and the mascot character will be a dog BONUS: Disney will announce a video game console MADDY Princess Zelda will not be playable in Tears of the Kingdom Nintendo will announce a Zelda TV show Facebook and Meta will make a significant pivot due to the failure of Meta to take off with anyone ever (e.g., shutter VR entirely, acquire Twitter and lean hard into Twitter as the “new metaverse,” etc) The Switch 2 will be announced and will be called the Super Nintendo Switch The use of AI art will become normalized in game development to the extent that at least 3 major triple-A studios will use it in similar ways to High on Life Three major games this year will be ones that we could reasonably call “mom games” (
Thu, December 29, 2022
Our Favorite Video Games of 2022
It is time to see off 2022, as the Triple Click gang gathers to discuss the year's best games. Jason, Maddy, and Kirk each discuss their 10 favorite games of the year, plus an 11th bonus game that didn't come out this year. Which games took the top spots? Which made all three of our lists? And what are the biggest snubs? You'll have to listen to find out. One More Thing: Kirk: White Lotus Maddy: Redefining Realness by Janet Mock Jason: Glass Onion Links: Richard Clark’s podcast “Videogame Feelings”: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/video-game-feelings/id1616908609 Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/ GAMES OF THE YEAR Kirk: Signalis Elden Ring Immortality Citizen Sleeper Escape Academy Trombone Champ Vampire Survivors Marvel’s Midnight Suns Return to Monkey Island The Case of the Golden Idol Maddy: Elden Ring Norco Kirby and the Forgotten Land Citizen Sleeper Neon White PowerWash Simulator Return to Monkey Island The Case of the Golden Idol Pentiment Marvel's Midnight Suns Jason: Elden Ring Tactics Ogre Reborn Case of the Golden Idol Triangle Strategy The Legend of Heroes: Trails to Zero Return to Monkey Island Live A Live Chained Echoes The Quarry God of War Ragnarok
Bonus · Thu, December 22, 2022
Beanscast: Elden Ring
Happy holidays! To celebrate, we got you an Elden Ring beanscast. Three Consorts to the Lunar Princess gather ‘round the table and talk about their adventures in the Lands Between. If you like this bonus episode, become a Maximum Fun member and get access to 30+ more of em! https://maximumfun.org/join LINKS AND REFERENCES VaatiVidya on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/VaatiVidya The Elden Ring Wiki (Fandom): https://eldenring.fandom.com/wiki/Elden_Ring_Wiki Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, December 15, 2022
Triple Play: Marvel's Midnight Suns
Sometimes you've just gotta play video games with Iron Man to unlock new cards that let you destroy Hydra, you know? This week, the TC gang dives into Marvel's Midnight Suns, a new game from XCOM developers Firaxis that could have also been called Marvel's Three Houses. Kirk, Maddy, and Jason talk about the elaborate combat system, the wide-ranging cast of superheroes, and whether or not you can smooch Wolverine. (You cannot.) One More Thing: Kirk: Interview With The Vampire Maddy: White Lotus season 2 Jason: Chained Echoes Links: Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, December 08, 2022
Gaming's Biggest Night
Put on your gAMER hats and get ready for Gaming's Biggest Night, presented by Video Games. This week marks the 2022 Game Awards, which means it's time for a barrage of advertisements and trailers. Kirk, Jason, and Maddy talk about what to expect this week, what they're hoping to see, and the absurdity of some of this year's nominations. One More Thing: Kirk: The 67th Academy Awards (1995) Maddy: The Steam Room call-in show with Ben Mora and Hesse Jason: Twitter Links: Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, December 01, 2022
Mystery Video Games
MYSTERIES: what are they? Who are they? WHO DID THEM??? This week, the Triple Click gang talks about mysteries in video games, from Return of the Obra Dinn to Elden Ring. What makes a good detective mechanic? What kind of mysteries can only be explored in games? And why is The Case of the Golden Idol so damn good? One More Thing: Kirk: Signalis Maddy: Interview with the Vampire (2022 AMC+ TV series) Jason: The Legend of Mike White Links: Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, November 24, 2022
Has The PS5 Controller Lived Up To The Hype?
Happy Thanksgiving, hooray hooray hooray -- aren't you glad you got a new Triple Click on this Thanksgiving day? Jason, Maddy, and Kirk open up the mailbag and take listener questions on all sorts of things. Has the PS5's controller lived up to expectations? Which is the best pantheon of gods? And which games do we regret not finishing? One More Thing: Kirk: Escape Academy Maddy: The Case of the Golden Idol Jason: Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Links: Kotaku emulation article: https://kotaku.com/metroid-dread-is-already-running-great-on-switch-emulat-1847833403 Kirk “idpl_mal” Hamilton’s article about his terrible PSN username: https://kotaku.com/i-still-hate-my-shitty-psn-name-1742215849 “Crowning Celebration” by Kyle Misko from The Case of the Golden Idol soundtrack Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, November 17, 2022
God of War and Video Game Side Quests
Forget about that deadly meteor that's coming to kill us all — it's time to raise some farm animals! Inspired by God of War Ragnarok's plethora of optional content, this week the Triple Click gang talks side quests. What makes a good side quest? What are our favorites? And have we really come up with another taxonomy? Yes, yes we have. One More Thing: Kirk: Reservation Dogs S2 Maddy: New TV (LG OLED C1 Series 48” 4k Smart TV) Jason: Tactics Ogre Reborn Links: Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy a Triple Click t-shirt: https://topatoco.com/collections/maximum-fun/products/maxf-tc-tclogo-sh Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/ Some Sidequest Types: The Arena - A combat area that remixes enemy types from the broader game The Racetrack - A racing arena where you race. Cars, horses, ATVs, footrace, etc. The Tournament - A tournament for the in-game game. Gwent, Pazaak, etc. The Loyalty Mission - Basically a story mission focused on one of your party members/NPCs. Can have an impact on the story or the ending. The Collect-A-Thon - A sidequest you get early in a game that has you collecting a certain number of things. Collection can also mean destruction. Lots of subvarieties of this Boss-a-Thon - A series of optional boss fights culminating in one very hard fight or maybe a rush against all of them The Secret Sidequest - A quest that you didn’t even realize you were doing, but that eventually unlocks actual story material or alternate endings Harder Puzzles, Please - Optional puzzles set right near the ones you had to do for the story, which are much more complicated Treasure Map - Find this location, with this clue. Animal Farm - Basically chocobo breeding but I know there are other games that do this Merchandise Spotlight - Master the ins and outs of a store or trading network with rotating items so that you can get all the items It’s A Mystery - Solve a mystery of varying complexity, either by gathering clues or talking with witnesses. It is often possible to solve the mystery incorrectly The Ancient Dungeon - a big optional dungeon, often with 100 randomly generated floors, that exists just to let you spend more hours playing The Fetch Quest - bring object A to person B, rinse, repeat. Can be a one-off or can gradually expand
Thu, November 10, 2022
Triple Play: God of War Ragnarök
It's got gods! It's got war! It's even got an umlaut. But how is God of War Ragnarök , as a game? Jason, Kirk and Maddy discuss. One More Thing: Maddy: Marvel Snap Kirk: Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope Jason: Weird: The Al Yankovic Story Links: Kirk’s Strong Songs episode on Weird Al’s “The Biggest Ball of Twine in Minnesota”: https://strongsongspodcast.com/episode/the-biggest-ball-of-twine-in-minnesota-by-weird-al-yankovic Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy a Triple Click t-shirt: https://topatoco.com/collections/maximum-fun/products/maxf-tc-tclogo-sh Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, November 03, 2022
Triple Click Picks: The Games You Should Play (Vol. 3)
It's time for Triple Click Picks! Kirk, Maddy, and Jason go through the podcast's irregularly updated list of games that they love and think everyone should play. Which games will be removed? What will be added? SUSPENSE!!! You'll have to listen to find out (or just read the full list in the episode notes). One More Thing: Kirk: Physical Therapy Maddy: The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith Jason: Tactics Ogre Reborn Links: Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy a Triple Click t-shirt: https://topatoco.com/collections/maximum-fun/products/maxf-tc-tclogo-sh Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/ Triple Click Picks: Disco Elysium Return of the Obra Dinn Hollow Knight Outer Wilds Hades Metroid Dread Breath of the Wild Divinity Original Sin II Persona 5 Royal Elden Ring
Thu, October 27, 2022
God of War, Gotham Knights, and More Fall Games
This week, Triple Click planned to do a Triple Play on Gotham Knights... but it's just such a bummer. So instead, the gang talks about all the games they've been playing this fall, from the big (God of War Ragnarok) to the small (The Case of the Golden Idol) and everything in between. Games discussed: Gotham Knights, God of War Ragnarok, Star Ocean The Divine Force, The Case of the Golden Idol, Persona 5, Bayonetta 3, The Legend of Heroes: Trails from Zero, A Plague Tale: Requiem, Mario & Rabbids Sparks of Hope, Tactics Ogre Reborn, NBA 2K23 One More Thing: Kirk: Unlock! Maddy: Derry Girls Jason: The New York Jets Links: Maddy’s Bayonetta 3 Review: https://www.polygon.com/reviews/23421409/bayonetta-3-review-platinumgames-nintendo-switch A Reddit Thread on Persona 5 Steam Deck Text: https://www.reddit.com/r/SteamDeck/comments/y9xjxu/persona_5_the_royal_pixelated_text/ Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy a Triple Click t-shirt: https://topatoco.com/collections/maximum-fun/products/maxf-tc-tclogo-sh Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, October 20, 2022
What's The Deal With: Persona
Let's summon our shadows and take a deep dive into Persona, the wonderful series about high school students fighting their inner demons — literally. With Persona 5 coming to multiple platforms this week and Personas 3 and 4 on the way, the Triple Click gang talks about what makes the series so special, teenage drama and all. Plus: Jason discovers a surprise Game of the Year contender! One More Thing: Kirk: Star Wars: Andor Maddy: Hocus Pocus 1 + 2 Jason: The Case of the Golden Idol Links: Featuring tracks from Persona 4 and 5 by Shoji Meguro and the first three variants of the Star Wars: Andor theme by Nicholas Britell Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy a Triple Click t-shirt: https://topatoco.com/collections/maximum-fun/products/maxf-tc-tclogo-sh Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, October 13, 2022
The Demise Of Google Stadia (And Cancelled Games)
What is it about cancelled games that make them so intriguing? What are the most heartbreaking video game cancellations? And what the heck just happened to Google Stadia? Jason, Maddy, and Kirk take a trip into the world of cancelled games, from Star Wars 1313 to Bully 2. One More Thing: Kirk: The Tommyknockers Maddy: Street Fighter 6 beta Jason: Cabin Fever (Michael Smith, Jonathan Franklin) Links: Kirk’s 2015 story about No One Lives Forever: https://kotaku.com/the-sad-story-behind-a-dead-pc-game-that-cant-come-back-1688358811 Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy a Triple Click t-shirt: https://topatoco.com/collections/maximum-fun/products/maxf-tc-tclogo-sh Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, October 06, 2022
Triple Play: Return to Monkey Island
Jason, Kirk, and Maddy grab their rubber chickens with pulleys in the middle and jump into Return to Monkey Island, the lovely new game from the original creators of the classic adventure game series. They talk about the game's charming humor, how it modernizes the point-and-click interface, and what it's like to play a "legasequel" with so much baggage. Really: this game is wonderful! One More Thing: Kirk: The Big Chill (1983) Maddy: Bayonetta (2009) Jason: Fairy Tale (Stephen King) Links: Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy a Triple Click t-shirt: https://topatoco.com/collections/maximum-fun/products/maxf-tc-tclogo-sh Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, September 29, 2022
Steam Deck, Switch, and the Rise of Handheld Gaming
Kirk, Maddy, and Jason have an obsession: handheld gaming. This week, the gang talks about the Steam Deck, the Nintendo Switch, and how portable machines change the way games are played. From "together alone" gaming with significant others to late-night Switch sessions while feeding a baby, handheld game systems are just the best. One More Thing: Kirk: Trombone Champ (Holy Wow Studios) Maddy: Rap Sh!t (HBO Max TV show) Jason: The Legend of Heroes: Trails from Zero Links: Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy a Triple Click t-shirt: https://topatoco.com/collections/maximum-fun/products/maxf-tc-tclogo-sh Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, September 22, 2022
Grand Theft Auto VI And Video Game Leaks
It's one of the biggest leaks in video game history: Over the weekend, a hacker released dozens of video clips from Rockstar's unreleased (and technically unannounced) game Grand Theft Auto VI. Jason, Maddy, and Kirk talk about the leak, the nature of reporting on situations like this, and the morality of leaks in general. Plus: the story of TheRealInsider, an insider who was not, in fact, real. One More Thing: Kirk: Rogue One: A Star Wars Story Maddy: The Zachtronics Solitaire Collection Jason: Return to Monkey Island Links: Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy a Triple Click t-shirt: https://topatoco.com/collections/maximum-fun/products/maxf-tc-tclogo-sh Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, September 15, 2022
Triple Play: Papers, Please
Kirk, Maddy, and Jason grab their passports and get ready for a trip to Arztotska, the setting of Lucas Pope's brilliant 2013 game Papers, Please, which just came out for phones. They talk about the game's brilliant design, the moral questions it poses, and what it's ultimately trying to say. Who would've thought that being a border inspector could be so fun? One More Thing: Kirk: The Rehearsal Maddy: Not Okay (2022) Jason: Long snappers Links: The famous “Aaron Burr” Milk commercial from 1993: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=znGJf1ZKnTU The Papers, Please theme by Lucas Pope Caitlin Dickenson’s 2022 Atlantic expose on the U.S. child separation policy: https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2022/09/trump-administration-family-separation-policy-immigration/670604/ Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy a Triple Click t-shirt: https://topatoco.com/collections/maximum-fun/products/maxf-tc-tclogo-sh Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, September 08, 2022
Triple Read: Tomorrow, And Tomorrow, And Tomorrow
Jason, Maddy, and Kirk pull out their reading glasses for the very first Triple Read! This week, they discuss the brilliant novel Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin, a decades-sprawling book about the epic journey of a boy and a girl from childhood friends to hit video game developers. The gang dives into the book's themes, its twists and turns, and all the fictional video games that make Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow such a joy to read. Plus: a tribute to our dear friend Mike Fahey. One More Thing: Kirk: Immortality Maddy: Nope (2022) Jason: Who is Maud Dixon? By Alexandra Andrews Links: In memory of Mike Fahey: https://kotaku.com/mike-fahey-kotaku-eulogy-obituary-senior-reporter-1849501728 A GoFundMe for Mike’s family: https://www.gofundme.com/f/fahey-family-fund Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy a Triple Click t-shirt: https://topatoco.com/collections/maximum-fun/products/maxf-tc-tclogo-sh Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, September 01, 2022
Playing Games At The Wrong Time
Who would our dream interview be? What's a "game as a service"? And have you ever played a video game at the wrong time? This week we open up the listener mailbag and take some of YOUR questions on all sorts of topics. Plus: why Kirk and Maddy are replaying the same games over and over and over and... One More Thing: Kirk: Persona 5 Royal Maddy: Assassin’s Creed Origins Jason: The Rehearsal Links: Featuring excerpts from “Crossing the Hill” by Hitoshi Sakimoto from FF Tactics A2: Grimoire of the Rift, and “The Ideal and the Real” by Shoji Megoro from Persona 5 Royal Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy a Triple Click t-shirt: https://topatoco.com/collections/maximum-fun/products/maxf-tc-tclogo-sh Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, August 25, 2022
Triple Play: Cult of the Lamb
Kirk, Maddy, and Jason put on their Lamb Pope hats and check out Cult of the Lamb, a new video game that's part Hades, part Animal Crossing, and 100% gruesome animal cult. They talk about scooping up poop, sacrificing their followers and why Cult of the Lamb should've maybe been a little more like a real cult. One More Thing: Kirk: Paper Girls Maddy: A League of Their Own (TV series) Jason: Daredevil (2015 show) Links: Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy a Triple Click t-shirt: https://topatoco.com/collections/maximum-fun/products/maxf-tc-tclogo-sh Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, August 18, 2022
What Makes a Good Superhero Game?
This week, the Triple Click gang dives into the world of superhero video games. What makes for a good (and bad) superhero game? Why are Batman and Spider-Man such good protagonists for games? And hey, come to think of it, aren't all video games pretty much about superheroes? Plus: a special surprise! One More Thing: Kirk: Alone Maddy: MultiVersus Jason: Better Call Saul Links: Tom Bissell on Batman: Arkham City: https://grantland.com/features/batman-arkham-city/ Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy a Triple Click t-shirt: https://topatoco.com/collections/maximum-fun/products/maxf-tc-tclogo-sh Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, August 11, 2022
GTA 6, Assassin's Creed, and More Summer News
It's time for a NEWS BREAK! Kirk, Jason, and Maddy go through this summer's big stories, from Grand Theft Auto maker Rockstar changing its ways to Ubisoft falling apart to the wave of unionization hitting the games industry. Plus: delays, delays, and more delays! One More Thing: Kirk: Prey (2022) Maddy: Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered (PC) Jason: The Quarry Links: Axios story about Blizzard’s new legal strategy: https://www.axios.com/2022/08/01/bungie-destiny-lawsuits-cheaters-harassers NYT story about Amazon employees unionizing: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/02/business/amazon-union-christian-smalls.html Maddy’s review of Spider-Man Remastered on PC: https://www.polygon.com/reviews/2022/8/10/23298573/spider-man-remastered-pc-review-steam-deck-cops-police-nypd-portrayal Kirk’s article about that lovely Spider-Man text message scene: https://kotaku.com/spider-man-s-text-message-scene-is-perfect-1829449521 Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy a Triple Click t-shirt: https://topatoco.com/collections/maximum-fun/products/maxf-tc-tclogo-sh Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, August 04, 2022
What's The Deal With: Xenoblade Chronicles?
Xenogears? Xenosaga? Xenoblade? Just what is the deal with all of these Xeno-games? In honor of the recent release of Xenoblade Chronicles 3 for the Switch, Jason walks Kirk and Maddy through the long-running JRPG pseudo-series, from giant robots to anime swords. One More Thing: Kirk: Stray Maddy: Misery (1990) Jason: Live A Live Links: Jason’s Kotaku review of Xenoblade Chronicles 2: https://kotaku.com/xenoblade-chronicles-2-the-kotaku-review-1820903229 Autumn Wright’s Polygon review of Xenoblade Chronicles 3: https://www.polygon.com/reviews/23278797/xenoblade-chronicles-3-review-release-date-nintendo-switch-monolith-soft-hero-classes Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy a Triple Click t-shirt: https://topatoco.com/collections/maximum-fun/products/maxf-tc-tclogo-sh Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Bonus · Thu, July 28, 2022
Beanscast: Squid Game & Battle(s) Royale
The Triple Click triad takes on Battle Royale - which means they’re spilling the beans on the notorious 2000 film, as well as The Hunger Games, Danganronpa, and Netflix’s recent series Squid Game. CW: More murder than usual, brief discussion of suicide. Note: This bonus episode originally ran in early December 2021. An interesting Inverse feature on some of the film’s stars 20 years later: https://www.inverse.com/entertainment/battle-royale-20-year-anniversary Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/ *It will be Maddy.
Thu, July 21, 2022
Oregon Trail, Carmen Sandiego, And Other 'Edutainment'
(Rockapella voice) Where in the world is Carmen Sandiego? This week, the Triple Click gang straps on their magnifying glasses and tries to track down the infamous criminal as well as other "edutainment" games, from Oregon Trail to Number Munchers. What made those old games so special? Can "educational" games ever really work? And what's up with all that dysentery? One More Thing: Kirk: Social Media Maddy: Dante’s Inferno (2010) Jason: The West Wing Links: Excerpts From: “Isle Thing” by Weird Al Yankovich from UHF , 1989; “Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego” by Rockapella, 1991; “Theme from The West Wing ” by W.G. Snuffy Walden, 1999 Box Art for Where In The World , Where in the USA , and Where in Time is Carmen Sandiego? The LGR Retrospective review of Where In Time Is Carmen Sandiego (1989) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ln64lo9l5g Jason on the Get Played podcast talking about Mario is Missing: https://www.earwolf.com/episode/super-mayrio-mario-is-missing-with-jason-schreier/ Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy a Triple Click t-shirt: https://topatoco.com/collections/maximum-fun/products/maxf-tc-tclogo-sh Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, July 14, 2022
What's The Deal With: Monkey Island?
What exactly is "Monkey Island" and why is it so popular? This week, the Triple Click gang revisits the old point-and-click adventure series in preparation for the newly announced Return to Monkey Island, which will be out later this year. They talk about the ups and downs of Monkey Island, the incredible music, and how it reinvigorated the genre by showing the world that adventure games do not, in fact, need to kill you. One More Thing: Kirk: Michael Clayton Maddy: Steam Deck Jason: Steve Jackson’s Sorcery Links: Kirk’s arrangement of Michael Land’s Monkey Island theme: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zf7VQiu1MGo Tracy Lien - No Girls Allowed https://www.polygon.com/features/2013/12/2/5143856/no-girls-allowed Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy a Triple Click t-shirt: https://topatoco.com/collections/maximum-fun/products/maxf-tc-tclogo-sh Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, July 07, 2022
Triple Play: Citizen Sleeper
Kirk, Jason, and Maddy dig into Citizen Sleeper, one of this year's, uh, sleeper hits. Set in a dystopian future full of corporations and depression, Citizen Sleeper is sort of a cross between a visual novel and a life simulation game. The gang talks about escaping digital poverty, the game's unique aesthetic style, and what it'd really be like to have your consciousness implanted into a robot body. One More Thing: Kirk: The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman Maddy: Patricia Wants To Cuddle by Samantha Allen Jason: God of War (2018) Links: Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy a Triple Click t-shirt: https://topatoco.com/collections/maximum-fun/products/maxf-tc-tclogo-sh Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, June 30, 2022
What If You Could Just Turn Off The Microtransactions?
This week, the Triple Click gang opens up the mailbag and takes some of YOUR questions about all sorts of fun things. Wouldn't it be nice if games let you turn off all the microtransactions? What's it like revisiting old games with a modern eye? And what are our favorite board games (aside from Candyland)??? One More Thing: Kirk: Players Maddy: Neon White Jason: Craps Links: BitCulture’s remix of Maddy’s song “Bad Feeling” (feat. Kirk on sax) - https://maddymyers.bandcamp.com/track/bad-feeling-bitculture-remix-feat-kirk-hamilton Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy a Triple Click t-shirt: https://topatoco.com/collections/maximum-fun/products/maxf-tc-tclogo-sh Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, June 23, 2022
Story vs. Gameplay
Story or gameplay... WHO WINS? This week, the Triple Click gang dives into an age-old debate and discusses the tension between action and narrative in video games. What does a "video game story" actually mean? What's more important, story or gameplay? And does it even really matter? One More Thing: Kirk: Vampire Survivors Maddy: First Kill Jason: AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES - nirvanA Initiative Links: Clint Hocking’s “Ludonarrative Dissonance in BioShock” - https://clicknothing.typepad.com/click_nothing/2007/10/ludonarrative-d.html Hocking’s 2011 GDC talk “Dynamics: State of the Art” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=St2fE049ULI Kirk’s “Gameplay and Story are Exactly like Music and Lyrics” - https://kotaku.com/gameplay-and-story-are-exactly-like-music-and-lyrics-5885432 Stephen Payne’s excellent Dicebreaker article about ancient role-playing and strategy games: https://www.dicebreaker.com/categories/roleplaying-game/feature/dnd-influences-roleplaying-games-centuries Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy a Triple Click t-shirt: https://topatoco.com/collections/maximum-fun/products/maxf-tc-tclogo-sh Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, June 16, 2022
The Good And Bad Of "Not E3" 2022
E3 is here... or at least it would be, if it hadn't been canceled in January. So instead we have this: a smattering of haphazard events all loosely taking place in June, except for the ones coming later. This week, Jason, Kirk, and Maddy try to untangle Not E3 2022 and talk about the highlights (and lowlights) so far, from Starfield to Silksong. One More Thing: Kirk: Josh Strife Hays’ Diablo loot video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o17lBUZgjTs Maddy: Venom: Let There Be Carnage Jason: How I Became A Famous Novelist (by Steve Hely) Links: Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy a Triple Click t-shirt: https://topatoco.com/collections/maximum-fun/products/maxf-tc-tclogo-sh Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, June 09, 2022
Diablo Immortal and Video Game Loot
Maddy, Kirk, and Jason are playing Blizzard's new game Diablo Immortal and wondering... what about this is fun? Is it really all that appealing to keep collecting shiny things and watching our bars go up? From there they start wondering about loot in video games. What is it about items that get players so excited? What makes a good loot system? A bad one? And is Diablo inherently corrupt? One More Thing: Kirk : Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Maddy: Moon Knight Jason: The Quarry Links: Maddy’s article about Diablo Immortal: https://www.polygon.com/23152323/diablo-immortal-mobile-free-to-play-microtransactions-addictive Nu-Splitscreen’s interview with David Brevik and Erich Schafer: https://kotaku.com/why-video-game-loot-is-so-addictive-according-to-the-c-1846695147 Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy a Triple Click t-shirt: https://topatoco.com/collections/maximum-fun/products/maxf-tc-tclogo-sh Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, June 02, 2022
What's The Deal With: Overwatch? (with Nico Deyo)
How did Overwatch become such a phenomenon? Why have hardcore players stuck with it (or failed to) over the last few years? And what's up with Overwatch 2? The Triple Click gang brings on Overwatch expert Nico Deyo to help guide us through Blizzard's wonderful world of costumed vigilantes and super-intelligent gorillas. One More Thing: Kirk: Tango Maddy: Misery by Stephen King Jason: The Flight Attendant Links: Nico Deyo and Tyler Colp’s Overwatch feature for Vice Games: https://www.vice.com/en/article/g5gvaj/how-overwatch-lost-then-found-again-i Excerpts from “Alma de Bohemio” by Roberto Firpo, performed by Alex Krebs’ Tango Sextet and “Tango por una Cabeza” by Carlos Gardell, performed by Katica Illényi & Budapest Strings Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy a Triple Click t-shirt: https://topatoco.com/collections/maximum-fun/products/maxf-tc-tclogo-sh Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, May 26, 2022
Triple Play: Suikoden II (Part 2)
Maddy, Jason, and Kirk get themselves a castle, go on missions abroad, and finally face down the vicious Luca Blight. In the second part of this Suikoden II playthrough, the gang talks about how their feelings have changed since the first chunk of the game, how the game's awful localization impacts the story, and how that epic fight played out. One More Thing: Kirk: D&D - Eberron: Rising from the Last War Maddy: Heartstopper Jason: The G-Word with Adam Conover Links: Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy a Triple Click t-shirt: https://topatoco.com/collections/maximum-fun/products/maxf-tc-tclogo-sh Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, May 19, 2022
What Makes Horror Games Scary?
BOO! To celebrate Spooky Spring, Jason, Maddy, and Kirk dive into some of their favorite horror games and talk about what makes a video game scary. How does interactivity enhance horror? What's the difference between "dread" and "panic"? And are controls sometimes meant to be terrible? One More Thing: Kirk: Persona 4 Golden/Persona 5 Royal Maddy: Elden Ring Jason: Eternal Threads Links: Maddy talks with Dead Space 2 director Wright Bagwell about the infamous eyeball scene: https://www.polygon.com/interviews/2020/10/4/21498961/dead-space-2-director-eye-poke-needle-scene-horror-wright-bagwell-interview Kirk’s take on horror doors: https://kotaku.com/the-horror-of-video-game-doors-1819921161 Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy a Triple Click t-shirt: https://topatoco.com/collections/maximum-fun/products/maxf-tc-tclogo-sh Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, May 12, 2022
Why Do Video Games Leak?
It's time for another episode of BURNING QUESTIONS!!! Jason, Kirk, and Maddy open up the mailbag and take some listener questions on all sorts of things. Why do video games leak? What are some one-of-a-kind video games we'd like to see more of? And what's the deal with video game strategy guides? One More Thing: Kirk: Stanley Parable Ultra Deluxe (Venom) Maddy: What’s Up, Doc? (1972) Jason: Disrupting the Game (Reggie Fils-Aime) Links: Jason interviews a strategy guide writer: https://kotaku.com/how-final-fantasy-ixs-strategy-guide-turned-out-so-horr-1834809621 Jason interviews Reggie: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2022-05-06/ex-nintendo-president-fils-aim-talks-book-and-mother-3-video-game Buy a patch! maximumfun.org/patchsale Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy a Triple Click t-shirt: https://topatoco.com/collections/maximum-fun/products/maxf-tc-tclogo-sh Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, May 05, 2022
Video Game Controllers
Jason, Kirk, and Maddy talk about the most important tool in any video game player's arsenal: the controller! From fight sticks to Wiimotes to the Steam Deck, controllers have a lot to offer. This week, the gang goes back in time to talk about the best, the worst, and the just plain weird. One More Thing: Kirk: Switch Sports Maddy: Better Call Saul Jason: Barry Links: Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy a Triple Click t-shirt: https://topatoco.com/collections/maximum-fun/products/maxf-tc-tclogo-sh Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, April 28, 2022
Rage-Quitting Video Games
Ever throw a controller at the wall? Kick your computer in half? This week the Triple Click gang talks rage-quitting -- bailing from a video game in a state of heightened irritation. From competitive multiplayer to Souls to good old poker, Kirk, Maddy, and Jason talk about what brings out the anger and even share some of their own experiences rage-quitting games. One More Thing: Kirk: Divinity Original Sin 2 Maddy: My Dress-Up Darling Jason: Abbott Elementary Links: Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy a Triple Click t-shirt: https://topatoco.com/collections/maximum-fun/products/maxf-tc-tclogo-sh Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, April 21, 2022
Triple Play: Tunic
Maddy, Jason, and Kirk talk about one of this year's hit indie games, Tunic, a Zelda-like adventure filled with mystery and cute foxes. But does it live up to the hype? Or is the bouncy combat too frustrating to make Tunic quite the gem that Triple Click hoped it would be? One More Thing: Kirk: Advanced Steam Deck (or, more like StReam Deck) Maddy: Kirby and the Forgotten Land Jason: Better Call Saul Links: Excerpt from the Tunic soundtrack by Lifeformed x Janice Kwan: https://lifeformed.bandcamp.com/album/tunic-original-game-soundtrack Moonlight PC Streaming: https://moonlight-stream.org Chiaki PlayStation Remote Play: https://sr.ht/~thestr4ng3r/chiaki/ Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy a Triple Click t-shirt: https://topatoco.com/collections/maximum-fun/products/maxf-tc-tclogo-sh Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, April 14, 2022
The 100th Episode Extravaganza
It's the 100th episode! Kirk, Maddy, and Jason celebrate the big milestone with some talk about the past and future of video games, then play some fun games, revisiting two years worth of Triple Plays and competing in some glorious One More Thing trivia! Thank you to all the listeners who have allowed us to make so many episodes of this wonderful show. One More Thing: Kirk: Steam Deck Maddy: Norco Jason: Nobody Saves The World Links: Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy a Triple Click t-shirt: https://topatoco.com/collections/maximum-fun/products/maxf-tc-tclogo-sh Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Bonus · Mon, April 11, 2022
The Music of The Legend of Zelda [Strong Songs]
Few video game series have a musical tradition as rich as The Legend of Zelda . This bonus cross-post from Kirk's music podcast Strong Songs takes a deep dive into the musical legacy of Nintendo's legendary adventure series. From Zelda's Lullabye to Epona's Song to the Great Fairy Fountain and Dragon Roost Island, Kirk unravels some of his favorite Zelda music and explores how Nintendo's composers keep weaving them back together into beautiful new patterns. Written by: Main themes by Koji Kondo, with additional compositions by Kenta Nagata (Wind Waker), Manaka Kataoka, Yasuaki Iwata, and Hajime Wakai (Breath of the Wild) Featuring music from: The Legend of Zelda (1986), A Link to the Past (1991), Ocarina of Time (1998), Wind Waker (2002), Skyward Sword (2011), A Link Between Worlds (2013), and Breath of the Wild (2017) ALSO FEATURED/DISCUSSED: Themes from Star Wars, Superman, and Jurassic Park by John Williams The Super Mario Bros. theme by Koji Kondo, and the episode of Strong Songs discussing it Kirk's weekly video game podcast Triple Click , which he makes along with Jason Schreier and Maddy Myers OUTRO SOLOIST: Charles McNeal Charles McNeal is a killin' Oakland-based sax player who plays all over the bay area. He's also a master jazz transcriber, and has chronicled tons of great solos. You can find him playing out in a variety of bands and settings; the best way to keep up with his music is to subscribe to his YouTube channel or follow him on Instagram @charlesonsax2. SUPPORT STRONG SONGS Paypal | Patreon.com/Strongsongs MERCH STORE store.strongsongspodcast.com SOCIAL MEDIA @StrongSongs | @Kirkhamilton | IG: @Kirk_Hamilton NEWSLETTER https://kirkhamilton.substack.com/subscribe JOIN THE DISCORD https://discord.gg/GCvKqAM8Sm STRONG SONGS PLAYLISTS Spotify | <a href="https://music.apple.c
Thu, April 07, 2022
Secrets In Video Games
Whip out your metal detector and start combing the desert — it's time to talk about secrets. Jason, Kirk, and Maddy talk about the hunt for secrets in two recent video games, Elden Ring and Tunic, and some of their favorite secrets in modern times. And in true Triple Click fashion, they can't help but come up with some taxonomical categories. One More Thing: Kirk: Our Flag Means Death Maddy: Tunic Jason: The Dropout Links: Jason and Kirk’s old podcast about the Secret Hunters of Destiny: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0HMm97rD7D6eIxdF9N6cFc Ed Fries’ conversation with Ron Milner about the easter egg he added to 1977’s Starship 1: https://edfries.wordpress.com/2017/03/22/chasing-the-first-arcade-easter-egg/
Thu, March 31, 2022
The Many Kinds Of Boss Fights
What's your favorite video game boss fight? Kirk, Maddy, and Jason break down all the options with a brand new taxonomy of bosses, from The Preview to The Gimmick to The Final Exam. They talk about some of the most memorable boss fights in gaming history, like Metal Gear Solid 3's The End and Metroid's Ridley, then dissect what makes each one unique. One More Thing: Kirk: Elden Ring’s Story Maddy: The Afterparty Jason: Triangle Strategy Links: Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy a Triple Click t-shirt: https://topatoco.com/collections/maximum-fun/products/maxf-tc-tclogo-sh Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/ BOSS TYPES The Preview - An early fight against a boss you won’t fight again until later. Variation: The Hunter Preview, see below The Roadblock - A difficulty spike boss that stops many people from playing the game entirely. Variation: The Skill-Check, a boss that’s hard on purpose to make sure you’re leveled up enough, aka Margit, Hornet. Variation II: The Sidestreet Roadblock, where it’s the hardest boss in the game but it’s optional The Gimmick - A boss fight that’s actually just a puzzle. You can possibly beat them straight-up, but there’s some trick that makes things easier. The Setpiece - A fight that’s really more of a long interactive cutscene with occasional combat Variation: The Giant - A Setpiece boss who is way bigger than you to the point that you can’t engage them with ordinary gameplay - you have to either focus on their feet or do platforming to get to their head The Hunter - A boss fight where you have to hide from the boss, i.e. a stealth boss fight. Variation: The Hunter Preview - An unkillable version of the boss hunts you, but ultimately you wind up fighting it The Final Exam - A boss that requires you to combine every skill/item/ability/party member you have to that point to beat them Variation: The Teambuilding Exercise - a Final Exam boss that cannot be beaten by a single person, aka an MMO raid boss Variation II: The Duel - No weapons, no abilities, just fists (Liquid vs Snake in MGS4 - the opposite of the Final Exam) The Pair - Oh no there are two bosses! Variation: The Mob - there are lots of enemies - common to From games, e.g. Renalla phase one or those old dudes in DS3, Watche
Thu, March 24, 2022
Is It A Good Idea To Buy Video Game Stocks?
Kirk, Jason, and Maddy open up the mailbag and answer some of YOUR questions about why they stopped playing Destiny, what games they use to relax, and whether it's a good idea to buy the stocks of video game companies. As always, these are real questions from our listeners. You can reach us with your own questions at tripleclick@maximumfun.org One More Thing: Kirk: Elden Ring Maddy: Kimi (2022) Jason: Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin Links: Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy a Triple Click t-shirt: https://topatoco.com/collections/maximum-fun/products/maxf-tc-tclogo-sh Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, March 17, 2022
What's The Deal With: Grand Theft Auto V
Grand Theft Auto V is one of the most lucrative games of all time. Why??? Kirk, Jason, and Maddy aren't really sure, but at least they can tell you all about Rockstar's hit action shooting game. The gang talks about 2013 nihilism, the innovations that GTA V brought to the open-world party, and how crime doesn't pay... except when it does. One More Thing: Kirk: Turning Red Maddy: Horizon Forbidden West Jason: Triangle Strategy Links: Ukraine support: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2022/03/02/opinion/ukraine-charity-donation-guide.html Cass Marshall’s Polygon article about the GTA Online Motorcycle HOA: https://www.polygon.com/22787651/gta-online-roleplay-new-day-black-lotus-motorcycle-club-mirror-park-hoa Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy a Triple Click t-shirt: https://topatoco.com/collections/maximum-fun/products/maxf-tc-tclogo-sh Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, March 10, 2022
Triple Play: Elden Ring
You may have heard: Elden Ring is out. And the Triple Click crew has been playing it — for a combined 200+ hours. Kirk, Jason, and Maddy put on their Burger King wizard hats and take a trip to The Lands Between, where they're collecting Great Runes and trying not to fall off cliffs. They talk about the vast scope of the game, the brilliance of player notes, how to avoid burnout, the rewards of exploration, and oh so much more. One More Thing: Kirk: Carrie & Salem’s Lot Maddy: Alias Jason: Inventing Anna / Tinder Swindler Links: Iron Pineapple on Elden Ring: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fg_hveDzzvo Mossbag’s Hollow Knight lore explainer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0XDiWYFGGqY Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy a Triple Click t-shirt: https://topatoco.com/collections/maximum-fun/products/maxf-tc-tclogo-sh Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, March 03, 2022
Elden Ring and Open-World Games
This year has seen the release of three great open-world games: Dying Light 2, Horizon Forbidden West, and Elden Ring. What do they all have in common? And what do they all do differently? This week, Kirk shares his new taxonomy for open worlds in video games and the Triple Click crew figures out what they like most in an open world. One More Thing: Kirk: Public Defenders Maddy: Elden Ring Jason: Steam Deck Links: Steven Lumpkin's Twitter thread: https://twitter.com/Silent0siris/status/1498408412555747333 Maddy’s articles about getting into Elden Ring: https://www.polygon.com/22948213/should-i-play-elden-ring-dark-souls-fromsoft-easy-hard and parkour in Dying Light 2: https://www.polygon.com/22941196/dying-light-2-stay-human-climbing-parkour-techland Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy a Triple Click t-shirt: https://topatoco.com/collections/maximum-fun/products/maxf-tc-tclogo-sh Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/ ECOTAG: Kirk’s Open-World Personality Test Video game open worlds can be broadly thought of according to three metrics: Emergent vs. Controlled, Opaque vs.Transparent, and Aesthetic vs. Gamey. IMPORTANT: These are gradients, not on/off switches, and they’re for categorizing the open worlds, not the games as a whole. EMERGENT→ CONTROLLED (How dynamic/simulated is the open world?) OPAQUE → TRANSPARENT (How mysterious is the open world?) AESTHETIC → GAMEY (How involved is movement through the open world?) SOME EXAMPLES Dying Light 2 = ETG (Emergent, Transparent, Gamey) Horizon Forbidden West = CTA (Controlled, Transparent, Aesthetic) Elden Ring = COA (Controlled, Opaque, Aesthetic) Red Dead Redemption 2 = EOA (Emergent, Opaque, Aesthetic) Outer Wilds = COG (Controlled, Opaque, Gamey (Jason convinced me)) Gravity Rush: CTG Cyberpunk 2077:CTA (people expected more of an ETA or EOA) Subnautica: EOG Skyrim: EOA Forza Horizon 5: CTG Divinity Original Sin 2: COA Sunset Overdrive: CTG Ghost of Tsushima = CTA BOTW = EOG GTAV = EOA Assassin’s Creed = CTG (becoming more CTA lately) Ghost recon = CTA Minecraft = EOG
Thu, February 24, 2022
Triple Play: Horizon Forbidden West
Robot... dinosaurs!!! Kirk, Jason, and Maddy take out their best bows and prepare to go on a hunt for big machines in Horizon Forbidden West, a new open-world game for the PlayStation that rules. They talk about how things have (and haven't) changed from the first game, the big, beautiful world, and the good and bad of Forbidden West's story. One More Thing: Kirk: ELDEN RING Maddy: Peacemaker Jason: ELDEN RING Links: Horizon Forbidden West score by Joris de Man, Niels van der Leest & Oleksa Lozowchuk “Do You Wanna Taste It?” by Wig Wam from Non Stop Rock ‘n Roll , 2010 Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy a Triple Click t-shirt: https://topatoco.com/collections/maximum-fun/products/maxf-tc-tclogo-sh Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, February 17, 2022
Triple Play: Suikoden II
And now, for Jason's dream episode: the gang plays Suikoden II! Kirk and Maddy give their impressions of the first 25% of the classic JRPG, from the very beginning through getting your very own castle. Do they love it as much as Jason? (No.) The three of them talk about the relationship between Riou and Jowy, the parts of the game that feel clunky in 2022, and what it's like to recruit all those characters. Plus: Dracula! One More Thing: Kirk: Horizon Forbidden West Maddy: Murderville Jason: Also Horizon Forbidden West Links: Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy a Triple Click t-shirt: https://topatoco.com/collections/maximum-fun/products/maxf-tc-tclogo-sh Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, February 10, 2022
What Makes a Great Video Game Hero?
From silent protagonists to badass students, there are all sorts of protagonists in the world of video games. Let's talk about them! Jason, Maddy, and Kirk list their favorite heroes, then break down all of the archetypes, from the Chosen One to the Determined Daughter (subcategory: Queer Millennial Edition). From Mario to Kratos, we've got'em all. One More Thing: Kirk: Station Eleven Maddy: The official Dark Souls TTRPG Jason: Arrested Development Links: Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy a Triple Click t-shirt: https://topatoco.com/collections/maximum-fun/products/maxf-tc-tclogo-sh Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, February 03, 2022
Triple Play: Dying Light 2
Light: it's dying! This week, the Triple Click gang plays through Dying Light 2: Stay Human, a new game in which you jump between buildings and smash zombies in the head. They talk about the game's slick parkour system, the silly writing, and the drab visuals. Plus: the one and only... Aiden. One More Thing: Kirk: Roasting Coffee Maddy: West Side Story (2021) Jason: The Thursday Murder Club (Richard Osman) Links: That Iconic 2011 Dead Island Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GfhtiG66SQc Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy a Triple Click t-shirt: https://topatoco.com/collections/maximum-fun/products/maxf-tc-tclogo-sh Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, January 27, 2022
What's The Deal With: Uncharted?
Maddy, Kirk, and Jason take a few minutes to react to last week's megaton announcement that Microsoft is buying Activision Blizzard, then prepare for the new Uncharted collection on PS5 by diving into the iconic adventure series. What's the deal with Nathan Drake falling on every platform he sees? Are the first two games better than the next two? And are Uncharted 4 and Lost Legacy worth playing today? One More Thing: Kirk: Dan Olson’s video on NFTs Maddy: First Reformed Jason: The craziest football weekend of all time Links: “Drake’s Theme” by Greg Edmonson from Uncharted 3 “Line Goes Up: The Problem with NFTs” by Dan Olson at Folding Ideas: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQ_xWvX1n9g&t=2344s Paris Hilton and Jimmy Fallon talking about NFT apes: https://twitter.com/etienneshrdlu/status/1485956332989693953 Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy a Triple Click t-shirt: https://topatoco.com/collections/maximum-fun/products/maxf-tc-tclogo-sh Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, January 20, 2022
Will Ready Player One Ever Be Real?
Will the metaverse of Ready Player One ever exist in our world? Has a bad ending ever ruined a video game? And just how does one get into Monster Hunter? This week, Jason, Kirk, and Maddy open up the listener mailbag and answer some of YOUR questions on all sorts of things. (Note: We recorded this episode BEFORE Tuesday's bombshell news that Microsoft is buying Activision!) One More Thing: Kirk: Free Guy Maddy: Death Note Jason: Don’t Look Up Links: Tips for Suikoden II: https://kotaku.com/tips-for-playing-suikoden-and-suikoden-ii-1670446047 Polygon’s honestly very good (no bias) tips for Monster Hunter Rise: https://www.polygon.com/monster-hunter-rise-guide/22348967/weapons-armor-wirebug-wyvern-riding-best-controller-beginners-tips-tricks MH: Rise Longsword tutorial by Arekkz Gaming, whose MH videos are all excellent: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jscDTUOHdw&t=2s Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy a Triple Click t-shirt: https://topatoco.com/collections/maximum-fun/products/maxf-tc-tclogo-sh Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, January 13, 2022
Take-Two Buys Zynga, E3 Dies, and Ken Levine Struggles
The year's only started but it's already full of GAMING NEWS! Join Jason, Maddy, and Kirk for a breakdown of this year's biggest headlines: Take-Two buying Zynga, E3 essentially dying, and the trials and tribulations of BioShock director Ken Levine. Plus: a cool new mystery show and the return of Jason's NFL stories! One More Thing: Kirk: Only Murders in the Building Maddy: Homestuck Made This World Jason: Chargers vs. Raiders Links: Jason’s report on Ken Levine’s Ghost Story Games: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-01-03/bioshock-creator-s-next-game-and-its-narrative-legos-in-turmoil The two-hour Sarah Z Homestuck video that Kirk watched: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ohFyOjfcLWQ&t=1518s Music from Only Murders in the Building, composed by Siddhartha Khosla Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Buy a Triple Click t-shirt: https://topatoco.com/collections/maximum-fun/products/maxf-tc-tclogo-sh Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, January 06, 2022
Our Predictions For 2022
It's time! Kirk, Jason, and Maddy revisit their predictions for 2021, determine who won the big bet (and what game they'll all play this year), and then lay down some predictions for 2022. One More Thing: Kirk: The Frustration of Wanting to Play Cyberpunk 2077 Maddy: Wordle Jason: Final Fantasy XIV Links: Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, December 30, 2021
Our Favorite Games of 2021
As we all say farewell (and good riddance) to 2021, it's time to go through the BEST games of the year!!! Kirk, Maddy, and Jason each break down their ten (or more) favorites, from Metroid Dread to The Great Ace Attorney. KIRK'S LIST: Returnal Hitman 3 Deathloop Inscryption Wildermyth Halo Infinite Death’s Door Metroid Dread Psychonauts 2 Monster Hunter Rise Subnautica: Below Zero Outer Wilds: Echoes of the Eye MADDY'S LIST: Metroid Dread Chicory: A Colorful Tale Psychonauts 2 Wildermyth Halo Infinite Unpacking Outer Wilds: Echoes of the Eye FF7 Remake Intergrade Overboard! Inscryption [Honorable Mention: Deathloop, Get in the car loser] JASON'S LIST: Overboard! The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles Psychonauts 2 The Forgotten City Metroid Dread Bravely Default 2 Tales of Arise Deathloop The House in Fata Morgana Outer Wilds: Echoes of the Eye One More Thing: Kirk: Yellowjackets Maddy: Dark Souls Jason: Hawkeye Links: Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Bonus · Thu, December 23, 2021
Beanscast: Half-Life 2, Episodes, and Alyx
The Triple Click Trio discuss the entirety of the Half-Life story so far. Back in September, Maddy, Jason, and Kirk recorded a spoilercast about the entirety of Half-Life 2. Here in December, they're taking this week off for the holidays, so they decided to drop this bonus episode in the feed. As always, if you'd like to become a Maximum Fun member and get many more bonus episodes like this one, go to maximumfun.org/join. Original show notes follow. Hope you all are having a happy holiday! SHOW NOTES Jason and Maddy have finished both episodes of Half-Life 2, so they sit down with Kirk to talk through the entire City17 saga, from the inbound train, to the outbound train, to the rocket ship. They then talk some about the “Epistle Three” that might have been, and what the ending of 2020’s Half-Life Alyx says about the possible future of the series. LINKS: "Epistle Three" by Half-Life 2 writer Marc Laidlaw: https://www.marclaidlaw.com/epistle-3/ The ending of Half-Life Alyx (start at 12 minutes): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QVzEiVcVq3Y Hunter Sound Effects via: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eDqhw04BjWc Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, December 16, 2021
Triple Play: Halo Infinite
It's Halo time! Maddy, Kirk, and Jason dive into Halo Infinite, the new game from Microsoft and 343 Industries. They talk about the story (bleh) and the grappling hook (yesssss) then get into the game's rocky development, the very fun open world, and the truth behind Cortana. Plus: Succession season 3 talk! One More Thing: Kirk: The Matrix Awakens Maddy: Succession Jason: The Game Awards Links: Digital Foundry on what makes The Matrix Awakens technologically remarkable: https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-2021-inside-the-matrix-awakens-previewing-the-future-of-gaming-graphics Emily VanDerwerff (Vox) on Succession: https://www.vox.com/culture/22831645/succession-finale-season-3-recap-review-all-the-bells-say-kendall-roman-shiv-tom ...and Tom Ley (Defector): https://defector.com/logan-roy-is-an-american/ Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, December 09, 2021
What's The Deal With: The Game Awards?
It's the most trailer-filled time of the year, when Santa Keighley slides down our internet-chimneys to hastily deliver some awards in between ads for upcoming games. Jason, Maddy, and Kirk go over the history of The Game Awards, discuss the controversies surrounding this year's event, and of course, gripe about the games they wish had gotten more nominations. Or any at all. Because Wildermyth didn't get a single nomination. I KNOW RIGHT One More Thing : Kirk: Unpacking Maddy: Halo Infinite Jason: Three Identical Strangers Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, December 02, 2021
What's The Deal With: Danganronpa?
Come join Maddy, Kirk, and Jason for a battle to the death staged by a foul-mouthed, adorable talking bear. That's right — it's time to talk Danganronpa. What's the deal with this popular series of killing games? Why is it so popular? And what do you have to know ahead of the Switch release this week? One More Thing: Kirk: Arcane Maddy: Last Podcast on the Left’s six-part JFK assassination series Jason: Final Fantasy V Links: Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, November 25, 2021
Activision, NFTs, and Other Gaming News
Happy Thanksgiving! If you're celebrating, grab yourself a turkey drumstick and listen to Kirk, Maddy, and Jason talk gaming news. From the ongoing Activision Blizzard crisis to the inexplicable rise of NFTs, it sure has been a weird fall in the video game world. This week, the gang talks about those and other big headlines, like the new consoles and the supply chain mess. One More Thing: Kirk: Metal Gear Solid V Maddy: Chicory Jason: Baba Is You Links: Kirk talking Death Stranding on the podcast How Did This Get Played ?: https://www.earwolf.com/episode/death-stranding-directors-cut-with-kirk-hamilton/ Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, November 18, 2021
Activision Blizzard and Guardians of the Galaxy
Maddy, Kirk, and Jason go over this week's explosive Activision Blizzard allegations, then talk about the new Marvel game from Eidos Montreal, Guardians of the Galaxy. What works and doesn't work? Are the rough edges too distracting? And are we all suffering from Marvel fatigue? One More Thing: Kirk: Beverly Hills Cop 2 Maddy: Nancy Drew: Mystery at Magnolia Gardens Jason: Elden Ring Links: WSJ Article on Activision: https://www.wsj.com/articles/activision-videogames-bobby-kotick-sexual-misconduct-allegations-11637075680 Iron Pineapple’s Elden Ring impressions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WzFR5HsPcng “The Neutron Dance” by the Pointer Sisters: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-jdhorGtQI&ab_channel=PointerSistersVEVO Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, November 11, 2021
Skyrim Turns Ten
Dovahkiin!!! Skyrim is now officially ten years old, because we are all ancient and slowly turning into dust. Jason, Kirk, and Maddy celebrate the big day by revisiting one of the most influential games of all time. They talk about how Skyrim feels to play today, all of the games it has influenced, and what makes it such a special experience. One More Thing: Kirk: Death Stranding Ziplines/infrastructure/‘breaking’ a game Maddy: Beverly Hills Cop (1984) Jason: Your Honor Links: Jason’s 2011 Wired Skyrim Preview: https://www.wired.com/2011/10/skyrim-hands-on/ Maddy’s 2011 Phoenix Skyrim Review: https://web.archive.org/web/20160211194214/https://thephoenix.com/Boston/recroom/130611-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim/ Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, November 04, 2021
What's The Deal With: Spiritual Successors?
Ever play a game that feels a whole lot like an older game? What's the DEAL with that? This week, Jason, Maddy, and Kirk talk about spiritual successors, from Bloodstained (Castlevania) to Mighty No. 9 (Mega Man) and oh so much more. What are the different kinds of spiritual successors? Why are they so common in games? And why is Jason so excited for Eiyuden Chronicles?? One More Thing: Kirk: Inscryption Maddy: Unpacking Jason: Guardians of the Galaxy Links: Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, October 28, 2021
Is The Video Game Review System Broken?
Why do video game reviews often feel rushed? What's the deal with drug trips in video games? And what are some good JRPGs for beginners? This week, Jason, Kirk, and Maddy answer some of YOUR Burning Questions on all that and more. One More Thing: Kirk: Death Stranding Director’s Cut Maddy: Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy Jason: ElecHead Links: Mega64’s Uncharted 3 Drug Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xPubpR6-V-g&ab_channel=Mega64 Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, October 21, 2021
Triple Play: Metroid Dread
A new Metroid game is here, and by golly, it rules. Maddy, Jason, and Kirk put on their Varian Suits and take a deep dive into Samus Aran's latest adventure, Metroid Dread, which came out earlier this month for Nintendo Switch. They talk about the game's relentless pacing, the brilliant controls, and the endless stream of power-ups. They discuss the marauding EMMIs, the difficulty, and the meticulous design of each level. Metroid Dread: it's a good video game. One More Thing: Kirk: Back 4 Blood Maddy: Freaky (2021) Jason : Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir Links: Maddy’s Metroid Lore Explainer: https://www.polygon.com/22715304/metroid-dread-fusion-recap-story-lore-samus-aran-chozo Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, October 14, 2021
A Beginner's Guide to Video Games
What's a video game? Let's explain! On this very special episode of Triple Click, produced as part of Maximum Fun's Block Party, hosts Kirk Hamilton, Jason Schreier, and Maddy Myers give you a beginner's guide to gaming: the good, the bad, and the pixelated. First, a few definitions of what a "video game" actually is. Then, some recommendations for games you should play if you're just getting started. And finally, our regular bonus segment, One More Thing. SIX GAMES FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE NEW TO VIDEO GAMES Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Picross, Breath of the Wild, Return of the Obra Dinn, 80 Days, INSIDE One More Thing: Kirk: Wildermyth Maddy: Back 4 Blood Jason: Switch OLED Links: Cameron Kunzelman’s review of Wildermyth: https://www.polygon.com/reviews/22638600/wildermyth-review-pc-proc-gen-worldwalker-games-strategy-mac-linux Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, October 07, 2021
Diablo Through The Ages
Why is Diablo one of the best-selling series of all time? Just what makes Blizzard's action-RPGs so devilishly appealing? Kirk, Maddy, and Jason break down the iconic franchise and talk about why it's good -- and why it might be pretty bad. They talk about the addictive properties of loot hunting, how the games have evolved over the years, and whether there's really room in their lives for Diablo 4. One More Thing: Kirk: Far Cry 6 Maddy: Metroid Dread Jason: Squid Game Links: Diego Arguello’s review of Far Cry 6 for Polygon: https://www.polygon.com/reviews/22711610/far-cry-6-review-ps5-xbox-series-x-pc-ps4-xbox-one Squid Game subtitles: https://twitter.com/fwong/status/1444549630499254283 Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, September 30, 2021
Triple Play: Deathloop
It's time for a Triple Play! Jason, Maddy, and Kirk have all played a whole lot of Deathloop, the time-twisting new game from Arkane. They break down what they like and don't like about the game, diving into its unique structure, disappointing ending, and truly delightful little details. One More Thing: Kirk: Hunt a Killer - Death at the Dive Bar Maddy: Bullshit Jobs by David Graeber Jason: Outer Wilds: Echoes of the Eye Links: Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, September 23, 2021
We Love a Good Villain
Villains: we all hate'em, but what would video games be without them? This week, Kirk, Jason, and Maddy try to figure out what makes a good bad guy. From Deathloop's Julianna to Final Fantasy VII's Sephiroth, antagonists can be brilliant and memorable. But why do we love to hate them? What makes them so fiendishly appealing? And just what is the deal with Kefka? One More Thing: Kirk: Golf Club Wasteland Maddy: Get In The Car, Loser! Jason: Eastward Jason’s Five Rules for a Good Video Game Villain: 1. They have a good motivation 2. They’re way stronger than the protagonist 3. They have a personal connectin to the protagonist 4. They have a striking look 5. They or their actions are present throughout the game Links: Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, September 16, 2021
What's The Deal With: Metroid?
What's the deal with Metroid? To answer that question, we must turn to series expert Maddy Myers, who explains to Kirk and Jason just what a Metroid is and why it matters. What's the lore behind Samus's baby? What's up with those Chozo? And what do we all need to know before heading into this October's much-anticipated new game Metroid Dread? One More Thing: Kirk: The U.S. Open Maddy: You Should See The Other Guy (podcast) Jason: Deathloop Links: An explanation of Medvedev’s U.S. Open victory “emote”: https://kotaku.com/us-open-tennis-champion-does-video-game-celebration-aft-1847662401 Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, September 09, 2021
Super Turbo Remake Plus
What makes a remake worth playing? When should developers go back and change a game, and how much should they change? This week, the Triple Click crew tries to figure out when remakes work, when they don't work, and why. Plus: Kirk unveils his grand spectrum of Remakes, Remasters, and the Super Turbo Remake Plus. Kirk’s Remake Spectrum*: Re-release (The original game, playable on new hardware) Remaster (visually enhanced version of the same game, same tech, etc.) Remaster Plus (A visual remaster that makes some changes to the gameplay - e.g. Skyward Sword, ME Trilogy) Remake (New engine/tech and new visuals, but makes a point of keeping the gameplay the same. E.g. SotC, Demon’s Souls, Diablo 2 Resurrected) Remake Plus (New engine and actual new gameplay/mechanics/etc. E.g. Black Mesa, Tomb Raider Anniversary) Reimagined Remake (Uses the original as a template to make major changes, e.g. Resident Evil 2 & 3 Remake) Super Turbo Remake Plus (There is only one of these and it is Final Fantasy VII Remake) Sequel or Reboot *Note that these are stops along a continuous spectrum and not a series of discrete categorizations. Many games fall somewhere in between categories. One More Thing: Kirk: The White Lotus Reloaded Maddy: Dark Souls Jason: The Forgotten City Links: Mat Bradley-Tschirgi on why Final Fantasy shouldn’t be modernized: https://www.polygon.com/22648602/final-fantasy-original-ff1-retro-gaming-classic-pixel-version-steam-square-enix Mike White’s New York interview about The White Lotus: https://www.vulture.com/article/the-white-lotus-finale-mike-white-interview-departures-ending.html Slate’s Working podcast interview with White Lotus composer Cristobal Tapia de Veer: https://slate.com/podcasts/working/2021/08/white-lotus-composer-cristobal-tapia-de-veer Twenty Thousand Hertz episode about the Dies Irae (feat. Kirk): https://www.20k.org/episodes/diesirae Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, September 02, 2021
Triple Play: Psychonauts 2
Maddy, Jason, and Kirk delve into each other's brains to talk about Psychonauts 2, one of the best games of the year so far. They talk about the delightful writing, the clever level design, and the emotional moments. They also talk about Double Fine, the maker of Psychonauts 2, and its long, turbulent history as a game developer. One More Thing: Kirk: Ghost of Tsushima - game pairing & ac comparison Maddy: Dickinson Jason: 12 Minutes Links: The Double Fine Adventure! Documentary, Part 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zVwg-9WL3dE Kotaku’s Renata Price on 12 Minutes: https://kotaku.com/twelve-minutes-might-have-the-worst-video-game-ending-o-1847540262 Kirk’s 2011 (!!) article about game pairings, complete with extremely 2011-era photoshop top art https://kotaku.com/like-rich-wine-and-sharp-cheese-some-games-just-go-wel-5862022 Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, August 26, 2021
That 'Magic Moment' in a New Game
The Triple Click Trio opens up the mailbag and answer your most burning questions. This time around we've got questions about in-game morality, ferreting out the truth when reporting, our favorite moments in a new game, silent Nintendo protagonists, and whether Kirk records a new version of that "bing" sound every time he makes it. ONE MORE THING Kirk: Ghost of Tsushima Maddy: Boyfriend Dungeon Jason: White Lotus Links: Bill Hemstapat’s very cool blog post about the process of arranging and recording the Ghost of Tsushima soundtrack: https://billhemstapat.com/ghost-arrangers-diary Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, August 19, 2021
Triple Play: Half-Life 2
It's finally time: Jason, Maddy, and Kirk pick up their gravity guns and move around some cardboard boxes so they can climb into Half-Life 2. The gang talks about the pros and cons of Valve's classic shooter, how the game holds up in 2021, the G-Man, the graphics, the setpieces, the nauseating vehicles, and oh so much more! One More Thing: Kirk: Reservation Dogs Maddy: Leverage: Redemption Jason: Fantasian Links: The Wikipedia entry on hitscan: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hitscan Half-LIfe 2 Combine Radio Chatter collection by RescoeZ: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SindqGenIhk Kali Simmons’ recaps of Reservation Dogs: https://www.vulture.com/article/reservation-dogs-series-premiere-recap-season-1-episode-1-fckin-rez-dogs.html Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, August 12, 2021
What's the Deal With: The Metaverse?
Metaverse! Everyone's talking about it. Every company wants a piece of it. But just what the heck is it? This week, Jason, Maddy, and Kirk try to figure out what the deal is with the Metaverse... and can't even agree themselves on what it really means. From Fortnite to Facebook, come along on a wild ride through movie crossovers and alternate realities. One More Thing: Kirk: Schmigadoon! Maddy: The Suicide Squad Jason: New Teeth (Simon Rich) Links: GameMaster Anthony Message Board Post: https://knowyourmeme.com/memes/events/gamemasteranthonys-birthday “ Space Jam: A New Legacy runs on video game logic, in every way ,” by Cameron Kunzelman “ Ralph Breaks the Internet and the rise of mash-up cinema ,” by Abraham Riesman “ The Metaverse: What It Is, Where to Find it, Who Will Build It, and Fortnite ,” by Matthew Ball Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, August 05, 2021
The Great Ace Attorney, Or, Why We Love Visual Novels
We're all about visual novels here at Triple Click. What's that, you ask? What's a visual novel? Well, allow Kirk, Maddy, and Jason to tell you: it's kind of like a book... but better! Join us to talk about the stellar new game The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles, the horniness of Fire Emblem and Persona, and why sometimes gameplay just isn't all that great. Games Discussed: The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles Danganronpa Steins;Gate The House on Fata Morgana Fire Emblem: Three Houses Persona 4 and 5 13: Sentinels: Aegis Rim Disco Elysium Planescape: Torment Zork 80 Days Overboard Doki Doki Literature Club Ladykiller in a Bind AI: The Somnium Files 999 and Virtue’s Last Reward One More Thing: Kirk: Limetown Maddy: Plan B Jason: Activision Blizzard Links: Jason’s report on Warcraft III: Reforged: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-07-22/inside-activision-blizzard-s-botched-warcraft-iii-reforged-game Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, July 29, 2021
Skyward Sword And The Activision Blizzard Lawsuit
Kirk, Maddy, and Jason dive into Skyward Sword HD, the new Zelda remake for Nintendo Switch. Does it hold up today? How does it feel after Breath of the Wild? And what's up with those controls? Then they talk about the harrowing Activision Blizzard lawsuit that's shaken up the video game industry over the past week. One More Thing: Kirk: Death’s Door Maddy: Activision Blizzard discrimination lawsuit Jason: The Great Ace Attorney Correction: Kirk initially said that Death's Door was on Game Pass, which it regrettably is not. The episode has been edited. Links: Ash Parrish on Skyward Sword motion controls: https://kotaku.com/skyward-sword-hd-might-make-you-actually-like-motion-co-1847306361 “Fi’s Theme,” “Crimson Loftwing” and “Ballad of the Goddess” from the Skyward Sword soundtrack, comp. Hajime Wakai, Shiho Fujii, Mahito Yokota, Takeshi Hama Blizzard’s Culture Crisis Runs Deep https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2021-07-23/activision-blizzard-s-games-culture-crisis-runs-deep Jason’s Bloomberg newsletter: https://www.bloomberg.com/account/newsletters/game-on “Hall of Doors” by David Fenn from Death’s Door: https://davidfennmusic.bandcamp.com/album/deaths-door
Thu, July 15, 2021
The Games of Summer
There sure are a lot of games this summer. It's time for Kirk, Jason, and Maddy to talk about them! And then maybe we'll go out for some sloppy steaks. Games discussed: Chicory, Overboard, Mario Golf, Scarlet Nexus, Ender Lilies, Astalon: Tears of the Earth, Before Your Eyes One More Thing: Kirk: Six of Crows Maddy: Billions Jason: I Think You Should Leave Links: Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, July 08, 2021
What's The Deal With: The Legend of Zelda?
With Skyward Sword coming to Nintendo Switch, the Triple Click gang asks the question you've all been asking: What's the deal with Zelda? Kirk, Jason, and Maddy talk about the origins of the series, how it's evolved over the years, the stagnant Zelda formula, the delights of exploration, the unexpected creativity in limitations, and much, much more. One More Thing: Kirk: Inside (The Songs) Maddy: Hollow Knight Jason: Joyland (Stephen King) Links: “The problem with Bo Burnham’s Inside” by Lili Loofbourow for Slate: https://slate.com/culture/2021/06/problem-with-bo-burnham-inside.html Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, July 01, 2021
What Makes Someone 'Good' At Games?
Jason, Maddy, and Kirk open up the mailbag and take YOUR listener questions on all sorts of things. What makes people good at video games? Why do AAA games seem so bad at "editing"? What's the best book-game pairing? And much more! One More Thing: Kirk: Mythic Quest S2 Maddy: Sophie’s Safecracking Simulator Jason: The Great Ace Attorney Links: Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, June 24, 2021
Triple Play: Final Fantasy VII Remake: Episode INTERmission
Maddy, Kirk, and Jason jump into the ridiculously titled Final Fantasy VII Remake: Episode INTERmission, diving into Yuffie's adventures in Midgar. They talk about the combat system, the big story teases, and whether the next DLC will be called InterMISSION. Plus: what's up with the whole Hideo Kojima conspiracy? One More Thing: Kirk: Gloomhaven Maddy: The Blue Box conspiracy Jason: The House in Fata Morgana Links: Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, June 17, 2021
Yep, That Was a Weird E3
NEW METROID!!! And also other things. But first, NEW METROID!!! After Maddy's done hyperventilating, the gang talks about everything we saw at this year's bizarre, online-only E3. From Elden Ring to Avatar to Breath of the Wild 2, let's go through it all. One More Thing: Kirk: Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart Maddy: Bo Burnham Jason: The House in Fata Morgana Links: MItchell Saltzman’s interview with Elden Ring director Hidetaka Miyazaki: https://www.ign.com/articles/elden-ring-miyazaki-hidetaka-full-interview-summer-of-gaming Nathan Grayson’s article on the terrible Twitch chats of E3: https://kotaku.com/e3-twitch-chat-has-been-miserable-1847092627 Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, June 10, 2021
Prepare For A Weird E3
E3 2021 is almost here, which means it's time for HOPES, EXPECTATIONS, RUMORS, and VIDEO GAMES. This week, Kirk, Jason, and Maddy talk about what it's been like preparing for a virtual E3 (blech), what they hope to see from each conference, and all of the hot gossip they've been hearing behind-the-scenes, from Assassin's Creed to Guardians of the Galaxy. One More Thing: Kirk: Sweet Tooth Maddy: DC Super Hero Girls Jason: Overboard! Links: Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, June 03, 2021
What's The Deal With: Video Game Demos?
Why do some games get demos while others don't? How did video game demos get started? And what's up with that weird game PT? This week, Maddy, Jason, and Kirk answer the question that's been on everyone's minds: What's the DEAL with video game demos? One More Thing: Kirk: Probing in ME2 Maddy: Fuser Jason: Mare of Easttown Links: Edgar Wright’s fake trailer for “Don’t”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lttrIPDFplU Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, May 27, 2021
Triple Play: Mass Effect
It's Mass Effect time! Maddy, Jason, and Kirk are all playing the remastered version of BioWare's sci-fi trilogy, and really, who needs an excuse to talk Mass Effect? The gang talks about what it's like to revisit Mass Effect all these years later, what has or hasn't aged well, and of course, who they'd all like to smooch. One More Thing: Kirk: Subnautica: Below Zero Maddy: Little Fires Everywhere Jason: World’s End Club Links: Kirk’s now-mangled Kotaku post about the hidden music in Mass Effect 3: https://kotaku.com/mass-effect-3s-musical-secret-5895616 Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, May 20, 2021
Epic vs. Apple and Other Gaming News
It's time for news! This week, the Triple Click clique dives into some of the spring's big gaming news, from the Epic vs. Apple trial to Ubisoft's decision to embrace free-to-play games and much, much more. Plus: Maddy explains why Pokemon cards are back and bigger than ever! One More Thing: Kirk: The Nevers Maddy: Lupin S1 Jason: The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz Links: The Axios Video Game newsletter: https://www.axios.com/signup/gaming Microsoft’s internal review of The Last of Us Part 2: https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.364265/gov.uscourts.cand.364265.551.21.pdf?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsletter_axiosgaming&stream=top Vice on Pokemon cards: https://www.vice.com/en/article/7kv9a9/pokemon-cards-psa-cgc-bgs-turnaround-times Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, May 13, 2021
Triple Play: Returnal
The Triple Click gang dives into Returnal, the latest PlayStation 5 exclusive from Housemarque. Is it too challenging or just challenging enough? Should it have been released in Early Access? And just how good is that PS5 controller? Dodge your way through bullet hell to listen to this episode. One More Thing: Kirk: Resident Evil 8 Maddy: Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom Jason: Later (Stephen King) Links: Press Reset: Ruin and Recovery in the Video Game Industry: https://bookshop.org/books/press-reset-ruin-and-recovery-in-the-video-game-industry/9781538735497 Dan Sunshine’s call-in to explain the PS5’s advanced vibration: https://maximumfun.org/episodes/triple-click/triple-play-assassins-creed-valhalla/ The Strong Songs Q&A episode where Kirk explains what Miles meant by “it’s about the notes you don’t play.”: https://strongsongspodcast.com/episode/strung-beats-jazz-battles-the-notes-you-dont-play Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Bonus · Mon, May 10, 2021
Beanscast: Star Wars: The Mandalorian
In honor of MaxFunDrive 2021, we decided to put a beanscast from earlier this year in the main feed! This episode originally aired in the bonus feed on February 21, 2021. If you'd like more bonus episodes (and to get some extra MaxFunDrive swag), sign up to become a member today at https://maximumfun.org/join . ORIGINAL SHOW NOTES: For this month’s bonus episode, Jason, Maddy and Kirk put on their beskar helmets and jetpack straight into the rough and tumble world of Star Wars: The Mandalorian. It’s a wide-ranging discussion that goes from the specific (how can a helmet be so expressive?) to the broad (what are the most and least interesting things about Star Wars?), with plenty of detours along the way. LINKS: Become a Maximum Fun Member: https://maximumfun.org/join A retrospective article about Joe Johnston, the art director who designed Boba Fett’s armor along with concept artist Ralph McQuarrie: https://www.starwars.com/news/empire-at-40-joe-johnston-boba-fett-interview#:~:text=MAY%2018%2C%202020-,Empire%20at%2040%20%7C%20Designing%20an%20Icon%3A%20Joe%20Johnston%20on%20the,Journey%20to%20Create%20Boba%20Fett A very cool series on the groundbreaking visual production techniques used on The Mandalorian: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUnxzVOs3rk Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, May 06, 2021
Pressing Reset On The Video Game Industry
The video game industry is broken. Perhaps it's time to... Press Reset? On this week's first-ever LIVE episode of Triple Click, the gang discusses Jason's latest book about the video game industry. They talk about the closures of game companies like Irrational Games and 38 Studios, the industry's sustainability problems, and lots more. Plus: find out how to win a free copy of Press Reset! One More Thing: Kirk: For All Mankind Maddy: The Mitchells vs. The Machines Jason: Killing Eve Links: Buy Press Reset: Ruin and Recovery in the Video Game Industry: https://www.grandcentralpublishing.com/titles/jason-schreier/press-reset/9781538735480/ Press Reset giveaway: https://app.viralsweep.com/sweeps/full/7b4618-86973?framed=1 Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, April 29, 2021
Undertale Vs. NFL Quarterback Josh Allen
Which is more recognizable: the video game Undertale or NFL quarterback Josh Allen? This week, Maddy, Jason, and Kirk open up the mailbag and answer your questions on all sorts of things, including video game addiction, ethics in AAA game development, and rejected names for the Triple Click podcast. One More Thing: Kirk: Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo Maddy: This Is A Robbery Jason: Turnip Boy Commits Tax Evasion Links: Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/tripleclickpod Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, April 22, 2021
Happy Birthday, Triple Click!
It's the one-year anniversary of Triple Click - happy birthday, Triple Click! Jason, Maddy, and Kirk update the Triple Click Picks with some special new games and then take some time to reminisce on the past year and what this show has meant to them. Thank you all for supporting the show! One More Thing: Kirk: Subnautica Maddy: Emily Is Away 1-3 Jason: StarCraft II Links: Kirk’s 2018 article about video games and guns: https://kotaku.com/real-guns-virtual-guns-and-me-1824159338 Our Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/tripleclickpod Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, April 15, 2021
Triple Play: Final Fantasy VI, Part 2
Kirk, Jason, and Maddy dive back into their ongoing playthrough of Final Fantasy VI, picking up where they left off last time (the Opera House) and going until the end of the Floating Continent. Do Maddy and Kirk like it more now? What's the deal with that flake Shadow? Why is Edgar such a creeper? And whoa, did Kefka really just do THAT? One More Thing: Kirk: Monster Hunter Rise (Finishing/Friction) Maddy: The Content Mines podcast Jason: Saga Frontier Remastered Links: What did Edgar really say about Relm? https://legendsoflocalization.com/what-does-edgar-say-about-relm-in-each-final-fantasy-vi-translation/ The Caves of Narshe FF6 Walkthrough: https://www.cavesofnarshe.com/ff6/walkthrough.php Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, April 08, 2021
What's The Deal With: Indie Games?
Just what is the deal with indie games? When did they become financially viable? How did they become so popular? And what is "indie" anyway??? This week, Jason, Maddy, and Kirk look at the modern history of indie games, from Braid and Castle Crashers to the Nintendo Switch's big bumps. They talk about the rise of digital distribution, some misguided old comments from former Nintendo boss Reggie Fils-Aime, and whether "indie" even means anything anymore. One More Thing: Kirk : Monster Hunter Rise Maddy : Vaccine appointment tips Jason : Gnosia Links: The excellent Double Fine Adventure documentary series: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zVwg-9WL3dE Arekkz Gaming’s MH Rise longsword tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jscDTUOHdw&ab_channel=ArekkzGaming Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, April 01, 2021
The Best (And Worst) of Video Game April Fool's
Here's the only true thing you will read on the internet today: This episode is not a prank. Instead of trying to fool everyone, Maddy, Jason, and Kirk are going back in time to look at the history of video game April Fool's jokes: the good, the bad, and the very, very ugly. From fake Zelda movies to Assassin's Creed Kinect, there's a lot to laugh at this week. Correction 4/1/2021: We initially thought the Assassin's Creed Kinect joke video was made by Ubisoft, but it actually wasn't. That part of the conversation has been updated and edited for accuracy. Sorry about that! One More Thing: Kirk: Monster Hunter Rise, baybeeeee Maddy: Incomparable by Brie and Nikki Bella Jason: The Grace of Kings by Ken Liu Links: Gamespot’s 2006 Wii ‘Joke’: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/april-fools-analyst-revolution-will-take-lead-in-2010/1100-6146958/ The IGN Zelda Movie Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBCzkz3gHb8 Assassin’s Creed for Kinect: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NufHsmITjM The Virgin America 2013 pre-flight safety song (sorry): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQQaNuqY-kU&ab_channel=top10commercials Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, March 25, 2021
Triple Play: Loop Hero
Jason, Maddy, and Kirk dive into the latest big indie game hit, Loop Hero. They talk about its strengths, its weaknesses, the nature of addiction, opacity, and repetition. Plus: the best cookbook ever? One More Thing: Kirk: RE ViIIage Maiden Demo (and demos like this) Maddy: How to Do Nothing: Resisting the Attention Economy (Jenny Odell) Jason: The Food Lab (J Kenji Lopez) Links: Jenny Odell’s Bureau of Suspended Objects: https://www.jennyodell.com/bso.html Odell’s interview on the Ezra Klein show: https://www.vox.com/ezra-klein-show-podcast/2019/5/23/18636332/jenny-odell-how-to-do-nothing Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, March 18, 2021
Why Aren't Game Companies More Transparent?
Maddy, Jason, and Kirk open up the mailbag to answer listener questions about all sorts of things, from game company secrecy to the pros and cons of digital gaming. Plus: How do you know when a game just isn't working for you? One More Thing: Kirk: Progression and Inconvenience Maddy: Wandavision Jason: Gnosia Links: Maddy’s X-Men podcast The Mutant Ages: https://mutantages.com Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, March 11, 2021
What's The Deal With: Assassin's Creed?
What's an Assassin's Creed? Who's an Assassin's Creed? Allow the Triple Click gang to explain. Kirk, Jason, and Maddy dive into Ubisoft's action-adventure-RPG franchise, talking about how the series has evolved over the past decade, their favorite games, and just what the heck is up with all those aliens. One More Thing: Kirk: Hollow Knight Maddy: Learning to parry in Dark Souls Jason: Loop Hero Links: Kirk’s Hollow Knight arrangement: https://youtu.be/eIVtGlcpZS0 Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, March 04, 2021
Nintendo Direct, Harry Potter, and More Gaming News
It's time for some news!!! Kirk, Maddy, and Jason pick some of the biggest stories in gaming this year, from Covid's effect on game production to the Harry Potter controversy, and break them all down. The gang also talks Google Stadia's woes, EA canceling Anthem Next, and all the hot Mario and Zelda news from the most recent Nintendo Direct. One More Thing: Kirk: Spider Man: Miles Morales Maddy: “ Britney Spears Was Never In Control ” by Tavi Gevinson Jason: Bravely Default 2 and video game challenge Links: “Trans Inclusion Means More Than Just Adding Potential Gender Options To Hogwarts Legacy” by Riley MacLeod: https://kotaku.com/trans-inclusion-means-more-than-just-adding-potential-g-1846388481 Tevis Thompson’s essay “Saving Zelda”: http://tevisthompson.com/saving-zelda/ The Splitscreen Stadia interview with Phil Harrison: https://kotaku.com/google-stadia-boss-answers-and-dodges-our-questions-1833422137 “Britney Spears Was Never In Control” by Tavi Gevinson: https://www.thecut.com/2021/02/tavi-gevinson-britney-spears-was-never-in-control.html “The Lies Hollywood Tells About Little Girls” by Mara Wilson: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/23/opinion/britney-spears-mara-wilson-hollywood.html Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, February 25, 2021
Triple Play: Final Fantasy VI
It's finally time! Per Jason's orders, Kirk and Maddy are playing through Final Fantasy VI. This week: they get up to the Opera House. What has aged well? What hasn't? Will the grind and tedium break Maddy's brain? Will Kirk fall in love with Celes and crew? Find out on this week's Triple Click! One More Thing: Kirk: Demon’s Souls Maddy: You’re Wrong About podcast Jason: Bravely Default 2 Links: Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, February 18, 2021
Triple Play: Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury
Let's play Super Mario 3D World... plus Bowser's Fury! Jason, Maddy, and Kirk break down the Switch's newest Mario adventures, dive into the differences between linear and non-linear Mario games, and discuss whether or not they are all cats. Plus: Demon's Souls and much more. One More Thing: Kirk: The PS5 Experience Maddy: Judas and the Black Messiah Jason: Murder mysteries (Moonflower Murders by Anthony Horowitz, The Eighth Detective by Alex Pavesi) Links: Allegra Frank’s interview with Lakeith Stanfield: https://slate.com/culture/2021/02/judas-black-messiah-lakeith-stanfield-interview-joker.html Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, February 11, 2021
Why Is It So Hard To Play Old Games?
Maddy, Jason, and Kirk take a trip down memory lane, crossing nostalgia with frustration as they try to figure out why so many old games are so hard to play (legally). What do you do with your old consoles? Why do Nintendo and Sony make it so difficult to buy their old games? What's the deal with video game preservation??? Plus: Kirk got a PS5! One More Thing: Kirk: Got a PS5!!! Maddy: Hunt a Killer: Death at the Dive Bar Jason: Wandavision Links: Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, February 04, 2021
What's The Deal With: Souls Games?
What makes a Souls game a Souls game? Why do we love'em so much? And how many things have we learned from Dark Souls, Bloodborne, and the rest of the gang over the years? This week, the Triple Click crew dives into From Software's classic series and tries to figure out what the deal is. One More Thing: Kirk: Playing Hitman from the beginning Maddy: Maiden (2018) Jason: The Last Dance Links: Chris Dahlen on Dark Souls: https://kotaku.com/what-dark-souls-is-really-all-about-5874599 Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, January 28, 2021
Triple Play: Hitman 3
This week the gang jumps into Hitman 3, a game that's far less bleak that it sounds. Kirk, Maddy, and Jason talk about the latest entry in the longrunning stealth-puzzle series. Maddy shares the story of how she learned how to play, Jason talks about the Knives Out-inspired murder mystery, and Kirk raves about how amazing Hitman games truly are. Plus: the GameStop phenomenon explained! One More Thing: Kirk: The Expanse S3 Maddy: Ted Lasso Jason: GameStop Links: Hitman Speedrun: https://kotaku.com/speedrunners-are-beating-hitman-3s-dubai-level-in-under-1846121772 Shoreh Agdashloo talks us to sleep: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4j8gznDVa1M Bloomberg GamesStop explainer: https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2021-01-25/the-game-never-stops Short Selling and Options explainers: https://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/shortselling.asp https://www.investopedia.com/terms/o/option.asp Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, January 21, 2021
Why E3 Demos Are Fake (And Why It Matters)
Jason, Maddy, and Kirk open up the listener mailbag and answer some of YOUR questions about all sorts of things. What does it mean when an E3 demo is fake? What's our video game comfort food? And why do video game sequels always make you lose all your powers? One More Thing: Kirk: Gloomhaven Maddy: Dark Souls Jason: NFL playoff update Links: Jason on Cyberpunk 2077: https://twitter.com/jasonschreier/status/1350322423170797568 Kirk’s article about preorder culture: https://kotaku.com/the-witcher-3-downgrade-controversy-sucks-1705882405 The overview video Kirk watched to start getting his head around Gloomhaven: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uw7LI2esvp0 Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, January 14, 2021
Cyberpunk 2077 And Other Video Game Redemption Stories
In the wake of Cyberpunk 2077, a game with a rocky launch that will now try to find redemption, Jason, Maddy, and Kirk take a look at some other video game redemption stories. They talk about No Man's Sky, Destiny, Final Fantasy XIV, and other games that got better over time. What does a successful turnaround look like? And what are the ethical questions involved? All that and lots more. One More Thing: Kirk: Lupin Maddy: Dark Souls Jason: Fargo Links: Kirk reviews No Man's Sky: https://kotaku.com/no-mans-sky-the-kotaku-review-1785383774 ...and Destiny: https://kotaku.com/destiny-the-kotaku-review-1637735501 Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, January 07, 2021
Our Predictions For 2021
It's time: Kirk, Jason, and Maddy convene to go over their 2020 predictions and determine who got the most right. Who won, and which game will Triple Click play in 2021? You'll have to listen to find out! Plus: big predictions for video games in 2021! One More Thing: Kirk: Wonder Woman 1984 Maddy: Frankenstein by Mary Shelley Jason: Never Split The Difference by Chris Voss and Tahl Raz Links: Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, December 31, 2020
Our Favorite Games of 2020
2020 is over!!! Thank goodness! It's time for Kirk, Jason, and Maddy to go over the best games of 2020. Each host shares their top-ten list, which includes some choices you might guess... and some that might surprise you! Plus: Jason and Kirk have finally finished the game they were obliged to play... Kirby Planet Robobot. One More Thing: Kirk: Spelunky 2 Maddy: “ The very real, totally bizarre bucatini shortage of 2020 ” by Rachel Handler (Grub Street) Jason: Sekiro Links: Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/ GOTY Lists: Jason Hades Final Fantasy VII Remake Call of the Sea Demon’s Souls Assassin’s Creed Valhalla Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout Paper Mario: The Origami King Bugsnax Ori and the Will of the Wisps Jackbox Party Pack 7 Maddy Animal Crossing New Horizons Carrion Destiny 2: Beyond Light Final Fantasy 7 Remake Hades If Found Kentucky Route Zero Paradise Killer Spider-Man: Miles Morales Wide Ocean Big Jacket Kirk Hades Carrion Spiritfarer Black Mesa Half-Life: Alyx Desperados III Star Wars: Squadrons Final Fantasy VII Remake Ori and the Will of the Wisps Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Thu, December 17, 2020
Triple Play: Cyberpunk 2077
Is Cyberpunk 2077 the biggest game of the year? Or just the most broken? This week, the gang dives into CD Projekt Red's hotly anticipated new RPG: the good, the bad, and the very, very ugly. Jason, Maddy, and Kirk talk about their impressions on the game and their thoughts on all the many, many, many controversies surrounding it. One More Thing: Kirk: Ghostrunner Maddy: Carrie by Stephen King Jason: Call of the Sea Links: Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, December 10, 2020
The Video Game Shame Awards
Maddy, Kirk, and Jason open up the mailbag to answer some of YOUR questions. Should there be a Game Award for the best studio culture? How do we honestly criticize games while knowing how many blood, sweat, and pixels they take to develop? And just how necessary is Twitter Discourse? One More Thing: Kirk: Warner Bros. / HBO Max Maddy: Hades Jason: 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim Links: Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/ The Hollywood Reporter on Nolan/Warner: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/christopher-nolan-rips-hbo-max-as-worst-streaming-service-denounces-warner-bros-plan Twitter thread about Souls games: https://twitter.com/silent0siris/status/1334570752021049345?s=21
Thu, December 03, 2020
What's The Deal With: Console Launches?
What are they, rocket ships? In honor of the recent release of the PS5 and Xbox Series X, the gang looks back at the history of video game console launches. Which were the best ones? Which were the worst? And what were Kirk, Maddy, and Jason's personal experiences with console launches? Let's discuss!!! One More Thing: Kirk: Immortals Fenyx Rising Maddy: Fuser Jason: A Futile And Stupid Gesture (2018) Links: Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Thu, November 26, 2020
The Leftover Video Games Of Fall
Maddy, Kirk, and Jason celebrate Thanksgiving in the best way possible: Leftovers. This week, the gang talks about all of the fall video games they haven't had a chance to analyze on previous episodes, including Demon's Souls, NBA 2K21, Yakuza Like A Dragon, Spider-Man: Miles Morales, and much, much more. One More Thing: Kirk: Star Wars Squadrons Maddy: The Diary of Anne Frank Jason: The Queen’s Gambit Links: Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/ Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join
Thu, November 19, 2020
Triple Play: Assassin's Creed Valhalla
Skol! Kirk, Maddy, and Jason are all playing Assassin's Creed Valhalla, and they have oh so many thoughts. The gang dive into what they like (the story! the mysteries!) and don't like (the bugs!) about Ubisoft's new Viking game. (Spoilers: It's way too long.) One More Thing: Kirk: Just King Things Maddy: The Queen’s Gambit Jason: The Devil and the Dark Water by Stuart Turton Slate interview with Gary Kasparov about his work on Queen’s Gambit: https://slate.com/culture/2020/11/queens-gambit-garry-kasparov-interview-netflix-chess-adviser.html Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/ Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join
Thu, November 12, 2020
Now We've Played The PS5 Too
Last week it was all things Xbox, and now it's time for PlayStation 5! Jason has been using the fifth PlayStation for a few weeks now, and he's impressed. The load times are fast and the controller is slick. But is it worth getting or should you just wait??? Plus: Spider-Man Miles Morales and the wonderful Bugsnax (talkin about Bugsnax)! One More Thing: Kirk: Watch Dogs Legion Maddy: Destiny 2: Some Thoughts (on why i’m not playing it currently) Jason: Assassin's Creed Valhalla Show Notes: Triple Click Discord! https://discord.com/invite/JuSkCPZKKh Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join
Thu, November 05, 2020
We've Played The Xbox Series X (And Baby Xbox)
We've got the new Xboxes! Kirk, Jason, and Maddy dive into the pros and cons of both consoles and discuss the upcoming new generation of video games. Are framerate and resolution enough to make the upgrade? Should you get an adult Xbox, a baby Xbox, or neither? Triple Click answers all your questions! One More Thing: Kirk: Watch Dogs Legion Maddy : Animal Crossing Halloween Jason : The Americans Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join
Thu, October 29, 2020
Haunted Video Games, with Patricia Hernandez
It's Halloween, so the Triple Click gang brings on old pal Patricia Hernandez to talk about creepypasta and haunted video games, from Lavender Town to Sad Satan. Is it true that every copy of Super Mario 64 is personalized for your horror? Let's find out! One More Thing Kirk: The Walking Dead: Saints and Sinners Maddy: RTX 3070 GPU Jason: Borat 2 Links Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Pre-order Jason's book: https://www.grandcentralpublishing.com/titles/jason-schreier/press-reset/9781538735480/ Patricia Hernandez on haunted Super Mario 64: https://www.polygon.com/2020/9/15/21437962/super-mario-64-iceberg-creepypasta-machinima-every-copy-is-personalized-nintendo-64 ...and Lavender Town: https://kotaku.com/pokemons-creepy-lavender-town-myth-explained-1651851621 ...and Sad Satan: https://kotaku.com/a-horror-game-hidden-in-the-darkest-corners-of-the-inte-1714980337 Reply All on QAnon: https://gimletmedia.com/shows/reply-all/llhe5nm Dead Bart: https://creepypasta.fandom.com/wiki/Dead_Bart Polybius: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polybius_(urban_legend) Maddy’s RTX 3070 review: https://www.polygon.com/reviews/2020/10/27/21535182/rtx-3070-review-price-nvidia-price-3080
Thu, October 22, 2020
Triple Play: Hades
Jason, Kirk, and Maddy dive into Hades, one of the best games of the year so far. They talk about their favorite strategies, honor the Greek gods, and try to pinpoint what makes the latest game from Supergiant Games so special. One More Thing: Kirk: Oculus Quest 2 Maddy: Destiny 2 (lmao) Jason: Jackbox Party Pack 7 Show Notes: Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join A guide for playing PC VR games wirelessly with Oculus Quest: https://uploadvr.com/how-to-play-pc-vr-oculus-quest-2/
Thu, October 15, 2020
How To Keep That "New Game Magic" Alive
Jason, Kirk, and Maddy open up the mailbag and answer some of YOUR great questions. How do we Maximize our Fun when playing video games? Is it possible to be a successful journalist while staying totally anonymous? And does Xbox Game Pass cause more anxiety than it cures? One more thing: Kirk: Facebook Maddy: Animal Crossing Halloween update Jason: Dan Brown's Origin Show Notes: Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Kashmir Hill cutting tech giants from her life: https://gizmodo.com/i-cut-the-big-five-tech-giants-from-my-life-it-was-hel-1831304194
Thu, October 08, 2020
Building A PC Is Super Fun
Is building a PC really that difficult? Or is it actually SUPER FUN? Maddy, Jason, and Kirk talk about each of their experiences buying PC parts and putting them together like beautiful, brilliant LEGO sets. Jason talks about why his gaming PC wouldn't turn on, Maddy reminisces on carrying her massive PC case to LAN parties, and Kirk espouses the virtues of thermal paste. One More Thing: Kirk: Star Wars Squadrons Maddy: Horizon Zero Dawn Jason: Baldur’s Gate 3 Show Notes: Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Jason’s PC Building Adventure: https://kotaku.com/my-pc-building-adventure-part-one-picking-the-compone-1821708276 Jason's PC Building Adventure part two: https://kotaku.com/my-pc-building-adventure-part-two-something-went-horr-1821879762 Kirk’s “The 10 Worst Things About Building a Gaming PC” https://kotaku.com/the-10-worst-things-about-building-a-new-gaming-pc-1606794540 And The 10 Best: https://kotaku.com/the-10-best-things-about-building-a-new-gaming-pc-1605434587 The end of Kirk’s 2018 CPU cooling obsession: https://kotaku.com/i-put-a-big-air-cooler-in-my-pc-and-it-s-working-pretty-1828394334 One PC build for $1,000, from Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/buildapc/comments/dq06nh/will_1000_get_me_a_next_gen_capable_pc/ Whitson Gordon’s horror story about his liquid cooling apparatus leaking into his PC: https://lifehacker.com/what-to-do-when-your-water-cooling-leaks-inside-your-pc-1475187833 Tom’s Hardware: TomsHardware.com PC Part Picker: PCPartpicker.com
Thu, October 01, 2020
Triple Click Classics: Zelda: A Link to the Past
Dun dun, dun dun dun dun dun... it's time to talk Zelda! This week, on a new segment called Triple Click Classics, Kirk, Jason, and Maddy dive into the Super Nintendo masterpiece The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past and talk about what makes it so great, from the design to the polish to the music. But why are you always rescuing the damn princess??? ONE MORE THING Kirk: Hades Maddy: Destiny 2 (it’s baaack) (it never left) Jason: Final Fantasy XIV Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Music Featured: “The Painful Way” by Darren Korb from the Hades OST “Overture” by Koji Kondo & Mahito Yokota from the Super Mario Galaxy OST
Thu, September 24, 2020
Whoa, Microsoft Bought Bethesda
Well hey, if we had known Bethesda was on the market for only $7.5 billion, we would have made a bid! Maddy, Jason, and Kirk talk about Microsoft's major acquisition, plus the big PS5 news last week (Final Fantasy XVI!!!) and the reality that video games are going to cost $70 very soon. Plus, the brilliant, beautiful Hades and other One More Things. One More Thing Kirk: Super Mario Galaxy Maddy: Pen15 season two Jason: Hades Links Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Music Featured: “The Painful Way” by Darren Korb from the Hades OST “Overture” by Koji Kondo & Mahito Yokota from the Super Mario Galaxy OST
Thu, September 17, 2020
Which Games Do We Wish We Were Better At?
Maddy, Jason, and Kirk bring on special guest Ben Hanson (co-founder of MinnMax) to open up the listener mailbag and answer some BURNING QUESTIONS. What games does the crew wish they were better at? What are some timeless mechanics? And what are the most memorable button prompts in gaming? ONE MORE THING Kirk: Spiritfarer Maddy: Horizon Zero Dawn Jason: Super Mario 3D All-Stars LINKS Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join MinnMax: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiUhKqsBH-Is2VeC2sykEfg Who Is John Frum: https://www.topic.com/who-is-john-frum
Thu, September 10, 2020
Triple Play: Marvel's Avengers
It's time for another Triple Play! This week, the gang jumps into Marvel's Avengers, a new video game about superheroes who play Destiny. Is this game any good? Is it going through an identity crisis? And just what is up with Kamala Khan? Plus: Samus's Soapbox! ONE MORE THING Kirk: The weirdness of GPUs Maddy: Destiny 2 (really) Jason: The 7½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton LINKS Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join Triple Click Twitch channel: https://www.twitch.tv/tripleclickpod
Thu, September 03, 2020
Summer News Roundup
It's time for some news! Maddy, Jason, and Kirk talk about the summer in gaming news, from the next-gen console war (and the glaring lack of prices) to replacement E3 plans from companies like Warner Bros., Nintendo, and Microsoft. Plus: Ubisoft keeps stepping on rakes. ONE MORE THING Kirk: Dark Jason: Retro games kick Maddy: Destiny 2 Leviathan raid Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join
Thu, August 27, 2020
Is The Madden Curse Real?
One More Thing: Kirk: Luigi’s Mansion 3 Maddy: Destiny 2 (...again) Jason: Dark Support Triple Click: https://maximumfun.org/join
Thu, August 20, 2020
Triple Click Picks: The Video Games You Should Play
One More Thing: Kirk: Fall Guys (mediatonic, on PC and PS4, free PS+) Maddy: Zoo Jason: The Epic/Apple/Google war Support Triple Click: https://maximumfun.org/join Epic's complaint against Apple: https://cdn2.unrealengine.com/apple-complaint-734589783.pdf TRIPLE CLICK PICKS, VOL 1 Disco Elysium Return of the Obra Dinn Hollow Knight Outer Wilds Destiny 2 Bloodborne Breath of the Wild Divinity Original Sin II Hitman 2 AC Odyssey
Thu, August 13, 2020
Triple Play: Horizon Zero Dawn
One More Thing: Jason: Blizzard staff take collective action Maddy: Destiny 2 Kirk: Doom Patrol Support Triple Click: https://maximumfun.org/join Kirk’s old article ranking video game bows: https://kotaku.com/video-games-have-become-obsessed-with-bows-and-arrows-5991211 Noah Caldwell-Gervais on Horizon Zero Dawn: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yt7c8yXiuJk Bloomberg article on Blizzard organization: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-08-05/blizzard-workers-organize-on-company-slack-seeking-pay-increases Cool Atlantic article about Grant Morrison’s Doom Patrol run: https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2014/04/doom-patrol/360616/ Layoffs at DC: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/dc-comics-dc-universe-hit-by-major-layoffs-1306743
Thu, August 06, 2020
So Your Friends All Stopped Playing Video Games
One more thing: Kirk: Death Stranding Maddy: Marvel’s Avengers beta Jason: Billions Support Triple Click: https://maximumfun.org/join MaxFun Drive Info: https://maximumfun.org/news/maxfundrive-2020-has-begun-and-its-full-of-great-gifts/
Thu, July 30, 2020
The PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X Are Almost Here
One More Thing: Jason: Ghost of Tsushima Kirk: Carrion Maddy: The Nintendo Gigaleak Support Triple Click: https://maximumfun.org/join MaxFun Drive Info: https://maximumfun.org/news/maxfundrive-2020-has-begun-and-its-full-of-great-gifts/ The Console War Is Over [Christopher Dring, GamesIndustry.biz] https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2020-07-23-the-console-war-is-over-opinion How Xbox Game Pass works for developers [Matthew Handrahan, GamesIndustry.biz] https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2019-07-08-xbox-game-pass-is-the-first-time-subscription-is-fair-for-developers The big Nintendo leak [Patrick Klepek, Vice]: https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/7kp7bx/a-massive-leak-of-nintendo-source-code-is-causing-chaos-in-video-games
Thu, July 23, 2020
What's The Deal With... Paper Mario?
One More Thing Kirk - Ubisoft woes [ Jason's article on Bloomberg ] Maddy - Halo: The Master Chief Collection Jason - The Last of Us Part II Support Triple Click: https://maximumfun.org/join/ MaxFun Drive Info: https://maximumfun.org/news/maxfundrive-2020-has-begun-and-its-full-of-great-gifts/ Triple Click on Twitch this Friday! https://www.twitch.tv/tripleclickpod Rob Zacny on the problems with The Last of Us Part II's ending: https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/jgxjxx/problems-with-last-of-us-part-2-ending
Thu, July 16, 2020
The Music of Final Fantasy VII
Support Triple Click: https://maximumfun.org/Join Information on Max Fun Drive 2020 tiers, rewards, schedule, and more: https://maximumfun.org/news/maxfundrive-2020-has-begun-and-its-full-of-great-gifts/ Music Featured: Multiple tracks from Final Fantasy VII (1997) composed by Nobuo Uematsu, as well as the following Uematsu compositions re-arranged for Final Fantasy VII Remake (2020): "Prelude" arranged by Yoshitaka Suzuki, "Airbuster" arranged by Tadayoshi Makino, "Main Theme from Final Fantasy VII - Sector 7 Undercity" arranged by Shotaro Shima, and "Aerith's Theme - Home Again" arranged by Shotaro Shima. Kirk’s music podcast Strong Songs: https://strongsongspodcast.com Game-deal watchdog Wario64 on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Wario64
Thu, July 09, 2020
Do Spoilers Ruin Stories?
The official Braid walkthrough: https://web.archive.org/web/20121009073610/http://www.braid-game.com/walkthrough/walkthrough.html Luke Plunkett’s Desperados III review on Kotaku: https://kotaku.com/desperados-3-is-a-modern-stealth-masterpiece-1844047567 Ryan Gilliam on spoiling TLOU2 for himself: https://www.polygon.com/2020/7/7/21314896/the-last-of-us-part-2-spoilers-story-ruined-enhanced-experience-secrets-are-good Jamelle Bouie on Hamilton as a historical narrative & ideological project: https://letterboxd.com/jbouie/film/hamilton-2020/ Kirk’s Strong Songs on “Satisfied”: https://strongsongspodcast.com/satisfied-from-hamilton-updated
Thu, July 02, 2020
Why Games Keep Trying To Be 'Cinematic'
Black Game Devs: http://www.blackgamedevs.com/ The Last of Us 2 epitomizes one of gaming’s longest debates [Chris Plante, Polygon]
Thu, June 25, 2020
The Last of Us Part II (Part 2)
"Former employees accuse Cards Against Humanity of a racist and sexist office culture" [ Nicole Carpenter, Polygon ] "Video Game Industry Rocked by Outpouring of Sexual Misconduct Allegations" [ Jason Schreier, Bloomberg ] "Does ABUSE Make you Stronger? - Whiplash Review feat. Kirk Hamilton!" [ Carpool Critics ]
Thu, June 18, 2020
Early Thoughts On The Last Of Us Part II
Maddy brings on special guest Rob Zacny (Vice, Waypoint Radio) to give some early impressions on The Last of Us Part II. They talk about what the game accomplishes, why it didn't do what they hoped it would do, and they try to avoid spoilers while navigating that ridiculous embargo.
Bonus · Fri, June 12, 2020
Sony Shows A Bunch of PS5 Games
Surprise! Time for a bonus episode, as Maddy, Jason and Kirk react to Sony's big PlayStation 5 video game showcase. There were some cars, some swords, a lot of graphics, and a kitty cat wearing a backpack. They also showed what the console will look like. Let's discuss.
Thu, June 11, 2020
Cops In Video Games
"Growing calls to “defund the police,” explained" - Matt Yglesias, Vox
Bonus · Mon, June 08, 2020
Beanscast: Final Fantasy VII Remake
In the first bonus episode of Triple Click, Maddy, Jason and Kirk get together to “spill the beans” on Final Fantasy VII Remake. What did they think of the game overall? How about that ending? And what the heck might happen next? This episode includes FULL SPOILERS for Final Fantasy VII Remake, and at about the hour mark (with a warning), the hosts will also talk about the events of the original Final Fantasy VII.
Bonus · Thu, June 04, 2020
Black Lives Matter
Minority Korner: https://maximumfun.org/podcasts/minority-korner/ FANTI: https://maximumfun.org/podcasts/fanti/ The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness by Michelle Alexander: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_New_Jim_Crow The Bail Project: https://bailproject.org/ The George Floyd Memorial Fund: https://www.gofundme.com/f/georgefloyd A National Directory of Bail Funds: https://www.communityjusticeexchange.org/nbfn-directory A Directory of Protest-Specific Bail Funds: https://bailfunds.github.io/ The ACLU guide for protestors’ rights: https://www.aclu.org/know-your-rights/protesters-rights/#im-attending-a-protest
Thu, May 28, 2020
The Joy of Super Mario Odyssey
It's time for Triple Play, in which Kirk, Jason, and Maddy all play the same game. This week, the three of them are going deep on Super Mario Odyssey, released for the Nintendo Switch in 2017. How does it compare to previous Mario games? What's the multiplayer like? And why is this game such a complete and utter joy to play? Let's discuss!
Thu, May 21, 2020
What's The Deal With: Final Fantasy?
Why do people love this whole Final Fantasy thing so much? Welcome to What's The Deal With, in which the Triple Click crew explains why something matters. This week, Jason, Maddy, and Kirk explain the history and appeal of one of the most beloved roleplaying video game series ever, from Sephiroth to Noctis and oh so much more. The Final Fantasy VII Letters (Kirk Hamilton and Leigh Alexander, Paste Magazine) Solitary Spacecraft (Dante Douglas) Five Ways Video Games Make Failure Matter (Kirk Hamilton, Kotaku)
Thu, May 14, 2020
When Is It Ok To Use A Video Game Guide?
It's time for Burning Questions, in which Triple Click answers YOUR questions about all things gaming (and more). This week, Jason, Kirk, and Maddy open up the mailbag and answer questions about the best time to use strategy guides and what a video game industry without crunch might look like. Plus: One More Thing and Maddy's new job!
Thu, May 07, 2020
The Fall of Fallout
Don't miss the (unofficial) Triple Click subreddit HBomberguy on Fallout
Thu, April 30, 2020
The Best Quarantine Video Games
Check out the Maximum Fun reader survey right here !
Thu, April 23, 2020
What Video Games Assume You Know
Welcome to Triple Click, a podcast about video games! On this debut episode, Kirk Hamilton, Maddy Myers, and Jason Schreier introduce themselves and then talk a bit about the language of video games. With tons of people stuck inside and playing games these days, what kind of video game tropes are they learning? What have hardcore gamers learned to take for granted? Why does food always give you health? Plus: the introduction of a weekly segment called One More Thing!
Trailer · Mon, April 13, 2020
Trailer
Each week on Triple Click, video game experts Kirk Hamilton, Maddy Myers, and Jason Schreier journey into the fascinating world of games. They’ll explore hot topics in video game news and culture, answer burning listener questions, debate the pros and cons of the biggest new games, and replay old classics together. Coming soon to Maximum Fun!
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