Famicom Dojo Video Game Podcast

183: The Last of Us vs. The Last of Us Feb 16, 2024

Sean sent Vinnk a blu-ray copy of The Last of Us for Christmas with the expectation he'd rather watch the show than play the game. However, our livestream audience had very strong opinions about the best order to experience this amazing story. Should Vinnk play the game even though it's a lot longer, and survival/horror isn't really his thing? Or does the HBO series which dives down deep into its characters and is quite a bit lighter on zombies and the shoot shoot bang bang a better path?
Selfishly, Sean wants to know if the HBO series hits as hard without playing the game, and he still believes it's possible to enjoy the game afterward. Vinnk is afraid if he has to play the game before watching the show that he'll never do either. What's the best way forward?
In Future Retro, Vinnk got Another Code... twice! And In Pile of Shame, Sean finally fixes his 3DS, and we discuss the amazing Zelda II remake for PC!
"One More Continue" and "RPG" theme songs by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net. Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Nerd & Tie Podcast Network. Listen to other great shows at http://nerdandtie.com.

Denshimail 182: Hey, Where's Perry? Dec 22, 2023

Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Nerd & Tie Podcast Network. Listen to other great shows at http://nerdandtie.com.

181: The Demise of Game Trade Shows Dec 01, 2023

E3 was interrupted by a global pandemic, and then cancelled in 2023 after none of the big console publishers were scheduled to appear. Before that it was Space World, and before that CES. Now with the internet publishers can create their own virtual showcases any time and as many times per year as they want without the cost overhead of sending personnel and materials to trade shows where only a fraction of the audience can attend, making them de facto press junkets.
On the last public day of Tokyo Game Show 2023, Sean and Vinnk look back at their own sparse attendance at these shows, and try to figure out what exactly the world is missing if these cornerstones of gaming experience disappear for good.
"One More Continue" and "RPG" theme songs by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net. Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Nerd & Tie Podcast Network. Listen to other great shows at http://nerdandtie.com.

182: The Demise of Wrestling Games and Rebirth of Beat 'em ups Nov 18, 2023

It's no secret that we're big fans of Homestar Runner here at Famicom Dojo, so when Vinnk had the chance to see a live wrestling match in Fukuoka he donned his finest Strong Bad shirt, and instantly made friends with American wrestlers Rip Byson and Perry Von Vicious after they spotted his totally awesome attire. It turns out Perry is a bit of a retro game fan to boot; it must be fate!
Vinnk, Sean, and Perry explore the differences between wrestling games and fighters, revel in the revival of the side-scrolling beat-'em-up, and Perry's favorite retro game is a Rare surprise.
"One More Continue" and "RPG" theme songs by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net. Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Nerd & Tie Podcast Network. Listen to other great shows at http://nerdandtie.com.

180: Digital Streaming Apocalypse Nov 11, 2023

The Wii U and 3DS eShops shut down in early 2023, taking with them thousands of games that aren't available physically or on other platforms. TV streaming is suffering an even worse fate of entire TV shows being cancelled and removed from their services, including canning unaired (but completed) seasons to save money with tax write-offs.
Vinnk and Sean discuss how the digital apocalypse has spread to all media, but how services like Nintendo Switch Online can offer a faint glimmer of hope.
"One More Continue" and "RPG" theme songs by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net. Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Nerd & Tie Podcast Network. Listen to other great shows at http://nerdandtie.com.

179: Take on Samba de Amigo: Party Central Jul 07, 2023

It's 1999 again on Nintendo Switch, with the release of an update to a cult classic: Samba de Amigo: Party Central. Will the Switch's motion controls be the antidote to both the imprecision of the Wii version, as well as the inevitable decay of the original Sega Dreamcast's wired controllers? Will anyone in their 40s even know any of the songs on the list?
Sean and Vinnk preview what will hopefully be the best version since Samba 2000. Vinnk shares his pile of shame, and Sean plays a Legend of Zelda sequel that's much older than Tears of the Kingdom
"One More Continue" and "RPG" theme songs by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net. Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Nerd & Tie Podcast Network. Listen to other great shows at http://nerdandtie.com.

178: Video Game TV Shows Nov 04, 2022

We've talked before about movies based on video games, and video games based on movies (sometimes themselves based on video games; looking at you, Street Fighter: The Movie The Game!), but have we talked about TV shows inspired by video games?
Vinnk and Sean react to the Mario movie trailer, talk about the video game cartoons of their childhood, and how the genre has grown to include more mature and live action fare in the modern era -- including shows that have been announced but haven't even been released yet! But also certainly shows that have, and what is lost (or potentially gained) in translation. In Pile of Shame, Vinnk figures he should finally get in on this Minecraft thing all the kids are playing, and Sean describes his experience with the interactive movie game "I Saw Black Clouds" in Future Retro.
"One More Continue" and "RPG" theme songs by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net. Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Nerd & Tie Podcast Network. Listen to other great shows at http://nerdandtie.com.

177: Super Mario Kart Turns 30 Oct 07, 2022

Five console generations ago, Nintendo gathered up its cast of Mario characters (and Mario-adjacent franchises), put them into 2D sprites on kart racers, and propelled them around a track rendered in the Super Nintendo's Mode 7. A phenomenon was born.
Sean and Vinnk look back on three decades, and eight installments of the Mario Kart franchise, and wonder if Mario Kart 8 is too popular to ever be supplanted. In Future Retro, Vinnk shares his thoughts on Xenoblade Chronicles 3, and Sean plays a Star War with Knights of the Old Republic on a Limited Run Games kart for Nintendo Switch.
"One More Continue" and "RPG" theme songs by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net. Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Nerd & Tie Podcast Network. Listen to other great shows at http://nerdandtie.com.

176: The Golden Age of Gaming Sep 09, 2022

When is the golden age of video games? Are we living through it now? Is it yet to come? (Those are basically the only options.)
Vinnk and Sean discuss their opinions with each other and the No Brand Con audience as we try to pin down the answer. Plus, Vinnk opines about Sam & Max Save the World, and Sean talks about what got him to finally buy a ColecoVision.
"One More Continue" and "RPG" theme songs by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net. Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Nerd & Tie Podcast Network. Listen to other great shows at http://nerdandtie.com.

Denshimail 175: Full Metal Adventures in Babysitting Aug 19, 2022

In our accidental crossover episode with our new podcast Two Boobs Watch the Tube, we talk about video games, but quickly sidebar into movies and television.Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Nerd & Tie Podcast Network. Listen to other great shows at http://nerdandtie.com.

The Meatgrinder S2E3: Gobble Gobble Aug 12, 2022

Originally Broadcast 2022/04/15: I mean, you really should just subscribe to the podcast directly at this point, right?
Our current group of adventurers find themselves in the Fields of the Dead. I mean, they don’t know that’s what it’s called on the GM’s map… but it still is all the same. You can guess about how well things are going for them right now then.The Meatgrinder uses the "Super Awesome Action Heroes" role playing system. Episodes release on the 15th of each month.
This podcast is brought to you by the Nerd & Tie Podcast Network. Listen to other great shows at http://nerdandtie.com.

175: End of an eShop Era Aug 05, 2022

Nintendo is shutting down the Wii U and 3DS eShops in 2023, and there won't be any last-minute reprieve like Sony gave to the PS3 and PS Vita.
Sean and Vinnk discuss what this means for the platforms, Sean plays Halo multiplayer for the first time in a decade, and Vinnk wonders how he'll ever play any new games on his PS4.
"One More Continue" and "RPG" theme songs by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net. Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Nerd & Tie Podcast Network. Listen to other great shows at http://nerdandtie.com.

Zezcast Episode 6: The State of Retro in Japan w/ Vinnk from Famicom Dojo Apr 15, 2022

Originally Broadcast 2022/03/31: Vinnk had a great time interviewing with Louis Zezeran!
I ask Vinnk about the origins of Famicom Dojo, what his experiences have been running Japan Retro Direct and whats his take on the state of second hand retro gaming products on the ground in Japan right now. Oh and we also talk about how Japanese retro gamers see CRTs as well.

The Meatgrinder S2E2: Mobile Home Apr 01, 2022

Originally Broadcast 2022/03/15: How long can Sean survive in the brambles on the way to the stronghold of the evil necromancer Kallofrax?
Our current crop of "chosen ones" are making their way through the bramble wood, and will hopefully soon emerge into clearer spaces. But as they leave the civilized world and plunge deeper into the forbidden lands, the creatures they encounter continue to get stranger and stranger.The Meatgrinder uses the "Super Awesome Action Heroes" role playing system. Episodes release on the 15th of each month.
This podcast is brought to you by the Nerd & Tie Podcast Network. Listen to other great shows at http://nerdandtie.com.

The Meatgrinder S2E1: The Chosen One(s) Mar 07, 2022

Originally Broadcast 2022/02/15: Sean joins the Nerd & Tie crew on the new season of the Meatgrinder!
A hundred years ago the Wizard Gallfus failed in overthrowing the rule of the evil Necromancer Kallofrax. As he lost his powers, he prophesied that a chosen one would rise up on the eighth day of Balmond to defeat him. Gallfus was, frankly, lying. Losing his powers (but retaining his immortality), the wizard traveled the would, eventually telling dozens and dozens of kids that they were secretly the chosen one. Because again, he was lying; but if you toss enough "chosen ones" at a problem, maybe it will fix itself?The Meatgrinder uses the "Super Awesome Action Heroes" role playing system. Episodes release on the 15th of each month.
This podcast is brought to you by the Nerd & Tie Podcast Network. Listen to other great shows at http://nerdandtie.com.

Denshimail 174: Our Favorite Podcasts Feb 04, 2022

We answer your lingering, burning questions. What are our favorite podcasts? Well, we break them down for you. And more!Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Nerd & Tie Podcast Network. Listen to other great shows at http://nerdandtie.com.

174: Twenty Twenty Also Jan 14, 2022

The video game market can be unpredictable, and the last year has proven that even well-founded leaks are unreliable in the face of global chip shortages. Even so, we try to read the tea leaves about what's coming in 2022. Five years into the Nintendo Switch, will there be a successor? How will NFTs impact gaming, if at all? Will Sean finally beat Bart vs. the Space Mutants, and stop making us all suffer with live streams?
Vinnk and Sean try to use their powers of anti-prognostication for good for the coming year, which apparently includes Sean finding an Xbox Series X less than a week after recording this episode. What other good things will come from this recording? We also enjoy not two but three games for our Pile of Same and Future Retro segment.
This episode is dedicated to our long-time fan Mario the M Hat Hero. Please consider supporting his family at this difficult time: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-with-david-smith-funeral-services
"One More Continue" and "RPG" theme songs by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net. Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Nerd & Tie Podcast Network. Listen to other great shows at http://nerdandtie.com.

Denshimail 173: Christmas Memories 2021 Dec 31, 2021

We share our favorite Christmas memories past and present, and answer whether we'll ever get tired of gaming... or if modern gaming will just forsake us first.Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Nerd & Tie Podcast Network. Listen to other great shows at http://nerdandtie.com.

Zenspath 4 Button Podcast - Extra Quarter 23: Wii U Dec 28, 2021

Originally Broadcast 2021/12/17: Sean was invited to this show to share his thoughts on the Wii U, as someone who actually liked the console!
Its the Zenspath 4 Button Podcast Extra Quarter Ep 23! Join special guest Sean "The Orange" Corse (@SeanOrange) & I (@Zenspath) as we talk about the beautiful disaster that was the #Nintendo #WiiU. The good, the bad, the memories, the games, the missed potential, & the legacy it left behind.

173: Getting SWOLED Dec 17, 2021

We predicted earlier this year that we would never be getting a Switch Pro, despite persistent rumors to the contrary. Then the Switch OLED dropped and we were... sort of right. Unfortunately, it was for reasons that were so specific that even our valuable power of taking a firm stance on something only to be proven wrong could not overcome the circumstances. We tried! Sean and Vinnk break down the ongoing, pandemic-fueled disruptions to the global supply chain of advanced computer components affecting every major industry, the ways it has affected the gaming industry for the last two years, and will likely continue to do for the foreseeable future. In Future Retro we talk about Metroid Dread: great game, or greatest game? Plus Vinnk shares his progress on Great Ace Attorney"One More Continue" and "RPG" theme songs by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net. Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Nerd & Tie Podcast Network. Listen to other great shows at http://nerdandtie.com.

Denshimail 172: On the Value of Remakes Dec 03, 2021

This week we're following up the main episode by answering your questions about the value of remakes, how Nintendo's marketing practices, hobbled the TubroGrafx-16 library in the US, among other things, and we share some of our favorite cameos in our videos and what a joy they were to direct.Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Nerd & Tie Podcast Network. Listen to other great shows at http://nerdandtie.com.

172: The Risible Cost of Retro Nov 19, 2021

Vinnk and Sean talk about the insane auction prices of some not-very-rare (but sealed) physical retro games, and the value of remakes. In Future Retro, Sean shares his spoiler-free thoughts on The Last of Us Part II on PS4, and Vinnk reviewsâ€¦ a book? Oh, but itâ€™s about the value of retro games! Whew, saved itâ€¦"One More Continue" and "RPG" theme songs by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net. Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Nerd & Tie Podcast Network. Listen to other great shows at http://nerdandtie.com.

Denshimail 171: 10th Anniversary Podcast Edition Nov 05, 2021

We celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Famicom Dojo Video Game Podcast by answering your questions!"One More Continue" and "RPG" theme songs by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net. Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Nerd & Tie Podcast Network. Listen to other great shows at http://nerdandtie.com.

Two Boobs Watch the Tube Episode 1: See - Season 1 (2019) Oct 29, 2021

Originally Broadcast 2021/10/22: Check out the first episode of our SECRET PODCAST!
After a war that nearly wipes out humanity, anyone born with the curse of sight or access to written knowledge is killed by the Witchfinders of Queen Kane of the Payan Kingdom. Despite this, the Queen had designs on royal progeny who can see in order to gain an edge over her enemies. Her consort goes astray, however, and shares this gift with many, many women who are not the Queen. One such woman ends up in the village of Baba Voss, where she gives birth to twins, and marrying Baba who raises little Kofun and Haniwa as his own. When it is discovered they can see, they must do everything in their power to make sure the Queen never finds them.
Vinnk and Sean review the first season of this bold series, set in beautiful, desolate locales ironically at odds with the show's title. How does such a story tread the line between nullifying one of the five main senses its audience may take for granted without denigrating the characters (and their very much sighted actors)? What do they think of this new-fangled Apple TV+ streaming service amongst a crowd of so many others?
Starring:
* Jason Momoa - Baba Voss
* Alfre Woodard - Paris
* Sylvia Hoeks - Queen Sibeth Kane
* Hera Kilmar - Maghra
* Archie Madekwe - Kofun
* Nesta Cooper - Haniwa
Available on Apple TV+.
Logo by by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Nerd & Tie Podcast Network. Listen to other great shows at http://nerdandtie.com.

Two Boobs Watch the Tube - Season 1 Trailer Oct 28, 2021

Instead of interrupting our video game podcast to talk about TV, we've made a TV podcast we can interrupt to talk about video games. Join us as review a different show (or subsequent season of that show) every episode.
Logo by by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Nerd & Tie Podcast Network. Listen to other great shows at http://nerdandtie.com.

171: Digital Post-Apocalypse Oct 15, 2021

The bad news keeps compounding for Sony. First came the announcement that the PS3, PSP, and Vita online stores would be shutting down this July. Then some intrepid investigators discovered that the death of the CMOS battery in PS3 and PS4 models means your digital libraries would be useless -- even if the batteries are replaced -- unless it can connect to online servers that will no longer be in service after this year. And lo and behold, this problem affects the PS5 as well!
On this 10th anniversary episode of the DojoCast, Sean and Vinnk recall the first episode about the DLC Apocalypse, and how it's really been here all along. Sean talks about how Pile of Shame LIVE! turned his opinion around about Double Switch, and Vinnk is still playing Phoenix Wright after all these years -- this time on a region-free Switch cartridge collection of the first three games.
"One More Continue" and "RPG" theme songs by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net. Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Nerd & Tie Podcast Network. Listen to other great shows at http://nerdandtie.com.

170: Video Game Crunch May 28, 2021

Most games are made with some kind of crunch to meet sales targets and match up with buying patterns, but sometimes the motives of publishers (and it's almost always the publishers) can be more nefarious. Why does crunch happen, and how can consumers stop it, if at all? Would you pay more for a game that was made ethically?
Vinnk and Sean recount stories of developer woe, and ways to combat the scourge of "crunch". In Future Retro we go back to two second sequels: Myst III and Pikmin III. And we answer your questions with our "live" audience, from our Discord, and more!
"One More Continue" and "RPG" theme songs by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net. Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Nerd & Tie Podcast Network. Listen to other great shows at http://nerdandtie.com.

169: Incredibly Disappointing Sequels Apr 09, 2021

Video game sequels weren't like movie sequels. Technical improvements and customer feedback almost always mean better games, and more money to make them. But sometimes it doesn't work out that way.
Sean and Vinnk try to one-up each other with progressively worse video game sequels, we take suggestions from live viewers, Vinnk's Future Retro is VERY retro, and Sean's Pile of Shame is inspired by his now-weekly live streams, but focuses on Night in the Woods.
"One More Continue" and "RPG" theme songs by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net. Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Nerd & Tie Podcast Network. Listen to other great shows at http://nerdandtie.com.

168: The Price of Gaming Feb 05, 2021

New console games have a standard price point every generation. With the introduction of the 9th generation, will that price eventually go up? What does that mean in a world of DLC, special editions, and a practice of dropping to $20 or $30 a few weeks after release?
Sean and Vinnk discuss whether a raise to a $70 makes sense, or of games are already overpriced. Sean talks Riven: The Sequel to Myst in Future Retro, and Vinnk reviews a Cyan game from even before Myst.
"One More Continue" and "RPG" theme songs by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net. Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Nerd & Tie Podcast Network. Listen to other great shows at http://nerdandtie.com.

167: Genres That Won't Be Myst Nov 20, 2020

Why do some video game genres endure, when others fizzle out? What happens when one of the genres that dies is one that you really happen to love? Graphic adventure games gave us a scare for a while, but text adventures are toast.
Sean and Vinnk talk about Myst, its remake realMyst, its re-remake (also) Myst, and try to pin down its categorization. Is it a walking similuator, or is Myst its own genre now? We discuss other genres that are gone or have changed fundamentally so as to no longer be any fun. And we answer your questions in our latest Denshimail segment!
"One More Continue" and "RPG" theme songs by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net. Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Nerd & Tie Podcast Network. Listen to other great shows at http://nerdandtie.com.

166: More Different With Age Aug 28, 2020

Gone are the days that shipping a game meant it was "done", and the development team would move on to a new project. In the 2020s, like other software, distributing games over the internet can mean spending more time and money creating a new experience than what lead up to the launch date. Games that were "finished" years ago can see updates that fundamentally change the experience. Sometimes this is by design. Sometimes it's because the game that was launched was a dud.
Vinnk and Sean discuss whether this behavior is throwing good money after bad, or if it's a model that's here to stay... and whether that's a good thing, plus games we wish we could play as they used to be, but no longer can. In Pile of Shame, Sean describes getting back into No Man's Sky for the first time in nearly four years, and Vinnk shares his newfound love of Chess and 50 other worldwide classics with Clubhouse Games for Nintendo Switch.
"One More Continue" and "RPG" theme songs by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net. Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Nerd & Tie Podcast Network. Listen to other great shows at http://nerdandtie.com.

Nerd & Tie Episode 157: The Best of the Secret Podcasts Aug 21, 2020

Originally Broadcast 2020/07/29: Vinnk and Sean lead off this compilation with a visit Vinnk made back to the states with his family in 2017, making it a real-live Vinnk-Con 2017!
On this episode of the Nerd & Tie podcast we dig out our biggest secrets. Those would, of course, be The Secret Podcasts. For those unaware, we often record secret ten minute shows while at cons which get posted to a hidden part of the site. Rather than make you hunt for them though, we've created this special of some of our favorites (including a never released episode which features Sean and Vinnk of Famicom Dojo). We've previously released some compilation episodes which were available temporarily, but this one's sticking around.

165: Nine Generations of Triangles Jul 24, 2020

Another new generation of gaming is nearly upon us, but what value does it bring? What does it mean? And how the heck do you remember the progression of Xbox names?
Sean and Vinnk feel their age as they discuss what the ninth generation of gaming may bring, try to differentiate from the "pro" versions of the eighth generation, and worry about yet another push towards digital-only consoles. We talk about Animal Crossing again in Future Retro, this time with Sean's perspective, and Vinnk surprises himself, and us, with his latest review.
"One More Continue" and "RPG" theme songs by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net. Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Nerd & Tie Podcast Network. Listen to other great shows at http://nerdandtie.com.

164: Video Game Ratings Are Good, Actually Jun 19, 2020

When we last talked about the various video game ratings systems, we concluded that they were useless. Now that we're older and wiser, our perspective has evolved accordingly. What if video game ratings are good, actually?
Vinnk and Sean dive into the history of Night Trap (now that Sean's actually played it), and how the congressional hearing lead to a surge in sales that may not have happened for such a... mediocre game. Sean reviews the 2014 Shadowgate remake on his Nintendo Switch, and Vinnk tries to convince Sean why he should play Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
"One More Continue" and "RPG" theme songs by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net. Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Nerd & Tie Podcast Network. Listen to other great shows at http://nerdandtie.com.

88: Video Game Ratings Are Useless Jun 12, 2020

Originally Broadcast 2014/03/07: When a podcast has been around for years, sometimes we repeat topics, but often with a new perspective. Next week we'll discuss video game ratings as well, so enjoy this first pass from the past!
Does anyone of the generation who grew up with video games have an excuse to not understand how much (or rather, how little) video games affect people? So many buy Rated M games for their kids, completely ignoring the rating altogether. Which begs the question: just who are these ratings for?
Vinnk and Sean go over a completely non-linear history of video game ratings, how Night Trap for Sega CD helped start the ratings firestorm, and they have evolved more into advertisements than effective parental warnings.
"Famicom Thrash" and "RPG" theme songs by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net.
This podcast is brought to you by the Nerd & Tie Podcast Network. Listen to other great shows at http://nerdandtie.com.

163: Death of (Gaming) Retail May 22, 2020

We're still stuck at home (well, some of us are), wondering how the closure of non-essential businesses is will affect not just giant video game retailers, but our home-grown favorite resellers, such as the eponymous Famicom Dojo.
Sean and Vinnk recover from a failed live stream to ponder anew the physical vs digital question. In Future Retro we take a Journey, and Sean learns from Vinnk what Ron Gilbert was up to after his LucasArts days.
"One More Continue" and "RPG" theme songs by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net. Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Nerd & Tie Podcast Network. Listen to other great shows at http://nerdandtie.com.

Audio Bonus 162: Favorite Quarantine Shows May 08, 2020

Vinnks catches up Sean on all the TV shows he's been watching with his kids, plus some shows he's been interested in since Quarantine
Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Nerd & Tie Podcast Network. Listen to other great shows at http://nerdandtie.com.

162: Quarantine Games Apr 17, 2020

Wisconsin has been on lockdown for about five weeks now, with at least five more to go. What do do in the meantime? Play video games and reduce our pile of shame, of course!
Vinnk and Sean talk about the games they're playing while Safer at Home, hopefully reduce their Pile of Shame by finally playing through the original Doom games and Final Fantasy VII and VIII -- all available now for Nintendo Switch -- plus how out of all the games that were announced in last March's Nintendo Mini Direct the most appealing seems to be... Clubhouse Games??
"One More Continue" and "RPG" theme songs by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net. Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Nerd & Tie Podcast Network. Listen to other great shows at http://nerdandtie.com.

Audio Bonus 161: Mythic Quest Apr 03, 2020

Mythic Quest is Vinnk's new favorite show (after The Good Place ended), which he was suddenly reminded of when talking about Mystic Quest's origins as a Final Fantasy spinoff. We cut out these tangents for the main episode, but preserved them here for you to relish!
Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Nerd & Tie Podcast Network. Listen to other great shows at http://nerdandtie.com.

161: Relocalization Mar 20, 2020

Some of the most interesting deviations between US retro games and their Japanese originals are the decisions made when they were localized to non-Japanese countries, the politics of the time, and subsequent censorship. What if we had it all to do over again?
Sean and Vinnk explore new localizations of games that either never got one, or are getting new ones, and in Pile of Shame we try to figure out if the release of Shenmue III is 15 years too late, Vinnk realizes he's never played Riven: The Sequel to Myst, and discovers out he has a massive Pile of Shame of Good Old Games...
"One More Continue" and "RPG" theme songs by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net. Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Nerd & Tie Podcast Network. Listen to other great shows at http://nerdandtie.com.

160: Switch Pro No Go? Mar 06, 2020

Console life cycles are fairly predicable, especial for Nintendo consoles. Right now we're about halfway through the wildly-successful Switch, but the only hardware revision we have to show for it is the Switch Lite. If a Switch Pro doesn't come this year, does that mean it won't come at all? Vinnk and Sean debate the clues, and what a Switch Pro would even have to offer. In Future Retro we talk about the latest Switch games we've been playing, which are a remake and sequel respectively: Link's Awakening and Luigi's Mansion 3. And we come clean on our YouTube Pile of Shame. "One More Continue" and "RPG" theme songs by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net. Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Nerd & Tie Podcast Network. Listen to other great shows at http://nerdandtie.com.

159: Twenty-ish Years of Sega Dreamcast Jan 31, 2020

Usually console anniversaries are celebrated events, but when the Dreamcast turned 20 years old it seemed like an afterthought -- assuming anyone thought about it at all. What happened?
Sean and Vinnk discuss their Dreamcast memories, and speculate why the 20th wasn't as big as the 10th or even the 15th. Vinnk's Future Retro is Grandia II, his favorite Dreamcast game. And Sean talks about playing lots of... chess??
"One More Continue" and "RPG" theme songs by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net. Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Nerd & Tie Podcast Network. Listen to other great shows at http://nerdandtie.com.

158: Super NES and Super Famicom Online Oct 25, 2019

Nintendo buried the lede in its latest Nintendo Direct with the announcement of its 16-bit offerings on the anniversary of its Nintendo Switch Online service. North America got Super NES, and the Japan eShop got Super Famicom.
Vinnk and Sean discuss how to download Famicom and Super Famicom Online (even if you don't have a Japanese Switch!), review Night Trap and Fire Emblem: The Three Houses in Future Retro, and share an announcement on future Famicom Dojo videos.
"One More Continue" and "RPG" theme songs by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net. Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Nerd & Tie Podcast Network. Listen to other great shows at http://nerdandtie.com.

157: The First Import Game You Beat Oct 04, 2019

When we asked our Patreon supporters what they wanted us to podcast about, the answer was pretty unilaterally a topic about our first import games we beat. So, for helping us meet our first Patreon goal, we have obliged!
Vinnk and Sean discuss their history with import gaming, the first games they beat and one which consoles, and debate what "import" actually means for Vinnk now that he lives in Japan. We continue with Future Retro and Pile of Shame, but also welcome back the Denshimail segment, where we took questions from the live chat, as well as our new "denshimail-questions" Discord topic!
"One More Continue" and "RPG" theme songs by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net. Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Nerd & Tie Podcast Network. Listen to other great shows at http://nerdandtie.com.

Denshimail 156: Spring Into Action 2019 Sep 13, 2019

Sean and Vinnk take to YouTube to chat with viewers and listeners like you about the state of Famicom Dojo, our plans for future videos and podcasts, and what we'll do to finally get that Season 2 DVD in your hands!
Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Nerd & Tie Podcast Network. Listen to other great shows at http://nerdandtie.com.

156: My Body Isn't Reggie Sep 06, 2019

Reggie Fils-Aime has retired as President of Nintendo of America, but is leaving someone who is more than capable in the post. Someone who will probably build an airship as soon as the stockholders are looking the other way.
Vinnk and Sean discuss Nintendo's leadership change, the Nintendo Switch Online battle royale game Tetris 99, and the quirky weirdness of Travis Strikes Again: No More Heroes.
"One More Continue" and "RPG" theme songs by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net. Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Nerd & Tie Podcast Network. Listen to other great shows at http://nerdandtie.com.

153: All the Pokemon I Know in 2018 Aug 30, 2019

Sometimes we record a podcast and sort of forget to release it. Even if it's really really good. And then we don't release it after a little while because it's no longer topical. But it's really good. And we have Patreon supporters who want to hear it anyway. So here it is!
Vinnk and Sean discuss the Pokemon-related announcements from Nintendo in June 2018, try to figure out if the Pokeball Plus is worth buying. And just what the heck IS Pokemon Let's Go anyway?
"One More Continue" and "RPG" theme songs by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net. Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Nerd & Tie Podcast Network. Listen to other great shows at http://nerdandtie.com.

152: Sega Does What Nintendoes Also Aug 23, 2019

Sega announced via a Nintendo-Direct-like video that they were bringing 15 classic Sega Genesis retro games to the Nintendo Switch, along with a mysterious countdown that ended up being the reveal for Shenmue 1 and 2 HD for PS4 and Xbox One.
Sean and Vinnk discuss the Sega news, hit up some Future Retro and Pile of Shame with their favorite (or forlorn) Sega titles, read a haiku, and take audience questions -- LIVE at No Brand Con 2018!
"One More Continue" and "RPG" theme songs by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net. Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Nerd & Tie Podcast Network. Listen to other great shows at http://nerdandtie.com.

155: Nintendo PlayStation 2019 Apr 05, 2019

Nintendo's hitting 2019 hard and fast, making the case for the Switch as it enters it third year of break-neck sales.
Vinnk and Sean go over each game to decide Play or Pass, and
"One More Continue" and "RPG" theme songs by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net. Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Little Podcast Network. Sponsor an episode, or listen to other great shows at http://LittlePodcast.com.

154: The Price of Nintendo Switch Online Dec 07, 2018

Nintendo's online service for the Switch was free for longer than they said it would be, but the paywall still took us a bit by surprise. Had Nintendo earned the money?
Sean and Vinnk share their experiences so far with the paid version of the Nintendo Switch Online service, tease how to get the channel for Famicom games on US Switches, and somehow let the newest physical version of Night Trap onto our respective Piles of Shame..."One More Continue" and "RPG" theme songs by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net. Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Little Podcast Network. Sponsor an episode, or listen to other great shows at http://LittlePodcast.com.

Denshimail 152: LIVE! @ No Brand Con 2018 Preview May 04, 2018

We're doing a live streaming video podcast at No Brand Con 2018! So Sean and Vinnk hopped online to work out the kinks, and answer viewer questions in our first Denshimail podcast of the year.
Please join us at No Brand Con in person this Saturday, May 5th, from 8-9:30 PM CDT, or set a reminder for the live YouTube feed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQgEfEB1wZQ
Come ready with your questions Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Little Podcast Network. Sponsor an episode, or listen to other great shows at http://LittlePodcast.com.

151: Shelf Candy Mar 30, 2018

It's not every game, and not every company, but every once in a while a title will come out that is so badly tested, has a day one patch for a game-breaking bug, or isn't even on the disc or cartridge at all, that the box on the shelf is little more than eye candy.
Sean and Vinnk discuss the phenomenon of game publishers using their paying customers as beta testers, when having an "incomplete" game is acceptable, and what resale value -- if any -- that these games will have in the long te"One More Continue" and "RPG" theme songs by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net. Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Little Podcast Network. Sponsor an episode, or listen to other great shows at http://LittlePodcast.com.

150: Happy Nintendo Switch-iversary Mar 09, 2018

It's been a whirlwind year for the Switch as Nintendo struggles to keep up with higher-than-expected demand, and publishers scramble to find titles to release. Meanwhile, indie developers are enjoying the power vacuum left by the AAA players, and really getting a chance to shine on this funny little charcoal gray box.
Vinnk and Sean look back at how the Nintendo Switch has changed their gaming habits over the past year, which games and consoles they DIDN'T play because the Switch existed"One More Continue" and "RPG" theme songs by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net. Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Little Podcast Network. Sponsor an episode, or listen to other great shows at http://LittlePodcast.com.

149: A Sense of Adventure Feb 23, 2018

When the adventure game genre died off, fans though we'd never see its like again. In an era where action games dominated and AAA titles push the boundaries of budgets and the senses, who would want a calm, puzzle-solving (but also maddening) ADVENTURE?
Lots of people, it turns out.
Sean and Vinnk review two wonderful new adventure games: Oxenfree, by Night School Studio, and the new game by classic adventure game guru Ron Gilbert in the Kickstarted form of Thimbleweed Park"One More Continue" and "RPG" theme songs by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net. Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Little Podcast Network. Sponsor an episode, or listen to other great shows at http://LittlePodcast.com.

148: Clean Out Your Fridge Feb 02, 2018

By the end of March 2018, Wii owners will no longer be able to add Wii Points to the Wii Shop. By the end of January 2019, no new purchases, or downloads of existing purchases, will no longer be possible. Everyone's Wii will be no different than a Wii Mini.
Vinnk and Sean try to figure out their final Wii purchases, as the very thing we worried about when this podcast first started will finally overtake Nintendo's first online-aware console: the death of gaming services. In Future Retro,"One More Continue" and "RPG" theme songs by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net. Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Little Podcast Network. Sponsor an episode, or listen to other great shows at http://LittlePodcast.com.

147: Forecast 2018 Jan 05, 2018

Nintendo dominated 2017 with the launch of the Switch console. What will this mean for 2018? How will third parties respond? Will competition heat up with Sony and Microsoft?
Sean and Vinnk lay out their predictions for the gaming world in 2018, and if their track record is any indication, well...
"One More Continue" and "RPG" theme songs by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net. Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Little Podcast Network. Sponsor an episode, or listen to other great shows at http://LittlePodcast.com.

146: Fool Me Twice Apr 01, 2017

You may remember a few years ago when we switched up our podcast with No Topic Required. Well, we're at it again, this time with Nerd and Tie!
Trae, Nick, and Gen discuss their thoughts on the Nintendo Switch after its release, and Trae shares a pile so shameful that we may have to retire the segment forever.
"Famicom Thrash" and "RPG" theme songs by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net. Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Little Podcast Network. Sponsor an episode, or listen to other great shows at http://LittlePodcast.com.

145: Gimmick or Greatness Feb 17, 2017

Sometimes decisions made by console manufacturers seems completely crazy, and will never take off. Other times they seem like a natural evolution, but go nowhere. Is it possible to predict which is which?
Ahead of the launch of the Nintendo Switch, Sean and Vinnk review innovations from the last 30 years, and how they ended up in the annals of game history.
"Famicom Thrash" and "RPG" theme songs by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net. Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Little Podcast Network. Sponsor an episode, or listen to other great shows at http://LittlePodcast.com.

Denshimail 143: Predictions Bingo Review (2016) Feb 03, 2017

We review our predictions for 2016... with bingo cards!
Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Little Podcast Network. Sponsor an episode, or listen to other great shows at http://LittlePodcast.com.

144: Merry Switchmas Jan 27, 2017

Barely two weeks into 2017, and already some of our predictions have been proven true! (Or false...)
Vinnk and Sean dissect the Nintendo Switch presentation video, share their thoughts on the revelations and features discussed, and decide which games they're getting at launch. Besides Zelda, that is.
"Famicom Thrash" and "RPG" theme songs by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net. Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Little Podcast Network. Sponsor an episode, or listen to other great shows at http://LittlePodcast.com.

142: Value Jan 06, 2017

Have you noticed that retro games cartridges are becoming more expensive, while digital versions on various platform are becoming more prolific? What makes a popular game go up in price, while rarer games end up in the trash?
Vinnk and Sean try to figure out of it's supply or demand pushing retro prices higher, and what the value of our non-phyiscal collections will retain in the future -- especially those tied to specific consoles or accounts. Pile of Shame deals with this directly on the"Famicom Thrash" and "RPG" theme songs by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net. Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Little Podcast Network. Sponsor an episode, or listen to other great shows at http://LittlePodcast.com.

143: Super 2017 Run Dec 30, 2016

Everyone who survived 2016 is happy it's gone, gone, gone, so we look forward to the new year with predictions of what's to come (mostly for the Nintendo Switch) in this episode that was TOTALLY recorded in 2017!
Sean and Vinnk make their best guesses at what the next 12 months will bring, once again in bingo card format, and review the criticism of Super Mario Run for iOS, as well as the game itself! (Spoilers: they like it, and some if its pitfalls have been overblown, although there are"Famicom Thrash" and "RPG" theme songs by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net. Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Little Podcast Network. Sponsor an episode, or listen to other great shows at http://LittlePodcast.com.

Denshimail 141: Deep Space 1999 Dec 12, 2016

We discuss Famicom Dojo fan art, Vinnk's introduction to '90s Star Trek, and your questions!
Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Little Podcast Network. Sponsor an episode, or listen to other great shows at http://LittlePodcast.com.

141: Twenty-Six Hundred Dec 05, 2016

When Vinnk visited the US recently, he encouraged Sean to buy an Atari 2600... perhaps for less than altruistic reasons.
Sean and Vinnk discuss the capabilities of the Atari 2600, how it stacks up to the third generation, and how it's possible that Sean could have gone so long without owning one. Future Retro continues the Atari love with the new Conjoined video game from Joe Grisaffi's comedy horror film of the same name, and Sean admits there's another Atari contemporary console that he's never really played...
"Famicom Thrash" and "RPG" theme songs by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net. Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Little Podcast Network. Sponsor an episode, or listen to other great shows at http://LittlePodcast.com.

Denshimail 140: After the Steak Bet Nov 21, 2016

Vinnk made his quasi-annual visit to the US to see through the oft-promised steak bet! We discuss the trip, the video we shot while in the same place, and we get through a backlog of voicemails from before, during, and after the Summer Dojo. Plus, your Facebook questions.
Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Little Podcast Network. Sponsor an episode, or listen to other great shows at http://LittlePodcast.com.

140: Make the Switch Nov 04, 2016

The Nintendo NX is officially the Nintendo Switch! Will the console/handheld hybrid be revolutionary, or another good idea with poor execution?
Vinnk and Sean delve into the hard news and speculation about what we still don't know about the Switch. Both manage to talk about different aspects of the same game in Pile of Shame. And both try, really try, to use their powers for good.
"Famicom Thrash" and "RPG" theme songs by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net. Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Little Podcast Network. Sponsor an episode, or listen to other great shows at http://LittlePodcast.com.

139: Pokemon GO Home, You're Drunk Oct 28, 2016

Live at Nerd & Tie Expo 2016!
Sean and Vinnk share their favorite Pokemon GO tips and tricks, defend No Man's Sky, review Holy Diver for Famicom, and take audience questions.
"Famicom Thrash" and "RPG" theme songs by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net. Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Little Podcast Network. Sponsor an episode, or listen to other great shows at http://LittlePodcast.com.

Denshimail 138: Summer Dojo 2016 Oct 21, 2016

We talk about the 17 videos we released over the summer, answer your questions, and talk about a new video game console that has controllers too small for human hands.
Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Little Podcast Network. Sponsor an episode, or listen to other great shows at http://LittlePodcast.com.

138: Nintendo's First Mobile Game Oct 14, 2016

We're back after the Summer Dojo!
Vinnk and Sean review Miitomo, and Future Retro is about a 3DS game you can't buy any more, and a Famicom game that you still can! Probably...
"Famicom Thrash" and "RPG" theme songs by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net. Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Little Podcast Network. Sponsor an episode, or listen to other great shows at http://LittlePodcast.com.

137: March to 2017 Jun 03, 2016

There will be no Nintendo NX at E3 2016, but they will be showing up the new Zelda Wii U game. Which will now also be an NX game.
Sean and Vinnk wonder what this means for the release of the next installment of the Zelda series, if the full NX system will launch in March, or just one component of the rumored handheld/console hybrid. Also, more Zelda in Pile of Shame, and a decidedly non-Zelda game is Vinnk's Future Retro!
"Famicom Thrash" and "RPG" theme songs by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net. Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Little Podcast Network. Sponsor an episode, or listen to other great shows at http://LittlePodcast.com.

136: PS4K May 13, 2016

Could consoles ever be like smart phones? Smart phones cost more, but are subsidized, and people use them all day every day. Could that work for dedicated gaming hardware?
Sean and Vinnk explore the possibilities that a 4K iteration of the PS4 could offer, and respond to rumors about the Xbox One following suit. Vinnk shares a Future Retro on the Famicom with a framerate better than a PS4 running at full HD resolution, and Sean laments the number of games languishing on his PS4 hard drive.
"Famicom Thrash" and "RPG" theme songs by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net. Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Little Podcast Network. Sponsor an episode, or listen to other great shows at http://LittlePodcast.com.

Denshimail 135: Midwest Gaming Classic 2016 Apr 22, 2016

The Nintendo PlayStation, the rising price of retro games, the merits of Patreon, a new haiku, and your questions!
Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Little Podcast Network. Sponsor an episode, or listen to other great shows at http://LittlePodcast.com.

135: Fanservice (with Satoshi Matrix) Apr 15, 2016

Aside from the obvious genre implications, there are all kinds of references and in-jokes that developers make tweak the noses of their customers, and get them fired up for their games.
Vinnk and Sean invite Satoshi Matrix to talk about fanservice (both kinds), and some of the most fanservce-y Future Retro (again, both kinds) we can think of. And somehow Vinnk combines Future Retro and Pile of Shame.
"Famicom Thrash" and "RPG" theme songs by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net. Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Little Podcast Network. Sponsor an episode, or listen to other great shows at http://LittlePodcast.com.

Denshimail 134: Miitomorphosis Apr 08, 2016

Our intial Miitomo thoughts, the secret origin of Sean and Vinnk, and another haiku!
Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Little Podcast Network. Sponsor an episode, or listen to other great shows at http://LittlePodcast.com.

134: Rumors Apr 01, 2016

With not one but two Nintendo NX hoaxes just before April Fools' Day, several Nintendo hoaxes of years past come to mind.
Sean and Vinnk reminisce about tricks played on the video game community, popular rumors, common misconceptions, and a few wild stories that actually (and/or eventually) turned out to be true.
"Famicom Thrash" and "RPG" theme songs by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net. Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Little Podcast Network. Sponsor an episode, or listen to other great shows at http://LittlePodcast.com.

133: Never Complete (with Joe Grisaffi) Mar 11, 2016

Forty years after Atari helped rocket home video gaming into the stratosphere (and nearly 35 years after they helped to almost completely crater it), hobbyists have banded together across the globe to solve the niggling quality problems that plagued the original developers, making games so good that perhaps the video game crash may never have happened.
Vinnk and Sean welcome Call of Doodie director Joe Grisaffi to talk about his homebrew Atari games based (loosely?) on several of his films, and why completionists can never truly have everything.
"Famicom Thrash" and "RPG" theme songs by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net. Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Little Podcast Network. Sponsor an episode, or listen to other great shows at http://LittlePodcast.com.

Denshimail 133: Waiting for the Joe Mar 11, 2016

We answer a few questions while we wait to interview Joe Grisaffi for Episode 133 (just so you understand where this sits chronologically). Get some Kickstarter updates, learn how to import Japanese PlayStation games, and enjoy our latest haiku!
Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Little Podcast Network. Sponsor an episode, or listen to other great shows at http://LittlePodcast.com.

Denshimail 132: Vinnk-Con Panel Submissions Feb 26, 2016

What's up with Vinnk-Con this year? What are some non-gaming uses for a Famicom? We answer these questions, take a voicemail, read a haiku, and more!
Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Little Podcast Network. Sponsor an episode, or listen to other great shows at http://LittlePodcast.com.

132: To the Beat Feb 19, 2016

Rhythm in video games has been around since before there was even the technical capabilities for decent music. The last decade saw a surge in this genre, followed by a precipitous crash.
Sean and Vinnk talk about their respective introductions to the rhythm game genre, where it's lead them, and what they've been playing lately despite the digger the genre has since taken.
"Famicom Thrash" and "RPG" theme songs by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net. Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Little Podcast Network. Sponsor an episode, or listen to other great shows at http://LittlePodcast.com.

Denshimail 131: The Kefka Theory of Villany Feb 12, 2016

We find out there's a Back to the Future game on a very interesting console, and answer your questions!
Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Little Podcast Network. Sponsor an episode, or listen to other great shows at http://LittlePodcast.com.

131: Episodic Gaming Feb 05, 2016

Episodic gaming has really taken off in the last few years, despite a troubling start. We share what we enjoy about this format, but also what sometimes isn't so great about it, and which games we're still waiting to be finished. Is episodic content here to stay?
Vinnk and Sean examine the perils and the promise of this approach to gaming, and try to figure out what even counts as episodic versus a sequel. And, for the first time in a long time, we share both a Future Retro and Pile of Shame! In the same episode! Mostly. (There might be another one on the website...)
"Famicom Thrash" and "RPG" theme songs by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net. Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Little Podcast Network. Sponsor an episode, or listen to other great shows at http://LittlePodcast.com.

Denshimail 130: Part of the Problem Jan 29, 2016

Famicom Dojo and shows like it have been driving up demand for Japanese retro games. Unfortunately, these exports also drive up prices for the copies still in the country. We answer these questions and more on this week's Denshimail!Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Little Podcast Network. Sponsor an episode, or listen to other great shows at http://LittlePodcast.com.

130: Still Gathering Herbs Jan 22, 2016

After a few false starts, Vinnk is starting to play Mass Effect, which brings to mind the difference between such BioWare games, and the Japanese RPGs of our youth. How have RPGs changed? Is the genre even that well-defined any more? And what DOES Vinnk think of Mass Effect, anyway?
Sean and Vinnk talk more about Star Wars: The Force Awakens, and Future Retro brings up two great games that are so addictive they threaten to grind the rest of the podcast to a halt.
"Famicom Thrash" and "RPG" theme songs by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net. Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Little Podcast Network. Sponsor an episode, or listen to other great shows at http://LittlePodcast.com.

Denshimail 129: Pile of Shame Fest 2016 Jan 08, 2016

It's a new year, and our shame is greater than ever before. Since we didn't have any Future Retro or Pile of Shame as part of our predictions episode for 2016, we decided to take a look back at all of the games we haven't been playing.
Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Little Podcast Network. Sponsor an episode, or listen to other great shows at http://LittlePodcast.com.

129: Predictions Bingo (2016) Jan 01, 2016

It's a new year, so time to make wild guesses about the future, and see if we're right in a year's time!
Vinnk and Sesn take their considerable video game knowledge to bear in order to find out if they can predict the future. And you can play along with the handy Bingo card in the show notes! What will we find out about the Nintendo NX? What's the next big thing in gaming? We have answers! They just may not be correct.
"Famicom Thrash" and "RPG" theme songs by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net. Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Little Podcast Network. Sponsor an episode, or listen to other great shows at http://LittlePodcast.com.

Denshimail 128: Your Favorite Video Games are Dying Dec 25, 2015

Sean returns to DaishoCon, this time not for a live podcast, but a live panel where we begin to unravel the mysteries of battery backup cartridges.. and their eventual demise.
Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Little Podcast Network. Sponsor an episode, or listen to other great shows at http://LittlePodcast.com.

128: Physical DLC Dec 18, 2015

Once upon a time games came on physical media. Well, you still can, but now you can download them too. And if that's not enough, you can download MORE game! Well, not any more. Now you need toys to expand your games!
Sean and Vinnk welcome back Zac Shipley of the No Topic Required podcast to talk about Disney Infinity and LEGO Dimensions, how they allows games to be made that might never be standalone titles, and more Retro than usual in Future Retro.
"Famicom Thrash" and "RPG" theme songs by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net. Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Little Podcast Network. Sponsor an episode, or listen to other great shows at http://LittlePodcast.com.

Denshimail 127: #NES30 Dec 11, 2015

We talk about our Nintendo Entertainment System video, celebrating the one month anniversary of the 30 year anniversary of the release of the NES, and answer your questions
Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Little Podcast Network. Sponsor an episode, or listen to other great shows at http://LittlePodcast.com.

127: Consoles of a Generation Dec 04, 2015

Even if you own multiples, everyone has a favorite console for each generation. But how does one choose which to support, when multi-platform releases are a certainty? And can you choose poorly, or otherwise be surprised?
Vinnk and Sean are joined by Game Dave of RetroWare as they journey through 40 years of game console history, and where they fell at each point along the way, plus pile on the shame with the games that they may never play as newer generations replace the current ones.
"Famicom Thrash" and "RPG" theme songs by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net. Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Little Podcast Network. Sponsor an episode, or listen to other great shows at http://LittlePodcast.com.

126: Toys to Life Nov 27, 2015

The hiatus is over, and we've played a bunch more games! With titles like LEGO Dimensions jumping on the Toys to Life bandwagon, we start taking a look at some of these games, and take a look back at how Nintendo tried something extremely similar when it brought the NES to the rest of the world 30 years ago.
Sean and Vinnk try to tease out the value of the toys in toy to life games, Sean finally bought Splatoon, and Vinnk explains why sometimes playing on just the GamePad just doesn't cut it.
"Famicom Thrash" and "RPG" theme songs by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net. Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Little Podcast Network. Sponsor an episode, or listen to other great shows at http://LittlePodcast.com.

Denshimail 126: Nintendo Direct to Your Heart Nov 20, 2015

We review highlights of the Nintendo Direct for 2015/11/12, and take your questions!
Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Little Podcast Network. Sponsor an episode, or listen to other great shows at http://LittlePodcast.com.

Denshimail 125: The 16-bit Wars Oct 02, 2015

We announce the details of our upcoming Kickstarter, and take your questions about how the campaign will be conducted.
Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Little Podcast Network. Sponsor an episode, or listen to other great shows at http://LittlePodcast.com.

125: Play Old Games Aug 21, 2015

We really can't say this enough or more clearly: play old games. Don't be discouraged because they might look funny, or require text inputs, or don't have voice acting. Play old games. There's an artistry to old games. Which isn't to say modern games aren't art, because clearly that's nonsense, but there is something to be appreciated in a title that made the most of the technology available. Except maybe N64 games. Those haven't aged well.
Vinnk and Sean rail against the idea that old games are either unplayable, or simply aren't worth playing when there's new stuff out there. At particular issue is how game publishers denigrate old games in order to sell new ones. What other industry does that? Except maybe cars. Ignore that one. Also, no shame this week as we bring you all Future Retro! Sean finished Minish Cap, and Vinnk talks about a version of Final Fight you've possibly never heard of and probably never played before.
"Famicom Thrash" and "RPG" theme songs by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net. Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Little Podcast Network. Sponsor an episode, or listen to other great shows at http://LittlePodcast.com.

Denshimail 124: Smells Like the Nineties Aug 14, 2015

Did you know that we're old? You will after we answer these questions about our favorite anime. But we also talk about our latest video previewing the Kunio-kun series.
Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Little Podcast Network. Sponsor an episode, or listen to other great shows at http://LittlePodcast.com.

124: Retro VGS Aug 07, 2015

What if a video game system didn't need to connect to the internet for constant software and firmware updates? What if there was no hard drive, and the games were on cartridges? That might sound like a blast from the past, but it's what the aptly-named Retro VGS promises for the future.
Sean and Vinnk welcome Mike Kennedy to talk about the Retro's evolution from a throwback 16-bit system to an infinitely configurable all-in-one platform for modern and vintage gaming.
"Famicom Thrash" and "RPG" theme songs by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net. Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Little Podcast Network. Sponsor an episode, or listen to other great shows at http://LittlePodcast.com.

Denshimail 123: Eight Years of Famicom Dojo Jul 31, 2015

Has it already been eight years? Doesn't feel like a day past five! We answer your questions from Twitter and Facebook about the Famicom Modem, virtual reality, the e-Reader, and more!
Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Little Podcast Network. Sponsor an episode, or listen to other great shows at http://LittlePodcast.com.

123: Shooters Jul 24, 2015

Vinnk was never really one for shooters. But that's before he played Splatoon.
Vinnk and Sean discuss the history of shooters, how Nintendo was able to put its own spin on a genre, and then make that previously uninteresting entire genre more appealing. (At least to Vinnk.) Oh, and Sean tries to convince Vinnk to play Mass Effect again, if shooters are his thing now.
"Famicom Thrash" and "RPG" theme songs by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net. Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Little Podcast Network. Sponsor an episode, or listen to other great shows at http://LittlePodcast.com.

122: Please Understand Jul 17, 2015

Satoru Iwata, President and CEO of Nintendo Co. Ltd., died last Saturday at the age of 55. We recorded this mere hours after hearing the news, and it shows. Please understand.
Sean and Vinnk grapple with the news of Mr. Iwata's untimely passing, how he made Nintendo what it is today for good or for ill, and what this means for the company's future.
"Famicom Thrash" and "RPG" theme songs by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net. Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Little Podcast Network. Sponsor an episode, or listen to other great shows at http://LittlePodcast.com.

Denshimail 121: Stuff Vinnk Sent Me Jul 10, 2015

After our Stuff Vinnk Sent Me video about showing off an A/V mod of a Famicom, we got a lot of feedback for why the quality isn't better, and renewed calls to try RGB mods. Also, despite that the Winter Dojo is over, we have a new spike in viewership, and a tremendous amount of new subscribers thanks to (inadvertently) the Angry Video Game Nerd and his review of the Famicom version of The Legend of Zelda.
Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Little Podcast Network. Sponsor an episode, or listen to other great shows at http://LittlePodcast.com.

121: Everything We Weren't Right About (E3 2015) Jul 03, 2015

What do we do now? Every game since Duke Nukem Forever that we were sure would never come out is now coming out. Mother? Shenmue III? Final Fantasy VII Remake? The Last Guardian? Check, check, check, and check. Plus, if you want to play your Xbox 360 games on your Xbox One, Microsoft is going to start allowing that with 100 titles this fall.
Vinnk and Sean weren't right about anything predicted ahead of E3, and -- honestly -- we couldn't be happier. We talk about these games that were "never" going to come out, plus a whole lot more about what happened at this year's E3.
"Famicom Thrash" and "RPG" theme songs by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net. Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Little Podcast Network. Sponsor an episode, or listen to other great shows at http://LittlePodcast.com.

Denshimail 120: Text Adventures // Mother 3 // Time Paradoxes Jun 12, 2015

We take your questions from our Facebook page, and find some surprisingly deep answers! Yeah, even for the kind of silly ones. Somehow. We just hope we don't change our minds later, and go back in time to undo it, blowing a hole in the universe the size of the Small Magellanic Cloud.
Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Little Podcast Network. Sponsor an episode, or listen to other great shows at http://LittlePodcast.com.

120: Don't Let it End Jun 05, 2015

The Wii U was and continues to be a great system. Unfortunately, third parties don't seem to see it that way, and even more unfortunately that's backed by sales numbers. Console gaming in general is in a decline, but the Wii U's decline may already be underway. Not for lack of great titles, but in ovrall volume.
Sean and Vinnk talk about their favorite Nintendo system since the Super NES, and how it will all end. Sean wonders if he will ever game again, and Vinnk tries to bring him back onboard with Kirby and the Rainbow Curse.
"Famicom Thrash" and "RPG" theme songs by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net. Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Little Podcast Network. Sponsor an episode, or listen to other great shows at http://LittlePodcast.com.

Denshimail 119: The End of Winter Dojo May 29, 2015

We answer questions asked during the 11 weeks of Winter Dojo 2015, track down some promising leads for new videos, talk about our behind-the-scenes experiences, and tease what's coming up later this year on our YouTube channel.
Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Little Podcast Network. Sponsor an episode, or listen to other great shows at http://LittlePodcast.com.

119: Konami Kollapse May 22, 2015

It's a strange thing that's been happening at Konami, not least of which is the public, ugly divorce between the company and Hideo Kojima. But what is happening to them can happen to any AAA publisher -- and more specifically their development studios. What will the gaming landscape look like when the titans of the industry have perished, and will it be better for consumers?
Vinnk and Sean talk about what this means for digital-only gaming artifacts such as PT, bemoan the state of Hudson Soft, revel in the glory of Sega Saturn Bomberman, and review Broken Age Act 2 by Double Fine. Also, it's the last week of the Winter Dojo, so make sure you've watched all 11 videos! After you're done listening to the podcast, of course.
"Famicom Thrash" and "RPG" theme songs by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net. Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Little Podcast Network. Sponsor an episode, or listen to other great shows at http://LittlePodcast.com.

Denshimail 118: No Brand Con 2015 May 01, 2015

Sean (in person) and Vinnk (via Skype) crash the ball pit of the No Mercy Room at No Brand Con to answer your burning questions, and meet up with old college friends. Maybe more of the latter.
Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Little Podcast Network. Sponsor an episode, or listen to other great shows at http://LittlePodcast.com.

118: Misakocast Apr 24, 2015

Sean is gone this week, but Vinnk found someone even better to step in and talk video games: his wife!
Vinnk and Misako discuss her gamer past, and -- in a stunning reversal of what usually happens on Famicom Dojo -- Vinnk explains the Nintendo Entertainment System and North American gaming to someone who grew up only knowing the Famicom.
"Famicom Thrash" and "RPG" theme songs by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net. Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Little Podcast Network. Sponsor an episode, or listen to other great shows at http://LittlePodcast.com.

Denshimail 117: Five More Weeks of Winter Dojo // Midwest Gaming Classic 2015 Apr 17, 2015

We talk about the six episode of the Famicom Dojo Winter Dojo we've released, and Midwest Gaming Classic 2015. Plus, answer several listener questions in between!
Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Little Podcast Network. Sponsor an episode, or listen to other great shows at http://LittlePodcast.com.

117: Game Boy is Awesome Apr 10, 2015

It may be difficult to explain, because Game Boy wasn't the best from a technical standpoint, and not all of the games were the best, but somehow the Game Boy was just the best.
Sean and Vinnk fondly remember 25 years of handheld gaming with Nintendo's little gray dot matrix box that could. For Future Retro Vinnk shares his stories of Quarth, and Sean jumps to the iOS ship to talk about Framed.
"Famicom Thrash" and "RPG" theme songs by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net. Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Little Podcast Network. Sponsor an episode, or listen to other great shows at http://LittlePodcast.com.

Denshimail 116: How to Watch Famicom Dojo Apr 03, 2015

Sean explains where new episodes of the Winter Dojo are being published, and where you can go to be the first to see them.
Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Little Podcast Network. Sponsor an episode, or listen to other great shows at http://LittlePodcast.com.

116: Nintendo NeXt Mar 27, 2015

Nintendo announced a historic deal with Japanese mobile developer DeNA to create a new device-agnostic ecosystem for its unified account system, an ecosystem that will now also include mobile games. Nintendoes what Sega also does, and is going to develop new software on third party hardware for the first time since Atari. Oh, and then there's something about a new Nintendo NX console too.
Vinnk and Sean wonder if this move is savvy or desperate, meant to appease stockholders, or if they plan to be a gamechanger in the mobile market. We also speculate just exactly what this may presage for their next console. Assuming it ever really comes out. Also, speaking of mobile: the return of Pile of Shame in the form of Fire Emblem and Zelda games for the 3DS!
"Famicom Thrash" and "RPG" theme songs by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net. Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Little Podcast Network. Sponsor an episode, or listen to other great shows at http://LittlePodcast.com.

Denshimail 115: Gaming Holy Grail // User Engagement // Media Entropy Mar 20, 2015

Sean and Vinnk share their holy grails of gaming, why retro consoles and their media have been skyrocketing in price (related to the first topic), and have... a proposal for you.
Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Little Podcast Network. Sponsor an episode, or listen to other great shows at http://LittlePodcast.com.

115: Sega is Dead, Long Live Sega Mar 13, 2015

Sega will go where no Nintendo has gone before, and only release games on mobile from now on. How is it possible a once-great power in the gaming industry has fallen so far (without being responsible for its near-totall collapse, that is)?
Sean and Vinnk lament the passing of this once-great developer, Vinnk discovers a Super Famicom game he'd never heard of before made by HAL, and Sean... well, there's a lot to be said for digital downloads instead of insisting on physical media.
"Famicom Thrash" and "RPG" theme songs by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net. Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Little Podcast Network. Sponsor an episode, or listen to other great shows at http://LittlePodcast.com.

Denshimail 114: Konami Code // Winter Dojo // Picross Mar 06, 2015

We talk about why the Konami code exists, answer some other questions from Facebook, and tease what's to come with the Winter Dojo 2015 videos.
Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Little Podcast Network. Sponsor an episode, or listen to other great shows at http://LittlePodcast.com.

114: The PC Engine That Could Feb 27, 2015

The PC Engine was big in Japan, but not so big in the US as the TurboGrafx-16. In the years since the demise of Hudson Soft, the love for one of the smallest consoles on the market is still going strong. Why didn't it get tracking abroad, and why do people love it now?
Vinnk and Sean opine about the most overlooked console of the 16-bit generation, and go through Sean's massive Pile of PC Engine Shame on both HuCards and CD-ROMs. Vinnk reveals he still hasn't really used one of his Christmas presents since returning to Japan, and Sean explains why he just can't get into Metroid Prime Trilogy.
"Famicom Thrash" and "RPG" theme songs by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net. Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Little Podcast Network. Sponsor an episode, or listen to other great shows at http://LittlePodcast.com.

Denshimail 113: Famicom AV Modding // Vinnk-Con // JewWario Feb 20, 2015

For our first new Denshimail installment, we answer questions about whether AV modding an original Famicom is sacrilege, what we've been doing since we last released regular videos in 2013, and we chat about the history of Vinnk-Con and its latest installment for 2015!
Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Little Podcast Network. Sponsor an episode, or listen to other great shows at http://LittlePodcast.com.

113: We Just Want Nice Things Feb 13, 2015

GameCube Adapters and Amiibo are still sold out everywhere. Club Nintendo in North America, whose physical rewards never equaled those of other territories, is about to shut down worldwide. The New 3DS is finally coming to North America, but XL only -- and without a charger -- and region locking keeps alternative inaccessible. If you don't get your 3DS or games new, they're probably out of print (but you can still download them from the eShop). Please tell us, Nintendo of America: why can't we have nice things? We just want nice things.
Sean and Vinnk come back for 2015 to wonder what Nintendo's strategy could be for holding back product from the market, and the strange dichotomy of wanting to push digital game sales when the new Amiibo colletible line is by definition physical only. Vinnk plays his games from America, and for lack of any Nintendo products being available Sean plays his PS4 to gather herbs.
"Famicom Thrash" and "RPG" theme songs by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net. Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Little Podcast Network. Sponsor an episode, or listen to other great shows at http://LittlePodcast.com.

Famicom Dojo Video Game Podcast Intro (2015) Feb 06, 2015

It's year five of the podcast, and we're looking to make a fresh start! New format, new segments, new podcast network, and a new logo, but the same old banter about contemporary video games and how they relate to retro game history.
Oh, and herbs gathering. Lots, and lots of herbs.
Vinnk and SeanOrange pixel art by Louis Lloyd-Judson: https://louistrations.co.uk.
This podcast is brought to you by the Little Podcast Network. Sponsor an episode, or listen to other great shows at http://LittlePodcast.com.

112: The Osborne Effect (Live at DaishoCon 2014) Nov 29, 2014

There are problems with announcing new hardware that's not available everywhere, such as the New 3DS coming out in Japan but not the US, including features that the regular 3DS does not have, yet Nintendo claims that because the North American market hasn't peaked yet with the old hardware that it will hold off releasing it. Instead, we're getting a line of special 3DS designs (never minding that a feature of the New 3DS is removable faceplates).
Vinnk and Sean (well, mostly just Sean) head off to the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells for this first-ever live recording of the Famicom Dojo podcast, wondering why anyone would even get a 3DS for the holidays when a new one will probably be out in 2015. This is only the sort of thing you can get away with because of region locking. Vinnk explains his person Osborne Effect with Smash Bros. for 3DS, and Sean gushes about P.T., which he played on his new PS4. Plus, questions from our live audience!
"Famicom Thrash" and "RPG" theme songs by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net.
This podcast is brought to you by the Little Podcast Network. Sponsor an episode, or listen to other great shows at http://LittlePodcast.com.

111: First World Problems Nov 14, 2014

Problems with video games are already something of a first-world issue, but some of the specifics can be so much worse. Which controller to get for Smash Bros. Wii U? GameCube or a GameCube-like HORI pad? Buy a PS4 on Black Friday, or do it some other time so we don't feel icky? How are we supposed to organize our video game collections when the labels don't wrap all the way around?
Sean and Vinnk assert their privilege this week. We move yet another game from Pile of Shame to Future Retro, and need a little help determining where to start playing the Fire Emblem series.
"Famicom Thrash" and "RPG" theme songs by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net.
This podcast is brought to you by the Little Podcast Network. Sponsor an episode, or listen to other great shows at http://LittlePodcast.com.

110: RETRO Magazine Nov 04, 2014

Magazines have themselves become a retro medium, but what if someone could use that to their advantage in a dying industry? Double-win if you can tie it to retro video games. That's exactly what we have with our guests this week!
Vinnk and Sean welcome co-founders Mike Kennedy and Mark Kaminski of Retro Magazine to talk about their Year 2 Kickstarter, and their favorite retro games. They also stick around for Future Retro and Pile of Shame to share some really interesting games we (or at least some of us) haven't played before!
"Famicom Thrash" and "RPG" theme songs by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net.
This podcast is brought to you by the Little Podcast Network. Sponsor an episode, or listen to other great shows at http://LittlePodcast.com.

109: The Horror Oct 31, 2014

What are your favorite scary games? How about just ones that remind you of Halloween, or are about traditional "scary" critters, but are just too darn cute to be scary themselves? Or, depending on what actually scares you, extreme isolation?
Sean and Vinnk invite Sindra and David back to the podcast for this special Halloween episode! And we may or may not discuss the P.T. Silent Hills demo... JUMP SCARE!!
"Famicom Thrash" and "RPG" theme songs by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net.
This podcast is brought to you by the Little Podcast Network. Sponsor an episode, or listen to other great shows at http://LittlePodcast.com.

108: 10 Minutes About Your Favorite Video Game Oct 17, 2014

Rob Matsushita is a Madison, WI based filmmaker and playright. More importantly for our purposes he is also host of the 10 Minutes About Your Favorite Movie podcast on the Little Podcast Network. We're big fans of his show, and thought that the best way to get Dojo Disciples to become fans to is to show him how awesome it is through the lens of video games. Fortunately, Rob plays them too.
Vinnk, Sean, and Rob give each other their top five favorite games, and chose one to talk about for ten minutes. Er, apiece. This is Ten Minutes About Your Favorite Video Game! Times three.
"Famicom Thrash" and "RPG" theme songs by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net.
This podcast is brought to you by the Little Podcast Network. Sponsor an episode, or listen to other great shows at http://LittlePodcast.com.

107: Shelf Life Oct 10, 2014

Some of our favorite Famicom and NES games are nearing the end of their respective lifespans. Famicom Disk System games degrade, no matter how well you take care of them. Cartridge games with battery backups will eventually lose power, along with your data, and never be able to save again. Even the batteries that help consoles like the PS2 and Dreamcase keep time are fizzling out. Is there anything we can do to stop it.
Sean and Vinnk ponder the move to digital media as a way to preserve their game collections, but at what cost? No, literally, what would that cost? Especially since only a portion of those games are even available on anything but the original release media.
"Famicom Thrash" and "RPG" theme songs by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net.
This podcast is brought to you by the Little Podcast Network. Sponsor an episode, or listen to other great shows at http://LittlePodcast.com.

106: Denshimailbag Oct 03, 2014

Way back when we ended Season 1 of the video series, we announced our new Denshimail segment. While we've answered many of your questions in video forms, we've only been getting more and more of them in the years since. While we'd love to answer many of the in video format, we have a lot of catching up to do!
Vinnk and Sean answer a backlog of voicemails, and a selection of listener and viewer questions asked on Facebook, YouTube, and our email. We'll also try to answer one question per episode from now on!
"Famicom Thrash" and "RPG" theme songs by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net.
This podcast is brought to you by the Little Podcast Network. Sponsor an episode, or listen to other great shows at http://LittlePodcast.com.

105: Tokyo Game Show 2014 Sep 26, 2014

We haven't been to Tokyo Game Show in person, but that doesn't mean we haven't been to Tokyo Game Show! Famicom Dojo has had an official presence covering the show in 2013 and 2014. This year we got Mr. Presence on the show to discuss what he saw on the floor this year.
Sean and Vinnk welcome David to the podcast for the first time to talk about how the console market is going, bemoan Square-Enix's risk-averse library, and the difficulty of coming down with Sonic Boom.
"Famicom Thrash" and "RPG" theme songs by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net.
This podcast is brought to you by the Little Podcast Network. Sponsor an episode, or listen to other great shows at http://LittlePodcast.com.

104: Den of Shame Sep 19, 2014

Is it wonderful or worrying that two grown men need a place to store all of their stuff from a childhood that in some ways never ended? Or is doing a podcast and video series about classic video games excuse enough?
Vinnk and Sean have both moved into new houses, and new places to keep all of their cool stuff. Sean rediscovers Punch Out for Wii in Future Retro, and Vinnk tells the harrowing tale of his missing Retron 5 in Pile of Shame.
"Famicom Thrash" and "RPG" theme songs by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net.
This podcast is brought to you by the Little Podcast Network. Sponsor an episode, or listen to other great shows at http://LittlePodcast.com.

103: 3DS The Third Sep 12, 2014

It's a bit later than expected, but the 3DS has finally gotten the second stick (well, a nub really), and enough buttons to make it nearly feature complete with a Wii U GamePad. A herald of things to come for Nintendo, or sheer coincidence?
Sean and Vinnk wonder if this is the next logical step for the 3DS, or merely a placeholder for what's really coming next. Vinnks Zonks out with Future Retro, and Sean tries out a Nintendo classic finally coming to the US on 3DS Virtual Console. Vinnk adds another chapter to his Ace Attorney 5 saga in Pile of Shame, and Sean tries out Vindicators thanks to Reddit.
"Famicom Thrash" and "RPG" theme songs by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net.
This podcast is brought to you by the Little Podcast Network. Sponsor an episode, or listen to other great shows at http://LittlePodcast.com.

102: Play It Again, Samus Sep 05, 2014

After the y cant metroid crawl meme sprang into being upon the release of Super Metroid on the Wii U Virtual Console, Sean recorded a bunch of footage performing tricks in the game, but it's been over a year and we haven't made it into a proper video yet. Sean put out the raw footage on another YouTube channel at the same time Phil was working through the GBA Metroid games. So we decided to talk to Phil about his experience playing through (quote-unquote) old 2D Metroid again!
Sean and Phil talk about replaying the Game Boy Advance games, sequence breaking, and undocumented secrets in Super Metroid. Future Retro covers the unofficial Project M mod for Smash Bros. Brawl on Wii, and Pile of Shame laments how difficult it is to get back into Metroid Prime 2 after almost a decade.
"Famicom Thrash" and "RPG" theme songs by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net.
This podcast is brought to you by the Little Podcast Network. Sponsor an episode, or listen to other great shows at http://LittlePodcast.com.

101: Take Your Knight and Shovel It Aug 29, 2014

Shovel Knight is more than a retro-styled game made to make you wistful of a bygone era -- it makes you wish that era had never ended, and gives a glimpse of what it may have been like if it hadn't. From emulating an actual Famicom sound chip to sticking almost entirely within the capabilities of the NES hardware, Shovel Knight is nothing less than a work of art. It's also pretty fun to play! And it learns lessons from the last three decades that its proper 8-bit brethren never had time to internalize.
Vinnk and Sean share their views on Yacht Club Games' maiden voyage, heap praises on the Metroid series and Sakura Wars in Future Retro, and try to talk themselves into taking some more games off their pile of shame.
"Famicom Thrash" and "RPG" theme songs by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net.
This podcast is brought to you by the Little Podcast Network. Sponsor an episode, or listen to other great shows at http://LittlePodcast.com.

100: Growing Up Gamer Aug 15, 2014

When we were kids, someone introduced each of us to the world of video games. Maybe it was a parent, or a friend who had the latest and greatest. Or maybe that love developed in arcades and translated into the home. This week, we revisit the formative years that made us gamers. And we have other stories that listeners like you sent in to celebrate our 100th episode.
Sean and Vinnk interview their families, play user submissions, and give their own individual stories about what it meant Growing Up Gamer.
"Famicom Thrash" and "RPG" theme songs by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net.
This podcast is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo Video Series. Train Your Game at https://youtube.com/famicomdojo.

99: PapaCast and Ferb Jun 27, 2014

The thing about being a gainfully-employed adult and parent is that time becomes your most precious commodity. So any time you use for games can only be used on the good ones -- if you can figure out which ones those are.
Vinnk and Sean reveal how they balance their real lives with gaming life, how the Wii U is great for that, and get all excited over Future Retro that's really just a quasi-remake of a 20 year old game.
"Famicom Thrash" and "RPG" theme songs by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net.
This podcast is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo Video Series. Train Your Game at https://youtube.com/famicomdojo.

98: Nintendo Wins E3 (2014) Jun 18, 2014

It's amazing how things looked a year ago, with Nintendo all but left for dead by the gaming press. Now, with a much-needed lift by Mario Kart 8 and a killer showing at E3, Nintendo looks like it might earn the title of number one console (in Japan) -- and not just because the PS4 is selling so poorly there. And perhaps do better in America too. Whatever works.
Sean and Vinnk skip Future Retro and Pile of Shame to dedicate the entire episode to E3 reactions. And maybe pepper that stuff throughout the show anyway. You better believe we won't be letting Ubisoft off lightly, either.
"Famicom Thrash" and "RPG" theme songs by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net.
This podcast is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo Video Series. Train Your Game at https://youtube.com/famicomdojo.

97: Nintendo Adapts Jun 06, 2014

Nintendo appeases the hardcore Super Smash Bros. tournament crowd with a wired adapter for GameCube controls, playable at the Smash Bros Invitational. The newest Mario Kart was released last week, selling out Pro Controllers everywhere, crashing the Club Nintendo website, and increasing sales of the Wii U in the UK alone by 666%. In less than a week, Mario Kart 8 has sold 1.2 million copies worldwide. YouTube announced a monetization scheme for users uploading Nintendo videos. Is Nintendo finally listening to its fans, or did it just take this long to unlock the Wii U's potential?
Vinnk and Sean put down Mario Kart 8 long enough to discuss what Nintendo is doing right, and if there are bigger things on the horizon. The Wii U is having a renaissance, and it's not even E3 ye.
"Famicom Thrash" and "RPG" theme songs by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net.
This podcast is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo Video Series. Train Your Game at https://youtube.com/famicomdojo.

96: DisKinect May 23, 2014

We've long been wary of digital services on consoles at Famicom Dojo, because every time one shuts down there's the inevitable pain that follows, and features that can never be recaptured. This is what is happening with the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection going dark this week, which takes with it all online multiplayer (and related features) for not only Wii and DS titles, but anything that relied on GameSpy for online connectivity. Similarly, Microsoft has continued its Xbox One backpedaling and has decided that the Kinect 2.0 isn't required hardware after all.
Sean and Vinnk wonder if this change to the Xbox One will make them more likely to get it over the PS4, and decide how best to go out on Nintendo's original online service. Also, we discuss the Amplitude Kickstarter by Harmonix (which, by now, should be fully funded). We review a brand new game in Future Retro, and Pile of Shame isn't about video games at all!
"Famicom Thrash" and "RPG" theme songs by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net.
This podcast is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo Video Series. Train Your Game at https://youtube.com/famicomdojo.

95: The Price of DLC May 16, 2014

Physical game releases, and increasingly their digital versions as well, often get a hefty price cut as the game ages, but the price of the DLC never goes down. Should it?
Vinnk and Sean backtrack on some earlier positions to talk about DLC they like, grapple with their feelings on DLC in general, and what alternatives publishers can pursue without giving up a revenue stream that helps to increase the software development tail of a game and its engine.
"Famicom Thrash" and "RPG" theme songs by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net.
This podcast is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo Video Series. Train Your Game at https://youtube.com/famicomdojo.

94: Sequelitis May 09, 2014

NES Remix 2 is chock full of sequels to games from NES Remix 1, and of course NES followups to other games not seen in the series before. Conventional wisdom dictates that sequels are mere cash-ins of a great idea, but sometimes they can perfect that idea in fun and surprising ways.
Sean and Vinnk discuss the sequels we think are better than the originals, some clearly superior, others more controversial. Vinnk touches a game designer's hair in Future Retro, and pile of shame goes digital-only... kind of like this podcast!
"Famicom Thrash" and "RPG" theme songs by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net.
This podcast is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo Video Series. Train Your Game at https://youtube.com/famicomdojo.

93: Crossovers and Cameos May 02, 2014

Recent installments of the Super Smash Bros. series have included characters from third party companies as fighters joining the Nintendo menagerie. Game developers often hide references to their other titles in some of their games, either by obscure references or through sharing characters -- sometimes where they don't really belong. Gamers seem to enjoy these cross-overs and in=jokes... but why?
Vinnk and Sean share their favorite cameos in well-known games as well as more obscure titles. Future Retro looks more at the recent past, and Pile of Shame spans a couple of generations.
"Famicom Thrash" and "RPG" theme songs by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net.
This podcast is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo Video Series. Train Your Game at https://youtube.com/famicomdojo.

92: The (PlayStation) Death of Consoles Apr 15, 2014

While the rest of the world is picking up the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One at an admirable pace (sorry, Wii U), the former was only just released earlier this year in Japan, and the latter is not yet on store shelves. The latest Nintendo Direct makes it seem like the company doesn't understand that they need to support the Wii U over the 3DS with games like Smash Bros., but perhaps the situation underscores a deeper problem.
Sean and Vinnk discuss what happened to all of the console gamers, where they went, and what it means for the future of game companies if it all goes away forever. Maybe Nintendo's mobile strategy isn't so short-sighted after all.
"Famicom Thrash" and "RPG" theme songs by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net.
This podcast is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo Video Series. Train Your Game at https://youtube.com/famicomdojo.

91: Needs More Polys Apr 08, 2014

We're four generations deep into reasonably realistic 3D graphics based on nothing more than colored triangles, but if you go back to the first fully 3D console graphics the picture isn't so pretty. And yet we loved these games all the same. Was it am amazing as we thought, or were we just kidding ourselves?
Vinnk and Sean try to take off their rose-colored glasses and give a serious look to the Nintendo 64, Playstation, and Sega Saturn. What game franchises were born in that generation? Which ones met their untimely end?
"Famicom Thrash" and "RPG" theme songs by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net.
This podcast is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo Video Series. Train Your Game at https://youtube.com/famicomdojo.

90: Your Friend's House Apr 01, 2014

We take a trip over to our friend's house where everything sounds different. Er, where you play the games that you didn't play at your house because you didn't own the system, didn't own the game, weren't ALLOWED to own the system or game, or just like the atmosphere better than at your place. And for this episode, we invited a few friends over to our house!
Zac (@ZacShipley), aDam (@aDamRulz), and Ernie of No Topic Required (@NoTopicRequired) take over the show for this April Fool's Day episode. Supposedly Sarah Rattle (@SarahRattle) was there too, but we sure didn't hear her!
"Famicom Thrash" and "RPG" theme songs by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net.
This podcast is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo Video Series. Train Your Game at https://youtube.com/famicomdojo.

89: Audio Bonus Mar 14, 2014

Sometimes the show runs a little long, or goes completely off-topic. That's when we create an audio bonus, exclusively for the website! When we first started the podcast, we fully intended to create such extra content to help drive traffic back to the website since there was no other way to listen to it. But, as it turns out, people just don't find that enticing! So, despite the desire to keep things "exclusive", we want to share these audio bonuses with you in a way that most listeners will actually be able to hear it. They're just so good!
Sean and Vinnk comb the three year history of the Famicom Dojo Podcast for its best extras, and put them into this one episode: Vinnk unveils the hidden secret behind the unlicensed developer Color Dreams, Sindra and Vinnk bond over their love of Silent Hill, Sean gives a brief history of Superman films, and also explains how he got started making videos... before he was old enough to shave.
"Famicom Thrash" and "RPG" theme songs by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net.
This podcast is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo Video Series. Train Your Game at https://youtube.com/famicomdojo.

87: Every Game is Terrible (Except the One You Like) Feb 28, 2014

In the ever-shifting landscape of video game development, there are major players and the scrappy underdogs. Kickstarter has given smaller studios a bigger voice, but back in the day before the Internet was a thing, which companies set themselves apart? And which ones have fallen apart since?
Sean and Vinnk talk about their favorite publishers and developers of today, the classics of yesteryear, and ponder whatever the heck happened to them. Some evolved, some, disbanded, and some should be put out of their misery. Did your favorites make the list?
"Famicom Thrash" and "RPG" theme songs by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net.
This podcast is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo Video Series. Train Your Game at https://youtube.com/famicomdojo.

86: Rad Sports Games Feb 21, 2014

Before EA, official sports titles were more spread out, and used in all kind of ways. Games like NBA Jam are hard to come by these days (barring updates to NBA Jam). Before annual installments of Year of the Same Game, you had crazy sports game ideas that were one and done. These weren't simulators, like we have today, but imaginitive riffs on the sports to make up for any technical proficiency that hardware of the time may have had. And that's what makes them Rad Sports Games.
Vinnk and Sean talk about their favorite titles, including the aforementioned NBA Jam, Punch Out, Bases Loaded (and a bunch of other weird baseball games), and even Scotti Pippen's Slam City! If you've never played it before, why... it sure is something else. Will we ever see their like again? Aside from EA picking up the IP for NBA Jam from Midway, that is...
"Famicom Thrash" and "RPG" theme songs by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net.
This podcast is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo Video Series. Train Your Game at https://youtube.com/famicomdojo.

85: Remakes vs. Reboots Feb 14, 2014

Sometimes a game gets a second life on a new platform or console, typically with upgraded graphics, additional sound effects and/or voices, and additional Internet-enabled features only a Millennial could love. Sometimes a familiar name is slapped onto an entirely new game that seeks to upend the status quo for the franchise and provide a clean slate -- usually with a new developer, and sometimes a new publisher -- to begin totally anew.
Sean and Vinnk compare video game remakes to reboots, decide which games deserved them, and which actually got them, and which ones they ended up playing and liking anyway.
"Famicom Thrash" and "RPG" theme songs by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net.
This podcast is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo Video Series. Train Your Game at https://youtube.com/famicomdojo.

84: Free 2 Play Feb 07, 2014

Phil Bond on the subject of f2p gaming: "When you make a game where paying any money whatsoever feels like cheating, that has to be a mistake -- right?" Or, as Vinnk puts it, you can pay to play more, or pay to play less. Sometimes both in the same game. Just don't say that Nintendo should follow this model, or... we'll say something not nice, or something.
Vinnk and Sean trade stories of their particular Free-2-Play addictions (Puzzles and Dragons, and Candy Crush, respectively), and their guilt over never paying any money for these games, leaving it to "whales" to support the entire system. And Vinnk may have inadvertently made his daughter into a gold farmer.
"Famicom Thrash" and "RPG" theme songs by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net.
This podcast is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo Video Series. Train Your Game at https://youtube.com/famicomdojo.

83: Broken Age of Adventure Gaming Jan 24, 2014

Spearheading the revival of adventure games, Broken Age Act 1 was released last week on Steam for the Kickstarter backers (and press reviewers). A decision to black out reviews until later in January was reversed only a couple of days after the game came out. Broken Age is just that good. Even though we haven't finished it (as of recording this episode), we wholeheartedly agree that it will become an instant classic.
Sean and Vinnk talk about what killed the adventure game for our generation, revel in its revival thanks to companies like TellTale and Doublefine, and crowdsourcing for an explosion of indie games on websites like Kickstarter. We can't agree on just what an adventure game is, exactly, but that's part of the fun, right?
"Famicom Thrash" and "RPG" theme songs by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net.
This podcast is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo Video Series. Train Your Game at https://youtube.com/famicomdojo.

82: Game of the Year of Luigi Jan 17, 2014

It can be difficult choosing a top game for 2013 when you've only played a fraction of the ones released during the year, but we're sure gonna try!
Vinnk and Sean talk about their respective top game of 2013, and try to convince the other why it's so much more awesome than all the others. Plus, more Future Retro, and Pile of Shame! Including some titles that could have been GOTY contenders... if we had only played them.
"Famicom Thrash" and "RPG" theme songs by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net.
This podcast is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo Video Series. Train Your Game at https://youtube.com/famicomdojo.

81: NES Remix Jan 10, 2014

With the latest Nintendo Direct, a very interesting title was released Wii U eShop. Nintendo has gone all ROM hacker on us, and created a challenge game based on a dozen titles from the NES launch lineup. More than that, these challenges directly focus on the secrets within games, and show you how to beat more difficult stages or bosses.
Sean and Vinnk share their impressions of NES Remix, whether they're too awesome at video games to really like such a title, and worry just a tiny bit that Nintendo is (rightfully) horning in on Famicom Dojo's retro-educational turf. You should download and play too... assuming the eShop is online long enough to download it. (Curse you, Pokey-Mans!)
"Famicom Thrash" and "RPG" theme songs by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net.
This podcast is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo Video Series. Train Your Game at https://youtube.com/famicomdojo.

80: Kickstarter Retro Sep 13, 2013

Ever since Double Fine Adventure (a.k.a. Broken Age), Kickstarter has been the go-to place to fund games in genres long-thought dead (e.g. Adventure Games), by creators long thought dead (e.g. Al Lowe -- kidding! We love ya puddin'), or franchises long thought dead (e.g. the Mega Man-esque Migthy No. 9 by Keiji Inafune). Is this a good thing? And can it possibly last? While Vinnk was in the US, he joined Sean for a live Famicom Dojo screening at the Madison Underground in Madison, WI.
Vinnk and Sean discuss their one-night-only Madison Underground live show, including the story of being accosted by a supposedly off-duty Marine while filming some footage for the show. It's a long story, and we totally tell it!We also talk about which Kickstarter games are the most interesting, which ones we've funnded and played, and whether or not having a Wii U stretch goal is an absolute necessity (well, Sean thinks so). We also tried out some "delicious" Pepsi-flavored Cheetos -- complete with video!
"RPG" theme song by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net
This podcast is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo Video Series. Train Your Game at https://youtube.com/famicomdojo.

79: Wii U vs. 3DS Sep 06, 2013

Vinnk was in the US for a few weeks, and came back to Japan with a new Wii U and a bunch of games! Then just last week Nintendo announced the $50 price drop and the Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker HD bundle. Sean bought a 3DS XL right before the seemingly-ridiculous 2DS announcement, but he ain't even mad, bro.
Sean and Vinnk discuss their new systems, similarities (good and bad), and how they feel about purchasing them just before major shakeups in the market. We also learn that Sean doesn't think Super Mario Galaxy was that great of a game! :O
"RPG" theme song by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net
This podcast is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo Video Series. Train Your Game at https://youtube.com/famicomdojo.

78: The Secret Origin of Famicom Dojo Jul 19, 2013

Did you know that there was an episode of Famicom Dojo before there was a Famicom Dojo? Not just the one released on Zac Shipley's channel, but one we never released for public consumption? Sure you didn't! We know lots of stuff from back in 2006.
Learn more from Vinnk and Sean as they talk about their memories of Famicom Dojo before there was a Famicom Dojo, how the name was chosen, and the relevation that even the first episodes took a super-long time to create! Oh, and we explain a bit more about our plans for the future of Famicom Dojo in 2013 and beyond.
"RPG" theme song by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net
This podcast is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo Video Series. Train Your Game at https://youtube.com/famicomdojo.

77: To E3 or Not to E3 (2013) Jun 28, 2013

E3 is over, but did anything of substance happen aside from Sony stabbing Microsoft in the side and twisting the knife? Everything of substance occurred before or after E3, including Microsoft's "Xbox 180" announcement about its disc DRM and "always on" connectivity. In this digital world, has E3 outlived its usefulness as a press-only event?
Sean and Vinnk unpack the reasons why Microsoft reversed course, and struggle with which next-gen console to get to compliment the Wii U. And Sean finally realizes that maybe he shouldn't have passed over the PS3 last generation.
"RPG" theme song by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net
This podcast is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo Video Series. Train Your Game at https://youtube.com/famicomdojo.

76: Digital Apocalypse Now Jun 07, 2013

When we first started this podcast, we thought the DLC Apocalypse would be a generation or two off, but if Microsoft has its way (and Sony decides to follow suit next week at E3), it'll be a lot sooner than anyone wanted. Any gamers, anyway. Microsoft seems pretty happy to keep us in the dark (or they did until the day before this podcast was posted). With disc DRM and a persistent internet connection prevalent on everyone's minds -- even leading to Adam Orth leaving the company -- you'd think Microsoft's messaging would be more on-target. Now they won't even answer press questions before or after their E3 events. What's going on? In what world does this make sense?
Vinnk is back to discuss with Sean the the consequences of having an unclear PR strategy, holding things too closely to the figurative chest, hanging gamers out to try. We also decide to let loose with a few Famicom Dojo announcements of our own, including a Kickstarter for a Season 2 Blu-ray and DVD, a new YouTube channel, and plans for the video series this year in the 30th Anniversary of the Famicom. Plus, the actual pronunciation of "Tengen"!
"RPG" theme song by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net
This podcast is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo Video Series. Train Your Game at https://youtube.com/famicomdojo.

75: Xbox One May 31, 2013

Last week, Microsoft unveiled their next-generation gaming console, controller, and name. While the "XBONE" jokes are already flying, more is being made of what Microsoft didn't say at this event than what they did say. (Or did. Or showed.) Which is kind of too bad, because even amongst the crazier ideas (e.g. cloud computing), there were some pretty cool concepts. Oh, and that whole pesky "used games" and "always online" messaging fiasco.
Sean welcomes guests Zac Shipley (No Topic Required) and Justin Severson (Powet.TV) to talk about these missteps, try to focus at least a little bit on the positive aspects of the presentation, and speculate about Microsoft's endgame in the console space, and if the Xbox One will really be "the one", final console that Microsoft will ever make.
"RPG" theme song by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net
This podcast is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo Video Series. Train Your Game at https://youtube.com/famicomdojo.

74: An Unprecedented Partnership May 24, 2013

EA has thrown its stake in the ground, and determined that it does not need or care to support Nintendo on the Wii U. No Frosbite engine, no current development on Wii U, and a senior developer who openly tweeted that Nintendo's console platform was "crap". So much for that "unprecedented partnership"!
Vinnk and Sean make the obvious comparisons to Dreamcast (which was the last console EA totally shut out), speculate on the future of proprietary, company-branded game console hardware, and try to determine if Nintendo even needs EA in this generation... or any other.
"RPG" theme song by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net
This podcast is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo Video Series. Train Your Game at https://youtube.com/famicomdojo.

73: The Next Xbox May 03, 2013

The Wii U might seem like it's in trouble, but even if the least bad of the "always on" rumors for the next Xbox prove true, will Microsoft be the worse one off this generation? Is this company that only entered console gaming this side of the millennium trying as hard as it can to apply the digial download methodology of gaming to physical media, or is it just a bunch of baseless fanboy fears and rampant speculation?
Sean and Vinnk run down three possible scenarios for what to expect when the new Xbox is finally announced later this month, each one making Microsoft look worse than the last. We started this podcast worrying about the effect that digital DRM games would have on the medium at large, but we never thought the event horizon would occur so soon. Or maybe it won't. We'll find out soon enough!
"RPG" theme song by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net
This podcast is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo Video Series. Train Your Game at https://youtube.com/famicomdojo.

72: It's About Time Mar 29, 2013

Even in the 8-bit days, the theme of time travel in video games was all around us. For some, it was a story excuse to visit historical landmarks and offer. Other explored idea of what it meant to manipulate time Usually, they were some poorly-designed movie tie-in. But each one offered an unmentioned promise that someday, somewhen, the ultimate time travel game would arise. Now, if only someone would invent actual time travel and send that game back to us in time for this episode!
Vinnk and Sean discuss their favorite (and sometimes not-so-favorite) time travel games, what they did right, what they could have done better, and spend probably too much time gushing about Presto Studio's The Journeyman Project and bolstering the merits of the 1996 Doctor Who movie on Fox starring Paul McGann. But, mostly, it's about games. And we somehow forgot to mention Shadow of Destiny... (Don't worry; we'll try to cover that in the show notes.)
"RPG" theme song by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net
This podcast is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo Video Series. Train Your Game at https://youtube.com/famicomdojo.

71: PlayStation Death Mar 15, 2013

One of the many interesting things about the PS4 is the name itself, since one of the Japanese words for "Four" is also the word for "death". Prophetic, given the state of Sony and the PS3, or just a harmless pun? They'll need a lot of killer apps to overcome that name, amiright? (Thanks to @Cheesemeister3k for that joke.)
Sean and Vinnk discuss the PS4 reveal, the DualShock 4 controller redesign, and whether or not either of them will be getting one. Sony, y u no show console? Ah, no matter. What matters is the games, right? We try to find something to hold on to since we only have a list of titles and no price... or box... or...
"RPG" theme song by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net
This podcast is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo Video Series. Train Your Game at https://youtube.com/famicomdojo.

70: Zombi Wii U Feb 22, 2013

Rayman Legends is ready to ship for Wii U, but now won't be released until multi-platform versions are ready. Wii U sales are down, but if games aren't coming out that people want to buy, who's to blame? Nintendo is offering a Wii U bundle with Ubisoft's ZombiU (and Nintendo Land, AND a Pro Controller), but is it too little too late?
Vinnk and Sean try and suss out Ubisoft's strategy, and discuss what Nintendo can do today to get people to buy Wii U without dropping the price. (*COUGH*Wii U Virtual Console!*COUGH*)
"RPG" theme song by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net
This podcast is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo Video Series. Train Your Game at https://youtube.com/famicomdojo.

69: Region Free America Feb 08, 2013

There's a White House petition going around to make region locking a thing of the past -- at least in the United States of America. Does such a law have any chance of passing, and can it even be effective if it did? And what would the side-effects be?
Vinnk and Sean discuss the perils and pitfalls of region locking, if it even makes sense any more in an increasingly digital-only medium, and the kinds of odd behaviors it causes in those who actually want to buy games or consoles across regions. We also discuss the (successful) GCW-Zero Kickstarter, and its inevitable ROM piracy implications.
"RPG" theme song by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net
This podcast is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo Video Series. Train Your Game at https://youtube.com/famicomdojo.

68: Destructoid Stole My Beer Feb 01, 2013

Be careful about bringing your beer to a Destructoid room party! They might claim they don't know you, and then keep your beer!
Sean tells Vinnk about his time at MAGFest, the fun panels he attended, the cool people he met (and re-met), the awesome videos he watched -- like JewWario's trailer for his new FamiKamen Rider series, and how Sean would go to a Destructoid room party again (even if he has to bring more beer to get in). Discussion about the MSX also re-ignites the debate of what can or can't be considered a game console.
"RPG" theme song by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net
This podcast is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo Video Series. Train Your Game at https://youtube.com/famicomdojo.

67: Play as the Villain Dec 28, 2012

Rarely do games place you in the role of the villain. Either it's too difficult, tongue-in-cheek and therefore not serious, or being a villain is ultimately too unpalatable to pull off except for the briefest moments.
Vinnk and Sean take a look at the games that try to bridge this gap, whether or not they were successful, and just which ones are worth playing -- even if it's juts for laughs. Also, we DIDN'T forget the most obvious example, we just saved the best for last!
"RPG" theme song by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net
This podcast is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo Video Series. Train Your Game at https://youtube.com/famicomdojo.

66: Timed Exclusives Dec 21, 2012

"RPG" theme song by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net
This podcast is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo Video Series. Train Your Game at https://youtube.com/famicomdojo.

65: Wii U Be Mine Dec 07, 2012

For as long as the Wii has been around, fans and critics alike maligned it for not supporting the HD or hardcore gaming crowd. There's no way it can be a success! Now that the Wii U is out, supporting even HDMI out of the box (a first for consoles), and now it has a hard time supporting older televisions and standard definition. Nintendo is turning its back on classic gaming!
Vinnk and Sean explore why the launch of the Wii U wasn't quite the same as that of its predecessor (also the only console launch of any kind since the Wii), wonder how it will stack up against the eventual and unannounced competition as it ages,and discuss the importance of getting a cake from the Japanese police department. Oh, and the wisdom of releasing Mass Effect 3 for full price when all three games are available on other consoles for the same amount.
"RPG" theme song by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net
This podcast is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo Video Series. Train Your Game at https://youtube.com/famicomdojo.

64: LucasArts and Crafts Nov 09, 2012

George Lucas recently sold all of LucasFilm to Disnet for $4 billion. Not only does that mean there will be a new Star Wars movie in 2015, but all of LucasFilm's ancillary businesses came with the deal: the graphic effects powerhouse Industrial Light and Magic, used by almost every major motion picture studio for photorealistic effects; Skywalker Sound, which does for audio was ILM does for video; and the once-mighty Graphic Adventure game shop LucasArts.
Sean and Vinnk reminisce about their favorite LucasArts games from their childhood -- such as Loom, Maniac Mansion, Day of the Tentacle, the Indiana Jones Graphic Adventures, and more -- trace through its more recent games to see what the studio has become, and speculate what will become of its talented game designers once faced with Disney's own powerful video game publisher, Disney Interactive.
"RPG" theme song by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net
This podcast is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo Video Series. Train Your Game at https://youtube.com/famicomdojo.

63: Failed Console Treasures Oct 26, 2012

There are so many consoles on the market that it's easy to forget that there used to be so many more. Not only have big players like Sega come and gone, but Atari has gotten out of the hardware race, as well as Bandai (now part and parcel of game publisher Namco).
Vinnk and Sean reminisce about their favorite failures, from the Dreamcast to the Lynx, and the Wonderswan to the 64DD.
"RPG" theme song by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net
This podcast is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo Video Series. Train Your Game at https://youtube.com/famicomdojo.

62: The Next Generation Sep 21, 2012

With the unveiling of the iPhone 5 and the Wii U within a day of each other, last week was a next-gen extravaganza for two of the biggest juggernauts in their industry. Oh, and Vinnk had a baby the same day -- the REAL next generation who won't eve know anything less sophisticated!
Sean and Vinnk try to decide which of these devices they'll be getting first (if at all) this fall, and if either one is a big enough change compared to the competition.
"RPG" theme song by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net
This podcast is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo Video Series. Train Your Game at https://youtube.com/famicomdojo.

61: Nintendo Power Down Sep 07, 2012

Nintendo Power is going away, although the Nintendo Power that we knew and loved went away years ago. How can a monthly, paper publication hope to compete in the realm of up-to-the-minute online blogs, weekly podcasts, and videos with talking consoles?
Vinnk and Sean talk about the art of magazine creating, how the medium is dying (especially among video game publications), but mostly just reminisce about all of their good times with Nintendo Power. RIP, Nester!
"RPG" theme song by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net
This podcast is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo Video Series. Train Your Game at https://youtube.com/famicomdojo.

60: This Famicom Life Aug 31, 2012

This week we have something very different. SeanOrange did not have the time to record a podcast with Vinnk this week, and asled Vinnk to see what we could come up with on short notice.
We hope you like the show and we will be back soon with our normal hosts and format.
"RPG" theme song by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net
This podcast is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo Video Series. Train Your Game at https://youtube.com/famicomdojo.

59: Neo Geo X Aug 17, 2012

It costs more than a 3DS XL and just as much as a Wii, contains (at least a few) games available more cheaply on either the eShop or Wii Virtual Console, and comes with a dock that looks like the AES, but doesn't actually play Neo Geo carts. And yet we still want one. Or two.
Sean and Vinnk wonder what the heck is wrong with them that they'd blow their hard-earned cash on such a frivolous item. Is it because it's sexy and iPhone-like? Is it because of nostalgia? Is it because they're stodgy old-timers who are fed up with a constant parade of uninspiring new games? ...nah, but it's fun to wonder!
"RPG" theme song by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net
This podcast is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo Video Series. Train Your Game at https://youtube.com/famicomdojo.

58: Now Streaming On Your Yogurt App Aug 10, 2012

It's hard being a gamer! Or maybe it's just hard being an aging gamer. Why buy new games when there are so many old ones, and so many of them are just SO good? Why add to one's pile of shame when you can just whittle it down instead? Or, even more interesting, how histories intersect and create games you never know existed, like a Super Mario Bros. game designed by HudsonSoft and written for computers older than the Famicom!
This week, Vinnk and Sean are very tired. But it's because they've been working otherwise tirelessly to bring exciting new videos all summer long! We might even talk about one or two of them. However, that leaves this episode potentially a little incoherent. Also: yogurt.
"RPG" theme song by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net
This podcast is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo Video Series. Train Your Game at https://youtube.com/famicomdojo.

56: Oh Yeah Ouya Jul 27, 2012

The Ouya is making waves in the console world. Not many get a chance to be a part of history and fund a new console that could change the way we look at console gaming. But will it? Can it even make money? And what value is the experience if hackers are encouraged to do what they want?
Vinnk and Sean grapple with these questions, answer listener voicemail, and talk about the new Famicom Dojo episode The Neo Geo Affair, and the onslaught of videos that are being released every week for the rest of the summer!
"RPG" theme song by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net
This podcast is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo Video Series. Train Your Game at https://youtube.com/famicomdojo.

55: Video Game Videos Jul 20, 2012

Do you watch video game videos to find out which game to play next? Or do you watch the videos so you don't have to play those games? Or, GASP, do you not watch video game videos at all?
Sean and Vinnk answer more listener calls, launch the "Vinnk Was Wrong" segment, and announce their weekly video release schedule for the summer! Get an inside look at the newest episode, and find out why it took so long to make!
"RPG" theme song by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net
This podcast is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo Video Series. Train Your Game at https://youtube.com/famicomdojo.

54: Rent It Now From Your Grocery Store Jul 13, 2012

Things were very different before Game Fly, Netflix, and Red Box. Heck, even before the now-mostly-defunct Blockbuster, the best place to rent video games was from the local grocery store. Do you remember those weird plastic slip cases that VHS tapes would sometimes come in, or the clear plastic shells for NES carts with a badly xeroxed copy of the box cover inside? Of course you do.
Sean and Vinnk wonder if game rental is a good way to distinguish between what is a video game console and what is just a computer. Or maybe there's no distinction? Which consoles are really PCs in disguise... or vice versa? Maybe there just aren't any answers, but at Famicom Dojo we'll definitely try to find them! Also, more listener voicemails!
"RPG" theme song by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net
This podcast is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo Video Series. Train Your Game at https://youtube.com/famicomdojo.

53: It's All About the Cheevos Jul 06, 2012

It's nice to feel like you've accomplished something in a game, but rather than bragging about your accomplishments, doesn't comparing achievements instead make you judge your friends for not being as awesome as you are?
Vinnk and Sean reminisce about what they did before achievements and tropies, and if they really enhance the gaming experience -- or just feed into already-present addictive gaming behaviors. Also: our first listener voicemail!
"RPG" theme song by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net
This podcast is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo Video Series. Train Your Game at https://youtube.com/famicomdojo.

57: Video Game Soul Food Jul 06, 2012

New games come out every year, and we tend to play them now and again. But there are also those games that you come back to year after year, when something new and fancy just won't cut it, and you just need a little bit of that video game soul food.
Sean and Vinnk bring up their favorite games which have that exciting spark even years after first playing them. Sometimes those games aren't even all that good, just supremely... comforting. Which games are your "soul food"?
"RPG" theme song by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net
This podcast is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo Video Series. Train Your Game at https://youtube.com/famicomdojo.

52: Extra Large Jun 29, 2012

Granted, it was announced since recording this episode that the 3DS XL is going to have its own circle pad, but that didn't stop us from wondering a couple of things: a) Why it wasn't built into the XL, and b) why it wasn't announced during E3.
Sean and Vinnk grapple with the relevancy of the biggest gaming industry event in the US, and come to the terrifying conclusion that just MAYBE Nintendo might not want third parties to succeed...
"RPG" theme song by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net
This podcast is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo Video Series. Train Your Game at https://youtube.com/famicomdojo.

51: Added Content Jun 22, 2012

Added Content is not something you find much in video games any more. Long gone are the days of Infocom's "feelies", but great text adventure classics like Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy had some of the most creative in the business.
Vinnk and Sean followup on their "DLC podcast" promise by adding episode content from listener requests! Guest panelist Sindra joins Sean to review the Silent Hill movie, while Vinnk reminisces about the days of hint lines, program books, and peril-sensitive sunglasses.
"RPG" theme song by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net
This podcast is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo Video Series. Train Your Game at https://youtube.com/famicomdojo.

50: E3 2012 Jun 15, 2012

Did Nintendo try to steal the show, only to stumble? Is the Wii U just an expansion for the Wii, with only enough extra horsepower to run the GamePad screen? Did Sony and Microsoft play it too close to the vest, or can we expect something greater from them in 2013?
Sean and Vinnk talk about the ups and downs (sometimes it feels like mostly downs) of E3, Vinnk's game of the show Project P-100, and all of the reasons we tell ourselves that E3 wasn't that great, even thought we just really wanted to be there in person.
"RPG" theme song by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net
This podcast is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo Video Series. Train Your Game at https://youtube.com/famicomdojo.

49: System Fragmentation Jun 08, 2012

The Wii U Pro Controller presents two problems: 1) It's just like the Wii Classic or Wii Classic Pro Controllers: the adoption rate is poor, nothing that works on it NEEDS to work on it, and we totally forget about it. 2) It actually takes off, and threatens one of the core value propositions of the Wii U. Only Nintendo makes games for it, and 3rd parties just ignore it after a while.
Vinnk and Sean discuss the problem of hardware fragmentation in video game systems, and trot out some well-worn examples as well as more recent ones: the Sega Genesis 32x, Android's newest Ice Cream Sandwich operating system, and more!
"RPG" theme song by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net
This podcast is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo Video Series. Train Your Game at https://youtube.com/famicomdojo.

48: Gamer and Developer Entitlement Jun 01, 2012

In the waning years of the 20th century, secret codes were a common feature in games that would unlock secret content or make the challenge a bit less difficult. But now if you want those extras, you can "unlock" them for just a few dollars! Is that this a terrible shift in developer entitlement, or another example of how gamers feel like they shouldn't have to pay more than a few dollars for a new game?
Sean and Vinnk look at the things that developers do to get more money out of gamers, and what gamers do to make developers believe that they can't get paid fairly for their work. Used games aren't evil, but some developers want you to think they are. Developers aren't evil, but there are gamers who... well, you know the rest. Is one side more entitled than the other?
"RPG" theme song by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net
This podcast is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo Video Series. Train Your Game at https://youtube.com/famicomdojo.

47: Developer Worship May 25, 2012

What companies or individuals make games that you will buy just because their name is on it?
Vinnk and Sean examine the perils and the pitfalls of Developer Worship, and wonder aloud if there's really anything our favorite personalites and companies can do to make us hate them. We list some of our favorites: Harmonix, Square and Enix (before they were one company), BioWare, Shigeru Miyamoto, Hideo Kojima, Grasshopper Manufacture and Suda 51 and more! Which ones are your favorites, and why?
"RPG" theme song by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net
This podcast is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo Video Series. Train Your Game at https://youtube.com/famicomdojo.

46: Matrimony May 18, 2012

The idea and practical applications of marriage barely come up in video games. Sure, there's not much of a place for it in Angry Birds, and it theoretically might be the ultimate goal of dating sims. But what about games where you're playing as a character or interact with NPCs who just ARE married?
Sean and Vinnk (gamers who are, apparently miraculously, each respectively married with children) explore the reasons why games might actually shy away from the trapping of matrimony, and how the few games that do use it (Fable, The Sims, Alan Wake) want to milk it for emotional impact. But how "emotionally impacted" might an 8 year-old gamer feel about such subject matter -- and is that right there the reason it's a subject few developers dare to tread?
And when is Mario just going to marry Princess Peach already! How many more times does she need to get kidnapped by Bowser for him to get the hint??
"RPG" theme song by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net
This podcast is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo Video Series. Train Your Game at https://youtube.com/famicomdojo.

45: Only Mostly Dead Apr 27, 2012

Injuries in video games tend to be minor annoyances rather than the game-stopping events they should be. But wouldn't having to heal from actual injuries be a sure way to kill gaming fun?
Vinnk and Sean discuss how injury has been taken out of games with the advent of armor and shielding, and on the other side of the spectrum games that are all about healing. And somewhere in between, there's the worst offender of the blurry line between life, death, and severe crippling injury: RPGs. Also, we give out copious amounts of Phoenix Downs.
"RPG" theme song by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net
This podcast is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo Video Series. Train Your Game at https://youtube.com/famicomdojo.

44: Don't Believe the Hype Apr 06, 2012

Hype is great... until your game comes out. Quite different from development hell, these are games that come out, but when they do they don't quite live up to the promises made by the marketing department -- and sometimes the developers themselves.
Sean and Vinnk discuss the raft of hate against the Mass Effect 3 ending, the lack of ending for the Shenmue series, Peter Molyneux's retirement from Lionhead Studios, and more. Suffice to say, it's been an interesting year for the hype machine and its consequences.
"RPG" theme song by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net
This podcast is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo Video Series. Train Your Game at https://youtube.com/famicomdojo.

43: Consoles Versus PC Mar 23, 2012

Could the console and PC wars have been snuffed out in the early '80s if NES hadn't been released? Or was Nintendo's intervention in the market overblown?
Vinnk and Sean ponder the rift between PC and console gamers, those who do both, and what kinds of games seem to be better suited to one over the other. Are the two devices on a collision course? Or is the idea of a Steam Box or other PC-based "console" nothing more than a fever dream?
"RPG" theme song by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net
This podcast is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo Video Series. Train Your Game at https://youtube.com/famicomdojo.

42: Development Hell Mar 09, 2012

There's something to be said for a game missing its release to make it more awesome, but after a while there's the law of diminishing returns. Then there's also the trap of trying to make everything SO MUCH MORE awesome than anything else out there, you keep changing things -- even things that have or should be long since settled -- that you enter the inferno known as "development hell" where ideas both good and bad go to eternally torment fans and developers alike.
Sean and Vinnk discuss Duke Nukem, the fate of Silicon Knights and their dedication to Too Human that took them under, and how Rare going to Microsoft Studios changed the company forever.
"RPG" theme song by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net
This podcast is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo Video Series. Train Your Game at https://youtube.com/famicomdojo.

41: Video Game Babies Feb 24, 2012

Kids get a bad rap in video games. Sometimes they're beat up to pull emotional heartstrings, but mostly they're just annoying. Is there a way for kids to be used or portrayed in games that isn't exploitative or make you want to cause yourself bodily harm?
Vinnk and Sean run down the appearances of children in games, from the NES all the way to the upcoming Mass Effect 3, across consoles and the PC. We also run down the history of unlicensed NES publisher Color Dreams, and what their originally shocking games turned into.
"RPG" theme song by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net
This podcast is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo Video Series. Train Your Game at https://youtube.com/famicomdojo.

40: Romance In Video Games Feb 17, 2012

There are a lot of couples in video games, but is there romance? Mario and Peach, Luigi and Daisy, Link and Zelda, The Brooding Loner and the Star-crossed Japanese Flower Girl Who Loves Him, and -- of course -- Samus and the baby Metroid. Do any of these games do romance well, or is it just assumed? And how far is too far with player-to-NPC romance?
Sean and Vinnk wonder if video games can truly ever be your Valentine as they discuss these problems, the likelihood of your characters ever finding true digital love, and the potentially unfortunate state of Princess Zelda's armpit hair.
"RPG" theme song by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net
This podcast is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo Video Series. Train Your Game at https://youtube.com/famicomdojo.

39: Games of the Mundane Feb 10, 2012

Video games aren't just about blowing up bad guys, pretending to be a secret agent, or saving galactic civilization from moon-sized cuttlefish. Sometimes they're about everyday, ordinary things, like stock brokering! Or newspaper delivery! Or making dinner!
Vinnk and Sean discuss these more "mundane" titles, and how surprisingly fun they can actually be. Haven't you ever wanted to be a lawyer? Or start your own football league? With the power of video games, this could be you!
"RPG" theme song by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net
This podcast is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo Video Series. Train Your Game at https://youtube.com/famicomdojo.

38: Rampant Speculation Feb 03, 2012

The Wii U is set to launch by the end of 2012... but is it really? We've been seeing the same tech demo since E3 2011, but no actual titles running on Wii U hardware. Will Nintendo make the projected launch date, or is it all smoke and mirrors?
Sean and Vinnk disagree about what this means, encourage Sony to get out of the hardware market since the PS3 has never gotten above third place in North America, the PS Vita's launch has been a larger thud than the one for 3DS, and rumors that the Next Xbox from Microsoft will somehow ban used games. RAMPANT SPECULATION!
"RPG" theme song by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net
This podcast is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo Video Series. Train Your Game at https://youtube.com/famicomdojo.

37: HudsonSoft 16-Shot Salute Jan 27, 2012

What is the amazing truth behind the Bungeling Empire, Sim City, Bomberman, and Choplifter? You'll be surprised! No, really! It's pretty surprising! But you'll have to listen to the podcast to find out. Hint: they're all connected by HudsonSoft, makers of the TurboGrafx-16, PC Engine, countless awesome 8-bit peripherals, and home of the honeybee -- may they rest in peace.
Vinnk and Sean reminisce about the company that they thought they knew, but clearly didn't, and now will miss more than they thought possible.
"RPG" theme song by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net
This podcast is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo Video Series. Train Your Game at https://youtube.com/famicomdojo.

36: Played to Death Jan 20, 2012

Gaming can be deadly. Oh, we're not preaching about violence in games becoming violence in real life. More about self-inflicted injury -- like playing Starcraft in an internet cafe for 36 hours straight until your heart gives out.
Sean and Vinnk discuss their narrow brushes with that big game pad in the sky by way of a variety of titles mobile, PC, and console.
"RPG" theme song by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net
This podcast is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo Video Series. Train Your Game at https://youtube.com/famicomdojo.

35: User-generated Content Jan 13, 2012

Does allowing gamers to create their own worlds within a game make that game better, or does it just excuse the developers from having to create any content themselves?
Vinnk and Sean discuss their first experiences with user-generated content (on the NES!), the wonders of the Famicom Data Recorder, and which games they thought were helped or hampered by being able to draw dongs on the sides of racecars.
"RPG" theme song by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net
This podcast is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo Video Series. Train Your Game at https://youtube.com/famicomdojo.

34: We Can't Breathe Jan 06, 2012

It seems like it's getting harder to play video games all the time: an especially embarrassing realization when you've gone halfway across the country to attend the tenth annual Music and Gaming Festival aka "MAGFest"
Sean is joined by guest panelists Justin "JewWario" Carmichael (@JewWario), Brenna "Sindra" Wilkes (@TastesLikeSin), and Powet.TV founder Zac Shipley (@ZacShipley) discuss the potentials and pitfalls of the Wii U, the events of the first day of MAGFest, ruminations on the seeming necessity of the waiver policy in light of ninja refrigerator attacks, and the importance of personal hygiene -- even if in Pikachu form. Also, Vinnk (unable to attend due to living on the other side of the planet) regales is with HIS version of a fun convention!
"RPG" theme song by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net
This podcast is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo Video Series. Train Your Game at https://youtube.com/famicomdojo.

33: Can't Wait for 2012 Dec 30, 2011

What a year! 2011 brought its share of good games, bad weather (including a tsunami that devastated parts of Japan), and lots of changes for Famicom Dojo.
Sean and Vinnk discuss what games they're looking forward to in 2012, if the PS Vita is already a failure before it's even been released in the US, and if the Wii U will be making its appearance before the end of the year.
"RPG" theme song by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net
This podcast is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo Video Series. Train Your Game at https://youtube.com/famicomdojo.

32: Why Christmas Games Are Terrible Dec 23, 2011

The Christmas season, in the video game industry, is more about big sales of blockbuster titles, console launches, and a bit of rubbing-it-in-the-face for people who perennially spell Nintendo's doom. (The 3DS is already outpacing sales of the DS in its first year.) If you're a kid, subsequently, it means new video game time!
Vinnk and Sean talk about their favorite Christmases, the games they got, their favorite Christmas games (yeah, there are a few), their most HATED Christmas games (there are even more), and more!
"RPG" theme song by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net
This podcast is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo Video Series. Train Your Game at https://youtube.com/famicomdojo.

31: Used Games Are Not Evil Dec 16, 2011

With a slow shift to digital-only content, and the inability to share such content like you would lend a book or a disc, and publishers deliberately devaluing their game content through the use of activation codes and central server authenticaion, will there ever come a time when used games become a thing of the past?
Sean and Vinnk explore why console games cost so much, why iOS games cost so little, and the ruin that would be visited upon the gaming industry if no one could lend out their games or buy used ones ever again.
"RPG" theme song by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net
This podcast is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo Video Series. Train Your Game at https://youtube.com/famicomdojo.

30: Tales of Same Plot Dec 09, 2011

Operation Rainfall is so far one third successful, but the only way we'll be getting Xenoblade Chronicles is through GameStop or the Nintendo online store.
Sean and Vinnk explain their misgivings with GameStop, why they're sure Nintendo expects Xenoblade to fail (or at least doesn't care if it succeeds), and actual precedents that should exonerate Nintendo for being so cautious.
"RPG" theme song by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net
This podcast is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo Video Series. Train Your Game at https://youtube.com/famicomdojo.

29: iOS Ascendant Dec 02, 2011

Should Nintendo be scared? Since the launch of the iPhone -- which encouraged the rise of the Android platform -- smartphone gaming is set to become a majority of the handheld market, eclipsing Nintendo for the first time since the release of the Game Boy in 1989.
Vinnk and SeanOrange take a look at the data, how the mobile gaming pie is growing, why smartphone gaming has been so successful, and what (if anything) Nintendo can do about it.
"RPG" theme song by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net
This podcast is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo Video Series. Train Your Game at https://youtube.com/famicomdojo.

28: A Touching Tale of Touchscreens Nov 25, 2011

Is the Wii U touch controller a naked attempt to try and compete with the iPad, and if so does it stand a chance to succeed?
Sean and Vinnk go through a brief history of touch panels in consumer devices, from the Apple Newton to the Tiger Game.com, the Nintendo DS, and -- of course -- Apple's iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad.
"RPG" theme song by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net
This podcast is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo Video Series. Train Your Game at https://youtube.com/famicomdojo.

27: How Young is Too Young? Nov 18, 2011

Is there a right way to introduce your child to the world of video gaming? It might be a more difficult proposition for the children of adult gamers, whose boundaries are a bit less clear on the subject, but their non-gamer spouses (if indeed they are non-gamers) might keep them in check. Maybe.
With Vinnk already a father of a 2 year old daughter, and Sean a father-to-be in 2012, we try to tackle those questions. How young is too young? How much is too much? What's appropriate, and what's deemed okay? Plus, in an audio bonus exclusive to the website, Sean tells the tale of how a camcorder gave birth to Puppy Star Trek, and helped to shape the rest of his life.
"RPG" theme song by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net
This podcast is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo Video Series. Train Your Game at https://youtube.com/famicomdojo.

26: Chiptunes and Totaka's Song Nov 11, 2011

After a recent performance of Video Games Live, Sean and Vinnk talk about the merits of bleeps and bloops, the chiptunes musicians who still love them, hidden music in Nintendo's titles (including one hidden for the last nine years in the GameCube menu screen), and the more symphonic offerings of the 16-bit age and beyond.
"RPG" theme song by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net
This podcast is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo Video Series. Train Your Game at https://youtube.com/famicomdojo.

25: The Fanwank Episode Nov 04, 2011

Six months on, how is the Famicom Dojo Podcast doing? Vinnk and Sean take some time out to answer listener mail, reflect on some of their past episodes, and give updates on some of the information that may have gone out of date or had developments since the original episodes were released. Also, Vinnk got a 3DS.
"RPG" theme song by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net
This podcast is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo Video Series. Train Your Game at https://youtube.com/famicomdojo.

24: Hale to the Spectre Oct 28, 2011

Women in gaming have made tremendous strides, both onscreen and off, behind the scenes, or playing the games. Fans of the Female Shepard in the Mass Effect series: male and female alike, encouraged BioWare to finally put her in their advertisements and materials just so that other gamers would know she exists. It's 2011; are women still being overlooked in gaming?
Sean talks to guest panelists Sindra and Megan about what it's like to be such a minority in gaming culture, and discuss their favorite heroines from the aforementioned Shepard, to "Lady Hawke" from Dragon Age 2, Samus in Metroid, Alex Roivas in Eternal Darkness, and more! And Sean tries to avoid saying "that's what she said" for almost an entire hour.
"RPG" theme song by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net
This podcast is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo Video Series. Train Your Game at https://youtube.com/famicomdojo.

23: Apples to Apples Oct 21, 2011

The recent passing of Steve Jobs has left us to reflect on how he and his business ventures have affected our lives and the rest of the world. For us retro gamers (at least our age), that means looking back on the Apple ][, Apple //e, and that line of PCs that literally made "computer" a household name.
Sean and Vinnk recall a time when "Apple" was still synonymous with "gaming" -- before the iPhone, before the Macintosh, and (in some cases) before Nintendo. Also, a history of Apple's rise to dominance, Steve Jobs' gig at Atari, and why the original iPod came with free copies of Breakout.
"RPG" theme song by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net
This podcast is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo Video Series. Train Your Game at https://youtube.com/famicomdojo.

22: Nostalgia Goggles Oct 14, 2011

It's difficult to admit, but we all wear them. Maybe it's because something made an impression on us at a young age. Maybe it's because we just can't admit flaws in the things that we love. It often takes seeing something through someone else's eyes to finally see the things you refuse to see for yourself.
Vinnk and Sean examine the games and movies of the '80s where they must admit, sometimes painfully, that their nostalgia goggles are firmly in place. Even so, are there specific games (or movies) that are actually immune to the march of time?
"RPG" theme song by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net
This podcast is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo Video Series. Train Your Game at https://youtube.com/famicomdojo.

21: Get N or Get Out Oct 07, 2011

"RPG" theme song by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net
This podcast is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo Video Series. Train Your Game at https://youtube.com/famicomdojo.

20: Learning Japanese Through Gaming Sep 30, 2011

Japanese retro games can't help you learn a new language, but if you're a motivate collector you might find it's a good way to keep your skill sharp if you don't follow Vinnk's recommendations: 1) Move to Japan, 2) Marry a Japanese person, 3) Take (or audit) a Japanese class.
Sean and Vinnk tease their interview on Zoom In!! Saturday, and get sidetracked by their time searching Akihabara for some awesome video game deals.
"RPG" theme song by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net
This podcast is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo Video Series. Train Your Game at https://youtube.com/famicomdojo.

19: TGS 2011 - 3DS vs PS Vita Sep 23, 2011

While the 3DS was cleaning up at Tokyo Game Show, Sony announced that the PS Vita would be region-free -- unlike its Nintendo competitor. The war is heating up! Who will win the holiday season this year? Will it be enough to turn things around for Sony?
Sean and Vinnk reflect on the final two public days of Tokyo Game Show, if mobile devices and "the cloud" are really the future of the gaming industry and the current oneupsmanship between Nintendo and Sony is really all for naught.
"RPG" theme song by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net
This podcast is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo Video Series. Train Your Game at https://youtube.com/famicomdojo.

18: TGS 2011 - You Might Get a T-shirt Sep 16, 2011

Instead of being productive these last few days, all we did was play video games. Well, that’s not entirely (or even slightly) true. Find out all about our first 2 (of 4) days at the Tokyo Game Show.
We will talk about games we played, people me met, sights we saw, and a new life philosophy that will make you a better person (or at least maybe get you a T-Shirt)
"RPG" theme song by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net
This podcast is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo Video Series. Train Your Game at https://youtube.com/famicomdojo.

17: Rocking Playing Game at TGS Sep 09, 2011

Vinnk and SeanOrange preview their trip to Tokyo Game Show 2011, reminisce about their previous coverage in 2007, and discuss what wonderful things can be done with their new theme song!
What are you looking forward to at Tokyo Game Show?
"RPG" theme song by the Imari Tones: http://imaritones.net
This podcast is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo Video Series. Train Your Game at https://youtube.com/famicomdojo.

16: A World Without Mega Man Sep 02, 2011

Retro games may be beloved (if not exceedingly difficult), but do their descendants still have a place in the modern gaming world? When the original creator of a franchise moves on, is it time for the publisher to move on to something else? What about the fans?
Phil Bond joins Sean and Vinnk this week as we discuss the cancellation of Mega Man Legends 3, and what nearly 50,000 people are trying to do about it.
This podcast is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo Video Series. Train Your Game at https://youtube.com/famicomdojo.

15: Should Nintendo Go Third Party? Aug 26, 2011

In a word, no, but don't worry: we'll totally qualify that position.
Nintendo's financial troubles in 2011, and initially slow sales of the 3DS, followed by its steep price cut have renewed perennial calls for the company to forego the hardware market and release its titles on other platforms.
SeanOrange and Vinnk discuss whether or not such a move would be vialbe for Nintendo, and if the company is leaving a lot of money on the table by not embracing the iOS market.
This podcast is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo Video Series. Train Your Game at https://youtube.com/famicomdojo.

14: Too Much of a Good Thing Aug 19, 2011

In our younger days, we couldn't have all the games we wanted. We had to play what we were given (or could afford), and we often played those games to death. Now? It's incredibly easy for anyone young or old to buy more games at bargain-basement prices than they could ever hope to play in a lifetime. How much is too much?
Vinnk and SeanOrange talk about their trip to Chicago Comic Con 2011, taking photos with Felicia Day, what we expect to see at the upcoming Tokyo Game Show, and more!
This podcast is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo Video Series. Train Your Game at https://youtube.com/famicomdojo.

13: Welcome to Die Aug 12, 2011

When did video games start using "lives"? More importantly, when and why did they stop? With this changing, what does it mean to die in a game?
Vinnk and SeanOrange examine the games that pioneered this mechanism, and take a look at when and why it started changing. Was it with games like Myst, or did adventure-style games always buck this trend? Has the fall of arcade gaming lead games to be easier, and therefore no longer need "lives"?
This podcast is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo Video Series. Train Your Game at https://youtube.com/famicomdojo.

12: 3DS Price Drop? We Called It Aug 05, 2011

Nintendo's steep price cut of the 3DS may have taken some news outlets by surprise last week, but we called it way back during E3. When Sony introduced the PSVita at the same price point as Nintendo's new handheld that was already struggling in sales, we knew a price cut could not be far behind. It looks like Nintendo agreed!
SeanOrange and Vinnk discuss the 3DS Ambassador program, the wisdom of deciding not to release the GBA Virtual Console games to the general public, and whether or not these 20 free games will entice us (or anyone) to buy the system at $250 before the price cut goes into effect next Friday, August 12th.
This podcast is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo Video Series. Train Your Game at https://youtube.com/famicomdojo.

11: Movies About Video Games Jul 29, 2011

It's one thing to try to translate a video game plot and characters into a movie, but movies that are about the culture of video gaming, the people who play them, and what it's like to be stuck in one are an altogether different animal. Many such movies were released in the 1980s, coincidentally around the same time as the video game crash that threatened to destroy this nascent industry forever.
Vinnk and SeanOrange reminisce about Scott Pilgrim, TRON, The Wizard, The Last Starfigher, Cloak and Dagger, and War Games: when we saw them, what kind of impact they had, and if we'll ever see their like again. And, look -- most of them had better reviews than movies adapted from actual video games!
This podcast is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo Video Series. Train Your Game at https://youtube.com/famicomdojo.

10: Never Played Pokemon Jul 22, 2011

It's hard for the average gamer to play absolutely EVERYTHING, even everything that's good. But is that any excuse? Should gamers be shamed for failure to expose themselves to certain kinds of games?
In our first Video Game Confessional, Vinnk and SeanOrange talk about the game franchises we should have played, but didn't. And for good measure, we also discuss a few games we love to death, but have no business liking.
This podcast is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo Video Series. Train Your Game at https://youtube.com/famicomdojo.

9: A History of Console Region Locking Jul 15, 2011

Region locking is nothing new. Though it has taken many different forms, it wasn't always deliberate. Many handhelds were exempt from this scheme (including the Game Boy and DS series), but all things change with time.
SeanOrange and Vinnk discuss the very state of affairs that necessitates the existence of organizations like Operation Rainfall, how they came to be, and where they might go from here.
This podcast is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo Video Series. Train Your Game at https://youtube.com/famicomdojo.

8: Operation Rainfall Jul 08, 2011

Xenoblade, Pandora's Tower, and The Last Story have been released in Japan and Europe, but the US has been passed over. That's where Operation Rainfall comes in: to urge Nintendo of America to release these games that have already been localized for the major languages spoken in North America. At a time when the Wii is suffering a drought of games -- let alone good ones -- don't we deserve better?
SeanOrange and Vinnk interview Chris Ward from Operation Rainfall to discover their goals, headway they've already made through Amazon.com and a reply from Nintendo, and why it's a bad idea to send raw meat through the US Post Office.
This podcast is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo Video Series. Train Your Game at https://youtube.com/famicomdojo.

7: Video Game Movies Jul 01, 2011

Can a movie based on a video game ever be any good?
If their Rotten Tomatoes scores are to be believed, these films are never critical darlings. Some find fans in niche places, but many are just... you know... BAD.
Vinnk and SeanOrange plumb their memories of video game movies to find out if either of them belong to the "so-SO-bad-but-I-still-love-it-even-though-geez-it-sucks" club!
This podcast is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo Video Series. Train Your Game at https://youtube.com/famicomdojo.

6: Bleak Games of the Cold War Jun 24, 2011

Did the Cold War make early video games unintentionally bleak? Or was the "kobiyashi maru" style of gaming in the 1970s and '80s more a function of limited memory space and the need for arcade machines to get kids to keep pumping in the quarters?
Vinnk and SeanOrange chew over these questions, and how the era of home consoles allowed an escape from this repetitive experience, allowing games to finally, sometimes mercifully, end.
Also in this episode: Rebel in Japan "Poop is Funny", and the premiere of the first audio version of Famicom Denshimail!
Leave us a question at denshimail@famicomdojo.tv, and we may answer it in a future episode!
This podcast is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo Video Series. Train Your Game at https://youtube.com/famicomdojo.

5: Dreamcast Final Days Jun 17, 2011

If Sega were still making consoles today, what would they have brought to E3?
When we last left off, SeanOrange had quasi-seriously prophesied that the Wii U might be the next generation's Dreamcast. With rumors of a new Microsoft console being announced by E3 2012, will those fears come to pass? And would that be such a terible thing?
Vinnk and Sean reminisce about the final days of the Sega Dreamcast, and what a current-day Sega system might be like.
This podcast is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo Video Series. Train Your Game at https://youtube.com/famicomdojo.

4: Ooh! Wii U Jun 10, 2011

The Wii HD rumors are true! (For once...)
At this year's E3, Nintendo announced its next console: Wii U.
The system's major innovation is its new controller with a touch screen that can be used to stream video content, but will it be enough? Should Nintendo be worried about connectivity between the PS3 and PSVita stealing their thunder a year before they even launch Wii U?
Vinnk and SeanOrange tackle these questions, and clear up rumors about the Wii U's functionality.
This podcast is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo Video Series. Train Your Game at https://youtube.com/famicomdojo.

3: Retro HD Gaming Jun 03, 2011

How good do retro games look on your HDTV set?
SeanOrange and Vinnk talk about the perils of interfacing 8-bit systems with current technology, how to cope with some of the technical challenges, and what alternatives exist for the modern gamer interested in the title of the previous millennium.
This podcast is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo Video Series. Train Your Game at https://youtube.com/famicomdojo.

2: OUTATIME May 27, 2011

Despite an infamous history of poor titles to overcome, TellTale Games has pulled Back to the Future out of the movie tie-in gaming doldrums to create a worthy addition to the mythos. SeanOrange and Vinnk talk about their experiences with all of the episodes released so far.
At least, as many as they've been able to play. Thanks to the PSN Store being down most of May, not many have been able to play Episode 4 yet (which is no excuse for Sean, since he bought his copy on PC). Just in time for the riveting conclusion! BTTF Episode 5 will be released in June 2011.
This podcast is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo Video Series. Train Your Game at https://youtube.com/famicomdojo.

1: The DLC Apocalypse May 20, 2011

Sean's bad experience trying to reauthorize downloadable content for his new Xbox 360 turns into a horrifying realization that games modern downloadable games will not leave behind any artifacts for future generations. Is retro game collecting in trouble? Assuming we all survive the more literal apocalypse on 5/21/2011, that is...
Vinnk and SeanOrange discuss the pros and cons of this brave new service-based world for this premiere episode of the Famicom Dojo audio podcast.
NOTE: We recorded this episode the week before PlayStation Network went down, which means we will have MUCH more to say about this topic in the near future.
This podcast is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo Video Series. Train Your Game at https://youtube.com/famicomdojo.

Famicom Dojo Podcast Intro May 17, 2011

SeanOrange and Vinnk introduce the new, weekly audio netcast from Famicom Dojo!
This podcast is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo Video Series. Train Your Game at https://youtube.com/famicomdojo.

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