The Insert Credit Show

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Ep. 348 - Brain Hat Jul 21, 2024

Show notes

Frank, Tim and Brandon increase replay value, examine trendy new Mario 64 opinions, and search google for sgdq 2024 recommendations reddit. Hosted by Alex Jaffe, with Frank Cifaldi, Tim Rogers, and Brandon Sheffield. Edited by Esper Quinn, original music by Kurt Feldman.

Questions this week:

What differentiates a good turn-based battle system from a bad one? (05:15)
How do you maximize “replay value” in a single player game? (14:15)
How do you start watching GDQ? (19:44)
If you had to choose a doctor from a video game to be your GP, who would it be? (30:05)
Spencergifs asks: What are the greatest video game menus? (37:21)
What is something you once believed video games would have gotten around to by now, but still haven’t? (45:25)
Which four games best represent the four conflicts of man vs. man, man vs. self, man vs. society, and man vs. nature? (52:52)

LIGHTNING ROUND: GameFAQ&As - Stardew Valley (55:17)

Recommendations and Outro (59:12)

Discuss this episode in the Insert Credit Forums

A SMALL SELECTION OF THINGS REFERENCED:

Question 1: What differentiates a good turn-based battle system from a bad one?

Question 2: How do you maximize “replay value” in a single player game?

Question 3: How do you start watching GDQ?

Question 4: If you had to choose a doctor from a video game to be your GP, who would it be?

Question 5: Spencergifs asks: What are the greatest video game menus?

Question 6: What is something you once believed video games would have gotten around to by now, but still haven’t?

Question 7: Which four games best represent the four conflicts of man vs. man, man vs. self, man vs. society, and man vs. nature?

Recommendations:

Brandon: Lady Reporter (1989), Don’t use Sticker Mule

Frank: GDQ, Don’t use Sticker Mule

This week’s Insert Credit Show is brought to you by patrons like you. Thank you.

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Ep. 347 - Drake's Retaliation Jul 15, 2024

Show notes

The Insert Credit Panel as you know and love them covers video game history, the Kendrick Lamar-Drake Feud, and one more trip to Violence Island. Hosted by Alex Jaffe, with Frank Cifaldi, Tim Rogers, and Brandon Sheffield. Edited by Esper Quinn, original music by Kurt Feldman.

Questions this week:

Frank, the original Resident Evil is back from the dead. What took so long? (03:56)
What has never been good in a video game? (09:58)
If all knowledge of video games disappeared overnight but games themselves still existed, what would the most popular one be? (18:14) Insert Credit Quick Break: Mannequin Deposit by The Houseflies (28:06)
BluntForceMama asks: What properties or statistics about a game should be listed on the back of the box, Nutrition Facts style? (29:28)
How do you name a video game character? (37:07)
What is the Not Like Us of video games? (42:04)

LIGHTNING ROUND: Violence Island (48:00)

Recommendations and Outro (01:01:01)

Discuss this episode in the Insert Credit Forums

A SMALL SELECTION OF THINGS REFERENCED:

Recommendations:

Frank: That Hitman is $3 during the Steam Summer Sale (which is over as you read this, but, get it anyway, game owns)

This week’s Insert Credit Show is brought to you by Mannequin Deposit by The Houseflies, and patrons like you. Thank you.

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Ep. 346 - America! Hamburger! with Simone de Rochefort Jul 08, 2024

Show notes

Supervising Video Producer at Polygon Simone de Rochefort fills in on a star-spangled extravaganza of reward explosions, Turbo Tunnel confinement, and Sonic pogging. Hosted by Alex Jaffe, with Tim Rogers, Brandon Sheffield, and Simone de Rochefort. Edited by Esper Quinn, original music by Kurt Feldman.

Questions this week:

Brandon asks: Isn’t it kind of cool that you can buy an Xbox One and a bunch of games that aren’t exactly old for pretty cheap? (06:36)
Since Super Mario Bros, have we ever come up with anything better than pixelated fireworks to congratulate a player for completing an objective? (13:44)
What is pogging? (16:27)
What are some of the most important written documents in video game history? (22:17)
If the Republic of Gamers was a real place, what would its code of law and justice system be like? (30:50) Insert Credit Quick Break: Mannequin Deposit by The Houseflies (36:18)
TheFragranceofDarkCoffee asks: When and where would you set a Yakuza game in the United States? (37:40)
Is democracy good for video games? (46:29)
What is the most American video game? (51:48)

LIGHTNING ROUND: Name Design - State Nicknames (59:52)

Recommendations and Outro (01:10:26)

Discuss this episode in the Insert Credit Forums

A SMALL SELECTION OF THINGS REFERENCED:

Recommendations:

Brandon: Byblos yogurt is actually Lebanese, Homebrew Games Summer Showcase 2024, try watching television on your TV now, Rags to Riches: Sustainable Fashion from Japan

Simone: Nobody can stop you from stealing The Great Gatsby

Tim: If you do have to do work for free, make sure you have a really funny reason with a really delayed punchline nobody’s ever going to see coming

This week’s Insert Credit Show is brought to you by Mannequin Deposit by The Houseflies, and patrons like you. Thank you.

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Ep. 345 - Tater Haters Jul 01, 2024

Show notes

Frank Cifaldi, Tim Rogers and Brandon Sheffield cover Alex Jaffe’s questions about SGF showcases, the N64 controller, and DQ slime war crimes. Hosted by Alex Jaffe, with Frank Cifaldi, Tim Rogers, and Brandon Sheffield. Edited by Esper Quinn, original music by Kurt Feldman.

Questions this week:

Ash Parrish asks: What’s your dream Summer Game Fest showcase? (05:46)
Why did the Nintendo 64 controller look like that? (14:42)
Write a musical about Akihabara twenty years ago. (20:18) Insert Credit Quick Break: Mannequin Deposit by The Houseflies (47:25)
Ponda asks: Which video games feature the best eating animations, and why is this difficult? (28:18)
Which standard 52 playing card deck game has the best game design? (34:56)
When has a game company returning to its roots most paid off? (40:06)

LIGHTNING ROUND: Soda Jerk - Car Companies (45:14)

Recommendations and Outro (52:15)

Discuss this episode in the Insert Credit Forums

A SMALL SELECTION OF THINGS REFERENCED:

Recommendations:

Brandon: Get a DNR, get a Five Wishes document, make sure someone can access your medical records

Frank: Will your assets, Recognize your own mortality

Tim: Don’t own a lot of stuff

Jaffe: Be mindful of the mess you leave for others

This week’s Insert Credit Show is brought to you by Mannequin Deposit by The Houseflies, and patrons like you. Thank you.

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Ep. 344 - The Bait & Switch, with Ash Parrish Jun 23, 2024

Show notes

Journalist Ash Parrish of The Verge joins Frank and Jaffe for Nintendo Direct thoughts, Elden Ring as a retelling of Inuyasha, and playersexual companions. Plus, why Marvel vs. Capcom 2 is so important, by Patrick Miller. Hosted by Alex Jaffe, with Frank Cifaldi and Ash Parrish. Edited by Esper Quinn, original music by Kurt Feldman.

Ep. 343 - The Invention of Teabagging, with Esper Quinn Jun 17, 2024

Show notes

Editor Esper Quinn hosts the best panel in video games looking at the legacy of Halo, reactions to Summer Game Fest, and the origins of rude crouching. Hosted by Esper Quinn, with Frank Cifaldi, Tim Rogers, and Brandon Sheffield. Edited by Esper Quinn, original music by Kurt Feldman.

Questions this week:

Let’s talk about Summer Game Fest and the Xbox Showcase (06:50)
What’s your personal experience with the Halo franchise, and how has it impacted video games? (18:48)
What game, ultimately, was the Halo Killer? (23:28) Insert Credit Quick Break: The Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center’s production of Titanic, June 21-30th (28:51)
Alex Jaffe asks: I need to play the first 3 hours of Demonschool right now. What should I do? (30:07)
Is dual wielding just a gimmick, or does it actually have interesting gameplay ramifications? (32:19)
What are the warning signs when developing a colorful companion character that they might be annoying? (37:36)
Do you think you could be friends with Master Chief in real life? (44:43)

LIGHTNING ROUND: Halo Fragrances (50:12)

Recommendations and Outro (54:20)

Discuss this episode in the Insert Credit Forums

A SMALL SELECTION OF THINGS REFERENCED:

Recommendations:

Brandon: Byblos yogurt, Grand Bakery bagels

Frank: The Simpsons: An Uncensored, Unauthorized History

This week’s Insert Credit Show is brought to you by The Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center’s production of Titanic, June 21-30th, and patrons like you. Thank you.

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Ep. 342 - Asynchronicity 3, with Kate Willaert Jun 11, 2024

Show notes

Video game historian “Critical Kate” Willaert joins a panel scattered across time to cover lost and ignored media, Blobby’s Bloop Boy, and ladies roaming the street with whips. Hosted by Alex Jaffe, with Frank Cifaldi, Brandon Sheffield, and Kate Willaert. Edited by Esper Quinn, original music by Kurt Feldman.

Questions this week:

What kinds of video game history seem to interest you and nobody else? (02:15)
What are some of the most surprising video game firsts? (11:10)
Which console has the most good games that the least people have played? (16:56)
Has anyone discovered an unreleased video game that was actually fun to play? (21:11) Insert Credit Quick Break: Amazing Grace available now on Steam, and Demonschool demo available during Steam NextFest (25:31)
SpencerGifts asks: What is the best video game sequence that is no fun? (28:12)
Is there a video game experience you missed out on you wish you could have had? (31:42)
When shouldn’t you have a pause button? (34:37)
What can we learn about women if our only reference point is video games from the 1980’s? (37:23)

LIGHTNING ROUND: Name Re-Design - Commercial Failures (40:15)

Recommendations and Outro (44:14)

Discuss this episode in the Insert Credit Forums

A SMALL SELECTION OF THINGS REFERENCED:

Recommendations:

Frank: Consider Spyro the Dragon

Brandon: Scavengers Reign, Demonschool demo available during Steam NextFest

Kate: Why Backstory and Lore Make Bad Story Trailers, A Critical Hit!

This week’s Insert Credit Show is brought to you by Amazing Grace available now on Steam and patrons like you. Thank you.

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Ep. 341 - Nixon Babies Jun 03, 2024

Show notes

Frank Cifaldi, Tim Rogers and Brandon Sheffield cover the best of Sunsoft’s Looney Tunes games, soundtracks for emotions and driving, and 256-bit consoles. Hosted by Alex Jaffe, with Frank Cifaldi, Tim Rogers, and Brandon Sheffield. Edited by Esper Quinn, original music by Kurt Feldman.

Questions this week:

Brandon asks: When do you feel like a video game was made for you? (06:19)
Should we rank the Sunsoft Looney Tunes games? (13:21)
What are the most common lies told in the video game industry? (NOTE: This segment contains MAJOR spoilers for Avengers: Endgame (2019)) (16:28)
What are the best video game tracks to listen to after a breakup? (22:46)
Magnanimous asks: If you could double any number in video games, what would it be? (28:46)
What do you look for while the credits are rolling on a video game? (34:50)
What is the memorizing all state capitals of video games? (41:10)

LIGHTNING ROUND: Name Design - Kentucky Derby Winners (49:19)

Recommendations and Outro (57:24)

Discuss this episode in the Insert Credit Forums

A SMALL SELECTION OF THINGS REFERENCED:

Recommendations:

Frank: Arzette: The Jewel of Faramore, Ufouria: The Saga 2, open Moon Crystal on your MiSTer and turn on cheats for infinite lives

Brandon: Crow Country, We Never Stop

Tim: Interview with the Vampire, the best show on television

Jaffe: the first season of Lynda Carter’s Wonder Woman

This week’s Insert Credit Show is brought to you by patrons like you. Thank you.

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Ep. 340 - Dog Eyeballs May 27, 2024

Show notes

The leading minds in video games confer on past visual design choices, how bad minigames happen, and the Shenmue MMO, ShenMMO. Hosted by Alex Jaffe, with Frank Cifaldi, Tim Rogers, and Brandon Sheffield. Edited by Esper Quinn, original music by Kurt Feldman.

Questions this week:

Brandon, can you defend this Game Developer Magazine cover? (08:03)
Why do bad minigames happen? (16:39)
What have you closed the door on in video games, both recreationally and professionally? (21:50)
If you had to wear the same video game t-shirt every day and get complimented on it or you’d die, what would it be? (27:30) Insert Credit Quick Break: Legendary Puns (35:18)
Chopemon asks: What video game “booms” have their been? (37:36)
What is the getting to the bus stop at the exact same time as your bus of video games? (44:04)

LIGHTNING ROUND: GameFAQ&As - Minecraft (49:26)

Recommendations and Outro (51:47)

Discuss this episode in the Insert Credit Forums

A SMALL SELECTION OF THINGS REFERENCED:

Recommendations:

Brandon: Spin-Clean Record Washers, wire folder racks to dry records, Crow Country

Frank: Once you’ve done the second thing in Animal Well you can youtube the rest, support video game preservation by buying a Thou Art Dead shirt

Jaffe: 52 Pickup

This week’s Insert Credit Show is brought to you by Legendary Puns, and patrons like you. Thank you.

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Ep. 339 - How to Like Video Games May 20, 2024

Show notes

Frank Cifaldi, Tim Rogers and Brandon Sheffield develop a new video game show, up our Tallarico quota, and return to Violence Island. Hosted by Alex Jaffe, with Frank Cifaldi, Tim Rogers, and Brandon Sheffield. Edited by Esper Quinn, original music by Kurt Feldman.

Questions this week:

Let’s try to develop the first episode of Frank’s show with recipes for playing video games (05:30)
When have you fallen out of love with a video game you once liked all the way through playing the first time? (18:05)
What will the eight episode season one arc be for Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s Tomb Raider? (24:43)
Luis asks: Was Tetris inevitable? (31:17)
Rank these actions from best to worst: sliding, spinning, flipping. (39:10)
What is the guy outside of an airport pretending he’s an Uber driver of video games? (43:00)

LIGHTNING ROUND: Violence Island (51:39)

Recommendations and Outro (01:09:10)

Discuss this episode in the Insert Credit Forums

A SMALL SELECTION OF THINGS REFERENCED:

Recommendations:

Brandon: Read Only Memories: Neurodiver, Animal Well, Crow Country, Conan the Barbarian (1982) soundtrack

Frank: info@gamehistory.org if you have a bunch of old video game magazines you don’t want anymore, or buy “Mystery Box” Vintage Video Game Magazines

Tim: Connor O’Malley - Stand Up Solutions

This week’s Insert Credit Show is brought to you by patrons like you. Thank you.

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