The Insert Credit Show

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**The Insert Credit Show**

A relentlessly on topic smorgasbord of hard hitting video game questions as addressed by a panel of experts. Featuring Frank Cifaldi, Brandon Sheffield, and a rotating group of special guests. Hosted by Alex Jaffe. Edited by Esper Quinn. Original music by Kurt Feldman.

Latest Episodes:

Ep. 402 - This Man's Sky Aug 11, 2025

Show notes

The finest minds in video games discuss The Sims 5, good sewer levels, and playing CD-i games with Eugene Levy.

Watch episodes with full video on YouTube

Discuss this episode in the Insert Credit Forums

SHOW NOTES:

1: Liz Ryerson asks, are there any actually good sewer levels? (03:05)

2: When are you personally motivated to replay a narrative-driven singleplayer game you’ve already finished? (08:33)

3: How do we feel about continuing to update a game, instead of releasing a new one? (13:49)

4: How would you design The Sims 5? (20:03)

5: What role has playing video games had in your lives for making friends? (26:24)

6: What’s the deal with Stop Killing Games? (34:18)

7: What are your F.A.Q.s? (42:21)

LIGHTNING ROUND: Mad Men or Kingdom Hearts? (50:26)

Recommendations and Outro (59:02):

Frank: Computer Entertainer, pirate The Naked Gun (2025) and the originals
Brandon: the first third of U.S. Marshals (1998), Buy Demonschool on September 3, 2025 (that’s pretty soon!), please tell streamers you like about the game
Ash: Buy porn, call Visa & Mastercard

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

This week's horrible buzzer was sent in by Mnemogenic. Thanks! To submit your own horrible buzzer, send an original recording no longer than two seconds in mp3 or wav format to show@insertcredit.com, and maybe we'll use it on the show!

Subscribe: RSS, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more!

Hosted by Alex Jaffe, with Frank Cifaldi, Ash Parrish, and Brandon Sheffield. Edited by Esper Quinn. Original Music by Kurt Feldman.

Ep. 401 - Let's Gather Some Magic, with Esper Quinn Aug 04, 2025

Show notes

Video editor, white-blue-black player, and show note writer Esper Quinn planeswalks with the panel to discuss their first experiences playing Magic: the Gathering. Watch episodes with full video on YouTubeDiscuss this episode in the Insert Credit ForumsSHOW NOTES:CarddassBandaiCapcomNamco“Ach! Hans, run! It’s Insert Credit!”Orzhov SyndicateSelesnya ConclaveEsperObscuraMagic: the GatheringRavnicaHouse DimirStreet Fighter seriesIzzet League1: Brandon, Frank, and Jaffe, how were your experiences with Magic: the Gathering? (04:13)Magic: The Gathering ArenaD.I.C.E. SummitVampire: The MasqueradeIan AdamsMicrosoft SolitaireFinal Fantasy seriesJumpstartBaraduk WallaceMarmadukeChun-LiChocoboBanned and Restricted Announcement – June 30, 2025Mana costFolk musicThe FreightPlanned ParenthoodCloud StrifeTifa LockhartSephirothAntiquitiesUrzatronStrip MineDemon WallTriple TriadFallout series2: Why did this Final Fantasy Magic set do so well? (35:37)PC EngineBonkValisMarvel’s Spider-Man setLord of the Rings setPokémon Trading Card GameFunko PopBeanie BabiesKinder EggPhyrexia: All Will Be OneEdge of EternitiesAvatar: the Last AirbenderOnline Multiplayer: What is the first AAA game? (45:29)3: Spencer asks, what can video games learn from card games? (49:07)AmiiboMarioBowserTekken seriesCid, Timeless ArtificerMinecraftRobloxSonicHalo seriesCall of Duty seriesMaster ChiefNinja GaidenSuikodenKaty Perry - Dark Horse ft. Juicy JKaty Perry - I Kissed a GirlSuper Bowl LI halftime showPhil SalvadorTaylor Swift4: Which video games best represent each of Magic’s five colors? (58:21)WhitePikminEarthBoundAlbert OdysseyThe Secret of Monkey IslandSid Meier's CivilizationBlueThe Talos PrincipleBalatroSokobanBlackSoulslikeNeverDeadRedKnuckles’ ChaotixSuper Smash Brothers seriesQuakeGreenMonster HunterStarCraftTower defenseLIGHTNING ROUND: Name Design - Magic Names and Art (01:05:40)Chaos ConfettiStanggCyclonic RiftSanguine BondCadaverous BloomUnderworld DreamsGenesis WaveShark TyphoonDingus EggBone to AshRecommendations and Outro (01:16:15):Esper: Read comics by companies other than Marvel or DC like The Power Fantasy or East of WestBrandon: Black Sabbath, LudwigAsh: Anciliary JusticeFrank: Come see Frank on his “Not Afraid to Say It!” Tour at Long Island Retro, PAX, and Portland Retro Gaming ExpoThis week’s Insert Credit Show is brought to you by patrons like you. Thank you.To submit your own horrible buzzer, send an original recording no longer than two seconds in mp3 or wav format to show@insertcredit.com, and maybe we'll use it on the show!Subscribe: RSS, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more!Hosted by Alex Jaffe, with Frank Cifaldi, Ash Parrish, Brandon Sheffield, and Esper Quinn. Edited by Esper Quinn. Original Music by Kurt Feldman.

Full show notes at the publisher

Ep. 400 - The Insert Credit Best Game Developer List Jul 28, 2025

Show notes

Insert Credit nominates and celebrates the greatest, most influential, and most personally beloved game development studios of all time. THE INSERT CREDIT TOP TWELVE GAME DEVELOPMENT STUDIOS SEGANintendoTaitoSquareATLUSBioWareNamcoSNKHudsonSunsoftHarmonixGolden Age Activision HONORABLE MENTIONS Aggro CrabCompileCore DesignEvening StarHuman EntertainmentKaizen Game WorksLucasArtsPlatinumGamesRed EntertainmentRocksteady THE PATRON SAINT OF THE INSERT CREDIT PODCAST Cavia CELEBRATED MENTIONS Alpha SystemBlizzardCamelotCapcomClockwork TortiseData EastFACEFalcomFill-In-CafeFlight PlanGau EntertainmentHAL LaboratoryIremNEC AvenueNihon TelnetSacnothSandlotSupergiantTravelers TalesTreasureVic TokaiWolf Team SHOW NOTES:“Now bear my game podcast!”ICOM SimulationsVideo Game History FoundationDivorceOther OceanDemonschoolChuck MangioneFlugelhornFeels So Good'King of the Hill' RebootOzzy Osbourne1: Brandon’s First Pick (08:00)Human EntertainmentRoger CormanFantastic Four (1994)Albert PyunAlien (1979)Francis Ford CoppolaSandlotEarth Defense Force seriesSpike ChunsoftNude MakerGrasshopper ManufactureFire Pro Wrestling seriesFormation Soccer seriesHuman Grand Prix seriesMizzurna FallsGrand Theft Auto IIIDeadly PremonitionClock Tower seriesTwilight Syndrome seriesThe Firemen seriesSuda51Mechanized Attack2: Ash’s First Pick (12:29)Aggro Crab GamesGoing UnderAnother Crab's TreasureCult of the LambDevolver DigitalPeak3: Frank’s First Pick (14:59)Bobby KotickActivisionAtariH.E.R.O.Pitfall!BarnstormingElectronic ArtsDavid Crane4: Brandon’s Second Pick (19:05)TaitoSpace InvadersCadashGrowlDariusNight StrikerSega SaturnDarius GaidenElevator Action ReturnsLandmakerLayer SectionCleopatra FortuneBubble BobblePuzzle BobbleLufiaDensha De GoBattle GearGunbusterBujingai: The Forsaken City10,000 BulletsSpac3 Invaders Extr3meGroove CoasterSquare EnixGunslinger StratosTaiko no TatsujinBandai Namco EntertainmentNintendo Entertainment SystemRetronautsOperation Wolf5: Ash’s Second Pick (24:39)Kaizen Game WorksParadise KillerNeon WhitePromise Mascot AgencyBen EspositoDonut CountyOli Clarke-Smithforums.insertcredit.com6: Frank’s Second Pick (28:23)NintendoHanafudaSuper Mario Bros.Satoru IwataWii MusicNintendo LaboDonkey Kong BananzaJohn RomeroKonamiMicrosoftSonyUbisoftThe Legend of Zelda: Breath of the WildAnimal Crossing7: Brandon’s Third Pick (34:43)The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the PastRed EntertainmentNECHudson SoftBonk's AdventureTengai Makyō: ZiriaRyuichi SakamotoGate of ThunderGalaxy Fräulein Yuna seriesSakura TaisenTempoNostalgia8: Ash’s Third Pick (37:56)EidosTomb Raider seriesSega Game GearNintendo Game Boy ColorSony PlayStationMs. Pac-ManMortal KombatStreet FighterLara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001)Angelina JolieEmbracer GroupCore DesignBubba 'N' StixWonder DogChuck Rock II: Son of ChuckImpossamoleHerdy GerdySwagman9: Frank’s Third Pick (41:24)Monty Python’s Flying CircusDynamite DüxFighting ForceSoulstarRocksteadyArkham KnightBatman: Arkham seriesCall of Duty seriesBatmanMarvel Spider-Man seriesJokerMark HamillSlipstream (1989)Batman: the Animated SeriesUrban ChaosChao GardenSonic Adventure 2Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice LeagueBatman: Arkham VRZack Snyder’s Justice League (2021)10: Brandon’s Fourth Pick (48:49)CompilePuyo PuyoAlesteZanacDevil's CrushM.U.S.H.A.Disk Station seriesMSXAlien CrushBlazing LazersGun-Nac11: Ash’s Fourth Pick (52:52)EnixKing’s KnightChrono seriesFinal Fantasy seriesKingdom Hearts seriesYuji HoriAkira ToriyamaDragon Quest seriesRacing LagoonEinhänderEhrgeiz: God Bless the RingTobal seriesHarvestellaStranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy OriginGame of Thrones12: Frank’s Fourth Pick (57:01)LucasArtsThe Secret of Monkey IslandGeorge LucasSCUMMBackyard BaseballRon GilbertWadjet Eye GamesStar Wars (1977)Amanda Lucas13: Brandon’s Fifth Pick (01:02:23)SNKNeo GeoCapcomMetal SlugData EastBally MidwayWonderSwanFantasyDonkey KongSasuke vs CommanderNarutoIkari WarriorsSamurai Shodown14: Ash’s Fifth Pick (01:08:27)SegaAtlusSonic the Hedgehog seriesSega DreamcastPersona seriesMetaphor: ReFantazioRyū ga Gotoku / Like a Dragon / Yakuza universeSega GenesisSega SaturnSuper Monkey Ball seriesShin Megami Tensei seriesTurboGrafx-16Super Nintendo Entertainment System15: Frank’s Fifth Pick (01:16:24)Evening StarPenny's Big BreakawaySonic ManiaSuperman (2025)Sonic X Shadow GenerationsFreedom Planet16: Brandon’s Sixth Pick (01:21:06)Bandai NamcoShadow LabrynthPac-ManSecret LevelConcordRidge Racer seriesOutRunGalaxian3: Project DragoonKatamari DamacyRolling Thunder 3The OutfoxiesTekkenImage ComicsNamco Museum series17: Ash’s Sixth Pick (01:27:40)PlatinumGamesBayonettaVanquishMetal Gear Rising: RevengeanceNieR: AutomataNieRMadWorldGrasshopper ManufactureKiller7Lollipop ChainsawNo More HeroesVan Wilder (2002)Babylon’s FallGreensboro GrasshoppersInfinite SpaceNinja Gaiden seriesMass Effect series18: Frank’s Sixth Pick (01:32:20)HarmonixRock BandGuitar HeroFortniteThe OsbournesChroma19: Brandon’s Seventh Pick (01:37:27)Hudson SoftCaviaBullet WitchThe BouncerGhost in the Shell: Stand Alone ComplexDrakengardMilitary MadnessNeutopiaBombermanAdventure IslandMomotarō DentetsuStar SoldierNinja Five-ONihon FalcomYs: Book I & IIFighting StreetNintendo SwitchHAL LaboratoryHello Kitty20: Ash’s Seventh Pick (01:43:34)BioWareDragon Age seriesStar Wars: Knights of the Old RepublicSonic Chronicles: The Dark BrotherhoodAlistair21: Frank’s Seventh Pick (01:50:52)Kirby seriesMother seriesSunsoftBatman: The Video GameFester’s QuestBlaster MasterGremlins 2: The New BatchUfouria: The SagaMr. GimmickThe Pirates of Dark WaterBatman: Return of the JokerCelebrated Mentions (01:55:14)Fill-in-CafeAsuka 120% seriesMad Stalker: Full Metal ForcePanzer DragoonPanzer BanditTreasureGunstar HeroesDynamite HeaddyLight CrusaderSilhouette MirageSin & PunishmentMcDonald's Treasure Land AdventureRadiant SilvergunIkarugaBangai-OVic TokaiPsycho FoxMagical Hat no Buttobi Turbo! DaibōkenDEcapAttackBattle Mania seriesSocketNihon TelnetValisExile: Wicked PhenomenonCosmic Fantasy seriesTenshi no Uta seriesWolf TeamTales seriesWild ArmsIremR-TypeNinja SpiritUndercover CopsIn the HuntR-Type FinalRaw Danger!Steambot ChroniclesGranzellaData EastFACEYs seriesTrails in the Sky seriesGAU EntertainmentRain JerksCrusader of CentyFlight-PlanCamelotTraveller's TalesClockwork TortiseAlpha SystemNEC AvenueSacnothKoudelkaShadow HeartsSupergiantBlizzardWorld of WarCraftThe Adventures of Batman & RobinSludge metalWolverineGrime musicX-WomenDoom metalRanking Nominees (02:03:35)This week’s Insert Credit Show is brought to you by patrons like you. Thank you.To submit your own horrible buzzer, send an original recording no longer than two seconds in mp3 or wav format to show@insertcredit.com, and maybe we'll use it on the show!Subscribe: RSS, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more!

Full show notes at the publisher

Ep. 399 - The Best Kusoge, with Liz Ryerson Jul 21, 2025

Show notes

Writer, musician, and NYU guest lecturer Liz Ryerson joins the panel to define “Triple A,” genres of kusoge, and film envy. Watch episodes with full video on YouTubeDiscuss this episode in the Insert Credit ForumsSHOW NOTES:“399, are you out of your mind?”Nerdcore“Sudo-Derm”PC EngineMC FrontalotMC ChrisMC Chris - Fett’s VetteGilbert and SullivanGeorge Lucas1: What was the first triple A video game? (03:55)AAAFinal Fantasy VIIMetal Gear SolidLegend of Zelda seriesSuper Mario 64Grand Theft Auto IIIPac-ManPongSpace InvadersUltima VII: The Black GateFinal Fantasy VIChrono TriggerSuper Mario Bros. 3Sonic the Hedgehog 2Hideo KojimaShenmue2: Is it easier to write about a good video game or a bad video game? (10:47)Donkey Kong BananzaHong KongImmortalityKusogeBackloggdBishōjo Senshi Sailor Moon S: Jōgai Rantō!? Shuyaku Sōdatsusen3DOPretty Soldier Sailor Moon SSuper Nintendo Entertainment SystemBishōjo Senshi Sailor Moon3: What’s the best kusoge? (16:51)Deadly PremonitionThe Mystery of AtlantisSuper PitfallEd WoodNot Treasure HunterIndiana JonesBlaseballDeath CrimsonLady Phantom4: What is the “don’t watch past season 8 of The Simpsons” of video games? (22:51)The SimpsonsHalo seriesQuake III: ArenaDoom seriesFinal Fantasy seriesSonic the Hedgehog seriesSilent Hill seriesOnline Multiplayer: How do YOU define an indie game? (28:14)5: What sports videogame do you pick to play with Champ Bear? (32:00)Champ BearCare BearsCollege Football 25NBA 2K seriesMadden seriesEVE OnlineCricket 24Hyper GunsportStreet Fighter seriesAsuka 120% seriesChamp BaileyTecmo Super BowlNBA JamFencingRugbyDivingArtistic swimmingLugeCanoeingShootingDota 2ValorantThe InternationalOverwatch LeagueLeague of LegendsEvo Moment 37Seth Killian6: What are the rules of video game music? (43:24)Leonard Cohen - HallelujahShrek seriesOrson WellesKurt FeldmanMotohiro KawashimaOh, Deer!DemonschoolGialloFezDisasterpeaceTroy BakerBear McCrearyTales seriesMotoi SakurabaLIGHTNING ROUND: The Price Is Sprite (51:00)Recommendations and Outro (01:01:15):Brandon: Don’t buy from Mod Retro because they’re owned by war profiteer and weapons developer Palmer Luckey, Everdeep Aurora, learn to pronounce Japanese words if you’re starting a youtube channel about Japanese gamesAsh: Foundation, furriesLiz: Love and Mercy (2014) (for normals), Castration Movie (2024) (for non-normals), The People’s Joker (2022)This week’s Insert Credit Show is brought to you by patrons like you. Thank you.This week's horrible buzzer was sent in by Dave Lanki. Thanks! To submit your own horrible buzzer, send an original recording no longer than two seconds in mp3 or wav format to show@insertcredit.com, and maybe we'll use it on the show!Subscribe: RSS, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more!Hosted by Alex Jaffe, with Ash Parrish, Brandon Sheffield and Liz Ryerson. Edited by Esper Quinn. Original Music by Kurt Feldman.

Full show notes at the publisher

Ep. 398 - Horse Wives Jul 14, 2025

Show notes

The Insert Credit panel you know and love discuss developments in game journalism, gacha games about girls who are horses, and what happens when you put Coke Zero in espresso. Watch episodes with full video on YouTubeDiscuss this episode in the Insert Credit ForumsSHOW NOTES:“I’m almost there, touching the numinous”MurderbotThe Murderbot Diaries1: Ash, you used to write for Kotaku, right? (03:29)Kotaku2: Ash, what’s your read on this whole G/O Media selling Kotaku to Gizmodo’s parent company? (03:36)G/O Media sells Kotaku and says it's "winding down"GizmodoJim Spanfellerio9The RootWhat Is an io9?The VergePolygonIodineSegaSammy mergerSquareEnix mergerDragon Quest seriesHi-Fi RushTango GameworksKrafton slams ex-Subnautica 2 execs — who now say they’re suing3: When is it cool that a video game changes the rules on you, and when is it annoying? (08:55)Xbox 360Sega GenesisCommodore 644: What non-video game piece of media do you think has inspired the most video games? (13:20)Star WarsThe Lord of the RingsDuneSailor MoonGamblingMagical girlDungeons & DragonsZoobooksSonic the HedgehogBill ClintonArsenio HallCedric the EntertainerKnuckles the EchidnaMichael JacksonHow Sonic The Hedgehog Was Directly Inspired By Bill Clinton and Michael JacksonMiles “Tails” ProwerA.C. SlaterScreech PowersBlade Runner (1982)Phantasy StarFinal Fantasy VIAlien (1979)Metroid5: Design 3 new characters for Uma Musume: Pretty Derby (18:27)Uma Musume: Pretty DerbyInfinity NikkiSeabiscuitKentucky DerbyBabe RuthShiori FujisakiTokimeki MemorialEveDraftKingsBayonettaJill ValentineLady Dimitrescu2BKainéSamus AranStellar BladeThe iDOLM@STER seriesMinigame: Gacha Time! (24:44)John SmithThe OutfoxiesGovernor GriffonRed Dead RevolverSteven TylerOriannaThe Witcher III: Wild HuntThe NothingFortniteAutkendo JansaThe Elder Scrolls IV: Shivering IslesKarlachBaldur’s Gate IIIHeidi KalsonThe Sims: Life StoriesBonkerClay Fighter6: Alex Jaffe asks, what is an indie game? (33:13)Indie Game: the Movie (2012)BraidFezSuper Meat BoyMinecraftNaughty DogBrandon BoyerNecrosoftMinigame: 18 Questions - Real Person Who Has Appeared in the Greatest Number of Video Games (38:31)John MaddenHarrison FordSid Meier's Civilization seriesGenghis Khan(SPOILER) The Real Person Who Has Appeared in the Greatest Number of Video Games7: Gemstonez asks, please rank and discuss the PlayStation games mentioned in the song "My Console" by Eiffel 65 (43:12)Eiffel 65 - My ConsoleTekken 3Metal Gear SolidEiffel 65 - BlueResident EvilGran TurismoOmega BoostBloody RoarThe X-Files GameAnother WorldÉric ChahiRidge RacerOddworld: Abe's OddyseePagliacciWinning Eleven seriesMathew KumarRecommendations and Outro (50:39):Frank: Vent your PC heat out of your home’s chimney, Charlie Hustle & The Matter of Pete RoseBrandon: Check your airplane console for Bejeweled 3 which is the good version of Bejeweled without microtransactions, ZPFAsh: Make more root beer floats, The Murderbot DiariesThis week’s Insert Credit Show is brought to you by patrons like you. Thank you.This week's horrible buzzer was sent in by BB Kaizo. Thanks! To submit your own horrible buzzer, send an original recording no longer than two seconds in mp3 or wav format to show@insertcredit.com, and maybe we'll use it on the show!Subscribe: RSS, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more!Hosted by Alex Jaffe, with Frank Cifaldi, Ash Parrish, and Brandon Sheffield. Edited by Esper Quinn. Original Music by Kurt Feldman.

Full show notes at the publisher

Ep. 397 - Regular Taxi Jul 07, 2025

Show notes

Frank Cifaldi, Ash Parrish and Brandon Sheffield cover Microsoft killing the game industry, the cast of the Street Fighter movie, and the definition of “indie game.” Watch episodes with full video on YouTubeDiscuss this episode in the Insert Credit ForumsSHOW NOTES:Sailor Moon“Humans are lame. Monkeys are good. Billy is the best.”StarbucksBibendumRatatoullie (2007)Peet’s Coffee1: What is the Starbucks of video games? (05:07)MicrosoftNintendo eShopEmbracer GroupNaughty DogNervous DogBlue Bottle CoffeeActivision Blizzard KingFortniteDestiny 22: Nicole Carpenter asks, what video game character is the worst patient at the dentist? (10:25)Sonic the HedgehogDonkey KongFive Nights at Freddy's seriesManeaterJaws: UnleashedJawsEcco the DolphinSuper Mario Bros. 3Dragon Quest SlimeGelatinous CubeAngry Video Game NerdTooth ProtectorsPowerWash Simulator3: What is something you always want your character to be able to do in a video game? (16:32)Kris KrossLooney TunesMichael JordanBaba Is YouThrow Momma From the Train (1987)Exit Through the Gift Shop (2010)Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939)Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead (1991)Death to Smoochy (2002)Kill Bill (2003)Santa Claus Conquers the Martians (1964)WarioWare seriesSega GenesisSony PlaystationReservoir Dogs (1992)Demonschool4: What do we think of the casting for this Street Fighter movie? (20:37)‘Street Fighter’ Cast: Who’s Who In The Live-Action Arcade Film AdaptionAndrew KojiRyuNoah CentineoKenCallina LiangChun-LiDavid DastmalchianM. BisonCody RhodesGuileJason MomoaBlankaCurtis “50 Cent” JacksonBalrogOrville PeckVegaAndrew SchulzDan HibikiRoman ReignsAkumaKana UrasawaRaul JuliaLate Night with the Devil (2023)MurderbotThe Suicide Squad (2021)Polka-Dot ManAndy SerkisLou FerrignoMortal Kombat (2021)WarriorTekken series5: What is an indie game? (28:16)Clair Obscur: Expedition 33ScornHades II6: rejj asks, what was your first favorite game, and which game replaced it? (34:27)Atari 2600Q*bertSuper Mario Bros.Gunstar HeroesMetal Slug 3Contra seriesSuper Mario WorldSega Game GearSonic the Hedgehog seriesThe Lion KingPokemon Blue VersionTomb Raider IISecret of Monkey IslandGrim Fandango7: What the hell is wrong with video games? (40:38)Microsoft is laying off more than 6,000 employeesCall of Duty: Black Ops 22Indiana Jones and the Great CircleRomero Games reportedly met with Microsoft just a day before the publisher pulled funding for the studio, and there was 'no mention' of the decision that put over 100 people out of workHi-Fi RushMicrosoft’s Matt Turnbull on LinkedIn recommending AI to laid off developers8: Brandon, how was your trip to London and Paris? (47:20)CeXOutRun 2 SPPanic ParkCalifornia ExtremeGameKingSoul BubblesGamasutra’s Best of 2008Taxi 2Crazy TaxiTaxi (1998)Taxi 2 (2000)9: Frank, how was your trip to Chicago? And, recommendations (55:43)Jeff LeeThe Three Stooges in Brides is BridesRoger SharpeMSXNintendo Knitting MachineThe Batman (2022)Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (2024)Gotham CentralRobert PattinsonThe Twilight SagaMatt Reeves Finally Completes 'The Batman 2' ScriptThe PenguinLIGHTNING ROUND: Frank’s Movie Title Game (01:05:39)Outro (01:17:46)This week’s Insert Credit Show is brought to you by patrons like you. Thank you.This week's horrible buzzer was sent in by BippityJones. Thanks! To submit your own horrible buzzer, send an original recording no longer than two seconds in mp3 or wav format to show@insertcredit.com, and maybe we'll use it on the show!Subscribe: RSS, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more!Hosted by Alex Jaffe, with Frank Cifaldi, Ash Parrish, and Brandon Sheffield. Edited by Esper Quinn. Original Music by Kurt Feldman.

Full show notes at the publisher

Ep. 396 - Horse Valet, with Nicole Carpenter and Will Jagielski-Harrison Jun 30, 2025

Show notes

Game journalists Nicole Carpenter and Will Jagielski-Harrison join Ash Parrish to discuss the state of game journalism, World of Warcraft, and gamer girl bathwater stolen valor.

Watch episodes with full video on YouTube

Discuss this episode in the Insert Credit Forums

SHOW NOTES:

1: How fucked is game journalism? (03:23)

2: How do you recommend a game to someone in a way that will get them to play it? (08:24)

3: Happy pride! How does queerness and queer narratives manifest uniquely in games, in contrast to other media? (11:44)

4: What the hell is going on in the story of World of Warcraft? (16:17)

5: SteveWithAB asks, what’s the worst job in a video game? (26:32)

6: What do you think was the hardest video game in history to make? (32:56)

7: Who in video games do you trust? (38:15)

LIGHTNING ROUND: Zelda Maker (40:49)

Recommendations and Outro (52:08):

Nicole: Save Spot, Reese’s Take 5
Ash: Date Everything
Will: Essence of Azeroth, My Dress-Up Darling Season 2

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

This week's horrible buzzer was sent in by massimo. Thanks! To submit your own horrible buzzer, send an original recording no longer than two seconds in mp3 or wav format to show@insertcredit.com, and maybe we'll use it on the show!

Subscribe: RSS, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more!

Ep. 395 - We've Got Enough Nuts McSquirrels Jun 23, 2025

Show notes

Your Insert Credit panel covers open world games, the Tango & Cash NES platformer, and the many secrets of The Ooze. Plus, credits are spent to make everyone to play a game.

Watch episodes with full video on YouTube

Discuss this episode in the Insert Credit Forums

SHOW NOTES:

1: Ash, how was Summer Game Fest? (02:16)

2: merritt k asks, which classic film should have gotten an inexplicable platformer on the NES? (10:22)

3: When should a video game have an open world? (16:23)

4: Happy pride! What are some extremely complicated things developers can do to make their games more queer? (24:20)

5: Littleboat asks, what is the worst goo in a videogame? (29:04)

6: How were 90’s video games informed by their wider historical context? (35:15)

7: What is the “BlueSky is dying” of video games? (41:32)

LIGHTNING ROUND: Famicom Feud - Repeatedly Novelized Game Series (47:45)

Recommendations and Outro (01:00:29):

Brandon: Support your alt weeklies, Guns and Guts (1974)
Ash: Subscribe to the Patreon at a $10 level to get drag names from Ash, Steam Next Fest

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

This week's horrible buzzer was sent in by B. B. Kaizo. Thanks! To submit your own horrible buzzer, send an original recording no longer than two seconds in mp3 or wav format to show@insertcredit.com, and maybe we'll use it on the show!

Subscribe: RSS, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more!

Hosted by Alex Jaffe, with Frank Cifaldi, Ash Parrish, and Brandon Sheffield. Edited by Esper Quinn. Original Music by Kurt Feldman.

Ep. 394 - Fortnitification, with merritt k Jun 16, 2025

Show notes

Writer, podcaster, and friend of the show merritt k joins Frank and Brandon to answer Esper’s questions on intercompany crossovers, the definition of 2.5D, and Gay Fire Emblem. Watch episodes with full video on YouTubeDiscuss this episode in the Insert Credit ForumsSHOW NOTES:Rooty Tooty Fresh and FruityMoons Over My HammyAlem’s CoffeeMetal Slug 2Elevator Action Returns1: How do we feel about corporate crossovers in video games? (03:57)Minecraft SteveIchiban YakuzaHatsune MikuSonic Racing: Crossworlds trailerMagic: The Gathering—FINAL FANTASYSuper Smash Brothers seriesSonic the HedgehogSolid SnakeMagic the Gathering - Marvel’s Spider-ManFortniteHank HillSummer Games FestMinecraftThe JokerRick SanchezKazuma KiryuGuile2: What aspects from other media are worth bringing to video games? (09:41)PlayStation ParkPSX - The Good Shit (20XX Edition)Tony Hawk skateboarding seriesMegalopolis (2024)Hideo KojimaFrancis Ford CoppolaJohn RomeroSnoop Dogg3: What are some simple things video game developers can do to queer up their games? (13:58)DemonschoolCommando (1985)Persona seriesFire Emblem seriesROMhacking.netMarge SimpsonCall of Duty seriesWilliam Riker4: Come up with a trailer for SGF in six minutes or less (20:50)Hootie & The Blowfish - Let Her CryPearl Jam - JeremyPipe wrenchSuper Mario seriesMickey MouseWeird Al - The Plumbing Song5: Alex Jaffe asks, in 2025, who is each major console maker’s target market? (26:07)PanasonicAtari3DOAmicoThe PhantomOuyaCasio LoopyNEC PC Engine 6Steam DeckPlayStation VRXboxGoogle StadiaAssassin’s Creed seriesNintendoSonyVR ChatWiiOprah WinfreyXbox 3606: With regards to JRPGs specifically but all games broadly, when do you need to play a game, and when is it okay to just watch a longplay? (32:30)LongplayWizardryPhantasy Star OnlinePhantasy Star seriesSega CDGame GearClair Obscur: Expedition 33The OozeCraig StittDigital EclipseSega Technical InstituteChakan: the Forever Man7: What is a 2.5D game? (39:53)Street Fighter IVHD-2DKlonoa: Door to PhantomileGuardian HeroesMighty Morphin Power RangersBloodborneBloodstained: Ritual of the NightSega SaturnResogunLIGHTNING ROUND: The A.C.R.O.N.Y.M. Game (43:38)Recommendations and Outro (54:45):Merritt: If You’re Driving Close Your Eyes, Other Strangeness on patreonBrandon: Mami Ayukawa - SMILE, TESMart HDMI switcher, support protestorsFrank: Fund people you enjoy the creative work ofEsper: Don’t rank Cuomo, DC Action NewsThis week’s Insert Credit Show is brought to you by patrons like you. Thank you.This week's horrible buzzer was sent in by James Grant. Thanks! To submit your own horrible buzzer, send an original recording no longer than two seconds in mp3 or wav format to show@insertcredit.com, and maybe we'll use it on the show!Subscribe: RSS, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more!Hosted by Esper Quinn, with Frank Cifaldi, Brandon Sheffield and merritt k. Edited by Esper Quinn. Original Music by Kurt Feldman.

Full show notes at the publisher

Ep. 393 - Sephiroth Bader Ginsburg Jun 09, 2025

Show notes

A historian, a journalist, and a developer answer a host’s questions regarding the Sony State of Play, various consistencies of pie, and video game drag names. Watch episodes with full video on YouTubeDiscuss this episode in the Insert Credit ForumsSHOW NOTES:“Gold Saucer? Take that shit and throw it straight in the trash!”Video Game History FoundationNintendo DSTurboGrafx-16This Is Why You're Prone to Crying on Airplanes1: Do we have any thoughts on the Sony State of Play yesterday? (06:02)Sony June 4 State of PlayWe're Dumping 125 Mystery Prototype ROMs!E3Al YangSilent Hill fMonty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)Summer Games FestXbox Games Showcase 2025Copilot AIBill GatesJoel McHaleSeth Green2: Does anyone have any stories about pie? (12:00)“A Week in the Life of a Demonschool Student” trailerAsh’s Xbox green outfitGamegate (harrassment campaign)House of PiesBubba Gump Shrimp CompanyGame ChangerKris GraftKatatonia3: What is the best video game you know you’ll never play? (18:40)DeltaruneUndertaleFortniteFromSoftwareBloodborneEcho NightDemon’s SoulsElden RingSoul BlazerTetris EffectLumines ArisePlayStation PortableChrono TriggerBaldur’s Gate IIIStreet Fighter III: 3rd StrikeCapcom vs. SNK 2: Mark of the MillenniumPatrick Miller4: Happy pride! Let’s come up with some video game themed drag names (24:04)Master ChiefPoint and Click AdventureFinal Fantasy seriesSephirothRuth Bader GinsburgStreet Fighter seriesKen MastersM. BisonBlankaSonic the Hedgehog seriesKnuckles the EchidnaAmy RoseCream the RabbitSNKKarnov’s RevengeTerry BogardDizzy the EggGeese HowardDizzyGuilty Gear seriesMortal Kombat seriesSonya BladeJohnny CageKung Lao5: James asks, I had a dream where Alex Jaffe told me "You can't say that, there's only one pun that's allowed at insert credit summer camp.” What's that pun? Also, what's insert credit summer camp like? (29:26)Insert Credit Patreon Gacha MachineNoob SaibotMr. DrillerPlaydateTilden Park Little FarmTom BraiderRain JerksTony Hawk's Pro Skater 2September 11 attacksMega Man Battle Network6: What’s the most work you’ve put into a video game related project that never really went anywhere? (37:39)Square EnixNintendo Entertainment SystemGDCHarvey WeinsteinDr. Disrespect7: What is the Bride of Frankenstein of video games? (45:07)The Bride of Frankenstein (1935)Ms. Pac-ManBayonetta seriesDevil May Cry seriesMass Effect 3 ending controversyGuileMarge SimpsonLIGHTNING ROUND: GameFAQ&As - The Sims 4 (48:30)Recommendations and Outro (53:47):Brandon: Dr. Bronner makes chocolate now, The Singing Thief (1969), WhorepionFrank: Don’t piss your pants, open the door insteadAsh: D’Hora, Liu Sang, Ho’ Rai Cho, Ho’tal Khan, Jackoffson Briggs, ChronicaJaffe: Sign up for Patreon to receive your gacha pull!This week’s Insert Credit Show is brought to you by patrons like you. Thank you.This week's horrible buzzer was sent in by zx.crux. Thanks! To submit your own horrible buzzer, send an original recording no longer than two seconds in mp3 or wav format to show@insertcredit.com, and maybe we'll use it on the show!Subscribe: RSS, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more!Hosted by Alex Jaffe, with Frank Cifaldi, Ash Parrish, and Brandon Sheffield. Edited by Esper Quinn. Original Music by Kurt Feldman.

Full show notes at the publisher

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