In this episode, we talk about moral choices in both video and tabletop games:
Filed under Discussion, Podcast
“Leave Justin Bieber alone!”
In this rather rambling banter episode, we cover a bunch of ground, including where the infamous Comic Sans font came from, the “new sincerity”, and how we feel about exploits in console games.
If you’d prefer to skip everything else, actual RPG discussion only happens near the end, starting at about 32 minutes. We cover player agency, mostly in the context of our Monsterhearts game. What happens when the MC takes control of a PC, even temporarily? How can you make it interesting and not unfun for the player?
Topics worthy of linking:
Filed under Discussion, Podcast
“In which we discuss some things that were relevant about a month ago, and some things that were relevant years ago.”
In this remarkably focused discussion, we talk about our formative years playing video games, and specifically, about the games which captured us for marathon play sessions.
This is bracketed by a couple of rants by Dave (one of which he gets to put his game dev hat back on for) and the story of possibly one of the longest-lived Pokemon of all time.
Topics covered:
IPMM-30-The-Eternal-Dr-Wurmple
Filed under Discussion, Podcast
“…but not as overused as the gambler’s phallus.”
In this episode, Yanni talks about introducing “traditional” gamers to Apocalypse World, and we analyze some of the innovations that set modern games apart from their older cousins. Here’s a (partial) list of the things we came up with; not every game does every one of them, but having more seems to be better than having fewer, and some of them can be worked into any game:
Here’s the audio link:
IPMM-28-Innovations-in-Modern-Games
And here are some of the topics touched on in the podcast:
Filed under Discussion, Podcast
“Hey, DUNCAN, this kid named DUNCAN, two years ago…”
In this episode, we plug some great tabletop games and complain about parts of some of the more traditional RPGs we’re playing.
What is it that makes games like Iron Kingdoms and Pathfinder frustrating? How can we make them better? We don’t figure everything out, but we decide we definitely don’t hate D&D.
We wrap up with some video game talk and a few plugs.
Stuff in this episode:
Filed under Discussion, Podcast
“Pokemon is clearly the aftermath of a global, apocalyptic war.”
In this episode, Dave, Yanni, and Duncan talk about how to evoke fear (and other emotions) in games and the challenge of transitioning between the GM and player roles.
Stuff we mention:
IPMM-21-Fear-and-Loathing-in-GM-Land
Filed under Discussion, Podcast
“It’s like waking up with a raccoon clawing at your face.”
Yanni starts by plugging a couple of new games. Then we talk about bad endings, bad plots, inconsistencies, and stuff that just irks us in TV shows and movies. Stuff referenced in this episode:
Filed under Discussion, Podcast
“You can play as Ophelia, but then it’s a pretty short book.”
Yanni mentions a fun kickstarter campaign. Dave goes on a feminist rant. Then we discuss good female characters in media and what makes a good character. Finally, Yanni brings up same-sex marriage and ultimately wins the evening.
Note: the cast of the cast is 100% supportive of LGBT rights and equality. Even when the context is humorous we take these issues very seriously, as they affect us and many people we care about.
Show notes – we got some stuff wrong; I’ve noted where below:
Filed under Discussion, Podcast
“It turns out bludgeoning weapons also draw blood.”
This is another potpourri discussion. We start with hacking the 4th Edition D&D item system (which is definitely in need of hacking). We discuss how weapon proficiencies in D&D have evolved over time (and where the odd AD&D proficiencies came from). Then we talk about how to make story and encounters more interesting in D&D and other combat-heavy traditional games – or not. That kicks off talk about grind in games.
Stuff we reference:
Filed under Discussion, Podcast
“You jump in that hole!”
In this episode, we discover that sometimes it’s better to play angry. We discuss what players should do when the plot stalls and the GM isn’t doing anything (consensus: do anything – worst case is you die).
Then we talk about the current Apocalypse World campaign. Everyone is concerned Will is planning too far ahead. Dave says how he’d handle it if Will continued in that direction, but happily everyone agrees on Plan B. We talk about hard player moves in Apocalypse World and what everyone can do to make them more interesting. We focus a lot on seize by force – what it is, what it means, how to make it more interesting. Then we discuss the violence mechanics in AW more broadly.
Stuff that comes up:
Filed under Discussion, Podcast
