Game & Watch with Aaron & James

“Are those pussywillows?” This one is for all the moms out there. Happy Belated Mother’s Day from Aaron, James, and a delightfully unhinged Kathleen Turner! Join us as we discuss the John Waters’ 1994 dark comedy cult hit. Does she need a lawyer? Does she need an agent? What even IS satire anymore? Questions abound on this episode - listen with your mom and enjoy!

“All worlds begin in Darkness and all so end. The heart is no different.” Friendship, hearts, and too many zippers - we’re back in the (many) lands of Kingdom Hearts! But which of the numerous worlds in the mainline series deserve the most praise? The most hate? What makes for a strong world in this “storied” franchise? Come listen and find out Aaron and James’ Top and Bottom 3 Kingdom Hearts Worl...

Hey, you! Yes, you! Do you find repetition meditative? Do you enjoy a challenge? Does unlocking a new item give you that sweet dopamine rush? Do you have an addictive personality? If you answered yes to most or all of those questions, roguelikes might be the genre for you! This week, Aaron and James are joined by a very special returning guest to dissect the modern roguelike genre and explore just...

"You are a convict, tasked with exploring this anomaly, in a makeshift submarine nicknamed The Iron Lung. It was not designed for this depth, so you will be welded inside and the forward window will be closed. There was no time for training. If successful, you earn your freedom." This week, Aaron and James tackle a divisive indie horror game and, uh, let's call it a "submarine simulator." Not ever...

"The SA-X. An enemy with my strongest abilities. But does it have reason? Probably not. It's just a killing machine. In my current state, I can't face it head-on. The SA-X is me, only heartless. I must stop it before it learns its potential and threatens the universe." This week, Aaron and James gush over an excellent entry in the Metroid series and one of the best GBA games out there. That isn't...

Everyone knows Zelda games feature some great dungeons -- from theme and aesthetic to head-scratching puzzles ... but how practical are they? This week, Aaron and James and a very special guest discuss the practicality and feasibility of each dungeon as a place. Would only Zora's go to worship in Ocarina of Time’s Water Temple, or was it designed for human use too? Does Snowpeak Ruins feel more li...

“He doesn't like sharing his toys. Even the ones he doesn't want to play with any more.” Join Aaron and James this week as they discuss a Barry Keoghan (Kee-OH-Gan) and Jacob Elordi-led romp through the English countryside. What do you get when you fill a manor home with rich, horny, terrible people? You get this movie - for better or worse. But hey, at least it features a deliciously scene-steali...

“You guys didn't like Kyle. That's okay. I didn't either. I loved him. He was my son. But he was also a douchebag.” Join Aaron and James this week as they take a look at this oft-overlooked Robin Williams dark comedy. Could this be the darkest material they’ve ever covered for the show? Could Kyle be one of the douchiest characters in all of film? And what does the legendary Bruce Hornsby have to...

This weelk, Aaron and James invite the entire Game & Watch draft crew back to the show to select games from an absolute monster of a year. There was no shortage of incredible titles in 1998, including surprise hits from less-proven developers, underappreciated gems from seasoned vets, and some of the most groundbreaking games in beloved series that still endure to this day. So many games, in fact,...

"That was two wishes. Take your time with the third. Or you will wish you had never been born." This week, Aaron and James show you the world ... a world of subpar animation! Join your hosts as they ask that age old question: does a TV budget and the lack of Robin Williams make for a poor Aladdin sequel? Or, like a diamond in the rough, does this direct-to-video flick rise above expectations? Grab...

"We're not tools of the government, or anyone else. Fighting was the only thing... the only thing I was good at. But... at least I always fought for what I believed in." This week, Aaron and James are joined on the battlefield by a returning special guest as they infiltrate Shadow Moses Island and discuss the groundbreaking and definitive entry in the stealth/action genre. How do they feel about H...

What a year it was! With 2023 coming to a close, Aaron and James have decided to list the top 10 games they played for the first time this year. If you know them well, some of their selections won't come as a surprise, but they're guaranteed to each have some surprises for you (and for each other). Please enjoy!

"Rules are rules and this is a place where we make love, not war." This week, Aaron, James, and a very special guest jet off to the galactic melting pot city of Alpha, where there is no shortage of culture and wonder. Listen in as they discuss this very imaginative but flawed Luc Besson film. There is much to admire in this sci-fi adventure, and even more for which to criticize Dane DeHaan.

"My boy, I made Snoke." This week, join Aaron, James, and a special guest as they discuss the controversial last entry in the numbered Star Wars saga. Whether it’s the Frankensteining of Carrie Fisher, a deeply unearned kiss, or everyone’s favorite new character, Klaud, this is a film that makes many bold choices. You don’t have to be ALL the Sith to know that these choices have … mixed results, a...

“Dear Mario, please come to the castle. I've baked a cake for you. Yours truly, Princess Toadstool, Peach.” It's our 100th episode!!! 120 stars for 100 episodes seems like bad math, but that didn’t stop Aaron and James from revisiting the original, trailblazing 3D entry in the Mario series! Come for the in-depth analysis, and stay to hear them wax nostalgic over a childhood favorite. Does it stand...

This week, Aaron and James celebrate their 99th episode! (Not Episode 99, mind you. We get that it’s confusing.) Join them as they reminisce about the podcast’s origin and past, name some of their favorite episodes and memories, and share their plans for the future. What does the future hold for the pod? Will Kingdom Hearts Corner return? Will they redo How the Grinch Stole Christmas for no reason...

Gotta go fast! This week, join Aaron, James, and very special returning guest as they discuss a (mostly) beloved sequel for one of gaming's most divisive mascots, Sonic the Hedgehog. This episode has no shortage of praise, but also no shortage of criticism and tough questions asked. For instance, is any Sonic game TRULY higher than a 7 out of 10? Are gamers deluding themselves? Does Sonic have a c...

This week, Aaron and James continue their spooky season celebration by discussing some of their favorite and least favorite horror movie tropes. The final girl, the phantom trip, the bathroom mirror, and much, much more! We hope you enjoy!

"Nothing does it to me like fried chicken!" Get ready for paradoxical daytime horror as Aaron and James discuss a truly special entry in the genre. We have a doozy of an episode this week, involving rubber claws that can punch through human chests, a Water Museum, and some good old fashioned KFC. Listen for the night/day killing - stay for possibly the greatest bathroom scene in all of cinema!

"So we just gonna ignore the bear then?" Join Aaron and James this week as they come full circle, all the way from Episode 2’s "Hereditary," to Ari Aster’s sophomore feature. Get ready to play Skin the Fool as your hosts chat about spoilery murals, family tragedies, Florence Pugh's outstanding performance, and finding unexpected things in your pie. Strap on your Hårga culting shoes and join us!

"The faces of those four men who're here to change destiny ... burn their images into your eyes!" This week, Aaron and James set sail to break down a beloved early arc of a beloved anime. Listen in as they discuss the arc's impact on them as fans, their love of the characters (especially Nami), and Oda-san's successes with storytelling and emotional resonance. Fans of the manga and anime should no...

Ready for some fishing, ya'll?! Join Aaron and James this week as they play a quirky, Game Boy generation throwback fishing game! Come unwind and enjoy this breezy fishing sim as your hosts discuss worm diggin', fish reelin', strange nightmares, and Eldrich fish goddesses. Wait, what? Never mind. So, uh, just relax, get your basses down to the lake, and have a blast with this simple, delightful sl...

The draft is back! This time, Aaron and James are joined yet again by three veteran guests of the show (and experienced drafters) to tackle the year 2011. There was no shortage of games this year … unless you want to talk about whatever the hell Nintendo was doing (or not doing, for that matter). Enjoy!

"I was born without an accent." It's been a long road to get to Episode 69, and let's just say: we're coming all over you. This week, join Aaron, James, and a very special guest as they cover a truly baffling 2002 comedy from the same minds as Mr. Show. It is a movie, nay, a film, that makes us question what it means to be a man of the people, why anyone wants to see a dog eat vomit, and whether D...

“Stop trying. Take long walks. Look at scenery. Doze off at noon. Don’t even think about flying. And then, pretty soon, you’ll be flying again.” With broomsticks in hand, Aaron, James, and a returning special guest navigate this wonderful, timeless Studio Ghibli film about growing up. Join them as they discuss their favorite Ghibli-isms present in the film, touch on the differences between the Jap...