Lore Party

Michael discusses how Dontnod Entertainment, the developers of Life is Strange, explore the imagination of a young child in their latest demo. Minigame is a short essay series produced and hosted by Michael Farris (@farristhewheel ). Each bite-sized episode dives into the themes or central ideas of our favorite games in 10 minutes or less. Music: Acoustic Meditation 2 by Audionautix Learn more abo...

Bruce (@BruceWalton) and Lawerence explain the timeline and origin of the Omnic Crisis (2:11), how different countries reacted to the uprising (9:44), and humanity’s decision to band together and form Overwatch (15:27). This is an [Easy] level episode, which means you will be able to follow the discussion even if you haven’t played the game. Expect spoilers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit...

Michael (@farristhewheel) is taking a break from his MINIGAME series this week to take care of a baby Metroid in Super Metroid. He joins Neil (@neilbigdeal) to discuss the incredible mood and atmosphere of the game (2:14), explore why humanity wants to study the Metroids (6:09), and answer why Samus chooses to return to Zebes (10:05). This is an [Expert] level episode, which means some parts of th...

Lawerence and Kevin (@In_the_Lupe) explore how an Operator’s personality is reflected in their NetNavi. They discuss why Guts Man always acts so tough (2:34), the reason Mr. Match goes through three NetNavis (4:34) and worry about the social implications of your digital replica running around the internet (11:03). This is an [Expert] level episode, which means some parts of the discussion may not...

Lawerence and Jaden (@MrJadJay) are joined by Caleb (@ScifiSpeedster) for the ultimate Fallout factions showdown. They argue about which of their three favorite factions are better (0:39), discuss their one least favorite faction (7:36), and finally agree to a shaky truce (15:39). This is an [Expert] level episode, which means some parts of the discussion may not make sense unless you’ve played th...

Leo (@LeoWigginsVO) and Abu (@abu_zafar) solve why Abigail is so good at the egg hunt (1:24), work up the courage to ask a lady for a dance (5:18), and get into a grange measuring contest (13:47). This is an [Expert] level episode, which means some parts of the discussion may not make sense unless you’ve played the game. Expect lots of spoilers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm...

In this special E3 2018 episode, Neil (@neilbigdeal) and Lawerence share their reactions to the announcements from Nintendo’s press conference. They discuss Hollow Knight’s surprise release (0:35), figure out what Overcooked 2 is (2:24), and are shocked about the rival in Pokemon Let’s Go Pikachu & Evee (7:54). Oh, and they talk Smash Bros. (13:59) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megap...

In this special E3 2018 episode, Abu (@abu_zafar) and Leo (@LeoWigginsVO) share their reactions to the announcements from Sony’s press conference. They discuss Ellie in The Last of Us Part II (1:25), the worlds of Kingdom Hearts III (13:24), the babies of Death Stranding (16:28), and the fluidity of Spider-Man (21:15). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Her Story is not a game about solving a murder mystery. Instead, it’s a story about solving a family mystery, which is what makes the game so engrossing. Minigame is a short essay series produced and hosted by Michael Farris (@farristhewheel ). Each bite-sized episode dives into the themes or central ideas of our favorite games in 10 minutes or less. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megapho...

Abu (@abu_zafar) and Leo (@LeoWigginsVO) break down the steps for marriage (1:50), discuss the perks of married life (6:31), and get to know each of the 12 available bachelors and bachelorettes in Pelican Town (13:35). This is an [Expert] level episode, which means some parts of the discussion may not make sense unless you’ve played the game. Expect lots of spoilers. Learn more about your ad choic...

Kevin and Lawerence discuss the differences between the original Mega Man lore and Battle Network lore (0:59), the history of Dr. Light and Dr. Wily (6:17), and the customization of NetNavis (13:17). This is an [Expert] level episode, which means some parts of the discussion may not make sense unless you’ve played the game. Expect lots of spoilers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone...

Beyond: Two Souls has no codex or blunt exposition about its lore. Instead, it effortlessly teaches players about its world without being overwhelming. That’s an achievement a lot of story-driven games can learn from. Minigame is a short essay series produced and hosted by Michael Farris (@farristhewheel ). Each bite-sized episode dives into the themes or central ideas of our favorite games in 10...

Lawerence plays Fallout for the first time and joins Jaden (@MrJadJay) to discuss why Codsworth is the best companion (2:19), the differences between the Minutemen and The Brotherhood of Steel (9:18), and the sheer amount of stuff there is to do in this game (19:27). This is an [Expert] level episode, which means some parts of the discussion may not make sense unless you’ve played the game. Expect...

There’s so much lore hidden in the world of Stardew Valley. Abu (@abu_zafar) and Leo (@LeoWigginsVO) discuss two wars that define the valley, theorize about Linus’ true nature, and untangle the sexual web of lies in Pelican Town. This is an [Expert] level episode, which means some parts of the discussion may not make sense unless you’ve played the game. Expect lots of spoilers. Learn more about yo...

We’ve officially wrapped up the first season of the show, and we’re gonna take this week off to prep for season two. We’re kicking off season two next week with a brand new set of games that include Fallout, Stardew Valley, Megaman, and more! We hope you’re as excited as we are. See you next week! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lawerence has completed his playthrough of Metroid II: Return of Samus. He joins Neil (@neilbigdeal) to discuss the best way to defeat the Metroid queen, what aeion energy is, and how the Chozo left their mess for Samus to clean up. This is an [Expert] level episode, which means some parts of the discussion may not make sense unless you’ve played the game. Expect lots of spoilers. Learn more about...

Knights of the Old Republic II deconstructed a ton of Star Wars tropes and made players question everything they thought they knew about the Star Wars universe. Minigame is a short essay series produced and hosted by Michael Farris (@farristhewheel ). Each bite-sized episode dives into the themes or central ideas of our favorite games in 10 minutes or less. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit...

Kevin (@In_the_Lupe) and Abu (@abu_zafar) and Leo (@LeoWigginsVO) discuss one of the most controversial topics in the history of the Mass Effect universe: the genophage. They draw parallels to the U.S. nuclear strikes in World War II, speculate on the fate of the galaxy post-genophage, and realize krogan condoms may be the solution to saving the universe. This is an [Expert] level episode, which m...

Bruce (@BruceWalton) and Caleb (@ScifiSpeedster) discuss this year’s Retribution event, last year’s Uprising event, and what they think about Overwatch’s place in the world it helped shape. This is an [Expert] level episode, which means some parts of the discussion may not make sense unless you’ve played the game. Expect lots of spoilers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoi...

Lawerence is playing through Metroid II: Return of Samus for the first time in over a decade with one goal in mind: finish the game this time around. Neil (@neilbigdeal) explains why Samus finds herself on Planet SR388, why the planet is so significant to the Metroid species, and the ultimate folly of the Chozo people. This is an [Easy] level episode, which means you will be able to follow the dis...

The first game in the Knights of the Old Republic series plays it safe with a traditional Star Wars storyline. It mirrors the stories in the original and modern film trilogies and proves one thing about the Star Wars universe: the past is doomed to repeat itself. Minigame is a short essay series produced and hosted by Michael Farris (@farristhewheel ). Each bite-sized episode dives into the themes...

Kevin (@In_the_Lupe) and Abu (@abu_zafar) are joined by Leo (@LeoWigginsVO) to discuss the role of technology in the Mass Effect universe. They debate the Illusive Man’s intentions with the Lazarus Project, the ethical issues surrounding artificial intelligence, and get to the bottom of what makes us human. This is an [Expert] level episode, which means some parts of the discussion may not make se...

Bruce (@BruceWalton) and Caleb (@ScifiSpeedster) discuss the history of Brigitte, the correct pronunciation of her name (and GIF), and have a request for Jeff Kaplan. It’s Jetpack Cat. They want Jetpack Cat. This is an [Expert] level episode, which means some parts of the discussion may not make sense unless you’ve played the game. Expect lots of spoilers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit m...

Abu (@abu_zafar) fails to complete his zero mission. Neil (@neilbigdeal) explains who Kraid and Ridley are, why the Metroids were first created, and why this is such a personal journey for Samus. This is an [Easy] level episode, which means you will be able to follow the discussion even if you haven’t played the game. Expect spoilers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Witness hides its story in plain sight and teaches you to look past the obvious. MINIGAME is a short essay series produced and hosted by Michael Farris (@farristhewheel ). Each bite-sized episode dives into the themes or central ideas of our favorite games in 10 minutes or less. Music: Hold My Hand (Ambient Mix) by Ars Sonar Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices