The Gonarch's Lair and Off-Planet podcasts

In the second part of episode 12 Ross and Thom run through an A to Z of movies we feel deserve a video game tie-in, we discuss banned words from our childhood, drinking Earl Grey tea with milk, and holidaying in Sokovia. We also discuss Terry’s incarceration following his confession in episode 11, Michael working in Las Vegas, and Ross’ stamp of approval. Questionable secretions include Thom getti...

In the first part of episode 12 Ross and Thom discuss DJ mashups, the glorification of war in first-person shooters, the Overwatch and Doom betas, the absence of game manuals, and we pitch an idea that we believe will revolutionise console ownership. We also discuss the new Battlefield and Call Of Duty trailers, Ross’ experience with Dark Souls 3, and we bid a fond farewell to the Xbox 360 whilst...

Welcome to the first part of our Half-Life Special triple bill. Ross and Thom are put to the test in two Half-Life themed quizzes written by Terry who recently returned from fighting intergalactic crime. We also devise a Jet Set Willy drinking game, discuss anal bleaching, enemas, and the origins of left-handedness. Anti-Mass Spectrometer byproducts include Thom outsmarting Terry, Ross impersonati...

In the second part of our Half-Life special we discuss the Half-Life game that started it all and it’s associated content; Opposing Forces, Decay, Blue Shift and Counter Strike. We also explore the enemies, bosses and weapons of Half-Life, the pros and cons of silent protagonists in gaming, Half-Life’s iconic SFX, and reading on the toilet. Other hypervelocity projectiles include Terry's forgettab...

In the third and final part of the Half-Life special we explain the story of Half-Life 2 and it’s sequels, discuss the varying difficulty of Half-Life 2’s achievements, and we speculate on potential movie tie-ins and Valve’s fear of the number three. We also debate the use of 'Mr. Exposition' in Sci-Fi TV series, biological warfare, the disappearance of physical PC games due to Steam’s monopolizat...

Welcome to episode 10; another milestone, another two-parter. In the first act Ross and Thom discuss the homework that was set in episode 9; Paperboy, Roller Coaster, and Dynamite Dan. We also debate morality in gaming, the extinction of newspapers and hummingbirds, the similarities between thrash metal and 8-bit games, and vegetarianism. This special bumper edition includes our list of the C64’s...

In the second act of episode 10 we read out some messages from our biggest fans before recollecting memories of the schoolyard and back lane games that we played in our youth. We also talk about Ross’ susceptibility to gruesome injuries, the enviable power of a child’s imagination, Thatcher’s Britain, and the enduring stigma attached to being labelled as a 'gamer’. Nostalgic nuggets include Thom’s...

In the second half of episode 9 we discuss Ross' Dragons' Den pitch, decide on our death row meal choices, read out some hilarious movie reviews, and receive our second piece of fan mail! We also discuss Ross' addiction to Bloodborne and Making a Murderer, the rivalry between Marvel and DC, and how storylines are taking a backseat to graphics in video games. This once-in-a-lifetime offer includes...

It's episode 9 and Michael is in the spotlight as we quiz him on his gaming history using the Gonarch's Lair 'Tangent Technique' (trademark pending). We also discuss the lack of humour in modern gaming, make at least two wonderful puns, and vaguely plan a camping trip. Terrific titbits include Ross reciting some Shakespeare, Thom breaking the tenth commandment and Michael getting a tingle from a L...

In the second part of episode 8 we discuss fashion faux pas of our youth, birthday cakes, our celebrity-robot battle fantasies, and the games we've played recently. We also ask Michael for his Desert Island Games and gaming persona. Epic moments include Michael singing an MN8 song, Ross blowing our minds with a Shatner fact, Thom speculating on Arnie's favourite confectionary and a cameo from Dr....

It's the first Gonarch's Lair of 2016 and we are back with a bang! In this episode we torture a special guest by forcing him to play Venturama and Beyond the Ice Palace on the ZX Spectrum. We also discuss banned clothing, crippling phobias, and Madonna's muscly arms. Priceless snippets include Ross' serendipitous 'Heathers' story and Thom introducing Johnny the B.

In the third and final part of our Christmas special we finally get into the holiday spirit by discussing festive themed games and our most memorable Christmas gaming gifts. Second helpings include half of a Christmas carol, a Real Ale related tangent and Ross' Robocop story.

In the second part of the Gonarch's Christmas Lair special we talk about our visit to the Game On 2.0 exhibition at the Centre Of Life and Thom's experience at the Newcastle Film and Comic Con, featuring plenty of arcade cabinets and cosplay respectively. We also discuss our favourite Christmas songs and try to justify how the holiday season masks our alcoholism. Festive trimmings include Ross' in...

'Tis the season so we've decorated the lair, stuffed the Christmas Headcrab, and recorded a three-part holiday special for you to enjoy with all the family this festive season. In the first part we review the homework that was set in the last episode; BMX Simulator, Saboteur, and Dark Sceptre. We also discuss our recent gaming purchases and Ross' Grinch-like tendancies. Stocking fillers include a...

In the third and final round of the SSFII SE the team discuss in greater detail each character from Street Fighter II including backstories, tactics, and their hobbies outside of the World Warrior tournament. Included for your listening pleasure are all of the original SNES stage themes and some of our favourite character SFX.

In the second round of the SSFII SE the boys receive their first fan mail and test their knowledge in two Street Fighter themed quizzes. Special meaty bits include Thom being question master, Ross quoting Clutch again and Terry making a sharp exit.

The sixth episode of the critically acclaimed Gonarch's Lair podcast is a Super Street Fighter II Special Edition spanning three rounds. In the first part the gang discuss the homework set in the previous episode, Bionic Commando and Tour De Force, and they also explain their gaming persona choices. Listen out for a sober version of Ross, Thom being excitable and Terry's triumphant return from the...

In the second half of episode 5 Ross and Thom discuss childhood memories of visiting amusement arcades with friends and family, their favourite seaside resorts and arcade cabinets, and a million-dollar, niche arcade idea. We also discuss pinball and 2p machines, bingo, on-rails shooters, rigged claw machines, innovative cabinet controls, and the ambient sounds from amusement arcades. Coin-operated...

In the first half of this milestone fifth episode Thom and Ross review Daley Thompson's Decathlon, Turrican and Beachhead, and they receive an update on Terry's whereabouts. Included at no extra cost: Thom no longer mixing business with pleasure and Ross wiggling his 'joystick'.

The 'dynamic duo' round off this double-header with the top 100 video games according to the Games™ August 2010 issue. Contains periods of reminiscing and disagreement but it's overall really very entertaining. Top two moments include explaining sentimentality and Ross' Paper Boy drinking game.

Thom and Ross review the three games that were set as homework; Who Dares Wins 2, Spitting Image, and Vixen. Bonus features include Ross improvising an intro, Thom earning a new nickname and the sound of red wine.

Or 'Blast's Past part 2', the team pick up where they left off in episode 2 and finish discussing Terry's history in gaming. Special features include Thom repeating a question, Terry miming an everyday activity and Ross trying out a new sign off.

In episode 3 Ross, Thom and Terry discuss the six 8-bit games they chose to set as homework assignments following the recording of episode 2. The games they played are the classic platformer Jet Set Willy, the isometric spy puzzler Movie, the sci-fi shooter Star Warrior, the text based adventure Famous Five, the legendary combat driving game Spyhunter, and the controversial platformer The Great Gi...

In episode two we meet Terry and discuss his first gaming experiences, pick our Desert Island Games and generally have a ruddy good time. Best bits include Terry telling a little white lie, Thom keeping things organic and Ross laughing at a rude joke.

Welcome one and all to The Gonarch's Lair Podcast where we excel in tangents, dubious facts, and a passion for video games. In this, the first ever episode, the founding members introduce themselves, discuss their history in gaming, and try to rationalise the existence of this podcast, all from the relative safety of Gonarch's Lair. Opening night jitters include Ross being disillusioned and Thom's...