quickplay

The gang breaks into Death Stranding and Animal Crossing, two games that are perhaps more similar than they first appear.  We discuss how adding friction to mechanics can make the player feel more present in the game world and debate whether there is such a thing as a wrong way to play a game.

Questions? Comments? Thoughts on other franchises that have more in common than people expect? Contact us on Twitter or email mailbox@pgipodcast.com. And if you liked the show, please review us on Apple Podcasts or share this episode with a friend!

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Header image from Animal Crossing New Horizons by Nintendo. Screenshot and custom designs by Keiya (cheeseism.com)

The gang digs into the audacious design of Doom Eternal, which manages to be too similar to its predecessor for new players to learn, yet is also too different for some existing fans to enjoy. You can punch the ribs out of a giant brain with a gun bolted on top, though, so Jon and Rob love it anyway.

Questions? Comments? Other examples of sequels that diverged from their predecessors? Contact us on Twitter or email mailbox@pgipodcast.com. And if you liked the show, please review us on Apple Podcasts or share this episode with a friend!

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Header image from Doom Eternal by id Software

After taking a few months off, we're back ready to discuss the latest and greatest in digital games... by talking about a five-year-old mobile game. Rob's been grooving on Clash Royale's clan battles, and the gang discusses how these types of alternate game modes can expand a game's audience by providing multiple modes of play that appeal to different players.

Questions? Comments? Enjoying some classic games yourselves? Contact us on Twitter or email mailbox@pgipodcast.com. And if you liked the show, please review us on Apple Podcasts or share this episode with a friend!

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Header image from Clash Royale by Supercell

The gang discusses Really Bad Chess, which is actually really good. We dig into how developer Zach Gage made a classic game more fun and accessible, and Rob expresses his surprisingly deep love for Backgammon.

Questions? Comments? Fightin' words? Contact us on Twitter or email mailbox@pgipodcast.com. And if you liked the show, please review us on Apple Podcasts or share this episode with a friend!

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Header image from Really Bad Chess by Zach Gage

The gang discusses the gorgeous visual album game Sayonara Wild Hearts, heaping praise upon its aesthetics but picking apart its bizarre relationship with its scoring system.

Questions? Comments? Fightin' words? Contact us on Twitter or email mailbox@pgipodcast.com. And if you liked the show, please review us on Apple Podcasts or share this episode with a friend!

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Header image from Sayonara Wild Hearts by Simogo