Brain Lords: Video Games of the Mind

This week on Brain Lords we discuss all the vile and wicked things we love to do (in Minecraft). After all, aren't you just following the rules if a game is allowing you to be evil? Returning guest Shannon Strucci joins us in reconciling if the morally ambiguous things we can only safely do in games are meant to stick with us after the game turns off. You wouldn't whack a Whacka would you, Mario?
Questions, Comments, Suggestions?CONTACT US: brainlordspod@gmail.com 
Kyle - Cute Monster Props  
Jorge - JMV
Shannon Strucci 
THINGS DISCUSSED  
Illusion of Gaia, Blanksword, Fallout Series, The Daily Tism Article, 
What is our history with games that gave us difficult moral choices?  (0:11:59)
Spyro the Dragon, Paper Mario, Dread Delusion, Off, Missile Command, Ultima IV, Bioshock, Bastion, Hotline Miami, Spec Ops The Line, This War of Mine, Undertale, Disco Elysium, Final Fantasy IV, Metal Gear Solid, Zone of the Enders
Have you as a player ever been compelled to make a choice you fundamentally disagree with? (0:30:33)
Chrono Trigger, Fuga: Melodies of Steel, Cult of the Lamb, Journey, Disco Elysium, Mouthwashing, Spec Ops: The Line, Outer Worlds, Fallout: New Vegas, Darkest Dungeon, This War of Mine, Fear and Hunger, Mass Effect
Game Ratings: Alternate Endings (0:59:21)
Silent Hill, Persona 4, Shin Megami Tensei V, Final Fantasy X2, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Drakengard 3, Catherine Full Frontal, The Stanley Parable Ultra Deluxe, Nier: Automata
Are we as players complicit in moral choices made by the characters we play? (1:15:42)
The Last of Us 2, 1000xRESIST, Lisa The Painful, Undertale, Better Call Saul, Breaking Bad, The Venture Bros.
How do we reconcile our moral choices once the game is turned off? Does what happened in the game stay in the game? (1:35:35)
Dread Delusion, Illusion of Gaia, Firewatch, Baldur’s Gate 3, Boyfriend Dungeon, A Wolf Among Us, Resident Evil Requiem, The Walking Dead, Pentiment, Papers Please, The Beginners Guide, Slay The Princess, Train
The Question Zone (2:15:50)
Jamchop Scramtop- In a playthrough of Fallout: New Vegas, I was attempting to play someone morally grey, someone who just goes where the money is and doesn't get caught up in sentimentality. I was also specializing in energy weapons. This led me early to the Silver Rush and the Van Graffs. I got through all the first missions to join their gang, and then they sent me on the mission to find Cass and bring her there. I had to use Speech to convince Cass to join me, learned her entire tragic backstory, and got very endeared to her. When they vaporized her on sight when I brought her in, I was so angry in character that I immediately decided I was burning it all down then and there. This took a LOT of save scumming because I wasn't very strong yet, but I managed to kill all the Van Graffs. A wild moment where I learned that even when trying to be morally grey, I have my fucking limits.
Bugs Maytrix- Dawg i play infect in commander. im saturday morning cartoon evil. how can i be even more evil?
No- Undertale, like many games, is a morality scam. You're offered three paths over multiple playthroughs where first time around your choices don't affect the outcome and the npcs break the fourth wall to imply you the player are immoral to roleplay a child constantly defending themselves from deadly attacks as a monster for fighting back with maximum violence. I mean there's a point there, but plenty of games do give you actual moral choices to make, including the dubious decisions made when roleplaying an asshole. Personally I'm hoping there will one day be a sweet spot between all the mass-murdering shooters and moralizing railroading rpgs that.. oh I guess I have to make a game now.
TastyLlama- The choices of who to accuse/exile/execute in Paradise Killer are really interesting, considering objectively (maybe, probably?) both you and everyone you know should probably die
Lil Diggity- In most games, being evil is meant to be fun, sometimes more fun than being good. Baldur's Gate 3, for example, is extremely robust in how it lets evil player characters lean into being cartoonishly evil just for the fun of it without ruining their gameplay experience. Undertale, on the other hand, is one of the few games I've played that intentionally makes its evil route miserable and anti-fun. There's room for both approaches, but is there one that you prefer?
Mario Party, Resistance, Paradise Killer
The Rec Room (2:36:30)
Love Eternal, VVVVVV, Celeste, Chain Smoking Cat, Immortals Fenyx Rising, Widows Bay, ParanoiaScape, Lord of the Flies (1963), Pearl the Cat

This week on Brain Lords we solve the equation for what makes a game worth it. That it has to cost you $1 for every hour of fun, right? Special guest Keifer from the Select & Start Podcast helps us in this crossover episode where we break down what people actually mean when they say a game is "Worth It"?
Questions, Comments, Suggestions?CONTACT US: brainlordspod@gmail.com 
Kyle - Cute Monster Props  
Jorge - JMV
Keifer - Select & Start Podcast
THINGS DISCUSSED  
Final Fantasy XV, Kingsglaive, Final Fantasy Advent Children, Garfield and Friends, Brandish, Rumble Roses 2, Dead or Alive Extreme Beach Volleyball, Street Fighter 3rd Strike
How does playtime factor into a game's worth? (0:12:30)
Death Stranding, Breath of the Wild, Elden Ring, Dark Souls, Balatro, Silent Hill F, Bayonetta, Resident Evil 4, Heat (1995), Nier Replicant
Does price or accessibility matter in measuring a game's worth? (0:26:17)
Gran Theft Auto 6, Shiren the Wanderer, Boku no Natsuyasumi 2, Ys III, Castlevania Rondo of Blood, Fallout New Vegas
Game Ratings: Video Game Fandoms (0:44:06)
Armored Core, Animal Crossing, Deltarune, F-Zero, Bit Brigade, Star Fox 64, Star Fox Command, Lisa The Painful, Look Outside, Lisa the Hopeful, Lisa the Pointless, Mother franchise, Earthbound, Deep Rock Galactic, Hitman series, Final Fantasy XIV, Tom, Final Fantasy XI
How worthy are the recommendations or opinions of strangers for games? (1:15:42)
Brandish, Red Dead Redemption 2, Dear Passengers, The Matrix Path of Neo
How does a game stand out from a wide breadth of options? (1:27:23)
Ocarina of Time, Final Fantasy VII Remake, Resident Evil 2 Remake. Live A Live, Lies of P, Hollow Knight
So, what then do people mean when they ask if a game is "worth it"? (1:38:30)
Bioshock, Super Mario 64, 1000xResist
The Question Zone (1:48:42)
Mewd says: With any piece of art, I want to walk away from the work carrying something with me. I want to be affected. I want to be able to reflect back on that experience and relate it to life.
Idle escapism can be enjoyable too, but the games that are most 'worth it' for me are the ones where I'm still thinking and feeling after the game ends. 
The Rec Room (1:51:26)
Games Done Quick runs for: Resident Evil 9, Mario 64 120 Star TAS, Memoirs of Magic, Snoopy (Commadore 64), Elden Ring All Bosses Coop, Total Nuclear Annihilation, Hey You Pikachu, The House that Dragons Made, Pluribus, Toree Series, In the Mouth of Madness, Alan Wake 2, Hitman World of Assassination, MGSV The Phantom Pain

This week on Brain Lords all the games are a stage and all the avatars are merely players! Ever dramatically look backwards, slowly walk along a vista, or equip suboptimal gear because it made for a cooler experience? It turns out with a little imagination any game can be a role playing game. Jorge and Kyle discuss the ways in which we can add a little extra to any kind of game, as well as the ways the “intended experience” took us out of the moment. Alas poor Link…I knew him well.
Questions, Comments, Suggestions?CONTACT US: brainlordspod@gmail.com 
Kyle - Cute Monster Props  
Jorge - JMV
 
THINGS DISCUSSED  
Baten Kaitos, Etrian Odyssey, Dragon Quest III
 
What defines a Role Playing (Video) Game? (0:09:51)
Baldur's Gate, Final Fantasy VII, The Legend of Zelda series, The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask,  Super Mario RPG
 
Have you ever imagined something in a game that made for a better, more personal experience outside of developer intent? (0:23:51)
Metal Gear Solid, Metal Gear Solid 2, Metal Gear Solid 3, Mega Man X, Pokémon Gold and Silver, Yume Nikki, VVVVVV
 
How can slower, quieter moments offer better storytelling than more active moments with dialogues or cutscenes? (0:43:37)
Deltarune Chapter 5, Breath of Fire, Death Stranding, Mr. Gimmik, UFO 50
 
Game Ratings: Silent Protagonists (0:56:25)
Chrono Trigger, Chrono Cross, Super Mario RPG, Doom 2016, Persona 5, Half Life 2, Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker
 
How have you changed the way you played explicitly to tell a better story for yourself? (1:19:17)
Elden Ring, Psychonauts 2, Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening, Final Fantasy IV, Breath of Fire, Kingdom Hearts, Mina the Hollower, Evolution:  World of Sacred Device, Signalis
 
Have you ever felt that a game's design or developer intent actively becomes an obstacle in role playing? (1:33:48
The Last of Us 2, Star Fox (2026), The Adventures of Elliott, Shin Megami Tensei IV, Golden Sun, Deus Ex: Mankind Divided
 
The Question Zone (2:02:12)
Zohar and Goodnight asks: What are the strengths and weaknesses between a silent protagonist and a protagonist with acting dialogue and participation in the story?
 
Fox McLeod of the Clan McLeod asks: How important is it for you as a player to feel connected to a main character?
 
Hotline Miami
 
The Rec Room (2:13:29)
Tanuki: Pon’s Summer, Boku No Natsuyasumi 2, Witch Hat Atelier, Sayonara Wild Hearts, Speed Racer 4K (2008)

This week on Brain Lords shuffle up and let's duel, we’re talking card games! Why play a digital version of a game that is designed around its physical limitations? We discuss all the unique things that only digital card games can do. From Gameboy adaptations like Pokémon TCG, to 2000s genre bending spinoffs like Mega Man Battle Network, to the modern age of Slay the Spire inspired Rogue Like deck builders and more, It’s your move!
Questions, Comments, Suggestions?CONTACT US: brainlordspod@gmail.com 
Kyle - Cute Monster Props  
Jorge - JMV
THINGS DISCUSSEDThe World Cup, Mina The HollowerWhat introduced you to collectible card games? (0:10:10)Pokémon TCG, Digimon TCG, Yu-Gi-OhWhat are the strengths and weaknesses of digital card games when compared to physical collectible cards? (0:21:32)Culdcept Saga, Culdcept Revolt, Scythe, Arkham HorrorWhat are the key differences between card games being a feature in a video game, and the genre itself? (0:34:42)FFVII, Baten Kaitos, Phantasy Star Online Ep. III, UFO 50, SNK VS Capcom: Card Battle, Lost Kingdoms, Mega Man Battle Network 2, Yu-Gi-Oh! The Duelists of the Roses, Kingdom Hearts Chain of Memories, Phantom Dust, Back 4 Blood, Voice of Cards, Inscryption, Slay the SpireGame Ratings: TCG Formats (0:54:09)Flesh and Blood, The Cube, Gleaming the CubeHow have digital collectible card games evolved over the years and where are we now? (1:19:06)Battle Chip Challenge, Monster Rancher Card Battle, Dragon Ball Daimao Fukkatsu, Arcana, Metal Gear Ac!d, Phantasy Star Online III, Phantom Dust, Dominion, Dream Quest, Balatro, Isekai Big DickAre digital card games better than physical card games? (1:54:32)The Question Zone (2:01:20)Unicorn Overlord, Odin’s Sphere, Muramasa Demon Blade, Dragon Quest series, Mega Man X, Xenoblade series, Hollow Knight, Silksong, Magi Nation, Magic: the Gathering (Dreamcast), Heavy Metal: Geomatrix, Mega Man Command MissionNothing is Ever Ogre Battle 64 asks: Is there a Video Game you would like to see adapted in the form of a Physical Card Game?Unban The Hex Maniac Card asks:Do you have a favorite Promo Card that was included with a Video Game?The Rec Room (2:15:13)Culdcept Series, Dungeons and Dragons: Shadows Over Mystara, Mega Man Battle Network 2, Magic the Gathering Shandalar, Gundam TCG, Destroy All Humans They Can’t Be Regenerated, Onani Master Kurosawa, Attack of the Friday Monsters

On this episode of Brain Lords we have a special treat for everyone, we take a break from being a panel-style discussion podcast about video games to become and actual panel about video games. Cursed Switch eShop Games to be exact! Join us as we remember our journey into the dark depths of the Nintendo Switch eShop! How can a game stand out in a sea of AI fueled sexy puzzle games? What is Italian Brainrot? Is it true that there are over 400 games on the eShop with the word hentai in them? How will we ever win the clanker war with all these machine generated video games corrupting our youth? Can we separate the eShop from the eSlop?! We may not have the answers you seek, but we sure had a wonderful time despite our scheduled 2:30 AM block!We strongly recommend you view the Youtube version of this episode!Questions, Comments, Suggestions?CONTACT US: brainlordspod@gmail.com 
Kyle - Cute Monster Props  
Jorge - JMV
HUGE Special Thanks - Super Bunnyhop
THINGS DISCUSSED
Presenting the panel recording
Panel Begins (0:03:57)
Wonder Festival, 13 Sentinel: Aegis Rim, Hentai Uni, Wukong Sun: Black Legend
Pt 1. Nintendo Indie History  (0:07:05)
Bob's Game, Cave Story, Bit.Trip Runner, World of Goo, Shovel Knight, Hollow Knight, Meme Run
Pt 2. Asset Flip Games  (0:11:07)
Beat Them All, Getting Over It, America Wild Hunting, World War Battle Heroes Field Armies Call Of Prison Duty Simulator, Rookie Boxing, Hammer 2 Reloaded
Pt 3. A.I. Games  (0:16:44)
Food and Hotel Simulator Bundle Road Cafe & Motel Business & Street Food, Horror Night with Tung Tung Tung Sahur, Italian Brainrot, Doggy UP!, Jurassic Island Little Dinosaur Park Musical
Pt 4. Hentai Games  (0:24:48)
Hentai World, Hentai VS. Evil, Hentai Golf, Neko Secret Homecoming, Hentai House Lost Rooms
Pt 5. Imitation Games  (0:35:28)
Dead Gears Space of War, Little Strays, Birthday Boy, Bro Falls Deluxe, Unboxing Cozy Home Simulator
Pt 6. No Effort Games  (0:40:43)
Courageous Reasoning Nori 4 Crossing Sea Street 4, Your True Nature Test, Korean Drone Flying Tour Geomdansan
Pt 7. Has it Been Fixed?  (0:46:43)
I am Dog Chaos Simulator, Shinonome Abyss The Maiden Exorcist, TetherGeist 
Question Zone  (0:51:27)
Panel attendees asked:- How much in total did you pay for these games?
- Which game was your favorite game to play?
- What is the actual gameplay in Doggy UP!?
- Does the Eshop have Steam level of quality for returns?
- What was the worst game you played?Panel Postmortem Discussion (0:57:45)
Bad Essay Writing Advice, Good Public Speaking Advice, MAGFest, eShop Optimization Updates, Wii Shop Channel, Panel Showmanship, Tate Mode Games, Mushihimesama, Ikaruga, Donkey Kong Arcade

This week on Brain Lords special guest MinovskyArticle helps us explore the lost art of the video game manual, the paper portal to the rules, themes, and stories of worlds beyond. Aka that thing you used to read on the way home from Blockbuster. Why did the manual die out and what is the future of guides? In this jam packed episode we spend over an hour alone gushing about some of the most breathtaking manuals described in detail for our audio audience. 
Questions, Comments, Suggestions?CONTACT US: brainlordspod@gmail.com 
Kyle - Cute Monster Props  
Jorge - JMV
Casey - MinovskyArticle
THINGS DISCUSSED  
Wonder Festival at Momocon, Zimmerit aka Colony Drop, The Okefenokee Swamp, The Great Dismal Swamp
So why did games have manuals? (0:21:08)
Megaman X
When did we start seeing the decline of the video game manual? (0:36:47)
Ultima Series, Illusion of Gaia, Final Fantasy IX, Darkstalkers, Brave Fencer Musashi
Is a manual even needed anymore? (0:50:23)
20XX/30XX, Super Mario RPG Remake, Super Mario Odyssey 
Game Ratings: Video Game Comic Tie-ins (1:02:48)
Super Mario Adventures, Shinkiro - Fatal Fury, Jademan Comics - Street Fighter, Elden Ring Manga, Megaman: Fully Charged, Pitor Kowalski - Bloodborne, Maken X, Shadows of the Damned, Danganronpa The Manga
What is the purpose of the modern manual? (1:28:40)
The Banished Vault, 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim, Blue Prince, Lorelei and the Laser Eyes, Blazblue, Mario Odyssey, Silksong Journal, Hand Drawn Guides
What is the ideal video game manual? (1:47:33)
Secret of Mana, Street Fighter 2 Turbo, Donkey Kong Country, Lunar Silver Star Story Complete, We Love Katamari, WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgames!, Contact, ChucksGuides.com, Infocom Games - Zork, Wario World, Zelda II: The Adventure of Link, Metal Gear Solid, Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty, Pokemon Red and Blue, Earthbound, Mother 3, The Legend of Zelda, Sly Cooper and the Thievius Racoonus, Super Mario RPG, Cubivore, Snatcher, Oddworld: Abe’s Oddyssee, The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening, Link's Awakening Japanese Manual 
The Question Zone (2:43:14)
Ghost and Goblins, Dragon Quest, King of Fighters, Kirby series, Super Mario World 2, Super Smash Bros Melee,  Ninja Gaiden (2004), Megaman X2, Ys Book 1&2, Kid Icarus, Into the Breach, Simon’s Quest, Hades, Etrian Odyssey series, Shin Megami Tensei Series. 
I've been replaying the second Klonoa game recently for a partner, and oftentimes they'll have questions about the setting or monsters that I'll tend to just go "Oh yeah, there was something about that in the US manual," and it made me recall how badly I missed having supplemental information like that just come with the game. So my question is: Do you have a favorite game manual with a feature like a map or bestiary? This will probably come up in the pod itself too, but what are some of your favorite pieces of information to see included in manuals? Does it have any effect on how you engage with the title you're playing once you're able to start? I find they always managed to whet my appetite but this is already multiple questions and pretty long so I'm going to submit it. Thanks, have a good one! Hope today goes well. - Lili
Does anyone have any memories of a game manual sending them on a wild goose chase?  -John Gaming
You ever have a crazy video game manual story? I walked into a store once saw a ps1 re2 manual and the owner told me I could just take it. - TheFool 
Some of the video rental places in my town would give you the actual manual with the game and I can remember the feeling popping to the back and seeing who had left notes or passwords for the next renter. It was a really cool analogue kind of feel being helped out or helping random kids in your neighborhood with your tips. Any times where a mysterious note in a manual saved your ass ? 
Do you have a piece of art that lives rent free in your head from a manual ?  Mine will always be the Zelda artwork in the NES manuals - Gavadon 
When I was a kid our family was stuck with a 286 as game specs marched into the 486 and pentium era, but somehow I'd ended up with a copy of Sim City 2000 I got through a PC magazine subscription. I was fascinated with the manual for it. One hundred and forty pages, detailed explanations of everything and a set of essays and artwork at the back. When we finally upgraded I finally got to make good on all those years of hoping. Genuinely one of my most treasured books as a kid. I remember A-Train, also from Maxis, had a similarly sized manual also with technical specs for trains, essays and poetry, but since I was able to play it on a 286 there wasn't that same degree of importance in my childhood. - Cliomancer 
Beyond maps and the attempts at injecting story into early 8-bit games that often didn't have enough room for even vague gestures at cutscenes, I really loved when video game manuals would include EVERY ITEM in the game with what I can only assume was concept art of the item in question. I really love Dracula's Heart from the Castlevania 2: Simon's Quest manual because it looks like a weird little bean. What are some of *your* favorites? Extremely hype for the episode, much love - D
P.S. It is still wild to me that the Simon's Quest manual includes common enemy illustrations under the heading "Dracula's Best Buddies" - Dia "SORCERIAN IS THE BEST TO EVER DO IT" Lacina 
When I got my copy of Astro Bot on launch day, I was pleasantly surprised to see that one side of the double-sided poster that came with the game also served as an instruction manual in the form of a comic. What was the last major release in the past decade or so that you were surprised came with a manual, and do you think posters are an acceptable replacement for them? -REDRUM DUMDUM 
The manual for Pokemon Red/Blue, as well as the pack-in player's guide for Earthbound, gave a real sense of visiting and exploring another world before starting the game proper. As in, you're not just flipping on a game to be beaten, you're an active tourist who will be rewarded for paying attention. Meanwhile, the in-game manual for Tunic plays on that familiarity as the player gradually retrieves a couple pages at at time referring to an adventure already in progress. 
MY QUESTION for the podcast: is there a game manual you especially wish would have been more immersive toward its setting? A game whose players screamed out for verisimilitude but were silenced by a simple controller diagram? - Rant Howard 
Sometimes the monster drawings in the manual have little resemblance to the sprites in the game. Are there any monster designs from a manual you’d like to see given a fresh interpretation in a game? -Peony Pete 
The Rec Room (3:07:44)
Elemental Gimmick Gear, American Graffiti, Backrooms, Mina The Hollower, The Adventures of Elliot, The Legend of Kamui

Times are hard right now so stop the doomscrolling and lets get COMFY! Grab your blanket and pull up a cozy game like Dark Souls and Silent Hill 2. Are we really turning our brain off when we play relaxing games like PowerWash Simulator, or is there more to it? We discuss everything from the games that helped us escape despite reminding us of what we were trying to avoid in the first place, to the times we got a little too comfortable with addictive games. 
Questions, Comments, Suggestions?CONTACT US: brainlordspod@gmail.com 
Kyle - Cute Monster Props  
Jorge - JMV
THINGS DISCUSSED  
Outrun 2, Genma Onimusha, Onimusha 3, Fable, Blinx: The Time Sweeper, Rumble Roses, Sword of the Berserk: Guts’ Rage, Kick Heart
What makes games good at escapism? Is comfort at odds with realism? (0:13:25)
Final Fantasy VII, PowerWash Simulator, Death Stranding, Cozy Games Need an Edge, Puyo Puyo Tetris, Dark Souls, Rad Codex, Kingsvein, Horizon’s Gate, Final Fantasy Tactics Advanced, Doom (2016), Doom, We Love Katamari
What sort of comfort does nostalgia offer, is it more than just the familiar? (0:32:52)
Super EDF, Golf (NES), Golf Story, Bandai Golf: Challenge Pebble Beach, Paper Mario, Super Mario RPG: Legend of The Seven Stars, Mega Man X, Earthbound, Illusion of Gaia
Game Ratings: Games our Parents Bought For Us (0:56:20)
Mario Kart 64, Sword of Hope, Battle Arena Toshinden (GB), Final Fantasy IX, Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Metal Combat Falcon’s Revenge, 
How can games with challenging difficulty and subject matter be comforting? (1:15:30)
Lisa: The Painful RPG, Lisa: The First, Consume Me, Celeste, A Short Hike, Silent Hill 2, Doki Doki Literature Club, Hereditary, Fear and Hunger, Life is Strange, Yume Nikki
How much is too much comfort with addictive or low engagement games? (1:39:13)
Ninja Gaiden (2004), Ninja Gaiden Sigma (nuts), World of Warcraft, Fall Guys, Peglin, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Dragon Quest XI
The Question Zone (1:55:45)
Dragon Quest/Warrior on NES. Grindy but even when I go years between plays it's accessible enough that I know about when to move to the next patch of monsters to continue to level. Crystalis on NES. Similar feel, but more action oriented. Still heavily level-gated so grinding in a spot is expected. Fantastic soundtrack. Don't play the GBC version . Bionic Commando on NES. Flying through this one regularly feels good. Fun to punch the reskinned authoritarian WWII forces who thought they'd resurrect their leader for a rematch. His head asplode. --MerlinYesReally 
Into the Breach, the turn-based nature of it is soothing since I don't need to use reflexes and it's like a casual chess game that resolves in five turns per battle, and keeps me engaged enough that I feel like my comfort was still productive since it's a rogue-like. -mmmporkbuns 
 
My favorite comfort game to load up when things are tough is Slime Rancher. You don’t even need to focus on the ranching part. Sometimes it’s just nice to sit back and watch the little slimes bounce and jump around. Another one I like to pull up is any form of city builder. It can have whatever mechanics or description, but anything that lets me build a city and sit back feels so nice. Building up a city bit by bit, setting up the routes, listening to your people ask for things. Rattopia is a cute styled one I like, 4X games too. Just helping people, even if they’re digital, is really nice. -Meteora Horizon
 
The Outer Wilds. I first played it in the early months of the pandemic, right in that period of time when—for brief moments—it really felt like the world as I knew it might end, and it helped me find a sense of comfort I didn't know I needed in the face of events outside my control. It's a game that's both thematically and aesthetically about finding calm and comfort in the face of cosmic dread. Despite famously being un-replayable, I boot it up fairly often just to wander around Timber Hearth for 22 minutes, or speed run to the end so I can experience the campfire scene one more time. It's a balm for the soul.
-I can't think of anything silly so I'll just say Tyler 
 
Slay the Spire 1 & 2 + Balatro — I find that chill card-based roguelikes are great games for getting into a flow state that lets me tune out the bad and hone in on fun. Final Fantasy XIV — I think the spaces players are able to run around in within FFXIV's world feel very homey and well-realized, even if they don't always feel "alive." Eorzea and its adjacent zones are comfy places to be. -Interesting MTG Art (aka Torrey)
 
Balatro. It is so mind-numbingly difficult that it erases all other thoughts I have. Family troubles? Layoffs. No. There is only the cards you need, and the cards you drew instead, the reroll you wasted your money in the shop, and the stupid fucking boss blind that recs your econ. It is impossible to think while playing it. -Ennis Rook Bashe
 
Bionic Commando, Dragon Quest, Into the Breach, Crystalis, Slime Rancher, Planet Coaster, The Outer Wilds, Live Die Repeat, Slay the Spire, Balatro, Final Fantasy XIV, Mega Man Legends 2, Lunacid
The Rec Room (2:13:52)
 
Look Outside, Mina The Hollower, Adult Swims The Elephant, Love Eternal, Gundam Hathaway 2, Cutie Honey, Devilman Lady, Great Mazinger

Spring is here and it’s time for Ani-May. For a once-a-year special, we crossover into the world of animation. So many middling games are adaptations of anime but what about the other way around? We explore the obvious and not so obvious anime inspirations behind our favorite games. Musical guest bansheebeat helps us spot all the robot cyborgs that are just like our Japanese anime.   
Questions, Comments, Suggestions?CONTACT US: brainlordspod@gmail.com 
Kyle - Cute Monster Props  
Jorge - JMV
Dylan - bansheebeat
THINGS DISCUSSED  
Salamander, Odd Taxi, Nirvana The Band the Show, Patlabor 2, Riki-Oh
Dylan’s 1st Pick: Angel’s Egg (0:13:47)
Unbeatable, Gal Metal, Angel’s Egg, Dark Souls, Berserk, Elden Ring, Metroid Prime Remaster, FFII, FFV, Psychonauts 2
Jorge’s 1st Pick: Mobile Suit Gundam (0:33:54)
Zone of the Enders, Mobile Suit Gundam, Armored Core, Diaclone, Transformers, Macross, Mobile Suit Gundam: Zeonic Front, Robotech
Kyle’s 1st Pick: Future Boy Conan and Early Miyazaki Works (0:53:41)
Future Boy Conan, Lupin III, Death Stranding, Tokimeki Memorial, The Incredible Tide, Laputa Castle in the Sky, Naussicaa of Valley of the Wind, The Legend of Zelda Series, Final Fantasy 1, Dragon Quest 7, The Legend of Zelda Breath of the Wild / Tears of the Kingdom, Sly Cooper, Metal Gear Solid, Final Fantasy IX
Game Ratings: Anime/Video Game Adaptations (1:09:25)
Battle Arena Toshinden, Street Fighter 2, Pokemon, Umamusume Pretty Derby, Cyberpunk 2077, Cyberpunk Edgerunners, The Idolmaster, One Piece: Grand Battle, One Piece: Pirate Warriors, Nier Automata Ver. 1.1a, Serial Experiments Lain, Her Story
Dylan's 2nd Pick: Animal Treasure Island (1:43:12)
Animal Treasure Island, The Legend of Zelda Phantom Hourglass, Princess Crown, Dungeons and Dragons: Shadow over Mystara, Odin’s Sphere, Undertale, Super Mario RPG, Brandish, Shin Megami Tensei, Megaman X, Illusion of Gaia
Jorge's 2nd Pick: Battle Angel Alita (1:56:07)
Gunnm, Final Fantasy VII, Akira, Hollow Knight Silksong, Pragmata
Kyle's 2nd Pick: Megazone 23 Part 1&2 (02:08:55)
Megazone 23, 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim, Bubblegum Crisis, Gunbuster, Giant Robo, Giant Robo Gaiden: Ginrei
The Question Zone (2:22:06)
Hey Brainlords!
If I recall correctly, Brendan Bigley and Stephen Hilger from the Into the Aether podcast coined the term “Gatepunk” as a replacement for metroidvania. The term is meant to evoke the lock and key nature of these games’ progression, and how players are gated by abilities, items, or knowledge of the game world and/or systems. In doing so, it avoids the pitfall of relying upon previous games to describe the genre, while still conveying the nature of the gameplay. I honestly think that this is my favorite Metroidvania alternative, despite (or maybe because of) the tongue-in-cheek “punk” suffix. 
I just discovered Brainlords and have been really enjoying it, especially your FF episode with Andrew Bluett. Keep it up!
Also, I just started a blog where I mostly write about indie and retro games that catch my interest or deserve more attention. You guys might like it and can find all my stuff on my linktree here
Sincerely, PK Play
Demon Tides, Demon Turf, Treasure Master, Desert Punk, Witch Hat Atelier
The Rec Room (2:29:39)
Void Stranger, Zero Ranger, Clock Tower, Dario Argenta Films, Therapy, Evil Zone, Yokai Watch, The Backworld, The Legend of Aang, The Amazing Digital Circus, Lackadaisy, Knights of Guinevere, Monkey Wrench, I Don’t Wanna be a Magical Girl, Wheels and Roses

Tired of the constant marketing, brand management, and style guides for the Square X Disney project, the Brain Lords decide they could do better making their own Kingdom Hearts levels! Special Guest Andrew Bluett helps us each design a world based on three categories, Disney Proper, Squaresoft, and anything-goes sicko mode picks. It’s Always Sunny, Pretty Woman, Ellen's Energy Adventure, The Bouncer, the only limit is the patience of the other panelists!
Questions, Comments, Suggestions?CONTACT US: brainlordspod@gmail.com 
Kyle - Cute Monster Props  
Jorge - JMV
Andrew Bluett
THINGS DISCUSSED 
Kingdom Hearts Chain of Memories, Phantasy Star Online Episode 3, Metal Gear Acid, Final Fantasy VII, Jorge’s Klonoa Shirt, Jak and Daxter, Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin, The Death Generator Video Game Font, Kingdom Hearts, Kingdom Hearts 2, Kingdom Hearts 3, Kingdom Hearts Birth By Sleep, Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days, Kingdom Hearts: Dream Drop Distance, Kingdom Hearts: ReCoded, Kingdom Heats Final Mix
Round One: Disney Proper Levels 
Kyle’s Disney Pick (0:22:58)
Treasure Planet Production History
Jorge’s Disney Pick (0:37:28)
Flubber, A Goofy Movie
Andrew’s Disney Pick (0:48:20)
Muppets Most Wanted
Round Two: SquareSoft Levels 
Kyle’s SquareSoft Pick (0:57:04)
Final Fantasy IX
Jorge’s SquareSoft Pick (1:07:26) 
Threads of Fate, Final Fantasy Tactics Advance, Skullgirls, Chrono Cross, Chrono Trigger, Brave Fencer Musashi
Andrew’s SquareSoft Pick (1:19:31)
Final Fantasy XI
Game Ratings: Kingdom Hearts Levels (1:27:01)
Pirates of the Caribbean, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Tarzan, Hercules, The Lion King,  
Round Three: Rule of Cool Levels 
Kyle’s Rule of Cool Pick (1:57:32)
The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou, Final Fantasy IV
Jorge’s Rule of Cool Pick (2:08:29)
Power Rangers: The Movie
Andrew’s Rule of Cool Pick (2:18:29)
Scrubs, Chicken Little
WE RANK THE PICKS (2:27:24)
The Question Zone (2:36:51)
How do you feel about the gameplay chaining worlds? Lion King, Atlantis, etc.  I’ve got a soft spot in my heart for them and I’d love to hear more voices on them. -Punkkit
For Riku section in chain of memories Are u actually playing the real Riku or the fake Riku? Thanks xoxo -Johnny Vash
Why are Heartless hearts without bodies and Nobodies are bodies without hearts? Thanks! Love the show. -Esper Quinn
What is a movie/property owned by Disney that you 100% believe will NEVER be in a KH game? Why? -psychoballoons
Song of the South, John Carter, The Shaggy Dog, Freaky Friday
The Rec Room (2:47:04)
No Sad Face, Halo 3, Halo ODST, The Black Cauldron, Shinobi: Art of Vengeance, Streets of Rage 4, Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap, Boompane.ordoliberal.com, Smallscreen.ordoliberal.com, Spanakopedia.ordoliberal.com

Questions, Comments, Suggestions? CONTACT US: brainlordspod@gmail.com 
Kyle - Cute Monster Props  
Jorge - JMV
This week we have had it with everything from Schmoovement and Soulsborne games. No longer wanting to differentiate the “-likes” from the “-lites” we’ve taken it upon ourselves to rename the most troublesome game genres names. No more smashing -vania at the end of other words, we’re tossing it out and starting anew. 
 
THINGS DISCUSSED 
Rocket City Retro Fest, Star Fox 64, Super Smash Bros Melee, Mouthwashing, UFO 50, Chipped Topaz Music, Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, Super Metroid
Let’s Rename: RPG (0:14:52)
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Kingdom Come Deliverance, Donkey Kong Bananza, The Legend of Zelda, Baldur’s Gate, Fallout, Borderlands, Diablo, Armored Core, Battle Arena Toshinden
Let’s Rename: Soulslike (0:25:38)
Lies of P, Hollow Knight Silksong, Bloodborne, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, Dynasty Warriors, Devil May Cry 3, Tunic, NieR Automata
Let’s Rename: SHMUP (0:35:39)
Contra, R-Type, Mushihimesama, Death Smiles, Gunstar Heroes, Mega Man, Cotton, Parodius, Gradius, Dai Katana, Sengoku, Heiankyo Alien, Doom, Ace Combat, Nintendogs
Let’s Rename: Metroidvania/Metroidbrainia (0:46:08)
Myst, The Witness, Animal Well, The Return of the Obra Dinn, Kid Icarus, Cave Story, Tunic, Darksiders 2, Star Fox Adventure
Game Ratings: Hybrid Genre Games (1:08:49)
Bubble Bobble, Twinkle Star Sprites, Bumpy and Dumpy, Henry Hatsworth, Laika: Aged Through Blood, Trials HD, Dave the Diver, Yakuza Series, 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim, UFO 50, 
Let’s Rename: Cozy Games (1:27:53)
 Nothing to Declare, Stardew Valley, Animal Crossing, Harvest Moon, Boku No Natsuyasumi, A Short Hike
Let’s Rename: Friendslop (1:37:49)
Lethal Company, R.E.P.O., Content Warning, Phasmophobia, Among Us, Jackbox, Quiplash, Peak, Powerwash Simulator, Lovers In a Dangerous Spacetime, Space Team
Let’s Rename: Schmoovement (1:51:07)
Super Smash Bros: Melee, Demon Turf, Demon Tides, Pseudoregalia, Armored Core, Virtual On, Daemon x Machina, Ruffy and the Riverside, A Hat in Time, Kero Quest 64, Big Catch, Mario Odyssey
Lets Rename: Roguelite (1:58:45)
Rogue (1980), Nethack, Hades II, Returnal,Super Mario Bros, Spelunky, Dungeons of Evermore
The Question Zone (2:12:39)
Immersive sims. I feel like such a 🤓 nerd saying it. But what else do you call it? Can't say some kind of RPG or you exclude Thief. Systems driven design? Gosh I don't know y'all are smart I believe you can beat me. -Ms. Looking Glass
Thief, 0451 Games, Deus Ex, Prey (2017), System Shock
What people call RPG should more often be called Stat Em Ups - Luna
The Rec Room (2:21:07)
Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin, Big Bool, Elisio, Alf, Alamo, They Might Beat Giygas, Ninja Gaiden Black, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, Bloodborne, Ninja Gaiden 4, Set It Off (1996)