Brain Lords: Video Games of the Mind

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)
 

We had just finished recording our Brain Lord playthrough, when an unexpected guest arrived...
This week on Brain Lords we seek an audience with non other than The BRAIN LORD. Y'know, He Who Sits On The Brain Throne. The ancient, interstellar extradimensional being that gives us all our cool takes on video games, and life advice. The Father and final form of our Podcast. Not the game, the guy. That Brain Lord. 
Find out where we get all our wisdom, knowledge, and more importantly, episode ideas on this behind the scenes interview with the most powerful gamer in the Nightmare Frontier. Today we truly are playing Video Games of the Mind.
Questions, Comments, Suggestions?CONTACT US: brainlordspod@gmail.com 
Kyle - Cute Monster Props  
Jorge - JMV
Brain Lord - The Brain Lord
THINGS DISCUSSED
Food Stamps, Asahi, Sapporo, Kirin
Where does Brain Lord Come From? (0:06:00)
The Nightmare Frontier, Parallax Scrolling
My Blood Sugar is Awfully Low What Game Should I play to Fix it? (0:06:36)
Dynamite Bready
What's The Best Game to Play in the Woods? (0:06:55)
Pile of Wood
What Video Game Best Represents Each of The Four Seasons? (0:07:31)
Earth Seasons, Optimum Aesthetics
Why does the old Gameboy not have a backlight, Is Nintendo Stupid? (0:09:08)
Going Outside, Several Light Sources, David Lynch, TFT Reflective Membranes
What is the best mom in video games? (0:11:40)
Advocacy for Video Game Moms
I accidentally swallowed my copy of Brain Age 2: More Training in Minutes a Day! on the DS should I call poison control? (0:12:03)
Blessing of The Brain Lord, Ryuta Kawashima
What is the next genre of game we'll slap gambling mechanics onto? (0:13:18)
The Outcome of Everything and Anything, Pachinko, Cousins, Second Cousins
Brain Lord can you please let me know if my copy of Opoona on the Wii will continue appreciating in value? (0:16:12)
Orange, Disrupt the Market
I just bought a Sbarro's franchise, what arcade game should I put in it? (0:17:36)
Super Sbarrio Brothers, Free Vegan Pizza
Why is Spirits Within the best Final Fantasy? (0:19:04)
Hironobu Sakaguchi, Resonant Arc
Brain lord, would you happen to know off hand which of the new pokemon starters will have a sexy final evolution? (0:20:20)
130 Million Users Strong
What is your highest score in Bubble Bath Babes? (0:22:20)
Modest Real Life High Scores, Memory of Several Eons
What is Wii U Nostalgia Going To Look Like? (0:24:27)
Feeling of Freedom, Yowamushi Pedal
In the Brain Lord's opinion, what is the best console? (0:25:44)
Gunpei Yokoi
What Game Studios Output Is Most like the Chaotic Menu Items of Taco Bell? (0:27:40)
Vegan Menu Options
Fuck, Marry or Kill: SCII covers for PS2, GC and XBOX (0:31:03)
The Commandments of the Brain Lord
What Kind of Video Games Would a Wizard Like to Play? (0:33:58)
Brandish, Brandish II, Brandish III, Brandish VI, Brandish V
What Wisdom do you, Brain Lord, impart on the youth of today? (0:36:00)
The Brain Lord's Prayer
What are you Hopeful for in the Future of Video Games? (0:36:42)
Fan Translations
Rec Room (0:38:30)
SuperStation one, Jegged.com, Volunteer With Your Local Non-Profit, Eat More Copies of Brain Age and Big Brain Academy
UNTITLED 2026 - By Brain LordWe hope you enjoy this special April Fool's episode. We will return to our regularly scheduled programming on April 15th, stay tuned!

There sure are a bunch of furry mascot characters in video games. Returning guest Oceanity helps us cover everything from platformer icons like Sonic and Sly Cooper, to modern day indies gems like Atlyss and Pseudoregalia. Are these characters just syndical cash grabs or do they appeal more to classic folklore than we often give them credit fur... err, for, excuse me. 
Questions, Comments, Suggestions?CONTACT US: brainlordspod@gmail.com 
Kyle - Cute Monster Props  
Jorge - JMV
Izzy - Oceanity  
THINGS DISCUSSED 
The Secret of NIHM, An American Tail, Ninja Gaiden Black, Super Smash Bros, 
What is a “furry game” anyways? (0:14:48) 
Baldur’s Gate 3, Elden Ring, Elder Scrolls Online, Dispatch, Final Fantasy XIV, Stardew Valley, Cult of the Lamb, Gater Game, Ori and the Blind Forest, Rivals of Aether, Dusk an Elysium Tail, Night in the Woods, Hollow Knight, Atlyss, 
Why are there so many Furry 90s platformer mascots? (0:28:20)
Bubsy, Sonic the Hedgehog, Star Fox, Zero the Kamikaze Squirrel, Aero the Acro-Bat, Gex, Awesome Possum, Rocky Rodent, Tidus the Fox, Rockin’ Kats, Battletoads, Spyro the Dragon, Crash Bandicoot, Punky Skunk, Jersey Devil, Croc Legend of the Gobbos, Socks the Cat Rocks the Hill, The Cheetahmen (Action 52), Sparkster, Rocket Knight, Bubsy 4D, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles , Super Mario Wonder, Super Mario 3D World, Sly Cooper and the Thevius Racoonus, Ratchet and Clank, Seken Densetsu 3, Beath of Fire, Ihatovo Monogatari, Unicorn Overlord, 
Game Ratings: Video Game Furry Awakening Characters (0:51:03)
Sonic Adventure 2, Five Nights at Freddy’s, Star Fox Adventure, Star Fox Command, Star Fox 64, Pokemon Mystery Dungeon, Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars, Bloody Roar, Kingdom Hearts II, Them’s Fightin’ Herds, MLP: Fighting is Magic, Skullgirls, Breath of Fire, Fara Phoenix
Would Furry Characters still work if they were human? (1:16:59)
Metal Slug, Lightspeed Lina, Wild Blue Skies, Ex-Zodiac, Night in the Woods, Tunic, Pseudoregalia, Fright Train, Deadlocked
What does it mean to “go legit” as a Furry game developer? (1:32:13)
Dot Hack, Phantasy Star Online, Cosmobreeder Yiffai, Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo, NieR Automata, Stellar Blade, Kings of Hell, Pawperty Damage, Rampage, Rampage World Tour, Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game, Bubsy 4D, Demon Turf, Demon Tides, Squeakcross, Legend of Zelda Breath of the Wild, Breeze in the Clouds
The Question Zone (1:53:33)
What game seems the most like a Furry Game on the surface but isnt actually one - Fursona Non Grata. 
Tiny Toons Adventure: Buster Busts Loose, Undertale, Nine Sols, Parappa the Rapper, Um Jammer Lammy, 
The Rec Room (2:01:51)
Breath of Fire V: Dragon Quarter, An American Tail 2: Fievel Goes West, On Your Tail, The Noss Saga: Wolf of Withervale, Pokemon Odyssey, Pokemon Prism, Pokemon Quetzal 
 

This week on Brainlords we attempt to solve the origins of the khaki cargo shorts/green Zelda tee combo. Special guest Jiikae helps us dive into the clash between personal aesthetic and what marketers tell us our vibe should be. Would my life actually be better if I got the Kim Kitsuragi replica jacket? Terrible example, yes actually, it would.
Questions, Comments, Suggestions?CONTACT US: brainlordspod@gmail.com 
Kyle - Cute Monster Props  
Jorge - JMV
Jiikae
THINGS DISCUSSED 
Melty Blood, Virtua Fighter, Tekken, King of Fighters, Craig of the Creek, The Legend of Zelda A Link to the Past
What was the vibe of the retro console generations? (0:13:59)
Music - BKNapp, Thousand Arms, Pokemon Red, Pokemon Blue, Final Fantasy IV, Sonic the Hedgehog, Scott Pilgrim, Grand Theft Auto 3, Mortal Kombat, Halo: Combat Evolved, Final Fantasy VII, God of War
Why does video game fashion look like that? (0:38:36)
 Death Stranding, Shin Megami Tensei, Pokemon Black Milk Collection, The Mothman SMT Sweater, Sonic Timberlands, FFXIII Lighting Luis Vuitton collab, The Acronym Death Stranding Collab, Kith Megamn Shirt, Online Ceramics Silent Hill 2, Resident Evil 4, Disco Elysium Kim Kitsuragi Jacket, Megan Thee Stallion Jojo look, No More Heroes
Game Ratings: Games with Hip-Hop Soundtracks (1:02:37)
Samurai Champloo: Sidetracked, Street Fighter 3rd Strike, Bomb Rush Cyberfunk, Persona 3, Persona Trinity Soul, Sonic Adventure 2, No More Heroes III, Romeo is a Dead Man, Parappa the Rappa, Mad World, Anarchy Reigns, Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX 2, Tony Hawk Pro Skater, Saint’s Row
When is Gaming Memorabilia self expression vs overconsumption (1:26:58)
Xenoblade Chronicles, Sonic Mania
Can you be a performative gamer? (1:36:28)
Shin Megame Tensei Digital Devil Saga Nocturn, Genshin Impact, 
The Question Zone (2:01:14)
Do you think consoles have tried to go too aesthetic in a way that actually hurts the design and implentation of it within a home? Why do you think gamer fashion is so anchored in t-shirts? Is it a production cost thing or something else? Why don't we see more pants or skirts or scarves for example? -I tried to put the bee movie script, but Google told me no
Why do games where the characters are fly as hell have really ass looking merch? Kyo looks like that but the best you can do is a 3d render on top of a hand brush font of that characters name? -Ratan Hate
King of Fighters
Do you think the overconsumption of gamer memorabilia is tied to the enshitification of the world and rising costs of living? -I brake for hot monsters
The Rec Room (2:11:20)
Rochelle Jordan - Through the Wall, Romeo is a Dead Man, Mainframes, Go get a prostate exam! Pew Pew Bang Podcast, Cairn,  Jiikae - Utada Hikaru Video

As the N64 nearly turns 30, it’s fully moved on from a nostalgic console to a secondhand nostalgia console. What better way to celebrate it than a list of its top games with special guest Paper Dawn! But aren’t you tired of seeing the same handful of Nintendo and Rareware titles?  We’ve selected our best games with some extra challenging restrictions.
Questions, Comments, Suggestions?CONTACT US: brainlordspod@gmail.com 
Kyle - Cute Monster Props  
Jorge - JMV
Dawn - PaperDawN
THINGS DISCUSSED 
Pokemon ZA, Pokemon TCG
Honorable Mentions (0:08:46)
Star Fox 64, Star Fox, Bonk’s Adventure, Crock: Legend of the Gobbos, Bomberman Hero, Ape Escape, Ucchannanchan no Honō no Challenger: Denryū Iraira Bō, Ucchannanchan's Flaming Challenger: Irritating Electric Stick, Kuru Kuru Kururin, 
ROUND ONE (0:21:23)
Mystical Ninja Starring Goemon, Megaman Legends, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Bakeru, Princess Peach: Showtime, Yoshi’s Crafted World, Yoshi’s Wooly World, Chameleon Twist, Glover, Quest 64, Undertale, Paper Mario,  
ROUND TWO (0:40:07)
Mischief Makers, Gunstar Heroes, Beetle Adventure Racing, Snowboard Kids, Snowboard Kids 2, Mario Kart, Diddy Kong Racing 
Game Ratings: N64 Controller Colors (1:00:30) 
Donkey Kong 64, Corsair April Fools PC
ROUND THREE (1:16:06) 
Rocket: Robot on Wheels, Sly Cooper and the Thevious Racoonus, Super Mario 64, Earthbound, Flying Dragon, Nintama Rinrao 64 Game Gallery, Hybrid Heaven, Legend of Lagaia
ROUND FOUR (1:42:09)
Getter Love!!: Chō Renai Party Game Tanjō, Ogre Battle 64, Unicorn Overlord, Tactics Ogre, Final Fantasy Tactics, Goemon’s Great Adventure, 
The Question Zone (2:18:42)
What is your favorite N64 Accessory? -Greg Hybrid Heaven, The Legend of Zelda Majora’s Mask, Pokemon Stadium, Wario Land, Perfect Dark, Densha De Go! 64, Paper Mario
The Rec Room (2:25:33)
Rayman 2: The Great Escape, Gex 64, Dumpling Lasagna, Eureka Mario 64 Romhack, Jada Toys Megaman toys, Mega Man X, Banjo Kazooie Recompilatoin, The Truman Show

Happy one year anniversary Brainlords! On this very special episode, we actually PLAYED Brainlords. What does a scrappy little Zelda-like by Enix say in 2026 and what have we learned from the past year of podcasting? We discuss our favorite episodes and our biggest mistakes as we reflect on the state of video games criticism in 2026. Thanks for sticking with us or even just being a part of our first year!
 
Questions, Comments, Suggestions?CONTACT US: brainlordspod@gmail.com 
Kyle - Cute Monster Props  
Jorge - JMV
 
THINGS DISCUSSED 
https://monkeyball-online.pages.dev/  Super Monkey Ball 2, Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble, Peter Jackson's King Kong: The Official Game of the Movie,
What even is Brainlord (1993)?! (0:06:39) 
Brainlord, Magic the Gathering,  Soul Blazer, Ys, Irem, The Legend of Zelda, Diablo, ActRaiser, Robotrek, Secret of Mana
What were your favorite moments and episodes from year one? (0:27:28)
Final Fantasy, Yuyu Hakusho, Neon Genesis Evangelion, Paper Mario The Thousand Year Door
What was your biggest lesson from year one? (0:40:30)
Game Ratings: Brainlords Episodes (0:50:25)
Hollow Knight: Silksong, Gundam Hathaway, The Locked Tomb: Gideon The Ninth, Protomen: Act III, Mina the Hollower,
What is the voice of Brainlords? (1:00:02)
Gundam Witch from Mercury, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Watchdogs, Despelote, Blippo+, 
What do you think games analysis should be striving for in 2026? ()
O.D., The Verge, 404 Media, Jason Schreier, Aftermath, Remap Radio, PC Gamer Space Marine 2, Warhammer Space Marine, Final Fantasy II
What is your Brainlords Mission Statement? (1:13:24)
Deltarune, Andrew Gold, Big Butt Bobby, 
The Question Zone (1:37:15)
Dear Brainlords, 
In your episode, "What Even Is an Indie Game Anyways?" you highlighted the indie title, "Big Butt Bobby," which sparked some important questions in my mind. Who has the best booty in video games? Whose butt was the greatest missed opportunity? Are there any video game character designers who you admire for their dashing derriere designs?
Sincerely, TrueInky
Boogerman, Resident Evil: Village, Bayonetta, Stellar Blade, NieR: Automata, Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island, Baby Steps, Ape Escape, Overwatch, Ninja Gaiden (2004), Dragon’s Crown, Metaphor: Refantazio, Anarchy Reigns
Rec Room (1:53:14)
Brainlord (not actually that cheap, sorry y’all!), Haha You Clowns, Cross Code, Tombstone (1993), Master and Commander, True Grit, No Country for Old Men

Questions, Comments, Suggestions?CONTACT US: brainlordspod@gmail.com 
Kyle - Cute Monster Props  
Jorge - JMV
Depending on who or when you ask, indie seems to be a genre, a scene, a vibe and a controversy generator for the game awards. Why can't we seem to find any common ground on a term that seemingly just means independently produced? In today's episode, we discuss the different qualifiers (and disqualifiers) for anything from one person twine games to teams of 33-400 people with a roughly $10million budget. Y'know, the little guys. 
THINGS DISCUSSED 
MAGfest, The Protoment Act III, King’s Field, Katamari Damacy, Super Monkey Ball, Sim City, Paper Larva Artist, Magic The Gathering, Tunic, Awesome Games Done Quick 2026, XBLA, Cave Story, Yume Nikki, Braid, Castle Crashers, Braid: Critical Theory on the Joy of Ludic Expression - A Soulja Boy Review, Jonathan Blow provides his thoughts on women, Super Meat Boy, Bastion, Fez, Sword And Sworcery, Planet Coaster, Humble Indie Bundle (back when it was good), Aquaria
Is it an indie game if they don't have a publisher? (0:25:02)
Devolver Digital, Blumhouse Games, Outersloth, Aggrocrab, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Undertale, Big Mode, Animal Well, Star of Providence, Double Fine, Psych Odyssey,  
Is it an indie if they don’t have a big budget? (0:37:49)
Shovel Knight, Stardew Valley, Dwarf Fortress, World of Goo, Hollow Knight: Silksong, Deltarune, Laika Studios, Dave the Diver, Nexxon,  Valiant Hearts: The Great War, Mirror’s Edge, Despelote, Owlboy, FF7 Remake
 
Game Ratings: Game Awards Indie Game of the Year Winners (0:57:33)
Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night, Gone Home, Sea of Stars, Chrono Trigger, MGSV, Chrono Cross,  The Messenger, Limbo, Mario Party 1, Trials HD, Ms. Splosion Man, Journey, Disco Elysium
Is it indie if they don’t have a CEO? (1:26:17)
Sandfall Interactive, Remedy Games, Larian Studios,Supergiant Games
Is it indie if a small number of people worked on it? (1:45:08)
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, Our Valued Customers, Clair Obscur barred from Indie awards due to undisclosed AI usage, House House, Untitled Goose Game, Big Walk, Peak, Big Butt Bobby, Rayman Origins, Rayman 64
Closing Thoughts and Question Zone (1:59:04)
Beeb says - A game primarily funded either through the developers themselves or individuals who believe in their dream, e.g. working for free in their spare time, from previous game revenue, or from crowdfunding.
It should not involve investments from other corporations or individuals expecting a return of greater value. Critically, an independent studio does not have a publisher who isn't also themselves.
 
Mewd says - An indie game can be divided into categories of scale, none of which has an agreed upon term at present.
I think the maximum threshold for an indie game will be a title started and developed without initial support from a major publisher and visibly has a more restricted budget than major triple A releases.
On the lower end, an indie game is a borderline hobby game produced by a team that could fit in a motel room and is often characterized by strong artistic vision and experimentation aided by the small team size and relative lack of corporate oversight. These are more in the category of an art house indie game or passion project.
Ultimately, indie is a spectrum and a game feels MORE indie if it has a strong authorial voice, compensates for fewer development resources with innovation, and is less visibly under the direction of dominant publishers and marketing trends.
 
Andrew Bluett says - It's tough to pin down today when the term is so diluted and access to easy-to-use tools is the most open it's ever been, but an indie game to me is one which is made by a small studio or team with little to no financial backing from another party. Indie publishers complicate this and blur the line, but there's the matter of scale to consider with this. Is Demonschool an indie game despite being funded and published by Ysbryd Games? Based on the publisher's output of smaller titles with modest costs, you can easily say "yes". What about Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, which runs on UE5, is much larger in scope than what one would think of with independent games, but was still funded by Pacific Drive and Sifu publisher Kepler Interactive? Technically "yes". But as the number of publishers shrinks year over year and funding for independent projects becomes more scarce, the definition blurs further.
Maybe the term "indie game" should be redefined to consider the financial logistics of development and distribution less than the the level of creative control that developers have over the project. Games like Dave the Diver throw a wrench into this line of thinking as well, but these are the pitfalls of trying to define a term which has been misunderstood and at times pigeonholed into reflecting particular styles or aesthetics rather than simple realities of how a work came to be, and even then the complications don't end.
tl;dr fuck man if it wasn't made by Sony, Nintendo, Microsoft, EA, or Ubisoft, call it whatever you want
Whot says - When I think indie, I think that anybody could make that game if they had the skills rather than if they had the money. If you have the money to access stuff like mo-cap or a bunch of external contractors, it's hard to call that indie anymore. Games like Expedition 33 or even Dispatch, I feel are something in between AAA and indie. They deserve all the love and recognition of course, but I dunno, it's kinda hard to draw the line of whether to really call them indie games imo. But then there's a game like Date Everything where it's got a horde of AAA voice actors but leans more on the indie side in terms of the rest of their dev team. Again, I think we just really need a term for something between AAA and indie. AA? A?
AssistantTurtlemover says - An Indie Game is a game made made independently from a traditional publisher that could intervene financially, creatively or technically in the process of the creation of the game
The Rec Room (2:15:02)
Donkey Kong Tropical Freeze, Final Fantasy X, Shadow Hearts, Legend of Dragoon, Lost Odyssey, Andrew Bluett’s FFX Retrospective, Lonely Magic - Rebecca Sugar, Steven Universe is really really good yall - it turns out all the “Filler” episodes have setups and payoffs for worldbuilding and emotional beats IMAGINE THAT, Tenchi Muyo, Tenchi Universe, Captain Harlock, Fantasian, Blue Dragon, Emio – The Smiling Man: Famicom Detective Club, Troll 2 4K Restoration, Best Worst Movie