So Many Bits

With Panzer Paladin's official launch tomorrow, I checked back in with Tribute Games to talk with game / level designer Fred Gemus! We discuss the game's sophisticated weapon system, how to pace an action game, and his 3 (3!) complete system libraries he's collected.

Meanwhile, Bill might have been mistaken about how much video games appear in this episode, but that doesn't stop him and Di Billick from checking out Neon Genesis Evangelion for Screenwatching!

Screenwatching: Neon Genesis Evangelion (2:48)
Interview: Fred Gemus (16:34)

Time for a check-in on what games Bill and Shelby have been playing lately! You'll hear about the Isle of Armor expansion to Pokemon Sword / Shield, Waltz of the Wizard, Vice Project Doom, Wild Arms, Steamworld Heist, and Rock Band 4!

Sometimes a game is a cartridge. Sometimes a game is a disc. Sometimes a game is a paper shredder, or five people with buttons on their chest. For the latter two, I've spoken with Alistair Aitcheson about his work on The Book Ritual, his multiple live theater shows that integrate video games, and more!

Meanwhlie, Shelby Mongan returns to chat the mid-00's tween Nickelodeon show iCarly!

Screenwatching: iCarly (2:05)
Interview: Alistair Aitcheson (39:55)

The recent release of the Turbo-Grafx 16 Mini has rekindled Bill and Cliff's nostalgia for their childhood gaming system! They talk through their early gaming memories, some games to try out (even if they're not in English!), and some games to avoid. Johnny Turbo would be proud!

Starting back in 2012, the Indie MEGABOOTH has given a diverse group of indie game devs a platform to show off their work until recently going on hiatus. This week Bill talks with the founder Kelly Wallick about the early days of the booth, curating hundreds of applicants, and the challenges of setting up shop all around the world!

Meanwhile, Brandon Shockney is back on to talk about the classic Batman: The Animated Series for Screenwatching!

Screenwatching: Batman: The Animated Series (1:47)
Interview: Kelly Wallick (31:43)
Bill's Magic Minute (1:07:13)

We're back to talk about more games we've been playing! Brandon Shockney and Bill discuss Persona 5 Royal, Splatoon 2, Monster Prom, Rocket League, Skribbl.io, and Final Fantasy VI!

This week Bill welcomes Bennett Tyler of Bomb Shelter games to talk about his team's upcoming game Depths of Sanity. They talk about innovating within the Metroidvania genre, how to set a game 8,000 feet underwater, and the bond he and his teammates share through online gaming.  

Meanwhile, Cliff Murphy stops by to explore the obscure animated sitcom Mission Hill for this week's Screenwatching!

Screenwatching: Mission Hill (2:27)
Interview: Bennett Tyler (33:25)
Bill's Magic Minute (1:12:35)

Just a quick update, So Many Bits will return1

Stopping by with more games we've been playing! Cliff Murphy and I talk about Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Ratchet and Clank (2016), Call of Duty Modern Warfare Warzone, and Resident Evil 3.

If it really is the "final" fantasy, is there really need for a remake? Di Billick, Eric Garneau, and Bill have decided the answer is "yes", and they've gone and talked about everything they love about this recent release. We're talking about everything to do with both the original and the new hotness, so spoilers abound!