Episodes
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Wondering what makes some video game titles good and some bad? Just bring in Triple Click Consulting — we've got you covered. This week, the gang goes through a whole bunch of names and discusses what makes them work and what doesn't, from Balatro to EA Sports FC.
One More Thing:
Kirk: “All Work and No Play” - Sam Adler-Bell for Dissent, 2021
Maddy: Silo season 2
Jason: You Like It Darker (Stephen King)
LINKS:
The Know Your Enemy Podcast: https://www.dissentmagazine.org/category/podcast/know-your-enemy/
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A good name should be at least two of:
Memorable (vs. Forgettable)Punchy (vs. Floppy)Understandable (vs. Confusing)Enticing (vs. Off-Putting)Surprising (vs. Predictable) (??) -
Nintendo officially announced the Switch 2 last week, and there's oh so much to discuss. Jason, Maddy, and Kirk give their initial impressions of Nintendo's next console, talk about how it will fit into a post-Steam Deck world, and debate whether Mario Kart is any good. Then they talk about PlayStation's failing live-service initiative. Plus: a bonus Burning Question!
One More Thing:
Kirk: Trap (dir. M. Night Shaymalan)
Maddy: Building Outside the Lines (HGTV)
Jason: The Puzzle Maker: Cebba’s Odyssey (Steam)
LINKS:
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Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
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Missing episodes?
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How have video game budgets skyrocketed to the hundreds of millions? What are some good video games for elderly people? And is it possible there's a game as good as Balatro out there, but nobody has found it yet? This week, the Triple Click gang opens up the mailbag and takes some of your questions on all sorts of topics.
One More Thing:
Kirk: Black Doves (Netflix)
Maddy: Steam Families
Jason: The Roottrees Are Dead
LINKS:
Excerpts from “Crowning Celebration” by Paul Misko from The Case of the Golden Idol, 2022 and “New Wells of Conformity” by Paul Alexander from Case of the Golden Idol, 2024
Kirk’s new prediction: Death Stranding 2 will feature one (1) of the following people: Sydney Sweeney, Zendaya, Florence Pugh, Timothée Chalomét, Christopher Nolan, Daniel Craig
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Jason, Kirk, and Maddy revisit last year's predictions to see what game they'll be playing this year, then go through some new predictions for 2025, from the Nintendo Switch 2 to... new Half-Life?
One More Thing:
Kirk: Interviewing your friends & family / StoryCorps
Maddy: Scorcese double feature (Taxi Driver + King of Comedy)
Jason: Encanto (2021)
LINKS:
StoryCorps: https://storycorps.org/
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2025 PREDICTIONS
KIRK
At least one game will be released and then un-released within the yearHollow Knight: Silksong will actually come outValve will announce a new non-VR Half-Life gameThe new Nintendo console will have the word "Switch" in the nameConan O'Brien or Geoff Keighley will appear in Death Stranding 2 (either/both)Valve will announce a new Steam controller that's on par with Steam DeckYou will be able to "pet the dog" in The Game Awards' GOTY, i.e. the game will have a "pet animal" interact promptAt least two TGA GOTY nominees will be for a studio's first gameIn the new Fable, you will be able to plant an acorn and have it grow into a treeSquare Enix will announce Final Fantasy VII.... ReturnBonus: Nintendo will announce they're bringing games to Steam
Game: SOMA
MADDY
A Deadpool video game will get announcedThe Guillemot family will get pushed out of controlling UbisoftMetroid Prime 2 + 3 will get remasters released on a Switch in 2025A full-length film will be screened in FortniteA game made on Roblox will become a huge hit/phenomenon on the scale of Pokemon Go or Among UsMicrosoft/Xbox will remove the requirement for new Xbox games to be able to also run on Xbox Series SHalf-Life 3 will be announcedSilksong will get a release date announcement that will be “it’s out right now” (which means I am also implicitly predicting Silksong comes out in 2025)There will be two more prominent live service game failures in 2025 in the style of Concord and Suicide SquadWaluigi will figure into a new Mario gameBonus: Half-Life 4 will be announced
Game: Super Metroid
JASON
Ubisoft will be sold An Xbox studios game will be nominated for GOTY at The Game Awards (it's never happened before!)A non-VR Half-Life game will be announcedA single player playstation game will be announced for PC within 3 months of its PS5 releaseAce Attorney 7 will be announced Bobby Kotick will get involved with the Trump administration in some wayEA CEO Andrew Wilson will step downSwitch 2 will have an availability crisisMetroid Prime 4 will launch on Switch and Switch 2 - day one of Switch 2There will be fewer industry layoffs than last yearBonus: Amazon will pull out of the video game industry
Game: Chrono Trigger
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It's a race to the top as Leon, Key, and Bing reckon with a ghost from the past... and some imps in the present. Leon makes a surprising discovery. Key takes a big risk. Bing rearranges the furniture.
LINKS:
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Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/ -
It's time for the best games of the year! Kirk, Maddy, and Jason go through 2024's lineup and talk about their favorites.
GAME OF THE YEAR:
Kirk:
BalatroAnimal WellHelldivers 21000xRESISTMouthwashingDragon's Dogma 2Tactical Breach WizardsLike a Dragon: Infinite WealthPrince of Persia: The Lost CrownIndiana Jones and the Great CircleMaddy:
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree Metaphor: ReFantazio Fields of Mistria Tactical Breach Wizards Balatro Dragon Age: The Veilguard Tales of Kenzera: Zau Animal Well Astro BotJason:
Animal WellBalatroFinal Fantasy VII RebirthMetaphor ReFantazioSecrets of GrindeaAstro BotRise of the Golden IdolAce Attorney Investigations 2Dragon Quest 3 HDNine SolsOne More Thing:
Kirk: Detroiters
Maddy: Battle Royale by Koushun Takami
Jason: Happy Endings (Hulu)
LINKS:
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Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
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Jason, Kirk, and Maddy talk about The Game Awards 2024 (and determine the predictions winner) before breaking down Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, the latest game in the whip-cracking, fedora-wearing archeologist's adventures. They talk about the puzzles, the fist-fighting, and which parts of the game belong in a museum.
One More Thing:
Kirk: Thank Goodness You’re Here! (PC + Consoles)
Maddy: Drumline (2002)
Jason: Say Nothing (Patrick Radden Keefe)
LINKS:
Featuring Excerpts from “Intergalactic” by The Beastie Boys from Hello Nasty, 1998, and “Raiders March” by John Williams from Raiders of the Lost Ark, 1981
Smack Barm Pey Wet: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_fid-RMAm4U
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Finally, it's time for gaming's biggest night. Kirk, Maddy, and Jason go through each category at the 2024 Game Awards, from Game of the Year to Content Creator of the Year, and make their predictions. They talk about the biggest snubs, what they expect, and which game announcements they hope to see.
One More Thing:
Kirk: A Man on the Inside (Netflix)
Maddy: Scream (2022)
Jason: The Diplomat (Netflix)
LINKS:
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Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
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Grab your D20 and roll initiative — it's time to talk Dungeons & Dragons. Inspired by their recent Triple Quest journey, the gang talks about their experiences playing with Matthew Mercer this year. They also get into their personal D&D histories, the game's recent surge of popularity, and how Baldur's Gate 3 has impacted it all.
One More Thing:
Kirk: Mouthwashing (PC/Steam)
Maddy: Infinity Nikki
Jason: Secrets of Grindea
LINKS:
Luke Winkie’s 2023 interview with Matt Mercer: https://slate.com/life/2023/08/dungeons-dragons-critical-role-matthew-mercer-twitch.html
Mages and Murderdads: https://rangedtouch.com/mages-murderdads/
Jason on Secrets of Grindea: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2024-05-31/-secrets-of-grindea-the-hit-indie-video-game-that-took-13-years-to-make
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On part two of Triple Quest, the trio visits the library. Leon and Luther take their relationship to the next level. Bing plays some piano. Key gets into pottery.
LINKS:Support Triple Click: https://maximumfun.org/join
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Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/ -
It's a Thanksgiving cornucopia full of video games as the Triple Click gang talks about what they've been playing. They discuss Rise of the Golden Idol, STALKER 2, Loco Motive, and Tactical Breach Wizards. Plus: spatchcocking!
One More Thing:
Kirk: Slow Horses (Mick Herron)
Maddy: Les Miserables (2012)
Jason: Thanksgiving
LINKS:
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Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod
Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
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You all asked for advice, so here it is! Kirk, Maddy, and Jason open up the mailbag for a special Burning Questions all about life advice. They talk about how to make friends as adults, how to have better conversations, how to convince your children to cook with you and much more.
One More Thing:
Kirk: Echo Point Nova
Maddy: Scream 2 + 3
Jason: Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake
LINKS:
Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join
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Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod
Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
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Kirk and Maddy have played a lot of Dragon Age: The Veilguard! Jason... well, Jason can just listen. The gang talks about BioWare's latest RPG and how much it changes after the first few hours, mostly for the better.
One More Thing:
Kirk: City Cast
Maddy: Evil Men (podcast)
Jason: Rise of the Golden Idol
LINKS:
Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join
Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last
Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod
Triple Click Ethics Policy:
https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
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Triple Click gathers their party for a discussion of ensemble casts. They talk about Metaphor: ReFantazio, Dragon Age: The Veilguard, and other RPGs this year to analyze the strengths and weaknesses of each game's party. No, not that party. The other one.
One More Thing:
Kirk: Black Ops IIIIII
Maddy: Metaphor: ReFantazio
Jason: The Unseen World (Liz Moore)
LINKS:
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Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod
Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
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For the first time in ten years, a new Dragon Age is out this week. Maddy and Jason give some quick impressions on Dragon Age: The Veilguard, then get into overall series discussion with Kirk. The three of them talk about the long shadow of Origins, how the series has evolved over the years, and why people love Dragon Age characters so much.
One More Thing:
Kirk: The Legend of Vox Machina (Prime Video)
Maddy: Scream (1996)
Jason: We Solve Murders (Richard Osman)
LINKS:
Kirk’s 2014 Dragon Age lore explainer: https://kotaku.com/a-beginners-guide-to-all-things-dragon-age-1658487212
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Bing, Leon, and Key hear from an old friend. A tchotchke seller has an unexpected windfall. Thornhold's friendliest guard makes some new acquaintances.
Listen to Act Two right now by becoming a member at maximumfun.org/join.
SCHEDULE:
Triple Quest will be told in three acts, along with a "session zero" planning session. All episodes will be published to the members-only feed first, and will hit the main feed a month later. Part One and the planning session will debut at the end of September. Parts Two and Three will debut at the ends of October and November, respectively.
LINKS:
Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod
Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/ -
Maddy, Jason and Kirk sit down with guest game master Matthew Mercer to roll their characters and plan out the coming adventure.
Listen to Act Two right now by becoming a member at maximumfun.org/join.
SCHEDULE:
Triple Quest will be told in three acts, along with a "session zero" planning session. All episodes will be published to the members-only feed first, and will hit the main feed a month later. Part One and the planning session will debut at the end of September. Parts Two and Three will debut at the ends of October and November, respectively.LINKS:
Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod
Triple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
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How do you handle that one jerk in your gaming group? What games are good for each season? And what don't Kirk, Jason, and Maddy agree on? This week, we're opening up the mailbag for your burning questions on all that and much more.
One More Thing:
Kirk: I Am Your Beast (PC/Steam)
Maddy: The “I Hate Bill Maher” podcast
Jason: Sunderfolk
LINKS:
The New York Times on Xalavier Nelson Jr: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/22/arts/xalavier-nelson-strange-scaffold.html
Jason’s Bloomberg interview with Mike Morhaime: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/videos/2024-10-10/dreamhaven-s-morhaime-on-creating-games-that-connect-and-the-next-hit
Luke Plunkett on replaying Bully in 2024: https://aftermath.site/bully-rockstar-pc-steam
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Triple Click Ethics Policy:
https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
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Jason, Kirk, and Maddy take a deep dive into Metaphor: ReFantazio, the new game from a team of former Persona directors at Atlus. They talk about Metaphor's gameplay, its similarities to (and differences from) Persona 5, and what they like and don't like about this stylish new RPG.
One More Thing:
Kirk: Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024)
Maddy: Agatha All Along
Jason: LOST (2004)
LINKS:
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Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpod
Triple Click Ethics Policy:
https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
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Maddy, Jason, and Kirk conjure echoes of themselves to record a podcast and then sit back and eat some chips. It's time to talk The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom!
One More Thing:
Kirk: Delicious in Dungeon (Netflix)
Maddy: Elsbeth [Paramount+]
Jason: Metaphor: ReFantazio
LINKS:
Featuring excerpts from the Echoes of Wisdom score and “Sleep Walking Orchestra” by BUMP OF CHICKEN from Delicious in Dungeon
Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/join
Buy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=last
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Triple Click Ethics Policy:
https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
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