07: The Judgmental Gamer

This week on Side Story, Ali takes to the stars with long time No Man's Sky players Keith and Darcy, who welcome their newly spaceborne fellow traveler the only way they know how: by letting her sing the praises of alien languages, giving her good advice on hostile orb economies, and interrogating her on why it is she hasn't secured a freighter for herself yet. This show wouldn't be possible without your support. Please consider supporting us at https://www.patreon.com/friends_table. Show Notes Shaboozey - A Bar Song (Tipsy) (No Man's Sky ByteBeat)

Have you heard? The Duke died. Yeah. Yeah. Well that's the thing. The funeral's going to be a whole to-do. Everyone is going to be there, even that little pigeon who just landed in town, Marie. You haven't met her? Well you will. She plays at being grounded but have you seen how she dresses? I just know she'll be trying to get everyone to look her way. That's why I came to you: Because they should be looking my way instead. Yes. The funeral. That's right. No, not "something black." Hm. Disappointing. I thought you had more imagination than that. Support us on Patreon! Show Notes Janine's Dress Crime

What was that sound in the other room? Who is gathering in the Kitchen? Wait, whose body is it we found again? And what the hell is up with the butler? Answer these questions and you'll... well, you'll be on your first step towards solving the mystery of the Incident at Galley House. This show wouldn't be possible without your support. Please consider supporting us at https://www.patreon.com/friends_table. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 04:46 No Spoilers: The Incident at Galley House 13:32 No Spoilers: Impressions 26:26 No Spoilers: Comparisons to Type Help and The Roottrees Are Dead 34:00 Spoiler Discussion 01:01:34 DEEPER Spoiler Discussion Featuring Austin Walker, Keith Carberry, and Sylvi Bullet Produced by Ali Acampora Cover Art by A Liang Chan Music by Jack de Quidt

After telling us for months that we needed to play and talk about Kingdoms of Amalur, Jack has made good on the threat. But is it a threat? Isn't Kingdom's of Amalur a classic 'better than you think it is' game of the early 2010s? Once you look past all the legal hoopla (and the politics of 38 Studios' founder), doesn't it have a pretty unique setting and a combat system that lets you pull off, frankly, sick maneuvers? Well. Opinions differ. This show wouldn't be possible without your support. Please consider supporting us at https://www.patreon.com/friends_table. Show Notes Listen to Jack's segment on WCBN on September 8th at 9PM EST Watch Janine play some Kingdom's of Amalur Assassin's Creed Animation Change

Today, Janine and Ali go to a little world of catboy couriers and witches with high standards: Go-Go Town!, a frenetic city builder that splits the difference between Animal Crossing and Anno. They discuss its myriad tasks (both hands-on and delgated), its numerous vehicles (subway, truck, skateboard, and horse), and its many, many marble-like residents. Support us on Patreon! Chapters 00:00 Introduction 03:41 Go-Go Town!: A Game About Building Up a Little Town 12:11 Wait, What Is Go-Go Town! 19:47 The Courier System 26:28 Does It Have Longevity? 39:29 Early Game vs Late Game 52:31 Final Thoughts and Feelings Featuring Janine Hawkins and Ali Acampora Produced by Austin Walker Cover Art by A Liang Chan Music by Jack de Quidt