What makes a good videogame adaptation? | Friends Per Second Ep 43

Head to factormeals.com/FPS50 to get 50% off your first FACTOR box plus 20% off your next! Thanks to FACTOR meals for sponsoring FPS.
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Try AG1 and get a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D3+K2 AND 5 free AG1 Travel Packs with your first subscription at drinkag1.com/FRIENDS. Thanks to AG1 for sponsoring FPS.
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We watched the Fallout show and can confirm that it's good (not X-Men 97 good, but still pretty good). Plus we're joined by Abubakar Salim to talk about his debut as a game director: 'Tales of Kenzera: Zau'.
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
04:21 What Have We Been Doing? (Jake Vacation, Lucy BAFTA Awards)
16:35 Fallout and Video Game Adaptation Discussion
48:00 Factor (ad)
51:00 User Question
1:00:00 Interview with Abubakar Salim, Creative Director on Tales of Kenzera: Zau
1:36:24 AG1 (ad)
1:38:32 Creating Our Dream Video Game Hot Ones Interview
1:46:41 What We've Been Playing
2:06:54 Show And Tell
2:22:31 Wrap Up
Let's meet our hosts!
- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on KZbin across both Gameranx and his personal channel ( / jakebaldino . If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter: @JakeBaldino
- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot and a Creative Producer at Giant Bomb. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons.
- Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he hasn't had a better job since.
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Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: linktr.ee/friendspersecond
Follow on Twitter: / thefpspodcast
Follow on Instagram: / friendspersecond

[@SkillUp]

Head to factormeals.com/FPS50 to get 50% off your first FACTOR box plus 20% off your next! Thanks to FACTOR meals for sponsoring FPS. -- Try AG1 and get a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D3+K2 AND 5 free AG1 Travel Packs with your first subscription at drinkag1.com/FRIENDS. Thanks to AG1 for sponsoring FPS.

[@klaytonfeldman3614]

Abubakar was an awesome guest. Exploring grief in a Metroidvania is such an interesting idea. Can't wait to check out his game.

[@longquan8915]

Absolutely they had a lot of great guests in the past but Abubakar was probably my personal favourite. Such an inspirational talk could have listened to it for hours.

[@massivive]

the idea of getting Gabe Newell on Hot Ones and slamming him with the HL3 question when he's at his weakest is brilliantly cruel

[@Verchiel_]

The idea of some warm sauce making any kind of impact on Gaben is silly.

[@SYLRMHA]

Too bad Hot Ones is fake now

[@KyleJamesFrazer]

"We're releasing Half Life 3... as a card game"

[@SYLRMHA]

@@KyleJamesFrazer nah its a Pixel art side scroller and deals with depression

[@bradhaines3142]

@@SYLRMHA explain?

[@jackandjillif]

I was t really interested in Zau but just hearing Salim talk, I'm 100% sold on it. Even if it falls short, I want to support him and the studio cause that type of vision and passion is what we need more of and as an aspiring dev, his passion is very infectious and inspiring. Can't wait ❤❤

[@battlep0t]

I was shocked at how cheap it is - only $17.99 on Steam or included with PS Plus Extra.

[@BayleafMoon]

You should really re-check out his game awards speech announcing the game, it’s so powerful and is exactly why I love when developers are given a chance to speak about their passions

[@joshhudson7413]

It's coming to psn premium too

[@Manmade023]

It's a cheap rip off of ori games. The prince of persia recent one was also like that.

[@jackandjillif]

@@Manmade023 2D metroidvanias have existed before Ori. For example, idk...Metroid. and Castlevania. The genre namesakes. That came out 38 years ago.....

[@Scimarad]

I love the way Ralph shakes his head every time Rings of Power is mentioned :)

[@SilverGeFer]

Ella Purnell being in both Arcane and Fallout is kind of crazy. We’re gonna be seeing her in a lot more stuff following the success of both of these series.

[@sibgharambe258]

Gal casually get in some of the favorite adaptation i've ever seen.

[@Tacti_cat]

Wait who is she in Arcane?

[@sibgharambe258]

@@Tacti_cat jinx xD

[@Axeloy]

reminds me of hailee steinfeld landing both Vi and Spider-Gwen

[@LogicalError007]

​@@AxeloyYup she havent had a bad show/movie. Maybe ive missed something she's a lead actor in.

[@EyeZayUhArt]

I love the episodes with shorter interview sections. I just like hearing the gang talk about gaming a lil more than the interviews

[@petercoulier6939]

I certainly agree. Although the interviews are really insightful, I think I just enjoy listening to them chat about games and films!

[@trishamiller7859]

Same! I like hearing some of the interviews, but our main 3 are the folks im really interested in hearing.

[@DroneCorpse]

Por que no Los dos. Solution: 4hr long pods

[@TMV420]

fuck that, the insight afforded by the interviews makes this show even stronger

[@BlazeMakesGames]

The thing about batman killing is that it can make for a good story, but it almost always only works as a way of showing how far batman has fallen. It's usually either a result of batman going evil like in Suicide Squad, or it's an older batman whose morals have begun to slip. Zack Snyder meanwhile seemingly just likes the idea of batman killing people during his normal career and as a result basically just turned him into the punisher. The real issue with batman killing is that it makes his stories just less interesting by default unless you do something interesting about the killing specifically. Like everyone says Batman should just kill the Joker and the rest of his rogues gallery. But like if he does, then he has no more rogues gallery, each villain gets 1 story and then batman shoots them and that's that. His whole character is about the idea that no child should have to go through what he went through as a kid. And sure maybe that doesn't apply when talking about the Joker or whatever but what about the dozens of random goons who are just dudes they picked up off the street? They could have lives and families of their own and they've only turned to a life of crime due to systemic issues. Sure they're criminals but that doesn't make them worthy of a death sentence necessarily. Let alone just being run over by a bat tank and shot by miniguns. Zack's portrayal of a killing batman is just so needlessly over the top. This isn't a batman who is just merely willing to kill the joker. This is a batman who seemingly thinks that every criminal in Gotham is deserving of a death sentence. And the idea of some rich billionaire going around with miniguns shooting people on the street, suddenly feels a lot less heroic imo

[@Lividicuss]

Well said

[@spiritandsteel]

Snyder is an avowed Randian Objectivist. I think he honestly believes a billionaire running around murdering criminals is a good thing. (Also I love your videos, mate.)

[@leithaziz2716]

The people who are trying to give Zack Snyder the benefit of the doubt are missing the reason people, Batman fans or otherwise, are dunking on Snyder. Snyder wants Batman to kill because he thinks killing makes him cool, he doesn't view it as an interesting character flaw that he could write about. He views what makes a cool character in the most shallow ways imaginable. It's the same reason Transformers fans hate what Michael Bay did to Optimus Prime's character in the movies. He got turned from one of the most noble fictional characters in media to a psychopath who kills his enemies in the most brutal of ways. The worst part however, is that nothing is done with this change in Optimus' character. Transformers Armada, as flawed as it can be at times, is a show that offers a glimpse of the sort of depth you can draw from such an idea if you felt you had something to say in the first place. This was a bit of a tangent, but it's also a growing trend I've started to hate about how characters in media are viewed. Everyone is so focused on writing morally-gray characters that they're afraid of making someone more noble who values morals a lot. You suddenly can't make a fictional character inspirational to the audience, someone they should aspire to be, because "they're not relatable".

[@nailinthefashion]

@@leithaziz2716beast wars the show and movie had more heart and authenticity but even then the vibes were off. It’s so sad that these creatives get hired when there’s actual fans of these properties who need work

[@leithaziz2716]

@@nailinthefashion TF Beast Wars is an awesome show. Unfortunately the Rise of the Beasts movie was very by the numbers. I wouldn't call it bad, but I can't find much to praise. Transformers Animated is an example of a show deviating from the source material, but in a way that's still well-written. It has a lot of comedy, but you still get lots of heartfelt moments, like Optimus trying to help Ratchet with his PTSD or Bulkhead exploring his love of art. I really like it.

[@shadowskill111]

"Dune Messiah is Dune but with more space Jesus?" The other two holding in their laughter while telling him it'll be interesting to hear his thoughts on it later. The poor man has no idea... 🤣🤣🤣

[@Amputechture299]

Nice to have the OG Jake back. I always miss his presence

[@German-md1xc]

When people making the adaptation think "I hope I get it right" and not when they think "I'll make it better".

[@lukew6725]

Depends on how good the source material is, and even if it's very good there are probably still ways to improve it.

[@German-md1xc]

@@lukew6725 I instead would say it depends on how "loved" the source material is. You can't ruin something almost nobody loves, but beloved creations are appreciated even with those thing you'd consider "bad" included.

[@Insan1tyW0lf]

1:54:20 Jake: "I live for the 'but'" Lucy & Ralph: 🤨 Me: 🫡

[@langleymneely]

🫡Hell yeah! Cake Squad SALUTE!!!

[@DontuseMyRealNameYTplz1425]

It becomes easier when they only have to adapt the world or setting as opposed to the story of a game. Fallout, Edgerunners, even Mario work because those take place in the world of the games, not necessarily trying to adapt a specific story

[@blackwhite2361]

True

[@Modie]

That's why the Nier Automata adaptation is such a good example of how to do it properly. They even thought how to adapt side content from the game.

[@makasete30]

I wonder how the new Zelda movie is going to do, though. A lot of pitfalls to avoid.

[@DPH-sp9vt]

True. I still think trying to make master chief an actual character will never work because he's not really supposed to be a character, he's just the player's avatar

[@nailinthefashion]

@@DPH-sp9vtthere’s plenty of shows or movies with a generic protagonist who is just a stand in heroic person. They did not want to lean into that though and put more effort into everyone around him. They wanted their master chief and to eat him too

[@mix1ro]

i didnt think i was gonna get a free therapy session in this podcast. that interview was dope

[@greenboots5823]

Abu is an absolute gem. Can't wait for the game now!

[@thesvspecial2106]

Shows that expand the games is the sweet spot, and I think that's why Arcane is so good, it uses existing characters to tell a new story

[@ReptarusOnIce]

Us old gamers need a members only jacket: "I survived the uwe boll cinematic universe"

[@paparoxo3606]

Nice interview with Abubakar Salim, his interpretation as Bayek is amazing, it's very intense.

[@LeonidasGGG]

The face Ralph made when Lucy was talking nice about Rings of Power is the face we where ALL making. 😄

[@philbarton2832]

I actually enjoyed the show. It had massive (probably unfair) expectations but I managed to enjoy it for what it was. Not bad for a kicking off point but I do hope it improves in future seasons

[@TheV1ctorGaming]

Jake watching the podcast, seeing other Jake steal the show, getting burnt by the sun and his friends at the same time

[@Insan1tyW0lf]

Loved the interview with Abubakar Salim, flew by too fast. Also love the banter and games (or not games) discussion, but the interviews so often land so well, and this was yet another banger. I don't typically play many 2D metroidvania-style games, so I was aware of ToK:Z but it wasn't really on my radar. Abu's enthusiasm and articulacy really has me looking forward to giving it a go now. Great conversation.

[@stevenoconnor1429]

Ralph experiencing what anime has been doing for years for the first time with X-Men is great to see

[@milkmanchannel1]

Everyone loved New Vegas. Bethesda should just let Obsidian make another Fallout and give them a reasonable time table this time. That way we get another Fallout game, and Bethesda can keep grinding away on Elder Scrolls

[@LikeACrouton]

I still think New Vegas is the best game of that style. If any of the original obsidian is still there, there's probably enough bad blood after what Bethesda did to them to not want to work with them even given the chance imo

[@Tacti_cat]

Everyone loved New Vegas. "Bethesda Game studios disliked that" In 2018, Todd Howard said they wouldn't let another studio work on Fallout and would prefer to keep it internal. Basically they are still salty they got beat at their own game by an underdog with only 18 months to start and finish the project. I love Fallout the franchise, Old games and even FO4 was "okay" as an open world post apocalyptic RPG. But FNV was special, Obsidian was cooking and Bethesda tossed em out of the kitchen.

[@oldmatttv]

Tim Cain is at Obsidian too now. That would be fitting. Though, I haven't played Obsidian's latest games so I don't know if they are actually still good or not.

[@marcoshute1217]

​@@oldmatttv Outer Wilds was pretty outstanding, if a little short.

[@oldmatttv]

@@marcoshute1217Outer Wilds is one of my favourite games. Though, I think you are talking about Outer Worlds :) these games always had me confused too ahahah. I think they even released close to each other?

[@duncan2by4]

WHY ISN'T CASTLEVANIA IN THAT THUMBNAIL?!

[@elidasilva5558]

Yeah right..this last season was weird but next one could be great

[@theB1919]

i am continuously shocked how often castlevania gets left out of the conversation

[@M00shu]

I think Nocturne kinda poisoned the well with how bad it was

[@agonizingstarbutterfly1184]

Probably not aware it's a adaptation.

[@shagaru1234]

Because its the worst adaptation of castlevania to exist

[@intothevoid2046]

You know why people still love and play DD2 despite all its problems? Because it is one of the far too few classic fantasy ARPGs that is not a souls like. There simply are no alternatives.

[@Tacti_cat]

As much as I love a good souls game, I have to agree. Not every Fantasy RPG needs to have punishing combat and enemy designs from the depths of hell. I didn't exactly "love" DD2 but I finished it and was left satisfied for the most part.

[@inuendo6365]

Yeah, Final Fantasy and Monster Hunter are close but not quite enough to fit the ARPG category or feel. Dragons Dogma hits it perfectly

[@SonicAlpaca]

I’m a few days late but I absolutely loved the interview section. Abubakar Salim’s acting in Origins was phenomenal, and I’m glad his career has continued and expanded since then. Tales of Kenzera: Zau also appears to have been positively received, which is great to see. I enjoyed listening to the design philosophy and the mentality around creating something like this, and I hope that both Abubakar Salim and the FPS crew continue to see success in their endeavors.

[@madsines5301]

At 20:35 Jake's laugh sounds exactly like the sample from Insane in the Brain by Cypress Hill.

[@Tacti_cat]

LMAO now I can't unhear it

[@Furycrab]

Ralphs lips say play DD2, but I'm totally on Lucy's vibe. I don't want to pay full price for unpolished experiences that may or may not be patched later to a different state.

[@grahamgilmore42]

I’m loving the variety of these interviews. Having a one on one after big group discussions is fantastic. Also, this was such an awesome interview with Jake and Abubakar. Can’t wait for Tales of Kenzara: Zau.

[@ChrisLT]

"The word is not replace. The word is... upgrade." DAMN

[@surgentstudios]

Tales of Kenzera: ZAU in four days 😱😱😱

[@coreyhansen9711]

Hollow Knight: Silksong in never 😱😱😱

[@jamois]

Really interesting interview. Looking intrigued and looking forward to checking out TOS; Zau. And well done, Jake! Your 1st solo interview had to be pretty intense

[@Chopzi11a]

Rings of Power had 0 respect for the source material. They tried to make Galadriel a warrior, let that sink in… Respecting the source material is key, it will give you workable margins for plot development.

[@kunimitsune177]

And brown elves. Beyond disrespect for the source material (that being real actual folklore & culture).

[@thatHARVguy]

The RoP people probably thought Galadriel should have taken the One Ring and girl bossed all over Middle Earth.

[@battlep0t]

I read somewhere that Amazon only had the rights to use The Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit and their appendicies. They apparently are not allowed to use the Silmarillion, Unfinished Tales or History of Middle Earth and could only reference the lore dumps from the two pieces of material they had the rights to which if that's the case why on earth are you telling a story in the Second Age?

[@BasilAbdef]

Not really; they can shit all over it and change it willy nilly, as long as what they create at the end is good. That's the key point: quality of the end product. Want to make Galadriel a secret crossdressing man who fights with magic guns? Sure whatever, go for it, as long as it works. The "hardcore fans" will be upset, but they can never be pleased anyway so just ignore them completely.

[@Chopzi11a]

@@BasilAbdef I ask you this: how much can something change before it’s not that thing anymore? If I make a medieval fantasy, knights, dragons, the works and actually made it well; quality story, acting, cinematography, everything, but I called it Star Wars in the end, don’t you think that’s kinda jarring? I could’ve called it whatever I want, but I want to call it Star Wars because people know Star Wars. Who cares if it not really Stars Wars? It’s just the maga chuds who think there is any consistency in anything. You are delusional dude. You can call a dollar a diamond, doesn’t make it worth it.

[@diogoamaral7656]

Amazing interview

[@kineographBOT]

Conspiracy theory: Snyder said on Joe Rogan that he was asked to make Rebel Moon pg-13 only if he was allowed to make an R rated directors cut. Netflix agreed to this and that's why "he didn't just make it rated R". Theory, Snyder made the pg13 cut bad on purpose so when the director comes out and is much better received he doesn't have to placate to such demands in the future because he'll have proof that he should just be let loose in the first place.

[@lukew6725]

Is that what Snyder fans tell themselves in order to fall asleep at night? 😆

[@martinmp19]

Abubakar is so chill and interesting.

[@austinb1378]

This was one of the most interesting interviews I’ve heard from FPS. I didn’t even know much about Tales of Kenzera: ZAU before this but now I’m absolutely pumped to check it out

[@brianjohnson9890]

It’s depressing how much westworld took a dump after season one. Season one is one of the best things I’ve ever watched

[@johnnypopstar]

Evan Rachel Wood went from having an incredibly nuanced and complex character to explore in season one to "beep borp I'm stern serious menacing robot lady with zero emotions" in the rest of them. Major dropping of the ball (on the part of the writers, not her), not to mention hilariously ironic

[@js1879]

Westworld began to get crushed under its own weight and never recovered.

[@FKDotFitzgerald]

Agreed. S1 in a one of the best seasons of a sci-fi series of all time.

[@langleymneely]

Yeah S2 went down hill, not even having a friend in the show could save it. Then the problems multiplied when the entire western set burned down in real life. That’s why S3 pivoted the way it did.

[@brandtreppond2167]

After I watched this, I immediately went back to watch Abu's interview. His game sounds like a true labor of love, and I'm so excited to experience it. I don't pre-order games, but I pre-ordered this because I love metroidvanias, and I love the heart behind this. Hope to see that next interview after we all play it

[@js1879]

Wow, that interview and the way he explained and answered everything...excellent al the way through. Excited to play this game

[@Epelpaj]

Great interview with Abubakar Salim!

[@Erucolindo2010]

So happy to see Abubakar Salim getting kudos he deserves. Fun interview :)

[@ope314]

I love the interview. Really rooting for Tales of Kenzera: Zau now

[@CTJMusic]

x men 97 is easily one of the best things marvel has ever done!

[@langleymneely]

“Superhero adaptations are out and so over”… Goes on to gush about the XMEN 97 series… made by Marvel Studios… The work being done on this show is why I am so looking forward to Marvel Studios finally giving us XMEN the way fans have been waiting for. An acquaintance of mine (Charley Feldman) wrote the Motendo/Jubilee episode. Shes a great writer, so proud!

[@drgonzo123]

This is why I love your podcast. I had seen the ZAU game during Steam Next Fest and Abu speak at the game awards, but I really had no interest in the game. After seeing your interview with Abu, getting to know the man behind the game, I’m much more interested in playing it. Is that weird? I just love games and seeing the passion in the people who make them really reminds me why.

[@Scantronacon]

Man as someone that has played FO76 on and off but at level 127 I love seeing years of playing spread throughout my camp and down the street is my wife's camp which is more of a home then my train caboose in the forest😂. Also she is from WV and she appreciates the game alot, loves the landmarks they added. Say what you will but this show cemented why we love Fallout so much. 4 is great too but we have had some amazing gaming couple experiences in 76 and also paying for FO1st hasnt broken the bank either, that tent helps so damn much😆Also my 17 year old daughter plays but doesnt have a camp bc she just like going out in thr wasteland with her old man and tearin ish up🤙🏿

[@jaredcraig640]

I was not expecting to enjoy the BAFTA Game Awards significantly more than The Game Awards. It was so on-tone, captivating, emotional and all around enjoyable to watch. It’s almost like I watch a game award ceremony to acknowledge the people who’ve made the games I love… not for what’s to come, they’ll get their time.

[@tempestofthought]

What a great interview with Abubakar. I'll admit Tales of Kenzera: Zau wasn't really on my radar before this, but now I'm hyped to pick it up day 1.

[@DerpyDerpums]

Just like how Trash Taste started as an anime podcast, I think it really helped that they would talk about a lot of different things. It helps us get to know you guys better.

[@fletcherFraher]

This might be the best interview on the show so far, you can tell how much passion Abubakar has for the game and the story he has to tell! Fantastic guest

[@RukileinchenChan]

That was such a lovely interview :)

[@inforelatedtv]

Not having a fallout game for probably another decade is a huge sad. I doubt BGS will hand off Fallout for a game in-between because they wanted F76 to last years upon years, I wish Microsoft would connect the dots and maybe hand it off to someone who has experience in those games with at least a half decent rep like Obsidian, but obsidian has many games in the works already.

[@FidelloKojima]

Man, I’ve been missing out on these podcasts it’s honestly really fun. Can’t wait for the next one

[@it-s-a-mystery]

Did not recognise Abubakar Salim as an actor at all, despite seeing and really enjoying him as Father. He looks so different. Interested to feel how Tales of Kenzera plays, it's a real good time to love Metroidvanias.

[@shanilsam]

Loved the interview with Salim. So much heart and humility! Ill definitely be buying this game - the focus on pvercoming grief + Bantu folklore is so intriguing.

[@zedhead90]

I think best case scenario is you either expand on a universe with interesting lore but sparse on narrative, explore side stories that are only alluded to in the main game, or create original content with respect to the source material’s themes and overall tone. This effectively onboards people who aren’t fans while not giving diehard fans anything to compare it to and nitpick it to death. Arcane, Edgerunners, and Fallout all fall into one of these categories.

[@RobSomeone]

I don't currently have a metroidvania itch, but Salim's passion is so infectious and there is so much love put into that game that I want to get it anyway.

[@GeremyG]

As a Halo fan I was just sad after watching the Fallout series.

[@razvanzamfir1545]

As a non Halo fan (I mean I played the games, minus Guardians cause it wasn't on PC, but that's about it), I felt like the show was decent enough, in particular S02. Obviously, it didn't keep the lore so much on track as Fallout show did, but still found it entertaining enough. On the other hand, the Fallout world is more story than action - so more easy to adapt, vs Halo world which is more action that story - which makes it harder to adapt.

[@Zachariahnavarro15]

I hate it, it makes me sick. The Fallout show is great but the Halo show is almost as bad as ass cancer. Almost.

[@inforelatedtv]

@@Zachariahnavarro15it’s unfortunate man, I wish they just sticked to the lore that’s literally the whole point of adapting from a known ip to another medium, another form of the same world and stories.

[@SerpC]

Great episode, great interview, great discussion.

[@TheElement2518]

Welcome back Jake-with-clothes-on!

[@uno23sleep]

Excellent episode as always! I really liked the interview with Abubakar Salim, and I'm looking forward to trying their game. 👍 Lucy immediately knowing the quote Ralph was talking about is an amazing flex!

[@devinloew7681]

Love to have Jake back! Missed hearing from him!

[@MrFishy121]

Skill Up's point around 32:00 is very true. The scene with the bombs dropping actually terrified me. Like sure we've seen the bombs dropping in the games and such but there was something about it in the show that made it a lot more visceral and terrifying.

[@Rinienna]

Abubakar's connection with the metroidvania genre is genuinely fascinating and deep. Possibly one of the best interview talks ever held through this series, I greatly enjoyed hearing him speak with such sincerity and such a deep connection to video games that has shaped his life going forward. If you read these comments at all sir, you are a fascinating beautiful individual, and I wish the best things for you in life. I can't wait to experience your creation.

[@Welcome_The_Revolution]

Incredible interview with Abubakar Salim, genuinely enthralling.

[@oakstrom2174]

Am I the only one who is a hybrid watch/listener? I pause the episodes when I get busy and keep my Spotify and KZbin time-spots synced. I like to be able to see your lovely faces, but sometimes I need to focus more on life. Banger

[@koivids_]

my new FPS podcast episode sense was tingling and lo and behold, a new episode. time to pause my vaatividya elden ring lore video for 2.5hrs

[@krispybowgod9656]

Amazing interview. Very well spoken and interesting guy. I’ll definitely be checking the game out

[@edcook8665]

Excellent guest Jake,I look forward to play this game

[@rufiokiddOfficial]

The way Abu passionately explained the theme of grief in the Tales of Kenzera: Zau and his rationale behind choosing the metroidvania genre 100% convinced me to support him and this game when it comes out. We need more games like this and I wish him and his team nothing but the best for its launch week!

[@nloop]

The interview with Abubakar Salim made me want to get the game. Excited to check it out!

[@Zay_1519]

I love you guys a lot keep up with this podcast forever

[@Ashtarte3D]

Hear me out: what if Josh Sawyer was working on a Fallout thing because we don't know what he is working on after Pentiment (it isn't Avowed) AND they were allowed to use the much better The Outer Worlds engine for a new Fallout. Would that not be amazing?!

[@Tacti_cat]

One could only hope, But there is like O chance that happens without pissing off a TON of people at Bethesda. I know Microsoft owns em but still, They will want to maintain that status quo.

[@bashbunny313]

lol Lucy's taste in TV and Movies ... I got to say we have someone really special on this show XD

[@DaftPunkin]

😂😂😂

[@battlep0t]

Nice to see that Bayek of Siwa is branching out of voice acting and into game development, that was a really great interview

[@Synchro789]

Love how Salim emphasized the power of radical transparency and how freeing it can be!

[@sugarj3sus]

Excellent interview! I've never really clicked with metroidvanias, but I want to experience his game after hearing him speak about it.

[@radiumtheatreproductions1681]

43:52 Wherein skill up remembers that saying 76 (a game still around 6 year into its existence) was "creatively bankrupt" & making money meme-ing it with his brother lost him access to Zenimax review codes

[@FlyfishermanMike]

He has a brother? They should do a show together!

[@oldmatttv]

Thanks for another great episode of my favourite podcast

[@MrNicvdb]

Stoked that Ralph brought up X-Men 97. It's my favourite thing from Marvel in years. The Final line of episode 5 was a heart wrencher.

[@misterhoobomaster]

My dream hot ones gaming related interviews would be... Neil Druckmann Sam Lake Hideo Kojima (with translator) Miyazaki (with translator) Cory Barlog Todd Howard Would be so darn good.

[@fernandofaria2872]

Reggie

[@philbarton2832]

Josef fares would be perfect! Ask him what he really feels about the Oscars on the final challenge 😂

[@Lucassecondfreepremiumaccountw]

I think what you're saying Ralph is how people felt about Fallout New Vegas and 1. Those were much more tonally grounded, and I'm glad the show has bought more attention to that side of the US and what's happening there in the Fallout universe.

[@huzi990]

Everytime I hear Kingdom Hearts being mentioned now I just hear Lucy saying "Soorraaaaaa" in Goofy's voice and no one else around her paying her any heed lol

[@nusoul]

I love when y'all talk about other media like books, comics, movies, etc. So please feel free to do more of that. At this point I think we're all tuned in because we love your personalities and opinions on all media related stuff. Hyped to hear what Jake thinks of Dune Messiah once he finishes cause I'm currently in the middle of it myself.

[@danlaw1991]

Love the conversation with Abubakar. I’ve really enjoyed the conversations he’s been having with different people about his journey into games and stepping onto the development side. Very excited to play Tales of Kenzera: Zau at some point. Have got a backlog of games to work through at the moment though. ‘I live for the butt’ - Jake Baldino 😂 I need someone to make a super cut of every time Jake’s said something that initially comes across the wrong way or not as intended.

[@danieljohn9257]

9:57 Lucy and Jane…two of the loveliest ladies in gaming

[@drewbus8680]

Love the show and tell segment at the end.

[@not_parker]

I'm stoked to play Tales of Kenzara next week 😎

[@coreyhansen9711]

I'm stoked to play Hollow Knight: Silksong never 😎

[@not_parker]

@@coreyhansen9711 you and me both 😭

[@JefeLo_]

That interview was so great and honest. Amazing interview from Abubakar Salim, it felt so deep but also relatable and so human. Loved it

[@tcransandman]

best interview yet my favorite anyway.

[@wilkiwan]

Dune is probably my favorite all time sci-fi book. They do get a little weird after that. But, very good though. Thanks for making me want to read them again. Love it!

[@astronot1578]

Abubakar Salim is hands down the best gaming actor. No one can wear a side cape full ezio style like he does!

[@GEMINIIMONEYx2]

🔥episode great interview

[@LogicalError007]

Excellent interview Jake. Guest was very good too.

[@zatherusgaming]

I am so sorry Lucy.... I am a brother who calls my sisters sis. But only as a greeting. I would never mid convo say "Lets go to the mall sis". But if I call them, I go straight for a "Hiya Sis" or a "How's it going Sista?" They do the same back with "bro". Its a playful fun greeting for us :P.

[@langleymneely]

Sadly I can’t help but laugh and blush when I hear “Hey sis” or “Hey bro” because it reminds me of skeevy step sibling porn? “Hey step bro…” 😳🫣

[@hkr667]

@@langleymneely people don't get stuck in the laundry machine that often in real life y'know. I'm sure zatherus and his sis will be fine.

[@philbarton2832]

​@@langleymneely"skeevy"!? That's art my good sir! How else is she going to get unstuck from the laundry machine

[@PenguinDood]

I really enjoyed the interview.

[@philipajfry]

Bethesda can totally open up Fallout to spin-offs like New Vegas, and keep the mainline numbered titles to themselves. Just let different studios use their engine for cohesion between games. The only reason I can think of for not doing this is insecurity of literally anyone making a better game than Bethesda.

[@MrBrianHazard]

The Exposition Boulevard comment immediately flashed me back to the entirety of Rebel Moon pt1

[@reidistired1235]

Y’all are killing it as always. Lucy, you are ROCKING those bangs! 🤩