Ep 30 - It's an 8-Bit Christmas w/ author Kevin Jakubowski

From its humble beginnings as a "last gasp" for a fledgling game designer to the billion dollar monolith it is today, Final Fantasy's rise from niche to mainstream mirrors videogames as a whole. On this episode of A Gamer Looks at 40, we launch our multi-month deep dive into the world of this storied franchise, meet some of its super fans and try to answer the unanswerable: what makes Final Fantasy, Final Fantasy.

STARRING (all handles from Twitter)

Aiden Moher (@adribbleofink)
@GameswCoffee
@Dancarnate
James and JJ of RetroFits on YouTube (@retrofits7618)
Josh of Still Loading Podcast (@StillLoadingPod)
Julian Titus (@julian_titus) of The Stage Select Podcast (@StageSelectPod)
Kyle of the The RPG Podcast (@TheRPGPodcast)
The Let's Play Princess (@TheLPPrincess)
Mekel Kasanova (@MekelKasanova)
Nate McLellan (@natedoescomedy79 on TikTok)
Wade aka (@ProfNoctis)

SONG COVERS

FINAL FANTASY SERIES: 'Prelude' | Classical Guitar | John Oeth by John Oeth Guitar (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TyBNW_-MpTI)

Final Fantasy I - Battle Scene & Victory Fanfare | Live Cover by EXTRA LIVES (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ch0t14NCKbU)

Final Fantasy IV - Melody of Lute (Harp Solo) by Harpsibored (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVvwUzdJQeE)

Calm Before the Storm from Final Fantasy X - Nobuo Uematsu (Renaissance Lute Cover) by Lute Game Covers (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S40iFMeARTw)

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When A Gamer Looks at 40 first launched in May of 2021, my intention was for it be a year long project. To date, I've been at it for over two and half. So, it's time for a break! On this episode, I announce a three month hiatus from producing new episodes for the show. Give this quickie a listen to learn why the break, what to expect during the pause in new work, and what to look forward to when AGLA40 makes a triumphant return on March 4th, 2024.

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Another week, another chance to share even more videogame stories from the gaggle of lovely people I got to chat with over the last few months. Enjoy Side Quests Volume 8, Intros Part 2, etc, etc!

STARRING (all handles from Twitter X)

Brian aka @DayandKnightly
Cat Blackard (@NeonFeline) of the Mother, She Wrote Podcast (@EarthBoundPod)
Ian aka @teacherbloke85
Jodi aka @Bakuiel
Lucas White aka @HokutoNoLucas
Jonathan (@DaEgg123) and Katie (@earthbound64)
J.R. Sommerfeldt (@sommerfeldt_r)
Kyle VonKubik of Read Only Magazine (@obeykube)

My Discord: https://discord.com/invite/SdaE4atGjC
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My Email: agamerlooksat40@gmail.com
My Phone Number: Ehhhhh, not gonna happen. :-D

Whenever I get the opportunity to chat with people about games, the conversation rarely stays on topic. Invariably, my guest and I start jibber-jabbering about all sorts of gaming related topics. In this action packed addition to my Side Quests series, we learn the backstories of a few of my favorite guests from the last four months of podcast interviews. Volume 8 is coming next week!

STARRING (all handles from Twitter X)

Dan aka Captain Gingerbeard (@ScurvyBay)
Joe of SNES is Life Podcast (@SNES_is_Life)
Matt of the Backlog Busters (@backlog_busters)
Mustin, music producer (@Mustin)
Rigney of the Reliving Retro Podcast (@Reliving_Retro)
Robert P. Ottone, author of The Triangle (@RobertOttone)
Ryan aka @Retro64__, Designer and artist for @SmashRemix, @Mother_Encore, @mother__squared, and @MotherForever
Sam of the RetroLogic Podcast

My Discord: https://discord.com/invite/SdaE4atGjC
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My Phone Number: Ehhhhh, not gonna happen. :-D

Rather than swelter in the Austin sun listening to music or attending one of the many festivals in town, I decided to pony up a few bucks and fly to Oregon to attend the Portland Retro Gaming Expo. I expected a giant convention where I'd spend too much money on retro goodies, check out a panel or two and see my pals at Gamer's Week host a competition. What happened was infinitely more impactful and special.  Join me as I share a full recap of the weekend that was including on-the-floor interviews, spicy hot takes and a surprisingly emotional conclusion I never expected. 

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While Madden was always a good time, EA's NHL Hockey was video game magic. As a starry eyed street hockey goalie in West Caldwell, New Jersey, NHL '94 was my escape. My opportunity to pretend I was Marty Brodeur, if only on the screen. A masterpiece of control, gameplay, and pure joy, the early NHL games set the gold standard for sports simulations, a mark that few games every reached. Join myself and executive producer Richard Hilleman as he shares story after fascinating story about the creation of this one of a kind experience. 

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With football season in full swing and hockey just getting started, my mind drifts to the games of yesteryear. And for my 11 year old money, there was no finer distraction than EA's Madden and NHL franchises. Join EA developers Troy Lyndon and Richard Hilleman as they discuss the birth of these classic games, the technological marvels that made them possible and their storied legacy.

NOTE: In this episode, we look at Madden only. Next week, we'll focus on NHL! 

STARRING:

Troy Lyndon: https://troylyndon.biz/
Richard Hilleman

My Discord: https://discord.com/invite/SdaE4atGjC
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My Email: agamerlooksat40@gmail.com
My Phone Number: Ehhhhh, not gonna happen. :-D

Take it from somebody who appreciates every single one, there's nothing better than passionate fans. Gaming communities can run the gambit from welcoming to toxic, engaging to gatekeeping. Whenever people are around people, people will do people things. 

The community surrounding Earthbound is unique in both its welcoming nature and wide variety of people involved. Over 30 years worth of fans populate sites like starmen.net and mother4ever.net. And they all have one thing in common: an overflowing love for an incredible series. 

On this week's episode, I chat with three people representative of the community as a whole: a curator, a YouTube creator and a couple brought together by the power of an epic game franchise. 

STARRING (all handles from Twitter X)

Cat Blackard (@NeonFeline) of the Mother, She Wrote Podcast (@EarthBoundPod)
Mustin, music producer (@Mustin)
Kody Nokolo (@KodyNOKOLO), webmaster of mother4ever.net (@MotherForever_)
Ryan aka @Retro64__, Designer and artist for @SmashRemix, @Mother_Encore, @mother__squared, and @MotherForever
Jonathan (@DaEgg123) and Katie (@earthbound64)

SONG COVERS

Earthbound - Home Sweet Home by Sam Griffin Guitar - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KR4bhLhTvns

Onett - Earthbound Cover - Guitar and Mandolin by Box Monkey Studios - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=En6Wu4a28jk

Battle Vs. a Weak Opponent - Battle Theme 1 - EarthBound - Mother 2 by Jorge Fuentes - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhlC3pbJYgA

EarthBound - Eight Melodies (Music Box Cover) by Mr. Music Box - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=72WsNIhp_MA

My Discord: https://discord.com/invite/SdaE4atGjC
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My Phone Number: Ehhhhh, not gonna happen. :-D

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Some say a game is only as good as its ending. While I think that's an inaccurate statement, if the adage is true, than Earthbound is a masterpiece. A culmination of theme, character arc, story and emotion, this game's final encounter and conclusion is among the best of the 16 bit era. Join myself and a joy filled crew of fellow adventurers as we discuss the final moments of Earthbound. 

STARRING (all handles from Twitter)

Cat Blackard (@NeonFeline) of the Mother, She Wrote Podcast (@EarthBoundPod)
Celeste (@faeriecrypt) of Another Zelda Podcast (@AnotherZeldaPod)
Dan aka Captain Gingerbeard (@ScurvyBay)
Ian aka @teacherbloke85
Kyle VonKubick (@obeykube) of Read Only Magazine
Lucas White (@HokutoNoLucas)
Michael K Hughes (@KaidanXain) of the Capes and Junk Podcast (@GamesAndJunk)
Mustin, music producer (@Mustin)
Rigney of the Reliving Retro Podcast (@Reliving_Retro)
Robert P. Ottone, author of The Triangle (@RobertOttone)
Sam of the RetroLogic Podcast

SONG COVERS

Earthbound Town Medley - Acoustic/Classical Guitar Cover by Super Guitar Bros - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=koX4XLkB5sY

My Discord: https://discord.com/invite/SdaE4atGjC
My Twitter: @agamerlooksat40
My Facebook: facebook.com/agamerlooksat40
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My Patreon: patreon.com/agamerlooksat40
My Email: agamerlooksat40@gmail.com
My Phone Number: Ehhhhh, not gonna happen. :-D

A passing glance at a mid-90's Game Pro magazine would likely reveal an ad or two for Earthbound. Not a mention of deep themes, relatable characters and a story that crosses the ages. Nope! Master Belch and "This Game Stinks". Luckily, this wonderful SNES experience is more than the claims of its marketing and my cast of nine are here to tell you exactly why. 

STARRING (all handles from Twitter)

Cat Blackard (@NeonFeline) of the Mother, She Wrote Podcast (@EarthBoundPod)
Celeste (@faeriecrypt) of Another Zelda Podcast (@AnotherZeldaPod)
Dan aka Captain Gingerbeard (@ScurvyBay)
Kyle VonKubick (@obeykube) of Read Only Magazine
Michael K Hughes (@KaidanXain) of the Capes and Junk Podcast (@GamesAndJunk)
Mustin, music producer (@Mustin)
Rigney of the Reliving Retro Podcast (@Reliving_Retro)
Robert P. Ottone, author of The Triangle (@RobertOttone)
Sam of the RetroLogic Podcast

SONG COVERS

Earthbound Town Medley - Acoustic/Classical Guitar Cover by Super Guitar Bros - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=koX4XLkB5sY

EarthBound: Dusty Dunes Desert Tex Mex cover by Steven Morris - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AMiHMEh6qUw

My Discord: https://discord.com/invite/SdaE4atGjC
My Twitter: @agamerlooksat40
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My Email: agamerlooksat40@gmail.com
My Phone Number: Ehhhhh, not gonna happen. :-D