Podcast Summary
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD's Mixed Reviews: Jason and Maddy have made good progress, Jason finishing 2nd dungeon, Maddy beating 1st boss. Kirk just started. They enjoy exploration but have mixed feelings due to past experiences and motion controls. Planning to continue for story.
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD, the latest remake in the beloved series, has received mixed reviews from the Triple Click team. Jason and Maddy have made decent progress in the game, with Jason almost finishing the second dungeon and Maddy having just beaten the first boss. Kirk is a bit further behind, having only played the beginning of the game. While they all enjoy the sense of exploration and discovery in the game, they find themselves not completely engrossed. Their previous experiences with the game on Wii and the introduction of motion controls have left them with varying levels of nostalgia and frustration. Despite these feelings, they are all intrigued by the game's story and plan to continue playing to see how it unfolds. The team also mentioned that they will be discussing some non-gaming related topics in their upcoming bonus episodes, so stay tuned for that.
Prototype for 'Breath of the Wild's open-world exploration: Skyward Sword introduced diving, paragliding, and companion characters, paving the way for 'Breath of the Wild''s open-world adventure.
Learning from the discussion about playing "Skyward Sword" is that this game, despite its heavy focus on dialogue and fetch quests, serves as a prototype for the open-world exploration and mobility mechanics seen in "Breath of the Wild." The game introduced key mechanics like constant diving and paragliding, even if they weren't as refined as in the later game. Additionally, while some players found the beetle tool clunky and less effective than a boomerang, it paved the way for the use of companion characters and their abilities in future Zelda titles. Overall, "Skyward Sword" may have felt formulaic compared to the Zelda tradition at the time, but its innovations laid the groundwork for the beloved open-world adventure of "Breath of the Wild."
Innovative use of motion controls in Skyward Sword: Skyward Sword's motion controls add uniqueness but can feel unnatural, players can opt for thumbsticks in handheld mode, essential for boss fights and complex encounters.
"Skyward Sword," a Zelda game for the Wii, was known for its innovative use of motion controls with the Wii Motion Plus accessory. This gimmick significantly influenced the game's design, with enemies and puzzles requiring specific sword swipes. However, the game's motion controls can feel unnatural and awkward, especially during combat. Players can opt for using the right thumbstick instead when playing in handheld mode. Despite some reservations about the combat, the game's unique puzzles, exploration, story, music, and overall vibes remain appealing to many players. A notable boss fight involves a queer-coded villain who can predict sword motions, making the motion controls essential for a more engaging experience. While some players prefer the thumbsticks for general gameplay, others find the motion controls provide the necessary precision for boss fights and complex encounters.
Motion Controls in Skyward Sword: Frustrations and Benefits: Player found motion controls in Skyward Sword frustrating due to loss of control when missing attacks, difficult camera control, and challenging rolling mechanic. However, they also recognized advantages like a free camera.
The player expressed frustration with the motion-controlled boss fight in "Skyward Sword," specifically when missing attacks resulted in losing control and having to release the controller. They felt it was not fun to be punished in this way. Another issue was the camera control, which was useful but difficult to employ during gameplay due to the control setup. The player also mentioned the challenge of rolling, which they felt should be easier in a Zelda game. Despite these issues, they acknowledged that motion controls offered benefits like a free camera. The player experimented with alternative controllers to improve their experience. Overall, while the player found some aspects of the motion controls challenging, they also saw their advantages.
Exploring the Unforgettable World of Skyward Sword: Immerse yourself in Skyward Sword's innovative controls, rich storyline, and side quests to discover hidden secrets and rewards. Despite repetitive dialogue, the game's quirky humor and engaging storyline make it a worthwhile adventure.
"The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword" offers an immersive gaming experience with unique controls for sword fighting and shielding, although it requires careful attention to avoid running out of stamina. The game's island system and various side quests add to the adventure, revealing hidden secrets and rewards. Despite some repetitive dialogue, the game's quirky sense of humor and engaging storyline make it worth exploring without relying too heavily on guides. Overall, "Skyward Sword" delights players with its numerous secrets and intriguing characters. The game's innovative controls, coupled with its rich storyline and side quests, create an unforgettable gaming experience. Players will enjoy the sense of discovery and adventure as they unlock new islands, collect treasure, and uncover hidden secrets. While the game's dialogue can be overwritten at times, the unique humor and engaging storyline make up for it. Trusting the game and following its directions leads to a rewarding and delightful experience.
A blend of nostalgia and innovation in The Wind Waker HD: The Wind Waker HD adds depth to Zelda's character with her independent actions, features charming music, and has grown on the speaker despite initial reservations
The Wind Waker HD offers an intriguing blend of nostalgia and innovation. The story's focus on Zelda's independent actions, which parallels the prototype for Breath of the Wild, adds depth to her character. The game's music, including the trombone-heavy love theme, contributes to its overall charm. A subtle connection between the main theme and Zelda's Lullaby adds a layer of musical complexity. Despite initial reservations, the gameplay and story have grown on the speaker, making it a worthwhile experience even after Breath of the Wild's transcendent impact.
A return to traditional Zelda gameplay: The speaker valued the clear direction and sense of progression in the new Zelda game, contrasting it with the open-exploration of Breath of the Wild, and appreciated the puzzles and dungeons for their sense of reward and accomplishment.
The speaker enjoyed the more traditional, linear approach of the new Zelda game, contrasting it with the open-world exploration of Breath of the Wild. They appreciated the clear direction and the sense of progression, even if it meant a more guided experience. The game's puzzles and dungeons provided a sense of reward and accomplishment, which they found lacking in the side quests of Breath of the Wild. While some aspects, like backtracking, could be frustrating, the speaker ultimately preferred the focused experience of the new game. They acknowledged that it was a departure from the recent trend of open-world games and initially raised concerns about being constantly guided, but they came to appreciate the benefits of a more structured adventure.
A Unique Progression System and Engaging Story in The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword: Skyward Sword introduces a unique progression system, where players gradually gain power through exploration and acquiring new items. It also features an intriguing story that sets the stage for the hero of time and introduces ancient civilizations and futuristic technology.
"The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword" offers a unique progression system where players gradually become more powerful as they explore new areas and acquire new items. This contrasts with "Breath of the Wild," where exploration and discovery are the main focuses. Although players initially faced the challenge of breakable shields, they could later obtain stronger shields and reinforcements. The game also features an intriguing story that sets the stage for the hero of time and introduces the concept of ancient civilizations and futuristic technology. "Skyward Sword" was a turning point for Nintendo, as it marked the first Zelda game to officially embrace the idea of a unified timeline. Additionally, the game's use of Fi as an AI companion was a fresh take on the traditional fairy sidekick. The game's backstory of the Skyloftians living in the sky and being unaware of the ground world was reminiscent of "Avatar" and added an interesting layer to the game's world-building. Overall, "The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword" offers a compelling and unique experience that sets the stage for future installments in the series.
A rational contrast to the fantastical: Fi's computerized tone in Skyward Sword contrasted game's fantastical elements, Nintendo aimed for accessibility during Wii era, discussion included a content warning for workplace discrimination lawsuit against Activision Blizzard
During the discussion about "The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword," it was noted that Link's bird companion, Fi, served as a contrast to the game's more fantastical elements with her rational and computerized tone. The conversation also touched upon the game's accessibility during the Wii era, with Nintendo aiming to create a game that was easy for casual players to understand. Later in the podcast, a content warning was given for a discrimination lawsuit filed against Activision Blizzard for sex-based discrimination. The allegations in the lawsuit ranged from microaggressions to more serious instances of sexual harassment and rape jokes in the workplace. The most extreme allegation involved suicide. The discussion served as a reminder of the importance of addressing and preventing workplace discrimination.
Allegations of toxic work culture at Blizzard: Blizzard, a company known for promoting diversity and inclusivity, faces accusations of rampant sexism and racism, including sexual relationships between employees and supervisors, sharing of explicit photos, and instances of microaggressions and harassment. Women's bravery in sharing their stories and holding companies accountable for change is emphasized.
The video game company Blizzard, known for its public commitment to diversity and inclusivity, is facing allegations of a toxic work culture with rampant sexism and racism. The lawsuit filed against the company includes claims of sexual relationships between employees and supervisors, passing around of naked photos, and instances of microaggressions and harassment. These issues have reportedly been ongoing for years, despite Blizzard's public image. The discussion also touched upon the overwhelming nature of reporting on such stories and the sadness felt for the affected women. The conversation emphasized the pervasive issue of sexism and bigotry in the industry and the need for change. The speakers expressed their thoughts on the irony of a company that prides itself on inclusivity having a problem at its core. The conversation also highlighted the bravery of women coming forward with their stories and the importance of holding companies accountable for their actions.
Workplace issues at Activision Blizzard sparks criticism and calls for change: Despite progress, concerns about sexism and harassment culture at Activision Blizzard persist, with former employees speaking out. The old guard of creative innovators have largely left, leaving some to wonder if toxic culture is also departing. Unionization suggested as a potential solution but challenging due to company's size.
The recent revelations of workplace issues at Activision Blizzard, including sexism and harassment, have sparked widespread criticism and calls for change. The response from the company has been met with skepticism and anger, with many former employees speaking out about past experiences. The culture of the company, particularly towards women and marginalized groups, has been a topic of concern for a long time, and despite some progress, it seems that not much has changed. The old guard of Blizzard, known for their creative freedom and innovative games, have largely left the company due to corporate influence and cost-cutting measures, leaving some to wonder if the toxic culture is also departing. However, the size and complexity of Activision Blizzard make meaningful change a significant challenge. Unionization has been suggested as a potential solution, but the process would be difficult given the company's size. Overall, the situation highlights the need for greater accountability and transparency in the video game industry and beyond.
Controversy in gaming industry leads to change for smaller companies: The gaming industry's workplace culture controversies push smaller companies to address issues, fostering innovation and progress
The recent controversy surrounding the gaming industry, specifically regarding workplace culture at larger companies, has created an opportunity for those affected to come forward and speak out. Smaller companies, like those behind the buzzworthy indie game Death's Door, may find it easier to address systemic issues due to their size. The exposure of these issues, although painful, serves as a catalyst for change and allows individuals to connect and find support. The indie game scene, with its innovative and high-quality offerings from small teams, continues to shine as a beacon of creativity and progress in the gaming industry.
A unique indie game with Zelda-inspired narrative, Studio Ghibli aesthetics, and challenging gameplay: Explore a visually stunning world, learn from challenging gameplay, and enjoy a Zelda-inspired narrative in 'Death's Door', a must-play indie game with Studio Ghibli aesthetics and a mix of adventure, puzzle, and action elements.
"Death's Door" is an exceptional indie game that stands out with its unique combination of elements from various genres and inspirations. The game's vibe, which includes playing as an animal, a Zelda-inspired narrative, and a bureaucratic afterlife setting, is just the beginning. The music, art design, and tone, reminiscent of Studio Ghibli, Hollow Knight, and Souls, add depth and charm. The gameplay is a mix of isometric view, action, puzzle, and adventure, with no mini-map or map, requiring exploration and learning. The difficulty is challenging but forgiving, allowing players to learn from their mistakes without losing progress. The fights are great, with attacks signposted clearly and a cool, surprising challenge system. The game's aesthetics are visually stunning, with impressive lighting effects. Overall, "Death's Door" is a must-play game, combining various influences into a unique and engaging experience. Recommended for fans of adventure, puzzle, and action games, "Death's Door" is currently available on PC and Xbox.
Correcting Holmes' mistakes: The Ace Attorney Chronicles offers a fun and interactive experience where players help Sherlock Holmes correct his wrong deductions, forming a dynamic and supportive relationship.
The Ace Attorney Chronicles, a compilation of two games in the Ace Attorney series, provides an engaging and hilarious experience with its unique interaction between the brilliant yet goofy detective, Sherlock Holmes, and the main character. The player takes on the role of correcting Holmes' wrong deductions, leading to a dynamic and supportive relationship. The games' high-quality writing, localization, and cast of characters, including the badass assistant Suzato and the precocious Iris, add to the overall enjoyment. The corny jokes and puns contribute to a good headspace and make the game worth playing. Overall, the Ace Attorney Chronicles is a must-play for fans of the series and a great introduction for newcomers.
Immersive experience with advanced motion capture technology: New Ace Attorney Chronicles offers an immersive entry point for new players with advanced motion capture, engaging visuals, and convenient Switch platform
The new Ace Attorney Chronicles game stands out with its advanced motion capture technology, creating a more immersive experience compared to previous 2D and 3D games in the series. This game, set a hundred years before the main series, offers an excellent entry point for new players, with its engaging visuals, focus on eye lines and camera angles, and the convenience of reading-heavy content on the Switch platform. Overall, Ace Attorney Chronicles is a well-executed game that is worth checking out. If you're considering trying an Ace Attorney game for the first time, this is an excellent starting point. It's available now on all platforms, but the Switch version is recommended due to its suitability for the game's text-heavy nature.
