Podcast Summary
Maximum Fun Drive: Supporting Favorite Podcasts: Listeners can pledge during Maximum Fun Drive to support Triple Click and other Maximum Fun podcasts, receiving rewards in return. The drive helps keep the network running and allows for special events like a Destiny 2 stream.
During Maximum Fun Drive, listeners have the opportunity to support Triple Click and other Maximum Fun podcasts by pledging an amount, starting from $5. In return, supporters receive rewards such as pins or pouches. The drive helps keep the network running as it's listener-supported. The hosts, Jason Trier, Maddy Meyers, and Kirk Hamilton, expressed their gratitude for the support and shared their excitement about the upcoming game, Paper Mario: The Origami King. Additionally, they mentioned their appreciation for the positive feedback on their previous special music episode and announced a planned stream of Destiny 2 in honor of Maximum Fun Drive.
Discussing Paper Mario's history and the latest installment on Triple Click Pod's Twitch stream: Join Triple Click Pod for a Twitch stream discussing Paper Mario's history and the latest game, The Origami King.
The hosts of the Triple Click Pod podcast will be streaming Destiny 2 on their new Twitch channel this Friday, July 24th, at 4 PM Pacific, 7 PM Eastern. They plan to discuss and play the game despite not having played it for months. Additionally, they will be talking about the history and evolution of the Paper Mario series, which started with Super Mario RPG in 1996 and introduced humor and RPG elements to the Mario universe. The series has undergone significant changes over the years, leading to polarized fan reactions. The latest installment, Paper Mario: The Origami King, was recently released for the Nintendo Switch. The podcast will discuss the new game as well as the history of the series. Tune in to TripleClick Pod on Twitch for some entertaining discussions and gameplay.
Expanding the Mario Universe with Narrative and Community: The Super Mario RPG game brought a more narrative-driven and community-based concept to the Mario universe, introducing towns, dialogue, and complex villains. It also made Mario a silent protagonist through pantomime sequences, leading to the creation of the Paper Mario series and the Mario and Luigi handheld RPGs.
The Super Mario RPG game introduced a more narrative-driven and community-based concept to the Mario universe, with dialogue, towns, and complex villains. This idea expanded the traditional Mario game experience, making the universe feel more alive and interconnected. Additionally, the game featured Mario as a silent protagonist, which was done humorously through pantomime sequences. The game's beloved status also led to a false rumor about a connection to a Final Fantasy game due to an optional boss and its music. After a disagreement between Nintendo and Square over game platforms, Nintendo created the Paper Mario series, where Mario is made of paper and the games explore the concept through various jokes and mechanics. The Paper Mario universe is considered a separate dimension in the Mario multiverse theory. After Paper Mario, the Mario and Luigi handheld RPG series was introduced, which featured a different world and eventually brought both series together in Mario and Luigi Paper Jam.
Innovative RPG mechanics and memorable characters in the Paper universe: The Paper Mario series combines traditional RPG elements with unique mechanics and beloved companions in the Paper universe
The Paper Mario series, starting from the first game and Thousand Year Door, introduced traditional RPG elements like inventory, party members, and an overworld, while also featuring beloved companions. The series then evolved with Super Paper Mario in 2007, introducing a unique mechanic of rotating the world between 2D and 3D. This game, despite having fun elements like playable Princess Peach and dialogue choices, is not universally loved by fans. Overall, the Paper Mario series stands out for its innovative RPG mechanics and memorable characters within the Paper universe.
A Departure from Traditional RPG Mechanics in Paper Mario: Super Paper Mario introduced platforming elements and altered RPG mechanics, while Paper Mario Sticker Star experimented with trial and error and finite ability usage, resulting in mixed reception from fans.
The Paper Mario series in the world of Nintendo gaming has seen a range of experiences, from the beloved Super Paper Mario with its unique platforming and RPG elements, to the less successful Paper Mario Sticker Star with its experimental adventure game mechanics. Super Paper Mario, released in 2007, marked a departure from turn-based battles and instead focused on platforming and knocking down enemy hit points. Although it still retained RPG elements like hit points and new worlds, the shift was not universally loved. In contrast, Paper Mario Sticker Star, released in 2012, introduced trial and error mechanics and finite use of cards for abilities and boss weakening. The game was criticized for its messy design and clunky gameplay. Following this, Mario and Luigi Dream Team, also an RPG, provided a more traditional experience for fans. The Paper Mario series, known for its humor and unique mechanics, has shown both successes and missteps in its innovative approach to gaming.
Experimenting with new mechanics in Paper Mario: Nintendo's Paper Mario series distinguishes itself with innovative gameplay, such as turn-based battles with puzzle-like mechanics, while maintaining its signature humor.
Nintendo continues to experiment with the Paper Mario series, distinguishing it from the Mario and Luigi RPGs by introducing new mechanics and gameplay styles. Paper Mario: The Origami King, the latest installment, features turn-based battles with a puzzle-like mechanic, where players rotate rings to arrange enemies for attacks. This shift from traditional RPG elements like leveling up and character progression has sparked debate among fans, with some preferring a return to the critically acclaimed Paper Mario: Thousand Year Door format. However, the series' evolution allows for fresh experiences and keeps it distinct from the Mario and Luigi RPGs. Overall, the Paper Mario series continues to deliver hilarious dialogue and unique gameplay, even if it strays from the familiar RPG path.
A Fresh Take on Paper Mario with Humor and Satisfying Mechanics: The Origami King brings humor, unique gameplay mechanics, and a paper-based world to the Paper Mario series, making up for the repetitive combat.
"Paper Mario: The Origami King" offers a unique blend of humor and gameplay mechanics that goes beyond initial expectations. The reviewer, who has a deep understanding of Nintendo games, was initially skeptical due to the game's repetitive combat and lack of turn-based mechanics. However, he was pleasantly surprised by the game's hilarious narrative, distinct paper-based world, and satisfying collect-and-fix mechanics. Players assume the role of Mario and Luigi as they attend a party at Peach's castle, only to encounter an origami king who transforms everyone into origami. The game's enemies are now origami versions of themselves, while the good guys remain flat paper. The game's world is reminiscent of Media Molecule's "Tearaway," with players collecting confetti to repair the paper world. The game's combat may be repetitive, but the humor and satisfying collect-and-fix mechanics make up for it. The reviewer has only progressed to Toad Town but is looking forward to encountering the game's premise, which involves cutting down origami streamers that have taken over the castle. Overall, "Paper Mario: The Origami King" offers a fresh take on the Paper Mario series with its unique blend of humor, satisfying mechanics, and distinct paper-based world.
Appreciating Paper Mario's Charm and Innovative Combat: The speaker enjoys Paper Mario's unique combat system, despite its lengthiness, and is charmed by its clever writing, music, and emotional depth.
The speaker is deeply enjoying the new Paper Mario game, despite some repetitiveness and lengthiness in the battles. They appreciate the game's unique take on turn-based combat and the charm, dialogue, and music that make up for the potential tedium. The speaker also acknowledges the risks developers take in innovating and trying new things, even if not every game succeeds for them personally. They recommend the game, especially for those who enjoy clever writing and unexpected emotional depth. The speaker also shares their admiration for the game's composers and the intricate details in the game. They reflect on how games that don't take themselves too seriously can still deliver powerful emotional moments.
The power of podcasts in enhancing gaming experience: Listeners appreciate the social connection and conversation provided through podcasts while playing games, and their support allows the show to continue and thrive.
The joy of discovering new things, especially in the form of a cool and aesthetically delightful game like Mario, can be enhanced by the social connection and conversation provided through podcasts. Marcus, a listener, shared his appreciation for the show and how it helps him feel less socially isolated during the pandemic. In return, the hosts expressed their gratitude for the listeners' support, which allows them to continue producing the show and the enjoyable conversations. MaxFunDrive, an ongoing fundraising event for MaxFun, offers various rewards for different donation levels, including a custom dice set and deck of playing cards with MaxFun designs. The hosts encouraged listeners to consider donating, even if they can't afford the higher tiers, and to share the show with their friends. A new feature allows donors to boost their donation amount slightly to help out a little more. Overall, the podcast experience of enjoying a game and engaging in meaningful conversations with friends is amplified by the support from the listeners.
Allegations of toxic behavior and diminished roles for women in gaming: Ubisoft and the gaming industry face scrutiny for workplace practices, with reports of sexist feedback and sidelining of female characters in games like Assassin's Creed.
The gaming industry, specifically Ubisoft, has been facing allegations of bad workplace practices and toxic behavior towards women. These issues have come to light through social media and investigative reporting, leading to a growing awareness of the Me Too movement in gaming. One example from the Assassin's Creed series involved a creative director, Serge Haskewitz, who reportedly diminished the role of female leads in several games due to his feedback. This resulted in characters like Aya, who was intended to take over as the lead in Assassin's Creed Origins, being sidelined. The gaming community is learning to navigate this tension and the ongoing conversation around workplace practices in the industry.
Historical changes in Assassin's Creed's story impacted female characters: Despite hardworking creators, female characters in Assassin's Creed were often sidelined or overshadowed due to Ubisoft's problematic work practices.
Throughout the history of Assassin's Creed series, there have been instances where the intended focus of the game's story and characters were altered, often resulting in reduced roles for notable female characters or the dominance of less compelling male characters. These changes, which were known to Ubisoft staff for years, have left some fans feeling conflicted and disappointed. The revelation of Ubisoft's problematic work practices, which contributed to these compromises, has added to the frustration. The overall story highlights the systemic nature of these issues and the challenges in addressing them. It's important to remember that most people involved in creating these games are hardworking and proud of their contributions, but the damaging effects of these decisions have left a lasting impact on the series and its fanbase.
Impact of skewed structures and nostalgia on creativity: Critically evaluating past and present, recognizing strengths and weaknesses, is essential for growth. Skewed structures and excessive nostalgia can hinder creativity and lead to unhealthy cultures.
Normalizing and internalizing skewed behaviors and structures can have detrimental effects, as seen in the case of Ubisoft's approval process for games under the leadership of a powerful executive. This structure stifled creativity and caused problems, leading to a culture that may have become accepted but was ultimately unhealthy. Another takeaway is the impact of nostalgia, as seen in the discussion about the first Halo game. While it may seem impressive in retrospect due to its historical significance, the repetitive gameplay may not hold up to modern standards. Overall, it's important to critically evaluate the past and present, recognizing both their strengths and weaknesses.
Personal gaming challenges and preferences: The speaker values engaging gameplay, short length, and nostalgia, but found Destiny less engaging and The Last of Us Part 2 overly long and repetitive.
The speaker found the learning curve of the twin stick controls in Halo to be a significant challenge, but now associates that experience with the game. However, they found the gameplay in Destiny to be less engaging and are considering skipping ahead to Halo 3. Regarding The Last of Us Part 2, the speaker expressed that the game was overly long and repetitive, which detracted from their enjoyment despite finding the story and perspective changes interesting. They also praised the game's production values and visuals. Overall, the speaker's experiences highlight the importance of game mechanics and length in their enjoyment of a game, as well as the impact of nostalgia and high production values.
Length and pacing impacted enjoyment: Speaker appreciated quieter moments but felt story became padded and lost interest due to prolonged length. Difficulty settings and accessibility features praised, but had issues with Ellie's motivations and Abby's introduction. Planning to replay on different difficulty setting.
The length and pacing of "The Last of Us Part II" were major factors in the speaker's overall enjoyment of the game. They appreciated the quieter moments and character interactions but felt the story became padded and lost their interest due to its prolonged length. The speaker also praised the game's difficulty settings and accessibility features, but had issues with Ellie's motivations and the introduction of Abby. The speaker plans to replay the game on a different difficulty setting to explore further. Overall, while there were aspects they enjoyed, the length and pacing detracted from their overall experience.
Suggestions for improving 'The Last of Us Part 2' focus on human interactions: Radical suggestion: Remove zombie encounters for more human conflict focus, some players found human combat more enjoyable but repetitive enemy screams detracted from emotional impact.
While the performances in "The Last of Us Part 2" are exceptional, the overall structure and pacing of the game do not make sense, leaving individual moments enjoyable but the experience as a whole disappointing. A radical suggestion to improve the game would be to remove all zombie encounters, keeping the post-apocalyptic setting but focusing more on the human-to-human interactions and conflicts. Some players found the combat with humans more enjoyable than the zombie encounters, despite the moral complexities of killing living beings. However, the repetition of enemies screaming out their names became a source of disassociation and unintended humor for some players, which may be seen as a failing in the game's emotional impact.
MaxFunDrive: Support MaxFun and Access Exclusive Content: Listeners can become members of MaxFun during MaxFunDrive to access exclusive content and support the network, including a monthly beans cast and special events.
During MaxFunDrive, listeners are encouraged to become members of MaxFun to support the network and gain access to exclusive content, including a monthly beans cast and special events like playing Destiny with the Triple Click team. MaxFunDrive is ongoing, and everyone at MaxFun appreciates the support. Additionally, Triple Click is a proud member of the Maximum Fun Podcast Network, and listeners can find them online, on Twitter, and by sending emails. The show is produced, mixed, and themed by Kirk Hamilton, Jason Schreier, Maddy Myers, Tom DJ, and is a part of the Maximum Fun Network.
