Low Five Gaming

Alex and Luke talk The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask.

Majora's Mask is a standout title in The Legend of Zelda series known for its time-bending adventures and dark, compelling narrative. Developed and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo 64 in 2000, this game takes players on a race against time in the mysterious land of Termina, employing a unique mechanic of a three-day cycle and a collection of transformative masks. The game received a fresh face with its 3DS remake in 2015. The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3D not only polished its graphics but also refined gameplay mechanics, making this enigmatic adventure more accessible to a new generation of players, while still captivating those who cherished the original. This version added a new layer of depth to the classic, proving the game's timeless appeal.

At the time of this recording, Majora's Mask boasts a Metacritic score of 95. According to How Long to Beat, the main story can be completed in around 21 hours.

Alex and Luke revisited this classic on the Nintendo Switch via the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. Both hosts were able to play with the Switch's official N64 Controller, which was quite the treat.

Join us as we unravel the mysteries of Majora's Mask, discuss its legacy, and share why it remains a beloved adventure that stands the test of time.

This episode is unofficially brought to you in part guides.

We mentioned Hand-Drawn Game Guides during our discussion. If that's something that piques your interest, check out Phil's site. No affiliation. No partnership. His stuff is just super rad!

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Theme music is by AJ Norman. Design assets were created by Studio Day Job.

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Step into the enigmatic world of Jusant, a game that blends action and puzzle elements with a serene yet challenging climbing adventure. Developed by Don't Nod, Jusant offers gamers a unique, meditative journey to the top of a mysterious tower, filled with flora, fauna, and a peaceful soundtrack. Released in 2024, it stands out for its innovative climbing mechanics, breathtaking biomes, and the presence of a guiding creature made of water, Ballast.

Jusant had a Metacritic score of 85 at the time of this recording. According to howlongtobeat.com, completing the main storyline takes about five hours, but with its explorative design and alternative paths, players can delve deeper into the game's mysteries.

Both hosts played on the Xbox Series X via Game Pass. Alex also played some on the Steam Deck.

This episode is unofficially brought to you in part by the three point line.

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Theme music is by AJ Norman. Design assets were created by Studio Day Job.

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Alex and Luke talk Gris.

Gris is a visually stunning and emotionally evocative platformer game developed by Nomada Studio and published by Devolver Digital. In this game, players explore a serene yet melancholic world, unfolding a narrative about personal growth and overcoming hardship. Released in December 2018, Gris has been celebrated for its breathtaking artwork, poignant storytelling, and innovative gameplay mechanics. As of recording, Gris had an 83 Metacritic score.

According to howlongtobeat.com, completing Gris takes about 4 hours, but for those seeking to fully immerse in its world and uncover all its secrets, it could extend further.

Alex and Luke journeyed through the beautiful landscapes of Gris, experiencing its unique blend of art and narrative. They played on the Nintendo Switch and Xbox Series X, each captivated by the game's visual and auditory artistry.

Check out 'How Gris Made You Cry With Its Colors' by Daryl Talks Games for a great breakdown of Gris' colors, music, etc. 

This episode is unofficially brought to you in part real trees and  chicken parm.

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Theme music is by AJ Norman. Design assets were created by Studio Day Job.

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Luke and Alex talk Sea of Stars.

Prepare to be transported back to the golden era of turn-based games with Sea of Stars from Sabotage Studios. This episode, we’re diving into this modern classic that pays homage to the JRPGs we all loved. With its captivating art style, a roster of formidable enemies, and dynamic game mechanics, Sea of Stars is more than just a game; it’s a journey through nostalgia and innovation.

Released in 2023, Sea of Stars stands out as a testament to Sabotage Studios' craftsmanship, marrying old-school charm with modern sensibilities. The game's alluring art, challenging puzzles, and pulse-pounding boss battles have already garnered attention in the gaming community, earning it notable accolades.

Navigating the new challenges of fatherhood, Alex and Luke find solace and excitement in the immersive world of Sea of Stars. Between diapers and late-night feedings, they explore the game’s engaging mechanics, like the badge indicating correct inputs - a small but significant touch that adds to the gameplay experience.

But that’s not all! We also reminisce about The Messenger, another hit from Sabotage. Plus, we'll dish out on PlateUp!’s rogue-like cooking adventures and share a hilarious Madden anecdote about relocating the Texans to Anchorage. And don't miss our thoughts on the buzz around the rumored live-action Zelda movie and the enchanting Super Mario Bros. Mario Wonder game.

From the strategic depths of Sea of Stars to the quirky kitchens of PlateUp!, this episode is a wild ride through the gaming landscape, peppered with our personal anecdotes of balancing gaming passions with the demands of parenthood.

This episode is unofficially brought to you in part by pacifiers – because sometimes, the fiercest warriors (and newest dads) need a little tranquility.

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Ever wonder why some people are so passionate about collecting physical media? Join me as I share my personal journey from collecting vinyl records, cassettes, and CDs during my childhood to eventually finding my true passion – video game collecting – in 2018. Discover how working three jobs to save up for a ring for my wife led me to dive deep into the world of game collecting and the joy I find in the tactile experience of cartridge and CD games.

As a collector, I've come to appreciate the unique value and sense of community that comes with collecting physical media. While digital gaming offers convenience, it lacks resale value and the opportunity for borrowing or sharing. Listen in as I discuss my experiences of selling off and repurchasing collections, like my Gamecube and NES, and my journey with the Game Boy series. You'll learn that playing the games brings me more joy than preserving them, and that the real thrill of collecting comes from the journey itself.

Interested in video game collecting? I've got some strategies and tips for you, such as buying games in bulk and exploring limited-run physical editions. Hear about my recent experience with purchasing a Sega Genesis mystery box and the satisfaction of finding and reselling games I didn't want. To wrap up the episode, I invite fellow collectors to share their own experiences and collections, emphasizing that collecting is a rewarding and enjoyable way to show passion for a hobby or project.

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Alex and Luke Talk Donkey Kong Country.

Donkey Kong Country is a groundbreaking platformer developed by Rare and published by Nintendo for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. In this iconic title, players take on the roles of Donkey Kong and his sidekick Diddy Kong, embarking on a quest to recover their stolen banana hoard from the villainous King K. Rool and his army of Kremlings.

Originally released on November 21, 1994, the game was a pivotal moment in gaming history, showcasing revolutionary graphics for its time, thanks to its use of pre-rendered 3D sprites. The game's technical achievements and addictive gameplay garnered universal acclaim, earning it a lasting legacy in the platforming genre.

According to howlongtobeat.com, the main storyline of Donkey Kong Country can be completed in about 5 hours. However, for those aiming to achieve 100% game completion by finding all bonus rooms and collectibles, you're looking at a much larger commitment.

Alex revisited Donkey Kong Country on his Switch using NSO, as did Luke. Both hosts succeeded in toppling King K. Rool, but the question remains: Who truly mastered the dense jungles and treacherous mine cart rides of Donkey Kong Island?

This episode is unofficially brought to you in part by pumpkin spice.

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Luke and Alex Talk Dredge.

Dredge is a chilling indie fishing video game developed by New Zealand-based studio Black Salt Games and published by Team17. The game introduces players to an unnamed fisherman who, as he delves deeper into the expansive open-world archipelago, confronts increasingly Lovecraftian marine creatures, making each fishing venture a dive into the abyss.

The highly anticipated title was released on March 30, 2023, for multiple platforms, from Microsoft Windows to the Nintendo Switch and next-gen consoles. Critics and players have been captivated by its unique blend of serene fishing mechanics juxtaposed with the looming dread of the ocean's monstrous secrets. As of publication, the game holds a score of 85 on metacritic.com.

According to howlongtobeat.com, when zeroing in on the core missions, Dredge unfolds over approximately nine hours. However, for the completionists aiming to uncover every sunken treasure and monstrous fish, the game extends to roughly 17 hours.

Alex dove into the eerie waters of Dredge on his Nintendo Switch, appreciating the game's atmospheric tension and intricate mechanics. On the other hand, Luke set sail on his Xbox Series X, making full use of the game's unique panic and day-night features to face the marine horrors head-on. Both hosts braved the game's Lovecraftian depths, contending with the harrowing hallucinations and gigantic sea monsters. However, only time will tell whose fishing expedition was more successful.

This episode is unofficially brought to you in part by frozen pizza.

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Alex and Luke Talk Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins.

Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins is a platform game developed and published by Nintendo for the Game Boy. The player takes control of the protagonist Mario, whose main objective is to reclaim his personal island, Mario Land, from the antagonist Wario, who has seized control while Mario was away in the events of the first Super Mario Land.

Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins was first released in Japan on October 21, 1992, and later in North America and Europe in November of the same year. The game was well-received by critics, who praised its graphics and gameplay, and it is considered one of the greatest Game Boy games of all time. As of publication, the game holds a score of 80 on metacritic.com.

According to howlongtobeat.com, When focusing on the main objectives, Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins is about 2 Hours in length. If you're a gamer that strives to see all aspects of the game, you are likely to spend around 3½ Hours to obtain 100% completion.

Alex played an actual Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins cartridge on his Analogue Pocket. He enjoyed the classic feel and the nostalgia of the game. Luke played the game on his Nintendo Switch via NSO and cheesed the hell out of the rewind feature. Both hosts completed the game, collecting all six golden coins and defeating Wario. But let the record show that Luke's win has an asterisks.

This episode is unofficially brought to you in part by children's books.

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In this spoiler-free episode, hosts Alex and Luke dive into the expansive world of "The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom," the eagerly-awaited sequel to "Breath of the Wild." Despite Luke's 50-hour gameplay journey, he's yet to progress the storyline past the Wind Temple, which allows us to keep the major plot points under wraps.

Developed and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo Switch, Tears of the Kingdom propels you into the sprawling landscapes of Hyrule and the mysterious islands floating in the vast skies above​​. The game is a testament to Nintendo's commitment to addressing player critiques from the last game and enhancing the gameplay experience in this latest entry.

We explore a range of topics, from the intricate map design and the joy of exploration, to the innovative weapon durability system. The master hand, fuse, and ascend abilities are other standout features that get our attention in this discussion.

Of course, comparisons to Breath of the Wild are inevitable, and we delve into why Tears of the Kingdom stands tall as a fantastic sequel. If you loved the first game, this follow-up seems to take everything to the next level.

Tears of the Kingdom has received acclaim for its improvements, expanded open world, and features encouraging exploration and experimentation. It sold more than 10 million copies in its first three days of release. As of publication, the game has a score of 95 on metacritic.com. 

This episode is unofficially brought to you in part by dads.

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Luke and Alex dive into the infinity loop of "Loop Hero," a uniquely designed endless RPG by the ingenious minds at Russian studio Four Quarters, and brought to life by Devolver Digital.

Set in a post-apocalyptic world that's been wiped out by an evil lich, you, the hero, are on a mission to reconstruct your reality. You're not alone though – you'll encounter survivors who'll either aid your world-building efforts or, in despair, attack you for their own survival.

But the plot thickens. The evil lich is merely a puppet. The real villain? None other than God himself, Omega, on a twisted quest for self-destruction. Can you defeat Omega and keep rebuilding in his absence? With a little help from the Goddess of Probability, you might just stand a chance.

Gameplay is where "Loop Hero" truly shines. Each expedition is a new journey on a pre-generated path, where you fight slimes, collect landscape cards, and alter the terrain around you. Equip your hero with the spoils of battle, construct new structures back at your base, and choose your path strategically to survive increasingly difficult enemies.

The game's development story is a testament to creative ingenuity, born from an idea during a game jam and polished into a gem that caught Devolver Digital's eye. Not without its challenges, the team at Four Quarters focused heavily on game balance to ensure a seamless, engaging experience for players.

Critics have showered "Loop Hero" with praise for its unique gameplay, 80's aesthetic, and deck-building mechanics, earning it an impressive score of 82 on Metacritic. It's even been nominated for awards like "Best Independent Game" and "Strategy/Simulation Game of the Year."

Join us as we delve into the endless looping adventure of "Loop Hero" – a game that takes you on a hero's journey where the power to shape the world is literally in your hands.

Alex primarily played "Loop Hero" on his Xbox Series X and Steam Deck via Game Pass. He also played a little on the PC as well. Luke played the game on his Series Neither host finished the game. The Loop continues!

This episode is unofficially brought to you in part by 1) Moms, and 2) Gas stations that *don't* have those annoying ass monitors that are there to scream shitty advertisements at you.

Sidequestin':

Alex: The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Tetris (movie), Inscryption, NBA 2K, Metroid Prime, The Machine

Luke: The Show, Skyrim, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

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Theme music is by AJ Norman. Design assets were created by Studio Day Job.

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Alex and Luke talk Inscryption.

Inscryption is a psychological horror, rouguelike deck-building game that has been praised for its unique blend of genres and captivating storytelling. Developed by Daniel Mullins Games and published by Devolver Digital, the game takes players on a dark and twisted journey through a mysterious forest. Along the way, players must gather cards, build a deck, and use their strategic skills to battle against a variety of terrifying creatures.

What sets Inscryption apart from other deck-building games is its innovative gameplay mechanics, which incorporate elements of puzzle-solving, exploration, and even escape room-style challenges. Each card in the game has its own unique abilities, and players must use these cards to overcome obstacles, defeat enemies, and uncover the secrets of the forest. With a gripping storyline and unexpected twists and turns, Inscryption is a must-play for fans of horror, puzzle, and deck-building games alike.

Inscryption was released for Windows on October 19, 2021. It was released on Linux and macOS on June 22, 2022, which was followed by PlayStation 4 and 5 versions in August. A Nintendo Switch port was released in December 2022. Versions for Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S released in April 2023. Inscryption has received generally positive reviews and won several Game of the Year awards. The game sold 1 million copies by January 2022. As of publication of this podcast, the PC version of the game has a Metascore of 85 and a User Score of 8.6 on metacritic.com.

Alex played Inscryption on his PC and Steam Deck. Luke played on his gaming laptop. Both hosts had completed act one at the time of recording.

This episode is unofficially brought to you in part by grillin' season!

Sidequestin':

Alex: Vader, Cocaine Bear, Death's Door, Logitech G920, Dreamcast, PS2

Luke: The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap, Skyrim, MLB The Show

Referenced guest spots:

• Pixel Project Radio (Death's Door)
• Tales from The Backlog (Read Dead Redemption 2)

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Theme music is by AJ Norman. Design assets were created by Studio Day Job.

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Luke and Alex talk The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is an action role-playing game developed and published by CD Projekt Red. The game takes place in a fictional fantasy world based on Slavic mythology. You control Geralt of Rivia, a monster slayer for hire known as a Witcher, and search for his adopted daughter Ciri who is on the run from the otherworldly Wild Hunt. Players battle the game's many dangers with weapons and magic, interact with non-player characters, and complete quests to acquire experience points and gold, which are used to increase Geralt's abilities and purchase equipment. The game's story has three possible endings, determined by the player's choices at key points in the narrative.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt was released for PlayStation 4, Windows, and Xbox One in May 2015, with a Nintendo Switch version released in October 2019, and PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S versions titled The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Complete Edition which was released in December 2022. The game received critical acclaim, with praise for its gameplay, narrative, world design, combat, and visuals, although it received minor criticism due to technical issues. It holds more than 200 game of the year awards and has been cited as one of the greatest video games ever made. As of publication of this podcast, the PC version of the game has a Metascore of 93 and a User Score of 9.1 on metacritic.com.

Alex played The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt on his PC and Steam Deck, he first played the game on his Nintendo Switch. Luke first played the game on his PS4, but this time around played on the Xbox Series X. Both hosts have beaten the base game. Alex has finished the Heats of Stone Expansion and has started Blood and Wine. Luke has dabbled in both DLCs but hasn't finished either. This was Luke's second time beating the base game. Alex didn't replay the base game for this episode, but rather took the opportunity to continue questing for all the Witcher gear and to tackle the game's DLC for the first time.

This episode is unofficially brought to you in part by snow days.

Sidequestin':

Alex: Sega CD, Metroid Prime Remastered, House of X and Powers of X (X-Men comics)

Luke: The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap, Hi-Fi Rush, The Witcher (Netflix)

Referenced Podcast that we'll be guesting on in April:

• Pixel Project Radio (Death's Door)
• Tales from The Backlog (Read Dead Redemption 2)

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Theme music is by AJ Norman. Design assets were created by Studio Day Job.

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Alex and Luke Talk Celeste.

Celeste is a platform game developed and published by indie developer Matt Makes Games. The player controls Madeline, a protagonist with anxiety and depression who aims to climb Celeste Mountain. During their climb, Madeline encounters several characters, including a personification of her self-doubt known as Badeline, who attempts to stop her from climbing the mountain.

Celeste released on January 25, 2018, for Linux, macOS, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Windows, before being released on Xbox One the following day, and on Google Stadia in July 2020. Upon release, it received universal acclaim from critics, with multiple outlets describing it as one of the best video games of all time. As of publication, Nintendo Switch version of the game has a Metascore of 92 and a User Score of 8.6 on metacritic.com.

Alex played Celeste  on his Nintendo Switch, primarily in handheld mode. He finished the game docked using a pro controller. Luke also played on the Nintendo Switch, but primarily docked.  Both hosts rolled the credits on this one, but neither has tackled the epilogue.

This episode is unofficially brought to you in part by bacon.

Sidequestin':

Alex: Pokémon LeafGreen, Sega's Menacer, Madden 22, Hi-Fi Rush

Luke: Madden 23, Hades, Metroid Prime, The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap

Referenced Links:

Why Does Celeste Feel So Good to Play? by Game Maker's Toolkit

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Theme music is by AJ Norman. Design assets were created by Studio Day Job.

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Luke and Alex talk High on Life.

High on Life is a comedic first-person shooter game with action-adventure and Metroidvania elements. It takes place in a science fiction world which features talking guns called Gatlians. The game was published by Squanch Games and was released on December 13, 2022 for Windows, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S. As of publication, the Xbox Series X version of the game has a Metascore of 67 and a User Score of 7.9 on metacritic.com.

Alex and Luke both played High on Life  on the Xbox Series X via Xbox Game Pass. Both hosts rolled the credits on this one.

This episode is unofficially brought to you in part by that local joint with the fire food.

Sidequestin':

Luke: Slay the Spire, Hades, Vampire Survivors

Alex: Desk Job, Diablo, Warcraft, Warcraft 2, The Sopranos

Other Links: 

National Domestic Violence Hotline
https://www.thehotline.org/

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Alex and Luke talk their Greatest Games of All Time! GGoATs!

Luke has a running bit where he gives Alex a hard time for declaring any game he enjoyed as deserving of a spot in his top ten best games of all time. Well, the two finally sat down and declared their official lists. There are some spicy takes!

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Alex and Luke talk Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon.

Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon is a 2018 platform game developed and published by Inti Creates. It is a companion title to developer ArtPlay's 2019 game Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night and was conceived to fulfill the promise for a retro-style accompaniment to Ritual of the Night after its Kickstarter campaign exceeded crowdfunding goals. Curse of the Moon follows Zangetsu, a cursed swordsman hunting down demons for revenge, as well as three other playable characters named Miriam, Alfred and Gebel. It features an 8-bit aesthetic and gameplay style similar to Castlevania games on the Nintendo Entertainment System, particularly Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse.

Alex and Luke both played Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon on the Nintendo Switch. Alex rolled the credits, Luke did not. Luke is decidedly bad at Metroidvanias.

This episode is unofficially brought to you in part by Daddy X.

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Luke and Alex talk Super Mario World.

Super Mario World is a platform video game developed and published by Nintendo for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES). It was released in Japan in 1990, North America in 1991 and Europe and Australia in 1992.

Nintendo Entertainment Analysis & Development developed the game, led by director Takashi Tezuka and producer and series creator Shigeru Miyamoto. Koji Kondo acted as the game’s composer.

The player controls Mario on his quest to save Princess Toadstool and Dinosaur Land from the series' antagonist Bowser and his minions, the Koopalings. The gameplay is similar to that of earlier Super Mario games: players control Mario or his brother Luigi through a series of levels in which the goal is to reach the goalpost at the end. Super Mario World introduced Yoshi, a dinosaur who can eat enemies, as well as gain abilities by eating the shells of Koopa Troopas.

Super Mario World is often considered one of the best games in the series and is cited as one of the greatest video games ever made. It sold more than twenty million copies worldwide, making it the best-selling SNES game.

Luke and Alex played Super Mario World  on the Nintendo Switch via NSO. Alex also played a good chunk of the Game Boy Advance version of the game.

This episode is unofficially brought to you in part by the McRib and definitely not by Kirko's chains.

For those who would like to play Luke and Alex's Super Mario World inspired Mario Maker 2 worlds, you can find them using the following Course IDs:

• Luke's: 0MD-NJW-6RG
• Alex's: Forthcoming. Apologies to those who wanted to check this out first day or find this on a pod catcher that's slow to update episode descriptions. Send us an email or hit the DMs on social media and we'll get you that code!

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Alex and Luke talk Portal and Portal 2.

Portal is a 2007 puzzle-platform game developed and published by Valve. It was released in a bundle, The Orange Box, for Windows, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, and has been since ported to other systems, including Mac OS X, Linux, Android (via Nvidia Shield), and Nintendo Switch. The game consists of a series of puzzles that must be solved by teleporting the player's character and simple objects using "the Aperture Science Handheld Portal Device", often referred to as the "portal gun", a device that can create inter-spatial portals between two flat planes.

Portal 2  is a 2011 puzzle-platform video game developed by Valve for Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360. The digital PC version is distributed online by Valve's Steam service, while all retail editions were distributed by Electronic Arts. A port for the Nintendo Switch was included as part of Portal: Companion Collection. Like the original, players solve puzzles by placing portals and teleporting between them. Portal 2 adds features including tractor beams, lasers, light bridges, and paint-like gels that alter player movement or allow portals to be placed on any surface. In the single-player campaign, players control Chell, who navigates the dilapidated Aperture Science Enrichment Center during its reconstruction by the supercomputer GLaDOS

Alex played Portal and Portal 2 on the Steam Deck while Luke played Portal: Companion Collection on the Nintendo Switch.

This episode is unofficially brought to you in part by CRT TVs.

The song "Still Alive" was written by Jonathan Coulton and performed by Ellen McLain for the 2007 video game Portal.

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Alex and guest hosts Isiah and Nick talk Stray.

Stray is an adventure platformer puzzler developed by Blue Twelve Studio and published by Annapurna Interactive. The story follows a stray cat who falls into a walled city populated by robots, machines, and mutant bacteria, and sets out to return to the surface with the help of a drone companion called B-12.

Stray was announced in 2020 and became highly anticipated. Following some delays, it was released on 19 July 2022, for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Windows. It received generally positive reviews, with particular praise directed at its artistic design, cat gameplay, narrative, original score, and platforming elements; critics were divided on the combat and stealth sequences.

Isiah and Nick played Stray on their Windows PCs. Alex also played a little of the game on PC, but primarily played on the Steam Deck.

This episode is unofficially brought to you in part by Nurses.

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Luke and Alex talk about using video games to inspire students into following career paths.

Work work work. In this companion podcast for the Low five Education Project, Alex and Luke go into further detail of Luke’s article on epistemic gaming and using video games to model jobs. Each brother goes over their experience with career modeling and/or inspiration from their experiences within schooling before explaining what epistemic games are. In addition to epistemic games, Alex and Luke highlight various games they believe build real career skills and motivations as well as some of the specific skills they help build.

Games mentioned include: Cities: Skylines, iPlan, Sports games (Franchise mode, career modes) and more. 

Participation and/or feedback is encouraged!

Access Luke's capstone project at lowfivegaming.com/education.

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