Greetings from the depths of my emotional turmoil! OK, not that bad, but it's been a tumultuous few months in the Life of Tucker and this episode aims to set the record straight on exactly where I've been up to. TRIGGER WARNING: unfiltered talk of self harm, suicidal ideation, and religion in this emotionally bare episode. If you or someone you know is struggling with SI or SHI, help is a phone call / text / chat away at https://988lifeline.org/ or dial 988 on your US based phone. My Website: ag...
Jun 16, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 133
Another week, another conversation with a fascinating collector of retro videogame stuff! This week, Gamer Ahmer and I discuss her white whale finds, beloved pieces she'll never part with, and the amazing friendships found in the retro gaming community. Thanks for listening! STARRING: Gamer Ahmer! Follow her adventures on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@GamerAhmer My Website: agamerlooksat40.com My Discord: https://discord.com/invite/SdaE4atGjC My Twitter: @agamerlooksat40 My TikTok: @agamer...
May 19, 2025•58 min•Ep. 132
The sun is shining, the weather's warm and Grandma Ethel's cleaning out the attic. May is the Season of Garage Sales and in honor of this glorious time of bargain hunting, we'll be chatting with collectors all month long. This week, I have a conversation with the first collector I ever knew, the one and only Joe Coiro of JoeCade on YouTube. In this episode, we discuss collecting as a kid, touching memories, and the enduring quality of retro gaming. STARRING: Joe Coiro of JoeCade on YouTube https...
May 05, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 131
Time to talk about things! Join me as I answer a variety of questions from my friends on Discord, Twitter, and Blue Sky as well as share the immediate future of A Gamer Looks at 40. It's a fun show with some truly bizarre takes, all of them mine. Mwa ha ha ha ha! SONG COVERS KINGDOM HEARTS - Dearly Beloved | Classical Guitar Cover (Beyond The Guitar) by Beyond the Guitar - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xirqA74CI8g My Website: agamerlooksat40.com My Discord: https://discord.com/invite/SdaE4atGj...
Apr 28, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 130
Demons, monsters and elemental gems, oh my! Released in the same year as Donkey Kong Country, Mega Man X, and Super Metroid, this Capcom side scroller was a buried under an avalanche of classic titles. But one Julian of The Stage Select Podcast rescued this game from the bowels of a bargain bin and discovered one of the best experiences on the system. Join us as we discuss Firebrand, the Virtual Boy and the joys of mid-90's videogame magazine writing. STARRING: Julian Titus (@juliantitus.bsky.so...
Apr 14, 2025•41 min
Happy Start of Baseball! In honor of the beginning of the baseball season, my brother and I discuss a not-at-all bargain bin game that we still pop on today. With an enchanting mix of arcade speed and simulation depth, Ken Griffey Presents strikes the perfect balance of pick-up-and-play fun. An absolute blast of a game that I enjoyed discussing. Hope you dig the conversation! STARRING: Bobby Tucker My Website: agamerlooksat40.com My Discord: https://discord.com/invite/SdaE4atGjC My Twitter: @aga...
Apr 07, 2025•41 min
It's finished! Eleven exhausting episodes later, we've completed our journey through Final Fantasy 7. On this concluding edition we finish up the odds and ends section with some talk about mechanics, playing with friends, and a touching final story you'll need to hang until the end to enjoy. Thanks for going on this journey with me! STARRING (all handles from BlueSky or Twitter) Kyle of the RPG Show (@TheRPGPodcast) Julian Titus (@julian_titus) of The Stage Select Podcast (@StageSelectPod) Matt ...
Mar 31, 2025•1 hr 27 min•Ep. 129
It's almost over! After nearly three months of chatting, recording, and discussing, we're at the "random thoughts" section of the Final Fantasy 7 series. Join us as we chat materia, mini games, and that bizarre PC port of this world class RPG. STARRING Diana McQueen (@stormvexed on TikTok) Greg Sewart of the Player One Podcast and Generation 16 (@sewart) Ian of Nerds Abroadcast (@nerdsabroadcast) James and JJ of RetroFits on YouTube (@FitsRetro) Josh of the Still Loading Podcast (@StillLoadingPo...
Mar 17, 2025•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 128
Last week, Barry Carenza shared some impassioned takes on Final Fantasy 7 as a mini franchise in the larger Final Fantasy universe. This week, we have a one on one conversation with Justin Hamm as a counter point. Ranking as his favorite game of all time, FF7 not only marked the beginning of a love for RPG's, it became the catalyst of a lifelong love of the medium in general. STARRING Justin Hamm of The Stage Select Podcast SONG COVERS Stolen Materia (Final Fantasy VII) | Classical Guitar Cover ...
Mar 10, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 127
For the past few months, we've been speaking heaps of sugar about Final Fantasy 7. But it's not the perfect experience many fans my think. Taking up the position of someone less than enthusiastic about the game is co-founder of Premium Edition Games and co-host of the Nintendo Fuse podcast, Barry Carenza. On this episode, we talk about sky high expectations, FF7 as a franchise and the never ending, always chugging hype train. Join us, won't you? STARRING Barry Carenza (@HawkHellfire) of Premium ...
Mar 03, 2025•57 min•Ep. 126
More than the pillars of Cloud, Sephiroth, and Aerith, Final Fantasy 7 is filled to the brim with memorable moments, both big and small. On this week's episode, we discuss everything from dens of ill repute to epic slap fests in our attempt to paint the broadest FF7 picture in podcast history. Thanks for listening! STARRING (All handles from Twitter) Eddie Varnell (@thatretrocode) of the Boss Rush Network (@BossRushNetwork) Greg Sewart of the Player One Podcast and Generation 16 (@sewart) Kyle o...
Feb 24, 2025•1 hr•Ep. 125
As we continue down the road of dissecting Final Fantasy 7 like some bizarre Hojo experiment, we arrive at story and themes. From the opening tales of corporate greed and environmental espionage to the eventual themes of literal life versus death, there's a good deal to unpack in this PS1 classic. Listen, won't you? STARRING (all handles from Twitter) Eddie Varnell (@thatretrocode) of the Boss Rush Network (@BossRushNetwork) James and JJ of RetroFits on YouTube (@FitsRetro) John Trenbeath (@craz...
Feb 17, 2025•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 124
When lost in the dueling seas of Cloud and Sephiroth, it's easy to forget there's an entire cast backing them up. From the drama of Aerith to the strong-willed Barret, there's plently of gold to be mined in Final Fantasy 7's supporting players. On this episode, we share insights, personal stories, and multiple moments when our jaws hit the floor as we explore the diverse and amazing cast of Final Fantasy 7. STARRING (all handles from Twitter) Diana McQueen (@stormvexed on TikTok) Eddie Varnell (...
Feb 10, 2025•1 hr 35 min•Ep. 123
The two headed monster of Final Fantasy 7, Cloud and Sephiroth may be the ultimate one/two punch in the entire franchise. Two towering examples of style, power and intrigue, this dynamic duo takes control - and often overpowers - the balance of the cast. Is this for good, bad, or indifferent? Give this episode a listen to find out! STARRING (all handles from Twitter) Carson Clark (@DesireeKorrupt) Diana McQueen (@stormvexed on TikTok) Eddie Varnell (@thatretrocode) of the Boss Rush Network (@Bos...
Feb 03, 2025•1 hr 24 min•Ep. 122
Welcome back to our multi-month exploration of Final Fantasy 7! This week, we continue to share our first impressions and initial thoughts about this incredible, enduring title. Many thanks to all my guests who helped make this possible! STARRING (all handles from Twitter) Diana McQueen (@stormvexed on TikTok) Greg Sewart of the Player One Podcast and Generation 16 (@sewart) Ian (@teacherbloke James and JJ of RetroFits on YouTube (@FitsRetro) John Trenbeath (@crazyjohnt) Julian Titus (@julian_ti...
Jan 20, 2025•1 hr•Ep. 121
Before FF7, our first impressions of a game were generally in a home. Huddled around a CRT TV in a friends basement or stuffed on the family couch, experiencing games for the first time was an intimate experience. But with Final Fantasy 7, we had options. Store kiosks, demo discs, and even the occasional TV commercial. And as a result, our expectations were set accordingly. On this episode, we discuss the myriad of ways we first experienced the world of Cloud, Barret and Tifa and how those first...
Jan 13, 2025•53 min•Ep. 120
Final Fantasy 7 wasn't just a game release. It was the changing of an era. The moment when the franchise grew from fun games to media events. As a result, the marketing for FF7 reached unheard of levels for videogames at the time. And with the marketing came, unprecedented hype. On this episode of A Gamer Looks at 40, we share stories of what it was like to be knee deep in the late 90's media barrage and how this full court press shaped our perceptions of the game before we even hit the first lo...
Jan 06, 2025•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 119
BOOO! A few years back, I did a Halloween retrospective with my brother. Two years later, why not revisit this nostalgia well with my best friend Joey of Perfect Storm Gaming and Chase Brogan's YouTube channel. On this episode, we discuss terrible 80's costumes, the Trunk or Treat phenomenon, TV specials, UNICEF boxes, Halloween rituals, and traversing the New York City subway system. Enjoy and Happy Holidays! STARRING (all handles on Twitter): Joe Coiro of @PStormGaming and @RealChaseBrogan HAN...
Oct 28, 2024•57 min•Ep. 118
As I conduct hours upon hours in interviews for this show, occasionally a few clips get left by the wayside. Either they don't fit into a main episode or they're so random, there's simply no place for them to live. Enter Side Quests, an ongoing series where I take all those discarded comments and clumsily mush them together into a weird, wild episode. Enjoy! STARRING (all handles from Twitter) Carson Clark (@DesireeKorrupt) James and JJ of RetroFits on YouTube (@FitsRetro) Josh of Still Loading ...
Oct 21, 2024•55 min•Ep. 117
As we continue our extended breather from the monster Final Fantasy series, let meet Chase aka Retro Gaming Guy on YouTube. On this week's episode, Chase and I discuss the joy of arcades, his work in becoming a content creator and the power of community. Check out Chase's YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@OfficialChaseBrogan My Website: agamerlooksat40.com My Discord: https://discord.com/invite/SdaE4atGjC My Twitter: @agamerlooksat40 My TikTok: @agamerlooksat40 My Facebook: facebook.co...
Oct 07, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 116
A veteran of both the videogame journalism and podcasting space, Ben Magnet's seen it all. Join us as we chat about the early days of PC gaming, Pokemon, Sonic the Hedgehog and anything other than Final Fantasy. Enjoy! STARRING: Ben Magnet (@BenMagnet27) of @FakeNerdPodcast, @BAPAuseMenu, @FusionGameMag and @GoNintendoTweet. My Website: agamerlooksat40.com My Discord: https://discord.com/invite/SdaE4atGjC My Twitter: @agamerlooksat40 My TikTok: @agamerlooksat40 My Facebook: facebook.com/agamerlo...
Sep 23, 2024•43 min•Ep. 115
When Joe Coiro suggested Frogger II for a Tales From the Bargain Bin episode, I thought, "Great. An Atari 2600 game. How are we going to do a tight 30 minutes on Frogger?" Turns out that after over three decades of friendship, we can blather on about anything for any length of time. Join us as we discuss the early days of gaming, the expansive Frogger franchise, and other random tidbits of audio gobbledygook. STARRING Joe Coiro aka JoeCade of Perfect Storm Gaming and Retro Game Guy on YouTube. M...
Sep 16, 2024•48 min
Six months ago, The Well Red Mage asked me if Chrono Trigger is a Final Fantasy. From that innocent question grew a six month quest to mine the patience of my guests and test the temperance of my listening audience. On this episode, I ask a bunch of people if this episode should exist and through those questions, learn about the connective tissue between these two games. STARRING (all handles from Twitter) Chrono Katie (@ChronoKatie) Julian Titus (@julian_titus) of The Stage Select Podcast (@Sta...
Sep 09, 2024•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 114
Whew! After two long months of scouring Final Fantasy 6, we've reached the final episode. On this culminating edition, a wide variety of my FF6 friends share random thoughts, stories, and opinions that didn't make it into the main episodes. An Emperor Gesthal's banquet of content, if you will. Enjoy this last foray into the game! STARRING (all handles from Twitter) Aiden Moher (@adribbleofink) Chrono Katie (@ChronoKatie) Greg Sewart of the Player One Podcast and Generation 16 (@sewart) Julian Ti...
Sep 02, 2024•2 hr 12 min•Ep. 113
On the second half of our Final Fantasy 6 character discussion, we explore the stories and connections of Edgar, Sabin, Shadow, Gau and more. Seven episodes, one more to go in our exhaustive dissection of this legendary classic. Enjoy! STARRING (all handles from Twitter) Greg Sewart of the Player One Podcast and Generation 16 (@sewart) James and JJ of RetroFits on YouTube (@FitsRetro) J.R. Sommerfeldt (@sommerfeldt_r) Julian Titus (@julian_titus) of The Stage Select Podcast (@StageSelectPod) Mek...
Aug 26, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 112
Any discussion of Final Fantasy 6 would be incomplete without a thorough deep dive into the cast. From rakish rouges to magic infused generals to a loyal solider, the characters in FF 6 are as varied as they are intriguing. In this first part of our character exploration, we discuss Terra, Locke, Celes, and Cyan along with some general thoughts on the cast itself. STARRING (all handles from Twitter) Aiden Moher (@adribbleofink) Greg Sewart of the Player One Podcast and Generation 16 (@sewart) Ja...
Aug 19, 2024•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 111
In the midst of my nearly 20 interviews for this Final Fantasy 6 series, one conversation stood out as unique. And sometimes, those chats need to exist on their own. On this episode of A Gamer Looks at 40, we meet Mama Terra, an FF6 cosplayer whose story is so deeply interwoven with that of the game's green haired protagonist, the connection is undeniable and irreversible. Join us! STARRING: Mama Terra (.mama.terra on TikTok) SONG COVERS Terra's Theme Classical Guitar Cover | FFVI | Ottawa Guita...
Aug 12, 2024•47 min•Ep. 110
If you were to build a Mount Rushmore of Final Fantasy antagonists, Kefka Palazzo would have to be included. A mastermind of nihilism, this clown prince grows from general to deity in the space of Final Fantasy 6's runtime and through that growth, terrifies the world with his all encompassing power. And he's a hoot as well! Time to unravel the maniac in this episode of A Gamer Looks at 40! STARRING (all handles from Twitter) Greg Sewart of the Player One Podcast and Generation 16 (@sewart) Julia...
Aug 05, 2024•1 hr 24 min•Ep. 109
If Final Fantasy 6's World of Balance is an action movie of moving castles, flying airships and magical creatures, the World of Ruin is an anthology of indie character dramas. Focused more on finding the motivation to do right thing as opposed to the right thing itself, the back half of FF6 is a contemplative reflection of growth through tragedy. So, let's talk about it! On this week's episode, we discuss the major and minor moments of the World of Ruin and how they shaped our 16 bit experience....
Jul 29, 2024•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 108
Final Fantasy 6 is a tale of two stories. In this episode of A Gamer Looks at 40, we look at the first half of this epic tale, The World of Balance. Starting as a traditional rebellion vs the Empire story, the tale quickly morphs into a character study worthy of books, poems and film. Join a cast of friends and I as we explore the world before the fall. STARRING (all handles from Twitter) Aiden Moher (@adribbleofink) Greg Sewart of the Player One Podcast and Generation 16 (@sewart) James and JJ ...
Jul 15, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 107
