From the second the title faded from my 19 inch Zenith CRT and the opening montage began, I was an insta-fan of Fina Fantasy 3/6. Nothing could have prepared me for the epic adventure that awaited me. An experience rich with high drama, interesting characters, engrossing gameplay and a story for the ages, FF3/6 remains one of my Top 5 games of all time. Anyone who's played this world class RPG has a similar story. So, let's hear them! On Part 1 of our multi part exploration of Final Fantasy 3/6,...
Jul 08, 2024•1 hr 38 min•Ep. 106
Before I spend the next month and a half speaking all sorts of sugar about Final Fantasy 6, I figured I'd fill in the time with a quick pod update and AMA session. Silly questions get answered seriously, life mistakes are shared, and somehow I end up blathering about Cheez-Its. Questions Provided By: My Discord Mike Albertin of Games My Mom Found Phillip Cipherxzero The Let's Play Princess Distorted_Illumination Kev Gamer's Week Patron Only Discord EMOesque wrytersview Zach Hugethanks Sir Coffee...
Jul 01, 2024•48 min
When I asked Justin Hamm of The Stage Select Podcast which game he would like to do for Tales From the Bargain Bin, he immediately responded, "NBA All Star Challenge on the SNES". Almost too quickly. Turns out, Justin was trying to exorcise some 16-bit demons 'cause this is - whew - this is a game. Join Justin and I as we play "Guess the Team", bemoan the dunk button and spend an hour working through trauma, one feature at a time. STARRING: Justin Hamm of the The Stage Select Podcast (@TheStageS...
Jun 24, 2024•55 min
While North American gamers dined on Mystic Quest, our pals in the East were chowing down on Final Fantasy 5. Full of customization, intrigue and a killer soundtrack, this game was often considered unattainable aside from emulation and a handful of re-releases. Is this game worthy of celebration or did Square do us Western fans a huge favor? Find out in this week's episode! STARRING (all handles from Twitter) Aiden Moher (@adribbleofink) Barry Carenza of Premium Edition Games (@HawkHellfire) Gre...
Jun 17, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 105
While Final Fantasy was already a Japanese phenomenon, things here in the states were slower to gather steam. FF4 did well in stores, but nowhere near the numbers overseas. So, what to do with Final Fantasy 5? Release this complex, job heavy dungeon crawler to a market not ready for it or maybe soften the blow. Just a bit. That lighter game became Final Fantasy: Mystic Quest, a stripped down version of the Final Fantasy formula made accessible to everyone. By combining the bare bones of an RPG w...
Jun 10, 2024•55 min•Ep. 104
As we put a bow on our virtual round table regarding Final Fantasy 4, there's still so much to discuss. In this, the third and final installment on FF4, we take a shotgun approach to the stories by sharing - well - all the things we didn't on the previous episodes. We talk themes, story, logos, sound effects, and one particularly nasty wall in this omnibus episode. STARRING (all handles from Twitter) Barry Carenza of Premium Edition Games (@HawkHellfire) Greg Sewart of the Player One Podcast and...
May 27, 2024•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 103
Last week, we started the FF4 fire by documenting our initial impressions. On this week's episode, we go deeper into the big (and small) moments that left an impact along with the characters that made this SNES launch title a game to remember. STARRING (all handles from Twitter) Barry Carenza of Premium Edition Games (@HawkHellfire) Greg Sewart of the Player One Podcast and Generation 16 (@sewart) John Trenbeath (@crazyjohnt) Julian Titus (@julian_titus) of The Stage Select Podcast (@StageSelect...
May 20, 2024•1 hr 36 min•Ep. 102
In the winter of 1991, Final Fantasy 2 stormed onto North American shores as an SNES launch title and was met with middling enthusiasm. US gamers were too busy stomping Goombas and driving hovercrafts to worry about turn based combat and wandering in circles. But for those who took the plunge, they discovered not only a love for the series but a new genre to adore. Join myself and a host of fans as we share our earliest recollections and memories of Final Fantasy 2 - I mean, 4. STARRING (all han...
May 13, 2024•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 101
Wrestling and videogames. The two combined conjures up images of late night sleepovers hopped up on Jolt Cola, Pixie Sticks and sweaty man-beasts. But for two brothers in Northern New Jersey, our first blush with digitized pugilism was M.US.C.L.E. on the NES. Join Bobby and I as we explore old wrestling games, Fallout, obscure manga, and diminutive plastic collect-em-all figurines from the late 80's. Play M.U.S.C.L.E. in browser here: https://www.retrogames.cz/play_059-NES.php My Website: agamer...
May 06, 2024•36 min
When Mario's Claymation visage first landed in my mailbox in the summer of 1988, I was a Nintendo fan. After tearing into that inaugural issue of Nintendo Power, I was a devotee. On this episode of A Gamer Looks at 40, I chat with the architect of this incredible periodical, Gail Tilden. During our conversation, we discuss her beginnings in the industry, the creation / curation of the magazine, and the unique culture that allowed Nintendo Power to become a window to a world of games I'd never ex...
Apr 29, 2024•55 min•Ep. 100
You think you know a guy. Podcast with him for almost 5 years, talk about Marvel movies, guest on almost 100 of his show's episodes. And then, in a time of need, when asked to suggest a game for a last minute Tales From the Bargain Bin, he foists this piece of junk upon me. That man is Mike Albertin of Games My Mom Found, the game is the Rocketeer for the SNES and if you know this strange shoot-em-up, you're already feeling my pain. Join Mike and I as we fail to talk about the movie, discuss Wor...
Apr 22, 2024•35 min
While we were stomping Goombas and hunting ducks, Japanese gamers were embarking on epic NES adventures. When the missing Final Fantasy 2 and 3 were finally released to the West, fans were excited. Finally, we could try those missing 8-bit epics without downloading sketchy emulators and learning Japanese. While the reality never lived up to the hype, the NES sequels earned the respect of the community, even if they didn't quite live up to the loft standards of 1 and 4. On this edition of A Gamer...
Apr 15, 2024•1 hr 46 min•Ep. 99
On Part 1 of our two part exploration of the original Final Fantasy, we talked intros and first impressions. For Part 2, we start by talking about the game's many inspirations and the amazing moments that blew our 10 year old minds. A mixed bag of topics that somehow ties into the overall theme of this series: Final Fantasy 1 is a classic for a reason, warts and all. Oh, and we talk about Warmech. Lots and lots of Warmech. STARRING (all handles from Twitter) Barry Carenza of Premium Edition Game...
Apr 08, 2024•1 hr 35 min•Ep. 98
When Final Fantasy hit North American shores in 1990, it sparked an RPG revolution in the West. Gamers like myself and many of my friends fell in love with the interesting mechanics, player expression, and overarching story. These days, Final Fantasy 1 feels like a relic of an era gone by. As a cultural artifact, it's significant but whether it's worth playing, even on the spiffy new re-masters, is under debate. But not on this podcast. Join over a dozen of my friends and fellow Final Fantasy fa...
Apr 01, 2024•1 hr 36 min•Ep. 97
Outside of The Legenda of Zelda, no videogame franchise is more closely tied to music than Final Fantasy. From emotional resonance to supporting gameplay to auditory storytelling, the themes of Final Fantasy are the stuff of legends. So much so, we've been listening to live orchestral versions of these pieces for decades. Enter Distant Worlds, a long running orchestra series that brings the music of Final Fantasy to the greatest stages in the world. Join series conductor and director Arnie Roth ...
Mar 25, 2024•42 min•Ep. 96
LJN The name alone brings shockwaves of terror to retro gamers everywhere. But what was it like back in the day? Join podcaster Michael Colby and I as we discuss three titles: The Uncanny X-Men, Wolverine, and Spider-Man: Return of the Sinister Six. And be sure to check out Michael's show Jack Billings Presents: Haunted Apartment Complex - https://open.spotify.com/show/1hi3mFv6Cezcf0WsmsTsxl?si=06eb950e96f94182 Support the show...
Mar 18, 2024•52 min
Last week, we looked at the various nuts and bolts of the Final Fantasy franchise to see what it structurally needed to be a member of the family. On this week's episode, we explore personal stories, connections made, and communities built over this landmark series of games. STARRING (all handles from Twitter) Aiden Moher (@adribbleofink) Carson Clark (@DesireeKorrupt) Josh of Still Loading Podcast (@StillLoadingPod) Julian Titus (@julian_titus) of The Stage Select Podcast (@StageSelectPod) Kyle...
Mar 11, 2024•1 hr 30 min•Ep. 95
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 @Da...
Mar 04, 2024•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 94
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. JOIN THE DISCORD!! --> https://discord.gg/PFd...
Nov 20, 2023•24 min
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 Von...
Nov 13, 2023•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 93
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 (@SNE...
Nov 06, 2023•1 hr 25 min•Ep. 92
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...
Oct 30, 2023•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 91
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 creati...
Oct 23, 2023•48 min•Ep. 90
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://troy...
Oct 16, 2023•52 min•Ep. 89
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 overflowin...
Oct 02, 2023•1 hr 25 min•Ep. 88
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 (@EarthBoundPo...
Sep 25, 2023•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 87
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...
Sep 18, 2023•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 86
Fuzzy Pickles! The first time a diminutive photographer stopped my game to take a snapshot of my team, I felt two things: joy and minor annoyance. Joy because it was a charming moment of connection for my crew and annoyance because I'm a modern gamer dad who has precious seconds to spare. But regardless of where I land, it was a big moment. On Part 2 of our ongoing Earthbound saga, my friends and I discuss their favorite moments, the great (and not so great) in-your-hands play and some odd side ...
Sep 11, 2023•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 85
When Earthbound landed on American shores in 1995, nobody knew quite to make of it. In an RPG landscape where Final Fantasy 6 and Chrono Trigger ruled supreme, a silly game about farts and fuzzy pickles didn't garner much interest. At least according to the marketing. Fast forward nearly 30 years, and Earthbound has grown from 16 bit outcast to the stuff of legends. On this initial decent into the heart of Giygas, a cast of 12 intrepid explorers share their initial impressions of the game, the a...
Sep 04, 2023•1 hr 38 min•Ep. 84
Hear ye, hear ye! Come hither and hear the latest going on's with the show, the schedule of upcoming episodes, a neat announcement and a wonderful AMA starring my charming wife. All sorts of frivolity on this week's episode. Thanks, as always, for listening! My Discord: https://discord.com/invite/SdaE4atGjC My Twitter: @agamerlooksat40 My Facebook: facebook.com/agamerlooksat40 My Insta: @agamerlooksat40 My Patreon: patreon.com/agamerlooksat40 My Email: agamerlooksat40@gmail.com My Phone Number: ...
Aug 28, 2023•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 83
