Side Story is a bi-weekly podcast about games and the stories we tell about them, presented by Friends at the Table and supported by our patrons at friendsatthetable.cash.
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With too many games coming out recently, Austin, Sylvi, and Dre had to determine a metric to decide which ones to cover on this week's episode. What makes the most sense? Maybe 'games relevant to ongoing Friends at the Table campaigns'? Or perhaps 'games that we've teased wanting to talk about in the past'? No, absolutely not. There is only one metric: Games that look sick as shit. Show Notes Marathon Thief Grapple "If you're hoping to make friends in Marathon like you can in Arc Raiders, expect...
With Austin separated from his microphone because of a snowstorm, Janine and Ali (who herself had to record on a travel mic) return to chat about the rise of Devices. You know? Gadgets? Geegaws? Retro emulation handhelds? Also, we have a classic Friends at the Table "Now is not the time for this diversionary topic" followed by 30 full minutes on the diversionary topic. It's a good podcast. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:03 Device Talk Begins 26:34 Palia Diversion Begins 55:11 Back to the Gadgets...
On Sunday 15th and Monday 16th of February 2026, we're going to be hosting ICEBREAKER, a two day fundraising marathon on twitch.tv/friendsatthetable to raise money for the Women's Foundation of Minnesota's Immigrant Rapid Response Fund! As Minnesota faces the brunt of a violent anti-immigrant crackdown, and ICE's cruelty continues to spread nationwide, we are inspired by the solidarity, community, and mutual aid demonstrated by those on the front lines of immigration justice. The WFM's Immigrant...
The winter is here and our love of warmth means that we're stuck inside, dreaming of greener pastures. Greener pastures like: "A train that you can make prettier" and "A frozen over dystopia where you are forced out into the cold to deliver pizzas and televisions." Hey, wait a minute... Show Notes Run Button's My Summer Car Let's Play Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:33 Spatial Puzzles (Kanoodle, IQ Gears, IQ Circuit) 08:10 Locomoto 27:19 Locomoto Full Game Spoilers 56:07 Easy Delivery Co. Support...
Happy 2026! We're kicking the year off (a little belatedly) with what would've been Ali's 2025 Main Story Award winning Silent Hill f. She's joined by Keith and Jack as they talk (with full spoilers) about the first new full length Silent Hill game in over a decade. Featuring Ali Acampora , Keith Carberry , Jack de Quidt Produced by Austin Walker Cover Art by A Liang Chan Music by Jack de Quidt...
Welcome to the inaugural Main Story Awards, Side Story's end-of-year sendoff to the games and topics that captivated our attention this year. Look forward to a new short episode Every Day This Week! Today you'll be hearing from Jack, Keith, and Austin as they discuss (the) Blue Prince, before Keith tags out for Sylvi, so that we can end the year chatting about Horses (the game and, briefly, the animal). Show Notes I Hope You Get To Live Your Entire LIfe As A Human Being by Harper Jay What Can Me...
Welcome to the inaugural Main Story Awards, Side Story's end-of-year sendoff to the games and topics that captivated our attention this year. Look forward to a new short episode Every Day This Week! Today you'll be hearing from Dre, Art, and Keith who are bringing us Yes Nostalgia! and No Nostalgia! awards! Featuring Keith Carberry , Andrew Lee Swan , and Art Martinez-Tebbel Produced by Austin Walker Cover Art by A Liang Chan Music by Jack de Quidt...
Welcome to the inaugural Main Story Awards, Side Story's end-of-year sendoff to the games and topics that captivated our attention this year. Look forward to a new short episode Every Day This Week! Today you'll be hearing from Keith, Janine, and Austin who are bringing us The Best-Yet Version of a Game That Isn't What I Truly Want Award! Show Notes Featuring Austin Walker , Janine Hawkins , and Keith Carberry Produced by Austin Walker Cover Art by A Liang Chan Music by Jack de Quidt...
Welcome to the inaugural Main Story Awards, Side Story's end-of-year sendoff to the games and topics that captivated our attention this year. Look forward to a new short episode Every Day This Week! Today you'll be hearing from Sylvi and Jack, who are bringing us the Feel the Love Award. Show Notes moon: Remix RPG Adventure moon Soundtrack: Heads in the Clouds Featuring Jack de Quidt and Sylvi Bullet Produced by Austin Walker Cover Art by A Liang Chan Music by Jack de Quidt...
Welcome to the inaugural Main Story Awards, a week long showcase where we make up awards to give the games and topics that really took center stage for us this year, and which we felt like deserved a little more attention than they already got on the show this year. It's not a traditional game of the year, but we did try to restrain ourselves to a single game or topic each, which means that there are definitely some things that were big that didn't get included. We'll have a short episode every ...
Side Story only exists because of support from listeners like you. Go to friendsatthetable.cash to support us! Today we explore a bevvy of different worlds: 2.5D fantasy realms, alien FMV planets, and a land of climate apocalypse and raw nerve paranoia. Wait, that last one is... it's kind of sounding familiar. Oh well, get in, buckle up, and make sure to bring your favorite childhood food, because we've got places to go. Games discussed this episode: The Octopath Traveler series, Blippo+ , No, I...
Mysterious internet occurances abound this week on Side Story. Mysteries like "What is the dark secret of the famed Roottree family, Pittsburghian candy magnates" and "Why did Austin's connection totally fall apart before we could reach the second half of the podcast?" Like all good mysteries, the twists and turns are just as exciting as the answer, as a stunning second segment appears, drawing the listener (you) in closer... closer... ever closer, until it is too late. Support us on Patreon! Sh...
Between the barter system and the coin, there were other currencies. Cyrus the Great's Achaemenid Empire, which would one day stretchout from the Iranian plateau as far west as Egypt and north as the Aral Sea, used silver bullion when this-for-that wasn't an efficient enough means of trade. Could you decide who's paying for lunch on a flipped silver bar? Unsure. Perhaps, slightly later, the 'knife money' of the Zhou Dynasty or Old Chosŏn would be better suited for such chance game. Perhaps they ...
This episode contains an extended conversation about the death of a pet. See the chapters below for time stamps. What makes a city good? Is it walkability? A wide variety of dining options? A good chance that while you're on your way to work, you'll bump into between five and seven little creatures, teaming with elemental power? Well if it's that last one, we've got the city for you. Rent may be high, but so are the Pidgeys. Show Notes Skyehoppers' Pokemon video essays: Pokémon Black & White...
The ocean is draining. Where is it going? Is there a drain down there? Is someone drinking it? Wouldn't they be getting very thirsty? I guess there are lizardly astrologists and coral-covered automatons, so maybe there is someone who can drink the sea. Hard to say. Hard to say. This show wouldn't be possible without your support. Please consider supporting us at https://www.patreon.com/friends_table . Show Notes Endless Legend 2 UI/UX Next Steps Endless Legend 1 Screenshots Endless Legend 2 Scre...
Take a deep breath in. Can you smell it? That's right, the summer is finally behind us, and we can turn to the finer things of the autumn: Genetic splicing, cursed relics, and hobby-kit helicopters. Make a warm drink and settle in. The crisp air of the fall is going to take us many places. Show Notes The Making of Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion No Man's Sky: Oasis Island Chapters 00:00 Introduction 08:30 The Saboteur 11:31 Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion 01:03:23 Strange Antiquities 01:29:44 No...
This week in a special double-part episode, Ali, Dre, and Janine retun from the windy climes of Zephyr Town to tell us about the highs and lows of running a weekend produce market in Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar. Then, with the sort of clarity that only comes in the immediate aftermath of COVID recovery, Austin descends into the strange, probabalistic dungeons of Sol Cesto only to find Jack with a mouth full of strange, cursed teeth. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:39 Story of Seasons: Grand Ba...
Austin and Janine finally discuss Popucom, a charming co-op action-puzzler praised for its clever design, hidden collectibles, and peculiar lore, despite its understated market presence. Sylvie then shares her extensive experiences with Cyber Knights: Flashpoint, a complex turn-based tactics game from Trese Brothers, highlighting its detailed heist team management, emergent narratives, and unique blend of stealth and combat, drawing comparisons to XCOM and Shadowrun while emphasizing its distinct social simulation.
This episode delves into the evolving world of virtual pets, from the classic Tamagotchi to the advanced Tamagotchi Uni and the back-to-basics Paradise. It explores how these devices serve as both games and accessories. The discussion then shifts to Pop Mart's Labubu blind boxes and their controversial "Pop Now" app, highlighting the increasing gamification of chance and gambling mechanics in mainstream collectibles, raising concerns about consumer manipulation and economic anxieties.
Join Austin, Janine, and Jack as they recap their V Rising adventures, from killing Dracula and building vampire castles to navigating its intricate blood and prisoner systems. They then pivot to a comprehensive look at Death Stranding 2, exploring its improved traversal, dynamic environment, and the new challenges posed by BTs. The discussion also touches on Hideo Kojima's distinctive narrative style, his portrayal of characters and bodies, and the socio-political themes of connection and corporate power in his latest work.
Join Side Story for a deep dive into sports games, from the unexpected similarities in gacha titles like Uma Musume and Pokemon to the mechanics of traditional simulations like MLB The Show and NBA 2K. The discussion explores how evolving game design, player individualization, and competitive metas mirror real-world sports, while also critiquing the impact of microtransactions and monetization. The episode reflects on the broader cultural context of sports, including nationalism, industry issues, and the tension between play and profit.
Austin, Keith, and Dre dive into their experiences with Elden Ring: Nightreign, detailing its fast-paced roguelike gameplay and co-op boss fights. They then discuss Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma, exploring its blend of farming, RPG, and village management, its unique aesthetic, and character design. The episode also touches on broader topics like gaming monetization, sports betting ethics, and the evolution of games like No Man's Sky.
The crew expresses frustration with the Summer Games Fest showcases, focusing on greenwashing attempts and questionable marketing tactics exemplified by games like Eloin: Quest of Time. They also discuss broader industry trends like live service conservatism and player expectations before transitioning to a deep dive into Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time, comparing its streamlined gameplay and expanded scope to the original while lamenting a perceived loss of narrative depth.
The Side Story crew dives deep into Blue Prince, the first-person puzzle game set in a mysterious, ever-changing mansion. Hosts Austin, Sylvi, and Keith discuss the game's run-based, tile-placement mechanics, its intricate puzzles, and the frustration and eventual mastery of its RNG. They unravel the complex narrative layers, exploring the character backstories, geopolitical history of Orindia, and the post-game mysteries. The conversation touches on favorite puzzles, item strategies, and the game's unique, open-ended conclusion.
The Friends at the Table crew dives into the French surreal RPG Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, discussing its art style, combat mechanics, and narrative themes. They also explore Echo Point Nova's movement-focused FPS gameplay, the Infinity Nikki boycott, Arc Raiders tech test, and the documentary-style game Despelote. The episode concludes with a discussion on game design and personalization.
The Friends at the Table crew discusses various video games, starting with the farming sim Fields of Mistria and its unique characters and gameplay elements. They then delve into Skin Deep, a stealth action game by Blendo Games, highlighting its comedic systems and immersive sim qualities. Finally, they explore the Lunar Remastered Collection and its nostalgic appeal, along with upcoming farm/life sims like Rune Factory and Fantasy Life.
What would you do if you were a little digital guy, running around in a Tron or Reboot style game world? Would you solve puzzles and investigate the myserious of the mansion-that-would-be-your-inheritence? Would you stalk the bogs of Britain, evading authoritarian robots and hunting for giant batteries? Or perhaps you would commit yourself to the noblest of goals, God's One True Task: Repeatedly raising and lowering all four windows of your Hyundai IONIQ 5, one at a time, while repeatedly taking...
This episode introduces 'Side Story,' a new podcast from Friends at the Table focusing on video games and the stories they tell. The hosts explore Soulframe and Warframe, comparing their gameplay, progression systems, and unique aesthetics. They also dive into Repo, praising its physics-based comedy and innovative mechanics, while discussing the challenges of balancing horror and humor in gaming.
