Co-Op Mode Reviews

Final Fantasy was originally the "swan song" for then, SquareSoft, now known as Square Enix, as they were about to become bankrupt. Hence the name, "Final Fantasy." Final Fantasy 1 was released in December of 1987. It became a smash hit which spawned numerous entries within the franchise. Fast forward to 1994, the "golden" era of 16bit games. Final Fantasy 6, known as Final Fantasy 3 in America, has become one of the most talked about entries and viewed as a must have in the SNES library. Mike is joined by Trevor and Justin ('veterans' of the conversation) to converse whether not FFVI is worth all of the praise and stands the test of time in gaming. We hope you enjoy the episode!Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/coopmodereviews)

Mike, Dan and Joe are joined by composer, Rich Vreeland aka Disasterpeace, to discuss his experience about the production and playthrough of the game. It goes without saying how incredibly humbling it was to have Rich on the show. We hope you enjoy your time as much as we did. A video version is available on YouTube. Thanks for listening! Developed by Heart Machine. You can purchase the soundtrack here. Keep an eye out for Heart Machine's and Disasterpeace's next game, Solar Ash.

After it's departure from various online retailers in 2014, the re-release of Scott Pilgrim vs. The World has rejoiced to commemorate its ten year anniversary. Mike, Jake, Neal and Joe fans of everything related to Scott Pilgrim, willingly, paid again, specifically for the online aspect, to play the game as a group. However, there are more issues than Scott dealing with his seven evil ex's: the internet.Enjoy the episode!If you're in love with the music, you can purchase it here. (Amazon)Also, you can witness Neal's platforming dilemma along with the deadly balls of steel. Good times.

It has been a "minute" since a point and click adventure game was discussed on the show. Mike, Lili, and Dan discuss Artifex Mundi's title, My Brother Rabbit. It's a story revolving around a brother trying to comfort his sister due to an illness by utilizing his stuffed rabbit. The conversation revolves around how the beautifully surrealistic world is crafted incorporating elements of the narrative to convey the mood of the situation along with how the game provides no form of text - exception to the main menu - or auditory clues on the challenging puzzles to solve. Oh! The music is exceptionally well-crafted too. Enjoy the episode!

The beat 'em up genre continues! Jake Baker, guest on Streets of Rage 4, comes back to discuss an anime infused girl power centered RPG like fighting game that has "flown" under the radar. Prior to the main discussion, Jake talks about his progress through The Last of US 2 (spoiler free!) along with the ever so popular party title, Fall Guys. Take a listen as the guys discuss the official sequel to River City Ransom.Cheers!Jake's Podcast, Clear Tinted Classics, can be found here:SpotifyAnchorYouTube

It has been 26 years since the last iteration from this well-known Sega born franchise. Skepticism shrouded around the first trailer back in 2018 along with wonderment on whether not this was simply a cash grab or a game developed with passion and care. Mike, Jake, and Matt, fans of the franchise, discuss their history with the series as well get "bare knucklin'" on why Streets of Rage 4 is a successful and worthy installment in the franchise.

The Resident Evil franchise seemed to be in a funk for a certain period of time after the release of RE4. RE7 breathed new life into the franchise returning to form - and then some - with its unsettling atmosphere, claustrophobic environments, and an unraveling of your missing loved one. Enjoy the episode!

"Whackin' people off" - In this critically and commercially successful "gem", the guys engage a divisive conversation pertaining Hollow Knight's gameplay. All the while, the game receives universal praise from the group regarding the aesthetics especially the music which was wonderfully composed by Christopher Larkin. Enjoy the episode!

“Mobile Delight” – It's rarity that a mobile game gets discussed on the podcast, but the buzz surrounding this charming game was hard to pass up. Enjoy the episode!

“BOY.” – When God of War was announced for the PS4 the reception among the guys was lackluster due to that its previous nature was "samey" and tired of the two-dimensional character. Upon its release, the word spread fast how God of War is easily one of the best PS4 games. Listen as to why the guys say the hype is real. Enjoy the episode.

“Lucha-tastic!” – In 1994, Super Metroid, the popular and highly regarded SNES title, still plays a major impact in the video game industry. Not as its own entity, but it has inspired developers to use its formula with their own spin. Drinkbox Studios did just with their light-heartedness take on Mexican culture where the player controls an El Luchador to save the president’s daughter from an evil skeleton donning a mariachi suit, Carlos Calaca. The guys look forward to the sequel which is due out in 2018 soon-ish.

“Try this new penis out" - World War II is without a doubt one of the most famous wars in American history. Though, how many times in video games – even film – can that story be told and not become flat? Wolfenstein: The New Colossus, the sequel to The New Order, takes that war infused with advanced technology and turns it upside down: the Nazis are the victors. With its ‘colorful’ characters and engaging narrative, The New Colossus is a concoction of absurdity but yet manages to ‘ground’ its characters. One more thing. The guys reassure that there are good people within the Nazis/alt-right group……PFFT. Yeah right. F ‘em. Enjoy the episode!

“Swept under the rug" - With its release back in November 2016, Dishonored 2 didn’t necessarily have the gravitas for an immediate day one purchase. It offers more of what the first Dishonored game gave the audience, but with a few gameplay tweaks, beautiful art and set design, the second installment has proven to be a delightful successor for the gents.

“ah crap" - Naughty Dog’s capability of providing a quality product to the gamers goes without question. Its latest installment, Uncharted 4, received mixed reactions at its E3 reveal. The reliance on previously established franchises from the prior generation of consoles came with some fatigue. Though, the question at hand was, did there need to be another Uncharted game? Surprisingly, the answer is yes. And not only that, it’s the better, if not the best, of the franchise. Listen to see if you agree. Enjoy the episode!

“30 Years” – 2017 was and is a milestone for several reasons: a newly released Zelda entry, the first Zelda title hit store shelves, SEVENTY episodes and FIVE years of yours truly. Needless to say it was a time to celebrate. With that in mind, we chose a game that kicked off the title into stardom not only for itself, but for future games to come. We felt that it was appropriate to add a couple more guests to the show, Joe Wood and Matt White, to talk about this beloved title and franchise. We send our gratitude to the past guests on the show and to our listeners. We love what we do: play video games and chat about them. Thanks and enjoy the episode!

“Underwater Journey” – In this episode, the guys chat about Giant Squid’s visually sumptuous title, Abzû. Through and through, the game feels familiar with its visual presentation and the gameplay mechanics. Even with that said, the guys still found their aquatic adventure still worth the time even if it doesn’t reach the highest of highs. Enjoy the episode!

“Lots of walkin’” – In 2013, The Stanley Parable received recognition and high praise for its writing and narration. With its witty narrator, the game reveals many layers showcasing its depth and commentary on the state of video games and or even life. Listen to the guys who are joined by guest host, Neal Lewis, of Gone Home fame to discuss the meaning of life…okay, that’s a bit of a stretch. Enjoy the episode!

"An unexpected surprise" - Licensed games can sometimes be iffy. Much like this entry, Shadow of Mordor, the talk was quiet until the game was launched. As soon as the game was within the consumers’ grasp the gaming community talked a lot of hype specifically for one element, the Nemesis System. While some of the guys share the similar enthusiasm about the game, the other gents are not really buying into the hype. Music is by Garry Schyman. We do not own the rights to the music. Tracks used, the gravewalker and could you really rest.

"Same hallway, different views" - Playdead's successor keeps it approach similar to their first game, Limbo. Both games have a young boy at the forefront navigating through a bleak world trying to unfold the story at hand through visual cues. The standard discussion takes place and dives deep into spoiler territory about the game's endings and themes the guys discovered. Enjoy the conversation!

"Gameplay and story are equals" - It's very common for games to be set up in a manner where the controller merely acts as just as a device to perform the actions of the character(s). Starbreeze Studios decided that the all aspects of Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons should be treated as equals. The big question at hand for the guys is, does the game's controller schematic work? Does it create the impact that the game wants the player to feel? Is the game better off being a co-op experience? These are some of the questions and more that the gentlemen discuss. In addition to the main feature, the guys catch up on other games they've been delving into in their spare time.

"It's safe." - After what seemed to be a definitive conclusion in Gears of War 3, Coalition releases the fourth entry - not counting Judgment - that continues the story twenty-seven years after the locust had fallen. Given the current trend with the Xbox One and PS4 titles, familiar franchises are on the rise but, haven't really offered anything new. The same can be said about Gears of War 4. Ben and Chris dissect the pros and cons of the fourth title in the franchise. Despite the step(s) back Gears of War 4 takes, the guys believe the trajectory it's on is a positive one. Enjoy the episode! We do NOT own the rights to the music. Music is from the Gears of War 4 soundtrack. Composer, Ramin Djawadi. Tracks: Anvil Gate and A Nightmare Reborn

"Same ol' story, but in space" - Just after the initial launch of the Wii, Nintendo launches its mascot into orbit creating yet another successful entry in the Mario franchise and platformer genre. With the core mechanics still in tact, Super Mario Galaxy is the best combination of old and new Mario games. Sit back and listen to Josh, Ben, and Mike discuss why this is regarded as one of the best entries in the Mario pantheon. Enjoy!

“Wait! That’s not moss!” – With its predecessors and exhilarating cinematic (father to son), Batman: Arkham Knight appeared that Rocksteady created an awe worthy entry in their Batman trilogy. Much to the surprise of the group, majority of the co-hosts found themselves to be taken aback by the game’s approach to scale, narrative, and game play. Check out why Batman: Arkham Knight is considered to be the weakest – still a good game – of the three. Enjoy!

"It's not just nostalgia." - With its debut in 1995, Chrono Trigger was the 3rd best selling game of that year. It was a delightful surprise to the gentlemen during their conversation. What is it that makes this one of the better - if not best - JRPG's in the history of games? Is it the presentation? Music? Art Direction? What was "magical" about the 16-bit era? All this and more is discussed with special guest, Trevor Frohberg, from FortLAN.org, who reminisces about the game but, also shares some gripes that maybe the game hasn't aged gracefully as some might think. Do enjoy the episode! Intermission - 59:43-1:02:20. Running Length - 02:00:24

An overview of the games the guys played last year in 2016. Enjoy the episode! Running Length - 01:10:30

“Never judge a game by its demo” – 2016 has a whirlwind of notable games. Blizzard’s Overwatch is one of the standouts for 2016. It’s a multiplayer game with no single player content. With its vibrant color palette, art direction, gameplay, and diverse characters, it makes it hard not to recommend a game of such quality to all gamers alike and the multiple platforms (Xbox One, PS4, and PC) it inhabits. Listen to Josh, Ben, and Mike as to why you should invest your money and time into it. Cheers, Love! The cavalry is here! Running Length - 01:10:30

“Up In Flames” – Taking a similar idea from Aliens, a group of marines encounter an onslaught of Aliens, one would think the idea of being in the shoes of a marine facing an abundant of these creatures would be a delight. Shockingly. It’s the exact opposite. Ben and Mike discuss their brief stint with the game leading to one conclusion: don’t play it. Running Length - 33:50

“It has moments” – After its successor, Dead Space 2, the third installment sets Isaac Clarke to find the necromorphs home world to destroy the markers. Along the way he encounters a cult, The Unitologists, that believe the markers are way of humanity’s form of rebirth. As Mike and Ben played co-op throughout the entire campaign plus the DLC, Awakened, they realized while the gameplay mechanics were still fun, the narrative was flat as was the characters.

“It’s hyper everything” – Needless to say Bayonetta is one of a kind when it comes to presentation. The game has no boundaries and pushes the level of insanity to another level. It’s over-the-top-addicting gameplay drew the guys in paired with ‘Final Fantasy’ like visuals. Bayonetta may come off as a slim vixen on the surface but, the game gradually reveals that she is more than just hyper-sexual character which defied the pre-existing notions that the guys may have had in the first place. Prior to the feature the guys discuss some Overwatch and Uncharted 4. Also, a heads up regarding E3 and a plug for FortCON. Enjoy!

“Just scraping by to get the ‘first down'” – Ben and Mike began the Trine adventure nearly a year ago. Finally, they have completed the second Trine installment which have left them a tad lukewarm due to a lack of intuitive puzzle designs, gaming the game on numerous occasions and buggy controls. Despite the apparent flaws, the game possesses beautiful environments and the score are something to be admire hinting at the idea that beneath the issues lies a wonderful game.

“It’s like a bunch of 8 year old kids kicking a soccer ball” – Rocket League came to be one of the biggest surprises in gaming of 2015. Mike and Ben are joined by the rest of Three Shot Podcast, Ryan Pickard and Steve Clark. They discuss why its arcade like game play, over the top concept and the ‘just one more time’ addiction made the game to be a massive success.

“Can love really bloom on the battlefield?” – Join Solid Chris and Big Boss Ben in a very special Espy-less episode where the two boo’s discuss the 2014 prequel Metal Gear Solid V Ground Zeroes and 2015’s Metal Gear Solid V The Phantom Pain in painstaking detail. Will they find out the secret of The Phantom Pain? Will Ben reveal his true love for Chris? Will Chris break his heart and leave him for another? Find out in this very episode! Spoiler alert as always! Thanks for listening!

“Adding more 9s and 10s on top of more 9s and 10s” – In 2004 – another great year for games – Half Life 2 became a phenomenon for gamers who have elicited an outcry for a third installment which has yet to come. Meanwhile, this is the first play through for one of the guys on the show while the others reminisce their experience upon its initial release and whether or not it holds up to current gaming nowadays. Enjoy the episode!

"FOR SHOVELRY!" - Josh, Ben and Mike talk about Yacht Club Games Kickstarter sensational platformer, Shovel Knight. In this episode the guys discuss how the 8-bit wonder borrowed and was influenced from some of the most recognizable late 80s and early 90s titles such as the Mega Man series, Ducktales and so on. They touch upon the nostalgia factor along with how it feels like a blast from the past and how the other wasn’t raised with the first generation of Nintendo. After the main feature they discuss what they’re currently playing and reveal that the show’s format will change, sort of.

Tomb Raider was a series that came off very middling and didn’t seem to excite gamers for when the next installment hit shelves. 2013 was a different story. With its reveal at an E3 conference all the ho-hum, sighing and eye-rolling disappeared. The developers, Crystal Dynamics, breathed new life into the franchise which immediately caught people’s attention, rightfully so. The guys touch upon aspects such as the controlling mechanics – Lara doesn’t operate like a tank anymore – to how Lara is actually a full fledged person and to its representation of females in the gaming community. Enjoy the episode! Runnging Length - 1:26:27

On the surface Gone Home doesn’t look like much with its dated visuals. Though, unlike the majority of titles that are on store shelves or readily for digital distribution Gone Home tackles thematic elements about life such as sexuality, relationships, growing up, etc that most games don’t address or if they are mentioned it’s brief. In this episode the guys are joined by Neal Lewis from Oops, All Movies! to dissect and relive nostalgic elements that they too recall from the 1990’s and ponder its thematic hefts.

“A man who never eats pork buns is not a whole man” – Josh has vanished into the shadows preying on those who prey on the weak. Not really. Sadly, life got the best of him and he was unable to make it for this episode. Though, with it being a listener’s choice the guys have Michael Montalvo on the show discussing this 2-D stealthy platforming action based game highlighting why it’s one of the better stealth based games on the market and that it did one thing right: being a ninja is awesome. Enjoy!

“Hong Kong action movie” – In what appears to be a typical GTA (Grand Theft Auto) knock off with some Hong Kong flavor, Sleeping Dogs gave the guys a nice surprise for their monies worth. While acknowledging that the game doesn’t really offer anything new to the open world based game the game was still has enticing features that’s worth discussing. With Chris missing the action – unfortunately – the rest of the group are joined by two other individuals including the listener who chose the game, Dan Kinnaley. Enjoy the episode!

“The journey not the destination” – Ben and Mike continue their journey through Ninja Theory’s library of work in preparation for the latest/recent entry, Devil May Cry (DMC) reboot, which is to come in the future. Mike and Ben highlight the fantastic production value, performances (give Andy Serkis an award already), the rather somewhat lackluster combat (surprisingly), and the company’s ability to be “one and done”. On top of that, the guys talk about their other video game endeavors. Ben plays Earthbound for the first time and Mike gives his thoughts on Kingdom Hearts 2.5 HD Remix (Kingdom Hearts 2). Enjoy the episode!

“Tag team” – Metro Last Light boasts itself with it’s presentation giving the player what seems to be AAA title when in fact its an indie title. While the presentation is impressive polarity is palpable amongst the guys. Prior to the main feature Chris talks about his new venture with the Xbox One and its features. Sit back and enjoy the episode! Also, we apologize in advance for the audio quality of this episode. The MP3 Skype Recorder did not function properly creating inadequate audio levels. Again, we apologize for the quality. We hope it’s not too distracting. Thanks!

“A benchmark in Bioware’s History” – Jade Empire is the game that the general community has largely forgotten unlike their other properties: Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic and the Mass Effect Trilogy. With this listener’s choice, Michael Shanabarger, the guys delve back into what they believe to be the precursor of Bioware’s ever evolving confidence in creating their own IP, moral system, combat, etc. Sit back and enjoy this lengthy episode as the gentlemen talk about this overlooked game. Enjoy!

“Goddess of War” – Coming off the God of War “high”, Mike and Ben embark on another hack ‘n slash adventure with the stoic heroine, Nariko. Heavenly Sword came out roughly a year after the initial launch of the PS3 (2007). The 2007 release came right after the first God of War entry. (Starting to understand why we chose this game?) *Nudge* *Nudge*. The guys draw comparisons, emphasize and admire the visuals, and believe the ambition from Ninja Theory is endearing. Prior to the review, Mike and Ben discuss the immaturely titled game, Hatred, which has garnered copious amounts of unwelcoming reactions. Enjoy!

“Blow more loads” – The God of War franchise spawned right on the brink of the now previous gen console, Playstation 3. It wasn’t until 2010 when the concluding chapter in the God of War saga came to fruition. The new “face lift”, tight gameplay, and epic set pieces made the third installment thee all to be all. However, some of its demons, so-to-speak, still managed to find a way to affect certain gameplay mechanics that caused a bit of frustration for the guys. Prior to the main feature Josh briefly reviews the previous game, FEZ. It’s time to get bloody and seek revenge on the Gods! Enjoy!

At face value FEZ comes off as what seems to be a simple 8-bit side-scrolling puzzle platform game that has a few tricks up its “sleeve”. Little did the guys know that the game is significantly much more in depth than they perceived it to be. The guys touch upon how the game harnesses familiar retro like mechanics, its wonderful aesthetics, and how it possibly may be one of the most challenging games discussed on the podcast. Enjoy the episode!

Naughty Dog is a prominent developer within the gaming community. The company has evolved since their Crash Bandicoot days venturing into new territories with Jak and Dexter, Uncharted (the modern day Indiana Jones), to the post apocalyptic world of The Last of Us. The Last of Us has garnered critical fame not only for the PS3, but also for its re-release on the PS4. The guys discuss this critical darling and found themselves to be in the same “camp” as everyone else.

It is a period of civil war in the galaxy. Two young Jedi, Chris Lowe and Ben Tiede, embark on a two-episode journey to find balance in the Force as they finish each Star Wars Dark Forces game in the Jedi Knight/Kyle Katarn series. Part One includes Dark Forces, Dark Forces II: Jedi Knight, and Jedi Knight: Mysteries of the Sith.

In this “unique” episode the guys touch upon the most recent installment in the Hitman franchise, Hitman: Absolution (you’ll understand why it’s “unique”). After the review they discuss about E3 and their impressions of the conference. Enjoy!

In what would appear to be a bizarre cross-over between two companies – Square Enix and Disney – has widely become a fan favorite amongst the gaming community. It’s even to the point that it’s getting an “official” third title since E3’s 2013 announcement. Kingdom Hearts takes Disney and Final Fantasy characters while putting its own spin on it. In their second “side-quest” discussion, Ben and Mike who are polar opposites in this review, go in depth as to why one has such affinity for it and why the other didn’t enjoy himself while playing the game. In addition to the review, the guys give a big shout out to a friend of theirs who acquired a job at Telltale Games. Enjoy the episode!

A city underwater and that floats in the air. Irrational Games, has the ability to captivate its audience with their sense of atmosphere, alternate realities of historical events and or figures, and musical score. The guys are back to talk about Irrational Games last entry in the world of video games and the Bioshock universe. As the guys praise the world building, one in particular has a lot issues with the game claiming it’s not all the “rage” that most people claim to say. Prior to the feature the gents catch up and talk about one of the most hyped games of 2014, Titanfall. Kick back and enjoy this lengthy episode!

The Walking Dead has become a major sensation in other mediums such as comics and television. Telltale Games’ has become a developer to be reckoned with. Their point and click adventures have tackled big franchises such as Jurassic Park and Back to the Future. In this lengthy episode with special guest and friend, Ben Kuzmicz, the guys discuss one of Telltale Games’ biggest successors and whether if it captures the intensity like the other mediums if not better. Before the feature, the guys catch up talking about their other gaming adventures and news that have struck their fancy. Grab a drink, crank up the dial, and listen to the guys talk about this “walker” filled adventure. Enjoy!

2013 was a great year for the gentlemen. In this unorthodox of an episode, the guys recall some of their key moments that stood out ranging from certain events, announcements, and most talked about, etc. It’s not the “standard” list of the best and worst. It’s anything and everything. On behalf of Co-Op Mode Reviews, the guys express their gratitude for the amount of support they received from you, their listeners. They look forward to another awesome year of gaming and can’t wait to share their thoughts on up and coming games. Enjoy! Running Length - 1:49:11