SideQuest Enthusiast

Tina Amini is not for this world—at least, that's the back-handed compliment she says her father gave her. But Editor-in-Chief at IGN is no stranger to the unusual, and in this episode of the pod, Tina talks about playing the spookiest games in the friendliest way, offers gamer-centric lifestyle tips, and considers the nuances of story, especially the scary ones. She also muses about Halloween traditions, a video game museum idea, and being a woman in gaming. That's assuming she's human—Kyle has some compelling suspicions that she may indeed be an alien (and even Tina might not be aware of it). Happy Halloween! Go follow Tina on Twitter and see her on Game Scoop, the only gaming podcast in the whole world.

Alanah Pearce has had quite the journey as a video game writer. From her earnest beginnings working in media as a journalist before diving into a variety of creative roles, Alanah has made a name for herself in gaming. Now, the Australia native is part of Santa Monica Studio's development team (God of War, Journey), Alanah comes to the show with plenty to reflect on when it comes to how all of her writing since childhood has led her to the AAA studio. Also, Kyle and Alanah chat lots about Pokémon, space travel, the future of narrative storytelling in games, and the mystery that is Australian Doritos. Follow her on Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, and Twitch @Charalanahzard. Lavender Town Trap Remix by DAM was featured in this episode.

Welcome to The Fetch! This is the debut episode of a new segment that premieres monthly, wrapping up gaming and nerd culture happenings from the past month, while also kicking it and talking about the fetch quests of real life. Kyle, aka Dr. Chillgood, is joined by his brother from another mother Marcus Alford, one of the hardest working lazy people you'll find in the whole world. Not just the city, the world. No, Gretchen will not be in any episodes. But we are trying to make fetch happen in her name. Streamer and content creator Marcus Alford is the worst streamer in the world, but don't think that's going to keep him from simultaneously being the best in the world. Marcus is the newest addition to the SQE family, but he's been friends with Kyle since elementary school. Kyle dates their true friendship to the amazing catch he made once during gym class, talking about that while contemplating what the last CD they ever burned was. As far as games are concerned, the two dope boyz revisit the casting for the Mario movie and why Chris Pratt might work as Mario given the history of animated video game movies. We consider if now is the time for an EA Big renaissance with the return of titles like NBA Street, FIFA Street, and SSX (but definitely not Def Jam: Fight for NY according to Marcus). They also gush about the classic games coming to Nintendo Switch Online, and Marcus reveals why he's such an Xbox hater.

In a world consumed by the pursuit of attention, likes, retweets, and clout stands a gem who cheerleads as intensely as anyone in the gaming world. Voice actor José Favela comes through the Land of Enthusia to talk about the journey into VO, from humble (and lucky) beginnings to speaking out a future into the universe that has gradually been coming true. After discussing the nuances of translating games from English to Spanish, José also sings praises for Celeste and its emotional impact. Follow José on Twitter @FavelaJ_VO.

Raheem “Mega Ran” Jarbo bills himself as a teacher, a rapper, and a hero. He's also a Guinness World Record holder, having recorded the most video game songs in the world. His records run deep, including new releases like Black Materia: The Remake, Maverick Hunters with Noveliss, and Ages, Vol. 2 in 2021. But in this episode, the debut of Season 2 of SideQuest Enthusiast, Mega Ran visits the Land of Enthusia to talk about his origins as told in his memoir Dream Master. “A former middle school teacher, Mega Ran (formerly Random) blends education, hip-hop, and gaming in amazing new ways, penetrating the farthest reaches of the galaxy with his unique rhyme style and electric performances.” His interdisciplinary art and vision are unprecedented, and how he's able to do all the things he does is a marvel to witness. Follow Mega Ran on Twitch, Youtube, and Twitter. Tune into his jams on SoundCloud and Spotify.

Michael P. Williams, a librarian, writer, editor, and lover of many things JRPG, swings by Enthusia to talk about the classic game Chrono Trigger. Released in 1995, the game has stood the test of time, but have we been overlooking the real meaning of Chrono Trigger all along? Twenty-six years later and revelations are abound: Chrono Trigger is a work of art that allows its players to interpret its messages in its own way, in the same way that the game affords many freedoms to its players that few JRPGs were doing back then. In the conversation, we take nostalgic dips into remembering our first playthroughs and then consider how the game is really about environmentalism and how Japan's preparation, experiencing, and recovering from the many natural and nuclear disasters that have happened over its history inform the game's story. There's also a lot of talk about how amazing Super Mario 64 and Final Fantasy 6 are. Follow Michael on Twitter and follow Boss Fight Books, too!

What is chaos? Like, what actually is it? And how is it relevant to gaming? Find out as Jessica Creane pays a visit to Enthusia in this episode of the pod. Here, Jessica talks about her company IKantKoan, a team of deep thinkers, creators, experts, and experimenters who thrive on creative and strategic challenges unique to boundary-bending work. Their work creates playful, purpose-driven work that connects folks to deep truths about themselves and the world. Whether it's through immersive theater or games on or off the screen, Jessica understands what it takes to not only create chaos, but to thrive in it. This episode gets really existential. So kick back with a glass of something and prepare to think outside your perfect little box. There's also a lot of Yoshi's Island love, too. Follow Jessica and IKantKoan on Twitter and Instagram, keep an eye out for her performances and shows, and check out her TED Talk, which we mention in the show.

What do cringe comedy, Star Wars, and video games all have in common? They're all tools CtrlAltQuin uses to kill with kindness—whether it's through charity streams, playing games with friends, or letting their emotions and vulnerabilities and impeccable truths spill while on camera. Quin, a trans, nonbinary person, prides themselves on not only their gift for comedy, their invaluable rap bars, but their ability to simply be themselves. Quin's success on stream is evidence of that, as they've put together a thriving, loving, and safe community. On this episode of the podcast, I got to speak with Quin on how to tell a good joke, how they got into streaming, and why Luke Skywalker ain't shit. Fair warning: By the end of the episode, you may find yourself craving chicken wings and ramen…all because you've realized how much you truly love yourself. Follow Quin on Twitter, Instagram, and Twitch @ctrlaltquin.

SideQuest Enthusiast supports the weebs…because we, too, are weebs. And with the 30th anniversary of the original Sailor Moon manga hitting the shelves this year, Victoria L. Johnson, aka Sailor Victoria, came through to talk about all things in the name of the moon. Johnson is the creator and host of the Sailor Moon Fan Club podcast. She's also a pop culture journalist with bylines in Complex, Vulture, Vibe, Mashable, and co-hosted the podcast Nerds on Hip-Hop. She comes through the Land of Enthusia to talk about the nostalgia of Sailor Moon and how her love for the show and video games have come together, and the hustle of starting an ambitious project. Then, Victoria and Kyle daydream about their ideal Sailor Moon video game, because we haven't seen a legitimate entry since Sailor Moon R: Another Story for Super Nintendo in 1995. Follow Sailor Victoria on Twitter and Instagram @missoldskool. Listen to the Sailor Moon Fan Club at sailormoonfanclub.com, and follow on Twitter and Instagram @mooniesclub.

What's it like making a video game? Even better question: what's it like writing a video game? Filmmaker, photographer, and game maker Davionne Gooden swings by the Land of Enthusia and talks about his game She Dreams Elsewhere, “a surreal adventure RPG about dreams and the extent to which they mirror reality. You play as Thalia, an anxiety-ridden, comatose woman who delves into her dreams and confronts her inner nightmares in order to finally wake up… It's a deeply personal narrative dealing with real-world themes such as mental health and self-identity combined with strategic turn-based combat, mind-bending levels, and a surreal, visually-striking world ripe for exploration.” Davionne gives us a look inside his process into writing, what his inspirations are, and how great (and challenging) it is to make a game that has all the homies in it. He also compares filmmaking with game making and how the two are both very similar and very different at the same time. Be sure to try the demo of She Dreams Elsewhere on Steam and Itch.io. The game is slated to be released in 2021 on Steam, PC/Mac, Xbox, and Switch, (but that's really up to Davionne, who mentions this five-year project was supposed to only take five months). He also shouts-out Jared Hutley and the Cleveland Game Devs.

Lady Pelvic is the force behind Pelvic Gaming, a YouTube channel featuring gaming reviews, Top 5s, and more. She's been at it for several years now, and one thing rings true throughout her work: she's a huge Zelda fan. With the 35th Anniversary of the Legend of Zelda series coming this month (February 2021), Lady Pelvic pays the Land of Enthusia a visit to talk with Kyle about why Majora's Mask is the best Zelda game while still deliberating on the magic of the other entries like Ocarina of Time, A Link to the Past, and Breath of the Wild. She also lets us know about her YouTube channel, why she got into reviewing games, and what makes her stand out in a saturated community. Follow Lady Pelvic on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitch. Watch her on YouTube, too!

Kiesha Richardson is the founder of Ge'NeL Magazine, a woman-centric video game and geek culture website that cares deeply about normalizing minority groups in geek and gaming spaces. In this episode, she sits down with Kyle to talk about what it was like starting an online mag and why it's important to carve spaces especially for Black women in nerd culture. She gushes about how she first fell in love with story in games with World of Warcraft and how there's still hope for single-player campaigns and more great stories in video games—it's not all just about Fortnite (phew!). Gaming has been her saving grace, and so was writing. She reminisces about how her grandmom was her biggest cheerleader before segueing into powerful anecdotes of her time serving as an army contractor in Kuwait and Iraq. The time there helped define her relationship with her mother who was also deployed in 2003, how gaming built community for her in Iraq, and how brushes with death shifted her life forever. She also crafts a crazy-enlightening metaphor around Magneto from X-Men, racism, and personal growth. Follow Kiesha on Twitter and Instagram @onefildflowerz. Catch up on Ge'NeL Magazine at genelmag.com, Twitter, and Instagram @genelmag. Shout-outs to Black Girl Gamers, too! Content Warnings: Depression, wartime experiences, drugs, some use of the N-word.

Welcome to 2021, the year where almost every franchise is celebrating a major anniversary! Kyle talks about how Pokemon and Zelda should have big celebrations this year and makes a few predictions about what's to come this year from Nintendo. There's also Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury hype. To conclude, there are reflections on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, what it means to be part of the social change needed in America, and why Black and Brown people in gaming spaces are vital.

On this episode of SQE, Knuckles (actually, it's Kyle) and Mina reminisce about old school consoles that they wish they had or could revisit again before talking about how gatekeeping and money kept them from really diving into games when they were younger. Then, (16:37) it's all about the Game Awards. What did we like? What did we play? Why are the same five games nominated for every category? Why is Tom Nook such a bad role model for the kids? The big question is, though, how do we play video games? (25:38) The accessibility award has us asking what it actually means to “play” games, especially as they look into The Last of Us Part II's deep accessibility options. And if you're curious, we close out with our Game of the Year picks! (40:16).

On the first episode of Sidequest Enthusiast, Kyle, Mina, and Anairis talk about fond memories of getting new consoles. They also consider the next generation with the release of PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, and what a new era means for players and developers of color. What kinds of games do we want with characters and stories that are diverse? There's also talk of Monster Prom, Fire Emblem, and how simping ain't easy.