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Get your tin foil hats on because our main topic this week is a doozy. Who is Hasan Kahraman? What is his company, Blue Box Game Studios, working on? How is Hideo Kojima involved (if at all)? And what game title starts with an "S" and ends with an "L"? We dive into the weird conspiracy surrounding the Dutch indie dev and their mysterious project code-named "Abandoned."But first, we've got game announcements (like a rumored Castlevania Advance Collection and the upcoming free-to-play Space Jam: A New Legacy – The Game). Then it's on to the headlines. This week, we're talking about the Final Fantasy 9 animated series reported to be co-developed by Square Enix, the Video Game History Foundation's new subscription service for vintage video game magazines, the $150k fine levied at the Pokémon Sword and Shield leakers, and EA's surprise move to let FIFA Ultimate Team players see inside loot boxes before purchase.Finally, we look back at Final Fantasy Tactics on the game's 24th anniversary.Buzzsprout Affiliate Link (https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=825751) Hosts: @retrogamebrews, @thewellredmage, @wrytersviewMusic: "Gumption" by Russell Gordon at https://soundcloud.com/shredrussell-1Editing: @wrytersviewLogo: @thewellredmageSupport the show

The curtains have fallen on gaming's biggest annual week, but before we bid adieu to E3 and Summer Game Fest, let's break down all the big announcements and headlines! There's Microsoft and Nintendo and Square Enix, oh my! There are indies (like Axiom Verge 2) and AAA exclusives (like Starfield)! We've got new faces (like Elden Ring) and the surprise return of old friends (like Metroid Dread)! It's all here, and it's a long one, so settle in for the ups and downs of E3 week.Then finally, we wrap up the show with a look back at the infamous Mighty No. 9 on the game's 5th anniversary.Buzzsprout Affiliate Link (https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=825751) Hosts: @wrytersview, @retrogamebrews, @thewellredmageMusic: "Gumption" by Russell Gordon at https://soundcloud.com/shredrussell-1Editing: @wrytersviewLogo: @thewellredmageSupport the show

Welcome to the Story Mode: Outtake Special, Vol. 3! Blue, Red, and Ryan are taking advantage of the lull in gaming news prior to E3 this weekend, and they're giving themselves the week off.  So in place of a normal episode, here's a mix of outtakes and discussions that didn’t make the final cut into Story Mode. Has there ever been a good food tie-in to a video game? Who would headline your dream Pokémon Day concert? Do we really need MORE of the 1993 Super Mario Bros. movie? We cover these hard-hitting topics and more!Buzzsprout Affiliate Link (https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=825751) Hosts: @wrytersview, @retrogamebrews, @thewellredmageMusic: "Gumption" by Russell Gordon at https://soundcloud.com/shredrussell-1Editing: @wrytersviewLogo: @thewellredmageSupport the show

When it comes to ROMs, everyone has an opinion -- including Nintendo, who just won $2.1 million against RomUniverse in “a straightforward video game piracy case.” Is this issue as cut-and-dry as it seems? We explore the murky middle ground of this legal and ethical dilemma.But first, we're covering game announcements (like Dragon Quest XII's reveal and God of War 2's delay). Then it's on to the news. This week, we're talking about Facebook Gaming's crazy bid to take on YouTube, the possible rebirth of Sega's theme park business, and Twitch's latest plague of DMCA strikes. Finally, we wrap up the show with a look back at Chip n' Dale Rescue Rangers on the game's 30th anniversary.Buzzsprout Affiliate Link (https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=825751) Hosts: @thewellredmage, @retrogamebrews, @wrytersviewMusic: "Gumption" by Russell Gordon at https://soundcloud.com/shredrussell-1Editing: @wrytersviewLogo: @thewellredmageSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/storymode)

Have you ever wished for a gaming PC that you could carry in your pocket? Neither have we, but Valve is reportedly making a Steam handheld that sounds suspiciously like a Nintendo Switch. We discuss the possible pros and cons of one of the more bizarre pieces of news to come out of this timeline.But first thing's first, and that means game announcements (like new free-to-play Super Bomberman R Online and release dates for the upcoming Pokémon Legends: Arceus, Pokémon Brilliant Diamond, and Pokémon Shining Pearl). After that, we're talking news, like how Netflix wants to turn our TVs into consoles by offering an Apple Arcade-like cloud gaming service, how Sony is planning to expand its PlayStation IPs into mobile games and apps that will "complement" their AAA lineup (*cue sinister music*), and how Square Enix is rumored to be working on a Final Fantasy Souls-like spin-off.Finally, we look back at Breath of Fire IV on the game's 18th PC anniversary (we know it's a stretch, just go with it).Buzzsprout Affiliate Link (https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=825751) Hosts: @retrogamebrews, @wrytersview, @thewellredmageMusic: "Gumption" by Russell Gordon at https://soundcloud.com/shredrussell-1Editing: @wrytersviewLogo: @thewellredmageSupport the show

Alright, we've made it to our 69th episode, and we promise to do our best to get through this with a straight face. That won't be easy considering eBay has announced its new ban on the sale of mature content (including video games). What's behind the company's course change, and what will happen to all those old copies of Leisure Suit Larry?But before we get to that, we've got game announcements (like the five new titles coming to Nintendo Switch Online and Dragon Quest's upcoming 35th anniversary stream). Next, we move on to the headlines. This week, we're discussing claims that both Sonic and Stadia are "alive and well," Sony's patent that would allow users to bet on esports, Weezer's appearance at the upcoming Summer Game Fest, and how 20% of Switch console sales went to households that already owned one.Finally, we look back at the TurboGrafx-16 mini on the console's first anniversary.Buzzsprout Affiliate Link (https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=825751) Hosts: @wrytersview, @thewellredmage, @retrogamebrewsMusic: "Gumption" by Russell Gordon at https://soundcloud.com/shredrussell-1Editing: @wrytersviewLogo: @thewellredmageSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/storymode)

The Story Mode crew is together again! Yes, Red has finally returned from his five-week absence that literally turned into a matter of life or death. But now that he's back, he can help us discuss the lawsuits targeted at both Sony and Valve alleging the companies hold monopolies over their respective digital domains. First, however, we've got game announcements (like the thrilling news that Zombies Ate My Neighbors is coming to Nintendo Switch, as is Calculator, a $10 "game" that does exactly what it says). Next up is the news. This week, we're talking about Sony's admission that the company might have to redesign the PS5 in order to meet demand, how Chris Meledandri--the founder and CEO of animation movie studio Illumination-- will be joining Nintendo as an outside director, and Burger King's new move to draw in kids with a bland AR game.Finally, we look at Grand Theft Auto: Vice City on the 18th anniversary of the game's PC release.Buzzsprout Affiliate Link (https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=825751) Hosts: @thewellredmage, @retrogamebrews, @wrytersviewMusic: "Gumption" by Russell Gordon at https://soundcloud.com/shredrussell-1Editing: @wrytersviewLogo: @thewellredmageSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/storymode)

The Apple vs Epic trial began this past Monday, and the headlines are just as juicy as we could've hoped. We're joined by Avery from Gaming Source Network to talk about all the big reveals coming from that courtroom.But first, we've gotta do game announcements (like Limited Run's four upcoming Castlevania Anniversary Collection physical editions and the soon-to-be-released Gas Station Simulator). News is up next. This week, we're discussing the plot twist that is PlayStation’s new partnership with Discord, the departure of Stadia's John Justice from Google, Blizzard's bizarre trademark dispute with Fox over a cartoon dog named Diablo, and Terry Crews' tweet in favor of localizing Mother 3.Finally, we look back at Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles for the NES on the game's 32nd anniversary.Follow Avery and Gaming Source Network:https://twitter.com/CharmCityAhttps://twitter.com/GamingSourceNethttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfnGFbwo6onsgtlK6xyPUIwBuzzsprout Affiliate Link (https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=825751) Hosts: @retrogamebrews, @wrytersview, @charmcityaMusic: "Gumption" by Russell Gordon at https://soundcloud.com/shredrussell-1Editing: @wrytersviewLogo: @thewellredmageSupport the show

"We do not 'push' people to spend in our games," EA said in a new statement, and we allllllmost believe them. This week, we're joined by Jeff, the other half of the New Dad Gaming Podcast, to discuss the intersection between loot boxes, kids, and EA's perennially bad reputation.But first, game announcements are up (like the random new update to Super Mario Party and Neil Druckmann's confirmation that the outline for The Last of Us 3 is done). Next, it's headline time. We're talking about the video game industry's first ever Academy Award, the new report that says Gen Z prefers gaming over other forms of entertainment, the new international eBay shop for the famous Super Potato retro store, and how you can buy the Queen of England's infamous golden Wii -- IF you have $300,000, however.Finally, we wrap up the show with a look back at Super Bomberman on the game's 28th anniversary.Follow New Dad Gaming Podcast:https://linktr.ee/NewdadgamingBuzzsprout Affiliate Link (https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=825751) Hosts: @wrytersview, @retrogamebrews, @newdadgamingMusic: "Gumption" by Russell Gordon at https://soundcloud.com/shredrussell-1Editing: @wrytersviewLogo: @thewellredmageSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/storymode)

Have you ever bought a game on sale? Well, shame on you! According to John Garvin, writer of Days Gone, "If you love a game, buy it at f***ing full price." Is there any merit to his argument? We're joined by Trevor of New Dad Gaming Podcast to work through the issue of bargain games and rejected sequels.But yes, first we've got game announcements (like the upcoming Star Wars: Knights Of The Old Republic remake and Amazon's cancelled Lord of the Rings MMO). Next, headlines are up. This week, we're talking about Sony's walk-back of their decision to close the PlayStation Store for PS3 and PS Vita, how lots of people missed out on Resident Evil Village's timed demo, how the rumors of Square Enix's sale were greatly exaggerated, and the welcome news that Discord will not be bought by Microsoft (at least not yet).Finally, we wrap up a show with a look back at the Sega Game Gear on the handheld's 30th anniversary.Follow New Dad Gaming Podcast:https://linktr.ee/NewdadgamingBuzzsprout Affiliate Link (https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=825751) Hosts: @retrogamebrews, @wrytersview, @newdadgamingMusic: "Gumption" by Russell Gordon at https://soundcloud.com/shredrussell-1Editing: @wrytersviewLogo: @thewellredmageSupport the show

Shhh, listen! Can you hear that song from the Titanic movie? Turns out PlayStation might be needing it. A new report from Bloomberg says Sony's upper management is focused on blockbuster games that are ‘too big to fail’. We're joined by gamer, streamer, and pancake artist @ducksindisguise to discuss what Sony's approach might mean for the future of video games.Game announcements come first, however (like Konami's surprise sequel to GetsuFumaDen, and the new blurple Nintendo Switch Lite). Next, it's headlines time. This week, we're chatting about God of War director David Jaffe's claims that Sony is planning a "counterpunch" to Microsoft's XBox Game Pass, Epic's very expensive battle to gain market share from Steam, the remake rumors surrounding GoldenEye 007 after a trademark renewal, and Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa's admission that we may be in for an upcoming Switch shortage.Finally, we look back at Psychonauts on the game's 16th anniversary.Follow Ducks in Disguise:https://twitter.com/ducksindisguisehttps://www.twitch.tv/ducksindisguiseBuzzsprout Affiliate Link (https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=825751) Hosts: @wrytersview, @retrogamebrews, @ducksindisguiseMusic: "Gumption" by Russell Gordon at https://soundcloud.com/shredrussell-1Editing: @wrytersviewLogo: @thewellredmageSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/storymode)

Red is absent this week (he's gone with Pinky and the Brain to try to take over the world), but in his place, we have Evan Arnold: podcaster extraordinaire, indie game dev, and long-time friend of Ryebread. Evan joins us to talk about the intersection between Super Mario 3D All-Stars, NFTs, and the copy of Super Mario Bros. that just sold for a record-breaking $660k price. Is artificial scarcity going to be the preferred sales tactic of the future?But hold on to those horses, folks, cuz we've got game announcements first (like the new Pac-Man 99 battle royale for Nintendo Switch, and the massive disappointment that is Balan Wonderworld). Then it's on to the headlines, and as usual, console wars drama unfolded.  Xbox announced that PlayStation Studios title The Show 21 will be free to Xbox Game Pass subscribers on its release date, and Sony says the MLB is to blame. Next, E3 is going digital this summer, the Suez Canal boat may be to blame for the Analogue Pocket's latest delay, and PriceCharting.com revealed that the average retro video game price increased 33% from the start of the pandemic lockdowns.Finally, we look back at Final Fantasy 6 on the game's 27th anniversary.Check out Evan's game BeeFender on Steam:https://store.steampowered.com/app/808450/BeeFender/Buzzsprout Affiliate Link (https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=825751) Hosts: @retrogamebrews, @wrytersview, Evan ArnoldMusic: "Gumption" by Russell Gordon at https://soundcloud.com/shredrussell-1Editing: @wrytersviewLogo: @thewellredmageSupport the show

We're back! And just in time because the world of gaming news is weird, wonderful, and woeful, as usual. This week, Sony dropped the bombshell that it will be permanently closing the PlayStation stores for its PS3 and PS Vita products. Since we're growing closer to an all-streaming world with every passing day, we discuss the pros and cons of our impending digital destiny.But first, however, we must talk game announcements (like the worst Castlevania game of all time coming to Nintendo Switch, and Limited Run Game's new DOOM collector's edition). Then it's on to the headlines. This week, we're looking at the end of the world’s biggest video game cheating ring, how Jin Sakai's voice actor says he fully agrees 'to doing butt nudity" in the upcoming Ghost of Tsushima film,  and Microsoft's possible $10 billion deal to acquire Discord.Finally, we remember Resident Evil on the game's 25th anniversary.Buzzsprout Affiliate Link (https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=825751) Hosts: @thewellredmage, @wrytersview, @retrogamebrews Music: "Gumption" by Russell Gordon at https://soundcloud.com/shredrussell-1Editing: @wrytersviewLogo: @thewellredmageSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/storymode)

Welcome to the Story Mode: Outtake Special, Vol. 2! Blue, Red, and Ryan are taking the week off, so in place of a normal episode, we’re bringing you a mix of outtakes and discussions that didn’t make the final cut into Story Mode. Is it possible to beat Super Mario Bros: The Lost Levels? What's the weirdest thing you used to collect? Did ANYONE see the Monster Hunter movie? We cover these hard-hitting topics and more!Buzzsprout Affiliate Link (https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=825751) Hosts: @thewellredmage, @wrytersview, @retrogamebrews Music: "Gumption" by Russell Gordon at https://soundcloud.com/shredrussell-1Editing: @wrytersviewLogo: @thewellredmageSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/storymode)

It’s a good time to be a gamer on a budget! This week, Microsoft and Sony have been dueling to win audiences over with free games.  Ryebread is out, but Donnie G is in to help us sort out the what, where, and possibly why of all the new games available to subscribers (including Undertale, Horizon Zero Dawn, and Elder Scrolls).But first, you guessed it -- we've got game announcements (like Disco Elysium: The Final Cut coming to consoles and Monster Hunter Rise copies that were accidentally shipped weeks early). Then it's headlines time. This week, we're discussing how Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick will receive a $200 million USD cash payout despite the layoffs happening at the company, how the new owner of Toys R Us plans to reopen stores in North America, how the PlayStation 5 and the Nintendo Switch are somehow both the best-selling consoles in US history, and why Hot Wheels' new Rainbow Road-themed Mario Kart track has a crazy high price tag.Finally, we take a look back at Journey in honor of the game's 9th anniversary.Follow DonniegRetro:https://twitter.com/DonniegRetrohttps://www.twitch.tv/donniegretroBuzzsprout Affiliate Link (https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=825751) Hosts: @thewellredmage, @wrytersview, @donniegretro Music: "Gumption" by Russell Gordon at https://soundcloud.com/shredrussell-1Editing: @wrytersviewLogo: @thewellredmageSupport the show

Video game exclusives are always a big (and oftentimes controversial) topic, and this week was no different. We're looking at a headline roundup of where the Big Three stand with their exclusive titles, including rumored exclusives for Nintendo's supposed Switch Pro, Microsoft's confirmation that "some" Bethesda games will be full Xbox and PC exclusive, and Sony's move to bring PlayStation exclusives to PC.But before all that, let's not forget game announcements (like the upcoming Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge and the new Legally Blonde mobile game). Then it's on to the news, and we've got a full slate. First up is Pringles with their new limited-edition flavor inspired by the Moa burgers of the Halo series. Next it's GameStop's internal drama and how the changing guard intends to lead the company to e-commerce. Then the countdown is on for The Adventures of Super Mario Bros. 3 cartoon series before it leaves Netflix. And finally, it's the end of an era as legendary Final Fantasy composer Nobuo Uematsu hints that he may have made his last soundtrack.Lastly, we look back at Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars on the game's 25th anniversary.Buzzsprout Affiliate Link (https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=825751) Hosts: @wrytersview, @thewellredmage, @retrogamebrewsMusic: "Gumption" by Russell Gordon at https://soundcloud.com/shredrussell-1Editing: @wrytersviewLogo: @thewellredmageSupport the show

With several big Final Fantasy VII Remake reveals, Square Enix was the talk of the town this week. We're rounding up all the Square Enix headlines, including the new mobile games Final Fantasy 7: The First Soldier and Final Fantasy 7: Ever Crisis, PS5's upgraded version Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade, and the mysterious remakes taking place over at Polish studio Forever Entertainment. But let's not get ahead of ourselves. First off, we've got game announcements (like Pokémon Legends Arceus and Fortnite's new Space Gear Bundle, which includes Alien's Ellen Ripley and the Xenomorph). Then it's on to more news -- we're chatting about Nintendo's resolve to pull Mario 35th anniversary products from sale in March, the Terraria port for Google Stadia that's not cancelled after all, reports of a new Nintendo Switch model with a bigger Samsung OLED display, and how Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War and Warzone will no longer fit on a base PlayStation 4.Finally, we wrap up the show with a look back at the Nintendo 3DS on the handheld's 10th anniversary.Buzzsprout Affiliate Link (https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=825751) Hosts: @thewellredmage, @retrogamebrews, @wrytersviewMusic: "Gumption" by Russell Gordon at https://soundcloud.com/shredrussell-1Editing: @wrytersviewLogo: @thewellredmageSupport the show

STORY MODE PODCAST IS NOW ONE YEAR OLD! It's crazy to think of all the laughs, all the news, and all the games we've experienced over the past year. Our heartfelt thanks go out to everyone who has listened and supported our show (*insert 400 heart emojis*).But the news stops for no one, and this week, we're discussing the Chicago lawmaker who wants to ban violent video games like Grand Theft Auto to combat carjackings. We'll also be talking about the newly announced Diablo II: Resurrected, rumors of not one, but TWO possible Silent Hill reboots, rapper Soulja Boy's second try at entering the gaming console market, new reports that Final Fantasy XVI won't sacrifice its story for action, and how Epic Games will settle Fortnite loot box lawsuits in V-Bucks (yes, really).Finally, we'll wrap up the show with a look back at Pokémon Red/Green on the games' 25th anniversary.Buzzsprout Affiliate Link (https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=825751) Hosts: @retrogamebrews, @wrytersview, @thewellredmageMusic: "Gumption" by Russell Gordon at https://soundcloud.com/shredrussell-1; "The Entertainer" by Scott Joplin, performed by Paul Barton at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e01ulR5KMWIEditing: @wrytersviewLogo: @thewellredmageSupport the show

Nintendo's first direct of 2021 was a rollercoaster ride of ups and downs, including surprise announcements for Splatoon 3, The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, and much more. We cover everything in the show (as well as some other things that were conspicuously missing).But first, we'll talk game announcements (such as the upcoming Neo Geo Pocket Color Selection Switch Compilation, and the Kingdom Hearts' series first appearance on PC). Then it's on to the news, like the bizarre combo that is the Pokémon Day Virtual Concert with Post Malone, the reports that Stadia executives mislead employees before the company's mass layoffs, speculations about what's next after the Nintendo Switch, and the new paper detailing how pigs are actually pretty good at video games.Finally, we wrap up the show with a look back at The Legend of Zelda on the game's 35th anniversary.Buzzsprout Affiliate Link (https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=825751) Hosts: @wrytersview, @thewellredmage, @retrogamebrewsMusic: "Gumption" by Russell Gordon at https://soundcloud.com/shredrussell-1Editing: @wrytersviewLogo: @thewellredmageSupport the show

This week, Moon Studios' CEO and Ori game director Thomas Malher took to the gaming forum Resetera to call out the gaming industry on the practice of hyping up features that don't exist or misleading what games will offer on day one. We discuss the complications of this issue and whether a solution might exist.But before that, as always, we've got game announcements (like the just-confirmed 2021 Call of Duty and new retro titles headed to Nintendo's Switch Online service). Then we turn to some super-sized headlines as scalpers target Pokémon 25th Anniversary McDonald's Happy Meals in order to resell the cards for 10x the price. In addition, we chat about Terraria developer Andrew Spinks confronting Google after his company's YouTube account is banned, the PlayStation 5's surprising 2020 sales numbers, and the five-part Nintendo docuseries that will premiere on the streaming service Crackle.Finally, we wrap up the show with a look back at Final Fantasy VIII on the game's 22nd anniversary. Buzzsprout Affiliate Link (https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=825751) Hosts: @thewellredmage, @retrogamebrews, @wrytersviewMusic: "Gumption" by Russell Gordon at https://soundcloud.com/shredrussell-1Editing: @wrytersviewLogo: @thewellredmageSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/storymode)