Journalist and Insert Credit favorite Ash Parrish returns to the panel as it covers Starfield’s launch, Soulslike sports games, and the perfect handheld console. Hosted by Alex Jaffe, with Frank Cifaldi, Brandon Sheffield, and Ash Parrish. Edited by Esper Quinn, original music by Kurt Feldman.

Questions this week:

  1. Max Krieger asks: Pair a video game and a meal. Explain why. (07:18)
  2. What could Bethesda have done to generate a more positive reaction to Starfield while shipping the exact same game? (15:21)
  3. How do you make a nonviolent Soulslike? (22:23)
  4. If you use the word genre in the same way media other than video games do, which genre of video game is best? (27:11)
  5. What would you put in the next pack of stuff players can buy with in-game currency in Grand Theft Auto Online? (32:07) Insert Credit Quick Break: This Way Madness Lies (36:57)
  6. Catherine asks: What makes the perfect handheld? (38:18)
  7. What’s the drama happening in the Let’s Play community? (44:37)
  8. If you could go back and witness the entire development cycle of one game, what would it be? (50:24)

LIGHTNING ROUND: Arcade Of Our Own (55:48)

Recommendations and Outro (01:05:24)

Discuss this episode in the Insert Credit Forums

A SMALL SELECTION OF THINGS REFERENCED:

Recommendations: Brandon: Please consider adopting the adorable chiweenie Juice if you have a suitable home and want a lovely stupid dog, if you’re in the Bay Area check out FlyerMire.com, and PantsOnFlyers.org if you’re in the PNW, buy Hyper Gunsport, give Brandon a million dollars

Frank: Whatever the buffalo seasoning from Costoco is, the Costco club card, figure out one kernel at a time, Portland Retro Gaming Expo 2023 in October

Ash: Don’t talk to the fuckin’ cops, check out all of Ash’s work at The Verge and get in touch if you work in or used to work in esports

This week’s Insert Credit Show is brought to you by This Way Madness Lies, and patrons like you. Thank you.

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