RPC Podcast Episode 2: The Renegade Arcade, Vol. 1
Howdy, pardners, and welcome to the first edition of the Renegade Arcade! This here show is about them there video games!
Sorry, I’ll stop that now.
Welcome, one and all, to the second episode of the Renegade Pop Culture Podcast and the very first volume of the Renegade Arcade, our show about the news, perspectives, and culture surrounding the world of video games! Now, without further ado, have a gander at some of these show notes!
To start off, let’s say hi to our panel, the Gaming Contingent: Tony, Josh, Kristal, and Keona (hey, that’s me!)!
At 5:30, we’re hyped about Doom Eternal and the awesome graphics, soundtrack, and gameplay that game is sure to provide! Id Software’s latest beast is unleashed on March 3rd! Rip and tear, demon Slayers!
Jill looks a bit disconcerted about her missing tube top.
Our next topic is the Resident Evil 3 Remake, developed and published by Capcom! At 13:41, we wax nostalgic about our memories of the RE series, and I express my undying love for tube top Jill Valentine. Seriously, Capcom, where’s Jill’s tube top? Give me tube top Jill, or give me death at the hands of a licker! Anywho, check out the trailer, survive the dangers of Raccoon City and run like hell from the Nemesis on April 3rd!
Next up at 25:36 is our discussion surrounding the upcoming Last of Us HBO television series, executive produced by Chernobyl showrunner Craig Mazin and original game producer/writer/director Neil Druckmann. So far, the show has just been announced, but we know that it will follow the events of the first game, and the show is effectively replacing the previously announced film adaptation of Joel and Ellie’s fantastic journey. Personally, I’m thankful that Druckmann is on board to steer the production in the right direction, and I cannot wait to see who they pick to play our two leads! Maybe Annie Wersching will get to reprise the role of Tess from the early part of the game? We shall see!
At 39:21, we discuss Sucker Punch’s new title, Ghost of Tsushima. This intriguing and visually stunning third-person Samurai action title will release on June 26th, and features an engrossing narrative as well as a stellar soundtrack and those captivating visuals! Whether it’s seeing your character ride on horseback through the luscious green foliage of a forest, or just witnessing cherry blossoms float through the air as you journey towards your next encounter, Ghost is one of the most graphically stunning games I’ve seen in this console generation! Only one question remains: Does it play as well as it looks? Time will tell, friends.
Back to back, ready to sword attack!
Then, at 1:00:43, we take a look at Gamestop’s plan to restructure and redesign their stores into a more social experience, replete with hands-on accessories, gaming rigs, and even spaces for tabletop gaming! According to an article by IGN, Gamestop’s new “experimental stores” have opened in select locations, beginning in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The company is currently testing four different overhauls of their traditional brick-and-mortar outlets, each referred to as the following:
Gamestop 2.0, which focuses on in-store tournaments on PC and console, along with spaces for couch co-op gaming, hands-on accessories, and tabletop gaming sessions.
Gamestop Social, which is similar to 2.0, but with an even greater focus on couch co-op, watch parties, tournaments, and even birthday parties or other social events.
Gamestop Retro, which focuses more on the retail side of things, including a collection of pre-owned retro titles and consoles, along with some current releases on sale.
Gamestop Pop!, which caters to the “hardcore collector,” offering a bunch of exclusive collectibles, apparel, and accessories, along with current retail releases and couch co-op stations for in-store gaming.
Much as I love Aerith, these two are my OTP.
Finally, at 1:11:47, we discuss the hottest release in all of gaming-dom this week (never mind the fact that it was just an hour-long demo): the Final Fantasy VII Remake demo! Personally, guys, I was expecting the worst when it came to this long-gestating remake, but after playing the demo and seeing how much craftsmanship Square Enix has put into this demo (let alone the entire game itself), I came away impressed! Everything from the music and the environments to the voice acting and character models feels far more modern, but also true to the spirit of FFVII. I don’t know if the game will ever be able to convert all the haters which will surely come out of the wood work and nitpick it to death, but I think the ingredients are here for an entertaining and visually stunning nostalgic trek through Midgar. Also, I want my Tifa! Bring me Tifa! And Aerith, ‘cause she’s a sweetie.
Well, that was a lot of stuff, guys! Hope you enjoyed the episode! Be sure to check back here at Renegade Pop Culture for the latest episode of the podcast, as well as our (apparently very occasional) posts and articles! You can also download the show directly at our Podbean page, and be sure to visit our Facebook group!
I have been Keona, aka Neoplasmic, and this has been the first installment of…
Oh, one final note: We have intro and outro music this time! Yay! Opening tune: “Save Me From Myself” by Sven Karlsson and Red Revision; Outro music: “Modern Warfare” by Pearce Roswell. Both tracks appear courtesy of Epidemic Sound, so visit them if you want to hear more awesome songs!