Afleveringen

  • Welcome to Episode 261A Skazz solo episode as Ram has lost his voice to a virus, and even more amazingly, Skazz is in a positive mindsetDiscussion this episode is all about fan support and modding games long after they've been released.First up, he focuses on final fantasy 7 discussing the mod manager 7th Heaven and the script to install it on a steam deck; 7th Deck. He looks at how the some of the mod improve things even adding in full voiced dialog!Skazz then moves onto discuss the original monster hunter and some mods that allow you to play online with friends again with only a little bit of tweaking and letting you re-live the good old PS2 daysNotesThe Classic Final Fantasy 7A non-destructive mod manage 7th HeavenPlus a script to install it on steam deck 7th DeckThe original Monster HunterPlay Monster Hunter 1 online with a new server Skazz request for a fan patch: ChromehoundsWe look forward to seeing you all on the next podcast on Febuaray 27th 2025, at 18:30 GMT

  • https://numbermatics.com/n/260/Welcome to Episode 260We start this episode finding out why 260 is a special number and discussing what mathematicians are good for Skazz has been playing the next part of the Final Fantasy 7 remake, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, we talk how they've fleshed out the story dramatically, expanding NPC back grounds increasing the game length, we ask if this is a good thing and how the game is somewhat janky in placesRam has been playing a puzzle games based around info-graphics, Metrico+, despite the premise it surprisingly fun, it leads onto some discuss about how to make an art style that resistant to aging, and how we attach a monetary value to games. which pushing onto difficulties in game designNotesYou to can find out whats special about the number 260Apparently they have been dangerous mathematiciansWhen is a game too long? Skazz is finding out in FF7 RebirthInfo-graphics meets puzzle in Metrico+Back to the future town has been featured in lot of filmsHow to fix the Atari ET gameAnd the Atari ET source codeWe look forward to seeing you all on the next podcast on Febuaray 13th 2025, at 18:30 GMT

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  • Welcome to episode 259We kick this episode discussing missing the classic sodium vapor street lamp and other random lighting technologies, we also look back at how we both kinda enjoyed lock down and some hobbies picked upSkazz then talks about his replay Cyberpunk 2077, apparently Ram had also agreed to play this as first game of 2025 of which he has no memorySkazz discusses the replay value, the major changes they made since we last played and how hes enjoying a different experience playing a female V.Ram reminisces his preferred method of assassination: getting the target to take themselves out. We talk about some of the memorable moments in the game, along with some of the bugs we did encounteredWE also discuss Rams Doggo hurting itself (She's all fine now)NotesThe place where it dark for large chunks of they year is Longyearbyen in NorwayThe classic street light Sodium-VaporRevisiting a favorite RPG Cyberpunk 2077The amazing voice actor for Female V, Cherami LeighWe look forward to seeing you all in the new year on January 30th 2025, at 18:30 GMT

  • Welcome to episode 258We kickoff by discussing how where going to make a name for ourselves in 2025 and if Ram can be extradited We then move onto games, Ram's been playing Far Cry 6, we have a brief talk about the series and its spin offs before talking about this game mechanics including finding stuff on the maps, ammo tyeps anti frustration features, cockfighting and Ubisoft being UbisoftWe also look at Steam year in review and discuss possible horse ownershipNotesStory's about what life is like in North Koreahttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLRPDzs3bRQ&ab_channel=InsiderJust a Tank filling up with at Tesco, nothing to see herehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLQiUe3HMRs&ab_channel=TankNutDaveRetake your country from Gus Fring in Far Cry 6https://www.ubisoft.com/en-gb/game/far-cry/far-cry-6We look forward to seeing you all on the next podcast on January 16th 2025, at 18:30 GMT

  • Welcome to episode 257

    We kick off with the talking about rams meat, before moving onto games.

    Ram has been escaping an evil corporation and trying to stay alive in Citizen Sleeper, A nice and simple RPG game with some interesting mechanics using dice rolls to do activity around a dying station. Including doing dead end basic jobs trying to earn money to eat and buy medicine to keep alive, or destroying a man chance at a better life by not babysitting enough.

    We then move onto 'our' games of the year, with Skazz up first with his top pics have to choose between Scarlet Nexus, Granblue Fantasy: Relink before settling on Ys X:Nordics, he explains how he nearly bounced of the game but came back to really enjoy it.

    Ram then talk about his runners up with the System Shock remake, and the murder mystery time bending game The Forgotten City. Before settling on the game that he has poured most of the summer into, his Empyrion Galactic Survival!

    Notes

    A cyborg escaping an evil corp in Citizen Sleeper

    Skazz GOTY options: Scarlet Nexus, Granblue Fantasy: Relink, Ys X: Nordics

    Rams GOTY options: System Shock remake, The Forgotten City, Empyrion Galactic Survival

    We look forward to seeing you all in the new year on January 2nd 2025, at 18:30 GMT

  • Welcome to episode 256 - The Memory podcast
    We get right into the games this month, by first discussing the game we've been playing for our Christmas game night special - We Were Here Forever. the fourth game in one of our favorite (barring the third) Puzzle series, we discuss the story, how the games work and the tie in videos. Along with what we did and didn't like about some of the puzzles. We also talk about getting stumped and our differing methodology on how to solve them, including Rams bits of paper


    Next up Ram has been playing the the spiritual successer to Her Story, Telling Lies, with illegal access to an NSA hard drive, you have to figure out the truth about that happened between four major (and a lot of minor) characters by searching for and watching there video conversations. Ram talk about the story and game play, as well as reveling if he prefers this to it predecessor
    We also discuss using our podcasts as a punishment device, and what makes a good stealth game
    Notes
    Interesting facts from the QI Elves with No Such Thing as a Fish
    The 'last' in the series of one of our favorite puzzle games We Were Here Forever
    Learn more about the We Were Here series with the official videos The Chronicles Of Castle Rock
    Find the truth of an undercover operation in Telling Lies
    The proceeding game in the same style and smaller in scope: Her Story

  • Welcome to episode 255

    We kick things off with Skazz admitting he's rethinking his playing the Elder Scrolls series. Despite claiming he doesn't like the games, he owns Skyrim on multiple systems...

    Ram then shares how he’s gotten into Korean food after binge-watching a variety of Korean TV shows. He gives a quick rundown of how these shows work and highlights some of his favorites. Skazz was initially concerned but felt reassured when he learned that Ram watches the subtitled versions instead of the dubbed ones.

    Next, we dive into a discussion about modern media. We reminisce about missing the days of 22-episode TV seasons, where there weren’t years-long gaps between season. We also discuss if modern shows are chasing the wrong quality and are we seeing a lack of innovation? We also touch on the infamous curse of disappointing TV show finales.

    On the gaming front, Skazz talks about playing the recently released English version of Ys 10: Nordics. In preparation, he’s been revisiting the first nine games in the series. He mentions having previously played part of the Japanese version of Ys 10, but his lack of Japanese language skills made it a challenge. He also discusses some of the game’s new mechanics, including a co-op feature.

    Finally, in a twist that will surprise regulars, Ram has been playing an indie horror game called Amanda the Adventurer. The game involves exploring an old attic and watching VHS tapes of Amanda and her companion Wooly as things take a progressively weirder—and darker—turn.

    Notes

    Pong had no software, and was in fact implemented only via hardwareThe many platforms of SkyrimYou too can enjoy kimchi with this Korean cookbookHow did Gandalf sound in other languages?A gateway drub to Korean variety shows busted!Watch Korean celebrity's LARP in ZomebiverseThe most recent game from one of Skazz's favorite series, Ys X: NordicsThe debate over the location of Atlantis Of course we all know its in the Pegasus systemThe Japanese version of AtlantisAnd their version of what happened to JesusAnnoying pre-order bonuses with Star Trek OnlineChildren tv show horror Amanda the adventurer

  • Welcome to Episode 254

    We start by teasing what we’ve been playing for our Christmas Games Night special—stay tuned, as all will be revealed later in the year!

    Next, we recap our recent 24-hour gaming live-stream, packed with a mix of some of our beloved classics and some new experiences:

    First up was For The King, which dominated much of our game time. Previously, Ram and Zaber, and Skazz and Zaber, had tackled this strategy RPG in pairs. This time, the trio united to confront the big bad and bring order to a chaotic land.

    We then transitioned into global warfare with the world-ending strategy game DEFCON. Ram had a slight edge, having played the tutorial years ago, while Skazz struggled without a mouse and Zaber forgot to deploy any units—tactical brilliance all around!

    To lighten the mood, we switched to Golf It!, navigating custom maps while narrowly avoiding copyright strikes. This led to a lively discussion about realistic sporting games.

    Next, we dove into one of the original looter-shooters, Borderlands. A game close to Ram’s heart, it showcased early mechanics we’re glad were refined in later installments.

    After Zaber signed off, a sleep-deprived Ram powered through Monster Hunter: World, with guidance (and occasional jealousy) from Skazz, who envied Ram's starter gear.

    From there, we took to the skies in Microsoft Flight Simulator. Ram demonstrated his Airbus “skills” with SimBrief, a flight-planning tool based on real-world software. Despite some debate, his landing in Denmark to “pick up” Zaber was deemed a “success.”

    We briefly jumped into Dead Island, where Skazz faced control issues, and Ram fought against an unexpected natural light challenge.

    Zaber rejoined us for the grand finale: Liar’s Bar. anthropomorphic animals play liar’s dice or cards, risking it all in a deadly Russian roulette of poison. And with that, we wrapped up another epic 24-hour stream.

    Finally, we reflected on Skazz’s cobbled-together setup and the technical headaches it caused, Ram’s overindulgence in sweets and chicken nuggets, and Skazz’s fixation on audio perfection.

    Notes

    Can the trio finally defeat the big bad in ⁠For the king⁠

    Watch the ⁠first part⁠ of Zaber and Ram attempt from last years games night

    Wargames-esk strategy game in ⁠Defcon⁠

    Jumping balls in ⁠Golf it!⁠

    The game that popularised looter shooters ⁠Borderlands⁠

    When you have the right gear you can play this game asleep! ⁠Monster Hunter World⁠

    Can you land a A320 better then ram? Almost certainly, in ⁠Microsoft Flight simulator⁠

    Plan your flights with ⁠SimBrief⁠

    Batter the undead on tropical island in ⁠Dead Island⁠

    Try not to take a bullet in ⁠Liars bar⁠

  • Welcome to Episode 253

    In this episode, Skazz takes the lead as we dive into our latest Games Night experience with MudRunner. We explore the challenges of navigating through the muddy landscapes of Eastern Europe using worn-out Soviet era trucks, discussing the fun (and frustration) of getting stuck and relying on winches—either yours or your friends—to pull you free. We also touch on the game's bad points, including its clunky interface and issues with player synchronisation, while also comparing it to Euro Truck Simulator and how the two stack up as driving games.

    Continuing his horror game streak, Ram delves into The Callisto Protocol, a much-hyped, visually good looking title that unfortunately serves as a textbook case of how not to design a horror game. With a cliché storyline, poor level design, and a dull combat system, it manages to sap the fun out of the experience. The game even makes you accept an agreement to not to cheat in a single-player game. Ram completely ignores this and turns to a cheat engine just to make it bearable.

    We also chat about the Big Ass Fans company with its seductive donkey logo, Ram's misadventures with speeding tickets and other run-ins with the law, and Skazz's ongoing motorbike mishaps.

    Notes

    You too can enjoy a big ass fan

    Get all wet and dirty in MudRunner

    How not to design a horror game with The Callisto Protocol

  • Welcome to episode 252

    We start by addressing Skazz’s issues with operating systems and Ram’s annoyances with the YouTube TV app, before diving into the main topic of games.

    Ram shares another brief update on Empyrion Galactic Survival, where he’s finally made it into space, albeit with a few setbacks—mainly forgetting the laws of physics. He also delves into the game's creative mode and talks about some of his ambitious projects. Next, he talks about Maid of Sker, a game from one of his favourite genres: stealth survival horror. This leads us to discuss the elements of good and bad horror game design, as well as what makes environments feel immersive. We briefly touch on game difficulty levels and the ideal length of games.

    Skazz brings up Netflix’s game streaming beta, discussing how it works, its performance, and the current selection of games. We then expand the conversation to game streaming services as a whole.

    We also discuss how Comic Sans will save the world, the perils of operating system updates, why Skazz owns an iPhone, dogs controlling TVs, the differences between the Greeks and Romans, and the real reason oil is harmful to the environment.

    Notes

    The font that will save the world: Comic Sans

    Yes, the head of Ubuntu is both South African and British

    Still having fun in space with Empyrion - Galactic Survival.

    Creepy sneaky walkey puzzle game Maid of Sker

    Also check out our next game night on Wednesday 22nd May at approx 20:30 GMT+1 on Twitch: ⁠twitch.tv/randnerds

  • Welcome to episode 251

    Skazz shares his thoughts on the game we recently played during game night: Nidhogg. It’s a deceptively simple 2D sword-fighting game with surprising depth in its mechanics and an incredible amount of fun.

    We also dive into the newly announced PS5 Pro, discussing how a stable frame rate can enhance a game’s visuals more effectively than higher resolution. This sparks a passionate rant from Skazz about how modern games often fall short in terms of gameplay mechanics, and we explore why focusing on graphics isn't the right approach.

    Our conversation then shifts to movies, with Ram revealing that he’s just watched the entire Harry Potter series—most of them for the first time. This leads to a discussion about separating the author from their work, particularly in the case of J.K. Rowling, and how good things can be pulled from terrible situations . We also take a moment to appreciate the late Alan Rickman’s incredible acting.

    Finally, Ram gives us an update on his adventures in Empyrion - Galactic Survival. He’s excited about the prospect of finally getting his spaceship off the ground next time!

    Notes

    Skazz makes great use of his Whitton skills in Nidhogg

    A game to practise the basics of fighting in FOOTSIES

    A step back in graphics? The Bad Guys

    A decent film series with Harry Potter

    The horrific case of Thalidomide

    So was Snape a Villain, or a hero?

    Gone too soon Alan Rickman

    One of the more random project Daniel Radcliff has been involved in Guns Akimbo

    When you have film success, why not buy an Ice Cream van and hand them out for free

    Still having fun in space with Empyrion - Galactic Survival.

  • Welcome to episode 250

    Skazz shares his thoughts on why he preferred the racing elements in the original Gran Turismo for the PS1, highlighting what set it apart from other racing games of its time. We also dive into the unique mechanics of the game, while exploring other iconic racing titles, like Colin McRae Rally.

    We reflect on the challenges of preserving classic games and the misconceptions about the permanence of digital content, emphasising how, contrary to belief, the internet can forget. Our discussion covers the risks to digital preservation, including the Internet Archive lawsuit and the downfall of Lik-Sang imports.

    Next, we catch up with Rams' adventures in Empyrion - Galactic Survival. He recounts his first rage quit, the frustration that led him to use console commands, and his progress in designing his own spaceships—from small vessels to the beginnings of a capital ship. Along the way, Rams faces asteroid mining, aggressive drones, and the engine’s limitations.

    We also chat about Ram's impressive maths skills the future of AI and job automation, some strangely flat trees, Ram's explosive potential, and why open mouths are essential for YouTube thumbnails, what would happen if they remade Back to the Future and ponder how to keep Gabe Newell alive forever.

    Notes

    Vroom Vroom around the track with Gran Turismo

    Skazz was was right about GT be a best selling PS1 game

    Skazz choice of car for Gran Trurismo

    A model T in a Gran Turismo game

    Late 90s show about games with Games World

    Not the last in the series to carry his name, but one of the last with Colin McRae: Dirt

    Ram first taste of console racing games with Wild Wild Racing

    The game that sold steam to Ram, Dark Messiah of Might and Magic

    Also, it was not the first source game, not even one of the first released

    Still having fun in space with Empyrion - Galactic Survival.

    The Internet Archive has suffer from lawsuits

    The sad fate of Lik Sang

    The Volkswagen steam engine

    A car that (Thankfully) never came to be, the Ford Nucleon

  • Welcome to Episode 249

    Skazz talks about the technical issues he's been having getting trying to get the PlayStation Vita to work, issues with dying memory cars, whitelisting of games and an internet killing power adapter all stand in his way to replay the Ys games

    Ram has been playing a game that was seemingly downloaded from creative depths of his brain and made real by a team with a lot more skill than him in Empyrion - Galactic Survival.

    This epic Voxel based game has you surviving on alien worlds, gathering resources, crafting, and finally building spaceships to fly to other worlds and do it all again.

    The game features factions, clever day/night cycle, unclear swimming mechanics, an interesting base networking system and an efficient crafting system.

    He also discuss the advantages and limitation of the Voxel base building system, and also talk about some of the games problems such as annoying despawn timers and slightly dodgy vehicle physics

    We also discuss Hi-Fi Rush being saved

    We also discuss figuring out how to drown and avoiding hitting things,

    Notes

    One Skazz’s favourite hand held game system, the PlayStation Vita

    A game that felt like it was made for Ram, Empyrion - Galactic Survival

    A video of Ram enjoying life as his sentry guns kills things


    Also check out our next game night on Wednesday 28th August at approx 20:30 GMT+1 on Twitch:

  • Welcome to Episode 248

    For some reason we start this episode discussing world records, getting into the Guiness book of records, and various tv programs based around it.

    Not having access to his PC at the moment, Skazz has returned to Console gaming with the PS5 and trying out in-home game streaming with the Playstation Portal. He talks about his experience with using remote play and the issues using it over Wifi, this leads into a discussion as to why Google Stadia got a bad reputation. We also talk about Sony's bizarre design decisions and anti-consumer practices.

    We then move onto discussing Blood Bowl 2, Skazz has played the tabletop version whereas Ram has not. We discuss the rules of the games, and the outcome of the few matches we’ve had between Ram’s Skaven and Skazz’s Orcs. we also talk about the horror’s of oak nipple tassles

    We also discuss fly by wire systems, being arrested for stick shaking, games with complex names, Ram infecting a whole office, delivering freedom, why modern console gaming is like old style PC gaming and the Lord of the RIngs tabletop game

    Notes

    Grow a part of your body very long and make it into the Guinness World Records

    People doing stupid things on telly for no good reason on the The People's Book of Records

    More legitimate world records in Record Breakers

    Celebrities betting on people with skills in You Bet!

    Go into the cockpit and shake your stick

    In-home game streaming with the PlayStation Portal

    Dead too Soon, Google Stadia

    Remember that time Sony installed a rootkit onto your pc

    Teams of the old world battle it out to win the cup in Blood Bowl 2

    Not in Blood Bowl 2, but Skaven Cheerleaders do exists in BB3

    Also check out our next game night on Wednesday 14th August at approx 20:30 GMT+1 on Twitch:

  • Welcome to Episode 247

    Skazz has been hitting mobile gaming on his iPhone with an varitory of emulators that are now available, joined up with the Backbone, a device that attached to your phone and give you controller interface. It does have an and app and subscription services with some bullshit features tied behind it

    Ram has been playing early 2000s first person shooter Command and Conquer Renegade, an attempt to take the red alert universe down to ground level. It also had a pretty unique multiplayer mode based around trying to destroy your opponents base.

    Ram also revist’s The Bureau: XCOM Declassified, and how he got over the bug that was stopping his progress before he ended up dropped the game anyway

    We also discuss Skazz preferred holiday destinations.

    Notes

    PS or xBox style controller on your phone with the Backbone, shame about the subscription

    First person command and conquer in C&C Renegade.

    Interesting idea, but gameplay makes it not worth the time, The Bureau: XCOM Declassified

    Also check out our next game night on Wednesday 31st July at approx 20:30 GMT+1 on Twitch:

  • Welcome to Episode 246

    Skazz kicks us off briefly discussing the emulators that are now available on apple allowing mobile gaming, as well as trying in-home streaming of the playstation 5. He decided to try an old PS4 launch title with Killzone: Shadow Fall. Discussing the changes to the gameplay, adding a less then successful stealth feature to the game. As well as annoying tutorials, psychic enemies and eternal combat music. We also talk about stealth implementation in games and why it does and does not work

    Ram also been playing a game from the early 2010s with XCom the Bureau Declassified. A time where every main player character was an arsehole. The setting is interesting and the story has some potential, but is let down with dodgy combat, annoying crashes and badly placed checkpoint.

    We alos discuss achievement and our general hatred of them, with some exceptions

    We revisiting discussing cyberpunk 2077, one of our favourite games of recent time and we relive some of the great moments from the game

    Notes

    A ps4 launch title from back in the day, Killzone Shadow Fall

    The third person tactical shooter with Xcom the Bureau Declassified

    Also check out our next game night on Wednesday 3rd July at approx 20:30 GMT+1 on Twitch:

  • Welcome to episode 245

    We kick off this episode with Skazz telling us about his sea exploits by going to see a visiting Spanish Galleon, which has turned up a bit late for the armada

    We have some disturbing conversations with chat gpt, and discover the truth about sheep military prowess

    We discuss a game we had issues actually playing, Dawn of War: Soulstorm, we discuss when we played it in the past and how field of view is such an issue. We also talk about some other early 2000s classic multiplayer games and pc days, And a brief discussion of hardware.

    We also discuss Dolphin jumping submarines, under-dressed motorcyclists and the other type of AI

    Notes:

    The spanish are coming with the GaleĂłn AndalucĂ­a

    Piracy is still illegal in the uk

    Classic 40k RTS Dawn of War Soulstorm
    ⁠Also check out our next game night on Wednesday 19th June at approx 20:30 GMT+1 on twitch

  • Welcome to Episode 244

    We start off discussing Ram re-wiring techniques after Skazz's wife has an accident with a hedge trimmer. Ram also talks about his visit to the Pig and Poultry fair to see all the pig related sex equipment and tractors.

    Moving swiftly on, Skazz has been playing Hi-Fi Rush, developed by recently killed off studio Tango Gameworks, a third person platformer with a rhythm style combat mechanic. Skazz talks about how it avoided it at the time.

    Following on from the above, we discuss the random cull Microsoft have done of some their studios and the state the gamer industry is in, how its got here and what the future will hold, we also discuss why the time is to move away from chasing graphics and into other parts of development.

    Ram has been fighting a alien invasion in 2016 XCOM 2, a management sim with a turn based combat were you have to manage a flying base and perform mission with soldiers who do not tend to have long life spans. Capture alien tech and even the aliens themselves to improve your equipment and take the fight back to them. The only dislike is the mission timer.

    We also discuss: Skazz ASMR, Pig wanking machines, Ram’s sausage

    Notes:

    A company offering free robotic upgrades is EVIL?!?!? Who would have guessed in Hi-Fi Rush

    Don’t get attached to your soldiers in XCOM 2
    Also check out our next game night on Wednesday 5th June at approx 20:30 GMT+1 on Twitch: ⁠twitch.tv/randnerds

  • We kick off this week with Ram telling us about his rebellious file server and his networking woes, plus window missing up his audio.

    Skazz talks about infinity generating road driving game s l o w r o a d s and how enjoyable chill games can be. We discuss other chill games such as flight simulator, Everything and Jalopy.

    Ram talks about the recently released netflix version of The Three Body Problem. He's also listened to the audiobook so he discusses the difference between it and the series and what changes he did and didn’t like.

    Also discussed Gamer Cream, rolling over in Eurotruck and Die Hard

    Notes

    Chill time in S l o w R o a d s

    The sad fate of Solomon Epstein

    The Three Body Problem: Book vs Netflix

    The Die Hard prequel starring Frank Sinatra, The Detective

    Also check out our next game night on Wednesday 22nd May at approx 20:30 GMT+1 on Twitch: ⁠twitch.tv/randnerds

  • We kick off with a bit of a discussion of the history of iPhones models and the ups and downs of the Apple products, and how we feel phone technology has stagnated and the need to upgrade is less required. We also discuss other modern devices.

    Skazz has been playing Scarlet Nexus an action rpg with psychic power fighting the strange ‘others’, you play two characters with separate stories with an interwoven plot

    Ram has moved on from being a hospital administrator to being in charge of a university with Two Point Campus (yes he gets the name wrong), charging students lots of money for sub par facilities including sharing beds and sink-less bathrooms.

    Ram spy’s antics, the real cloud computing, modern pig technology, being made to feel old and the modern high street

    Notes

    The history of iPhhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IPhoneones

    CT scan of airbud

    Fight against the others in Scarlet nexus

    Great value deals for the above game

    Bankrupt people for the vague hope of a future wealth in Two Point Campus

    Also check out our next game night on Wednesday 8th May at approx 20:30 GMT+1 on Twitch