GWJ Conference Call Episode 968

·1 hr 21 min·5 clips

Daryl explains how Blueprints' opening sequence hooked him in 15 seconds with its moody animation and mysterious mansion premise.

The episode opens with hosts Amanda Nolten, Aaron Amendola, and Daryl Lathan sharing their current states and gaming activities. Aaron discusses securing Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders for himself and friends, comparing the process to the PS5 launch. The first major game discussion focuses on Blueprints, a puzzle game where players explore a mansion to find a hidden 46th room. Daryl describes being hooked within the first 15 seconds by its atmospheric intro, while Aaron reveals he has 63 hours in the game and compares its discovery loop to Outer Wilds. Both emphasize the game's encouragement to take notes and its deep narrative. Next, Aaron details Claire Obscure: Expedition 33, a French RPG with Persona-inspired combat and a story about an annual disappearance event called the Gommage. He praises its character customization, pictos system, and a 'last stand' mechanic where backup party members join battles. Amanda then shares her experiences with Witchwood, a cozy crafting game with paper-craft visuals, and Sticky Business, a sticker-making game. Daryl talks about playing the Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion remaster, noting his unexpected engagement with the main story due to Patrick Stewart's opening scene and improved combat comfort compared to Skyrim. The second half shifts to a topic discussion on bygone gaming tropes. Aaron advocates for the return of Street Pass from the Nintendo 3DS for its social, location-based gameplay. Daryl wants incentives for completing games, like physical rewards or exclusive items, rather than just trophies. Amanda suggests bringing back decoders or 'feelies'—physical items that unlock game content. They also mention wanting irredeemable villains and less fourth-wall breaking. The episode closes with a 'Thread of the Week' about the oldest items people still use, referencing Winamp skins and vintage furniture.

As heard by us

A warm panel conversation about Switch 2 pre-orders, old gaming pleasures, and Expedition 33's party drama.

GWJ Conference Call settles into the durable pleasures of game-design talk: what old ideas still work, what deserves another turn, and why. Amanda Nolten, Aaron Amendola, and Daryl Lathan start with the practical luck of Switch 2 pre-orders, then move into Expedition 33 and the…

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Why you'd press play

You get Switch 2 preorder luck, Expedition 33 party talk, and bygone gaming tropes invited back for another turn.

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