Call and Response: WOFF! Dispatch November 2024
Added 2024-11-10 18:43:23 +0000 UTCGuten tag! The purpose of this post is to call for your questions and prompts for WOFF! Dispatch. Please respond by Wednesday, November 20th by leaving a comment on this post.
We're looking for two kinds of things:
Suggestions for our long-form discussion prompt.
Q&A about the shows, behind the scenes details, and miscellaneous (including off-the-wall and off-topic questions). Ask us about games or other media, life in general... You name it.
One caveat we've given in the past: If the question is too personal or gross, we may dance around it and not give a direct answer.
Looking forward to hearing from you!
Comments
He guys! Just a quickie… what systems do you use to play older games for Abject Suffering and WOFF? Curious to know if it’s an emulator dealio and what you recommend. Thanks and much love!
Troy Sand
2024-11-21 18:14:18 +0000 UTCThe recent return of HunterxHunter prompted me to do a reread of the entire series and I was really struck by just how much the author's love of games comes through. Games always seem to pop up, most notably with the Greed Island arc where our protagonists enter a card based MMORPG through a magical PlayStation, complete with concerns like how many memory blocks are taken up by the game data and the need to use multi-taps to allow more memory cards to be plugged into each console. Even in the midst of the current arc (a complex political drama involving more than a hundred named characters), the most recent chapter was mainly concerned with two characters discussing the rules of a card game. At one point Togashi even ran a contest where readers distributed a limited number of points over several stats and he created a series of dice based games to whittle the entries down to a few winners. There is an endearing author note in one of the volumes where he apologizes for how long it took to resolve the contest, explaining that he refused to let his assistants help, because he wanted to create the games and do all the dice rolls himself. This all really stood out to me as I usually find there is very little concern taken when depicting games in media, resulting in things like Quidditch with it's egregiously nonsensical rules, or depictions of video games that make it clear the creator has not played one since the late 70s. Are there any fictional games that have struck you as particularly well realized or creators whose love of games shines through their work?
trent allen
2024-11-19 23:49:26 +0000 UTCHey guys. Just writing in to get a temperature on CRPG coverage on WOFF, and I guess coverage for longer games in general, really. I completely understand the timesink involved in longer titles, and with BG3 still currently on the docket it may not be the best time to ask, but I guess I'm wondering what the future holds for seeing more of these titles in a smaller, less expanded format? I know the expectation for producing a WOFF generally stays within the 20 hour mark, (and understandably so) so would games like these end up being rare exceptions, or maybe something where multiple folks would co-produce a more extensive title? Thanks for the continually high quality content, and also a special thanks to Gary for introducing me to Binding of Isaac through the pods. Hoping to see that pop up some day as well.
Grimnir
2024-11-15 18:45:19 +0000 UTCKoledawg and Gar, I had heard about how balatro is the bees knees and ended up getting it on mobile. Conveniently right before Hurricane Helene wrecked our shit. I will always remember playing that game on my phone while also not having a way to charge it or any connection with the outside world. While standing in lines for supplies I was only thinking of one thing.. It was a dangerous gamble indeed.
Soulful Bison
2024-11-15 16:43:55 +0000 UTCHowdy fellas! I am really looking forward to your coverage of Cyberpunk 2077 this year, and it got me thinking about modern examples of games being fundamentally overhauled with updates and DLC after releasing, sometimes years later (Cyberpunk 2077, No Man’s Sky, Fallout 76, etc.). I know you rarely cover games right as they are released anyway, but has this phenomenon influenced your production discussions about coverage of modern games? Do you expect this sort of thing to leave some episodes feeling dated in the future? Thanks as always for the endless entertainment!
aidan.j
2024-11-14 20:50:56 +0000 UTCHey guys! Following your past recommendations, I’ve read The Indifferent Stars Above, A Paradise Built in Hell, Midnight in Chernobyl, and am halfway through Blood Meridian. Got any other suggestions for books of a similarly dark-because-it-was-real vibe?
Abe
2024-11-14 16:34:15 +0000 UTCHey guys, it was great to hear you talk about Games Master. As a teen, I loved/hated that show. Ultimately giddy joy at seeing video games on TV at all superceded the show's slight shitness (dumb challenges, useless tips, a million other things). Good times for teens though! If you want more UK video game TV '''treats''', check out Games World. F*** me, that show was bizarre. Also, Bad Influence!, which was duller and more serious. https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCQyVJaPXQ7XzLLgaKEPUXctixKQPu73V&si=MvAtXZ-LzDC1x2lu Love you guys! -Paul
Paul Duffus
2024-11-14 10:37:14 +0000 UTCHey Gary and Kole What are your thoughts on episodic content? While it may have fallen out of favour in recent years, at one stage episodic content seemed to be a popular direction for a number of developers. The idea of releasing shorter, more frequent games every six or so months meant we (the players) get games at a quicker pace, while giving developers more opportunities to experiment, gather feedback, and implement in the following release. Valve really pioneered these with the first two Half Life episodes. Similarly, some of the best Mass Effect games were in their shorter releases like Shadow Broker, Leviathan and Citadel (technically dlcs I know). Just curious to hear your thoughts? Do you think there is still some potential in episodic games, or have they largely been abandoned for good reason?
Drew
2024-11-14 09:39:05 +0000 UTCWhat's the dumbest joke you know?
KL
2024-11-13 20:34:25 +0000 UTCThe market justification is explicitly not about the games themselves but a bid to bring in new players. Listening to Hasbro's CEO Chris Cocks on the Oddlots podcast was depressing. It was grim hearing him talk about they way they want to bring more IPs into magic so that you could play your Gandalf card against their Transformer or whatever... The Ready-Player-One-ification of everything sucks.
Paul
2024-11-13 16:48:04 +0000 UTCQuestion for Gary: What do you think about Magic's recent announcement that they're basically going all-in on sets based around outside IP, and even making them Standard legal? Is it the inevitable destiny of all 30-year mega franchises to eventually turn into Fortnite? Are you mad, or simply delighted at the opportunity to build Spider-Man and X-Men (featuring Fallout) theme decks? Personally, after thinking about it a while... I think it truly sucks, and damages a big part of what I liked about the game and its flavor. (But also, every other day I wake up, think about it some more, and think "it's not so bad, is it?") Anyway, curious where you come down on it as a fellow long-time fan of the game.
mosesplan
2024-11-13 07:21:43 +0000 UTCHey guys, first time long time! Life question here: what style of pizza is your go to favorite? (New York, Detroit, Chicago, New Haven, Altoona) I’m partial to Detroit style but would love to hear your thoughts.
Nathaniel
2024-11-12 12:24:33 +0000 UTCEver since that new game came out, I've noticed that Warhammer 40k has been on my tl again. Lots of the game content but also people talking about painting figures or whatever. What is your guys' familiarity with the franchise? Ever played any of the games? they have a surprising amount. I tried that one called Mechanicus that's like a tactical/move-your-guys-around-a-grid kinda game and its pretty good! I don't really get into the space marine thing but this ones about those little cyborg freaks and was pretty interesting.
Randall
2024-11-12 00:32:12 +0000 UTCWho is your favorite animal in BG3?
Odysseas Ladopoulos
2024-11-11 20:55:17 +0000 UTCI am currently working my way through Abject/Exquisite Suffering (only...685 episodes left, fuck). Listening to some of these earlier episodes, I am being introduced to a Pantheon of individuals such as Crick and the Illbleed Libertarian. My question is this: have you ever had anyone you have focused in on respond in any way, good or bad? Additionally, have there been any moments in your podcasting career where you've had to stop and say "Oh shit we have an audience now, we need to be careful what we say."? (You don't have to read this part on air, but to clarify I mean a situation like where listeners might have harassed a dev.)
Malachi McRee
2024-11-11 18:25:09 +0000 UTCAfter struggling to beat even the third Gungeon level for weeks earlier this summer, this past month I finally unlocked the Gunslinger in "Enter the Gungeon". It got me thinking about the best victory laps in games. Not new game-plus, but games that give you that "once more with feeling" way of rounding out your experience, like the game is giving the player a high-five rather than starting the challenge anew. What are your favorite gaming victory laps?
Dylan Kilby
2024-11-11 18:21:21 +0000 UTCHas there ever been an example of the "guy who likes to fight, and is a good fightguy and that is his only defining trait" that's actually done well?
Eric
2024-11-11 17:27:48 +0000 UTCKole as a certified Saw sicko, what is your favorite trap?
Kerr
2024-11-11 17:09:01 +0000 UTCWoo! It’s a nostalgic Friday night at some unspecified point in your preteen or teen years. You and your buds are ready to have a rocking sleepover, but first you must make three stops. First to the game rental shop, then to your favorite take out food spot, and finally the record store. What game, food, and album are you picking for the ideal evening?
Naveen Sivakumar
2024-11-11 17:06:26 +0000 UTCWhile tidying up recently, I came across a floppy disk labeled ‘my Baldur’s Gate savefile.’ After finding a reader, I managed to extract my game from September 21, 2000. My character (a max-level summoner) and his team were ready to face Sarevok. Not gonna lie, it seems like I opted for a bit of a ‘cheese’ strategy by constantly summoning creatures to avoid melee combat at all costs. I’m honestly surprised that I felt the urgency to save this game on a floppy disk, hoping that one day I’d get my hands on it again. Do you also have savefiles that hold special meaning for you? More generally, do you save your savefiles?
antoine_velvet
2024-11-11 09:22:16 +0000 UTCHey Guys ! Just wondered if either of you have seen any of Gou Tanabe’s adaptations of Lovecraft ? I got his version of ATMOM for my birthday last month and it blew me away. Gou takes the images HP describes and illustrates them beautifully. Hope your doing well and a good Fhtagn to ya 🖤
Jake Bellwood
2024-11-11 09:14:42 +0000 UTCA duckfeed phrase I've taken to using when thinking about games is "this is the sign of a good/bad DM," and I've been thinking about it a lot while playing through act 3 of BG3. The folks at Larian are *exceptional* DMs, with great encounter design, incredible dungeoneering, and a terrific grasp of pacing. I'm not sure if there's enough for a topic in this question, but what makes a good DM in games? What games have good DMs, and what games (dark souls 3) are scuttled by bad, or unconfident DMs?
Michelle
2024-11-11 06:40:28 +0000 UTCHey guys! Given the state of the US the last week, I've been looking to lighten my mood a bit, and another podcast i listen to talked about a game that just came out called Death of the Reprobate. To cut straight to the chase, I laughed so hard i almost cried. Have you guys played any of the Joe Richardson games, it any plans to? This was my first and definitely won't be the last.
erix84
2024-11-11 06:28:18 +0000 UTCHi folks! Long time listener first time caller yadda yadda Amidst the unyielding horror of the world, I often find myself looking to media that produces feelings of optimism within me to avoid the nihilism that seems to be relentlessly pushed onto me. For example, I know you guys aren't huge sci-fi fans, but the Star Trek series has been a constant in my life for the last few years and its helped me immensely by illustrating a utopic (though no utopia can exist) world lightened of the weight of discrimination and social oppression. Another example of this is Twin Peaks, which illustrates a world in which cops actually do their jobs More to the focus of the show, however, is Red Dead Redemption 2. I really loved your episode on GTA5 and found your opinions reflected my own. I bounced off of RDR2 at first because of its over reliance on "realism" and on-rails life-sim Shenmue shenanigans, but kept finding videos about the game on my TikTok and was struck by its humanity showcased in those videos. Low and behold, I found what might be the best game I've ever played. It's focus on the humanity of even the most minute characters moved me in a way that video games seldom have in the past. It has a very interesting perspective on coloniality that I think you would both appreciate. Anyways, I wonder what media the both of you look towards when you are craving a feeling of optimism. When you want to look towards the light instead of the dark. I understand much of the content that you cover is dark, but where do you see the underlying optimism in the future? Where do you feel safe in your principles and convictions in fictional media? Sending love from Toronto - you're my favourite podcast and I can't thank you enough for being as cool as you guys are. All the best.
BlaiseBaileyFinneganIII
2024-11-11 01:15:44 +0000 UTCThe Bas Lag books are so good. His books have a special place on my bookshelf with my other favorite authors, Italo Calvino and Sergio Chejfec.
Aaron Russell
2024-11-10 20:42:08 +0000 UTCSince we've finished all the Supermassive my girlfriend and I tried playing Bloober Team's Blair Witch game. We both love the original movie but the experience of being lost in the woods was a lot less fun in a game as we just spend a lot of time walking in circles bored and confused rather than scared. What other settings work well in great in other media but suffer in games? Can you think of any settings that are great for games but don't work as well in other media?
Tom Healey
2024-11-10 20:42:00 +0000 UTCHey guys! How do you feel about scoring systems in games (outside of things like Balatro, where the score is the whole game)? I don’t like being graded by a game, but I do like shooting random doodads to make a number go up.
Andrew
2024-11-10 20:38:06 +0000 UTCHey guys! Back in the Torment: Tides of Numenera episode, Gary mentioned that one of the characters in that game (Rhin, I believe) would make it into his all-star list of video game RPG companions. I'm curious, if you could build an adventuring party for yourself using only characters from video game RPGs, who would make the cut?
Dan Mulkerin
2024-11-10 20:34:41 +0000 UTCWill the new Sonic movie be covers on Adaptation Decay? Will we have the return of The Whales’ Shamrock? Will?
Steven Riddle
2024-11-10 20:21:11 +0000 UTCGary - what kind of decks do you like to play/build in Magic the Gathering? Is there a format you enjoy most?
Ian McAfee
2024-11-10 20:01:15 +0000 UTCWhat is your favorite character you've ever played in a tabletop RPG and why?
Chapel Collins
2024-11-10 19:51:47 +0000 UTCIn a recent Watch Out For Fireballs, you discuss the worst games that you've done for the show. What are the games that for whatever reason can not or will not be done? If I remember correctly, the Persona series, Death Stranding, and Metal Gear Solid 4 have been mentioned as games that (for various reasons) are probably not going to be on WOFF. What are some other games that don’t quite fit the show, and what are the reasons they don’t fit?
Max
2024-11-10 19:33:24 +0000 UTCHey there folks, I’m incredibly hyped for the Curse of the Golden Idol, and have even adapted the first game into the GUMSHOE system for my friends and I to play to our leisure. I was curious as to what fictional or historical setting would you would most like to see taken to a detective-adventure game style like this?
Jordan and Maya M.
2024-11-10 19:33:19 +0000 UTCAlthough you guys have other gigs, your biggest shows are Kole & Gary projects. Do you take inspiration from other dynamic duos--Siskel & Ebert, Woodward & Bernstein, Abbott & Costello, Penn & Teller, Cheech & Chong, Carmack & Romero--in terms of roles or partnership dynamics?
Joseph
2024-11-10 19:33:03 +0000 UTCYo, been listening for a couple years now. Best podcast sidekick for long shifts at the shit factory. Random question: yall fuck with IPAs? Will I grow into it? They all taste like soap to me but my friends love them. Thanks, A stout enjoyer
Nicholas Knisley
2024-11-10 19:03:56 +0000 UTCIt was going through a major breakup about a decade ago that I discovered Bloodborne. In that time of personal crisis, the gameplay loop that centered around getting your ass beat like a drum until you figure a way out of it really spoke to me. Focusing so much on learning enemy patterns and weapon movesets brought me a valuable lesson, one that I don't think even Miyamoto was considering amongst the layers of Lovecraftian subtext. The game made me realize that, as much as I wanted to numb myself to a situation that felt out of my control, it was more important and necessary to persevere as clear-headed as I can. We can't shut off the world around us when shit gets hard - whether it's by avoiding tough conversations with ourselves or loved ones, or looking for answers at the bottom of a bottle. Oftentimes the only way out is through. So! Now that I'm working through another major breakup, I gotta ask - what major life lessons will I learn when I finally install Shadow of the Erdtree? Or, less seriously, has a game taught you an unexpected lesson when you came to it during a difficult time? Thanks so much for all the hard work you do for the network. Looking forward to Duckstream!
Gautam Jayanthi
2024-11-10 19:01:48 +0000 UTCChina Mieville is my favorite author! Perdido Street Station and its sequels are my favorites, but also love his novelas like This Census-Taker.
mwh
2024-11-10 18:53:11 +0000 UTCHey y'all - I have a lot of trouble mustering the will to go back and revisit things; movies, books, games, tv - once I finish them, I'm eager to get onto the next art experience. Even the works which have totally coloured my tastes and expectations, things which I consider weekly in my mind, are less exciting than some unknown. Many of your shows are as informed as they are because you've given yourselves the chance to work over a text multiples times, and almost always you seem to gain new appreciation from the second encounter; how do you find the desire to return to something in favour of the new?
Béa(u)
2024-11-10 18:51:10 +0000 UTCHi, I only recently found your network so I don't know if this has been answered or mentioned before, but have either of you read anything by China Miéville? I feel like you might enjoy his books if you haven't read them.
Aaron Russell
2024-11-10 18:50:45 +0000 UTCI recently played Divinity: Original Sin 2 after beating Baldurs Gate 3, and found it really enjoyable. I like how much freedom of mobility there is during combat, and how expressive the elemental environment system is. The mission in the oil field was a particular standout, with fields of fire as far as the eye can see. The story isn’t as well written from a character perspective, but I thought the surreal and philosophical nature of the overarching story to be more engaging than BG3’s. What do y’all think of D:OS2 in retrospect after diving so deep into BG3?
mwh
2024-11-10 18:48:52 +0000 UTCHow to you feel about adaptation going forward? After watching the new Fallout show (late to the party, I know) it makes me feel optimistic about the future of video game adaptation. I thought it was respectful of it's source, but didn't taint the original stories.
Tyler Curtis
2024-11-10 18:47:25 +0000 UTCI guess I'll ask here. If the companions from DAO met up with the companions from BG3, who'd hang out with whom?
Joe Binson
2024-11-10 18:47:04 +0000 UTC
