Call and Response: WOFF! Dispatch September 2022
Added 2022-09-16 16:42:53 +0000 UTCHello! The purpose of this post is to call for your questions and prompts for WOFF! Dispatch. Please respond by Monday, September 19 by leaving a comment on this post.
We're looking for two kinds of things:
1. Suggestions for our long-form discussion prompt.
2. 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.
We look forward to making this new kind of WOFF! episode together with you.
Comments
Hey Douglas, we're not deleting your comment! Sorry you're going through that.
Duckfeed.tv
2022-09-19 19:08:55 +0000 UTCLong form option: Emulation and the shared legacy of retro games, the emulation community, piracy and preservation. Is it age or availability that determines whether it's okay to pirate a game? (To you at least) How do you feel games as a service allowing official access to old titles (think Switch Online, etc.) has impacted the moral and practical equation of retro piracy? Maybe a broader discussion on copyright law and it's impact on games? How would game and software development be different if the source code or development tools of games became public domain after 20-30 years?
Wil Wright
2022-09-19 16:27:38 +0000 UTCIt's possible this was mentioned on a previous dispatch, but Kole has alluded to playing a few WOFF games on his retro handheld. What model is it? I've been lost down that rabbit hole for a few months and I'm curious. I'm not currently in the market to buy one, but it's a fascinating space and I keep up with it as a hardware and engineering enthusiast. Do you have any strong opinions on the explosion of affordable retro handhelds? It's a weird sort of product where designers can assemble hardware using byproducts from the extensive consumer electronics infrastructure while relying on the vast sea of existing official software and hobbyist emulation code as the real product and marketing.
Wil Wright
2022-09-19 16:09:14 +0000 UTCHi there, my comment has disappeared again. If that was done on purpose sorry to keep bothering you with this. It might be my work's VPN or it might be that I'm too rambling and it was deleted. I'll try to sum it up in a shorter fashion. I am set to receive a Steam Deck in the next few months (preorders right now are delivered in between October, November and December). However, I'm lifelong console-only gamer except for the C64 I suppose. I much prefer consoles (the idea of sitting at a desktop to play a video game is something I can't get with), but now I can get what is essentially a better Switch! I'm excited! Because of my history, however, I have NO IDEA what I’m getting into. I don’t know Steam, I don’t know PC-gaming, I don’t know what a ‘launcher’ is. 'Early access' is sort of mind-boggling (an unfinished game? WHY?), I don’t know about mods, where to find them or use them, I don’t know if I should be worried about viruses. Would you be willing to do a sort of primer on your Steam Deck experience? If you're feeling generous, an addendum on PC gaming in general? Any recommendations off the bat? I'm getting a steam deck for easier access to Indies (Inscryption will be my first purchase) and better and bigger 4x/strategy/management/sim games (CIv6 on Switch recently got its hooks into my deep, looking for more).
Douglas
2022-09-19 12:29:30 +0000 UTCTwo questions around the same topic, feel free to drop either one. What experience/impression do the two of you have of Destiny 2? It sits in a strange spot of technically being an MMO, but the moment to moment experience is much more local and imtimate as activities rarely allow more than 6 players in the same instance. It's also an interesting case of a live service game changing significantly, in this case for the better - The old story and gameplay was fine, but rather rote. Now, each season seems to bring very thoughtful and well paced character-centric story beats, and new gameplay twists. We recently discovered we are plural, which means we have multiple people living in one body (previously Multiple Personality Disorder). The last season of Destiny 2 delved into a LOT of ideas around trauma, grief, guilt, etc. and also has very clear parallels with plurality. In this same period of time, we watched Moon Knight with our (also plural) partner, which unsurprisingly drove us both to sobbing tears. So much of these stories hit SO hard through the lens of our new identity, in a way that they never would have before. Have you ever had a game or other piece of media coincide with your own life events or self discovery in a way that hit hard?
Fenreliania
2022-09-19 01:08:06 +0000 UTC2 questions - What are your guys feeling about Rumor of a bluepoint remake of Mgs1. To me sounds to good to be true. We're you guys planing to return to mokeys Island too? Keep on keep on M-cav
Mcav86
2022-09-19 00:35:29 +0000 UTCRE: RE: Welcome to Raccoon City - I actually know someone who watched the film with zero catalog on the Resident Evil series. The story's not really funny so much as predictable - they felt it was a middling horror movie that didn't make much sense, and had to rely on asking their partner "Who's that?" and "Should we know why that happened?" basically every time a proper noun dropped. On the plus side, explaining about the Ashford twins or basically all of the background of RE4 has gotten them interested in the games. ~mistakes into miracles~
KL
2022-09-18 22:09:49 +0000 UTCFor a long-form maybe: Games that you know aren't necessarily perfect but are or were at some specific point perfect for you. I know, gary is cool on Undertale and i mega get why, but stumbling into the pacifist route while also ascribing to that ideology at that time made it such a Perfect Experience™ for me
Rye
2022-09-18 21:18:50 +0000 UTCI'm still catching up on the backlog and haven't heard every dispatch so apologies if this has been asked. I know y'all did Shovel Knight for BSC, but is it possible you'd cover the whole Treasure Trove? Also, what are your opinions on the spinoffs? Pocket Dungeon and Dig if you've had the opportunity to hit the latter by the time this is asked. Thanks! I think you're both rad and love how you make me think about games 💕
Rye
2022-09-18 21:15:13 +0000 UTCHey all, It’s your bud Randall. Just been thinking about Licensed Comics lately. Bloodborne got a new series recently and even though it’s written by Cullen Bunn, someone who’s work I generally enjoy, it’s pretty boring so far. I was just curious if you had any favorites you’ve read, or if there was an IP that hadn’t been adapted to comics you’d like to see adapted? With BloodBorne and Horizon Zero Dawn getting series it feels possible that Sony could push for an Elden Ring book soon. The Power Rangers and Transformers comics at IDW are actually really good and some of the best those properties have to offer. IDW’s Sonic book is also supposed to be great too if you can believe it. Now that Disney owns them, Alien and Predator have comics coming out of Marvel. I’d personally like to see some Indiana Jones comics.
Randall
2022-09-18 16:25:33 +0000 UTCHypothetical: Someone makes a Lovecraft themed drink called Gug Chug. Would you try it?
Lucky McChancey
2022-09-18 16:15:11 +0000 UTCThere are plenty of horror and spooky games to play around Halloween but are there any games you enjoy that you strongly associate with other holidays, big or small? Be that from a personal history or just a general aesthetic.
The BabaDuck
2022-09-17 11:59:41 +0000 UTCHey guys! To observe Spooktober, I usually play a Resident Evil game, and have caught up with most of the mainline series. The two I have left for this year are RE Zero and RE6. Which would be the better Halloween treat? I suspect the correct answer is “neither, replay one of the good ones”, but I have one of those completionist brains that won’t allow that. Thanks!
Andrew
2022-09-17 00:51:49 +0000 UTCPoliticians aside, what's the worst opinion you've ever heard? Someone once told me they walked out of Birdman because there wasn't enough action and I had to go take an angry nap.
Alex Shaw
2022-09-16 23:46:08 +0000 UTCMaybe more of a topic: I've noticed that the cycle for remastering and/or rebooting previously released games has gotten a bit shorter. The most notable recent example is the Last of Us Part 1. I tend to only play games once, but I have revisited childhood nostalgia a few time with games like Ocarina of Time or FFVI. I guess it can be fun to replay a game to put it into a more modern context and highlight the advances of design since it's release. Personally it's also fun to reach back into parts of my life and just use the game to stir up older feelings and nostalgia. But this shortening cycle of revisiting games seems like it caps how much could have changed from the original release. What are your thoughts on the value and purpose of a studio revisiting a property in this way? Likewise, even if a game hasn't been updated, what are you looking for when you come back to something familiar?
Rick Wolf
2022-09-16 23:25:50 +0000 UTCIn my job I often get spam email from recruiters offering to connect me with "top talent" and people offering software engineering tools that are wildly unrelated to my work. What kind of stupid spam do podcasters get?
Rick Wolf
2022-09-16 23:21:32 +0000 UTCThis one is more for Gary I guess; you've mentioned before that you read comics and just wondered what kind of comics you are into? Any recommendations? Comics are probably my second preferred entertainment medium after video games and I'm always looking for new stuff to check out.
Chris Hales
2022-09-16 21:31:02 +0000 UTCFMK: Yoko Taro, Suda 51 and Swery 65
Francisco
2022-09-16 20:12:22 +0000 UTCI recently moved from Providence RI to Knoxville TN for several reasons, and the rules in my new apartment do allow a small dog or a cat with permission and a fee paid. I've always been a dog person, but I was thinking a cat would be better for an apartment. However, I've never once met a friendly cat -- anytime I've encountered one they have always gone 'fuck you' to me. Do you have any advice on locating and selecting a cat who would be 'newbie friendly' and how do you personally deal with the smell of the littler box?
Greg Polander
2022-09-16 20:05:18 +0000 UTCthat’s an excellent choice Tyler, for my own curiosity’s sake i gotta know what cartoon you would want Will to comment on
sleepysmiles
2022-09-16 19:06:40 +0000 UTCYou have the power to drop a fully Guppy charged Will Hughes on any podcast you wish and force them to have him as a special guest. Who do you unleash your Chaos Champion of Galavant upon? My choice would be What a Cartoon with Bob and Henry!
T
2022-09-16 18:52:29 +0000 UTCThis is a question for Gary: is Modridge playing any shows right now? As a long-time fan of the network and as a fellow Portlander, I’d love to come out and support you and your musical endeavors as well. It would be nice to meet you and say thanks for all of the years of enjoyment you and Kole and the gang have brought to my life! I also understand this idea possibly being uncomfortable for you; if you prefer to keep that part of your life more personal, I completely understand! Thanks again for everything, guys.
Austin Paul
2022-09-16 18:52:06 +0000 UTCThe sexy djinn from George millers action packed follow up to Fury Road, “three thousand years of longing” appears before you and offers a simple wish. If you [GARY OR KOLE] could directly take part in the creative process, from idea to final product, without having to actually do real work, but having complete creative and financial freedom; Which project would you tackle?
Jordan and Maya M.
2022-09-16 17:42:56 +0000 UTCHey guys, firstly, big thanks for using my question last time for the topic! (Also, the name's pronounced may-nee-av, but it's made up nickname anyway) With the inclusion of MGSV this month I wanted to ask - how do you feel about "westernised" Japanese-developed games as an existing niche? I.e. games made in Japan by largely Japanese teams who are trying to incorporate typically western elements through gameplay, story, setting, language or casting. This can be at directors discretion like Kojima or Miyasaki, or a marketable choice such as for Resident Evil or Silent Hill. That said, if there are many "easternised" games of note I have yet to notice. It would be interesting if there aren't many to ponder why it doesn't work in reverse. Biggest one that comes to mind is Ghost of Tsushima, which was received very well, especially in Japan. Edit: Removed about half of my overly long ramblings that weren't particularly constructive. I may need to invest in a full-time personal editor.
Maniadh
2022-09-16 17:37:52 +0000 UTCHiya Duckfeed Boix!! Here’s a just funnin’ around question: What are some of your favorite animal sounds? Just like, the top “whatever you can think of” ex., for me: -duck quack (of course) -wolf howl @ wolves /dog howl @ sirens -cat meow + purr + that weird chirping noise they do at birds they cant reach -mourning dove coo. dove coos in general are very beautiful, but mourning doves have my favorite one -that weird alarm screech + chuck chuck chuck sound squirrels make -cow moo. that’s a cliche animal SFX, but an actual low cow moo from a happy cow is a really lovely sound Thanks as always for all the fun podcasts!! ♥️, sleepysmiles
sleepysmiles
2022-09-16 17:37:22 +0000 UTCI was recently thinking about my favorite story flourishes in game writing. Not full-blown Shyamalan twists, but rather little moments that add depth or color. I recently finished Forbidden West and was reminded of the moment in Zero Dawn where they discuss sound proofing the lobby so people can’t hear the screams from the next room over as people learned about the end of the world. That moment alone was a big factor in why I sponsored that episode. Are there any narrative touches like that which stand out for you as enriching a game, while not necessarily flipping the entire story over?
Doug Lief
2022-09-16 17:34:53 +0000 UTCThis is mostly for Kole, but would love to hear if Gary has any interest in any of this: I just finished The Talisman for Radio Free Mid-World, and immediately after found out the news that The Duffer Brothers (of Stranger Things fame) are making a serial adaptation of it. How do you feel about that? Are you exited or do you have some misgivings? How do you feel about Stranger Things in general?
SindrElf
2022-09-16 17:22:36 +0000 UTCOffset control sticks (Nintendo/Xbox) or symmetrical control sticks (Playstation), what do you prefer and why?
Naveen Sivakumar
2022-09-16 17:18:55 +0000 UTCSo, we're currently going through a round of video game shows and showcases and I've got a question about that oh-so-devious HYPE! Gary, I know, is fond of saying 'kill the hype inside you", a concept I agree with, but have a hard time executing. But Hype in general is an interesting thing to consider. Why does it affect so many so hard? What purpose does it serve beyond purely capitalistic ones, if any? Do you guys have specific hype killing methods? Thanks a bunch for your work, as always. P.S. don't worry, Gary, I'm a big ol' mech nerd and even I found D Walker to be stupid to look at, unfun to control/use, and annoying to customize. Truly a trifecta of disappointment. Also, as a mech nerd I have seen sooooo many explanations about giving mechs cockpits including, but not limited to, bolting a freaking cockpit capsule or box onto the mech that aren't "welp, can't make the seat bigger, *SHRUG*". Hell, there's an entire Gundam series (not a very good one IMO) about how piloting mechs better requires a direct spinal implant that conviently works best when implanted in children but will kill or disable adults...so Kojima was really not racking his brain too hard on that one. This has been another instance of Pedant Shield +.
Jonathan Scratch
2022-09-16 16:58:52 +0000 UTCHi guys, I played XCOM 2 for the first time this year, and then immediately played through it 3 more times (the doctor says I have inoperable Tactics Brain). One of the things I enjoy about it is its inverse difficulty curve: the game’s at its most brutal in the first third, then steadily gets more manageable from there. This seems smart to me, as if you end up in an unwinnable state, you'll probably only have to replay the beginning of the game, and the toughest part of the game is also the part that you play and practice the most. Can you think of many other games that have a progression like this, and do you think more games would benefit from an unorthodox difficulty curve?
Alex Honeydew
2022-09-16 16:57:53 +0000 UTCI just finished playing stray. When considering what I liked about it I found it evoked a similar emotional response for me as Soma and Neir Automata. I realize that any type of Media with sad, broken robots is entirely my shit. Can you please recommend me some sad broken robot stuff? Also, what asthetics or themes have you realized you're 100% down for no matter what? I think an example that's come up on the network often is people turning to dark gods or malevolent forces because they actually work. Any other examples?
Matt DiTomaso
2022-09-16 16:57:00 +0000 UTCI have long admired the Simpsons from a distance; through the movie, video games, a few recent episodes and clips, etc. I have not, however, been able to dive into the meat of the older stuff. Where do you guys recommended I begin a watch through? Is season 1 a good spot or is a later season better? Episodes to avoid? Thank you for your insights and wonderful podcasts.
Noah Groves
2022-09-16 16:51:49 +0000 UTCI know Gary has mentioned MtG a few times, but am wondering if he either has a favorite card, or favorite color combination for either aesthetic or mechanical reasons. My favorite colors are selesnya as I love to make tokens and go wide. Thanks! Love the show(s).
Nic Kane
2022-09-16 16:50:49 +0000 UTCI'm curious if there are certain creators whose work you can't stand, with one notable exception? For example, like Kole I have a degree of affection for Metal Gear. All obvious caveats about Kojima's characterization of women being regressive and the overly-long monologues - I still love the universe created by this weird, wretched man. That said, I hated Death Stranding. Satisfying gameplay loop aside, the story made zero sense, the characters were as subtle as a stick of dynamite, and the two hour ending made me physically angry. Even though the same could be said about Metal Gear, I love one but not the other. Do either of you have creators (or auteurs) who you can't generally stand except for one piece?
Gautam Jayanthi
2022-09-16 16:49:59 +0000 UTC
