Game/Life Balance U.S.

Jon reviews his new Steam Deck in our 2022 holiday special! …but probably not the holiday you’re thinking of. Plus: Cody lost his expensive headphones but WON a brand-new gaming PC, and he and Jon discuss whether it should become part of a new VR rig. They also recount their recent experience at a friend’s wedding in Wisconsin with some of the best cocktails basically ever, then wrap up by reminiscing about their favorite Nintendo 64 memory to celebrate the 64th episode of Game/Life Balance U.S. Sit back and enjoy a Wisconsin brandy old fashioned while you listen! Theme song credit: Subterranean Kamikaze by Juan Medrano and zircon via OverClocked ReMix - download at https://ocremix.org/remix/OCR01730 Visit our sister show in Australia at https://gamelifebalanceaustralia.com Check out other geeky podcasts on the GonnaGeek Network at https://www.gonnageek.com/

Cody reviews alcoholic Mountain Dew and Jon recaps his Allegiant Stadium and Cosmopolitan bottle service experiences. They also discuss disgusting malt beverages, $1,500 bottles of vodka, and Las Vegas vibes. Plus: Cody went to another symphonic performance of Distant World: Music from Final Fantasy, and Jon has returned to Eorzea to play critically acclaimed MMORPG Final Fantasy XIV, which includes a free trial with unlimited playtime up to level 60 and includes the award-winning first expansion Heavensward. Theme song credit: Subterranean Kamikaze by Juan Medrano and zircon via OverClocked ReMix - download at https://ocremix.org/remix/OCR01730 Visit our sister show in Australia at https://gamelifebalanceaustralia.com Check out other geeky podcasts on the GonnaGeek Network at https://www.gonnageek.com/

Jon helps Cody talk through his home gaming setup and explains how kids destroy houses. Plus: Jon’s basement cricket and escape artist dog; a FULL GAMER review of Assassin's Creed Origins; a debate about movies that are more than 3 hours long; and trading time for loot in “sit back” versus “lean forward” video games such as critically acclaimed MMORPG Final Fantasy XIV, which includes a free trial up to level 60 with unlimited playtime and includes the award-winning first expansion Heavensward. Theme song credit: Subterranean Kamikaze by Juan Medrano and zircon via OverClocked ReMix - download at https://ocremix.org/remix/OCR01730 Visit our sister show in Australia at https://gamelifebalanceaustralia.com  Check out other geeky podcasts on the GonnaGeek Network at https://www.gonnageek.com/

Hear how Hades holds up in 2022 and how Cody and Jon handle gaming around their kids. In their first episode from a 3-year hiatus, you'll also hear about where they've been, why they're back, and whether a sound effects soundboard can make the show even worse than it already was in the first place. Intro music credit: Subterranean Kamikaze by Juan Medrano and zircon via OverClocked ReMix - https://ocremix.org/remix/OCR01730  Outro music credit: Unity by TheFatRat with permission - https://soundcloud.com/thefatrat/thefatrat-unity-1

Cody and Jon record their first episode together in 2019, and hilarity ensues. Also in this jam-packed episode: Cody dives into Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers, and Jon reviews Hollow Knight and Mutant Year Zero: Road to Eden. They also talk about Xbox Game Pass, Risk of Rain 2, the TV shows Silicon Valley and Star Trek: The Next Generation, and micheladas. Having a core exercises for swimming will make you a better, stronger swimmer. Show Notes: * Join the GonnaGeek Discord server, where you can chat with Cody, Jon, and several other members of the GonnaGeek Network: https://discord.gg/yBBBtGT * To nominate an SNES Classic game for them to review on a future episode, email unqualifiedpodcast@gmail.com or tweet at Cody @ProducerCody and/or Jon @eatplaygame * Find Game/Life Balance U.S. on the GonnaGeek Network, on WGN Plus, our YouTube channel, and more! * Podcast theme song intro/outro credit: ‘Unity‘ by TheFatRat with permission * Game/Life Balance AUS official web site: http://www.gamelifebalanceaustralia.com * Learn something new in just a few minutes every day on Cody’s daily podcast for Curiosity.com

Elliot Callighan, composer and sound designer for media and adjunct professor at DePaul University, joins Cody to discuss his new project, Unlock Audio. It’s a tool for re-framing game audio to make it developer-centric from both a creative and business perspective. They also talk game design education, sound design, and — of course — what video games they’ve been playing lately! 10 tips for creating a stylish kid’s room on a budgetPaint. Painting remains one of the most affordable ways to decorate a space. Use stickers. Wall sticker art is one of the most popular ways to decorate a child’s room — and one of the easiest. Stick with twins. Try to DIY. Infuse color and texture. Add greenery. Repurpose and recycle. Add a mobile,  click for more decorating tips. Elliot is a classically trained violinist and pianist, metal guitarist and electronic music enthusiast with degrees in Music Composition and Sound Design for Cinema. Currently, Elliot is an independent Composer and Sound Designer, a Soundpost Co-Chair for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Overture Council as well as Adjunct Faculty in the Film & Game programs at DePaul University. His work has been featured in campaigns for United Airlines, The Chicago Advertising Federation, GMC, The Godrej Group, Chevrolet Motors, The Goodman Theatre as well as many independent films and games. In addition, he is an Officer and Platoon Leader in the Illinois Army National Guard. Show Notes: * Elliot Callighan discusses: * How he got into composing and sound design for media, including video games. * Why anyone who’s interested in working on video games should participate in a game jam. * His new project, Unlock Audio: “I think we’re on the cusp of how game audio is done professionally, just because it’s a lot more straight-forward and simple and easy for everyone.” * Video games that feature the U.S. military or are actually used by the military, and why he’s thinking about audio as part of his role in the Illinois Army National Guard. *  Where voice acting falls into the “sound design” umbrella, and what it’s like working with voice actors when working on audio for video games and related media. * The way students are approaching video game development and sound design differently than they did just a few years ago. * Nerding out over Heroes of the Storm and an indie game called The Cursed Forest. * Visit Elliot Callighan’s website, RamovaMusic.com * Check out his new project at UnlockAudio.com * Elliot’s DePaul University faculty bio * Hear Cody’s 2017 interview with Elliot on the Curiosity Podcast: “21st Century Composing: Scoring Music For Film And Video Games” * Podcast theme song intro/outro credit: ‘Unity‘ by TheFatRat with

Blake J. Harris, the best-selling author of “Console Wars,” has turned his attention to virtual reality with a new book. In “The History of the Future: Oculus, Facebook, and the Revolution That Swept Virtual Reality” Harris dives into the dramatic, larger-than-life true story behind the founding of Oculus and its quest for virtual reality. In this podcast, he discusses how he got his hands on the story, the twists and turns he encountered, and what’s next for virtual reality. Show Notes: * Blake J. Harris, author of “The History of the Future: Oculus, Facebook, and the Revolution That Swept Virtual Reality,” discusses: * The changing nature of how we consume media like this epic story of Oculus Rift. * The extensive access he had to Oculus and Facebook in the course of writing the book. * How he expected the story of Oculus to unfold, how Facebook expected the story to unfold, and the differences in their expectations versus reality. * How Facebook and Oculus have responded to the book and why. * The magic of virtual reality and how people need to experience it before they can really describe it. * Future uses for virtual reality, from medical technologies to military applications. * Why this book is almost like the virtual reality version of the 2010 David Fincher film “The Social Network.” * One part of the story that really took him aback while writing the book and how it changed the course of Oculus. * Blake J. Harris’ official website * Pick up his other book, “Console Wars: Sega, Nintendo, and the Battle That Defined a Generation,” on Amazon * Follow Blake J. Harris on Twitter @blakejharrisNYC * Podcast theme song intro/outro credit: ‘Unity‘ by TheFatRat with permission * Game/Life Balance AUS official web site: http://www.gamelifebalanceaustralia.com * Learn something new in just a few minutes every day on Cody’s daily podcast for Curiosity.com

Cody and Jon go FULL GAMER and review their favorite video games played over the past year, in addition to discussing what they learned about balancing video games with real life. Plus: a look ahead at what’s to come in 2019!People can also check out here if they need help with video games. Show Notes: * Cody discusses Final Fantasy XIV: Stormblood, Undertale, 20XX, Timespinner, and more! * He and Jon both discuss Sid Meier’s Civilization VI and Heroes of the Storm. * Jon talks Darkest Dungeon, Endless Space 2, Final Fantasy XII: Zodiac Age, Dead Cells, and more! * Cody plugs the GonnaGeek Discord server, which you can join here to chat with Cody, Jon, and several other members of the GonnaGeek Network: https://discord.gg/yBBBtGT  * To nominate an SNES Classic game for them to review on their next episode, email unqualifiedpodcast@gmail.com or tweet at Cody @ProducerCody and/or Jon @eatplaygame * Learn how to connect with us on the GonnaGeek Network, syndication on WGN Plus, our YouTube channel, and more! * Podcast theme song intro/outro credit: ‘Unity‘ by TheFatRat with permission * Game/Life Balance AUS official web site: http://www.gamelifebalanceaustralia.com * Learn something new in just a few minutes every day on Cody’s daily podcast for Curiosity.com Support the show by helping Cody cover website hosting costs:

Jon returns from an extended hiatus to talk about what it’s like balancing games and life now that he has not one, but TWO, kids. He and Cody also give updates on what video games they’ve been playing over the last several months. Show Notes: * Jon explains why he took multiple months off from the podcast, briefly recounting the story of his new baby’s early arrival (you can hear the full, uncut version of the story on our uncut recording on YouTube) * Then, Jon talks about how his time has been cut up since having a second baby, and how he was somehow able to finish his Final Fantasy “marathon” and beat multiple Final Fantasy games over 2018 * Turning their attention to video games, they discuss all the changes and updates that have been made to Final Fantasy XV, how much fun Jon had playing through Dead Cells, and why he’s been able to actually play multiplayer matches in Overwatch, despite the fact that his time is fragmented * Cody explains why he and his wife watched every episode of Star Trek: The Original Series and blogged about their experience in an ongoing series of posts on Cody’s website, which you can find here: https://codygough.com/2018/08/28/i-just-watched-every-episode-of-star-trek-the-original-series-and-theres-a-lot-to-say-cody-gough/ * Cody plugs the GonnaGeek Discord server, which you can join here to chat with Cody, Jon, and several other members of the GonnaGeek Network: https://discord.gg/yBBBtGT * Cody discusses a 12-hour Lord of the Rings movie marathon and a Lord of the Rings book club he participated in over the summer * Are the hosts of Game/Life Balance Australia psychic? Cody’s anecdote about AC and pro wrestling games suggests “maybe“ * To nominate an SNES Classic game for them to review on their next episode, email unqualifiedpodcast@gmail.com or tweet at Cody @ProducerCody and/or Jon @eatplaygame * Learn how to connect with us on the GonnaGeek Network, syndication on WGN Plus, our YouTube channel, and more! * Podcast theme song intro/outro credit: ‘Unity‘ by TheFatRat with permission * Game/Life Balance AUS official web site: http://www.gamelifebalanceaustralia.com * Learn something new in just a few minutes every day on Cody’s daily podcast for Curiosity.com

In 2002, Dave Wishnowski quit his job and set out to make his own wrestling game. More than 15 years later, he’s still at the helm of Pro Wrestling X, one of the most ambitious independent game projects in modern video game history. In this podcast, he tells his story and gives an update on the game that by all rights shouldn’t exist — and how he’s been able to stick with it for so long. Show Notes: * Dave Wishnowski, creator of Pro Wrestling X, explains why he wanted to make a wrestling game and how he got started learning how to do so * He explains the challenges of developing an indie game and why there are so many first-person shooters on the market, but very few successful independent pro wrestling games. * Hear about the current Pro Wrestling X gameplay experience and what’s next for the game. You can pick up the game on Steam Early Access, available now! * Join the Pro Wrestling X weekly email list, and don’t forget to follow Pro Wrestling X on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube * You can read more about Dave’s story in the book “The Minds Behind the Games: Interviews With Cult and Classic Video Game Developers,” available on Amazon or anywhere books are sold. You can also find an interview with the book’s author, Patrick Hickey, Jr., on a previous episode of Game/Life Balance U.S. * To nominate an SNES Classic game for them to review on their next episode, email unqualifiedpodcast@gmail.com or tweet at Cody @ProducerCody and/or Jon @eatplaygame * Learn how to connect with us on the GonnaGeek Network, syndication on WGN Plus, our YouTube channel, and more! * Podcast theme song intro/outro credit: ‘Unity‘ by TheFatRat with permission * Game/Life Balance AUS official web site: http://www.gamelifebalanceaustralia.com * Learn something new in just a few minutes every day on Cody’s daily podcast for Curiosity.com

In a special solo episode, Cody discusses his favorite games from Gen Con 2018 and offers some buying recommendations if you’re looking for the latest and greatest in strategy board games. Plus, learn a little about the role-playing game worlds of Starfinder, Arcanis: The World of Shattered Empires, and Savage Worlds. Show Notes: * Cody discusses his favorite board game adventures from Gen Con 2018, including the following unreleased games: * The expansion 7 Wonders: Armada / Asmodee (7 Wonders and 7 Wonders: Leaders Expansion available now) * Dragon Ball Z: The Board Game Saga / Lynnvander Studios, estimated release date Q4 2018 (originally in conjunction with Jasco Games when it was demo’d at Gen Con 2017) * Here are Cody’s most recommended board games from Gen Con 2018: * Azul / Plan B Games (8.0 on Board Game Geek) * Gloomhaven / Designed by Isaac Childres, Kickstarter (9.0 on Board Game Geek) * Terraforming Mars: Prelude expansion / Stronghold Games (8.6 on Board Game Geek) * One Deck Dungeon: Forest of Shadows / Asmadi Games * Root: A Game of Woodland Might and Magic / Leder Games (8.5 on Board Game Geek) * Mystic Vale / AEG, Alderac Entertainment Group (7.3 on Board Game Geek) with a whopping TEN EXPANSIONS, with these expansions particularly highly recommended:  * Mystic Vale: Mana Storm (8.0), with new amulets; * Mystic Vale: Vale of the Wild (8.1), which introduces leaders; * Mystic Vale: Conclave (7.4), which expands the game from 4 to 6 players; * Mystic Vale: Twilight Garden, released in July with no rating yet on Board Game Geek, offers player attacks and interaction (but Cody hasn’t had the chance to play it yet) * Plus, Cody delves into the world of role-playing games, including Starfinder, Arcanis: The World of Shattered Empires, and Savage Worlds * Check our past podcasts for board game reviews from Martin Con 2018, Martin Con 2016, and Martin Con 2015 (we did not do a podcast following Martin Con ...

Cody and Jon recap their favorite board games of “Martin Con” 2018, the annual Memorial Day Weekend board game gathering hosted at Jon’s house in Minnesota. This year’s games include but are not limited to: Avalon, Near and Far, Chaos in the Old World, Terraforming Mars, Arkham Horror, Mystic Vale, Sid Meier’s Civilization: A New Dawn, Rising Sun, Imperial Assault (with iPad), Ethnos, Eldritch Horror, and Codenames. Show Notes: * The two hosts give a quick rundown of the concept of “Martin Con” before diving into multiple detailed board game reviews * Check our past podcasts for board game reviews from Martin Con 2016 and Martin Con 2015 (we did not do a podcast following Martin Con 2017) * After finishing their massive board game geek-out, Cody and Jon briefly discuss their Deadpool 2 outing and Jon’s motivation to run in the ridiculous hot weather over Memorial Day weekend * To nominate an SNES Classic game for them to review on their next episode, email unqualifiedpodcast@gmail.com or tweet at Cody @ProducerCody and/or Jon @eatplaygame * Learn how to connect with us on the GonnaGeek Network, syndication on WGN Plus, our YouTube channel, and more! * Podcast theme song intro/outro credit: ‘Unity‘ by TheFatRat with permission * Game/Life Balance AUS official web site: http://www.gamelifebalanceaustralia.com * Learn something new in just a few minutes every day on Cody’s daily podcast for Curiosity.com

You know who directed your favorite films and wrote your favorite screenplays… so why don’t you know the names behind your favorite video games? On this episode, host Cody Gough interviews Patrick Hickey, Jr, author of “The Minds Behind the Games: Interviews With Cult and Classic Video Game Developers,” about his conversations with the creators of games like NBA Jam, Night Trap, Maniac Mansion, and more. Show Notes: * Patrick Hickey, Jr, creator of ReviewFix.com, discusses: * The process of inviting game developers to tell him their stories, and what motivated him to share their tales in the first place * Why the video game industry historically hasn’t put names above brands the way that movie studios and other entities have done in the past * Some of the most fun and interesting stories from his time writing the book * How the world of professional wrestling overlaps with his stories and what he’s working on next * His first forays into voice acting, as well as how he’s found himself contributing to video games in ways he never would have imagined just a few years ago * You can also hear Patrick as a voice actor in Relentless Rex (the Dino), The Padre (Padre Alexander, the main character), and Tr.1.S (p05). Patrick also wrote Tr.1.S and is the story editor for The Padre. * Plus: Patrick can do a voice that sounds exactly like The Shockmaster, an infamous botched pro wrestling debut * Pick up your copy of “The Minds Behind the Games: Interviews With Cult and Classic Video Game Developers,” on Amazon or anywhere books are sold. * To nominate an SNES Classic game for them to review on their next episode, email unqualifiedpodcast@gmail.com or tweet at Cody @ProducerCody and/or Jon @eatplaygame * Learn how to connect with us on the GonnaGeek Network, syndication on WGN Plus, our YouTube channel, and more! * Podcast theme song intro/outro credit: ‘Unity‘ by TheFatRat with permission * Game/Life Balance AUS official web site: http://www.gamelifebalanceaustralia.com * Learn something new in just a few minutes every day on Cody’s daily podcast for Curiosity.com

Cody and Jon attempt to explain F-Zero after playing it on the SNES Classic, despite not really caring at all about racing games. They also finally give an update on what’s going on in their lives, for once! Show Notes: * Cody and Jon try to stumble through a review of F-Zero, despite the fact that racing games aren’t their “thing” * Jon is curious about what Cody has to say regarding the game’s “interesting mechanics,” and both of them find the game strangely entertaining, despite the fact that they agree that the game is relatively “bad” * Jon discusses his favorite terrible games: Twisted Tales of Spike McFang, X-Men for the Sega Genesis, and Sewer Shark for the Sega CD * After an in-depth discussion, play along with some F-Zero trivia! * Cody gives a “Life Stuff” update and discusses how he’s now hosting a daily podcast for Curiosity.com, which you can listen to as an Alexa Flash Briefing skill on your Amazon Echo device * Jon helped AC from Game/Life Balance Australia get Cody a belated wedding gift, which Cody thinks is SERIOUSLY THE COOLEST THING EVER, and he genuinely thanks him for the incredible present * Cody and Jon briefly discuss Avengers: Infinity War, the upcoming Solo: A Star Wars Movie, the new season of Arrested Development, and a few other movies/TV shows that are on their radar these days * To nominate an SNES Classic game for them to review on their next episode, email unqualifiedpodcast@gmail.com or tweet at Cody @ProducerCody and/or Jon @eatplaygame * Learn how to connect with us on the GonnaGeek Network, syndication on WGN Plus, our YouTube channel, and more! * Podcast theme song intro/outro credit: ‘Unity‘ by TheFatRat with permission * Game/Life Balance AUS official web site: http://www.gamelifebalanceaustralia.com * Learn something new in just a few minutes every day on Cody’s daily podcast for Curiosity.com

Jon reviews EarthBound, one of his favorite games ever, and Cody asks: is it too late for EarthBound to find a new audience? Show Notes: * The hard question gets put out there: is it too late for EarthBound? * After an in-depth discussion, play along with EarthBound trivia! * Jon gives an update on his quest to play through every Final Fantasy game this year, and Cody explains why he’s playing Final Fantasy XIV again * To nominate an SNES Classic game for them to review on their next episode, email unqualifiedpodcast@gmail.com or tweet at Cody @ProducerCody and/or Jon @eatplaygame * Video referenced in intro: Earthbound (SNES) Angry Video Game Nerd: Episode 156 (we recorded this episode 8 days before the AVGN released his video, believe it or not!) * Learn how to connect with us on the GonnaGeek Network, syndication on WGN Plus, our YouTube channel, and more! * Podcast theme song intro/outro credit: ‘Unity‘ by TheFatRat with permission * Game/Life Balance AUS official web site: http://www.gamelifebalanceaustralia.com

Is Super Metroid a perfect video game? Cody poses the question and Jon tries to come up with answers, as they review the classic Nintendo title on the SNES Classic — 24 years after it was first released. Show Notes: * Cody asks the hard question: is Super Metroid a perfect video game? * Jon reveals why he has SO MUCH HAIR on his head right now, and it’s actually a pretty good reason * Cody’s first impressions of Stellaris, which is a very confusing game * Jon gives an update on his quest to play through every Final Fantasy game this year, now that he’s on Final Fantasy V, which is definitely one of his favorite games in the series (if not favorite games in general) * To nominate an SNES Classic game for them to review on their next episode, email unqualifiedpodcast@gmail.com or tweet at Cody @ProducerCody and/or Jon @eatplaygame * Learn how to connect with us on the GonnaGeek Network, syndication on WGN Plus, our YouTube channel, and more! * Podcast theme song intro/outro credit: ‘Unity‘ by TheFatRat with permission * Game/Life Balance AUS official web site: http://www.gamelifebalanceaustralia.com

Can optional content determine the playability and fun factor of a video game? Cody discusses how this happened as he and Jon review Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island for the SNES Classic, arguably the best platformer ever made. Show Notes: * Cody explains that he has upgraded to “gigabyte internet” but has no idea what that actually means (and plugs the Portal WiFi Router, basically the best router in the history of the world ever) * Jon explains why he thinks Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island might be the best platformer of all time, and he and Cody discuss the importance of optional content in video games. How do you “handle” optional content? When is there too much, when is there not enough, and what happens when a game’s difficulty is more attuned to completionists than it is to casual players who simply want to beat a game? * To wrap up the episode, Cody talks about why he’s more or less done playing Dissidia Final Fantasy NT on his PlayStation 4, a fighting game with action role-playing elements developed by Koei Tecmo’s Team Ninja and published by Square Enix * Jon gives an update on his quest to play through every Final Fantasy game this year, having just completed FFII and FFIII for the first time * To nominate an SNES Classic game for them to review on their next episode, email unqualifiedpodcast@gmail.com or tweet at Cody @ProducerCody and/or Jon @eatplaygame * Learn how to connect with us on the GonnaGeek Network, syndication on WGN Plus, our YouTube channel, and more! * Podcast theme song intro/outro credit: ‘Unity‘ by TheFatRat with permission * Game/Life Balance AUS official web site: http://www.gamelifebalanceaustralia.com

Cody and Jon delve into the history of Nintendo’s unique collaboration with Square-Enix (Squaresoft, at the time) and review Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars on the SNES Classic. Show Notes: * Cody and Jon discuss the incredibly unique circumstances of Nintendo and Squaresoft (known today as Square-Enix) working together to create a game that combines the best of many worlds * To wrap up the episode, Cody gives his first impressions of the recently released PlayStation 4 port of Dissidia Final Fantasy NT, a fighting game with action role-playing elements developed by Koei Tecmo’s Team Ninja and published by Square Enix * Jon also discusses Star Wars: Imperial Assault, a strategy board game by Fantasy Flight Games with a companion app that brings a board game experience to life without the need for human players to be around * To nominate an SNES Classic game for them to review on their next episode, email unqualifiedpodcast@gmail.com or tweet at Cody @ProducerCody and/or Jon @eatplaygame * Learn how to connect with us on the GonnaGeek Network, syndication on WGN Plus, our YouTube channel, and more! * Podcast theme song intro/outro credit: ‘Unity‘ by TheFatRat with permission * Game/Life Balance AUS official web site: http://www.gamelifebalanceaustralia.com

Cody and Jon review the run and gun game Contra III: The Alien Wars on the SNES Classic. Show Notes: * Cody and Jon discuss whether the game is too difficult or they just don’t like playing games that hard! Plus: why is 2-player mode completely broken and literally unplayable? * To nominate an SNES Classic game for them to review on their next episode, email unqualifiedpodcast@gmail.com or tweet at Cody @ProducerCody and/or Jon @eatplaygame * Learn how to connect with us on the GonnaGeek Network, syndication on WGN Plus, our YouTube channel, and more! * Podcast theme song intro/outro credit: ‘Unity‘ by TheFatRat with permission * Game/Life Balance AUS official web site: http://www.gamelifebalanceaustralia.com

Cody and Jon review Super Castlevania IV, one of many remakes of the original Castlevania, on the SNES Classic. Plus: first impressions of the board game Sid Meier’s Civilization: A New Dawn! Show Notes: * Hear how Cody was gilded on Reddit with an unlikely comment related to Triple H’s entrance music. * Cody and Jon set the stage for their discussion by talking about their history with the Castlevania series, including Cody’s extremely old Let’s Play Castlevania: Symphony of the Night VHS Tape, which is now on YouTube. * Cody and Jon debate the merits and pitfalls of Super Castlevania IV: is the platforming any good? Is it too hard? Why is the music so terrible? And most importantly, does it hold up? * Super Castlevania IV trivia from SNES Classic: The Ultimate Guide To Castlevania IV by BlackNES Guy * First impressions of Fantasy Flight Games’ Civilization: A New Dawn strategy board game, from Cody’s first play session (highly recommended!) * To nominate an SNES Classic game for them to review on their next episode, email unqualifiedpodcast@gmail.com or tweet at Cody @ProducerCody and/or Jon @eatplaygame * Learn how to connect with us on the GonnaGeek Network, syndication on WGN Plus, our YouTube channel, and more! * Podcast theme song intro/outro credit: ‘Unity‘ by TheFatRat with permission * Game/Life Balance AUS official web site: http://www.gamelifebalanceaustralia.com

Cody and Jon review both Star Fox and Star Fox 2 on the SNES Classic, then discuss the history of the Star Fox franchise. Plus: trivia! Show Notes: * Somehow, both Cody and Jon got their hands on an SNES Classic Mini, and they’re going to review a game on every episode of the podcast for the next 20 episodes! * Hear about the history of the Star Fox franchise and whether Star Fox holds up as a good game more than 20 years after its initial release. * To nominate an SNES Classic game for them to review on their next episode, email unqualifiedpodcast@gmail.com or tweet at Cody @ProducerCody and/or Jon @eatplaygame * Learn how to connect with us on the GonnaGeek Network, syndication on WGN Plus, our YouTube channel, and more! * Podcast theme song intro/outro credit: ‘Unity‘ by TheFatRat with permission * Game/Life Balance AUS official web site: http://www.gamelifebalanceaustralia.com

Jonathan Martin reviews the original Final Fantasy for the Nintendo Entertainment System as part of his ongoing RETROspective retro video game review series. Show Notes: * Share your thoughts about this review with Jonathan Martin on Twitter at @eatplaygame * Connect with us on the GonnaGeek Network, our YouTube channel, and more! * Game/Life Balance AUS official web site: http://www.gamelifebalanceaustralia.com

Cody and Jon return from a 6-month hiatus to talk weddings, classic Star Trek, the Extra Life video game marathon, Super Mario Odyssey, retro gaming, and their SNES Classic plans for the future of the podcast! Show Notes: * After a 6-month hiatus, Cody and Jon discuss what they’ve been up to and why they’ve resurrected their podcast * Cody raves about his new job with Curiosity.com, then rants about LinkedIn for being a really awful social media network * They recap Cody’s wedding at Promontory Point in Chicago, including the reception at the Congress Plaza Hotel, the most haunted hotel in the city * Google tells Cody how to convert Fahrenheit to centigrade, with hilarious results * Cody is watching the original Star Trek series with his wife, and it’s like a weird crazy blast from the past for him * Hear how Game/Life Balance and friends raised more than $600 for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals during Extra Life 2017 – and feel free to donate here: https://www.extra-life.org/team/game-life-balance * Cody gives a mini-review of Super Mario Odyssey, then Jon gives a quick recap on the games he’s been playing, including his plan to beat every Final Fantasy game and whey he’s going to stick to retro gaming almost exclusively over the next year * Somehow, both Cody and Jon got their hands on an SNES Classic Mini, and they’re going to review a game on every episode of the podcast for the next 20 episodes! * To nominate an SNES Classic game for them to review on their next episode, email unqualifiedpodcast@gmail.com or tweet at Cody @ProducerCody and/or Jon @eatplaygame * Learn how to connect with us on the GonnaGeek Network, syndication on WGN Plus, our YouTube channel, and more! * Podcast theme song intro/outro credit: ‘Unity‘ by TheFatRat with permission * Game/Life Balance AUS official web site: http://www.gamelifebalanceaustralia.com

Cody gives one more quick update as the 2017 Game/Life Balance U.S. Podcast Hiatus continues. Show Notes: * You can find Cody’s new podcast, the Curiosity Podcast, on iTunes or Stitcher, or add the RSS feed to any podcast player. Please leave a review if you have a minute! * While you’re waiting for new episodes, check out our hilarious and still active sister show, Game/Life Balance Australia, on their official web site: http://www.gamelifebalanceaustralia.com

Following a prolonged absence, Cody gives an update on the mostly-dormant state of Game/Life Balance U.S. Show Notes: * No show notes. I ain’t got time for that!

This week, Cody Gough of Game/Life Balance U.S. is joined by special guests Andrew “AC” Yoshimura of Game/Life Balance Australia and Chris Ferrell of the All Things Good and Nerdy and Official GonnaGeek.com Podcasts for a VERY SPECIAL REVIEW of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild on the Nintendo Switch. Will you like this game even if you aren’t a long-time Zelda fan? And how does the Nintendo Switch hold up? Tune in to find out! Show Notes: * Nintendo Switch Review: * AC talks about why he bought a Nintendo Switch in Japan and not in Australia * Chris discusses screen protectors, Pro Controllers, and Joy-Con connectivity * Cody covers the portability factor, including what happens when you fight Ganon on a literal airplane * Breath of the Wild Review: * Learn how this Legend of Zelda game has a completely different structure than every other Zelda game since The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past * Everyone drops some knowledge about how the logic and physics of the open world in the game function exactly as they should, and why that makes the game so much fun * Cody does take one specific issue with the game: the voice acting. And he has a LOT to say about it * Learn how to connect with us on the GonnaGeek Network, syndication on WGN Plus, our YouTube channel, and more! * Podcast theme song intro/outro credit: ‘Unity‘ by TheFatRat with permission * Game/Life Balance AUS official web site: http://www.gamelifebalanceaustralia.com * All Things Good And Nerdy official web site: http://allthingsgoodandnerdy.podbean.com/

Cody reviews his experience playing The Legend of Zelda themed Real Escape Game “Defenders of the Triforce,” and Jon explains why his birthday meal at Trevail Kitchen was one of the most unique dining experiences he’s ever had. Plus: a SPECIAL SURPRISE ENDING! Show Notes: * Cody has accepted a new position as the director of the FBI, and is legally changing his name to “FBI Director James Codey” * Life Stuff * Cody went to The Legend of Zelda themed Real Escape Game “Defenders of the Triforce” in Chicago, and recounts his experience * Cody discusses Gen Con’s True Dungeon and a few “escape room” type games, describing the puzzles and play style they typically feature * Jon grills Cody about props, specific puzzles, “production value,” and other details of the escape game, including SPOILERS with puzzle solutions and an explanation of why the game was thematically extremely well-done as it relates to the lore of The Legend of Zelda games * Cody announces the next Real Escape Game, which he is insanely excited about * Jon went to a place called Trevail Kitchen in Robbinsdale, Minnesota, for his birthday, and it was one of the best dining experiences he’s ever had * The restaurant was a Kickstarter (!) and is like a weird hybrid food showmanship / surprise menu / crazy entrepreneurial chef incubator, and it was totally worth the crazy $150+ per person price, even though it completely confuses Cody * After attempting to explain the restaurant for several minutes, Jon finally compares it to Hideo Kojima’s relationship with the Metal Gear Solid series, which is literally the only way to make Cody understand what he’s talking about * With all this talk about food, Cody SEAMLESSLY TRANSITIONS into talking about the tasting he just attended for his wedding reception, and he and Jon swap wedding tasting and reception stories while continuing to tease a future story about weddings gone awry * For once, both Cody and Jon agree on something: not many people remember good food at weddings, but everyone remembers if food at a wedding is bad * SURPRISE WEDDING PARTY ENDING! Jon and Cody have a legitimate moment * Plus: “Twitter replies are the new YouTube comments” * Email unqualifiedpodcast@gmail.com and tell us what you thought of today’s podcast! * Learn how to connect with us on the GonnaGeek Network, syndication on WGN Plus, our YouTube channel, and more! * Podcast theme song intro/outro credit: ‘Unity‘ by TheFatRat with permission * Game/Life Balance AUS official web site: http://www.gamelifebalanceaustralia.com

Jon explains why he will never risk flying with a layover while in the company of a small child ever again, and Cody shares his weight loss success story and the secret to how he lost 18 pounds in 6 weeks. Show Notes: * Jon tells a tender heartwarming story about singing an Australian lullaby to his kid, because the only American lullaby he can think of is by Kid Rock * Cody and Jon haven’t recorded a new episode in quite some time, so prepare for a lot of excessive exposition! Fortunately, Jon plans on presenting this in essay form, and Cody loves conclusions * Life Stuff * Jon went to Florida and stayed at a house with a lanai screen enclosure in the back, which was fascinating to him because he didn’t know that was a thing * On the way back from Florida, Jon’s wife literally ran into DMX at the airport, and the ensuing story was completely ridiculous… not to mention the layover issues getting to New Jersey * A bunch of New Jersey bars don’t have actual human servers… so how do you figure out how much to tip? Or… do you tip? Jon speculates on how that even works * Jon explains why he will literally never accept a layover when flying with his kid ever again * Cody talks about how he lost 18 pounds in about 6 weeks by doing a lot of DDP Yoga and going on the Whole30 diet for a month * Jon tells a dumb story about how to grow almonds, which is probably made up and quite frankly just makes Cody angry * They get into a whole thing about boiling eggs… email unqualifiedpodcast@gmail.com with your egg boiling methods and recipes pls thx * Current News * A guy got to level 99 in Final Fantasy VII without cheating while still in the Midgar Reactor at the beginning of the game… and both Cody and Jon find that incredibly stupid and hate everything about it UNLESS HE WAS DOING KEGELS THE WHOLE TIME * EXCITING ANNOUNCEMENT: you can tweet clips of a fully transcribed episode of Game/Life Balance U.S. using the brand-new podcast platform Signl.fm: https://share.signl.fm/gamelife36 * Balancing Act * Cody has been playing the new Hearthstone expansion, Journey to Un’Goro, and it has not made the game any more fun than it used to be * Cody explains the new “quest” mechanic and explains that deck experimentation is literally the only good thing about the game right now * Jon hasn’t actually played the recent Steam release of Bayonetta, but he still has a lot to say about how awesome the game is; however, Jon has actually been playing Kingdom Rush * Learn how to connect with us on the GonnaGeek Network, syndication on WGN Plus, our YouTube channel, and more! * Podcast theme song intro/outro credit: ‘Unity‘ by TheFatRat with permission * Game/Life Balance AUS official web site: http://www.gamelifebalanceaustralia.com

Jon gives a very thorough Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII review… 3 years after Cody reviewed the game on their old podcast, Unqualified Gamers. Hear how the game withstood the test of time, including Jon’s specific recommendations for the best way to enjoy playing it for the first time. Show Notes: * Cody reviewed Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII 3 years ago on his and Jon’s old podcast,  Unqualified Gamers * Here is Cody explaining the storyline to Lightning Returns to Jon, with hilarious results * Here is Cody fully reviewing the game, in addition to he and Jon using Google Hangouts for the first time ever (!) * BONUS VIDEO: Cody and Jon present a hilarious Lightning Returns UNBOXING VIDEO! * Jon covers the story and setting of the game, explaining why he thinks it’s actually really well done and probably the strongest thing about the game * Learn what the game does right and what it does wrong, especially when it comes to equipment and armor progression and when it comes to the “time limit” imposed throughout the whole game Jon is a married gamer with a 3-year-old, so he has a limited amount of time to play video games. He has been a fan of the Final Fantasy series since childhood and has played every “main entry” in the series, and his co-host Cody has similar feelings towards the series. Hear Jon’s review from the point of view of a guy who is careful with how he spends his free time! * Learn how to connect with us on the GonnaGeek Network, syndication on WGN Plus, our YouTube channel, and more! * Podcast theme song intro/outro credit: ‘Unity‘ by TheFatRat with permission * Game/Life Balance AUS official web site: http://www.gamelifebalanceaustralia.com

The collector’s edition of Final Fantasy XII has been announced, and the price is STEEP. Cody and Jon debate the value of special edition video games, then give an update on their recent game/life balance. Show Notes: * Current News * FINAL FANTASY® XII THE ZODIAC AGE COLLECTOR’S EDITION is for sale on the Square-Enix store, and… it costs $200, which Jon thinks is offensively overpriced * Jon takes a hard line against collector’s edition and special edition video games, insisting that they just aren’t worth the extra money to him, and Cody debates by helping him understand some of the appeal * Art books? Collectible figurines? Exclusive games/DLC? Hear how they stack up as add-ons, plus hear about the Gears of War 4: Collector’s Edition and learn why it costs $250 * Balancing Act * Cody has been playing The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild on his new Nintendo Switch… but he ran into a little trouble actually getting his hands on a copy of the game, since he refused to get anything other than the coveted and ridiculously rare Master Edition of the game * Jon is replaying through Final Fantasy VII for the first time in a long time, so Cody grills him with the most important question that exists: does he plan on beating Emerald Weapon and Ruby Weapon? * Learn how to connect with us on the GonnaGeek Network, syndication on WGN Plus, our YouTube channel, and more! * Podcast theme song intro/outro credit: ‘Unity‘ by TheFatRat with permission * Game/Life Balance AUS official web site: http://www.gamelifebalanceaustralia.com

In this EXTREMELY EVENTFUL EPISODE: Cody got engaged! Hear him retell the story of how he popped the question, then catch up with Jon and learn how he nearly died last week (like, kinda not joking). Show Notes: * Cody and Jon argue about whose story should go first in this podcast episode, which somehow turns into a tangent about Omega Virus * Cody retells the story of how he proposed to his girlfriend and got engaged! Prominently featuring empanadas and the historic Music Box Theatre in Chicago * Hear also how and why Cody ended up ordering a ton of Insomnia Cookies after splitting a bottle of champagne with his new fiance * Jon gives some of his perspective as a somewhat recently married man to help Cody prepare for what wedding planning is about to be like, as they both speculate on when Cody might actually schedule his wedding * Meanwhile, last weekend Jon ran 7 miles (!), then got a couples massage, then got horribly sick and basically almost died * “So, your weekend? Way better than mine” is Jon’s genius conclusion * Cody and Jon trade sick day stories, including that time Cody literally couldn’t physically go to Starbucks for work * Balancing Act * Jon rates his satisfaction with video game playing over the last couple weeks at a 1 out of 10, because he basically just laid around wanting to die because he was so miserably sick (although he did beat Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII) * Cody gives himself a 7 out of 10 because he beat New Game+ in Rogue Legacy, plus he’s playing Final Fantasy XIV again and he’s really excited about reaching Heavensward content now * For some reason, Jon doesn’t realize that the Nintendo Switch is about to change his life, so Cody sets him straight * Learn how to connect with us on the GonnaGeek Network, syndication on WGN Plus, our YouTube channel, and more! * Podcast theme song intro/outro credit: ‘Unity‘ by TheFatRat with permission * Game/Life Balance AUS official web site: http://www.gamelifebalanceaustralia.com