Game/life Balance U.s. Podcast

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-

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

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 game

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…

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

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 r

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 mineR

Cody gives a feature-length Final Fantasy XV review. Spoiler alert: he didn’t love it. Hear Cody explain exactly why he takes issue with this game as a main entry in the series, then judge for yourself whether it’s worth buying at full-price. Show Notes: “No sense of wonder. No plot. Poorly structured. Egregious flow and play control issues. A melodrama without the fun or sense of adventure that defines the Final Fantasy series.” Cody is an adult who works six days a week while trying to maintain a healthy relationship with his girlfriend, 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 (except for Final Fantasy XI), and his co-host Jon has similar feelings towards the series. Hear Cody’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

Jon finally got the chance to play Overwatch, the video game that literally everyone seems to be talking about! Hear his first impressions, plus Cody’s take on strategy board games and the best ways to play with friends. Show Notes: * Jon explains why he thinks he’s “the gross guy” at the gym every morning * Cody and Jon went to Madison last weekend to play board games! Hear how and why the weekend ended up involving video games, especially Overwatch * Cody also recounts his quest to get “the ultimate weapon” in Final Fantasy XV, which was roughly as disappointing as the rest of the game * The first board game of the weekend was Churchill, which Cody attempt to explain, but Jon just can’t process * Jon quickly changes the subject to the game Terraforming Mars, which both he and Cody thoroughly enjoyed playing, especially since it reminded Cody of Sid Meier’s Civilization (the video game series) * After many years playing advanced board games, Cody presents

Following Cody’s recent international travels, he and Jon have a frank discussion about global politics, activism, and the billionaire class, including a conversation on why people should approach politics from the perspective of strategy gamers. This mostly non-partisan podcast is full of unique perspectives from a couple of Millennials trying to make sense of it all; don’t miss it! Show Notes: * Cody has “accidentally” become a globetrotter, but Jon has some exciting news about an upcoming trip that came about because he is very good at his job! * Learn about Michelin Stars, and the fact that apparently you can get more than one at a time * The Voice was holding auditions during a trip Jon recently took. So how did he do??? * Cultures in Europe vary significantly from country to country, and Cody argues that there is not that kind of diversity in the U.S.; hear why Jon disagrees * Cody discusses Salzburg and explains why it’s like Rockford, and Jon somehow doesn’t equat

Cody and Jon talk gaming in bars and casinos and how they, as gamers, approach gambling*. Hear about gambling laws in Minnesota and Illinois, plus future plans to visit Las Vegas and where they might hope to win it big! If you think you might have a gambling addiction, then call 1-800-522-4700. The National Council on Problem Gambling operates the National Problem Gambling Helpline Network (1-800-522-4700). The network is a single national access point to local resources for those seeking help for a gambling problem. Show Notes: * Cody calls Jon out when he claims that parks are indoors in Minnesota * Jon explains pull-tabs, a form of gambling available in bars in Minnesota, and shares some exciting news about his wife hitting it big just before the recording of this podcast episode * Jon shares the exciting news of how he bought a new suit, and he and Cody swap stories about men’s fashion and dressing up as adults * Cody is panicked about an upcoming trip to Switzerland, during which he has no idea

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 2017! Show Notes: * Cody and Jon present their favorite games of 2016 (note that they were not necessarily released in 2016, but are games they played in 2016), including: * Doom (2016 edition; Jon’s review here) * Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn (Cody, Jon, and a special guest review here) * The Witness (Jon reviews here) * Darkest Dungeon (Jon and Russian Jon review here) * Sid Meier’s Civilization VI (not previously reviewed) * Metal Gear Solid V (Cody reviews here) * World of Warcraft: Legion (Jon discusses here) * Gears of War 4 (Jon discusses here) * Final Fantasy XV (not yet fully reviewed) * Kentucky Route Zero (Jon reviews here) * Phantom Breaker: Battle Grounds (not previously reviewed) * Pokemon Go (not previously reviewed) * Lara Croft GO (Cody discusses here

Cody was told by several people that he would literally die by traveling, and yet he survived. Hear him and Jon completely destroy travel naysayers, then talk about what it’s like to take kids on vacation. Show Notes: * Jon checks in on his facial hair progress: if you had to pick one, then would you say it’s better to look good or to look young? * Cody and Jon discuss the lore of spanking in the pantheon of the Game/Life Balance U.S. podcast * Life Stuff * Cody traveled to Mexico City for work, and people did not react to learning of his trip in the way he expected * Despite certain travel destinations being a “dangerous place,” Cody thinks that people should go places anyway * Jon experienced the joy of traveling on vacation to California via airplane with his nearly 3-year-old son for the first time, and his troubles didn’t occur when he thought they would * Cody discusses some of the history of Teotihuacan and explains how he ended up at an EDM festival in Mexico City with

Jon goes FULL GAMER with a Doom review (2016), discussing the first-person shooter video game developed by id Software and published by Bethesda Softworks, which he played on Steam. Show Notes: Jon is a husband and a parent of a toddler, so he has real-life responsibilities and a limited amount of time to play video games every week. He also isn’t normally a fan of first-person shooters at all, so he was surprised at how much he enjoyed playing Doom. Hear Jon’s review from the point of view of a guy who is careful with his time commitments! * 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 and Cody discuss work culture during the holiday season, then talk misleading time commitments—especially as it relates to finding time to play video games. Show Notes: * Jon explains why he’s been absent from the podcast for a few weeks and how it relates to the nature of this podcast (hint: it’s related to parenting) * Life Stuff * Jon talks about being a pharmacist during the holidays, and Cody explains what corporate life is like in December * A quick tangent about the upcoming Hearthstone expansion, Mean Streets of Gagdetzan, spirals out of control and turns into something about Gambit from the X-Men and Harambe * Cody and Jon discuss how many hours per week they work and how often they like to work; then, Jon calls Cody a communist * Balancing Act * Jon explains why he can’t enjoy Gears of War 4, even though he bought it for a very specific reason: Horde Mode * Jon harshly criticizes Horde Mode and explains why they desperately need to introduce a penalty system for players d

Cody describes what it was like to walk from his apartment to Wrigley Field immediately following the Chicago Cubs win in Game 7 of the 2016 World Series for the first time in 108 years. Then, guest host Chris Ferrell discusses over-age drinking and how he can’t quite party like he could in college. Show Notes: * Marijuana is now legal in various forms across America, and Cody is trying to cash in * Cody introduces Chris Ferrell from the GonnaGeek Network and chastises his regular co-host Jon for blowing him off on the podcast * Several unnecessary WWE references set the stage for an amazing podcast * Life Stuff * Cody watched the Chicago Cubs win the World Series for the first time in 108 years at a bar just a mile away from Wrigley Field, and he recounts the epic tale of his pilgrimage to Wrigleyville following the big win * Chris talks about his relationship with baseball and how celebrations happen with Cody * Then, Chris talks about how he partied a little too hard, and how over-age drinking in