Old Game Plus

Meeting a Zodiac Demon, meeting Cid, meeting Olan/Orran, and setting up our upcoming discussion of the dramatic but notorious sequence of battles at Riovanes Castle.  Also some talk about the challenges of exploring the job system as a newcomer.   Ramza's face upon seeing the Aries stone speak to Wiegraf.   Twitter thread about game design choices that are hidden from players.

Chapter 2 brings some of the most memorable characters (Agrias and Mustadio), battles (Golgorand Execution Site), and mid-game jobs to discuss (Thief, Monk, Time Mage).  Also, the Zodiac compatibility, and what happens when game developers copy and paste data.   Our next episode, in two weeks, will cover most of chapter 3 (up to, but not including, the notorious duel scene at Riovanes Castle).   Special note for anyone playing along--make sure you keep a separate save file before entering Riovanes Castle. This battle sequence is an infamous killer of FFT runs if you don't have a way to back out and change things.

We finish chapter 1, discussing the plot and themes of the story so far (the conflict between the classes and the relationship between Ramza and Delita), as well as some of the mechanics that emerge in the early game (Gained JP UP, and early jobs like Knight and Wizard).

We discuss the background of Final Fantasy Tactics, and the way a first-time player is introduced to the game's story and systems.

We have a guest! Jay's sister Sabrina, who is a huge fan of this game.  We discuss the remainder of the game, including both branches and the ending variants. And of course, we announce our next game!   Links: Google Books on Ali Zebu The Girl in the Tower  

We progress past the Catacombs and into the "long path" branch of the game, where Alexander uses spells to travel to new areas of the Land of the Green Isles.   The Guidebook once again, since we discuss it more in this episode.    

We begin our adventure in the Land of the Green Isles. Meeting the major characters, beginning to learn our way around the four islands, and collecting items to prepare for a major set piece of the game: the Catacombs. Links: The "Guidebook to the Land of the Green Isles", necessary for some parts of the game. TvTropes not only has an entry for games where you can get into an "Unwinnable" state, but has a sub-page specific to Sierra games. Getting help when you were stuck in a game in 1988.

The second half of the game, including the extremely hard 7-1 and 7-2, difficulty in old games in general, the concept of limited lives, and other topics. And we announce our next game, to begin discussion in two weeks!

We discuss the background, characters, mechanics, and some of the bosses of Super Mario Bros. 2.  Next episode, in two weeks, will complete the game!   Super Mario Bros 2 manual The Year of Luigi

The final encounters and ending of Metal Gear Solid, discussion of the story and ending, and the series as a whole. Also: The Selfish Gene, the mystery of Gulf War Syndrome, and something called the Super Baby Method.   And, announcement of our next game! Discussion will begin in our next episode in four weeks.   Links: Localization analysis of FF6 Steamed Hams but it's MGS Video with some history about the game

The beginning of the final sequence: the underground base with Metal Gear REX, the PAL key, various story revelations, and the titular boss fight. The next episode, in two weeks, will complete the game! (The remaining segment of gameplay is very short).

Three more bosses, two fights on elevators, and whether love can bloom on the battlefield. The next episode, in two weeks, will go through the Metal Gear Rex boss fight.

The boss battles with Psycho Mantis and Sniper Wolf, and the torture and cell sequence.  The hosts ramble about science issues at various points, and Greg and Melissa both misuse the Ketchup in very different ways.   The next episode, in two weeks, will cover through the boss fight in the frozen warehouse (just after the blast furnace).   Waypoint article about the torture/cell sequence.

The fights against Vulcan Raven in the tank, Cyborg Ninja, and Psycho Mantis, and meeting Meryl and Otacon.   The next episode, in two weeks, will cover through the ascent up Comm. Tower A.   Liz England explaining game design using doors.

We begin other game! Background and introductory elements of Metal Gear Solid, and the beginning of the story: meeting the two hostages (the DARPA Chief and the ArmsTech President), and the encounter with Revolver Ocelot. The next episode, in two weeks, will go through the fourth boss fight (In the Commander's Room). Links: Dara O'Briain on Metal Gear Solid Revolver Ocelot  

Wawka Shrine, the Ark of Yamato, and the end of the game.   And of course, announcing our next game, starting as usual in our next episode in two weeks!

The elaborate Oni Island dungeon, and the long quest sequence that takes us through Kamui, Wep'keer, Yoshpet Forst, Ponc'tan, and the Spirit Gate.   The next episode in two weeks will conclude Okami and announce our next game!

The adventure in the Emperor's garden, North Ryoshima Coast, the Dragon Palace, and the story of Queen Himiko and Priestess Rao.

The Moon Cave and the midboss of the game, the festival in Kamiki Village, and the path forward to Sei-an City and the Sunken Ship.   Links: RPG Book Club's Patreon Jay's paper drawing from the Moon Cave Explanation of why there are two high tides on the Earth at any time

Proceeding apace with the next outdoor area, Taka Pass and the quests in the surrounding villages, and into the Gale Shrine dungeon.