The Short Game

Jason McIntosh, a Steam Deck enthusiast and host of the Venthuffer podcast, joins the conversation sharing his deep passion for the handheld device. They discuss its transformative impact on gaming habits and the delightful experience of family gaming. Discover modding possibilities, the thrill of customizing games like Skyrim, and the Steam Deck's advantages for travel. Personal anecdotes convey how it enhances entertainment and community connections, while revealing evolving views on Valve's role in gaming culture.

An indie gardening game takes center stage, mixing charm with eerie elements in its unique gameplay. The hosts explore the fascinating world of Sockpop, a collective known for its innovative approach and quirky titles. They dive into the cozy horror experience of Grunn, highlighting its atmospheric sound and puzzles. Personal anecdotes about an adorable adopted cat and chaotic gaming adventures with family add humor to the mix, along with discussions about the joy of quirky gourmet gifts.

I’M ON ANOTHER… ON ANOTHER LEVEL This week we are talking about the retro-inspired, Ska-infused rally car racer Parking Garage Rally Circuit. Race through the most iconic parking structures of the US! It’s a really great little game to welcome the show back to 2025. Stick around after for our first What’s Making Us Happy of the year! (00:00) - 428: Parking Garage Rally Circuit (45:53) - What's Making Us Happy This Week? (46:05) - Nate: Dave the Diver (50:54) - Raygan: Mechanism Gaming Pillow (53:39) - Laura: British Crime Classics (57:51) - Shane:  The Fortunate Fall

It’s Game of the Year time again! This week we’re looking back at 2024 to pick the best short video game of the year, and recognize some other great games as well. 00:00 Intro04:52 Game of the Year12:00 Short Short Game of the Year – For Rules Lawyers!15:51 1000 Hour Short Game23:47 Most Unfairly Overlooked Game of 202430:32 Dirtbag of the Year35:00 Galerius of the Year40:06 Most Little Guy Who Goes Around43:11 Best Short Game in a Not Short Genre49:46 Late to the Party54:44 Honorable Mentions01:06:58 Outro (00:00) - Intro (04:52) - Game of the Year (12:00) - *Short* Short Game of the Year - For Rules Lawyers! (15:51) - 1000 Hour Short Game h (23:47) - Most Unfairly Overlooked Game of 2024 (30:32) - Dirtbag of the Year (35:00) - Galerius of the Year (40:06) - Most Little Guy Who Goes Around (43:11) - Best Short Game in a Not Short Genre (49:46) - Late to the Party (54:44) - Honorable Mentions (01:06:58) - Outro

This Thanksgiving week the hosts gathered to play a bit of a game, trying to match short games to randomly chosen genres and adjectives. What’s a David Lynchian Platformer, or an “I Want To Go To There” Card Game? What on Earth is Snacks ‘n Jaxson? All will be revealed. Happy Holidays!

Press Y to Neva There’s a certain sector of our listenership that loves it when we talk about games that don’t work for us. If that’s you, then please enjoy our discussion of Neva, the latest game from the developers of Gris. Raise your teleporting wolf-deer-puppy, nurturing her through many double-jumps, until finally she can become a gun. (00:00) - Neva (43:23) - What's Making Us Happy This Week? (43:28) - Laura: The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley (47:01) - Shane: The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi by Shannon Chakraborty (55:18) - Raygan: Bluesky

In a gripping narrative set 1,000 years in the future, players navigate a world shaped by alien occupation and human survival. The discussion highlights innovative storytelling through voice acting and sound design, revealing deep emotional layers within the game. A blend of humor and serious themes helps critique authority while exploring quirky characters. The hosts also share challenges faced during gameplay, from navigation difficulties to the impact of isolation on a community's shared memories. Overall, it's a fascinating exploration of humanity's resilience.

This is a show nominally about video games. (00:00) - Miscellaneous (02:24) - Crazy Story, Shane! (07:06) - Raygan's VR Corner (22:37) - Arcade Expo (37:20) - What to play with family at Christmas? (46:00) - Books? (56:31) - Some other recommendations (01:02:33) - Outro

Dive into the unsettling world of a psychological horror game set aboard a doomed space freighter. Experience survival in claustrophobic settings, where the crew grapples with despair and haunting encounters. Explore its unique visual aesthetics inspired by retro games and surreal storytelling techniques. The podcast also discusses emotional struggles faced by characters amid chaos, with themes of addiction and responsibility. With tales of hallucinations and dark humor, this journey promises an intriguing blend of horror and narrative depth.

We cover a few more games before the close of the comp. Get those votes in! 00:00 IFComp 2024 Part III 01:50 An Account of Your Visit to the Enchanted House & What You Found There by Mandy Benanav 08:29 The Apothecary’s Assistant by Allyson Gray 15:37 Imprimatura by Elizabeth Ballou 22:45 Welcome to the Universe by Colton Olds 30:16 Turn Right by Dee Cooke 39:21 Doctor Who and the Dalek Super-Brain by jkj yuio 44:58 A Death in Hyperspace by Etc… 54:33 Outro (00:00) - IFComp 2024 Part III (01:50) - An Account of Your Visit to the Enchanted House & What You Found There by Mandy Benanav (08:29) - The Apothecary's Assistant by Allyson Gray (15:37) - Imprimatura by Elizabeth Ballou (22:45) - Welcome to the Universe by Colton Olds (30:16) - Turn Right by Dee Cooke (39:21) - Doctor Who and the Dalek Super-Brain by jkj yuio (44:58) - A Death in Hyperspace by Etc... (54:33) - Outro