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The best podcasts about Video Games and What Makes Them Great!

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Who am I?

My name is Rick, and I am the host of Pixel Project Radio! I have been playing video games all of my life, and began thinking about them critically and artistically shortly before COVID hit in 2020. I am also a classically-trained musician - you'd be surprised at how many hard and soft skills from that field blend over into interpreting games! When I'm not doing work for the podcast, I am generally either studying Japanese, reading, eating as much spicy food as I can, or playing with my cat. Oh, and as a little aside - there are SO MANY MORE podcasts I want to plug than just the five below! You can find PPR on social media, where I shout out all of our friends and colleagues a ton! As I mentioned, I have been playing video games all of my life. They have been with me for as long as I can remember. I also have an extensive CV with performing and teaching classical music. During COVID, I was feeling creatively starved; I had moved back to my hometown, where there is nothing culturally significant. There was no live music (even before COVID), certainly no classical music, and very, very few intellectually charged outlets for the arts. I needed to create something, it was a feeling that grew in my bones every passing day. I knew that I loved video games and I knew that I loved performing - then, for a final school project, I created a mock podcast. My professor noted that I was a natural on the mic and had a knack for editing and...the rest is history! I started up the show with a couple of friends, and discovered that it was an incredibly invigorating hobby to have. And, most importantly - it was fun.

My Show

What is my podcast about and/or how does it relate to the playlist topic you chose?

My podcast, Pixel Project Radio, is dedicated to analyzing and discussing video games as one would literature or film. Our tagline is that we do "deep dives on the games we love - and some that you love, too." My aim for episodes is to have a healthy mix of silliness, background information, and academic-level analysis. I generally will focus on one game per episode, though some games demand multiple episodes to really get into the meat of what they have to offer. Occasionally, I'll program a topic episode as well; things such as "music in video games" or "All About the Nintendo Gameboy." Examining games as art is something that is very important to me. I am a lover of all things art: music, obviously, but also literature, and poetry, and dance, and more. I firmly believe that gaming (and podcasting) falls into this category as well. Unfortunately, there are still many who consider video games a "waste of time." To that end, I take my training and background and apply it to games; a huge part of performing and teaching classical music is not only learning to interpret music, but learning to interpret and appreciate art as a whole. Finding one's voice as an artist and approaching other artists' works is entirely interdisciplinary, and after playing through a handful of genuinely impressive and moving games I knew that examining them through a grander artistic lens was something I wanted to do. Don't get me wrong though - I do my best to balance the pretentiousness out with silly jokes and goofiness. Can't take yourself too seriously, eh? Wink wink, nudge nudge, know what I mean?

What is my podcast playlist about?

I want to reiterate again: while I love these 5 shows, there are SO MANY MORE deserving of accolades. I encourage you all to find PPR and the listed shows on socials, as well all regularly support each other and shoutout the myriad of shows putting out great content. This list, though, features a cornucopia of styles and entertainment. Whether you're looking for nuanced discussion, the intersection of gaming and anime, or a rowdy good time where you simply can't hold the laughter in - this list has you covered. Let's dive in together.

The podcasts I picked and why

1. Tales from the Backlog

Why this podcast?

Tales from the Backlog is an easy recommendation. Dave, the host, has a similar flow to my own show - maybe that's why we get along and work together so well (kidding of course, it's because he's good people)! Each week Dave invites on a guest or two to go through a game and his experience playing it. What's cool about Dave's show is that he draws a hard spoiler line in each episode. Haven't played the game yet? Not to worry, he takes extreme care to avoid any and all spoilers before a defined line within the episode/time stamps. Dave creates an atmosphere that isn't at all dissimilar to chatting with one of your smartest friends about your favorite video games over a tasty beverage. Beer for me, please.

Tales from the Backlog
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A video games podcast where Dave Jackson and guests break down and discuss the games they play. Each episode looks at one game in depth, focusing on mechanics, story, music and other aspects, with no spoilers until a clearly marked spoiler wall in the middle.

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43 Listeners

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4 Comments

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2. Retro Hangover

Why this podcast?

Retro Hangover is one of my favorite shows around. The hosts, Chris and Shane, have an immense wealth of knowledge on retro games - seriously, these guys KNOW their stuff. They are also maybe the funniest podcast on this list? No shade to everyone else of course, because I love each and every show listed. But what other show starts with the bombastic bellows from Chris, introducing Shane, better know as the- well, actually, I won't spoil it for you here. They examine games longform, they create shorter episodes, there's discussion, history, and everything in-between. If you want vibes of hanging with a group of your best buds talking about the games that raised you, you won't find a better show.

Retro Hangover

Retro Hangover

Retro Hangover

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Retro Hangover is a podcast in which your hosts, Shane Koski and Chris Coplien, spotlight a different piece of video game history (be it a specific title, console, company, or person) each episode. They provide a brief background, discuss their personal experiences, as well as their favorites aspects of the item in question. Oh, and there's beer.

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12 Listeners

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3. Low Five Gaming

Why this podcast?

Alex and Luke, the hosts of Low Five Gaming, are brothers. That being the case, their chemistry on air is just astounding! Combine that with their super chill personalities, mellifluous voices, and passion for gaming and you get a heck of a good time. They release episodes monthly, but do not let this deter you; each episode released is really high quality, and gives them plenty of time to really live with each and every game. My favorite part? They're so comfortable on the mic that, at times, it really feels like you're listening in on a private hangout session. A+ show, A+ dudes.

Low Five Gaming

Low Five Gaming

Studio Low Five

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Welcome to Low Five Gaming, the book club-style podcast where two brothers, Alex and Luke, share their lifelong love for video games through engaging conversations and friendly debates. If you're a passionate gamer, a casual fan, or just have a soft spot for the classics, our laid-back, conversational approach will make you feel right at home.

Each month, we'll explore the game of the moment or revisit a beloved classic, satisfying your gaming cravings with our unique blend of humor, insight, and personal experiences. Whether it's reminiscing about crunchy classics like Prince of Persia (89), getting hyped about the latest Nintendo Direct, or diving into deep discussions on FPGA consoles (much to Luke's chagrin), Low Five Gaming is your go-to podcast for all things gaming.

As brothers with a lifelong bond, Alex and Luke bring a genuine camaraderie and relatable banter to every episode, making it easy for you to connect with fellow gamers who truly understand your love for the virtual world. So, if you're looking to join a gaming community where you can enjoy thought-provoking conversations about your favorite games, look no further than Low Five Gaming. You're also invited to join the conversation in our Discord server!

Subscribe now and let's embark on this pixel-powered journey together, sharing our gaming adventures and creating lasting memories along the way.

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3 Listeners

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4. List Off

Why this podcast?

The podcast that was so beloved, it rose from the ashes of it's "final" episode and was reborn a new, a glistening phoenix among all gaming podcasts! Brian and Ryan are not only two of the sweetest guys around, but they create a show that is great for all ages (well, usually). They keep things relatively succinct and to the point and are never afraid to let their opinions be known, the greater gaming community be damned. My favorite quality about their show though is that they make this podcast for *themselves* first and foremost. It's a labor of love, and that quality shines through in each and every episode. List Off gets my very highest recommendation.

List Off

List Off

Brian & Ryan

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The podcast where your hosts, Brian & Ryan, list off what's new & noteworthy from around the gaming and pop culture world! 3... 2... 1... List Off!!!

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37 Listeners

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4 Comments

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5. Gaming And Collecting: Looking Back At The Games That Shaped Us!

Why this podcast?

Another sibling show! You've got Bill, collector extraordinaire with an encyclopedic knowledge of gaming, and you've got Alex, the self-described "chaotic neutral" who never lets Bill take himself too seriously. The result of these two being together? At times chaotic, at times serious, at times hilarious - but always a great time. Bill and Alex create an atmosphere of fun and keep things completely on the level; there isn't an ounce of pretentiousness in either of them despite both of them having a vast knowledge of gaming and anime. Oh yeah, you read right - they talk about anime too! This show has the most variety on the list for sure. Combine that with their kind demeanors and approachable natures and you've got a podcast that just about anyone can enjoy. Like every other show on (and off!!!) this list, they are a real 10/10.

Gaming And Collecting Podcast, a gaming and anime based nostalgia podcast that aims to bring in the sibling perspective from hosts Bill and Alex as they discuss many topics from there childhood and beyond... while also occasionally getting into collecting. Find all of our links at https://linktr.ee/Thebarberwhogames Proud members of https://superpodnetwork.com

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86 Listeners

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11 Comments

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