Backwards Compatible

Text us and say hello!

In episode 28 of "Backwards Compatible," Lou and I revisit "Gears of War 2" on the Xbox 360, a game that not only defined our college gaming sessions but also helped cement lifelong friendships over 15 years ago.

Before we tackle the gritty depths of Sera, Lou kicks off the episode with tales from this year's New York City Comic Con. He shares highlights from the event, covering everything from standout panels to the incredible cosplay, providing a colorful prelude to our main discussion.

As we delve into "Gears of War 2," we focus heavily on one of our favorite features: Horde Mode. This game mode was a game-changer for us, offering endless hours of strategic play and cooperative teamwork that deepened our appreciation for the game and strengthened our bonds as friends. We discuss how the innovative design and escalating challenges of Horde Mode set a new standard for multiplayer experiences in shooter games.

We also reflect on the game’s immersive narrative, robust gameplay mechanics, and significant improvements over its predecessor. As the episode wraps up, Lou and I rate "Gears of War 2" out of 100, evaluating it across several categories, including gameplay, graphics, story, and its lasting impact on us.

Join us for this nostalgic episode as we explore why "Gears of War 2" is more than just a game in our library—it’s a key piece of our shared gaming history, and a title that we absolutely loved, especially for its groundbreaking Horde Mode.

Support the show

We've got merch!
Check out the site for some awesome Gen 'S' swag :)

Text us and say hello!

In this special episode of "Backwards Compatible," Lou and I are taking you with us on a virtual getaway after a brief break, courtesy of my unfortunate throat infection. We've escaped to a remote, desert island, and in true gamer fashion, we're not just soaking up the sun; we're debating the essentials—our 'Desert Island Games.'

This week, each of us has picked five must-have games that we'd bring along to a desert island, with Lou focusing on the Xbox 360 and me diving into the nostalgia of the NES. We delve into each game, sharing why these titles would be our companions in isolation. From blockbuster hits to personal favorites that have a special place in our hearts, each game has a story and a reason for its selection.

Amidst the sound of waves and the occasional input from José, our pilot, this episode is all about kicking back and enjoying the simpler pleasures of gaming. It’s a lighthearted and fun pause from our usual format, filled with reminiscences and laughs about what makes each game so indispensable.

So grab your favorite beach beverage, settle into your hammock, and join us as we explore each other’s top picks for gaming on a deserted island. We'll be back next week with our regularly scheduled programming, but until then, enjoy this relaxed and fun episode of "Backwards Compatible."

Support the show

We've got merch!
Check out the site for some awesome Gen 'S' swag :)

Text us and say hello!

LAN parties were the ultimate gathering for gamers, where friends would bring their computers, network them together, and compete in multiplayer games all night long.

Join me, Dan Vorbeck and Derek as we explore the iconic LAN party culture, the games that ruled the scene, the snacks, the shenanigans, and the memories that still make us smile today!

Support the show

We've got merch!
Check out the site for some awesome Gen 'S' swag :)

Text us and say hello!

In episode 25 of "Backwards Compatible," Lou and I dive deep into "Batman: Arkham Asylum," a game we rank as one of our all-time favorites. We explore its significant impact on the genre of superhero video games, highlighting how it refined the elements of stealth, combat, and atmospheric storytelling within the context of a complex Batman narrative.

"Batman: Arkham Asylum" is renowned for its engaging gameplay that fully immerses players in the role of the Dark Knight. We discuss the game's groundbreaking combat system, the strategic use of gadgets and the environment, and the psychological depth added to characters, especially the villains who are as twisted as they are intriguing.

In this episode, we also introduce our new scoring system (still workshopping an official name for it), rating the game across five categories: gameplay, graphics, music/sound, story, and replayability. Each category is carefully evaluated to give listeners a thorough understanding of why "Arkham Asylum" is so highly regarded. We sum up the scores to give it a final rating out of 100 possible points. Listen to the end of the episode to discover how "Batman: Arkham Asylum" scores and why it remains a benchmark for superhero games.

Support the show

We've got merch!
Check out the site for some awesome Gen 'S' swag :)

Text us and say hello!

Let's be honest, if you grew up in the 90s and early 2000s, you read the Harry Potter books, or, at the very LEAST, saw a few of the movies. It was unavoidable, EVERYONE was talking about them. So today, we're going to do just that, and talk all about a series of books, films and a highly successful theme park that has played a HUGE part in shaping our generation.

Support the show

We've got merch!
Check out the site for some awesome Gen 'S' swag :)