All Episode

March 23, 2020

MINIGAME: Mundane Comforts in 'Death Stranding'

Death Stranding is an odd game full of mystery and intrigue. However, it also shows us that sometimes it's the mundane aspects of life that make things feel most comfortable in times of need. Minigame is a short essay podcas…
Feb. 24, 2020

MINIGAME: The Story of Our Stuff in 'One Night Stand'

All that stuff around you is not junk, it’s the story of your life. In this episode, Michael explores the indie game One Night Stand and learns more about a mysterious companion through the objects in her room. Minigame is a…
Jan. 27, 2020

MINIGAME: Fearful Choices in 'Until Dawn'

Michael explores how Until Dawn put life and death in his hands, and made him feel like a horror movie director. Minigame is a short essay podcast produced and hosted by Michael Farris. Each bite-sized episode dives into the…
Dec. 16, 2019

MINIGAME: What Makes a Good Star Wars Story?

Michael takes a look at Star Wars games of the past to explore why some told memorable stories and others failed to make an impact. Minigame is a short essay podcast produced and hosted by Michael Farris. Each bite-sized epi…
Oct. 7, 2019

MINIGAME: Mental Health in 'Neo Cab'

In the capitalist dystopian future of Neo Cab, mental health is a resource that has to be managed. Minigame is a short essay podcast produced and hosted by Michael Farris. Each bite-sized episode dives into the themes or cen…
Sept. 16, 2019

MINIGAME: How Bethesda Changed Fallout Forever

Bethesda may have launched the Fallout franchise to stardom, but what did they sacrifice to do it? Minigame is a short essay podcast produced and hosted by Michael Farris. Each bite-sized episode dives into the themes or cen…
Aug. 26, 2019

MINIGAME: The Perfect Ending to Mass Effect

The original ending of Mass Effect 3 disappointed many longtime fans. The final piece of DLC for the game, titled Citadel, may have redeemed the trilogy. Minigame is a short essay podcast produced and hosted by Michael Farri…
July 22, 2019

MINIGAME: The Cinematic Inspirations of Hideo Kojima [Part 3]

Michael concludes his exploration of legendary video game developer Hideo Kojima's cinematic inspirations. He examines Metal Gear Solid V's odd place in the franchise, and the cinematic techniques Kojima borrowed from filmma…
July 8, 2019

MINIGAME: The Cinematic Inspirations of Hideo Kojima [Part 2]

Michael continues his exploration of iconic video game developer Hideo Kojima's cinematic ambitions. In this episode, he dives into the campy adventures of Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, and its similarities to the James B…
June 14, 2019

Introducing the Minigame podcast

The Minigame series is becoming a podcast! Michael Farris has produced and hosted the series since the very beginning of Lore Party, and now he’s evolving it into a brand new podcast. Future episodes of Minigame will still b…
June 10, 2019

MINIGAME: The Cinematic Inspirations of Hideo Kojima [Part 1]

It’s no secret that Hideo Kojima has always had ambitions to become a film director, and it becomes even more obvious when you look at the evolution of the Metal Gear Solid franchise. Michael explores Kojima’s cinematic insp…
April 29, 2019

MINIGAME: The Politics of ‘Prison Architect’

Video games do not have to be apolitcal pieces of art. While some developers might actively avoid overt political messaging in their games, developer Introversion Software did the opposite with Prison Architect. Minigame is …
April 10, 2019

MINIGAME: The Escapist Fantasy of ‘Stardew Valley’

The slow quiet life in a small town can seem like the perfect escape for anyone stuck at a dead-end corporate job in a bustling city. That’s the fantasy Stardew Valley presents to its players, and in doing so, the game itsel…
March 6, 2019

MINIGAME: Fear and Stress in ‘Darkest Dungeon’

In Darkest Dungeon, you are not the target of horror and tragedy. You are the source. Minigame is a short essay series produced and hosted by Michael Farris (@farristhewheel). Each bite-sized episode dives into the themes or…
Feb. 13, 2019

MINIGAME: Grief and Whimsy in ‘Blackwood Crossing’

Blackwood Crossing is a unique game about a young girl and the way she processes her grief. Minigame is a short essay series produced and hosted by Michael Farris (@farristhewheel). Each bite-sized episode dives into the the…