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 itself becomes a refuge for...
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 itself becomes a refuge for anyone yearning for a simpler life where their every day anxieties don’t matter.
Minigame is a short essay series produced and hosted by Michael Farris (@farristhewheel). Each bite-sized episode dives into the themes or central ideas of our favorite games in 10 minutes or less.
Minigame is a short essay series produced and hosted by Michael Farris (@farristhewheel). Each bite-sized episode dives into the themes or central ideas of our favorite games in 10 minutes or less.
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We've covered dozens of video game universes. Here are some of our favorites.
May 26, 2021
FIRE EMBLEM: Interview With Joe Zieja, the Voice of Claude
Anna, Caleb, and Marnie sit down with Joe Zieja, voice actor, author, and Twitch streamer, to discuss the challenges and joys of bringing a fan-favorite character like Claude von Riegan to life.
Jan. 18, 2021
DESTINY: Clovis Bray's Obsession and the Origins of the Exos
Conner and Kevin explore the life of Clovis Bray, a narcissistic genius whose discoveries changed the galaxy forever.
Nov. 11, 2020
Getting Inside Spider-Man's Head With Yuri Lowenthal
Lawerence and Kevin are joined by actor Yuri Lowenthal to peel back the layers of Peter Parker's trauma and explore the tough lessons he learned from his friends and enemies.
May 11, 2020
BORDERLANDS: In Defense of Troy and Tyreen Calypso
Caleb and Conner make the case for why the divisive Calypso twins don't deserve the hate they received from many fans. Troy and Tyreen are amazing villains once you understand their history and motivations. This is an EXPERT level episode, …
April 13, 2020
STARDEW VALLEY: The Dark Side of the Valley
Abu and Leo explore the shockingly dark lives of 5 characters in Stardew Valley, and the ways in which the game tackles some heavy themes. They discuss the heartbreak of Clint's romantic life (4:37), Marnie and Mayor Lewis' abusive relationship...
March 9, 2020
POKÉMON: What It Means to Be a Gym Leader
Bruce and Lawerence explore the many responsibilities of being a gym leader in the world of Pokémon. They discuss the role gym leaders play in their towns (2:58), the burden of maintaining the respect and reputation of their communities (9:27), …
Sept. 25, 2019
HALO: The Case for Grunt Supremacy
Jaden tries to convince Conner that the Grunts are the greatest threat to humanity. They discuss the advantages Grunts have due to their unique physiology (1:13), their role and place within the Covenant (14:26), and why the Grunts are a …
Sept. 23, 2019
STARCRAFT: Kerrigan Never Had a Choice
Abu and Kevin explore how Sarah Kerrigan was never truly given the choice to decide her own destiny. They discuss her tragic childhood and initiation into the Ghost program (3:28), her motivations as the Queen of Blades (18:15), and her …
Feb. 25, 2019
ASSASSIN’S CREED: Why Ezio Is the GOAT
Bruce (@BruceWalton) and Kevin (@In_the_Lupe) explore the life and legend of Ezio Auditore. They discuss his upbringing and early life (1:28), his growth as an assassin (7:34), and his legendary status as a master assassin and gaming icon (15:54)....
Jan. 7, 2019
MASS EFFECT: Space Batman
Abu (@abu_zafar), Leo (@LeoWigginsVO), and Kevin (@In_the_Lupe) explore the life of the best bro in the galaxy: Garrus Vakarian. They discuss his upbringing and Spectre candidacy (2:02), his vigilante phase as Archangel (17:41), and the morality of...
Sept. 17, 2018
FALLOUT: A Tale of Two Settlements
Caleb (@ScifiSpeedster) and Jaden (@MrJadJay) explore two cities that have entirely different philosophies on surviving in the Commonwealth. They discuss how Diamond City and Good Neighbor are connected through the McDonough brothers (2:54), how...