Game & Watch with Aaron & James

"Jack in!! MegaMan, Execute!" Mega May continues this week with an entry in Capcom’s tactical role-playing spin-off series. While Aaron.exe and James.exe think this game might have succeeded a bit more in the early 2000s than in today’s gaming era, there are still some high highs to discuss among some of the very low lows. Get your cyber phones ready (or whatever cyber equipment you use to listen to cyber audio recordings) because you’re in for a cyber good time!

"X, you shouldn't expect to defeat him, he is designed to be a war machine. Remember, you have not reached full power yet. If you use all the abilities you were designed with, you should become stronger... You may even become as powerful as I am." In his latest adventure, the heroic X faces off against Gaming Backlog Man, Completionist Man, and a special returning guest. Can X overcome his toughest challenge yet: proving to the world that this one has earned its place in the pantheon of great games? And has James gotten any better at the series in the last four years? These questions answered and more in this week's episode as your hosts kick off Mega May!

"I missed that Raccoon City hospitality." This week, Aaron and James decide if Capcom nailed the latest entry in this 30-year-old survival horror series. Despite its popularity, critical acclaim, and efforts to honor Resident Evil's past does it live up to the hype? And where do Aaron and James rank it compared to other top contenders from the franchise? Listen and find out!

It's finally time. It's finally Prime. This week, Aaron and James tackle the pod's most requested* game. One of the best examples of Nintendo bringing one of its series to 3D and one of the best Gamecube games to boot, this classic has aged exceptionally well. Join your hosts as they explore the beautifully-detailed world of Tallon IV, laud the progression and environmental storytelling, and so much more. James might even go on a rant or two about critics of the scan visor! (*by James)

“Checkpoints go up at fifteen miles. Your fugitive's name is Dr. Richard Kimble. Go get him!” This week, Aaron, James, and a very special returning guest discuss a bonafide 90s classic! There’s a lot to gush about when it comes to this thriller - from the snappy dialogue and stellar supporting cast to the incomparable duo of Harrison Ford and Tommy Lee Jones at the height of their acting powers. Never seen the movie? Well, shame on you! But take a listen and hear what makes it so special!

It’s time for another Game Pitch Challenge! (And no, we couldn’t think of a better title!) This week, Aaron and James each pick a game or series the other hasn't played and give their best pitch to the other to give it a shot. James starts things off by explaining how the indie gem Tunic is perfect for Aaron’s action/adventure/puzzle tastes. Then, Aaron leverages James’ love of the Persona series to try and convince him to play Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne. Whether you’ve played these games or not, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss!

“SAY YOU WANT TO LIVE!! WE ARE YOUR FRIENDS!” In honor of season two of Netflix’s questionable adaptation of everyone’s favorite pirate crew, this week, Aaron and James do some swashbuckling rankings! How do the various sagas compare to each other? Which nakama are top tier and which are not worthy of a place on this legendary crew? And finally, listen to hear some thoughts on the season 2 premiere! Are we fans? WE ARE!

"Pokémon aren't meant to fight. Not like this." In the late 1990s, Pokémania was a genuine cultural force. Schoolyards were abuzz with rumors of how to catch Mew, game shops couldn’t stock booster packs of the trading card game fast enough, and this film would go on to be one of the highest grossing animated films of the decade. Join Aaron, James, and a special returning guest as they ask: Did it live up to the massive hype, and does it hold up all these years later? Enjoy this romp through Generation 1 nostalgia, and wait for the end to hear the boys discuss the 2026 Pokémon Presents! They might even say a word or two about Pikachu's Vacation!

"Cor blimey!" Join Aaron and James as they delve into what might be the best, most approachable entry into a legendary series whose contribution to the JRPG genre is unquestionable. What sets this series - and this game in particular - apart from the rest of the JRPG pack? Does the late, great Akira Toriyama’s design work compensate for safe, by-the-book RPG mechanics, story, and gameplay? Or does personality and charm make up for any shortcomings? Listen and find out!

“You owe me a pizza.” This week, Aaron, James, and a returning special guest tackle the first entry in the remake of one of the most beloved video games of all time. This is a game with divisive plot changes, newly-fleshed out characters, a completely revamped and modernized combat system, and oh so much nostalgia. How does the remake fare with each of these things? And how does the game challenge what it means to remake a classic? Listen in and find out!

The Game Boys (working title) are back for another fantasy draft! This week, the entire crew joins Aaron and James for another exciting draft year. From the release of the Gamecube to the PS2 asserting itself as a force to be reckoned with, this was truly a monumental year in gaming history. You can count on a few wild picks in this one, to be sure. Will your favorite games be selected? Only one way to find out! Unlike Vietnam, you'd be a fool to dodge THIS draft!

"The fifth thing is a mystery." This week, Aaron and James talk about a bad movie. Like, a really bad movie. We're talking about a real turd, here. End of blurb.

It’s 2026, which means that everyone’s favorite monster-collecting RPG series is turning 30! Join Aaron, James, and a group of returning guests for a roundtable discussion of the video games from this ultra-popular franchise. From the current state of the games, personal memories, and favorite entries to constructive criticisms and predictions for the future, there’s no facet of this creature-battling phenomenon we don’t discuss. Enjoy this freeform discussion of a media juggernaut that is truly near and dear to our hearts (well, almost all of us).

Another year has passed us by, and with it, a bunch of great games! Listen in as Aaron and James rank the top ten games they each played this year. They'll discuss disappointments, honorable mentions, surprise hits, and runaway favorites, all while dissecting both modern gaming trends and their own personal trends. And don't forget to listen until the end for some predictions for 2026. Enioy!

“Merry Christmas, Alfred. Good will toward men... and women.” This week, Aaron and James get into the holiday spirit by roaring about a wonderfully dark and playful entry in the Batman franchise with an equally-wonderful returning guest. From Michelle Pfeiffer’s iconic performance to the film’s expressionist vision of Gotham, no subject is left undiscussed. Say what you will about the film’s focus on the villains, that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty to like. Hopefully you’ll feel so much yummier after listening!

"Are you out of your Vulcan mind?!" This week, join Aaron, James, and a returning special guest as they boldy go into the sci-fi action reboot of a beloved and groundbreaking franchise. Does the film succeed at walking the tightrope between Trekkie expectations and mainstream appeal? Do Star Trek films need a little Star Wars DNA, or perhaps the other way around? And how much lens flare is too much lens flare? Questions abound in this spirited discussion -- beam aboard and join in!

Yes, you read that correctly. This week, Aaron, James, and their camera crew venture off to an abandoned school in Japan to investigate the urban legend of a ghost that might have taken residence in one of the toilets. If you’re still reading, your hosts welcome you to accompany them on this journey, as this low-budget found footage pseudo-documentary is full of crazy twists and turns that, despite its flaws, are worth watching if not just to experience some of the more entertaining stereotypical elements of this brand of Japanese horror.

"In my restless dream, I see that town. Silent Hill. You promised you'd take me there again someday. But you never did. Well, I'm alone there now, in our "special place". Waiting for you." Armed with nothing but a plank of wood, Aaron and James are ready to confront the physical manifestation of their own psyches as they discuss an iconic horror game from a franchise that has had its ups and downs. They'll talk about the strengths and weaknesses of the remake relative to the 2001 original, including a detailed look at the atmosphere for which the game is renowned. And as usual they'll offer some inspired casting and director choices that (in their opinion) are superior to those of the forthcoming film adaptation.

"The Ruins held knowledge. We sold our souls for it. Altars built of concrete. Fed with blood and bone." This week, Aaron and James climb off their meat hooks and blast their way through cultists and eldritch horrors in this indie retro-inspired first-person shooter. Is this another Doom or Quake clone, or is there more meat to be found? Listen and find out! Or just play the game! Or buy the game, play it, and then listen! You've got options.

Your hosts have never been shy about professing their love for the Final Fantasy series and they aren't about to stop now. This week, Aaron and James invite two returning guests on to draft party members from one of their all-time favorite franchises. From DPS monsters to unbeatable black mages to summoners and healers, they draft some of the very best characters (and some surprises, too) from the very best the mainline series has to offer. Which characters will have the raw strength, magical powers, personality, humor -- and even sex appeal -- to warrant a spot in their parties? Listen in and find out!

"I am an appetite, nothing more." This week, Aaron and James start spooky season off with the 2024 Robert Eggers remake of a vampire classic. Join your hosts as they explore some of the acting and character choices, deviations from the original, and much more. What was Eggers' goal with remaking this movie? Does it earn the right to stand on its own? Does Nicholas Hoult play a cuck too often? These questions and more will (maybe) be answered!

Rating scales and gaming have gone hand in hand for as long as games have been around - but how much do they really mean? Join Aaron, James, and a returning guest as they discuss the idea of a “7 out of 10” game. What does that say about the game? The reviewer? Listen to find out the answers!

Play forever! This week, Aaron and James rapturously rave about a truly fantastic (and generously ample) compilation of 80s-inspired video games. There are arcade-style games here, RPGs, platformers, adventure games, strategy games, and even more to love here. Join in as your hosts break down the fictional lore behind this collection of games, talk about some of their current favorites, and on more than one occasion reflect in awe of the game’s abundance of creativity and design quality. It’s very likely you’ll find your next addiction among these 50 titles!

“This is a true story that happened in my town. So this one Wednesday is like a normal day for the whole school, but today was different. Every other class had all their kids, but Mrs. Gandy's room was totally empty. And do you know why? Because the night before, at 2:17 in the morning, every kid woke up, got out of bed, walked downstairs, and into the dark... and they never came back.” Need we say anything else? Enjoy!

“It’s tail time!” It certainly is tail time, folks. The time has come for Aaron and James to discuss a guilty pleasure, an icon of the mascot platformer era, and quite possibly the greatest video game of all time. Join Aaron as he’s dumbfounded by James’ shockingly extensive history with the game, after which your hosts dive into the gritty details of the Media Dimension and all the levels it has to offer. They also take some time to reflect on the game’s ironic (and unironic) fanbase and its place in 3D platformer history. Let’s hope Aaron and James decide to keep the podcast going after this, because it’s awfully tempting to end on a masterpiece.

"I'm literally a fool, what's your excuse?" Join Aaron and James this week as they discuss the massively successful poker-themed roguelite. They break down the basic mechanics and then dive into the details that make this game so addicting. Then, stay tuned as they jump into their personal likes and ... more likes. And stick around until the end to hear their favorite jokers along with some pro tips on how to maximize your score!

“Rebellions are built on hope.” Having decided to take a break from covering some of the lesser loved (or fully hated) Star Wars movies, Aaron and James are joined this week by a very special returning guest to discuss one of the much better entries in the franchise. Join them as they go in depth on the performances, characters, pacing, nostalgia, and some of the more controversial moments. Heck, Aaron might have some controversial thoughts of his own. But say what you will about this entry, one thing’s for sure: Ben Mendelsohn must be starving because he devoured every last bit of scenery.

We’ve seen that movie adaptations of video games can work - or, at least be financially successful. The reverse is true as well - as evidenced by many of the classic 90s hits like Goldeneye 007. But what makes adaptations work in either direction? Join Aaron, James, and a special returning guest as they discuss adaptation successes and failures, and what adaptations they’re each dying to see. Enjoy!

“Should pale death, with treble dread, make the ocean caves our bed, God who hears the surges roll deign to save our suppliant soul.” This week, Aaron and James are your wickies, guiding you to the shores of madness. Join them as they gleefully spill the beans on what they think of Robert Eggers’ multivalent psychological horror film, from its meticulous construction to its masterful atmosphere. They explore its use of marine lore, Lovecraftian themes, and not-so-subtle sexual subtext. Try not to lose your mind along the way.

Yazoo! This week, Aaron and James discuss one of the many, many '90s 3D platformers that came (and went) in the wake of Super Mario 64. How does this one measure up to others in its tier? Heck, how does it measure up to other reptile-based platformers??? Only one way to find out!

The draft is back! After a bit of a hiatus, Aaron and James bring some familiar voices back to draft games from two, count 'em, TWO pivotal years in gaming history. The transition to 3D graphics and the advent of new genres changed the gaming world forever, but there were also plenty of incredible 16-bit games that closed out the previous era. Listen and find out who took your favorites!

Special Episode: The Nintendo Switch 2 Direct by Game & Watch with Aaron & James

"There's one thing a Saiyan always keeps: his pride!" This week, Aaron and James wade into the considerably large pool of video games from everyone’s favorite martial arts anime! Listen as they talk about the numerous series and one-offs this franchise has to offer, as well as personal experiences with the games and franchise as a whole. Thank you for everything, Toriyama-san!

"Hey, Pam, remember when I said this car was death proof? Well, that wasn't a lie. This car is 100% death proof. Only to get the benefit of it, honey, you REALLY need to be sitting in my seat." It’s been a long time coming, but this week Aaron and James finally tackle a film from the legendary director (and terrible actor), Quentin Tarantino! Does this complete cut of the Grindhouse feature rise to the lofty heights the famed filmmaker is known for? Or does it get bogged down in his tendency for overindulgence? Or perhaps a little bit of both? Get ready for some sexy, gory, exploitative fun, and whatever you do, don’t be going left!

Join Aaron and James this week as they debut a new special episode format: the Game Pitch Challenge! Each of the hosts picks a game or series the other hasn't played (and might even be purposefully avoiding) and gives their enthusiastic reasons why the other should check it out! Aaron gives James a tour of the hit franchise Monster Hunter, and then James gives the 411 on the much-loved Yakuza/Like a Dragon series. Will minds be changed? Can gaming passion be adequately explained? And how does Joel Edgerton fit into all of this? The only way to find out is to listen!

“I went to sleepaway camp so long ago that it was the Stone Age. No, but seriously, it wasn't the Stone Age... it was the Ice Age! No, really, it was the Stone Age.” Join Aaron and James this week on a trip back in time to a fictionalized 1981 summer camp romp! Director David Wain, numerous members of The State, and MANY other funny people combine talents to pull off what might the one of the funniest, most quotable, silliest cult comedies of all time. Listen in to catch our thoughts on the best gags and more!

“Many monarchs have come and gone. One drowned in poison, another succumbed to flame. Still another slumbers in a realm of ice. Not one of them stood here, as you do now. You, conqueror of adversities. Give us your answer.” Aaron and James are joined again by a special guest to wrap up their discussion of an underappreciated entry in the Dark Souls series. This week, they explore the world and lore of Drangleic in detail -- its areas, its occupants, and its ties to the first game. Which areas of the game do they find most (and least) fascinating? Which boss approaches are the most painful? How good are the DLCs? These questions and many more will be answered!

"Bearer of the curse…Seek souls. Larger, more powerful souls. Seek the King, that is the only way. Lest this land swallow you whole… As it has so many others." For this momentous episode, Aaron and James are far from crestfallen as they are joined by a very special returning guest to discuss an entry in one of their all-time favorite video game series. A divisive game, it is not without its detractors, but you will not find any of them here. Join them as they discuss their histories with the game, its development, its gameplay, design, and themes, and, most importantly, why they chose to cover it instead of the other entries in the series. Then, next week they’ll dive into the game’s story and lore, and walkthrough the game in detail.

“Ideas are like fish. If you want to catch little fish, you can stay in the shallow water. But if you want to catch the big fish, you’ve got to go deeper. Down deep, the fish are more powerful and more pure. They’re huge and abstract. And they’re very beautiful.” This week, Aaron and James pay tribute to the late director, David Lynch. Listen as they discuss the man himself, his artistry, their experiences with his contributions to film and TV, and -- most importantly of all -- why they encourage everyone to seek out at least one of his timeless works.

With the year coming to a close, Aaron and James reflect once more on the games they played in 2024. As usual, they'll surprise you (and each other) with some of their picks. Hopefully some of your favorites made their lists!

“One man's toxic sludge is another man's potpourri.” It’s the holiday season, and we’ve got a special present for all of our listeners! Join Aaron, James, and a surprise returning guest to discuss this controversial adaption of a holiday classic. Do the comedic style of Jim Carrey and the magic of Dr. Seuss work together? Or should Ron Howard get a lump of coal for his directorial efforts? Listen in and join the debate!

"Can I ask you something, Kittridge? If you're dealing with a man who has crushed, shot, stabbed, and detonated five members of his own IMF team, how devastated do you think you're gonna make him by hauling Mom and Uncle Donald down to the county courthouse?" Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to listen to Aaron and James discuss the finer points of this 1996 action spy film. Does Brian De Palma’s directorial style mesh with the sheer intensity of a Tom Cruise performance? Or should this film be disavowed for some of its odd sexual tension? Listen quickly, because this episode description will self destruct in 60 seconds!

Lately, it seems like every other game announcement is a remake or remaster of an old favorite. But what’s the difference? And what games deserve a second chance at life? That’s what Aaron and James will debate in this episode! Each has their own ideas about the muddled differentiation between remakes, remasters, ports, and reboots, and each has a list of six games that deserve the treatment. There’s a blend of deep cuts and bonafide classics, so listen up and see if one of your nostalgic favorites made the list!

Thought Spooky Season was over? Surprise! And the surprises don’t stop there. This week, Aaron leads James through a horror-themed mystery segment guaranteed to shock and provoke some divisive reactions, to say the least! James then takes the wheel and gives his thoughts on some of the MANY horror films he digested this October. May Spooky Season live in our hearts all year long!

“If that were in text, I would emphasize it and heart it!” The V/H/S film franchise is not without its bad dialogue, but Aaron and James are pleased to report that it has an above-average blend of good ideas and horror elements, including this exterrestrial-themed entry. This week, join your hosts as they continue spooky season by discussing the franchise as a whole before diving into the latest of what some would call a solid run of films. If zombies, androids, and skydiving with aliens sound fun to you, strap in for a fun ride!

“All you have to do is accept her f**king gift!!! The 7th entry in this legendary survival horror franchise is quite the gift! This week, Aaron and James gush over the game’s terrifying sights, creepy sounds, and downright macabre Baker family. But do the changes in gameplay hold up to the series’ standards? Does the storytelling? Why is Chris Redfield here? So many questions, so little time! Come on down with us to Louisiana and prepare to join the family!

“I told you before, I didn't want you to read this crap! I never saw such rotten crap in my life!” Only some of the crap’s rotten in this famed 1982 horror-comedy anthology film written by Stephen King and directed by George A. Romero. But what’s crap and what’s genuinely frightening are what Aaron and James will be discussing this week! These five tales beg such questions as: Why does Stephen King think he should be an actor? Is a monster-in-a-box the perfect murder weapon? Is Evil Leslie Nielsen the best Leslie Nielsen? Spooky season is upon us, so let the macabre merriment begin!

"A thousand years ago, everybody knew the Earth was the center of the universe. Five hundred years ago, they knew the Earth was flat. Fifteen minutes ago, you knew we humans were alone on it. Imagine what you'll know tomorrow." This week, Aaron and James, noisy crickets in hand, tackle yet another wonderful 90s film. Joined by a very special returning guest, your hosts talk about every single thing that makes this sci-fi action/comedy so dang fun -- from the witty script to the unstoppable Tommy Lee Jones. Enjoy!

“Pop quiz, hotshot. There's a bomb on a bus. Once the bus goes 50 miles an hour, the bomb is armed. If it drops below 50, it blows up. What do you do? What do you do?” This week, Aaron and James board a bus armed with a bomb set to explode if they say anything negative about this 90s classic thrill ride. Join them as they discuss action hero Keanu, the absolute joy that is Sandra Bullock, and a supporting cast that’s a real who’s who of the era. They’ve got a few nits to pick along the way, but it should come as little surprise to those familiar with this film that there is much to love. Enjoy!

“We-a won’t be happy until de Island-a Open champ-a plays-a Mario!” Grab your tennis rackets and Game Boy link cables, and join Aaron and James for an exploration of a true gem in an underappreciated genre: the sports RPG! Lend an ear as they discuss a story mode strangely devoid of Mario characters, why a fully grown, seemingly middle-aged man would be attending a children’s tennis academy, and much more! Does this Mario sports title hold up 2024? Come listen and find out!