Skip to content
PodParley
Shall We Play a Game? podcast artwork

PODCAST · games

Shall We Play a Game?

by Chris Suellentrop and JJ Sutherland

A short (honest!) podcast about video games. Hosted by New York Times contributing critic Chris Suellentrop and former NPR Baghdad bureau chief JJ Sutherland.

Publisher-supplied feed metadata · PodParley refreshed Apr 14, 2026 · Source feed

Subscribe · 0 Bookmark

Episodes

  1. ‘Carne y Arena’ - Shall We Play a Game?

    You’ve got 11 days left to go see Alejandro González Iñárritu’s virtual-reality installation “Carne y Arena.” We saw it/did it/played it, and tell you why you should, too (if you’re anywhere near Washington, D.C.). PS: It feels great to be back! We have a Patreon at www.patreon.com/shallweshow!…

    more

  2. ‘Assassin’s Creed’: ‘Origins’ vs. ‘Syndicate’ - Shall We Play a Game?

    JJ talks about why he liked “Syndicate” more than “Origins,” while Chris begs for Discovery Modes to be retrofitted into every game in the series. Plus a dash of “God of War” (2018) and “Pillars of Eternity II.” We have a Patreon at www.patreon.com/shallweshow! We are eternally grateful to…

    more

  3. ‘Solo’ (and ‘God of War’!) - Shall We Play a Game?

    Our instant review of “Solo: A Star Wars Story,” the first “Star Wars” movie to reference “Masters of Teras Kasi,” preceded by a paean to the “God of War” camera. We have a Patreon at www.patreon.com/shallweshow! We are eternally grateful to everyone who has made a pledge. NEXT TIME, WE HOPE…

    more

  4. ‘Ready Player One’ - Shall We Play a Game?

    Our review of Steven Spielberg’s movie *and* Ernest Cline’s book answers the question you’ve been waiting for: What if Halliday had been into walking simulators? We have a Patreon at www.patreon.com/shallweshow! We are eternally grateful to everyone who has made a pledge. NEXT TIME, WE HOPE:...

  5. ‘Florence’ - Shall We Play a Game?

    Unknowingly, we have undertaken a journey to become America’s hottest Annapurna Interactive podcast. We have a Patreon at www.patreon.com/shallweshow! We are eternally grateful to everyone who has made a pledge. NEXT TIME, WE HOPE: “Ready Player One” SHOW NOTES: Review us on iTunes Like us on...

  6. 2017’s All-Star GOTY Spectacular - Shall We Play a Game?

    Better late than never: We asked 25 of the smartest people we know–game developers, critics, professors of theater and history, comedy writers, political journalists, podcasters–for their favorite video game of 2017, and got 20 answers. Counting Chris and JJ, that’s 27 people and 20 video games…

    more

  7. ‘Gorogoa’ - Shall We Play a Game?

    The second game from Annapurna Interactive is a meditative puzzle by Jason Roberts. We have a Patreon at www.patreon.com/shallweshow! We are eternally grateful to everyone who has made a pledge. NEXT WEEK, WE HOPE: “Butterfly Soup” SHOW NOTES: Review us on iTunes Like us on Facebook Follow us on...

  8. ‘The Last Jedi’ spoilercast - Shall We Play a Game?

    The annual “Shall we watch a ‘Star Wars’ movie?” episode of the “Shall We Play a Game?” podcast. WARNING: Do not listen to more than a minute or so if you haven’t seen “The Last Jedi.” We have a Patreon at www.patreon.com/shallweshow! We are eternally grateful to everyone who has made a pledge....

  9. ‘Universal Paperclips’ - Shall We Play a Game?

    A new Game of the Year contender. We have a Patreon at www.patreon.com/shallweshow! We are eternally grateful to everyone who has made a pledge. THIS WEEK, WE HOPE: “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” NEXT WEEK, WE HOPE: “Gorogoa” SHOW NOTES: Review us on iTunes Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter...

  10. ‘Subsurface Circular’ - Shall We Play a Game?

    Mike Bithell’s short interactive robot detective fiction–how’s that for a five-word phrase–is good. Plus, JJ reveals the most embarrassing/proud public place he has played his Nintendo Switch. And Chris talks about minivan radio interfaces. We have a Patreon at www.patreon.com/shallweshow! We are...

  11. ‘Star Wars Battlefront 2’ & More ‘Wolfenstein 2: The New Colossus’ - Shall We Play a Game?

    Alright, Der Fuhrer, it’s time for my closeup. We have a Patreon at www.patreon.com/shallweshow! We are eternally grateful to everyone who has made a pledge. NEXT WEEK, WE HOPE: “Subsurface Circular” SHOW NOTES: Review us on iTunes Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Email us at questions at...

  12. ‘Wolfenstein 2: The New Colossus’ - Shall We Play a Game?

    We’re about three hours in, up to the part when BJ arrives in Manhattan. We have a Patreon at www.patreon.com/shallweshow! We are eternally grateful to everyone who has made a pledge. NEXT WEEK, WE HOPE: More “Wolfenstein 2,” some “Star Wars Battlefront 2” SHOW NOTES: Chris’s New York Times…

    more

  13. More ‘Super Mario Odyssey’ - Shall We Play a Game?

    Now when the child of morning, rosy-fingered Dawn, appeared, Mario rose and dressed himself. He bound his sandals on to his comely feet, girded his sword about his shoulder, and left his room looking like an immortal god. We have a Patreon at www.patreon.com/shallweshow! We are eternally grateful...

  14. ‘Super Mario Odyssey’ - Shall We Play a Game?

    Tell me, O muse, of that ingenious hero who travelled far and wide after he had sacked the famous town of World 1-1. We have a Patreon at www.patreon.com/shallweshow! We are eternally grateful to everyone who has made a pledge. NEXT WEEK, WE HOPE: More “Super Mario Odyssey” SHOW NOTES: Chris’s...

  15. What Would Donald Trump Play? - Shall We Play a Game?

    We’re busy with “Super Mario Odyssey” this week–which we’ll talk about on next week’s show–so we’re sharing this Patreon members-only mailbag with the wider listening public. Try it! It’s good! We have a Patreon at www.patreon.com/shallweshow! We are eternally grateful to everyone who has made a...

  16. ‘Divinity: Original Sin 2’ - Shall We Play a Game?

    Is there joy in Fort Joy? We have a Patreon at www.patreon.com/shallweshow! We are eternally grateful to everyone who has made a pledge. NEXT WEEK, WE HOPE: More “Divinity: Original Sin 2” SHOW NOTES: Review us on iTunes Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Email us at questions at…

    more

  17. ‘Thimbleweed Park’ - Shall We Play a Game?

    We would rather Switch than fight. We have a Patreon at www.patreon.com/shallweshow! We are eternally grateful to everyone who has made a pledge. NEXT WEEK, WE HOPE: “Divinity: Original Sin 2” SHOW NOTES: Review us on iTunes Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Email us at questions at...

  18. ‘Nier: Automata’ - Shall We Play a Game?

    A divisive game divides us against ourselves. We have a Patreon at www.patreon.com/shallweshow! We are eternally grateful to everyone who has made a pledge. NEXT WEEK, WE HOPE: “Thimbleweed Park” — but the Patreon Game Club for October will discuss “Divinity: Original Sin 2” SHOW NOTES: Review us...

  19. ‘Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle’ - Shall We Play a Game?

    Surely the only podcast on this game that delves into Shigeru Miyamoto’s reflections after the Sandy Hook massacre. We have a Patreon at www.patreon.com/shallweshow! We are eternally grateful to everyone who has made a pledge. NEXT WEEK, WE HOPE: “Nier: Automata” SHOW NOTES: Chris’ New York Times...

  20. ‘Uncharted: The Lost Legacy’ - Shall We Play a Game?

    Someone liked this game. Someone else didn’t. Someone gets angry. Someone else says, “But it’s ‘Uncharted’!” We have a Patreon at www.patreon.com/shallweshow! We are eternally grateful to everyone who has made a pledge. NEXT WEEK, WE HOPE: “Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle” SHOW NOTES: Review us on...

  21. ‘Tacoma’ & ‘Gone Home’ designer Steve Gaynor - Shall We Play a Game?

    Steve Gaynor, the designer and writer of “Gone Home” and 2017’s “Tacoma,” talks about why “Tacoma” was so hard to make, what he learned by working with Ken Levine on “BioShock Infinite,” and whether he sees his work as part of a video-game movement. The post ‘Tacoma’ & ‘Gone Home’ designer Steve...

  22. ‘Hellblade’ & More ‘Tacoma’ - Shall We Play a Game?

    Chris and JJ agree, more or less, about Ninja Theory’s “Hellblade” and then disagree, vehemently, about Fullbright’s “Tacoma.” The post ‘Hellblade’ & More ‘Tacoma’ appeared first on Shall We Play a Game?.

  23. ‘Typeshift’ designer Zach Gage - Shall We Play a Game?

    Zach Gage, the designer of mobile games like “SpellTower,” “Really Bad Chess,” “Sage Solitaire,” and 2017’s “Typeshift,” talks to Chris and JJ during a live show from the Play NYC convention. Plus, JJ’s “Tacoma” mini review. The post ‘Typeshift’ designer Zach Gage appeared first on Shall We Play…

    more

  24. ‘Edith Finch’ director Ian Dallas on ‘What Remains of Edith Finch’ - Shall We Play a Game?

    Ian Dallas, the creative director of Giant Sparrow, talks about whether Molly starved to death, how he wrote a headline for The Onion that became a self-fulfilling prophecy, and why he wishes he had made an "Edith Finch" level with Weird Al Yankovic. The post ‘Edith Finch’ director Ian Dallas on...

  25. ‘Dream Daddy’ - Shall We Play a Game?

    Chris Suellentrop and guest critic Laura Hudson--a contributor to Wired, Slate, The New York Times, and more--talk about “Dream Daddy,” the dad-dating sim that hit No. 1 on Steam. The post ‘Dream Daddy’ appeared first on Shall We Play a Game?.

  26. ‘Tacoma’ - Shall We Play a Game?

    Chris Suellentrop and guest critic Chris Plante--now the culture editor of The Verge, soon to be executive editor of Polygon--talk about “Tacoma,” Fullbright’s follow-up to “Gone Home.” No spoilers! We’ll save those for when JJ returns next week. The post ‘Tacoma’ appeared first on Shall We Play…

    more

  27. Even More ‘The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild’ - Shall We Play a Game?

    Two divine beasts down, two more to go. Could we play this game forever? Also, some E3 ranting. We’re taking a brief hiatus for the next few weeks. See you (hear us?) in August! The post Even More ‘The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild’ appeared first on Shall We Play a Game?.

  28. More ‘The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild’ - Shall We Play a Game?

    Is the new “Zelda” being graded on a curve? Or is JJ playing it wrong? Can you even play it wrong? Does it matter that there isn’t much of a story? Will Chris ever stop bringing up “Horizon: Zero Dawn”? The post More ‘The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild’ appeared first on Shall We Play a Game?.

  29. ‘Zelda’ on Switch & the End of ‘Prey’ - Shall We Play a Game?

    At last, we have new Nintendo consoles. Our playthrough of “Breath of the Wild” begins, followed by a spoilercast on the end of Arkane’s “Prey.” The post ‘Zelda’ on Switch & the End of ‘Prey’ appeared first on Shall We Play a Game?.

  30. Even More ‘Prey’ - Shall We Play a Game?

    We're almost finished with Arkane's "Prey." Before we gripe about an otherwise excellent game, we answer a listener mail about our "first favorite" video games. This episode is brought to you by Eddy Boswell-Correa, a listener and Patreon supporter. The post Even More ‘Prey’ appeared first on…

    more

  31. More ‘Prey’ & Nintendo Switch - Shall We Play a Game?

    We’ve explored Crew Quarters in Arkane’s still-terrific “Prey.” Chris has a quibble, but the spoilers wait until after he talks to Sofija Stefanovic, a Serbian-Australian-New-Yorker writer about her decreasingly quiet longing for a Nintendo Switch. The post More ‘Prey’ & Nintendo Switch appeared...

  32. ‘Prey’ - Shall We Play a Game?

    Do the first eight hours or so of Arkane’s love letter to the immersive sim live up to the promise of the demo? This episode is brought to you by Troy Gilbert, our very first Patreon patron. The post ‘Prey’ appeared first on Shall We Play a Game?.

  33. ‘Prey,’ ‘Night in the Woods’ & More ‘Edith Finch’ - Shall We Play a Game?

    Did the hourlong demo for “Prey,” Arkane’s highly referential immersive sim, sell us on playing the whole thing? Can JJ stomach the storyline in “Night in the Woods?” Can Chris get a do-over to explain why he adores “What Remains of Edith Finch”? The post ‘Prey,’ ‘Night in the Woods’ & More…

    more

  34. ‘What Remains of Edith Finch’ - Shall We Play a Game?

    The second game from Giant Sparrow, and the first from Annapurna Interactive, is a virtuosic take on the walking simulator. The post ‘What Remains of Edith Finch’ appeared first on Shall We Play a Game?.

  35. What I Play: Sam Biddle - Shall We Play a Game?

    The Intercept reporter, and former Gawker writer and Valleywag editor, talks about growing up as a Dreamcast kid, playing Yakuza 0 and Persona 5, and what it was like to be in the middle of a Gamergate skirmish. The post What I Play: Sam Biddle appeared first on Shall We Play a Game?.

  36. The Economist’s Ryan Avent & More ‘Persona 5’ - Shall We Play a Game?

    Ryan Avent of The Economist talks about research that indicates that some people are dropping out of the workforce to play video games. Plus, JJ and Chris are still playing “Persona 5.” The post The Economist’s Ryan Avent & More ‘Persona 5’ appeared first on Shall We Play a Game?.

  37. ‘Persona 5’ & ‘Psychonauts’ - Shall We Play a Game?

    Two video games, one old and one new, about children who navigate fantastical mental landscapes. Not to mention literal subway systems. Plus, the shortest “What I Play” in history. The post ‘Persona 5’ & ‘Psychonauts’ appeared first on Shall We Play a Game?.

  38. ‘Everything’ & More ‘Mass Effect: Andromeda’ - Shall We Play a Game?

    Everything in David OReilly’s “Everything” is playable, to try to convey the perspective of, well, everything. Our review. We have a Patreon at www.patreon.com/shallweshow! We are eternally grateful to everyone who has made a pledge. The post ‘Everything’ & More ‘Mass Effect: Andromeda’ appeared...

  39. ‘Mass Effect: Andromeda’ - Shall We Play a Game?

    The truth is…you're the weak, and I am the tyranny of evil men. But I'm trying, Ringo. I'm trying real hard to be Commander Shepard. The post ‘Mass Effect: Andromeda’ appeared first on Shall We Play a Game?.

  40. ‘The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild’ & ‘Robo Recall’ - Shall We Play a Game?

    We started Nintendo’s latest masterpiece on the Wii U instead of the Switch, and then rebuilt our finicky VR setups for Epic’s free Oculus Touch shooter. Plus, what game did Chris give up for Lent? The post ‘The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild’ & ‘Robo Recall’ appeared first on Shall We Play…

    more

  41. The End of ‘The Witcher 3’ - Shall We Play a Game?

    As always, we bring our listeners the hottest takes on the newest, freshest video games, which is why we just finished “The Witcher 3.” The post The End of ‘The Witcher 3’ appeared first on Shall We Play a Game?.

  42. ‘Torment: Tides of Numenera’ & the GDC awards - Shall We Play a Game?

    A smidgen of “Torment: Tides of Numenera,” a smattering of the Independent Games Festival and Game Developers Choice Awards, a smorgasbord of plans to start a membership drive. The post ‘Torment: Tides of Numenera’ & the GDC awards appeared first on Shall We Play a Game?.

  43. More ‘Horizon Zero Dawn’ - Shall We Play a Game?

    Chris Plante, the culture editor of The Verge and a founder of Polygon, tells us why he liked "Horizon Zero Dawn." The post More ‘Horizon Zero Dawn’ appeared first on Shall We Play a Game?.

  44. ‘Horizon Zero Dawn’ & More ‘Yakuza 0’ - Shall We Play a Game?

    Our first-ever preview: Chris played four hours of “Horizon Zero Dawn.” Then, “Yakuza 0” and the disappearance of the medium-budget video game. The post ‘Horizon Zero Dawn’ & More ‘Yakuza 0’ appeared first on Shall We Play a Game?.

  45. ‘Planescape: Torment’ & ‘Yakuza 0’ - Shall We Play a Game?

    To prepare for the February release of “Torment: Tides of Numenera,” we’re playing “Planescape: Torment.” When we’re not playing “Yakuza 0,” that is. The post ‘Planescape: Torment’ & ‘Yakuza 0’ appeared first on Shall We Play a Game?.

  46. Ronan Farrow: What I Play - Shall We Play a Game?

    The NBC News investigative journalist talks about why he bought a PlayStation Pro, whether it’s OK to talk about “Myst” in mixed company, and what Mia Farrow thinks about video games. The post Ronan Farrow: What I Play appeared first on Shall We Play a Game?.

  47. Nintendo Switch - Shall We Play a Game?

    Impressions of the Nintendo Switch after playing with it during its reveal event in New York City. The post Nintendo Switch appeared first on Shall We Play a Game?.

  48. 2016’s All-Star GOTY Spectacular - Shall We Play a Game?

    What was your favorite game of 2016? We asked 23 of the smartest people we know--designers, podcasters, YouTubers, journalists, a screenwriter, a playwright--and got 19 answers. Plus, intense disagreement about the merits of “The Last Guardian.” The post 2016’s All-Star GOTY Spectacular appeared...

  49. The ‘Assassin’s Creed’ Movie - Shall We Play a Game?

    Is the first "Assassin's Creed" movie better than the first "Assassin's Creed video game? Plus, what JJ is playing in VR with Oculus Touch. The post The ‘Assassin’s Creed’ Movie appeared first on Shall We Play a Game?.

  50. More ‘Super Mario Run,’ ‘I Expect You To Die’ & Oculus Touch - Shall We Play a Game?

    What happens when a podcast rant about Nintendo turns into a New York Times op-ed. Plus, comparing PlayStation Move and Oculus Touch while playing “I Expect You to Die,” Schell Games’ VR spy puzzler. The post More ‘Super Mario Run,’ ‘I Expect You To Die’ & Oculus Touch appeared first on Shall We...

View all 99 episodes →

Type above to search every episode's transcript for a word or phrase. Matches are scoped to this podcast.

Searching…

We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.

No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.

Showing of matches

TOPICS IN THIS SHOW

gaming criticism honest reviews NPR veteran NYT critic short podcast video game culture

Click any topic to search every transcript on PodParley for moments someone mentioned it.

Loading reviews...

ABOUT THIS SHOW

A short (honest!) podcast about video games. Hosted by New York Times contributing critic Chris Suellentrop and former NPR Baghdad bureau chief JJ Sutherland.

HOSTED BY

Chris Suellentrop and JJ Sutherland

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Shall We Play a Game? have?

Shall We Play a Game? currently has 99 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Shall We Play a Game? about?

A short (honest!) podcast about video games. Hosted by New York Times contributing critic Chris Suellentrop and former NPR Baghdad bureau chief JJ Sutherland.

How often does Shall We Play a Game? release new episodes?

Shall We Play a Game? has 99 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to Shall We Play a Game??

You can listen to Shall We Play a Game? on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Shall We Play a Game??

Shall We Play a Game? is created and hosted by Chris Suellentrop and JJ Sutherland.
URL copied to clipboard!