PODCAST · leisure
The Lore Research Lab
by ARK
Hi there! The name's A.R.K, or Al, a history, literature, mythology enthusiast and avid researcher - welcome to The Lore Research Lab! You will find here some fun discussions, rants, theories, rankings, reviews, and much more as I try my best to make Nintendo's content accessible and interesting. With a goal to present information structured like scholarly research, the current research efforts being made by the Lab include investigations on the Mario franchise, Pokémon, The Legend of Zelda, and possibly others - join me in the ultimate quest to discover what these worlds have to offer!
Episodes
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Discussing what we know so far about Pokémon Legends: ZA
The Lore Research Lab's founder discusses what is known so far about Pokémon Legends: ZA, including some theories and comparisons to Pokemon Legends: Arceus. Links: - Character from Pokémon X&Y: AZ - Pokémon Legends: Arceus - Pokemon Legends: ZA
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Breaking down Paradox Pokémon
The Lore Research Lab's founder returns to talk about Paradox Pokémon (and the concept of otherworldly Pokémon), the current roster of Paradox Pokémon, and what to potentially expect in future Pokémon games. Timestamps: 00:32 - rambling on the Nintendo Switch 2 + Pokémon Legends Z:A 02:50 -...
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See you in 2025!
The Lore Research Lab's founder closes out 2024 with some quick notes about two games and future plans at The Lab in 2025!
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Zelda has to face a distortion world! + UPDATED ZELDA TIMELINE
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom is shaping up to be a really creative game. Returning briefly to discuss, The Lab's founder talks about how this game has elements and themes from other Zelda games, and why we should hold hope that this game holds more beneath the surface! Timestamps: 00:21…
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Discussing Mario & Luigi: Brothership and The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
Tune in to hear the founder of The Lore Research Lab's thoughts on two upcoming titles they are excited for. Be sure to check out the Nintendo Direct video for any titles you are or may be excited for! Links: - Nintendo Direct 6.18.24 Update
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[S4] Ep. 17 - To the stage! Princess Peach: Showtime Review
Princess Peach returns to center stage as a central playable character in Princess Peach: Showtime! What is there to know about this game and is it worth getting? Tune in to find out! Timestamps: 02:24 - Basic Premise 05:11 - Gameplay 10:51 - Conclusion BGM Credit: Song: Fredji - Happy Life...
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Discussing the Pokémon Legends: ZA Announcement!
The Lore Research Lab's founder makes a return to discuss a game announced for 2025, Pokémon Legends: ZA! Check out the episode to hear about theories and ideas for this upcoming game. Links: - Pokémon Presents 2024
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Extra #30 - Discussing the Indigo Disk Final Trailer
The Lore Research Lab's founder returns (sort of) to discuss the Indigo Disk DLC trailer ahead of its release on December 14th! Links: - Indigo Disk Trailer
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[S4] Ep. 16 - Pokémon Rants: Ghost Type Pokémon
Pokémon appear in a variety of shapes, sizes, and forms; one important determinant of these characteristics is what is known as a “Type”, giving Pokémon unique attributes based on the Type’s element, power, and so on. With 18 types in total, there are many to review; in the ninth installment of...
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[S4] Ep. 15 - Discussing Japanese Culture in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet: The Teal Mask
Pokémon Scarlet and Violet now has DLC included, the first half of two parts focusing on The Teal Mask. Here, players embark on a field trip where hidden encounters await them, a mystery cloaked behind the pleasant town aura in the Land of Kitakami. In what ways does this mysterious new land...
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[S4] Ep. 14 - A Fun Spin on a Classic Rivalry: Discussing Mario vs. Donkey
Mario vs. Donkey, introduced on the Gameboy Advance in 2004, presents itself as a fun platformer inspired by the roots of Nintendo's earliest characters and concepts. Check out this episode to learn about this game ahead of its Nintendo Switch Remake! Timestamps: 02:58 - Bottled Background >…
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The Lore Research Lab Reference Episodes
This episode explains the format and structure of The Lore Research Lab and lists all the episodes from The Lab that explain and provide background on a given game and/or franchise. Refer to this episode for this master listing, both described through the audio and provided here in the…
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Nintendo Direct 9.14.2023 Reaction
This episode sees the Lab's founder react to news on upcoming releases for the Nintendo Switch. Links: - Nintendo Direct 9.14.2023 Video The Lore Research Lab Reference Episodes (I do not claim ownership over the products, sources, and images that come from this game; images and footage have been...
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Super Mario Bros. Wonder Nintendo Direct Review
Tune in to see what footage has been released for the upcoming October installment Super Mario Bros. Wonder and a review of what it brings to the table! Links: - Super Mario Bros. Wonder Nintendo Direct Video The Lore Research Lab Reference Episodes (I do not claim ownership over the products,...
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[S4] Ep. 13 - A Special Power Tier: Discussing Pseudo Legendary Pokémon
The Lore Research Lab's founder discusses what "pseudo-legendary" Pokémon are, a tier of Pokémon that sit above many and below the fabled bunch. Tune in to learn what each individual Pokémon has to offer! Timestamps: 00:28 - Housekeeping 02:47 - What are Pseudo Legendary Pokémon? > 05:36 - Format...
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Extra #28 - Discussing the Pokémon Presents | 8.8.2023 Updates
Check out this episode to learn about the updates for the Pokémon animated series, spin-off games, and primarily the Pokémon Scarlet and Violet: Hidden Treasures of Area Zero DLC. Timestamps: 01:05 - Updates on general content 06:08 - Get Mew and Mewtwo! 8:58 - Reviewing and breaking down the...
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[S4] Ep. 12 - Explaining Pokémon Legends: Arceus
This episode discusses the many details encompassing the game Pokémon Legends: Arceus, released in 2022 on the Nintendo Switch. An extremely descriptive discussion with elements of ranting, the Lab's founder looks at the game's important predecessors, the story of the game along with gameplay...
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[S4] Ep. 11 - The Music of the Kingdom: Discussing The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Soundtrack
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is a strong successor to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild in many capacities; The Lore Research Lab's founder discusses and examines selected tracks from the game's original soundtrack to see how this game functions as a sequel and provides a...
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Extra #27 - Zelda in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
This extra looks at the titular character, her role in the story of this new Zelda installment informed by The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, followed by a discussion and deep dive into her characterization in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. Timestamps: 00:15 - Preamble > 00:30 -...
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[S4] Ep. 10 - The Presence of Evil in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
Tune in to hear about initial theories and thoughts about the presence of evil in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, how this relates to previous titles within a scheme of lore, and spoilers on themes and entities related to this topic. Timestamps: 00:52 - Spoiler Warning 01:20…
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Extra #26 - Stratified Life in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
Check out this episode to hear The Lore Research Lab's founder discuss, rant, and ramble about a core mechanic introduced in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, interspersed with topics related to story and thematic elements from The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and The Legend of...
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The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is already amazing!!
Tune to hear The Lore Research Lab's founder ramble about their initial thoughts about the freshly released sequel to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of Wild, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. Note: There are minor spoilers in this episode. Check out my previous episodes discussing the lead…
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The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild - A Retrospective Rambling
Tune into this episode to hear The Lore Research Lab's founder ramble about Breath of the Wild, thoughts on its place in the franchise (what came before it), and random thoughts as we close in on Tears of the Kingdom's release date.
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Extra #25 - GANONDORF IS BACK! Discussing The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Trailer #3
The Lore Research Lab's founder returns to discuss the new trailer footage for The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom with some exciting revelations! Links: - The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – Official Trailer #3 - The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Gameplay Demonstration...
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[S4] Ep. 9 - The Esteemed Collective: Discussing Pokémon Professors
The Pokémon franchise has always been about collecting information about Pokémon in the form of a data-collecting device known as a Pokédex. Notably, certain individuals who are considered experts in studying Pokémon are featured in the games as a part of gameplay and to provide exposition. But…
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[S4] Ep. 8 - The Power of Knowledge: Discussing Pokémon Experts
The Pokémon franchise has always been about collecting information about Pokémon in the form of a data-collecting device known as a Pokédex. Notably, certain individuals who are considered experts in studying Pokémon are featured in the games as a part of gameplay and to provide exposition. But…
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Extra #24 - Discussing The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Gameplay Demonstration
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom now has a gameplay demonstration, demonstrated by game producer Eiji Aonuma! Listen to this episode to hear the founder's excitement at this new sequel and the new features present in this upcoming game. Timestamps: 01:13 - The Legend of Zelda; Tears of…
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[S4] Ep. 7 - The Solitude of Survival: The Deal with Metroid Dread
This episode features a review of Metroid Dread, released in 2021 on the Nintendo Switch and 19 years after its Metroid predecessor. What is there to know about this game and is it a game worth getting? Check out this episode to learn more! Timestamps: 2:13 - Basic Premise 3:54 - Gameplay > 4:47…
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[S4] Ep. 6 - Adventure in Puzzles: Discussing Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker
The Mario games are well known for their fun and simple platforms, making the games feel accessible and easy to play through. While most Mario games are simple at its core, none are truly as straightforward as a game solely based on solving puzzles. Furthermore, a game that does not have Mario at...
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Extra #23 - Discussing The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom - Official Trailer #2
Check out this episode to learn about some announcements from Nintendo on upcoming releases, remasters, and games in-between, finishing with an in-depth analysis of the new The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Official Trailer. Timestamps: 00:04 - Brief Disclaimer + Summarized thoughts on...
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[S4] Ep. 5 - Pokémon Rants: Flying Type Pokémon
Pokémon appear in a variety of shapes, sizes, and forms; one important determinant of these characteristics is what is known as a “Type”, giving Pokémon unique attributes based on the Type’s element, power, and so on. With 18 types in total, there are many to review; in the eighth installment of...
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[S4] Ep. 4 - From Creation to Cultivation: Constructing a Legendary Pokémon Timeline
With the number of Legendary and Mythical Pokémon in existence, the fanbase has for years theorized about how Legendary Pokémon function within a broader scheme of lore, creation, and determining how the timelines and storylines of core series games are connected. Including themes of folklore,...
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[S4] Ep. 3 - Reinventing Beasts of Legend: What Koraidon and Miraidon Represent
The concept of Legendary Pokémon has been a constant in the franchise; whether they are benevolent, life-giving beings or behemoths with the power to destroy, Legendary Pokémon offer a variety of powerful creatures that stand above the rest in more ways than one. However, while having a prominent...
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[S4] Ep. 2 - Going All Out: Discussing Battle Gimmicks in Pokémon Games
Since 1996, the Pokémon franchise has welcomed new and older players alike with various additions to their battle mechanics since the series' origin, including a variety of integrations that smoothened gameplay and made battling a more accessible concept. This episode looks at a specific category...
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[S4] Ep. 1 - The Deal with Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet
The long wait for Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet is finally over! Being a new installment in the Pokémon franchise, there are many reactions to the games as they have been freshly released. This episode reviews spoiler-free details on these games and whether they are good as both games and as...
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[S3] Ep. 30 - The Parody Series: Poorly Explaining Pokémon X & Y
Pokémon X & Y were released in 2013 and were the first to have elements of 3D modelling in their gameplay, a big step graphically for the Pokémon franchise. Whatever reception this game received will not be discussed in this episode, as The Lore Research Lab's founder embarks on a journey to…
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[S3] Ep. 29 - “In a League of their own”: Discussing the Elite Trainers of the Pokémon League (Part 3)
Pokémon games tend to be formulaic in nature, one notable format of gameplay appearing in numerous titles; an institution known as The Pokémon League, an in-game institution that challenges the player to face a certain number of trainers in order to claim the title of champion – in other words…
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[S3] Ep. 29 - “In a League of their own”: Discussing the Elite Trainers of the Pokémon League (Part 2)
Pokémon games tend to be formulaic in nature, one notable format of gameplay appearing in numerous titles; an institution known as The Pokémon League, an in-game institution that challenges the player to face a certain number of trainers in order to claim the title of champion – in other words…
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[S3] Ep. 29 - “In a League of their own”: Discussing the Elite Trainers of the Pokémon League (Part 1)
Pokémon games tend to be formulaic in nature, one notable format of gameplay appearing in numerous titles; an institution known as The Pokémon League, an in-game institution that challenges the player to face a certain number of trainers in order to claim the title of champion – in other words…
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[S3] Ep. 28 - Pokémon Scarlet and Violet Updates (New Character, Pokémon and Demo Gameplay Preview Discussion)
This brief episode looks at some more updates regarding Pokémon Scarlet and Violet as the release date nears! Refer to the videos listed in the description for any further background on these upcoming games. Timestamps: 01:00 - About the New Gym Leader and their Ace 10:15 - Gameplay Demo Review...
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[S3] Ep. 27 - Pokémon Scarlet and Violet “Jump into a Paldean Journey” Discussion
More new footage has been released on the upcoming games Pokémon Scarlet and Violet! Check out this episode to learn more about jumping into a Paldean Journey! Timestamps: 02:08 - Discussing Trainer #1: Highland Encounters with Terastalizing Pokémon 15:39 - Discussing Trainer #2: Crafting…
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[S3] Ep. 26 - A Formula for Variety: Discussing Mario Spin-Off Games
This episode introduces the concept of “spin-offs” in video games, using the example of the Mario franchise to demonstrate how spin-offs can be unique from the canon they derive from, and how consistency within a franchise can be effective in this form of video gaming. Timestamps: 00:33 - What…
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[S3] Ep. 25 - Discussing the "Seek Your Treasure! | Pokémon Scarlet & Pokémon Violet" Trailer
New footage on Pokémon Scarlet & Violet has been released! This episode has The Lab's founder, joined by a returning guest discussing the new footage and their thoughts on what this game has in store for players as its release date closes in! Timestamps: 00:57 - Preamble + Structure of the…
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[S3] Ep. 24 - A New Legend? Discussing The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Trailer
With the new Nintendo Direct video (13.9.2022), it has been announced that The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild sequel now has a name - The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom! This episode unpacks what we know so far about this upcoming game slated to release in mid 2023, what this trailer...
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Extra #22 - Discussing the Pokémon Scarlet & Violet Competitive Play Trailer
This brief episode addresses the recent trailer on Pokémon Scarlet & Violet competitive play! Links/Resources: - Pokémon Scarlet & Violet Official Website - Pokémon Scarlet & Violet Competitive Play Trailer (Creator's Note: I do not claim ownership over the products, sources, and images that come...
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Extra #21 - Pokémon Presents (08.03.22)
This episode briefly discusses the new trailer released for Pokémon Scarlet & Violet, slated to release in November of 2022! Links: - Pokémon Presents on Pokémon Scarlet & Violet (Check Timestamps in Video description) - Pokémon Scarlet & Violet Official Website
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[S3] Ep. 23 - A Journey Through Walls: Discussing A Link Between Worlds
The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds is one among the many Zelda installations, first hitting stores in 2013. In a game where the player, as Link, is expected to traverse between two very different worlds, what does this mean within the broader Legend of Zelda chronology and lore? This...
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[S3] Ep. 22 - Ranking Kirby and the Forgotten Land Bosses
This brief episode sees The Lore Research Lab's founder ranking the bosses from Kirby and the Forgotten Land, along with general opinions on the battles and overall enjoyment with the bosses themselves. Links: - The Bosses - All Boss Battles (Video) (Creator's Note: For non-Spotify listeners…
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[S3] Ep. 21 - Exploring The Hoenn Region
In the Pokémon franchise, there are many regions to adventure to, dependent on the game you own. In this episode, The Lore Research Lab’s founder is joined by an enthusiastic guest to discuss the Hoenn region, introduced in Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald, revamped in the remakes Omega Ruby…
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Extra #20 - My Hopes for Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes
In this brief episode, the found of The Lab discusses the soon-to-be-released spin-off game Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes, succeeding the mainline series game Fire Emblem: Three Houses. Links: - Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes Trailer > Adrestian Empire Trailer > Kingdom of Faerghus Trailer…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Hi there! The name's A.R.K, or Al, a history, literature, mythology enthusiast and avid researcher - welcome to The Lore Research Lab! You will find here some fun discussions, rants, theories, rankings, reviews, and much more as I try my best to make Nintendo's content accessible and interesting. With a goal to present information structured like scholarly research, the current research efforts being made by the Lab include investigations on the Mario franchise, Pokémon, The Legend of Zelda, and possibly others - join me in the ultimate quest to discover what these worlds have to offer!
HOSTED BY
ARK
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Lore Research Lab have?
The Lore Research Lab currently has 174 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Lore Research Lab about?
Hi there! The name's A.R.K, or Al, a history, literature, mythology enthusiast and avid researcher - welcome to The Lore Research Lab! You will find here some fun discussions, rants, theories, rankings, reviews, and much more as I try my best to make Nintendo's content accessible and interesting....
How often does The Lore Research Lab release new episodes?
The Lore Research Lab publishes regularly with 174 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to The Lore Research Lab?
You can listen to The Lore Research Lab 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 The Lore Research Lab?
The Lore Research Lab is created and hosted by ARK.
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