100 Lives Later

In this episode of 100 Lives Later, Bryant and Dustin dive deep into the 2008 indie gem Braid, a game that rewrote the rules for puzzle-platformers and indie gaming alike. From revisiting the Xbox Live Arcade days to exploring the game's challenging puzzles, poetic story, and groundbreaking mechanics, this episode takes you on a nostalgic journey through gaming history. Hear us reflect on the cultural backdrop of Braid's release, share our favorite puzzle-solving moments, and discuss the game's mysterious, thought-provoking themes (is it really about Oppenheimer?). We also debate the merits of Braid's modern anniversary edition and what makes it a timeless experience. Stick around as we rate the game, tease future episodes featuring Return of the Obra Dinn and Divinity: Original Sin 2, and ponder what makes a game truly unforgettable. Follow us, share your thoughts, and let us know—what was your favorite Braid puzzle?

In this episode of 100 Lives Later, Bryant and Dustin dive into the action-packed world of God of War II. The duo revisits 2007, reflecting on the cultural and gaming milestones of their senior year, including iconic titles like Mass Effect, Halo 3, and Portal. As first-time players of this PlayStation classic, they dissect the game’s combat mechanics, storyline, and puzzles, discussing its blend of brutal challenges and moments of frustration. From grappling with QuickTime events to analyzing Kratos’ rage-fueled character arc, they candidly share their mixed impressions of this swan song for the PS2. Tune in as they evaluate the game's lasting impact, debate its dated elements, and envision how a modern remaster could breathe new life into this mythological adventure. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or curious newcomer, this episode offers a balanced take on a game that shaped a generation.

Welcome to the very first episode of 100 Lives Later! Join Bryant and his best friend Dustin as they dive into the Metacritic Top 100 Games of All Time, starting with #100: Super Mario 3D World. In this episode, we share our thoughts on playing the game in 2024 versus its original 2013 release, relive the Wii U era, and reminisce about traveling with consoles that were anything but portable. We debate star collection frustration, dissect the movement mechanics, and compare it to the more modern Super Mario Odyssey. Plus, hear our thoughts on the quirky Toad puzzle levels, the nostalgia-inducing soundtrack, and why the cat power-up might just be Mario's secret weapon. Stick around for our ratings: How does Super Mario 3D World hold up today? And get ready for next week’s game, God of War II. If you’ve ever struggled with star gates, sweated through Bowser battles, or had heated debates over the best Mario game, this episode is for you! Follow along and share your thoughts on the games with us! 🎮✨

In the inaugural episode of 100 Lives Later, hosts Bryant and Dustin introduce their ambitious journey: playing through Metacritic’s Top 100 Video Games of All Time. They share the origins of the podcast, their motivations, and the unique approach they’re taking with this project. The duo discusses their gaming histories, favorite genres, and the challenges of tackling such an expansive list while balancing full-time jobs. They also touch on the evolving nature of gaming, the joy of immersive stories, and how video games have been a cornerstone of their lifelong friendship. With plans to release one episode per month, Bryant and Dustin acknowledge that mistakes are inevitable but emphasize the podcast’s laid-back and fun nature. Tune in to hear about their favorite games, nostalgic memories, and what’s in store as they dive into this epic countdown.