In this episode, Bryan and Josh dip their toes into the idle/incremental game space! Three idle games have been chosen: Universal Paperclips, SPACEPLAN, and (the) Gnorp Apologue. All are quite different manifestations of the idle/incremental game and each has its own strengths and unique offerings to explore. Universal Paperclips (2017) was created by Frank Lantz of New York University and has been acclaimed as one of the best of the genre. It features a unique retelling of the paperclip maximizer thought experiment. SPACEPLAN (2017) was developed by Jake Hollands and published by Devolver Digital and features striking visuals and a relaxing synth-heavy soundtrack. Finally, (the) Gnorp Apologue (2023) is the game that spurred the conversation on idle games to begin with and as its description states: “is a game where you help small beings called gnorps get rich”. Its also quite visually interesting any layers in some unique ‘management game’ style mechanics. So listen in while Bryan goes to make some dinner and Josh stares with wrapped attention at his computer screen and they jointly put together their thoughts on this varied and interesting genre.

Three Word Reviews:

Universal Paperclips: Bryan - Existential Thought Experiment / Josh - An Argument Against

SPACEPLAN: Bryan - Perfect Entry Point / Josh - Waiting for Story

(the) Gnorp Apologue: Bryan - Prestige Incremental Management / Josh - Spectacle, Strategy, Screensaver

Aspiring linguist Josh and professional guess-and-checker Bryan recently made their way up the tower featured in 2023’s indie puzzle game Chants of Sennaar! Along the way they marveled at the game’s superb use of color, clever language puzzles, and occasionally regrettable use of stealth mechanics. At its heart, Chants of Sennaar is a game about culture and communication, so what better way to celebrate this wonderful game than through an in depth discussion about its design, themes, and artistry. Listen in as Josh and Bryan decipher the secrets of the Tower and make their way to the top of the class in 5 different (completely fictional) languages!

Three Word Reviews:

Bryan - Stratification, Translation, Unification

Josh - Language as Playspace

Isometric Games’ Tunic, released in 2022, is a game that delivers stronger than almost any other title on the promise of a genuine feeling of discovery. From you moment that you are dropped onto the isometric, flat color-shaded beach with nothing but the ethereal soundtrack by Lifeformed and Janice Kwan to keep you company, you are expected to start exploring. To start learning about the game’s various rules, systems, and secrets… because the game will not teach you about any of them itself! Tunic a modern title focused on the early 90’s idea of learning about a game through playground rumors and half understood foreign instruction manuals. Its a game that rewards looking beyond what’s immediately apparent on the screen and experimenting with every suspiciously placed object. On top of all of that, Tunic is also a formidable isometric combat experience. So squeeze through that secret passage into your Chamber of Podcast Listening and join Bryan and Josh for a spoiler-filled discussion of Tunic and its incredible in-game instruction manual!

Three Word Reviews:

Bryan - Game about Gaming

Josh - Lost and Found