Nerds Without Pants

Welcome to the first episode of Nerds Without Pants! It’s our annual Game of the Year episode, and we are happy to be joined by Johnny Brandon from the Square Roots podcast. It’s a fun discussion of our top five games that we played in 2020. Since last year was a great year to play some older games our lists don’t exclusively come from 2020. We wrap up with listener top 3s and an impromptu Video Game Cage Match between Final Fantasy VII Remake and Yakuza: Like a Dragon.  Let’s jump right in! Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee.

We’re kicking off the 2021 season of Nerds Without Pants with a comprehensive celebration of the music from the 8th console generation! This is our most ambitious music special to date, featuring 50 incredible tracks along with thoughtful commentary from the Pantsless Ones. Enjoy; this is a labor of love. TRACK LIST: Carnival Kerfluffle-Evan Skolnick (Cuphead), Rain on Brick-Bill Kiley (Katana Zero), Chinatown-Bill Kiley (Katana Zero), Necrogenic Bloom-Monomer (The Mummy Demastered), Every Day is Night (VA-11-HALL-A), Skyline (VA-11-HALL-A), Area 1: Perimeter-Savaged Regime (Xeno Crisis), Bullet Dance II-Daisuke Ishiwatari (BlazBlue), In the Shadows- Daisuke Ishiwatari (BlazBlue), Marionette- Daisuke Ishiwatari (Guilty Gear Xrd Sign), The Brume [Ishgard Night Theme]-Masayoshi Soken (Final Fantasy XIV), Fallen Angel [Garuda’s Theme]- Masayoshi Soken (Final Fantasy XIV), Revenge Twofold, Sands of Amber, Stormblood chorus [medley]- Masayoshi Soken (Final Fantasy XIV), Imagination [Aetherochemical Res

Oh hey, we finally got to the end of the Nerds Without Pants reading a list of every PlayStation game. In hindsight...this was a poor decision. But you guys seem to dig it, so much so that we'll be releasing a supercut of all five parts in a single episode later on. But we should really never do this again. You're going to make us do this again, aren't you? Shit.

Nerds Without Pants is still on hiatus, but in the meantime, perhaps you would enjoy part 4 of us going through all the North American (ish) PlayStation 1 releases? Yeah, it's super late. We recorded this way back in July and I think I edited this around October, so I'm not even sure what's in this one. Executive dysfunction sucks.   

Welcome, welcome, welcome, to the last Nerds Without Pants of 2020! It's been a brutal year, and the Pantsless Ones will be taking some time off to recharge, relax, and of course play a ton of games. Don't worry though; we have some surprises for you during our break, as well as our big music special! In this episode we look back at the console generation that was, in a way that only NWP can: a top 5 list! Nobody does those! Ahem. Anyway, while we've talked a lot about these games in the past it's still cool and interesting to see what games made the cut, what games only got an honorable mention, and the many games that were left out of the discussion completely. What were your favorite games of last gen? Did we surprise you with any of our picks? NWP wants to know!  See you in 2021...assuming we make it that far. Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee.

It’s the final regular-format episode of Nerds Without Pants for 2020, and we go out with a bang. A massive bang! A four-hour bang! Um…wait. Anyway, this is a very special listener AMA show, and we talk about a ton of games before pitting two beloved 16-bit RPGs against each other in a steel cage match. Enjoy! 00:00-06:16 Introduction 06:28-2:14:11 STAGE SELECT: It’s an NWP Listener AMA! 2:14:17-3:38:36 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Astro’s Playroom, Spider-Man: Miles Morales, Bugsnax, Katana Zero, Yakuza 6, Haven, Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla, Dragon Quest XI, Cyberpunk 2077 3:39:13-4:06:31 VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Final Fantasy VI vs Chrono Trigger! WHAAAAT?!  Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee.

We’re back with an early, all-Consumption Junction edition of Nerds Without Pants. Just in time for you to hide from your family during Thanksgiving! It’s a really casual episode, but we hope you enjoy it!   In this one, we cover Julian rage-quitting Persona 5 forever (maybe not forever), Katana Zero, Yakuza: Like A Dragon, Hot Video Game Tips, video game localization, the Game Awards, Julian’s first PS5 impressions, Astro’s Playroom, Spider-Man: Miles Morales, Julian doesn’t like 60fps, and more!   NEXT EPISODE: STAGE SELECT: It’s a listener AMA! We want answers to the following: What is something you’ve been missing the most in this pandemic life? What is a movie or book you can’t live without? What got you into video games? What is your favorite album? What would your Transformers name be, and what would you transform into? How often do you buy shoes? VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Final Fantasy VI vs Chrono Trigger SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS BY 8:30 CENTRAL TIME

Ohai! This werk on the Nerds Without Pants Borkcast we have a heckin’ gud tym giving treats to the goodest bois, the bestest puppers, and the frendist doggos. Then we get sum chikem nuggs. 00:00-08:01 Introduction 08:14-1:48:47 STAGE SELECT: We pick the best video game doggos! 1:48:53-3:43:36 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Mike Fallek is really good at video games, speed run culture, Cuphead, all things Steamworld, Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure, Firewatch (SPOILERS UNTIL 2:30:02), Genshin Impact, Justin Hamm is a Time Lord, Watch Dogs: Legion, Yakuza: Like a Dragon 3:44:12-4:08:55 VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Final Fantasy X vs Persona 5 4:08:55-4:17:32 Outro and outtakes NEXT EPISODE: Take a break! We’re doing an early all Consumption Junction episode for turkey day. Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Well hello there! In this episode of Nerds Without Pants we put on our creative caps and brainstorm what we’d like to see in the next Mass Effect game. Fair warning: Julian and Justin are fresh off of recent Mass Effect playthroughs, so the amount of nerdy lore being thrown around is HUGE. 00:00-05:41 Introduction 05:54-1:58:12 STAGE SELECT: We build the next Mass Effect game! 1:58:18-2:44:48 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Mass Effect 2, Hades, Watchdogs Legion, Persona 5, Final Fantasy XIV 2:45:24-3:06:48 VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Luigi’s Mansion vs Eternal Darkness: Sanity’s Requiem NEXT EPISODE: STAGE SELECT: What are your favorite dogs in video games? VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Final Fantasy X vs Persona 5 SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS BY 8:30 CENTRAL TIME ON NOVEMBER 13TH TO BE ON THE SHOW! Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Another year, another Halloween Havoc edition of Nerds Without Pants. I’ll be honest, I’m not feeling very spoopy this year. Thankfully, we have NWP co-founder, friend-of-the-show, and author Rob here to get us in the scary spirit! 00:00-05:32 Introduction 05:44-1:58:27 STAGE SELECT: Our favorite “haunted houses” in video games 1:58:33-3:17:31 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Her Infernal Name & Other Nightmares, Rob’s writing process, Stardew Valley, Ghost Recon: Breakpoint, Destiny 2, Rob’s upcoming projects, Overcrowd: A Commute ‘Em Up, Baldur’s Gate 3, Hades, Final Fantasy XIV: Stormblood 3:18:08-3:45:02 VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Left 4 Dead vs State of Decay 2 Rob's book, Her Infernal Name & Other Nightmares can be found where fine books are sold. NEXT EPISODE: STAGE SELECT: You’re in charge of making the next Mass Effect. What would you do? VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Luigi’s Mansion vs Eternal Darkness: Sanity’s Requiem SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS BY

Welcome to Nerds Without Pants, a podcast where we start talking about video games we love, and then go super dark as we face some very uncomfortable truths about ourselves. Thankfully we have Friend of the Show John Gholson on board to keep things from descending into the true depths. This is a very raw episode, but a great listen, as well. 00:00-7:35 Introduction 7:48-1:30:48 STAGE SELECT: What video game characters do you relate to the most? 1:30:54-2:49:14 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Fallout 76, Fallout 3, Fallout 4, moral choice in games, Greedfall, Strange Brigade, John’s horror movie recs, Persona 5, 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim 2:49:51-3:16:44 VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Fallout 4 vs The Outer Worlds NEXT EPISODE: STAGE SELECT: What are your favorite “haunted houses” in video games? VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Left 4 Dead vs State of Decay 2 SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS BY 8:30 CENTRAL ON OCTOBER 16 TO BE ON THE SHOW!  Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and

Welcome to Nerds Without Pants! Well, we asked for epic video game music, and y’all did NOT disappoint. Let’s get right to it! 00:00-02:13 Introduction 02:29-3:03:40 STAGE SELECT: We listen to video game music that is MOST EPIC 3:03:40-4:07:07 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: FINAL FANTASY XVI, MAN! PS5 preordering adventures, real talk, Persona 5, Justin’s Tony Hawk skate park levels, Tell Me Why, Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning          4:07:43-4:27:08 VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: The Avengers vs Cyberpunk 2077                   NEXT EPISODE: STAGE SELECT: What are the video game characters you most identify with? VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Fallout 4 vs The Outer Worlds SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS BY 8:30 CENTRAL ON OCTOBER 2 TO BE ON THE SHOW! Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performe

Hey, it’s another episode of Nerds Without Pants! It’s a pretty good one, I think. This post is lackluster at best because I got two hours of sleep last night, which is not even long enough to sleep through this episode. That makes sense, right? Cool. 00:00-05:30 Introduction 05:47-1:38:34 STAGE SELECT: We invent wacky video game mods! 1:38:40-2:28:35 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Cross Code, AO Tennis 2, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2, Spiritfarer, Kentucky Route Zero, Bill and Ted Face the Music 2:29:11-2:51:21 VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Mr. Do! vs Dig-Dug NEXT EPISODE: STAGE SELECT: Give us the two most epic pieces of video game music you can think of! VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Cyberpunk 2077 vs The Avengers SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS BY 8:30 CENTRAL ON 9/18 TO BE ON THE SHOW! Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Welcome back to a very different episode of Nerds Without Pants! Why different? Because this time we’re turning the camera onto our lovely listeners to learn how they have been coping during the Backstreet Boys Reunion Tour. We also get a lot of game talk in before having a Star Wars mirror match in the cage. 00:00-3:22 Introduction 3:35-1:43:27 STAGE SELECT: What games are you playing in these Challenging Times? 1:43:33-2:49:31 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Thronebreaker, UFC 4, Crosscode, Resident Evil 3 Remake, Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection, Xeno Crisis, Kentucky Route Zero 2:50:08-3:07:43 VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Star Wars Battlefront 2 (2005) vs Star Wars Battlefront 2 (2017) 3:07:43-3:15:22 Outro and outtakes NEXT EPISODE: STAGE SELECT: Give us your coolest and wackiest dream mods for your favorite games! VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Mr. Do! vs Dig-Dug SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS BY 8:30 CENTRAL ON 9/4 TO BE ON THE SHOW! Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and &l

Nerds Without Pants is back with part three of this weird PlayStation list thingy that we did. At this point it’s starting to feel like a mistake, but people seem to enjoy it, so who are we to judge? We are our harshest critics, after all. There’s still a couple more hours left of this crap, so…yay? FEATURED MUSIC: Fantastic Four- Fruity Pooty Final Fantasy Tactics- Character Introduction

Welcome to an episode of Nerds Without Pants that comes in at an actual respectable hour count! It’s a lean and mean episode as Julian and Justin use science to determine the most generic video game characters, while Breath of the Wild takes on The Witcher 3 in an epic Video Game Cage Match! 00:00-03:34 Introduction 3:48-1:08:55 STAGE SELECT: The most generic video game characters ever, as supported by science 1:09:00-1:58:02 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Skyrim, Monster Train, Let’s Listen, Othercide, Ghost of Tsushima closing thoughts, The Eiyuden Chronicles Kickstarter campaign, Carrion, Resident Evil 3 remake 1:58:38-2:12:42 VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild vs The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt 2:12:42-2:20:05 Outro and outtakes NEXT EPISODE: STAGE SELECT: What games or geeky things are you using to help you through the pandemic? THIS ONE IS ALL ABOUT YOU, LISTENERS. VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Star Wars: Battlefront 2 (2005) vs Star Wars: Battlefront 2 (2017) SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS BY 8:

Welcome to part two of this dumb PlayStation list…thing that we did! This is only the second hour, so we’re still pretty fresh, but rest assured, we slowly descend into exhaustion and madness as the night wears on. Oh, now that the cat is out of the bag for this special, you can play along with the list that we used: https://www.listchallenges.com/all-north-american-release-playstation-games   FEATURED MUSIC: Castlevania: Symphony of the Night- Prologue Chrono Cross- Time’s Scar

This episode of Nerds Without Pants is coming in late, and I don’t have the energy to do a clever show post or time stamps. I’m sorry; I’ll do better next time. In this episode we talk about some of our favorite memories of game related gifts. We go heavy on Ghost of Tsushima, and we squash the PixlBit beef over Donkey Kong Country 2 and Donkey Kong Tropical Freeze. My mom had great taste in music.       NEXT EPISODE: STAGE SELECT: What are your favorite (or least favorite?) generic video game characters? VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild vs The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS BY 8:30 CENTRAL ON 8/7 TO BE ON THE SHOW!   FEATURED MUSIC: The Seekers- Georgy Girl Doris Day- Que Sera, Sera The Crystals- He’s a Rebel Gary Lewis & The Playboys- Everybody Loves a Clown The Royal Guardsmen- Snoopy vs The Red Baron

The Last of Us Part II has become one of the most divisive games of this console generation, so much so that we weren’t quite sure if we should do a full spoiler-cast, a quickie discussion during a Consumption Junction segment, or just skip it entirely. But it turns out that we have a lot to say about this game, so come join us to hear from the perspective of someone who played the entire game, and someone who watched a playthrough as we spoil the crap out of this game. No, really, if you are thinking of playing this game and want to stay in the dark, skip this episode and come back to it. Unless you don’t care about spoilers. I’m not going to tell you how to live. I don’t know your life and your struggles.

Hey, so Justin and I did a thing. It's a thing that took us almost 5 hours to record, and we don't know if it's even entertaining. So I'm releasing the first hour. I'm not telling you what it is, because finding out is part of the fun, maybe? Anyway, if you guys like this let us know, and we'll release the rest in a couple more pieces. But if this is totally boring we understand! FEATURED MUSIC: Apocalypse- Prison Black Bass With Blue Marlin- Intro