Rand(Nerds) Episode 299 - Kona 2: Brume

Welcome to episode 303After troubles getting set up, we unusually get straight into gaming, with Skazz talking about the newly released remake of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. It’s a game with a special place in his heart, as it brings back childhood memories, and he even got teary-eyed at the title screen. He’s pleased to report that the remake is fairly faithful to the original, with updated controls, some alterations to the levels and a few changes to the dialogue. Perhaps most surprising for a Nintendo game, it’s also quite low priced.Before moving on to our next game, we take a brief moment to discuss the passing of the great Patrick Stewart, how he was a part of our childhoods, and the effect he had on our lives.Ram then discusses Still Wakes the Deep, his horror game fix for October. It’s made by The Chinese Room (developers of Ram’s favorite Amnesia game, A Machine for Pigs). This time you play as an electrician working on a North Sea oil rig, hiding from the police. When the rig drills into something it shouldn’t have, all hell is let loose. We discuss the horror elements and some truly terrifying moments. We talk about how real the oil rig environment feels, along with the authentic dialogue and voice acting. There are also some downsides: the levels feel very linear, and the game has some strange graphical glitches.NotesA excellence example of a remake with The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of TimeRest in peace Captain, your voyage is over, we say farewell to Patrick StewartAn excellent survival horror game in Still Wakes the DeepWe look forward to seeing you all on the next podcast on 19th November 2026, at 18:30 GMT either on YouTube or Twitch

Welcome to episode 302We start out as two old men shouting at clouds and not understanding modern culture, such as 6 7 and Skibidi Toilet. In our day, we had classics like Badger Badger Badger. We then move on to a discussion of generative AI and whether coding is a creative endeavour.Ram then talks about what hes been playing, Construction Simulator. Like a lot of games in the simulator world, you become the owner of a construction company through odd means and have to build yourself up by completing jobs. The game is okay, with good-enough graphics and a load of machines to play with, but it loses points for not letting you rebind controls and not remembering settings between sessions. Ram also discusses using a program called AntiMicro to link his joystick controls to the game.Skazz then moves on to the Switch 2 demo of Monster Hunter Wilds, and how Capcom have managed to optimise the game to run on a small handheld. He also shares his views on the game itself, along with how we feel about graphics in games compared to gameplay.We also talk about our Five Nights at Freddy’s Halloween stream.NotesUnlike modern day brain rot we had the classics in the like Badger Badger Badger Drive truck and cranes, and create buildings in Construction SimulatorA unique 'safety video' with Forklift Driver KlausBing you joystick to button keys with AntiMicroSee, companies can optimise games, such as with the demo for Monster Hunter Wilds on the Switch 2Watch us try to avoid dying a a security guard in Five Nights at Freddy’sWe look forward to seeing you all on the next podcast on 5th November 2026, at 18:30 GMT either on YouTube or Twitch

Welcome to episode 301This episode we discuss our recent 24hour livestream, discussing all the games we've played, first up is the For The King 2, the sequel to For The King, featuring very similar gameplay with some improvements. On the night we played through the first tutorial chapter and, unlike the previous game, we succeeded. We discuss the changes to the combat and how best to enjoy the gameWe then look at peak, a co-op mountain climbing game. On the night we got joined by a special guest, Zaber daughter joined the us in trying to conquer the mountain. Ram has some frustrations over the 'ironman' style reset and lack of checkpoints through the game, but did overall enjoy itNext was the three player co-op Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion, we have no idea what's going on, but the game features annoying robots, shouty people, a confusing story and brightly coloured mechs. After which both Ram and Zaber took a brief breakSkazz then took a solo game in TUNIC, A cute isometric game where you guide a little fox around a fantasy world, Skazz discuss his issue with both sleep deprivation and hand issue that slowed his progress in the gameAt this point on the night both Zaber and Ram had returned, so we moved onto Forewarned, the Egyptian themed survival horror game in the style of Phasmaphobia, where we descend into tombs to try and raid them without being killed by angry mummies. This is a revist for Ram and Skazz, but a first time for Zaber. We find that whilst the games has expanded its maps and enemy types, a lot of the interface still feels in early accessFinally, for the last game of the night, Ram once again takes us on a flight in a F22 traveling to ScotlandNotesWorks best with friends, For The King 2A more frustrating co-op game in PeakShouty people in Deamon X Machina: Titanic ScionNot quite the magic power used in Daemon X, but close enough, VimtoA cute fox takes on the world in TUNICA revisit to a previous games night game ForewarnedAnd the traditional end of live stream crash in Microsoft Flight simulator 2020We look forward to seeing you all on the next podcast on 22nd October 2026, at 18:30 GMT+1 either on YouTube or Twitch

Welcome to Episode 300, our first in-person podcast in over 6 years!We've made it to Episode 300, we kick off looking back over the last 13 and a bit years of podcasting, discussing the early days, before livestreaming round the table and the few months of gaps we had between episodesSkazz then begins the game talk with the very recently released (as in the same day) Control: Resonant, the sequel to a favorite game for both of us, Control, set 7 years later you play as Jesse Faden brother Dylan, as he tries to locate her after the Hiss has escaped the bureau. Skazz give us a summery of the back story of the previous game before discuss his first impressions so far and the difference between the first one. We also have a conversation about related game FBC Firebreak and how it is now coming to end of lifeWe discuss our upcoming 24hour live stream and what we may look to replay. As is now tradition, Ram plan to end the stream with flight. previous years have had mixed successes. We also discuss surviving through sleep deprivation and playing game in a dazeRam then talks about his game this week, a combined Lovecraftian, papers please, FNAF cross game Static Dread The Lighthouse, Ram has been put in charge of navigating ships and helping them find their way home. But is stuck in a lighthouse which he has to manage not just the systems but keep the lights inside on banish otherworldly horrors. In addition everyday new rule and procedures are provided which dictate how he has to direct the ships. Its a very neat horror gameWe also discuss Call of Cthulhu and D&D Podcast plus Skazz reveals a secret over FBC FirebreakNotesBeat people up with a magic pieces of Rebar in CONTROL ResonantNow coming to its end of life: FBC: FirebreakYou can check out our games days of FBC: Firebreak hereMan a lighthouse and survive Lovecraftian horror in Static Dread: The Lighthouse (Steam)An devastating event that took out large parts of the telegraph system in 1859, the Carrington eventWe look forward to seeing you all on the next podcast on 8th Octorber 2026, at 18:30 GMT+1 either on YouTube or TwitchPlus check out our 24 hour steam on the 3rd of Octorber 2026, here on YouTube or Twitch

Welcome to Episode 299We welcome Skazz back to Youtube after having his account restored, and with much rejoicing as we'll be able to upload a number of videosWe discuss the early days of YouTube, when most creators were using basic webcams to make content, and how much its changed now along with some of our pet peeves around filming habits. We then discuss our preferred audio gear choices with both of us have a shared love for Rode Ram then discusses Kona 2 Brume, the follow up to a Kona, which he played a few years ago. We talk about the changes in this most action focused sequel and the move from supernatural to a more sci-fi theme. Plus as far as we are aware the only game with a controllable dog-sled.We also talk about going to replay The Long Dark and our ongoing playthrough of RV There Yet, plus discussion of future Game Days options and our forthcoming 24hr livestream, and a surprise plan for episode 300 NotesDog sledding action in Kona II: Brume on SteamBoth Skazz and Ram preferred brands of microphones, RodeGet eaten by wolves in The Long DarkWe look forward to seeing you all on the next podcast on 24th August 2026, at 18:30 GMT+1 either on YouTube or Twitch

Welcome to Episode 298A bit of a different podcast this week, as Skazz reveals how he has got caught up in a recent ban waveIt took a while to figure out what happened, but we think we've worked out what caused the problem. But will some time to hopefully resolveWe discuss the broader implication and how a ban can and has affected people livelihoods and the knock on effects of such a ban on other YoutubersWe discuss alternative streaming platforms and discuss the plans for the future We look forward to seeing you all on the next podcast on 10th August 2026, at 18:30 GMT+1 either on Twitch or kick

Welcome to Episode 297This episode, we discuss AI's impact on the world, the parts we dislike, like generative AI, and some of its genuine benefits. We share encounters with AI in the wild, including a cold-calling AI bot tricked into giving a curry recipe, and people using AI to write books while claiming the work as their own. We also talk about how replacing entry-level jobs with AI may well cause a serious skills and experience gap down the line.We also discuss The Asylum's mockbuster films, Ram's plans to replay Deus Ex: Human Revolution next year (since it's set in 2027) and how it compares to the real world, some sad but fascinating plane incidents, and a local wildfire.NotesThe future is here, channel 4 did an AI presenter in 2025Maker of the finest knockoff films, The AsylumNot often seen in UK, a wildfire in SouthwoldThe danger of over confidence with the Dunning-Kruger effectA British airway pilot that got sucked out of a window BA Flight 5390Not done in a 747, but a test pilot completed a barrel roll in a 707 Not a FedEx flight, but UPS Flight 6 showing the dangers of Li-Ion Battery'sIn rams view the most disturbing plane crash, Helios Airways Flight 522We look forward to seeing you all on the next podcast on 13th August 2026, at 18:30 GMT+1 either on YouTube or Twitch

Welcome to Episode 296Ram has been playing Contraband Police, inhabiting the role of a border control agent in the 1980s and having to run a checkpoint. its a very Ram game involving checking details on passports, inspecting cargo and searching for contraband. A surprisingly deep game not just with the core mechanics, but also featuring a story, car chases, base upgrading and ok gun combat. Ram get's to live out the power fantasy of telling people there papers are not in order and to please leave.We also discuss: Jockey Wheel mishaps, territorial (real) rams and preferring sheep for conversational purposes.NotesDon't let people in unless their papers are in order with Contraband PoliceWe look forward to seeing you all on the next podcast on 30th July 2026, at 18:30 GMT+1 either on YouTube or Twitch

Welcome to Episode 295We kick off discussing why are bit behind in our upload due to the recent brutal UK heatwave and how's its affected both of us with some thermal-throttling. We talk about our methods of survival including trying to sleep outside (resulting in a hammock purchase) and looking at AirCon options. Ram also discusses helping his aging greyhound handle the heatSkazz then takes us through the rough time Sony has been having, mostly of there own creation, firstly, with the removal of films not just from the online stores, but the digital purchases from peoples own library's in the UK. Secondly, with their announcement of dropping physical PlayStation discs from 2028 and the backlash this has caused, and finally the closure of the PS3 and Vita stores, although this does seem somewhat fair.We end up having a big discussion over end of physical discs and how we, admittedly coming form a more PC background, do not think it a big of a deal as its being made out to be. due to the nature of how games discs work anyway your less reliant on physical media then you think. This lead onto the importance of digital preservation and the importance of the Stop Killing Games movement Ram then discusses Planet Crafter, a very chill, low-stakes terraforming survival game which he's been sinking a lot of time in over the heat wave. He discusses the mechanics and simple crafting, but how the latter part is starting to drag a little. NotesCome to the British Museum soon (Hopefully we'll give it back) the Bayeux TapestryA fascinating place, pity the tour was so rushed at the Dover Castle WW2 Tunnels Sony are removing digital purchased in the UKThe end of physical media for SonyHow Fallout 1 + 2 code was nearly lost if not for the intervention of one programmerStop killing games - trying to keep games runningThe ESA have some bizarre views on Minecraft servers Goodbye to the PS3/PS Vita storesA chill survival game in (The) Plant CrafterWe look forward to seeing you all on the next podcast on 16th July 2026, at 18:30 GMT+1 either on YouTube or Twitch

Welcome to Episode 294After a brief diversion into Ram's cookbook bookshelf issues, we move onto more pressing topics.We discuss the government's proposal to ban social media for under-16s. While we generally agree social media — despite having some benefits — is overall not a great thing, not just for kids but for society as a whole, we talk about why a ban like this could not realistically be enforced. We also get into our own childhood experiences of the early internet, plus a brief detour into internet fame in the modern day and what it even means to be a household name in the age of mass media. Ultimately, we talk about how more effort should go into parents understanding the dangers of the internet and how to actually parent their kids around it.Skazz then talks through the demo for the new Star Fox remaster on Switch 2 — the changes they made for the better, the new features, the nostalgia it triggered in him, and how it might introduce a whole new generation to on-rails shooters.We also discuss; Ram's dog jealousy over his Timberborn plushy, oversized Italian cookbooks, and why the '90s was a boring decade.NotesThe most deadliest cookbook, The Silver SpoonThe governments plan to ban social media for under 16sFame in the modern day, Oliver Tree died and we unaware of himOn a similar note, the sad passing of Warhammer artist John BlancheThe return of the classic games series Star FoxWe look forward to seeing you all on the next podcast on 2nd July 2026, at 18:30 GMT+1 either on YouTube or Twitch