Side-Quest 209. The Beauty of Jank

In this not-episode, Madelyn and Emma talk about games that include the player in its story and pick up the concept of the magic circle. Also featuring tutorial talk, deep invasions of privacy, and save data as a diary.

In this episode, Madelyn and Emma discuss Kerbal Space Program and Skin Deep and all the things that can go wrong in space. Also featuring deep hatred of science, Looney Tunes vibes, and the ubiquitous indie troublemaking cat.

In this not-episode, Madelyn and Emma talk about aging in video games and when we'll see developers being nostalgic for their thirties. Also featuring new FIFA mechanics, buffing and debuffing factors, and 3D models vs real life humans.

In this episode, Madelyn and Emma discuss Angry Birds and Tactical Breach Wizards and the power of a good little sphere with a face. Also featuring different approaches to comedy, thinking about the serious issues, and desiring a touch screen.

In this not-episode, Madelyn and Emma talk their last seven weeks of gaming and everything they quote unquote finished. Also featuring gratitude to the European Union, secret screenshots, and defeat in the face of math problems.

In this episode, Madelyn and Emma discuss Valiant Hearts: The Great War and Wanderstop and the fantasy of running a nice store without the capitalism parts. Also featuring the reality of trenches, forgetting names of things, and little creatures following you around.

In this special episode, Madelyn and Emma go over their PAX East 2025 experience, and resolve to maybe try West next time. Also featuring in-depth soda reviews, a heavier-than-expected prop, and Jesus Christ himself.

In this not-episode, Madelyn and Emma talk journalling and notetaking for video games and their quick eating of food. Also featuring beautiful art projects, pencil calluses, and frog????

In this episode, Madelyn and Emma discuss Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor and Blue Prince and get into competing elements of Madelyn-core. Also featuring funny orc names, scholars of different things, and ASMR page sounds.

In this not-episode, Madelyn and Emma talk about jank in video games and how it's actually a positive description. Also featuring the line before broken, more mangled quotes, and the memorability of a bug.