2.05 - Shadow of the Colossus with Mark Wood
Fun, But Why?
Sully and Cardell discuss Shadow of the Colossus with Visual Effects artist Mark Wood - boss fights that wonderfully realize the fantasy of fighting a truly massive foe, and the narrative cohesion that follows feeling bad about a great victory.
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2.04 - Fire Emblem with Jennie Hsu
Fun, But Why?
Sully and Cardell discuss Fire Emblem: The Blazing Blade with producer Jennie Hsu - permadeath, compelling characters, and the art of crafting a story driven tactical experience.
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2.03 - League of Legends with Sebastian Rodriguez
Fun, But Why?
Sully and Cardell discuss League of Legends with QA member Sebastian Rodriguez - how League of Legends introduces a thousand micro-decisions that you need to stack up to a winning match.
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2.02 - Bioshock with Caleb Wheeler
Fun, But Why?
Sully and Cardell discuss Bioshock with QA member Caleb Wheeler - how environment design and the creative presentation of information can keep a player locked into a game experience, in spite of their realized fears.
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2.01 - Pokemon: Emerald with Paul Murray
Fun, But Why?
Sully and Cardell discuss Pokemon: Emerald with Producer Paul Murray - what it brings to the Pokemon series, and why it's so compelling.
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Season 2 (Coming 2/4)
Fun, But Why?
Fun, But Why? returns next Tuesday, February 4th!
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1.6 - Night Trap with Dan Brakeley
Fun, But Why?
A discussion of Night Trap and the... interesting elements of its design. Game developers Sully, Cardell, and Dan discuss the wonders of full motion video games, game content debates of the 90's, and whether or not Night Trap could be an interesting game today. Extra-Life details: https://extra-life.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donordrive.participant&participantID=331427
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1.5 - Eternal Darkness: Sanity's Requiem with Heidi Foland
Fun, But Why?
A discussion of Eternal Darkness: Sanity's Requiem and the interesting elements of its design. Game developers Sully, Cardell, and Heidi discuss the characters, non-linear storytelling, and intersting horror mechanics found in this somewhat-forgotten gem for the Gamecube console. Extra-Life details: https://extra-life.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donordrive.participant&participantID=331427
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1.4 - Left 4 Dead with Seth Sivak
Fun, But Why?
A discussion of Left 4 Dead and the interesting elements of its design. Game developers Sully, Cardell, and Seth discuss the actions of L4D's AI director, the challenges of designing for dynamic difficulty, and whether or not Left 4 Dead could be made today. Extra-Life details: https://extra-life.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donordrive.participant&participantID=331427
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1.3 - The Sims with Kristen Carter Ogles
Fun, But Why?
A discussion of The Sims and the interesting elements of its design. Game developers Sully, Cardell, and Kristen discuss the pure dollhouse fantasy of The Sims franchise, including the Ballad of Ned Scissors. Extra-Life details: https://extra-life.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donordrive.participant&participantID=331427
info_outlineA discussion of Path of Exile, its expansions, and the interesting elements of its design. Game developers Sully, Cardell, and Jesse discuss the wonders of synergistic loot systems and what it means to live for the grind. Extra-Life details: https://extra-life.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donordrive.participant&participantID=331427