Left Trigger Right Trigger
Join us every other week as we convene the 'video game book club.' Each episode is structured around a topic: anything from 'Trust' to 'Robots' to 'Body Parts'. Listen in as your hosts each bring a game to the table that they think exemplifies that topic in some way. Give us a shot and remember, games are just metaphors.
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24-Hour Charity Stream Announcement!
02/28/2025
24-Hour Charity Stream Announcement!
We're back to stream for 24-hours, raising money for Trans Lifeline! Tune in from 10am on March 8th until 11am March 9th on twitch.tv/lefttriggerrighttrigger. In this special announcement, we go over the games we're playing, what we're looking forward to, and how daylight savings time will inflict significant psychic damage on all of us.
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2024
12/24/2024
2024
Hey thanks. Thanks for the memories, the goofs, and the support. Thanks for enduring technical difficulties, bad jokes, and unexplained changes. Thanks for letting us know what the show means to you, understanding what it means to us, and letting us stop on our own terms. We don't know what comes next, but really, who does? In this episode: David keeps going. Tess teams up. Giovanni helps his friends. Greg wanders away. Thank you to anyone who listens and anyone who reads these. Keep riding those tractors. Games discussed: Granblue Fantasy: Relink, Slay the Spire, Dragon Age: The Veilguard, Tunic See you on the other side <3
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Lightning Round
12/10/2024
Lightning Round
What shape is lightning? Is it round? I know lightning comes up from the ground rather than down from the sky, but what shape does it take? And is that shape round? We dive into that and other topics in this very special.......what's that? Oh that's not what.....it's about speed? I supposed that's fine I guess. Yeah, enjoy this fast, weird, episode! In this episode: Dave takes a bold stance, Giovanni does weird stuff with his voice, Greg mostly keeps the clock running. Thank you to everyone who submitted a topic for this and any other episode. Means a lot that folks have been interested enough to help us with the show. Tune in on Dec. 25 for our final episode where to topic will be 2024. Games discussed: Yes
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Oops feat. Tom Zalatnai
11/26/2024
Oops feat. Tom Zalatnai
In the digital equestrian justice system, the gamers are represented by two separate yet equally important groups: the farmhands that spend time nurturing the majestic beasts; and the game developers that program the horses in the video games that gamers enjoy so much. These are their stories. DUN DUN Oh, wait, this is for a different show. Uh, ignore all this I guess? In this episode: Tom commits a crime, David keeps at it, Greg drops some deep lore, Giovanni stands trial. If you have a suggestion for our next episode, throw it in a comment or review! Or send us your suggestion at . Games discussed: Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Minecraft, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
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Sim feat. Ayla Kaluski
11/12/2024
Sim feat. Ayla Kaluski
What is real? How do we determine what in our life is real vs not? We can never know using our senses, which is why we must build a simulation to determine the answer! We've gathered a panel of the brightest minds we could find, the best technical executives, and a gaggle of hedge fund managers to pay for it all. We'll leave the boys in the lab to cook up what will of course be a world changing invention. But hedge fund managers can only bring us so far so if you want to get in on the ground floor of this exciting opportunity. So open your wallets and find out if you're real or not! Giovanni goes for a drive. Ayla breaks ground. David puts things under glass. Greg does a callback. There's still time to leave us a rating or a review on your podcatcher of choice if you'd like. Thanks again to our Patrons for your support through the years. Games discussed: Gran Turismo, The Sims 4, Animal Crossing, Microsoft Flight Simulator Show Notes:
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Death feat. Andrew Zucosky
10/29/2024
Death feat. Andrew Zucosky
Oh, hello. Welcome to the gates, thanks for checking in. Looks like.....you've been listening to podcasts, specifically general media podcasts marketing themselves as video game podcasts. Well, you had a good run. Too bad you didn't get to listen to their latest, the last in a long run with Andrew Zucosky. It's ok though, they'll probably have it where you're going. Hmmm? Oh I have no idea where you're headed, I'm just the greeter. In this episode, David hops on pots, Giovanni talks about [redacted], Greg tells the story of death, Andrew asks "what does it matter?" If you'd like to nudge the direction you go, consider leaving us a rating or review. Games discussed: Disney's Aladdin, Final Fantasy 7, Neon White, One Chance Show Notes:
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Water
10/15/2024
Water
It's our 200th episode! We take some time to look back and look forward and think about things, like the various celebrities with ice cream flavors named after them and if anyone knows who those are anymore. For the record, we know. We know everything. We've always known. YOU CANNOT HIDE THE TRUTH FROM US AS WE'VE ALWA- ahem, sorry about that. Nothing to see... In this episode, Giovanni looks at the waves, David races time itself, Greg uses his bodies to create a platform. If you'd like to support us, consider leaving a rating or review on your podcatcher of choice. If you're wondering where the Patreon link is, listen to the beginning of the episode. Games discussed: Super Mario Sunshine, Wave Race 64, UFO 50 Show Notes:
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Friends
10/01/2024
Friends
"Comedy series about a tight-knit group of friends living in Manhattan. It also covers their interactions with their families, their lovers, and various colleagues over a period of several years." That's what IMDB says the synopsis is for the hit TV show Friends. Never has a synopsis given me pause and made me ask if I'm in a simulation. Thankfully, none of us live in Manhattan anymore so we definitely don't live in that particular simulation, but what about New Girl... In this episode, Giovanni is in scheduling hell, David keeps trying, Greg tries to stay positive (results inconclusive). If you'd like to join our simulation, consider joining our Patreon for as little as $1 to join our Discord. Or if you'd like to weigh in on the parameters, leave us a rating or review on your podcatcher of choice. Games discussed: Borderlands, The Finals, Pokemon X & Y
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History
09/17/2024
History
In 2024, a video game podcast was recorded about history. This single piece of recorded audio, while seemingly benign, would have untold ramifications across the media landscape for the next century. In this text, we will be exploring those ramifications and comparing what media looked like before and after Left Trigger Right Trigger's History episode (LTRTH). Before we dig in, let's look at the episode itself. Here are the pertinent details: David looks back. Giovanni sees the present. Greg can't see back far enough. Before we begin, if you'd like to support this and other studies, consider joining our Patreon for as little as $1 or leaving us a rating or review on your podcatcher of choice. Games discussed: Assassin's Creed Origins, Astro Bot, Lenny's Time Machine
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Toy
09/03/2024
Toy
Greg here, hat in hand. I'd like to apologize for misusing the word toyetic. I used it as if it meant "toy-like" or "possessing the properties one might expect in a toy" but it actually means "potentially marketable as a toy." I made a mistake! Sometimes mistakes are made during the heat of the crucible of a podcast recording. I will strive to do better. Anyways! In this episode, Giovanni delves the electronic ocean, David puts things on his reader device, Greg wants to make little doodads....OF HELL. If you'd like to show your appreciation of this heartfelt apology, consider going to our Patreon where you can support us for as little as $1/month. Or let us know how you feel in the comments of your preferred podcatcher of choice. Games discussed: Electroplankton, Splatoon 3, Hades
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Tool
08/20/2024
Tool
What happens when you mix nu-metal, striking visuals, and a cult following? You get this week's topic: Tool! We go deep on Maynard Keenan, Adam Jones, Danny Carey, Justin Chancellor, and Paul D'Amour and the influence they've had on games, music, and......you weren't actually buying this, are you? sigh Yeah we talk about the concept tool in video games, you got me. In this episode, Greg hits stuff, David creates something new all over again, Giovanni tries some new stuff out If you'd like to make sure we have the best tools for the job, consider supporting us via Patreon. Or give us a like and/or review on your podcatcher of choice. Games discussed: Minecraft, Warcraft III, Dungeons of Hinterberg
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Cool
08/06/2024
Cool
It's August so once more we delve into the plethora of topics that contain our beloved double-o. Why do we do it? Because it's so Cool, just like this episode! How do we know it's cool? Because we're overly calm about it, almost to the point of indifference! How cool is that? TURBO COOL In this episode: David doesn't turn his chair around to sit in it, Giovanni jams out too hard, Greg can hardly make out what's happening. If you'd like to be a cool cat and help support the show, consider joining our Patreon for as little as $1 or leave us a rating or review on your podcatcher of choice. Games discussed: Cyberpunk 2077, Hi-Fi Rush, NETFLIX Mahjong Solitaire
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Dragon
07/23/2024
Dragon
Hail adventurer! Watch thine step as you venture closer to the mount as a dragon roosts within it. If the smell of gold dares waft to the lair within, the dragon will rise and search out the scent. Better to offload your coin now than risk it, wouldn't you say? In this episode: Giovanni hits the apex early, David watches the world change around him, Greg feels duped If you're ready to leave your gold behind, consider submitting it to . If you'd rather risk the wrath of the dragon, maybe leave a rating or review on your podcatcher of choice. Games discussed: Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, Monster Hunter: World, Dragon Warrior Show Notes:
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Storage
07/09/2024
Storage
Over here, stranger. Got somethin' that might interest ya, heheheh. Take a look at this new episode of Left Trigger Right Trigger where they talk about how they like to store things, including weaponry, ammo, herbs, and food, something I sense you have knowledge of. I swear this one's got it all, including an eating challenge. But if that's not your speed, then what're you buyin? In this episode: Giovanni takes a big bite, Greg goes to battle, David goes to the source. If you'd like to help us improve our wares, consider supportin us on Patreon for as little as $1. If that's too rich for you, consider leaving a rating or review. Games discussed: Wilmot's Warehouse, Backpack Battles, Diablo 2
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8th Annual Father's Day Dadstravaganza: Tournament of Dads: FINAL MODE_FINAL.psd
06/25/2024
8th Annual Father's Day Dadstravaganza: Tournament of Dads: FINAL MODE_FINAL.psd
It's time to once again look at the fathers in video games.....one last time. That's right, it's time to for the Dadstravaganza to end. But before we say goodbye, we're going to establish which father will reign supreme over LTRT for all time. With help from our Patrons, we determined the first round for a sixteen father tournament. In this episode, we determine the results of the rest of the tournament. If you'd like to help us make these kind of descisions and support the show, consider joining our Patreon for as little as $1. Or you can give us some support by leaving us a rating or review on your podcatcher of choice.
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Jump
06/11/2024
Jump
You ever think about the endless possibility of alternate dimensions where Jumpman had a different verb? What if it expanded to be any word at all? Well if that interests you then get ready to jump into this episode where we talk about all of that and more! Just be careful where you land and make sure you're up to date on your knee medication. In this episode: Greg can't stop, David looks for something real, Giovanni just jumps If you'd like to make us hoppy, consider supporting us on for as little as $1. Or if you'd just like us to jump for joy then drop us a rating or review on your preferred podcatcher. Games discussed: Super Ghouls n Ghosts, God of War (2018), Jump Rope Challenge
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Hole feat. Tom Zalatnai
05/28/2024
Hole feat. Tom Zalatnai
Holes. We've all got them, some more than others. As we dive down the rabbit hole of Hole, remember to take care of and look out for your holes along this journey. Are you oiling them regularly? Can they open and shut with ease? Do they still deploy torpedoes at a regular rate when people inside you prepare them? Are your holes rated to handle the pressure of the deep ocean so the people inside of you stay safe? In this episode: Giovanni gets stuck, Tom throws dice, David is literal, Greg pulls out the imaginary dictionary If you'd like to help us maintain the hole that is this podcast, consider joining our for as little as $1. Or leave us a rating or review on your podcatcher of choice. Games discussed: Halo: The Master Chief Collection, Yu-Gi-Oh: Dungeon Dice Monsters, Donut County, Pitfall Show Notes:
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Fast Food
05/14/2024
Fast Food
Welcome to Left Trigger Right Trigger, can I take your order? Uh huh....ok so you want that episode meal with fewer rants about the gaming industry? Sure we can do that. What size drink would you like? Yeah....yes we have Diet Goo Energy drink available. No, Gooigi toys are actually sold separately. Ok so that's a Fast Food episode meal with a large Diet Goo Energy drink and Gooigi children's toy. Anything else? Sure we can do a Desert episode dessert. In this value meal: Greg flips burgers right of the bat, David mans the fryer with corporations, Giovanni works the register for fun. If you'd like to join our team, you can join directly for as little as $1 on . Or you can submit a resume by leaving us a rating or review on your podcatcher of choice. Games discussed: Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, I Love You Colonel Sanders! A Finger Lickin' Good Dating Simulator, Resident Evil 6
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Guilt
04/30/2024
Guilt
Step into the cleansing waters of this LTRT episode to unburden yourself of your guilt. Here at LTRT Medical Spa, we aim to find the root of what ails you and release you from it as quickly as possible. Now we know what you're thinking and yes, sometimes it does involve a hacksaw. But have faith knowing the waters will sanitize any open wound until your body, now free of its guilt, heals itself faster than it ever has before. So please, for you and your body's sake, please join us in the waters, won't you? In this episode: David releases the guilt of continuing on, Giovanni releases the guilt of committing murder, Greg releases the guilt of leaving friends behind. If you'd like to receive the address to the cleansing waters, consider joining our Patreon for as little as $1 to gain access to our discord and bonus content. Or you can leave a rating to ask nicely about where the waters are. Games discussed: Honkai: Star Rail, XCOM 2, Pokemon Shield
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Wall
04/16/2024
Wall
Ok folks, it appears we've made a si able mistake. Somehow in making jokes about an invisible , we've seemingly made all s we try to type invisible. We were just goofing, you know, just getting ja y with our words. I don't know what deity has caused this. None of us are particularly ealous in our religious beliefs, yet this certainly implies some kind of digital force that has messed with what we can or cannot do. If it wouldn't cause a ba illion emails to get sent to us, I'd blame "Arthur Smarts" for this. In this episode: David hits the wall, Giovanni has heard enough, Tess keeps trying, Greg has gotta go fast. If you'd like to help us investigate this ontological phenomenon, consider joining our for as little as $1. Or you could always posit your theories in a review on your preferred podcatcher. Games discussed: Elden Ring, Sea of Thieves, HYPER DEMON, Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time
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Repetition
04/02/2024
Repetition
It is happening again. Our hosts have convened to discuss another topic and the game they believe represent that topic. It is happening again. You are listening to the episode to hear the various bits and stories that got shared. It is happening again. At Dave's mention of a , you come to check the show notes and find a mysterious format. It is happening again. David plays it again. Tess plays it again. Giovanni plays it again. Greg plays it again. It is happening again. Why is this occuring? What wrought this to be? It is happening again. Nier: Automata, Baldur's Gate 3, Hotline Miami, Celeste It is happening again. Our hosts have convened to discuss another topic and the game they believe represent that topic. It is happening again.
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Hype
03/19/2024
Hype
Deep breaths. Sip some tea. Think of a happy place. Now you should be ready for this heavy episode. SO LET'S GET HYPED UP Y'ALL! IT'S TIME TO TALK ABOUT GAMES THAT GET YOU AMPED AND PUMPED!....and also do a deep dive on the hype cycle that's killing several industries at on- LOOK AT ME! WE'RE HAVING SO MUCH FUN GETTING HYPED, RIGHT? RIGHT?!?!?!? In this episode: Giovanni yells BOOYAH. Greg says the wheel keeps spinning. David says it always has been. If you'd like to help us pay for game industry therapy, consider supporting our Patreon for as little as $1. Or you can leave us a rating or review about what in this episode got you hyped up. Games discussed: Splatoon 3, Helldivers 2, Palworld
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First-Person
03/05/2024
First-Person
Often times being in a first-person means seeing things through the eyes of the character you control, but boy howdy do we get into the brains of our hosts in this episode. Do they always make sense? No, they've categorically proven that to not be the case. But hopefully this episode will help shed some light on their perspective as they talk about first-person. In this episode: Tess experiences a big shift. David doesn't feel so great. Giovanni makes a startling discovery. Greg gets asked some hard questions. If you'd like to ask us the hard questions, consider joining our Patreon for as little as $1. Or you can send them via a rating or review on your podcatcher of choice. Games discussed: Cloudpunk, Mirror's Edge, Tennis for Two, Saints Row IV
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Boss
02/20/2024
Boss
Thanks to everyone who came and supported us during the 24-hour stream benefitting NAMI Seattle! Bosses. Babies. A perfect match. In this episode we talk about video games, Boss Baby, and also the Boss Baby interactive game. With DreamWorks Animation's cultural touchstone taking the world by storm, it makes sense this would take up so much real estate during the Boss episode. And if you got a problem with that then I've got a pink slip for you. In this episode: Tess runs the world. David fights the big ones. Giovanni leads the way. Greg gets overrun by the rush. If you'd like to give us a raise, consider supporting us on Patreon for as little as a $1. If you'd like to give us a peer review, why not give a rating or review? Games discussed: Tropico 5, Hollow Knight, Humanity, Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam
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7th Annual 24-Hour Charity Stream Announcement
02/08/2024
7th Annual 24-Hour Charity Stream Announcement
Left Trigger Right Trigger is turning 7 years old which means it's time to stay awake for 24 hours! We'll be streaming 24 of our favorite games from 2023 from Saturday, February 17th at 10am until Sunday, February 18th at 10am over at twitch.tv/lefttriggerrighttrigger. This year we'll be raising money for NAMI Seattle, an organization in the Seattle, Washington area working specifically to fill the gaps in their local mental health system through peer-led education, refererals, and support. NAMI, The National Alliance on Mental Illness, itself is the largest grassroots mental health organization in the United States. Their mission is to address the unmet mental health needs within their communities through support, referral, education, and outreach to help people impacted by mental illness know they are not alone and are empowered to live a fulfilling life. So join us over at twitch.tv/lefttriggerrighttrigger from Saturday, February 17th at 10am until Sunday, February 18th at 10am and make sure we're still awake/alive. We hope to see you there!
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Help
02/06/2024
Help
The 7th Annual LTRT 24-Hour Stream is coming on February 17 at 10am ET! We'll be raising money for NAMI Seattle over the course of 24 hours while playing some of our favorite games from 2023. Come check it out at twitch.tv/lefttriggerrighttrigger! I feel like the obvious thing is to bring up the song by The Beatles, but I think the better angle to discuss a cover of a different Beatles song. That's right, it's time to talk about Joe Cocker's "With a Little Help from My Friends"! Uh...yea I don't know, it's late. In this episode: Tess leads the charge. David goes online. Greg does a bad promo. If you'd like to help us out, come check out the charity stream on February 17th! If you want to get in early on the action, you can join our Patreon where this months donations will go to NAMI Seattle! Finally, the free way to help us is to rate or review us on your favored podcatcher. Games discussed: Fortnite, Elden Ring, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
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Wildlife
01/23/2024
Wildlife
Quietly approach this next area so we don't spook the wildlife within. This is where we can witness a podcast in its natural habitat. Splendid! They appear to be in a jovial mood today. You can tell if a podcast is in a good mood by the amount of odd references, callbacks to previous bits, and mediocre segues it makes. If I'm understanding them right, this podcast is refering to "Wildlife" but is looking at a screen rather than the wilderness around them. Hopefully that means they'll be- oh they've seen us. Ok, listen closely and repeat after me. In this episode: David has done a lot of work. Giovanni brings an oldie but a goodie. Tess takes a bite. Greg potentially gets meta I guess? Phew, ok we made it out of there unscathed. If you'd like to support habitats like this, consider joining our for as little as $1. Or you can always leave us a rating or review on your preferred podcatcher. Games discussed: Pokemon Legends: Arceus, Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora, Bugsnax, Horizon: Zero Dawn
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Casual feat. Matt Cole
01/09/2024
Casual feat. Matt Cole
New year, new you, guess who? It's Matt Cole from Matt has joined us for a very casual talk about how we feel about retro games, how to take a more casual approach to games, and what Quibi stands for. Also, we have an update regarding the aprons we sold during 2023's 24-hour stream (RIP). In this episode: Giovanni files a complaint with Walmart. David asks the hard questions. Greg takes a turn. Matt has put in some hours. If you want to have a casual hang, consider joining our Patreon for as little as a little as 1 US dollar to join our Discord server. Also, it'd be super rad if you left us a rating or review on your preferred podcatcher. Games discussed: Tetris DS, Honkai: Star Rail, Hearthstone, Overwatch 2
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2023
12/26/2023
2023
It's the end of the year! Which means it's time to reflect on what 2023 means to each of us. What has this year brought for better or worse? What does "new year, new you" really mean? When will InVincible Iron Ivy: Enter Pretty, Pretty Princess come out of early access? Don't worry about that last one. In this episode: David's got the good stuff. Giovanni forgets what he said. Tess adds to her party. Greg gets fixated. If you'd like to support us into 2024, consider supporting us via or by leaving us a rating or review on your preferred podcatcher. Games discussed: Fortnite, VIDEOVERSE, Baldur's Gate 3, Sea of Stars Show Notes:
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Mario
12/12/2023
Mario
Sometimes I think about how different the gaming world would be if Nintendo had gotten the rights to Popeye and hadn't had to scramble to make the characters in the original Donkey Kong game. Instead of a fleet of mascot shooters, would the 90s have been filled with a slew of era-defining video games based on previously existing IPs? Would the variety of skins you see in something like Fortnite be considered gauche? What IP specific games would have the best spinoffs? In this episode: Giovanni hits the links, Tess learns how to touch a computer, Greg gets bored, David follows the trend. Want to jump into the chat? Consider joining our Patreon for as little as $1. Or leave us a rating or review on your podcatcher of choice. Games discussed: Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour, Mario Teaches Typing 2, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Super Mario RPG
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