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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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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Collaboration
11/28/2023
Collaboration
Stop, collaborate, and listen to this episode about collaboration! It's an episode that is legally distinct from our Co-op episode both in title and in the areas we cover in our conversation. But keep an eye on the clock for a returning segment everybody loves! In this episode: Tess brings the house down. Greg creates a problem for his cohosts. David watches the world burn around him. Giovanni discusses taxes. If you'd like to give us a hand, consider collaborating your wallet with our Patreon at patreon.com/LTRT. Or if you'd rather, leave us a review on your podcatcher of choice. Games discussed: Teardown, Suika Game, Human Fall Flat, Death Stranding
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Drive
11/14/2023
Drive
An unnamed LA stunt driver who moonlights as a getaway driver for local criminals has started getting close to his neighbor and her young son. When he gets an offer he can't refuse on a dangerous deal and it all goes awry, the driver will need to do everything he can to protect his neighbors. There's only one thing he can do to keep them safe........listen to the latest episode of Left Trigger Right Trigger. Err...I mean, Drive. In this episode: David gets too real. Giovanni takes to the streets. Tess has to go fast. Greg changes his perspective. If you'd like to support us for as little as $1 you can head to patreon.com/LTRT. Or if you'd like to support us for free, consider giving us a rating or review. Games discussed: Pikmin 4, Forza Motorsport, F-Zero: Maximum Velocity, Death Rally
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Dread feat. Andrew Zucosky
10/31/2023
Dread feat. Andrew Zucosky
It's time to once again get spooky with Andrew Zucosky! This time around we have some group therapy about the compulsion to buy certain games, talking about games, and Baldur's Gate 3. We probably should have talked about some monsters or something. I guess we talked about Asterion, but we certainly didn't talk about being afraid of him... In this episode: Andrew can't help himself. Greg gets creeped out. Giovanni gives up the ghost. David goes to some weddings. If you'd like to get in on the conversation, you can join our discord by paying as low as $1 via our Patreon at patreon.com/LTRT. Otherwise, if you've enjoyed the episode you can support us by leaving a review on your podcatcher of choice. Games discussed: XCOM 3, Firewatch, Baldur's Gate 3, Metroid Dread Show Notes:
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Stew feat. Tom Zalatnai
10/17/2023
Stew feat. Tom Zalatnai
A strong aroma lures you towards the kitchen. What possibly could be generating such an enticing smell? Also, who is cooking this delicious smelling meal? Four people stand in the kitchen, all standing over a large pot of stew, but the ingredients they're adding are video games. Cartridges, discs, and hard drives bubble away in the pot as the hosts of this podcast pass the stirring spoon back and forth. We hope you're hungry. In this episode: Tom lights the burner, David starts to simmer, Greg kicks it up a notch, Tess finishes with a favorite. If you've enjoyed this episode/meal, consider giving us a rating on your podcatcher/Zagat. If you'd like more episodes/dishes like this, consider joining our Patreon for as little as $1 at Games discussed: Pokemon, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Peglin, Pokemon Omega Ruby
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Chill
10/03/2023
Chill
Wrap up in a blanket, put on some calm music, and light one up. What are you lighting up? That depends on your state. So whatever state (of mind) you are in (or would like to be in), then adjust what you light up. Maybe I'm overthinking it. Maybe we all need to stop overthinking things. In this episode: Giovanni looks to puff pixel pass. David waits to let it loose. Tess makes some tough decisions. Greg can't let it be. If you want to chill out in a discord server with us, you can pay as little as $1 over at . Otherwise, it'd be really chill of you to leave a rating or review on your podcatcher of choice. Games discussed: Chrono Trigger, Monster Hunter World: Iceborne, Frostpunk, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
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Failure feat. Josh Elliott
09/19/2023
Failure feat. Josh Elliott
Finally, proof from outside just our hosts that Zoombinis are real. If you've been a Zoombini truther than thank you for all the work you've put in over the years....or, wait, I guess maybe not if being a truther is someone who doesn't believe they existed? Sheesh, manufacturing engagement over a fake conspiracy is harder than it seems. In this episode: David tries to find the failure point. Josh wants to drop the bridge. Greg does it to himself. If you'd like to help us avoid failure, consider joining our Patreon for as little as $1 at . Or, for free, you can let us know how we've failed or succeeded with a review or your podcast platform of choice. Games discussed: Anthem, Logical Journey of the Zoombinis, Pokemon Red
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Magic
09/05/2023
Magic
The cauldron bubbles, the runes are set, and your wand now hums with power. Your familiar looks on in anticipation, waiting to see what your spell brings forth. It's time to begin. You summon your will and chant the incantation. Purple and green sparks sizzle and pop in the middle of the summoning circle where a shadow has suddenly appeared. The veil begins to drop and reveal what has been brought forth. Your familiar flees at the sudden presence, you cover your face in shock at what you have summoned: the hosts of Left Trigger Right Trigger. Jeez, podcast platforms have gotten intricate. In this episode: Giovanni compares and contrasts. Tess writes in. Greg gets hit by lightning. David ponders the dodgeball. If you'd like to contribute to our arcane arts, consider joining our Patreon at for as little as $1. Or you can add to our divine works by giving us a rating or review. Games discussed: Forspoken, Armored Core VI Fires of Rubicon, Magicka, Dodgeball Academia
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Blood
08/22/2023
Blood
Double OO August continues! We got a little distracted in the intro for some reason, but it turns out some of us have been consuming vampiric media. Which to be clear, is media that features vampires, not media that siphons something off of someone else. But maybe all media is vampiric because it pulls a lot of energy out of the people who make it and we as people who take it in are consumers. Really makes you think. ANYWAY In this episode: Giovanni gets a bit sweaty. Tess pulls from afar. Greg is looking at games with red tinted glasses. David fulfills the prophecy. If you'd like to help us keep going, consider going to patreon.com/LTRT and join for as little a $1. Or if you'd like, throw us a review! Games discussed: Mortal Kombat, Legacy of Kain: Defiance, Diablo, Bloodborne Show Notes:
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Troubleshoot
08/08/2023
Troubleshoot
Having trouble hearing this? Try leaning your head to the left. If that doesn't work, try unplugging and plugging back in your headphones/speakers. Otherwise, the surefire way to fix it is to shove your phone in your bed and roll around. Our troubleshooting has shown that, while taxing, this is the most consistant way to fix the problem of not being able to hear our silly podcast. If it doesn't fix the problem then you're not rolling hard enough! In this episode: David calls for help straight from the source. Tess solves the dark equation. Giovanni slams his keyboard. Greg digs up the past. If you'd like to suggest topics like Josh did, you can join our Patreon for as little as $1 at patreon.com/LTRT. You'll be able to join our discord and listen to bonus episodes. Games discussed include: Wandersong, Mechwarrior 5: Mercenaries, Quadrilateral Cowboy, E. T. the Extra-Terrestrial
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NPC
07/25/2023
NPC
Prepare to hear the future! Social media is changing a lot these days, but in the beginning of this episode we put forward an idea that is sure to take the world of gaming by storm. If you don't hop on the bus then get ready to get hit by it! Also we could use some help with the name. In this episode: David evokes Pikmin for the SEO. Giovanni wants to settle down in a bathroom. Greg has a bloodlust that must be sated. Tess plans a politically motivated takedown. If you'd like to get in on the ground floor of our new social media platform, support us at patreon.com/LTRT. You'll be able to listen to bonus episodes and join our discord where you can request topic ideas. Games discussed include: BioShock Infinite, HITMAN World of Assassination, Duck Hunt, Skyrim
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LTRT After Hours Sneak Peek
07/21/2023
LTRT After Hours Sneak Peek
Hello listeners! We thought you may enjoy a sneak peek at one of our Patreon exclusive episodes. For as little as $1 a month at patreon.com/LTRT, you can gain access to a feed of episodes that cover a wide range topics, from deep dives into specific games to talking about big news in the industry to stuff like......this episode. Listen, this episode goes off the rails pretty quickly, even by our standards. What was supposed to be a discussion about adaptations of video games somehow ended up with us opening a tier list with all Super Smash Bros. characters and trying to learn about US foreign policy. Hopefully we'll get back to that adaptation discussion later, but for now we hope you enjoy this buckwild episode.
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Summer
07/11/2023
Summer
Tis the season to get sweaty as we talk about Summer and why it is no longer our favorite season. But just because something has fallen out of our favor doesn't mean it's all bad! We also discuss the good things like Peppa Pig and wanting to take off all our clothes because it's too hot. So whether you're listening to this episode wearing white floral or nothing at all, we hope you enjoy. In this episode: Giovanni is feeling the vibes. David is finding the reason for the season. Greg is making another plea to a large corporation. If you'd like to add to our white floral fund, consider supporting us on at patreon.com/LTRT. You'll be able to listen to bonus episodes and tell us about your sweatiest experiences. Games discussed include: Wide Ocean Big Jacket, Overwatch, TimeSplitters 2 Show Notes
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Stick
06/27/2023
Stick
It's Giovanni's Peppa Pig Summer. What is that? Don't worry about it. You will need to traverse the opening section of this episode without this information, but you can do it. Even if you find it challenging, you can get through. Just stick with it. Giovanni plays with stickers. Greg is very animated. David laughs out loud. Tess wants to hear everyone's stick opinions. If you'd like to be stuck with us in a more supportive way, consider heading over to Patreon.com/LTRT to support the show for as little as $1/month. You can check out our discord server and listen to exclusive episodes. Games discussed include: Cardpocalypse, Stick Fight: The Game, West of Loathing, Minecraft
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7omorrow Never Dies: Seventh Annual Father's Day Dadstravaganza: Definitively N.o7 Star Wars (It's James Bond This Time)
06/13/2023
7omorrow Never Dies: Seventh Annual Father's Day Dadstravaganza: Definitively N.o7 Star Wars (It's James Bond This Time)
It's the most wonderful time of the year when LTRT celebrates everything Dads! Come join us to explore what it means to be, become, and evolve beyond a Dad. And it's our 7th year doing it! We know in our hearts that we wouldn't have been able to do it without all of you, but especially to the big man himself: agent 007, James Bond. Plus a hearty shout-out and potentially an apology to Steely Dan. In this episode: Tess simulates fatherhood and creates a house of cards. Giovanni exonerates dads everywhere of all their sins. David listens closely for the soundtrack that will attract the most papas. Greg observes grossness in a variety of ways. If you would like to be our surrogate fathers through financial support, consider visiting patreon.com/LTRT and throwing us as little as $1/month. Doing so unlocks access to our discord, where we might call you "Dad" intentionally or accidentally! Games discussed include: Crusader Kings 3, The Last of Us, Gears of War, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
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Sword
05/30/2023
Sword
It slices! It dices! It may even hold the soul of a tyrannical monster or your next boyfriend! It's Sword! Call today for a chance at a free upgrade to the laser variety at no extra cost (due to a difference in weight, shipping and handling with increase). In this episode: David sees a big sword. Giovanni swings a fun sword. Tess dates a hot sword. Greg picks the best sword for the job. If you'd like to be notified of other offers like this, consider heading over to Patreon.com/LTRT to support the show for as little as $1/month. You can check out our discord server and listen to exclusive episodes. Games discussed include: Final Fantasy VII, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, Boyfriend Dungeon, Soulcalibur II Show Notes:
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Link
05/16/2023
Link
SPOILER WARNING FOR GOLF We need to talk about Travis. We've been trying to keep it quiet and under the radar, but he's really gotten out of hand. Hopefully this play for SEO will sate his dark hunger. Anyways, hope you've been enjoying Tears of the Kingdom! In this episode: Giovanni proctors the SATs. Tess smiles with the face of death. David builds a community. Greg gets scammed. If you'd like to link up with us, consider heading over to Patreon.com/LTRT. You can check out our discord server and listen to Patron exclusive episodes. Games discussed include: The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask, StreetPass, Pokémon Red Show Notes:
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Overworld
05/02/2023
Overworld
It's time to conclude our miniseries on environments! Close your eyes and imagine an overworld. What does it look like? What does it sounds like? Now open your eyes. As you can see, this episode looks nothing like what you were just imagining. But that's OK, just don't look too closely at Greg's corner over there. In this episode: Giovanni becomes a little cat. David listens closely. Tess calls some plays. Greg gets existential. If you'd like to support making the show and doing miniseries like these, head over to Patreon.com/LTRT. You can check out our discord server and maybe the Patron exclusive tier list episode we did. It's a crime! Games discussed include: Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury, Banjo-Kazooie, Madden Football 64, Second Life
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Space
04/18/2023
Space
We continue our miniseries on environments with Space! Some say it's the final frontier. Some say it's an empty void. Some even say it's really just transparent jelly. No matter where you stand on the issue, whether on the side of the fools or the jelly scientists, we talked about it on this episode. Well.....most of us did. In this episode: David starts hearing things. Tess starts feeling things. Giovanni goes on a trip. Greg is really stretching the dictionary. If you'd like to help fund our booster rocket fuel fund, why not consider going over to Patreon.com/LTRT and check out some of our patron exclusive episodes or our discord server. Games discussed include: Destiny 2, Hardspace: Shipbreaker, Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins, Mario Teaches Typing 2
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Desert
04/04/2023
Desert
Welcome to the first episode of a miniseries on environments! According to Merriam-Webster, a desert is an arid land with usually sparse vegetation. Unfortunately, we spend more time discussing the other definitions and even pronunciations of desert. Is anyone surprised? In this episode: David starts seeing things. Tess's expectations are dashed. Giovanni is pure evil. Greg looks back on what he's left behind. If you'd like to refill our canteens, consider joining our Patreon to gain access to our discord server and exclusive episodes at patreon.com/LTRT. Games discussed include: Assassin's Creed Origins, Merchant of the Skies, Pokemon Go, Hearthstone
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