The Secret Lives of Games
Candid conversations with game creators that dive deep into the art, craft, and process of making games.
info_outline
All Systems Brough - Vertex Dispenser
01/30/2026
All Systems Brough - Vertex Dispenser
We're joined by droqen (The End of Gameplay, Starseed Pilgrim), Darius Kazemi (Tiny Subversions, Harvard Applied Social Media Lab), and Tara Macalister (mathematician, composer) to discuss Vertex Dispenser, the second game in our year-long exploration of the work of Michael Brough. Next Month: Kompendium Audio edited by Dylan Shumway. Discussed in this episode: Vertex Dispenser Michael Brough’s Website Four color theorem Graph coloring Starcraft II Splatoon Dota 2 Droqen’s rare color graph/explanation lots of michael brough games The Sense of Connectedness Kompendium The End of Gameplay Utopia Clicker A Jackpot of Skulls _update() Jam
/episode/index/show/thespelunkyshowlike/id/39918590
info_outline
151: Games of the Year 2025
01/08/2026
151: Games of the Year 2025
The gang's all here to count down our favorite "games" of "2025", alongside a bevvy of great picks from previous guests and listeners. Happy new year! Audio edited by Dylan Shumway Our GOTY Picks (SPOILERS!): ~~~~~~~~~ Rob 5. - Deconstructeam, Selkie Harbour 4. - Dogubomb 3. - German Trick Taking Game 2. - Mossmouth 1. - Freehold Games Zach - Team Cherry - Game Freak - Chunsoft (Bonus: - Adam Saltsman) (N64) - Lucasarts 1. - HAL Laboratory Doug 5. - Robert Yang 4. () () - James Ward 3. - Gabe Cuzzillo, Maxi Boch, Bennett Foddy 2. - Kart Krew 1. - Tann Nick - Brady Soglin - Takashi Ishida - updated design by Richard Garfield - Palace Games San Francisco - Jon Perry 1. - NamaTakahashi, tiny cactus studio, Tsuyomi Sarah 5. - Jenny Jiao Hsia, AP Thomson, et al. 4. - Dogubomb 3. - Tann 2. - neoludic games 1. - Simogo Laura - Evil Trout Inc. - William Rous - Peaceable Kingdom - Julián Cordero, Sebastian Valbuena - Guillaume Montiage/Asmodee Andy - Nintendo - Team Cherry - Jon Perry - Kojima Productions - Pablo Clark Other picks from guests and listeners: - Mossmouth - Jenny Jiao Hsia, AP Thomson, et al. - NamaTakahashi, tiny cactus studio, Tsuyomi - Team Cherry - Dogubomb - Ad Artis Oy - Takashi Ishida - updated design by Richard Garfield - Lillex Studios - Nintendo - Square Enix - Gabe Cuzzillo, Maxi Boch, Bennett Foddy - Puzzmo Team & Collaborators RPG (developed in Izzy Kestrels mind) - Reiner Knizia - Valve - Patrick LeMieux and Stephanie Boluk Star Waspir (from ) - Mossmouth - Enhance, Monstars - Mobius Digital - Gallant Leaf - Landfall Writing essays - FromSoftware - HEATHER FLOWERS - Parry Mechanics - Sam Sorenson - William Rous - Videocult - Werxzy - organized by Kevin Thompson and bikibird Mol Hunt for 2025 Season of De Mol - TSLOG Discord - Everybody House Games - Deconstructeam, Selkie Harbour - Stonemaier Games - Pablo Clark - Jon Perry - Konami Judo (martial art) Retro handheld hobby - Sandfall Interactive - Blendo Games Peekaboo - Spooky Doorway Minni & Max (from ) - Mossmouth - Pyramid, Japan Studio - Kaizen Game Works - owch Miscellaneous Honorable Mentions: (N64) - Rare Party House of the Day (mod of ) - Mossmouth - The Game Bakers Other topics discussed this episode: - People Make Games - Fantasy Flight Games – FuryForged - Space Cowboys - Dutch Trick-taking Game
/episode/index/show/thespelunkyshowlike/id/39660145
info_outline
All Systems Brough - 868-HACK
12/19/2025
All Systems Brough - 868-HACK
We're joined by Shawn Alexander Allen (Beatdown City Survivors), Cole Wehrle (Root), and Drew Wehrle (Pax Pamir) to discuss the first title in our year-long exploration of the work of Michael Brough: 868-HACK. Next Month: Vertex Dispenser Audio edited by Dylan Shumway Discussed in this episode: 868-HACK Michael Brough’s Website XPerience Studios “King Me”: A Defense of King-Making in Board Game Design Leder Games Wehrlegig Games 7-Day Roguelike Jam blog post 868-HACK Release Trailer (2015) PRACTICE 2013: Michael Brough Michael Brough on balancing prog costs: Michael Brough on streak scoring James Lantz on 868-HACK Dewan Zaynation Complete UFO50 Alternate History Voicemails Michael OBlivion tutorials: Rock Paper Shotgun 868-HACK Review (2015) Michael Brough on passive vs active abilities Vivafringe blog post on 868-HACK Secret Level and Good vs. Bad Secrets Beatdown City Survivors Molly House & John Company Reprinting Michael Brough on Plan B design notes Brick101 - new Steam guide for Powerups Spawn count chart:
/episode/index/show/thespelunkyshowlike/id/39443465
info_outline
150: Making It Great with Kimmo Lahtinen (Sektori)
12/12/2025
150: Making It Great with Kimmo Lahtinen (Sektori)
Nick is joined by guest co-host Chris Plante (Post Games) for a chat with Kimmo Lahtinen (aka gimbll) about his dynamite new twin-stick shooter, Sektori. They discuss the joy of the genre, pursuing excellence in an oversaturated genre, and how personal limitations shape solo development. Audio edited by Dylan Shumway Discussed in this episode: Sektori Day Repeat Day Barbearian Drift and Drive Resogun Outland Dead Nation Super Stardust Portable Geometry Wars Rez Infinite Post Games podcast Besties podcast Limetown podcast Quest Tabletop Game
/episode/index/show/thespelunkyshowlike/id/39386735
info_outline
Into the Depths: Caves of Qud Finale
11/26/2025
Into the Depths: Caves of Qud Finale
We’re proud to present the final installment of our over-a-year-long Into the Depths series on , as well as our last episode with our recently retired Eggplant branding. Caves of Qud is a massive open-world roguelike RPG that has been in development since 2007 and Early Access since 2015, and we give it an appropriately epic sendoff with nearly four hours of deep discussion. Doug and Rob, joined by special guest host Star St. Germain, dive into the game’s finale and overarching themes with narrative designer Caelyn Sandel and co-creators Jason Grinblat and Brian Bucklew. Be warned, major spoilers await: We discuss the aftermath of the Tomb of the Eaters, the Moon Stair, the [Redacted], Reclamation, We Are [Redacted], plus other juicy details about how this legendary game finally came to an end… and what’s in store for it next. Audio edited by Dylan Shumway. Discussed in this episode: Brian’s must-follow bluesky Warm static – Official Caves of Qud wiki Independent Games Summit: What Even is 1.0?: Indefinite Early Access and Live Development End-to-End Procedural Generation in Caves of Qud Tile-Based Map Generation using Wave Function Collapse in ‘Caves of Qud’ Caves of Qud Discord Eris – Girsh Illustration A Mythopoetic Interface Reading of Caves of Qud (Roguelike Celebration 2025) Sproggiwood Slav Epic Paintings by Alphonse Mucha (full rebrand still in progress, lol)
/episode/index/show/thespelunkyshowlike/id/39144960
info_outline
All Systems Brough - Introduction
11/21/2025
All Systems Brough - Introduction
We're joined by Frank Lantz (Q-UP) and Mare Sheppard + Raigan Burns of Metanet (N++) for the first episode of All Systems Brough, a year-long exploration of the work of Michael Brough. We share our thoughts on why Michael's oeuvre demands a deep dive, add some historical context, and share the plan for the year ahead. We also introduce a (final?) rebrand to the podcast! Next episode: 868-HACK (it’s also recommended that you start playing Vesper.5 now to prepare for later) (Tentative) Episode/play order: 868-HACK Vertex Dispenser Zaga-33 Vesper.5 Corrypt Kompendium (plus digital archiving of O) BECOME A GREAT ARTIST IN JUST 10 SECONDS Helix (plus SMESPORT) Imbroglio Cinco Paus P1 Select (plus Quinzena maybe?) & Broughlike Game Jam Games 868-BACK (caveat: still in development) Audio edited by Dylan Shumway Discussed in this episode: Michael Brough’s Website Michael O’Blivion’s Youtube Channel Flock Wilmot’s Warehouse Boardgame Q-UP Donkeyspace (Frank’s Substack) The Beauty of Games Metanet Software N++ PRACTICE 2015: Mare Sheppard FTL Sylvie’s Games A wild start, 41 points with no artifacts! (Cinco Paus LP ep 1) by vivafringe Droqen’s website Raigan’s bluesky (will give away free copies of Cinco Paus on Christmas!) Q-UP OST 868-HACK (Steam) Vesper.5
/episode/index/show/thespelunkyshowlike/id/39125125
info_outline
149: Making A Meal Of It with Jenny Jiao Hsia and AP Thomson (Consume Me)
11/07/2025
149: Making A Meal Of It with Jenny Jiao Hsia and AP Thomson (Consume Me)
Rob, Sarah, and Doug chat with Jenny Jiao Hsia and AP Thomson about Consume Me, an award-winning autobiographical resource-management RPG about the pressure cooker of young adulthood. We discuss the game’s ten-year development cycle, balancing dynamic difficulty in a game about overachievement, the complex dynamics of mining your own story, and more! Heads up: This episode includes discussion of disordered eating and religious upbringing. Audio edited by Dylan Shumway. Mentioned in this episode: Consume Me Prototyping Personal Experience – Jenny's talk at A MAZE 2017 Papers Please by Lucas Pope Nina Freeman’s games on itch.io Triad by Anna Anthropy Reigns by Nerial Long Live the Queen by Hanako Games Perfect Tides by Meredith Gran Look Back (movie) Look Back (manga) Jenny’s TikTok AP’s Instagram
/episode/index/show/thespelunkyshowlike/id/38946905
info_outline
148: Carving Out Some Time with Adam Robinson-Yu (Ghost Town Pumpkin Festival)
10/24/2025
148: Carving Out Some Time with Adam Robinson-Yu (Ghost Town Pumpkin Festival)
Laura, Rob, and Sarah chat with Adam Robinson-Yu about The Annual Ghost Town Pumpkin Festival, a communal and virtual festival experience hosted every ~October for the last six years. We discuss the logistics of running a seasonal multiplayer game, encouraging emergent interactions through limited tools, highlighting pumpkin artistry, expressing embodiment in digital space, building secrets over time, and more! NOTE: If you want to avoid spoilers of this year’s additions to the game, skip the section from 1:12:40 to 1:22:00! Audio edited by Dylan Shumway Discussed in this episode: Ghost Town Pumpkin Festival Laura E. Hall’s 31 Days of Halloween newsletter Adam’s Itch Adam’s Bluesky
/episode/index/show/thespelunkyshowlike/id/38766495
info_outline
147: Digging Deep with The Roottrees are Dead
10/10/2025
147: Digging Deep with The Roottrees are Dead
Laura chats with Jeremy Johnston and Robin Ward about The Roottrees are Dead, their genealogy, murder-mystery, “static deduction” game. We discuss the development process of taking a jam prototype to full release, developing hints and systems that lead players to satisfying discoveries, and the taxonomy of games like The Roottrees are Dead and The Return of the Obra Dinn. Spoilers abound, so consider playing the game first before tuning in. Audio edited by Dylan Shumway Discussed in this episode: The Roottrees are Dead (Steam) The Roottrees are Dead (itch.io – Global Game Jam entry) Return of the Obra Dinn Outer Wilds Her Story Family Type Help The Rise of the Golden Idol Blue Prince Severance White Lotus Righteous Gemstones Announcement: Eggplant Plays De Mol (2025 Season) The Genius (Korean Game Show) Robin Ward’s blog (links to socials included) The Roottrees are Dead Discord server
/episode/index/show/thespelunkyshowlike/id/38461930
info_outline
EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Epilogue: Final developer interview
09/26/2025
EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Epilogue: Final developer interview
We're joined by (most of) the developers of UFO 50 - Derek Yu, Jon Perry, Eirik Suhrke, Tyriq Plummer, and Paul Hubans - to close out our series with a project-spanning discussion of their development process, how they're feeling a year out from launch, and so much more. Next week: Who knows?? Audio edited by Dylan Shumway Discussed in this episode: 868-HACK Eggplant: The Secret Lives of Games Presents: A Year of UFO 50 Finale Eggstravaganza - LIVE! Recording Eggplant Merch! A Year of Block Koala Roguelike Celebration 2025 (Including Fireside Chat with Jon Perry!) Time Barons Middleditch and Schwartz SPONTANEANATION with Paul F. Tompkins Scrubbin’ Trubble (Tyriq’s upcoming game) Madhouse (Paul’s upcoming game) UFO 50 Physical Edition
/episode/index/show/thespelunkyshowlike/id/38367925
info_outline
EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Finale Eggstravaganza - LIVE!
09/21/2025
EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Finale Eggstravaganza - LIVE!
Full audio from our epic live series finale, packed with previous series guests, tarot readings, mad libs, touching listener letters, and so much more. Come laugh and cry with us, say goodbye to UFO 50, and hear what's next for Eggplant! Next week: Final interview with the UFO 50 recovery team! Audio edited by Dylan Shumway Discussed in this episode: Eggplant: The Secret Lives of Games Presents: A Year of UFO 50 Finale Eggstravaganza - LIVE! Twitch VOD Eggplant Merch! Zatoichi’s YouTube Channel Eggplant Party House Thread (for Gainsworthy’s Party House of the Day challenge!) The Beauty of Games by Frank Lantz A Life Well Wasted Beyond a Boundary by C. L. R. James Jacques’ Instagram Sean’s Portfolio Sean’s Twitch Sounds from The Abyss mixes Tim Follin - Chronos A Tapestry of Time theme Tim Follin - Ghouls and Ghosts Level 3 Martin Galway - Parallax Theme Stephane Picq - Gorbi (kgb) Wladcy Ciemonski (lords of the darkness) theme by Leszek Holda Starship Rendezvous - Mysticism (Hitoshi Sakimoto and Masaharu Iwata) Kaimei-In (Stage 4) [Tiger Road (Arcade)] - Harumi Fujita, Tamayo Kawamoto The Cartoncast
/episode/index/show/thespelunkyshowlike/id/38298745
info_outline
EP: A Year of UFO 50 - [REDACTED]
09/12/2025
EP: A Year of UFO 50 - [REDACTED]
We're joined by Stephanie Boluk (UC Davis), Patrick LeMieux (UC Davis), and Steve Gillham (OzymandiasAV) to discuss [REDACTED] hidden within the UFO 50 collection. Massive spoilers ahead! Next week: Eggplant: The Secret Lives of Games Presents: A Year of UFO 50 Finale Eggstravaganza - LIVE!(Airing live on Wednesday, September 17th, 2025 at 7:30pm CST at ) Audio edited by Dylan Shumway Discussed in this episode: Eggplant Merch! FuryForged – What dark secrets hide beneath the surface of UFO 50? UFO 50 WRITE-UP v2 MAPPING MUSIC TO MIAS MRMACDUGGAN'S GAME LORE SHEET TERMINAL 101 Exeter Book Riddles Mushroomy Kingdom Deadly Premonition OST – Life is Beautiful Yume Nikki Undertale Off Space Funeral the First Ib Petscop UFO 50 Bandcamp Miasma Tower Bandcamp B3313 Mario 64 Mod Has anyone else seen this in miasma tower? i dont know how exactly to trigger it The Grasshopper (and "Words on Play") Glider (Conway’s Game of Life) Eric Zimmerman Manifesto: The 21st Century Will Be Defined By Games Games Climbers Play by Lito Tejada-Flores
/episode/index/show/thespelunkyshowlike/id/38187945
info_outline
EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Cyber Owls
09/05/2025
EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Cyber Owls
We're joined by Izzy Kestrel (Gexfeld, A Good Videogame), Shawn Alexander Allen (Treachery in Beatdown City), and the one and only Rand Hall (UFO 50 Voicemailer Extraordinaire) to discuss Cyber Owls, the 50th and final* game in the UFO 50 collection. “A superweapon threatens to destroy the world, and it's up to the Cyber Owls to save the day!” Next week: [REDACTED] Audio edited by Dylan Shumway Discussed in this episode: Eggplant Merch! Cherry Rush YouTube Highlights Derek Yu’s Wikiquote Roguelike Celebration 2025 (Including Fireside Chat with Jon Perry!) Izzy’s itch.io Izzy’s bluesky Izzy’s Website Snap & Grab Shawn’s Instagram Beatdown City Survivors Tyriq’s Bluesky Scrubbin’ Trubble The Grasshopper (and "Words on Play") C.A. Brown
/episode/index/show/thespelunkyshowlike/id/38088010
info_outline
EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Campanella 3
08/29/2025
EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Campanella 3
We're joined by Liz Ryerson (musician, writer, podcaster), Adam Conover (Adam Ruins Everything), and Steve Gillham (OzymandiasAV) to discuss Campanella 3, the 49th game in the UFO 50 collection. “It's time for Pilot to return to what he does best -- flying the Campanella through deep space!” Next week: Cyber Owls Audio edited by Dylan Shumway Discussed in this episode: Eggplant Merch! Adam Conover Tickets Wing Commander 1+2 Wild Blue Thumper The Virtual Museum of Dead Wifery Abnormal Mapping doseone The Unearthed Treasure Room: An Alternative Showcase of Overlooked Games Anodyne 2 Great Art Wood Teeth (doseone EP with Height Keech)
/episode/index/show/thespelunkyshowlike/id/38017250
info_outline
EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Seaside Drive
08/22/2025
EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Seaside Drive
We're joined by Daniel Mullins (Inscryption), Tonda Ros (Blue Prince), and Glove (UFO 50 Historian/ska podcaster) to discuss Seaside Drive, the 48th game in the UFO 50 collection. “Nothing's more relaxing than a nice long drive by the sea... Complete with plenty of gunfire!” Next week: Campanella 3 Audio edited by Dylan Shumway Discussed in this episode: Eggplant: The Secret Lives of Games Merch Downwell Branching Paths Cherry Rush (UFO 50 Speedrunning Charity Event — August 29th-31st, 2025) Blue Prince
/episode/index/show/thespelunkyshowlike/id/37922105
info_outline
EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Quibble Race
08/15/2025
EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Quibble Race
We're joined by Scott Anderson (Unity), Jackie Vecchitto (Trombone Champ), and Xalavier Nelson (Strange Scaffold) to discuss Quibble Race, the 47th game in the UFO 50 collection. “In the seedy world of Quibble racing, sometimes it takes shady tactics to get ahead.” Next week: Seaside Drive Audio edited by Dylan Shumway. Discussed in this episode: Unity 6.2 Livestream Post Games: Big predictions for the future of games Umamusume Pretty Derby Space-Cast! #47. Bun Bangers (interview with Jon Perry) Hot Streak Gameheads Gameheads Showcase Draknek New Voices Grant Jackie on Bluesky Kaiji: Ultimate Survivor Strange Scaffold
/episode/index/show/thespelunkyshowlike/id/37826755
info_outline
EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Combatants
08/08/2025
EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Combatants
We're joined by Alfredo Barraza (Riot Games), Stephanie Boluk (UC Davis), and Patrick LeMieux (UC Davis) to discuss Combatants, the 46th game in the UFO 50 collection. “The evil Red Ants have taken your land! Fight Back and defend your queen!” Next week: Quibble Race Audio edited by Dylan Shumway. Discussed in this episode: Starcraft: Remastered Pikmin 1+2 Bundle Little King’s Story Tinykin Patapon Tooth & Tail The Grasshopper: Games, Life, and Utopia by Bernard Suits Manifesto: The 21st Century Will Be Defined By Games by Eric Zimmerman Reality is Broken: Why Games Make Us Better and How They Can Change The World by Jane McGonigal Game Studies Study Buddies 51 – Suits – The Grasshopper EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Mini & Max Gio on Bluesky
/episode/index/show/thespelunkyshowlike/id/37730340
info_outline
Eggplant TV Plays De Mol (2025 season) - Interview with Wouter Verstichel
08/04/2025
Eggplant TV Plays De Mol (2025 season) - Interview with Wouter Verstichel
We're recapping the 2025 season of our favorite tv show, Flemish De Mol (Season 13). In this very special bonus episode, Laura, Jey, Doug, and Melissa sit down with Wouter Verstichel (Director/Showrunner of De Mol) to discuss the experience of working on the show. Join us on the Discord for tips on how to watch, chat about the episodes, and more. Audio edited by Dylan Shumway. Links: Eggplant's De Mol 2024 recap series, including live finale interviews: https://www.patreon.com/eggplantshow 122: Finding Decency in Reality with Gilles De Coster (De Mol): https://eggplant.show/122-finding-decency-in-reality-with-gilles-de-coster-de-mol https://www.youtube.com/eggplantshow http://discord.gg/eggplant https://www.patreon.com/eggplantshow
/episode/index/show/thespelunkyshowlike/id/37671280
info_outline
EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Mini & Max
08/01/2025
EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Mini & Max
We're joined by Billy Basso (Animal Well), Ben Wilson (Saltsea Chronicles), Kayin (I Wanna Be The Guy), and Adam Conover (Adam Ruins Everything) to discuss Mini & Max, the 45th game in the UFO 50 collection. “Mini and her dog Max are locked in the storage room. Harness the magic of shrinking to escape!” Next week: Combatants Audio edited by Dylan Shumway Discussed in this episode: Animal Well Triple Physical Release The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Outer Wilds Spelunky Uurnog: Uurnlimited Everything Tux and Fanny Tinykin Caves of Qud Adam Conover Live Tour Zero Fifty One
/episode/index/show/thespelunkyshowlike/id/37638870
info_outline
EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Pilot Quest
07/25/2025
EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Pilot Quest
We're joined by Stephanie Boluk (UC Davis), Patrick LeMieux (UC Davis), and Eileen Hollinger (Capybara Games) to discuss Pilot Quest, the 44th game in the UFO 50 collection. “The Campanella has crashed! Fix it by harvesting resources and exploring the wild zone.” Next week: Mini & Max Audio edited by Dylan Shumway. Discussed in this episode: Collection of Mana Actraiser Renaissance Progress Quest Candy Box II (Sequel to Candy Box) Cow Clicker A Dark Room Cookie Clicker Clicker Heroes AdVenture Capitalist Universal Paperclips The Barnacle Goose Experiment Banana Neptune’s Pride Game Dev Story Knytt Cosmo’s Cosmic Adventure GameMaker Edinburgh Festival Fringe Mel McGlensey is NORMAL Into the Depths: Kentucky Route Zero - Part 1 Into the Depths: Super Mario World - Part 1
/episode/index/show/thespelunkyshowlike/id/37545685
info_outline
EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Elfazar's Hat
07/18/2025
EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Elfazar's Hat
We're joined by Alfredo Barraza (Riot Games), Adam Dolin (God of War: Ragnarok), and Colin and Sarah Northway (Northway Games) to discuss Elfazar’s Hat, the 43rd game in the UFO 50 collection. “Elfazar is hailed as a great magician, but his captive animals are ready to strike back!” Next week: Pilot Quest Audio edited by Dylan Shumway. Discussed in this episode: Pocky & Rocky Reshrined I Was a Teenage Exocolonist Vancouver Game Garden 99: Charting the Future with Sarah Northway (I Was a Teenage Exocolonist)
/episode/index/show/thespelunkyshowlike/id/37455620
info_outline
EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Night Manor
07/11/2025
EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Night Manor
We're joined by Star St. Germain (Aconite), Madison Karrh (Birth), and Zach Aikman (Chuhai Labs) to discuss Night Manor, the 42nd game in the UFO 50 collection. “Trapped in a nightmare where you must use your wits to survive and escape!” Next week: Elfazar’s Hat Audio edited by Dylan Shumway Discussed in this episode: Into the Depths: Caves of Qud (Sidequests Special) Clock Tower: Rewind (remaster of original Clock Tower release) Déjà Vu: MacVentures Series The Uninvited: MacVenture Series Shadowgate (remake) Moida Mansion 31 Days of Halloween Maniac Mansion King’s Quest The Legend of Kyrandia Putt Putt Goes to the Moon Blue Prince Lorelei and the Laser Eyes Inscryption Crow Country Wild Blue Star on bsky Star on itch Star’s website Birth
/episode/index/show/thespelunkyshowlike/id/37364065
info_outline
Into the Depths: Caves of Qud (Sidequests Special)
07/07/2025
Into the Depths: Caves of Qud (Sidequests Special)
In this bonus installment of our current Into the Depths series, we continue diving into Caves of Qud. This sprawling open-world roguelike has been in development since 2007 and Early Access since 2015. Doug and Rob - joined by special guest host Star St. Germain - chat about sidequests with one of the game’s narrative designers, Caelyn Sandel. This episode we talk about the Servidian Meadow, the Hindren, Bey Lah, the integration of political and cultural commentary into worldbuilding, writing workflows, Mamon Souldrinker, Warden Une, Fraying Favorites, Many Eyes, Caelen Sandshell, _, and the cyclical nature of influence on Qud’s world. Don't forget to join our Discord and play along with the series! Audio edited by Dylan Shumway. Show Notes: Buy Caves of Qud on itch.io: https://freeholdgames.itch.io/cavesofqud Caves of Qud soundtrack: https://freeholdgames.itch.io/caves-of-qud-soundtrack The Qud Survival Guide: https://ectafoole.itch.io/the-qud-survival-guide Star on bsky: https://bsky.app/profile/thisisstar.bsky.social Star on itch: thisisstar.itch.io Star’s website: https://www.thisisstar.com/ Caelyn on bsky: https://bsky.app/profile/ectafoole.bsky.social Caelyn’s Fiction work ectafoole.itch.io https://www.youtube.com/eggplantshow http://discord.gg/eggplant https://www.patreon.com/eggplantshow
/episode/index/show/thespelunkyshowlike/id/37305560
info_outline
EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Lords of Diskonia
07/04/2025
EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Lords of Diskonia
We're joined by Trent Kusters (League of Geeks), John Axon (Capybara Games), and Adam Dolin (God of War: Ragnarok) to discuss Lords of Diskonia, the 41st game in the UFO 50 collection. “War has come to Land of Disks, and the red and blue armies are on a collision course!” Next week: Night Manor Audio edited by Dylan Shumway Discussed in this episode: I Tried Cycling the Length of Japan: 3,000km and 27 Days on the Road | Long Way North Carrom Crokinole How Tabletop Design Helped Shape ‘UFO 50’ JTolmar - Disks Rogue Crossbows and Catapults Catacombs (Third Edition) Beast Breaker Designing ‘MARVEL SNAP’ Into the Breach Air, Land, and Sea Hot Streak BALL X PIT Storytelling through Systems (requires GDC Vault membership)
/episode/index/show/thespelunkyshowlike/id/37285415
info_outline
EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Grimstone
06/27/2025
EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Grimstone
We're joined by Stephanie Boluk (UC Davis), Patrick LeMieux (UC Davis), and Trent Kusters (League of Geeks) to discuss Grimstone, the 40th game in the UFO 50 collection. “Praise Biggan, the four of you survived the saloon fire. But somethin' tells me this story's just gettin' started...” Next week: Lords of Diskonia Audio edited by Dylan Shumway. Discussed in this episode: Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster SaGa Frontier Remastered Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake Super Mario RPG Undertale Final Fantasy VIII Remastered Mother 3 Final Fantasy VII Tales of Symphonia Remastered Hylics Huicholes: The Last Peyote Guardians The Road to Dragon Quest Space Funeral Yume Nikki The Thousand Crimes of Ming Tsu by Tom Lin Game Maker’s Notebook - XCOM Creator Julian Gollop Shares Game Design Tips , Dev Stories and More Stephanie's Bluesky Patrick's Bluesky Trent's Bluesky A Year of UFO 50 - Mortol II A Year of UFO 50 - Rock On! Island A Year of UFO 50 - Mortol A Year of UFO 50 - Fist Hell A Year of UFO 50 - Vainger A Year of UFO 50 - Porgy A Year of UFO 50 - Bushido Ball Into the Depths: Kentucky Route Zero - Part 1
/episode/index/show/thespelunkyshowlike/id/37177745
info_outline
EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Star Waspir
06/20/2025
EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Star Waspir
We're joined by Jay Ma (Into the Breach), Steve Gillham (OzymandiasAV), Adam Dolin (God of War: Ragnarok), and Zatoichi (Juggler/UFO 50 Enthusiast) to discuss Star Waspir, the 39th game in the UFO 50 collection. “You are an elite member of the Star Wasps. Pilot your ship and battle the incoming swarm!” Next week: Grimstone Audio edited by Dylan Shumway Discussed in this episode: ZeroRanger (steam ) Ikaruga (Steam ) (Switch ) Stephen’s Sausage Roll Jay Ma on bluesky Fulcrum Defender (Jay Ma’s new game on PlayDate) Abnormal Mapping piece on ZeroRanger The Alters Zatoichi’s YouTube channel Ikaruga video essay (not discussed on the episode but recommended by Dylan!)
/episode/index/show/thespelunkyshowlike/id/37080865
info_outline
EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Rakshasa
06/13/2025
EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Rakshasa
We're joined by Tonda Ros (Blue Prince) and doseone (Enter the Gungeon) to discuss Rakshasa, the 38th game in the UFO 50 collection. “Even death won't stop Jangi from avenging the destruction of his village by demons!” Next week: Star Waspir Audio edited by Dylan Shumway Discussed in this episode: The Resurrection of Doseone Gainsworthy’s spoiler tagged guide for Rakshasa Connected map of Rakshasa’s levels (spoilers!) Never’s End Escape Academy 2 SAMURAI GUNN 2 Enter the Gungeon 2 Baby Steps
/episode/index/show/thespelunkyshowlike/id/36995565
info_outline
EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Valbrace
06/06/2025
EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Valbrace
We're joined by Scott Anderson (Unity), Carolyn Petit (Kotaku), Xanagear (), and Glove (UFO 50 Historian/ska podcaster) to discuss Valbrace, the 37th game in the UFO 50 collection. “No knight has ever survived the journey into Gnothrok Keep. What makes you think you'll be any different?” Next week: Rakshasa Audio edited by Dylan Shumway Discussed in this episode: My Perfect Console Ep. 119: Bennett Foddy, philosopher, game designer (QWOP, GIRP, Getting Over It) Odd Object Game Studio Hot Streak Carolyn on Bluesky Scott on Bluesky Oak & Yarrow Web Design Studio Xanagear on Bluesky UFO 50 Fan Discord Cherry Rush (UFO 50 Speedrunning Charity Event) The Rude Boys ska podcast
/episode/index/show/thespelunkyshowlike/id/36894940
info_outline
EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Hyper Contender
05/30/2025
EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Hyper Contender
We're joined by Scott Anderson (Unity), Alfredo Barraza (Riot Games), and Alex Jaffe (Riot Games) to discuss Hyper Contender, the 36th game in the UFO 50 collection. “The daring, desperate, and indebted fight for money in the pits of Phogon.” Next week: Valbrace Audio edited by Dylan Shumway. Discussed in this episode: Towerfall Rivals of Aether Rivals of Aether II Brawlhalla Multiversus Samurai GUNN Samurai GUNN 2 Nidhogg Nidhogg 2 Scott’s itch page Shuffle Tactics Focused Space
/episode/index/show/thespelunkyshowlike/id/36784105
info_outline
146: Ascending the Ranks with Jeff Dubbin (Competitive Lost Cities)
05/27/2025
146: Ascending the Ranks with Jeff Dubbin (Competitive Lost Cities)
Rob, Nick, Doug, and Andy chat with Jeff Dubbin, a lawyer and (at the time of recording and publication) Board Game Arena’s top-ranked international player of Reiner Knizia’s Lost Cities. Lost Cities is a two-player card game about staking bets and unearthing archaeological treasures. We discuss the tactics behind high-level play, the ins and outs of Elo leaderboard systems, and the emotional impact of striving to be the best in the world. Audio edited by Dylan Shumway Discussed in this episode: Board Game Arena - Lost Cities (scroll down for leaderboards, toggle to “All Time”) Board Game Geek - Lost Cities Lost Cities Card Game
/episode/index/show/thespelunkyshowlike/id/36722170