Fire Escape Cast #90 – September 23, 2024
In episode #90 of Fire Escape Cast, hosts Dan Ryckert, Mary Kish, and Mike Mahardy welcome special guest Jeff Grubb from Giant Bomb. This milestone episode seamlessly blends insightful video game discussions with the hosts' trademark humor and camaraderie. Below is a detailed breakdown of the key topics, discussions, and memorable moments from the episode.
1. McDonald's App Deals: Saving Big on Favorite Meals
Timestamp: 00:00 – 01:06
The episode kicks off with a segment highlighting the McDonald's app and its daily deals. Mike Minotti introduces listeners to the app's ability to offer significant savings, exemplified by a "$1 for a 10-piece chicken nugget" deal valid once a week through December 2, 2024.
Notable Quote:
Jeff Grubb [00:14]: "Gaming the system to a whole new level."
2. Making History with a Four-Person Podcast Lineup
Timestamp: 01:20 – 04:47
For the first time, Fire Escape Cast features a four-person lineup with the addition of Jeff Grubb. The hosts humorously navigate this new dynamic, engaging in light-hearted banter about missed recordings and scheduling hiccups. The camaraderie shines as they joke about impressions and the challenges of coordinating a larger group.
Notable Quote:
Mary Kish [01:27]: "No, neither. No."
3. The Tacky Allure of Funko Pops and Collectibles
Timestamp: 04:47 – 16:14
A significant portion of the episode delves into the hosts' collective disdain for Funko Pops. Mike Minotti candidly describes them as "definitely tacky," sharing personal anecdotes about owning a few but ultimately feeling disconnected from the collecting trend. The discussion extends to the challenges of preserving these collectibles, especially ones featuring controversial figures.
Notable Quote:
Mike Minotti [16:14]: "They're definitely tacky. And I know how. I get how that happened."
4. Astrobot: A Contender for Game of the Year
Timestamp: 16:14 – 87:13
The heart of the episode centers on an in-depth review of Astrobot: Galactic Storm. The hosts, alongside Jeff Grubb, explore the game's mechanics, comparing it favorably to Hades. They discuss its imaginative level design, seamless integration of shoot 'em up elements within a board game framework, and its potential to be a strong candidate for Game of the Year.
Key Points:
- Gameplay Mechanics: Quick-paced firefights complemented by strategic board game elements.
- Design and Aesthetics: Vibrant, imaginative levels that offer a continuous sense of discovery.
- Replayability: High score challenges and unlockable content enhance longevity.
Notable Quote:
Jeff Grubb [74:14]: "It was like, oh, I think it's gonna make you want to go through the whole game because of the design."
5. Expanding the Conversation: Void Bastards, Warhammer 40K, and More
Timestamp: 87:13 – 114:32
The discussion broadens to include a variety of games such as Void Bastards, Warhammer 40K, and OmniFace. The hosts analyze different genres, from roguelikes to immersive simulations, highlighting their unique storytelling and gameplay experiences. This segment underscores the podcast's commitment to covering a diverse array of games, catering to various listener interests.
Notable Quote:
Dan Rykert [115:00]: "Dawn of War 2 is better. Dawn of War 3 definitely took a few steps back."
6. Personal Anecdotes and Humorous Banter: Farts and Family Stories
Timestamp: 114:32 – 210:07
Interwoven with game discussions are the hosts' personal stories and humorous exchanges. From tales of embarrassing moments involving farts to recounting drunken escapades and family interactions, this segment adds a layer of relatability and entertainment. The playful nature of the conversation highlights the strong chemistry among the hosts and their ability to balance serious game talk with levity.
Notable Quote:
Dan Rykert [194:08]: "Every time you hear a car honk and you live in New York City, that'll trigger a sneeze and a fart."
7. Listener Engagement: Katie’s Kingdom Hearts Inquiry
Timestamp: 210:07 – 213:54
Towards the end of the episode, Dan reads an email from Katie from Knoxville who expresses fascination with the Kingdom Hearts story and seeks recommendations for lore-heavy reading material. The hosts respond with insights into various resources, including manga adaptations and YouTube lore explanations, catering to Katie's quest for a deeper understanding of the series.
Notable Quote:
Mike Minotti [210:18]: "The lore's not that confusing in Kingdom Hearts too. You know when Sora stabbed himself with Riku's Keyblade..."
8. Closing Remarks and Promotions
Timestamp: 213:54 – End
The episode wraps up with the hosts promoting their other podcasts and social channels. Mike Mahardy mentions his Disney podcast, while Jeff Grubb encourages listeners to check out Game Best Decides. Dan Ryckert invites fans to support the show via Patreon and visit fireescapecast.com for merchandise. The hosts continue their signature humor, teasing future episodes and expressing gratitude to their audience.
Notable Quote:
Mary Kish: "We have not gotten any emails about this or tweets or anything in port. If you listen to last episode we talked..."
Conclusion
Episode #90 of Fire Escape Cast masterfully blends insightful video game analysis with the hosts' engaging personalities. From dissecting potential Game of the Year contenders like Astrobot to sharing humorous personal anecdotes, the episode offers a comprehensive and entertaining experience for both seasoned listeners and newcomers. Special guest Jeff Grubb enhances the conversation, bringing in fresh perspectives from the Giant Bomb community. Whether you're a gaming enthusiast or simply enjoy lively banter, this episode is a testament to why Fire Escape Cast continues to captivate its audience.