SideQuest Enthusiast SideQuest Enthusiast

Tina Amini is not for this world—at least, that’s the back-handed compliment she says her father gave her. But Editor-in-Chief at IGN is no stranger to the unusual, and in this episode of the pod, Tina talks about playing the spookiest games in the friendliest way, offers gamer-centric lifestyle tips, and considers the nuances of story, especially the scary ones. She also muses about Halloween traditions, a video game museum idea, and being a woman in gaming. That’s assuming she’s human—Kyle has some compelling suspicions that she may indeed be an alien (and even Tina might not be aware of it).

Happy Halloween! Go follow Tina on Twitter and see her on Game Scoop, the only gaming podcast in the whole world.

Alanah Pearce has had quite the journey as a video game writer. From her earnest beginnings working in media as a journalist before diving into a variety of creative roles, Alanah has made a name for herself in gaming. Now, the Australia native is part of Santa Monica Studio’s development team (God of War, Journey), Alanah comes to the show with plenty to reflect on when it comes to how all of her writing since childhood has led her to the AAA studio.

Also, Kyle and Alanah chat lots about Pokémon, space travel, the future of narrative storytelling in games, and the mystery that is Australian Doritos.

Follow her on Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, and Twitch @Charalanahzard.

Lavender Town Trap Remix by DAM was featured in this episode.

Welcome to The Fetch! This is the debut episode of a new segment that premieres monthly, wrapping up gaming and nerd culture happenings from the past month, while also kicking it and talking about the fetch quests of real life. Kyle, aka Dr. Chillgood, is joined by his brother from another mother Marcus Alford, one of the hardest working lazy people you’ll find in the whole world. Not just the city, the world.

No, Gretchen will not be in any episodes. But we are trying to make fetch happen in her name.

Streamer and content creator Marcus Alford is the worst streamer in the world, but don’t think that’s going to keep him from simultaneously being the best in the world. Marcus is the newest addition to the SQE family, but he’s been friends with Kyle since elementary school. Kyle dates their true friendship to the amazing catch he made once during gym class, talking about that while contemplating what the last CD they ever burned was.

As far as games are concerned, the two dope boyz revisit the casting for the Mario movie and why Chris Pratt might work as Mario given the history of animated video game movies. We consider if now is the time for an EA Big renaissance with the return of titles like NBA Street, FIFA Street, and SSX (but definitely not Def Jam: Fight for NY according to Marcus). They also gush about the classic games coming to Nintendo Switch Online, and Marcus reveals why he’s such an Xbox hater.

In a world consumed by the pursuit of attention, likes, retweets, and clout stands a gem who cheerleads as intensely as anyone in the gaming world. Voice actor José Favela comes through the Land of Enthusia to talk about the journey into VO, from humble (and lucky) beginnings to speaking out a future into the universe that has gradually been coming true. After discussing the nuances of translating games from English to Spanish, José also sings praises for Celeste and its emotional impact.

Follow José on Twitter @FavelaJ_VO.

Raheem “Mega Ran” Jarbo bills himself as a teacher, a rapper, and a hero. He’s also a Guinness World Record holder, having recorded the most video game songs in the world. His records run deep, including new releases like Black Materia: The Remake, Maverick Hunters with Noveliss, and Ages, Vol. 2 in 2021. But in this episode, the debut of Season 2 of SideQuest Enthusiast, Mega Ran visits the Land of Enthusia to talk about his origins as told in his memoir Dream Master.

“A former middle school teacher, Mega Ran (formerly Random) blends education, hip-hop, and gaming in amazing new ways, penetrating the farthest reaches of the galaxy with his unique rhyme style and electric performances.” His interdisciplinary art and vision are unprecedented, and how he’s able to do all the things he does is a marvel to witness.

Follow Mega Ran on Twitch, Youtube, and Twitter. Tune into his jams on SoundCloud and Spotify.

Michael P. Williams, a librarian, writer, editor, and lover of many things JRPG, swings by Enthusia to talk about the classic game Chrono Trigger. Released in 1995, the game has stood the test of time, but have we been overlooking the real meaning of Chrono Trigger all along? Twenty-six years later and revelations are abound: Chrono Trigger is a work of art that allows its players to interpret its messages in its own way, in the same way that the game affords many freedoms to its players that few JRPGs were doing back then. In the conversation, we take nostalgic dips into remembering our first playthroughs and then consider how the game is really about environmentalism and how Japan’s preparation, experiencing, and recovering from the many natural and nuclear disasters that have happened over its history inform the game’s story.

There’s also a lot of talk about how amazing Super Mario 64 and Final Fantasy 6 are.

Follow Michael on Twitter and follow Boss Fight Books, too!