Shane Plays Geek Talk

Shane Stacks
  • 4.1 (9)
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  • UPDATED BIMONTHLY

A journey into the things we love: D&D / RPGs, tabletop games, wargames, video games, comics and comic books, Star Trek, Star Wars, Doctor Who, fan films, movies, TV, books, sci-fi, fantasy, more! Hosted by a fellow geek that supports and encourages geeks and our fandoms in all of their various splendor! Come along and get your geek on (or maybe even discover you inner geek)!

  1. 11/24/2025

    Heroes of Might and Magic (and Other Goodness) with Neal Hallford - Episode 287 - 11/24/2025

    Neal Hallford joins to discuss his new book Heroes of Might and Magic: 30th Anniversary Retrospective. The history of HoM&M games is, in many ways, an "epic story" that tells the history of the video game industry and the related human drama in general. Since it's Neal, we also meander into other interesting things, including Planet's Edge, Betrayal at Krondor, and Dungeon Siege (including why they named Farmer "Farmer"). A game company trying to launch seven games all at the same time is probably not the wisest idea. The "box of rocks" approach to writing for games. Neal's new Planet's Edge: Fractured Empires project. Singular vision / small teams versus large teams in game design. Neal has very strong feelings on trends that have hurt the video game industry. What's the connection between Star Trek and Heroes of Might and Magic? The fine line game creators have to walk in making sequels by adding new stuff worth buying, but not changing things so much that it alienates the audience. What is the number one-selling game on GOG? Shane Plays Geek Talk Episode #287 - 11/24/2025 Like what you hear? Support Shane Plays Geek Talk on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/shaneplays Listen to the Shane Plays Geek Talk podcast on YouTube, SoundCloud, iTunes, Google Play Music, Amazon Music, Podbean and Stitcher (and other fine, fine podcast directories). Hey, you! Yeah, you! Buy cool stuff, support Shane Plays Geek Talk with these affiliate links! Humble Bundle https://www.humblebundle.com?partner=shaneplays DriveThruRPG.com https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse.php?affiliate_id=488512 SHOW NOTES Heroes of Might and Magic: 30th Anniversary Retrospective Book by Neal Hallford https://www.amazon.com/Heroes-Might-Magic-Anniversary-Retrospective/dp/150675130X  Neal Hallford on Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neal_Hallford  Betrayal at Krondor 30th Anniversary & Fan Film Challenge with Neal Hallford – Episode 266 – 3/14/2023 https://shaneplays.com/betrayal-at-krondor-crpg-30th-anniversary-neal-hallford-fan-film-challenge-podcast/  Star Fleet Battles With Bill Barsh – Episode 272 – 12/29/2023 https://shaneplays.com/star-fleet-battles-with-bill-barsh-podcast/  Dungeons and Desktops: The History of Computer Role-Playing Games 2nd Edition Shane's book! Co-authored with Matt Barton of Matt Chat https://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Desktops-History-Computer-Role-Playing/dp/1138574643/

    1h 28m

  2. 09/28/2025

    The Quatermass Experiment with Toby Hadoke - Episode 286 - 9/28/2025

    The Quatermass Experiment, the highly influential series considered the "birth of TV Sci-Fi", with Toby Hadoke (Quatermass Experiment megafan, Doctor Who megafan, special features do-er, author, and standup comedian… he just sits around and twiddles his thumbs, does Toby). Toby's written the definitive book on the first Quatermass Experiment serial! Some Doctor Who discussion. "Behind the sofa." The sneaky plan Toby used to name his dog. Nigel Neale (Quatermass writer) has influenced such directors as John Carpenter, Joe Dante, and Dan O'Bannon. Which Quatermass Experiment serial does Toby recommend starting with? Different motivations for British and American TV in decades past. Toby says Nigel Neale's The Road has the best ending of anything, ever. What are the chances of more Quatermass in the future? A nice tangent into John Carpenter's The Thing. A few last-minute Doctor Who tangents (including one about the Doctor going into his own brain). Pronunciation differences between the British and Americans (how the heck do you say Omega, anyway?). Toby actually likes one of the Bad Jokes of the Week. Shane Plays Geek Talk Episode #286 - 9/28/2025 Like what you hear? Support Shane Plays Geek Talk on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/shaneplays Listen to the Shane Plays Geek Talk podcast on YouTube, SoundCloud, iTunes, Google Play Music, Amazon Music, Podbean and Stitcher (and other fine, fine podcast directories). Hey, you! Yeah, you! Buy cool stuff, support Shane Plays Geek Talk with these affiliate links! Humble Bundle https://www.humblebundle.com?partner=shaneplays DriveThruRPG.com https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse.php?affiliate_id=488512 SHOW NOTES Toby Hadoke on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/TobyHadoke   Toby Hadoke on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TobyHadoke   Toby's Website https://tobyhadoke.com/  Toby's Book! The Quatermass Experiment: The Making of TV's First Sci-Fi Classic https://tenacrefilms.bigcartel.com/product/the-quatermass-experiment-the-making-of-tv-s-first-sci-fi-classic   The Quatermass Experiment on Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Quatermass_Experiment   Nigel Neale on Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nigel_Kneale   Dungeons and Desktops: The History of Computer Role-Playing Games 2nd Edition Shane's book! Co-authored with Matt Barton of Matt Chat https://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Desktops-History-Computer-Role-Playing/dp/1138574643/

    2h 27m

  3. 08/29/2025

    Vampire Movies - Episode 285 - 8/29/2025

    Sink your teeth into a slew of vampire movies from 1922 through 2025 that may or may not suck with returning movie lovers Chris Holmes and Michael Stewart (Save for Half podcast, Found in the Ruins podcast), plus we chew a bit on Stoker's Dracula novel. From England to Transylvania to Germany to Italy to Spain to Japan and beyond… those bloodsuckers are everywhere!! Which vampire flicks made us their thrall? One flick's surprise armadillo never fails to amuse Shane. Chris objects to amazingly cool armor in Dracula movies. What astoundingly fantastic Funko Pop does Shane own?? A surprising clash of opinions on The Lost Boys and Near Dark. We have crossed oceans of time just to bring you this episode. Shane Plays Geek Talk Episode #285 - 8/29/2025 Like what you hear? Support Shane Plays Geek Talk on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/shaneplays Listen to the Shane Plays Geek Talk podcast on YouTube, SoundCloud, iTunes, Google Play Music, Amazon Music, Podbean and Stitcher (and other fine, fine podcast directories). Hey, you! Yeah, you! Buy cool stuff, support Shane Plays Geek Talk with these affiliate links! Humble Bundle https://www.humblebundle.com?partner=shaneplays DriveThruRPG.com https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse.php?affiliate_id=488512 SHOW NOTES Holmes Basic D&D, John Eric Holmes & Edgar Rice Burroughs with Chris Holmes – Episode 267 – 5/12/2023 https://shaneplays.com/holmes-basic-dnd-john-eric-holmes-edgar-rice-burroughs-with-chris-holmes-podcast/ Zombie Movies with Chris Holmes and Mike Stewart – Episode 277 – 7/22/2024 https://shaneplays.com/zombie-movies-with-chris-holmes-mike-stewart-podcast/  Surreal Cinema with Clements & Holmes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LcpVM55HQA  Vampire Movies Discussed in this Episode: Nosferatu (1922) Dracula (1931) Dracula's Daughter El Vampiro Horror of Dracula  Dracula, Prince of Darkness  The Vampire and the Ballerina The Vampire Doll Count Dracula (1970) Count Yorga, Vampire House of Dark Shadows Blacula The Night Stalker Captain Kronos-Vampire Hunter Bram Stoker's Dracula (1974) Blood for Dracula Night of the Walking Dead Dracula (1979)  Nosferatu the Vampyre (1979) Salem's Lot (1979) The Hunger Fright Night (1985) The Lost Boys Near Dark  Buffy the Vampire Slayer *Briefly mentioned Buffy TV series * Briefly mentioned Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992) Interview with the Vampire Blade Blade 2 Shadow of the Vampire Thirty Days of Night Let the Right One In A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night Boys From County Hell The Last Voyage of the Demeter Nosferatu (2024) Sinners Dungeons and Desktops: The History of Computer Role-Playing Games 2nd Edition Shane's book! Co-authored with Matt Barton of Matt Chat https://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Desktops-History-Computer-Role-Playing/dp/1138574643/

    2h 2m

  4. 07/28/2025

    TSR & WotC Veteran Steve Winter - Episode 284 - 7/28/2025

    TSR and Wizards of the Coast veteran Steve Winter (Steve achieved one of the longest tenures across both companies). Steve plays guitar. Steve likes Shadowdark RPG, and is also interested in Knave, Savage Worlds, and Cthulhu / horror games. Steve has a definite favorite version of D&D (he finds it elegant and intuitive). Deep character backstory doesn't equal plot armor. Sometimes we get too used to magic in games and think of it as technology… magic should be a bit fearsome and untame. Noteworthy moments of going insane in a Cthulhu game. Skyrim and Baldur's Gate 3 discussion. Steve co-wrote the scenario for the Gold Box Pool of Radiance game. Some words about Jim Ward. Early versus later days at TSR. The job that was Steve's best year at TSR. How was the work divided at TSR? Steve offers some perspective on Lorraine Williams's leadership, given that he was right there. What was it like to be at TSR and watch Magic: The Gathering explode onto the scene? Steve worked on Spellfire, TSR's response to MtG. What was it like transitioning from TSR to WotC? Star Frontiers: how it went from hard sci-fi to "D&D in space" and how employees' desire for royalties led to its creation (and ultimately to the departure of Lawrence Schick from TSR). Marvel Super Heroes RPG discussion (MSH is HUGE for Shane personally). Shane Plays Geek Talk Episode #284 - 7/28/2025 Like what you hear? Support Shane Plays Geek Talk on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/shaneplays Listen to the Shane Plays Geek Talk podcast on YouTube, SoundCloud, iTunes, Google Play Music, Amazon Music, Podbean and Stitcher (and other fine, fine podcast directories). Hey, you! Yeah, you! Buy cool stuff, support Shane Plays Geek Talk with these affiliate links! Humble Bundle https://www.humblebundle.com?partner=shaneplays DriveThruRPG.com https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse.php?affiliate_id=488512 SHOW NOTES Steve Winter's Wikipedia Entry https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Winter  Steve Winter's Board Game Geek Entry https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgamedesigner/562/steve-winter Howling Tower (Steve's Blog) https://koboldpress.com/category/howling-tower/ Shadowdark RPG https://www.thearcanelibrary.com/pages/shadowdark?srsltid=AfmBOopWlsfgC-WPHShVkD1E9lDfbJKyN5umULKokrH6cbo8tdn-f2QL Knave RPG https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/484910/knave-second-edition Dungeons and Desktops: The History of Computer Role-Playing Games 2nd Edition Shane's book! Co-authored with Matt Barton of Matt Chat https://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Desktops-History-Computer-Role-Playing/dp/1138574643/

    2h 24m

  5. 05/15/2025

    Twilight: 2000 RPG With The Found In The Ruins Podcast - Episode 283 - 5/15/2025

    A RAD-SATURATED BONUS EPISODE! The Cold War gone hot! "Bam" Shane joins "Doc" Benny and "Boom" Mike on the Found in the Ruins podcast to execute maneuvers on the Twilight: 2000 RPG and reconnoiter other groovy post-apocalyptic stuff like PA books and movies. This is episode 9 of Found in the Ruins. Thanks to the FitR hosts for the invite! We had fun and soaked up some mad rads.  Shane Plays Geek Talk Episode #283 - 5/15/2025 Like what you hear? Support Shane Plays Geek Talk on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/shaneplays Listen to the Shane Plays Geek Talk podcast on YouTube, SoundCloud, iTunes, Google Play Music, Amazon Music, Podbean and Stitcher (and other fine, fine podcast directories). Hey, you! Yeah, you! Buy cool stuff, support Shane Plays Geek Talk with these affiliate links! Humble Bundle https://www.humblebundle.com?partner=shaneplays DriveThruRPG.com https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse.php?affiliate_id=488512 SHOW NOTES Found in the Ruins episode 9: Twilight 2000 with Shane https://www.podbean.com/ew/dir-5iepq-2505c7ed   Found in the Ruins Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/1430189954589689   Save For Half Podcast / Found in the Ruins Podcast https://saveforhalf.com/    Dungeons and Desktops: The History of Computer Role-Playing Games 2nd Edition Shane's book! Co-authored with Matt Barton of Matt Chat https://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Desktops-History-Computer-Role-Playing/dp/1138574643/

    1h 4m

  6. 04/26/2025

    Comic Books, "New" Doctor Who 20th Anniversary, D&D 2024, and Tariffs - Episode 282 - 4/26/2025

    Shane waxes eloquent (ok, he might rant mildly) on several aspects of the mainstream comic book industry including the direct market business model, variant covers, multiple characters with the same name, and constant status quo changes (plus the overuse of the word "iconic" these days, which isn't comics-related but Shane kvetches about it anyway). A mini-review and comparison of DC's Absolute Universe and Marvel's Ultimate Universe (which one does Shane like best). Doctor Who has been back on the air for 20 years! A sincere shout-out to Toby Hadoke. An ailing Doctor Who super fan, lost episodes of Who, and the use of AI. D&D 2024: is it a new edition or not? (and no one seems to really be talking about D&D 2024 to be honest). The tariff war's effect on game publishers and vague predictions and hopes for the future. A tribute to friend of the show Tony Dutra, now sadly gone.  Shane Plays Geek Talk Episode #282 - 4/26/2025 Like what you hear? Support Shane Plays Geek Talk on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/shaneplays Listen to the Shane Plays Geek Talk podcast on YouTube, SoundCloud, iTunes, Google Play Music, Amazon Music, Podbean and Stitcher (and other fine, fine podcast directories). Hey, you! Yeah, you! Buy cool stuff, support Shane Plays Geek Talk with these affiliate links! Humble Bundle https://www.humblebundle.com?partner=shaneplays DriveThruRPG.com https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse.php?affiliate_id=488512 SHOW NOTES DC's Absolute Universe https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Absolute_Universe Marvel's Ultimate Universe https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ultimate_Universe  Toby Hadoke Patreon https://www.patreon.com/TobyHadoke  Ailing 'Doctor Who' superfan spends fortune to recreate 97 lost episodes to see 'complete' series before he dies https://nypost.com/2025/04/13/entertainment/ailing-doctor-who-superfan-spends-fortune-to-recreate-97-lost-episodes-to-see-complete-series-before-he-dies/  DnD 5e to 2024 DnD Transition Guide and Change Log: Everything That's Different in the New 2024 Player's Handbook https://rpgbot.net/dnd-2024-5e-transition-guide-and-change-log-everything-thats-different-in-the-new-players-handbook/  Jeremy Crawford and Chris Perkins to Leave Dungeons & Dragons' Design Team  https://screenrant.com/jeremy-crawford-chris-perkins-leaving-dnd-interview/  Tariffs affecting games https://www.catalystgamelabs.com/news/tariffs-rolling-against-american-game-publishers  What Game Publishers Are Saying About The Tariffs https://www.enworld.org/threads/what-game-publishers-are-saying-about-the-tariffs.712717/  How Will The New Tariffs Affect TTRPG Prices? https://www.enworld.org/threads/how-will-the-new-tariffs-affect-ttrpg-prices.712698/  Do Tariffs Apply To RPG Books? Maybe, Maybe Not! https://www.enworld.org/threads/do-tariffs-apply-to-rpg-books-maybe-maybe-not.712908/  Wizards of the Coast Says That China Tariffs Will Have Minimal Impact on D&D https://www.enworld.org/threads/wizards-of-the-coast-says-that-china-tariffs-will-have-minimal-impact-on-d-d.713072/  Shane Plays Geek Talk Episode 252: The Wit and Wisdom of Troll Lord Games https://shaneplays.com/wit-and-wisdom-of-troll-lord-games-castles-and-crusades-rpg/  Tony Dutra: GURPS! – Radio Show / Podcast Ep. 40 https://shaneplays.com/gurps-radio-show-podcast-ep-40/  Tony Dutra: Game Master / Dungeon Master Tips & Panel Discussion! – Radio Show / Podcast Ep. 70 https://shaneplays.com/game-master-dungeon-master-tips-panel-discussion-radio-show-podcast-ep-70/  Tony Dutra: RPG News Blast! – Radio Show / Podcast Ep. 105 https://shaneplays.com/rpg-news-blast-radio-show-podcast-ep-105/  Tony Dutra: How To Create A GURPS Character https://shaneplays.com/how-to-create-a-gurps-character/  Tony Dutra: How To Play GURPS https://shaneplays.com/how-to-play-gurps-rpg-tutorial/  Dungeons and Desktops: The History of Computer Role-Playing Games 2nd Edition Shane's book! Co-authored with Matt Barton of Matt Chat https://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Desktops-History-Computer-Role-Playing/dp/1138574643/

    2h 13m

  7. 11/26/2024

    Banquet For Fools With Game Developers Hannah And Joseph Williams - Episode 281 - 11/26/2024

    Game developers Hannah and Joseph Williams join to chat about their new "Dark Crystal"-like CRPG Banquet For Fools. Shane jokingly laments a missing element from the game, but Joseph promises they won't duck out from putting it in. Now that ten years have passed, how do they feel Serpent in the Staglands performed? Thoughts on Mechajammer (previously Copper Dreams) and the hopes versus the reality. The pros, cons and pitfalls of Early Access. Shane gets recruited as a voice actor. A tangent into severe weather and the importance of escapism.  Shane Plays Geek Talk Episode #281 - 11/26/2024 Like what you hear? Support Shane Plays Geek Talk on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/shaneplays Listen to the Shane Plays Geek Talk podcast on YouTube, SoundCloud, iTunes, Google Play Music, Amazon Music, Podbean and Stitcher (and other fine, fine podcast directories). Hey, you! Yeah, you! Buy cool stuff, support Shane Plays Geek Talk with these affiliate links! Humble Bundle https://www.humblebundle.com?partner=shaneplays DriveThruRPG.com https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse.php?affiliate_id=488512 SHOW NOTES Banquet for Fools on Steam https://store.steampowered.com/app/3172700/Banquet_for_Fools/  Hannah and Joseph Games Website https://banquetforfools.com/  The Dark Crystal https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Dark_Crystal  A Wizard of Earth Sea by Ursula K. Le Guin https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Wizard_of_Earthsea  Chicago by Carl Sandburg  https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poetrymagazine/poems/12840/chicago  Dungeons and Desktops: The History of Computer Role-Playing Games 2nd Edition Shane's book! Co-authored with Matt Barton of Matt Chat https://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Desktops-History-Computer-Role-Playing/dp/1138574643/

    1h 14m

  8. 10/23/2024

    Star Trek Video Games With Mat Bradley-Tschirgi - Episode 280 - 10/23/2024

    Star Trek Video Games: An Unofficial Guide to the Final Frontier with author Mat Bradley-Tschirgi. There are a LOT of Star Trek video games and Mat had some hard decisions and set boundaries on what games to cover in his book (by the way, a "notable" game doesn't necessarily mean a good game). What is Mat's favorite and least favorite Star Trek game? Star Trek has one of the saddest stories of vaporware in PC gaming. Mat had an unusual entry into Star Trek fandom, but it still grabbed him. What are Shane and Mat's thoughts on some of the more recent Star Trek TV shows? What is one redeeming aspect of Star Trek V: The Final Frontier? Podcasting takes a lot of work and time.  Shane Plays Geek Talk Episode #280 - 10/23/2024 Like what you hear? Support Shane Plays Geek Talk on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/shaneplays Listen to the Shane Plays Geek Talk podcast on YouTube, SoundCloud, iTunes, Google Play Music, Amazon Music, Podbean and Stitcher (and other fine, fine podcast directories). Hey, you! Yeah, you! Buy cool stuff, support Shane Plays Geek Talk with these affiliate links! Humble Bundle https://www.humblebundle.com?partner=shaneplays DriveThruRPG.com https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse.php?affiliate_id=488512 SHOW NOTES Mat Bradley-Tschirgi's Books on Amazon http://matwbt.com Star Trek Video Games: An Unofficial Guide to the Final Frontier https://www.amazon.com/Star-Trek-Video-Games-Unofficial/dp/1399050729  Star Trek Games list on Trekcore https://gaming.trekcore.com/plat_list.html  Star Trek Games list on Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Star_Trek_games  Star Trek: Secret of Vulcan Fury trailer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PDAFVYKyJVI  Matt Chat (Matt Barton's interview channel) https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCE98xefVUXmbvQfe-wNS8oA  Sequelcast 2 Podcast https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sequelcast2  Dungeons and Desktops: The History of Computer Role-Playing Games 2nd Edition Shane's book! Co-authored with Matt Barton of Matt Chat https://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Desktops-History-Computer-Role-Playing/dp/1138574643/

    1h 11m
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Ratings & Reviews

4.1
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

A journey into the things we love: D&D / RPGs, tabletop games, wargames, video games, comics and comic books, Star Trek, Star Wars, Doctor Who, fan films, movies, TV, books, sci-fi, fantasy, more! Hosted by a fellow geek that supports and encourages geeks and our fandoms in all of their various splendor! Come along and get your geek on (or maybe even discover you inner geek)!

Information

  • Creator
    Shane Stacks
  • Years Active
    2015 - 2025
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright Shane W. Stacks
  • Show Website
    Shane Plays Geek Talk