Pixel and Meeple

Pixel and Meeple

Welcome to Pixel and Meeple – your home for nostalgic gaming and retro game discovery! Our mission is to entertain and help gamers (re)discover the hidden gems of the past — from classic video games and beloved board games, to timeless card games that shaped our childhoods. Whether you're a fan of pixelated adventures or tabletop treasures, we bring you back to the games that sparked our passion. Through storytelling, personal memories, and deep dives into what made these games special, we celebrate the feelings and experiences that games unlock. Join us in our monthly podcast!

Episodes

  1. Episode 7: Zelda and Samus Stealing Cars and Laying Puzzles

    11/12/2025

    Episode 7: Zelda and Samus Stealing Cars and Laying Puzzles

    Summary In this episode of the Pixel and Meeple Podcast, hosts Andrew and Robin discuss various aspects of the gaming industry, including the impact of AI on game development, the consolidation of the board game industry, and upcoming game releases. They also review several games, including Super Fantasy Kingdom, Cascadia, Red Dead Redemption 2, StarCraft, Grand Theft Auto 2, Metroid, and The Legend of Zelda, highlighting their significance and influence in the gaming world. Takeaways - The podcast format includes discussions on board games, video games, and industry news. - AI is increasingly impacting game development, leading to layoffs in the industry. - The board game industry is seeing consolidation with larger companies acquiring smaller ones. - Upcoming game releases include titles like Football Manager 26 and Warriors Age of Imprisonment. - Super Fantasy Kingdom is a new indie game that has gained popularity quickly. - Cascadia is a great gateway game for new players and families. - Red Dead Redemption 2 is praised for its storytelling and open-world gameplay. - StarCraft is recognized for its influence on the strategy genre and esports. - Grand Theft Auto 2 is remembered for its freedom and wacky gameplay. - Metroid is credited with pioneering the metroidvania genre and remains influential today. - The Legend of Zelda is celebrated for its open-world design and gameplay mechanics. Sound bites "Cascadia is a great family game." "Grand Theft Auto 2 was pure fun." "Gaming memories are what we cherish." Chapters 00:58 Introduction to the Pixel and Meeple Podcast 02:10 Game News 14:23 2020s 14:29 Super Fantasy Kingdom 21:45 Cascadia 27:06 2010s 27:10 Zelda Breath of the Wild 31:47 Red Dead Redemption 2 34:54 2000s 34:57 Star Trek Armada 2 38:07 Carcassonne 43:41 1990s 43:44 StarCraft 48:50 Grand Theft Auto 2 51:28 1980s 51:36 Metroid 54:51 The Legend of Zelda 58:14 Save, Retry, Achievement, Install, Game Over Keywords gaming podcast, board games, video games, ranking games, game development, game reviews, tabletop games, industry news, game releases, nostalgia

    1h 3m
  2. Episode 6: Hitman Mario in a 3D wargame MMO

    10/15/2025

    Episode 6: Hitman Mario in a 3D wargame MMO

    Summary In this episode of the Pixel and Meeple podcast, Andrew and Robin explore a variety of gaming topics, including recent game news, personal gaming experiences, and the evolution of games across different decades. They discuss the impact of games like Hollow Knight Silksong, Minecraft, and World of Warcraft, as well as the challenges faced by game developers today. The conversation also touches on the revival of classic games and the future of major gaming companies like EA. Takeaways - The podcast introduces a new format focusing on game news and personal experiences. - Both hosts share their recent gaming experiences with new Kickstarter games. - Hollow Knight Silksong's release caused a global outage in game stores due to high demand. - The hosts discuss the upcoming Diablo tabletop RPG and its unique features.- Borderlands 4 faces performance issues, leading to mixed reactions from the community. - Terra Mystica is being re-released with updated components and expansions. - EA's acquisition raises questions about the future of the company and its games. - The 2020s are marked by a resurgence of challenging games that require more time investment. - Minecraft is recognized for its creativity and impact on younger generations. - World of Warcraft remains a significant title in the MMO genre, with a dedicated player base. Sound bites "Diablo is gonna bring out a tabletop RPG." "Super Mario 64 was the first 3D Mario." "I couldn't do anything else than Pac-Man." Chapters 00:48 Welcome to the Pixel and Meeple Podcast 06:18 Game News 22:52 The 2020s 23:12 Hollow Knight Silk Song 31:40 Expeditions 35:23 The 2010s 35:28 Minecraft 38:09 Root 43:46 The 2000s 43:47 World of Warcraft 48:48 Hitman: Codename 47 51:04 The 1990s 51:04 Mario 64 53:48 Doom 57:19 The 1980s 57:19 Pac-Man 59:07 Pole Position 1:01:23 Save, Retry, Achievement, Install, Game Over Keywords gaming, board games, video games, game news, tabletop RPGs, classic games, performance issues, EA, Minecraft, World of Warcraft, Doom, Pac-Man

    1h 6m
  3. Episode 4: Electrocuted Mario & Airflight Pizza Delivery

    08/13/2025

    Episode 4: Electrocuted Mario & Airflight Pizza Delivery

    Gaming confessions, electrocution disasters, and full-on tycoon nostalgia.Welcome to Episode 4 of Pixel & Meeple!In this packed episode, Mr. Pixel and Mr. Meeple get real about the weirdest gaming moments and their love for old-school classics (and chaos). From shocking Mario to bombing pizza joints in Pizza Tycoon.We talk:Pizza Tycoon: shady dealings, blown-up rivals & economic masteryOutlaws: western FPS with a killer soundtrackSuper Mario Bros. 2: personal trauma… and maybe justiceZelda Wind Waker – misunderstood brilliance or cartoon mess?Transport Tycoon Deluxe: air travel domination and train-fueled all-nightersTheme Park: the OG of vomit-covered simulationsConcordia: the Roman board game with zero looks but max brain burnDarkest Dungeon: stress, permadeath, and graveyards full of regretsDate Everything: yes, even your microwaveA Gest of Robin Hood: the coin-inspired two-player board game from GMTOutlaws Soundtrack:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3WehNyIhxg&ab_channel=SoundsofVideoGameMusicTrainsport Tycoon Deluxe:https://store.steampowered.com/app/1536610/OpenTTD/📺 Subscribe for more: retro classics, hot takes, tactical love letters & gamer chaos every episode.💬 What was your first tycoon game? And be honest did you ever sabotage a rival pizza restaurant?Chapters:00:00 Intro and teaser00:53 Welcome to the Pixel & Meeple Podcast06:51 Classic Games from the 80s, 90s and 00s07:15 Origins: Outlaws11:11 Pizza Tycoon14:42 Zelda Windwaker23:50 Origins: Transport Tycoon31:19 Origins: Mario Bros. 239:16 Origins: Theme Park42:54 Save, retry or Game Over44:58 Encounters: New Found Classics45:27 Darkest Dungeon50:42 Encounters: Concordia56:00 New Found Quest: What Are We looking Forward To?Pixel and Meeple, gaming podcast, retro games, board games, Pizza Tycoon, Transport Tycoon Deluxe, Super Mario Bros 2, Theme Park, Outlaws game, Zelda Wind Waker, Concordia board game, Darkest Dungeon, A Gest of Robin Hood, gaming nostalgia, tycoon games, retro game stories, NES memories, funny gaming podcast, video game podcast

    1h 2m
  4. Episode 3: Tactical Jedi's Going Add High Speed

    07/16/2025

    Episode 3: Tactical Jedi's Going Add High Speed

    In Episode 3 of Pixel & Meeple, we're diving headfirst into the Force… From Knights of the Old Republic to Counter-Strike LAN battles, this episode is packed with retro gems, modern classics, and fierce “Save or Game Over” choices that may hurt your soul. We cover: Jedi Academy chaos and nostalgia KOTOR as the gold standard in RPG storytelling Counter-Strike LAN party glory (and humiliations) Star Wars Outer Rim — smugglers, bounties, and poor Lobot Jedi Fallen Order and what makes it feel right Heat: Pedal to the Metal — fast-paced Formula 1 board game goodness Rainbow Six & Project IGI — tactical throwbacks with squad-planning madness And of course… we hit you with a brutal round of Save, Retry or Game Over — who gets cut this time? 📺 Subscribe for more retro rants, deep dives & gamer banter! Chapters: 00:00 Intro and teaser 01:03 Welcome to the Pixel & Meeple Podcast 02:17 S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: first thoughts 05:33 Origins: Knights of the Old Republic 18:15 Origins: Star Wars Outer Rim 26:11 Origins: Rainbow Six 31:45 Origins: Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy 37:59 Origins: Project I.G.I. 41:33 Save, retry or Game Over 44:29 Encounters: New Found Classics 45:03 Encounters: Heat: Pedal to the Metal 49:42 Encounters: Jedi: Fallen Order 55:02 New Found Quest: What Are We looking Forward To? Pixel and Meeple, gaming podcast, retro games, Star Wars games, Knights of the Old Republic, Jedi Academy, Jedi Fallen Order, Counter-Strike nostalgia, board game podcast, Heat board game, Star Wars Outer Rim, tactical shooters, Rainbow Six, Project IGI, video game podcast, board game talk

    1 hr
  5. Episode 2: Beaten Space Dragons and Ninja Warriors

    06/18/2025

    Episode 2: Beaten Space Dragons and Ninja Warriors

    Grab your lead pipe and your diplomacy tokens — it’s time for Episode 2 of the Pixel & Meeple podcast! This week we dive headfirst into beat ‘em ups, board game betrayals, and a whole lot of retro chaos. We resurrect the long-lost glory of Double Dragon II, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II, and Streets of Rage 2 — because why throw a punch when you can throw a pixelated roundhouse kick? In the meantime we go galactic with Twilight Imperium and test our backstabbing muscles (again), then take a nostalgic tour through Heroes of Might & Magic II and slash through history with Dynasty Warriors. We also share our takes on:Undaunted: the WW2 deckbuilding showdown that ruined a friendship (temporarily)Homeworld 2: epic space battles in glorious 3DRa: Andrew pledges to the sun god himself Wu Chang: Fallen Feathers: Robin’s next gaming obsession Oh — and our “Game Over / Retry / Save” segment returns to crush dreams and destroy favorites. (RIP Double Dragon....) Timestamps 00:00 Welcome to the Pixel and Meeple Podcast 01:29 Origins: Classic Games from the 80s, 90s and 00s 02:36 Origins: Twilight Imperium IV 17:11 Origins: Double Dragon II 23:44 Origins: Heroes of Might and Magic II 30:01 Origins: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II 34:16 Origins: Dynasty Warriors 41:45 Origins: Streets of Rage 2 46:31 Save, Retry or Game-over? 50:16 Encounters: New found classics and hidden gems 50:31 Encounters: Undaunted Normandy 56:29 Encounters: Homeworld 2 01:01:31 New Found Quest: What are we looking forward to?

    1h 8m

About

Welcome to Pixel and Meeple – your home for nostalgic gaming and retro game discovery! Our mission is to entertain and help gamers (re)discover the hidden gems of the past — from classic video games and beloved board games, to timeless card games that shaped our childhoods. Whether you're a fan of pixelated adventures or tabletop treasures, we bring you back to the games that sparked our passion. Through storytelling, personal memories, and deep dives into what made these games special, we celebrate the feelings and experiences that games unlock. Join us in our monthly podcast!