Co-op Mood

Sally Tamarkin, Shane Vaiskauskas
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Co-op Mood Podcast

Co-op Mood is a podcast about video games and why we play them. Every other week, co-hosts Sally Tamarkin (@sallyt) and Shane Vaiskauskas (@mundangerous) talk about video games, exploring topics and themes as well as the stories they tell, the worlds they create, the characters who live in those worlds and the gameplay mechanics and story structures that make it all possible.

  1. 03/02/2021

    Co-op Mood: Announcement (2/2/2021)

    An important announcement about the future of Co-op Mood. It doesn't involve GameStop, but it does involve work and family.

    2 min

  2. 20/01/2021

    Co-op Mood 20: A Modern Ancient Epic

    On this episode Shane and Sally talk about the announcement that Ubisoft is working on an open world Star Wars game and what the marriage of Ubi and a beloved franchise could look like. Then they dive into part one of their discussion on the action-adventure platformer, Raji: An Ancient Epic, the debut game from Nodding Heads Games, based in Pune, India, from the beauty of the hand-painted textures to the joy of hacking and slashing your way through beautiful environments with the blessings of the gods. They also talk about what they’re playing right now, which includes The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past and Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales. Things we talked about: What we want from Ubisoft Massive’s open world Star Wars game -What Shane’s excited about: Star Wars: Doctor Aphra -What Sally’s excited about: The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch

    48 min

  3. 05/01/2021

    Co-op Mood 19: Welcome to the Murder Sandbox (Hitman 2)

    On this episode Shane and Sally talk about their New Year’s gaming resolutions, and how they plan (hope?) to play games in 2021. Then they jump into part two of their discussion of io Interactive’s Hitman 2. They discuss being on rails in an open world, lateral thinking (murder) puzzles, and the agony and the ecstasy of mission stories. Of course, they also talk about what they’re playing right now, which includes League, Spider-Man Miles Morales, Breath of the Wild, and Night’s Black Agents: Solo Ops (the TTRPG). -What Shane’s excited about: Peaky Blinders (Netflix)  -What Sally’s excited about: Vikings (Prime Video)

    59 min

  4. 22/12/2020

    Co-op Mood: Codename 18

    On this episode Shane and Sally kick things off by talking about the clusterfuck that is CD Projekt’s release of Cyberpunk 2077. Then they dive into part one of their two-part conversation about io Interactive’s Hitman 2. They discuss the gameplay loop, level design, and the pleasure of snappy gunplay and Jason Bourne-ing your way through the world. They also talked about games they’re playing right now, including League, Breath of the Wild, and Immortals Fenyx Rising.   Things we talked about: -Cyberpunk Game Maker Faces Hostile Staff After Failed Launch -How the Simulation of a Hitman Level Works -What Shane’s excited about: The Queen’s Gambit (Netflix)  -What Sally’s excited about: Humans (Prime Video)

    49 min

  5. 08/12/2020

    Co-op Mood 17: God Mode

    On this episode Shane and Sally discussed a recent WaPo story about how video game developers are creatively approaching difficulty settings in their games and the exciting things that are possible when devs think intentionally about playability and accessibility. Then they dove deep into their final impressions of the horny roguelike dungeon-crawler Hades, including what they liked and didn’t like, and when roguelikes should just be JPRGs or visual novels. They also talked about the games they’re playing right now, including League, Twin Mirror, and Sherlock Holmes: The Devil's Daughter.   Things we talked about:  -The uneasiness of ‘easy modes’ prompts creative approaches from game developers -“Stop the Madness” episode of the podcast Spawn On Me with Kahlief Adams -Hitman 2, the game we’re playing next   -What Shane’s excited about: Happiest Season (Hulu) -What Sally’s excited about: The Expanse novels

    54 min

  6. 24/11/2020

    Co-op Mood 16: Hades, Thee Bisexual Thirst Trap

    On this episode Shane and Sally talk “Project 007,” the upcoming James Bond video game by IO Interactive, the studio behind the Hitman games. Then they talk about about the gameplay and aesthetic of the horny roguelike dungeon-crawler, Hades. They also talk about games they’re playing right now, including League (season 11 patch), Breath of the Wild, and Watch Dogs: Legion.    Things we talked about:  -Hitman developer IO Interactive is making a James Bond game -Hades: The Team from Supergiant Games & Hades Discuss the Game, Reactions & More    -What Shane’s excited about: Tehran (the Israeli espionage thriller on Apple+) -What Sally’s excited about: The Crown (Netflix)

    50 min

  7. 10/11/2020

    Co-op Mood 15: There’s No Crying in Blaseball

    On this episode Shane and Sally make an official correction about the upcoming Uncharted movie. Then they talk once again about the design/appearance of the PS5. Then Shane is joined by Jon (@gurglespasm), co-host of One Shot network’s System Mastery podcast, to talk about the weird and wonderful world of Blaseball, including its best lore, and advice for Blaseball n00bs to get involved in the upcoming new season. They also talk about the games they’re playing right now, including Hades, League of Legends Clash, and If Found.... Things we talked about: Why Do People Care So Much About How a PlayStation 5 Looks in Their Home? -What Shane’s excited about: Overwatch Git Gud Tournament -What Sally’s excited about: Uncover: Escaping NXIVM from CBC Podcasts, The Vow (HBO), Seduced: Inside the NXIVM Cult (STARZ)

    1h 14m

  8. 27/10/2020

    Co-op Mood Unlucky 13: Rise From Your Grave

    On this episode, Shane and Sally discuss exactly why Tom Holland is the wrong hunk to play daddy next door Nathan Drake in the upcoming Uncharted movie, and who they’d cast instead. Then they talk about participating in One Shot Network’s Among Us stream and the zaniness that ensued. Finally, in tribute to Halloween week they, as two people of scaredy-cat experience, talk about the times video games have scared them silly.  Things we talked about: -Video Game Daddy Nathan Drake Will Be Played By Local Abercrombie Model -The Creepypasta Community That Influenced Control -Streaming Among Us with One Shot Network (VOD here)   -What Shane’s excited about: The Boys (Amazon Prime) -What Sally’s excited about: Non-mainstream superhero media (Masks, Capers, The Boys, Brat Pack comics)

    49 min
See All (21)

About

Co-op Mood is a podcast about video games and why we play them. Every other week, co-hosts Sally Tamarkin (@sallyt) and Shane Vaiskauskas (@mundangerous) talk about video games, exploring topics and themes as well as the stories they tell, the worlds they create, the characters who live in those worlds and the gameplay mechanics and story structures that make it all possible.

Information

  • Creator
    Sally Tamarkin, Shane Vaiskauskas
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2021
  • Episodes
    21
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2020 Co-Op Mood
  • Show Website
    Co-op Mood

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