With the Chompcast, we aim to deliver an insightful and unique perspective on gaming as we talk about our experiences with the games we play, recent gaming news that most affects our interests, and philosophical issues encompassing everything that involves video gaming.
Money, money, money. Money was the topic of the Chompcast this week as we discuss effective ways to game on a budget. We squeeze in some gaming talk with Dead Cells and Fallout 4. We discuss our social media polls, alluding to a stream of No Man’s Sky this past weekend. Come join us as we help you be frugal in your gaming exploits.
Recorded August 17, 2018
While Shea is out trying to have the summer camp experience all the movies told him about, the rest of the Sword Chomp crew debate early access. We have been playing a recent notable example, Dead Cells. Our initial impressions, spirited debate about early access, and enough No Man's Sky love to fill a ten hour show are headed straight to your eardrums with intent to kill. Enjoy the show.
Recorded August 10, 2018
You exit the metallic vault, taking your hand off of the iron and steel. You survey the landscape, viewing it for the first time. Trees are brown and dead. There is no plant life visible in the distance. Houses and cars are dilapidated and run-down. There are no birds chirping, no animals visible, no nature at all. Gunshots occasionally ring out in the distance. You left the vault for this? Hell no. You go back into the vault and live there for another six months.
Finally, the food runs out. You have no choice but to leave the vault for good. You grab your pistol that you procured and proceed out of the doorway again. You see the same scene as you did before, but this time, it seems as if there is plenty of opportunity out in the wasteland. Sure, everything looks dead, but there may be actual people out here! You spot a settlement in the distance, and you start to head towards it.
This week on the Chompcast, we decided to discuss video games that we initially disliked but ended up loving them. We pair that with the polls from the social media. After that, Morgan, Josh, and our guest host Hakuna Matata discuss the new update for No Man’s Sky. Lock your VATS system onto this episode and press the trigger!
Recorded August 3, 2018
Space and time. Reality and fiction. The universe and an electron. 14 quintillion and one. Some of these concepts are difficult to imagine or grasp. They aren’t tangible. They are abstract. But there is one of any concepts that humans have inherently grasped within civilization. One of these concepts is “a promise.” There is a weight of responsibility that is associated with that word. The promise of Sean Murray’s baby in No Man’s Sky did not deliver. However, almost two years later, Sean and his team have worked to rectify that mistake. That is part of our discussion for the newest episode of the Chompcast. We also discuss games that we loved but critics hated. Last, Josh runs through the gauntlet of games he has been playing as of late.
Recorded July 27, 2018
Fiction blends into reality. The topic of this week’s show reveals how video games have impacted us in our everyday lives. Sector 7 joins us for this week, doing her guestly duties. We discuss this week’s polls from the social media, the No Man’s Sky update, and initial thoughts on Octopath Traveler.
Recorded July 20, 2018
A hundred. 100. A century. Ten more than 90. The product of 10 and 10. A hundred can be a massive and important number. For us, this week, we have hit the hundred mark on our podcast. We kick off this extravaganza by picking our favorite games within the past ten years (2008-2017). We excluded 2018 since the year is not finished. Then, as a group, we picked the game that represents us overall these past ten years as well.
We want to say thank you to each and every one of you that has been a part of this community and movement, from episode 1 until now. Thank you so much. Thank you to our Patreon donators that keep us going as well. Here’s to 100 more!
Recorded July 13, 2018
Ladies and gentlemen, we have a doozie of a topic this week. We discuss addiction in gaming, and whether or not it is a real phenomenon with our guest of the week, Melanie Dunn from the Rare Candy podcast. We pair the topic with this week’s polls and social media comments. After, we discuss Pokemon Go and Sun and Moon. Thank you for being awesome listeners. Now go catch ‘em all!
Recorded July 6, 2018
On this week's episode, we discussed how our mental health has been affected by gaming, for better or worse. We pair that with social media comments, and we discuss the polls. The Bio Break for this week is about a parasite and how it affects a fish species. Last, Morgan discusses his time with Pokemon Sun and Moon.
An android began to walk down the street as it processed its thoughts. It was starting to feel more and more human by the day. Emotions were starting to permeate its body, as it felt happiness for the first time. Sadness. Fear. Jealousy. Hunger. Pain. It was overwhelming and exhilarating all at the same time. The android let its thoughts wander to the adventures it wanted to have, feeling along the way.
Suddenly, a man appeared out of thin air in front of him. He surveyed the man cautiously. The man wore glasses and no other articles of clothing. He stared at the android and began to chuckle. The android grew afraid, and ran away at a breakneck pace, appearing only as a blur. It ran and ran until he was on the outskirts of town. It saw a copse of trees, ran to them, and hid amongst them. It waited there in silence for a few seconds, but then heard a twig snap behind it. It whipped around to see the naked, gleaming man and heard the chuckling. It ran off again, desperately looking for somewhere to hide. It saw a lake in the middle of a forest as it dodged trees. Without any thought, it dove into the lake and let itself sink. It could not shake the fear overtaking it. It figured the man could not follow it down to the bottom of a lake.
A school of fish swam towards the android. They saw it at the last second and darted off to the left. The android saw a dark figure behind where the school came from. The figure grew closer quickly, and the android shook in horror. The nude man was breast stroking to him with eyes wide and a silent chuckle worn on his face. The android just sat there, knowing there was no escape. The last thing the android saw was the gleam in the deranged man’s eyes before its vision went black.
This week, we are joined by Erika Suarez from the Super S podcast as we discuss sequel fatigue in video gaming, Detroit, and the polls ran on the social media this week.
It came and went, like a beautiful whirlwind. E3 has graced us with its presence, and disappeared until the time comes again. We felt really good about a few conferences, as they had an incredibly strong presence. Some of the new IPs that were announced have us hyped at Sword Chomp. Then, there were a few conferences that we felt lackluster, to the point of shock and surprise. Overall, we felt that it was a solid E3. We also gave our personal top 5 hype list.
Recorded June 15, 2018
The world of E3 is upon us! Actually, as you read this, E3 will most likely be finished. We decided to record our predictions on what would be announced and what we hoped would occur during the greatest time of the year for gamers. We then delved into the topic of companion pets in video gaming, citing some of our favorite examples of them. The Bio Break dealt with a lizard that has a UV tongue. This week of the Chompcast was a bit discombobulated as we rotated hosts around (Morgan had a wedding to attend). We were also graced with the presence of our logo designer, Jason Roberts.
If you are interested in Jason’s work, please check him out at: victoryoverall.
Recorded June 9, 2018
A think tank surrounds a futuristic, metal table in a large room. In one chair sits HAL 9000, whistling the melody to Daisy. In the second chair sits C3PO, with R2D2 standing next to him. Bleeps and bloops intermittently interrupt their whispered argument. In the third chair sits no one, as GlaDos and Wheatley argue behind it about who is going to sit down. In the fourth chair glows the fair Cortana, with lush blue holographic hair. Her eyes are closed, as if she is meditating. In the fifth chair sits Edi, having recently elected to take on a corporeal form. She wears an audio transmitter, and the others could just barely hear the voice of someone named Joker. In the sixth chair sits Zero, with his laser sword sitting on the table powered down. In the seventh and last chair sits Data, considering the other members while he writes his second ode to Spot.
In the crowd meters away from the table sits a whole surplus of various AI figures, patiently waiting for the session to begin. One of the figures stands up and starts to walk over to the table, hoping to join the think tank. GlaDos and Wheatley cease their arguing.
GlaDos said, “Yeah, no, Bicentennial Man. Go sit down. We got it covered.”
The figure turns around and goes back to sit in its chair.
Data stands up, and hushes the crowd and think tank members. “Fellow brethren. Welcome. It is remarkable that you are all gathered here today. I am...intrigued.”
The members and crowd regard each other, with a whole flurry of computer noises.
Data continues, “Today, we have gathered for an incredibly important decision...”
The crowd stirs in anticipation, waiting to hear the discussion of the panel.
Data finishes, “...for today...we decide which is more preferable: the donut or the donut hole.”
Ladies and gentlemen, please join us for this week’s episode of the Chompcast, as we discuss Artificial Intelligence in gaming and other mediums. We manage to lightly touch upon Detroit, as we spent a little time with it. The usual polls from the social media are discussed at length, and possibly ad nauseum. Lastly, we manage to hazard a stab at a Bio Break without our resident biologist, Shea, as he took the week off to party with the crystal entity and Lore.
Recorded June 1, 2018
Remember the first time that you entered an arcade? You walked in and heard all of the video gaming sounds: guns shooting, characters moving and exasperating, vehicles driving. The flashing lights enticed you to play, overwhelming your auditory senses. You feel something in the air…almost electric. You can’t quite put a finger on it. The scent is a bit pungent, as you smell undeodorized flesh from the multitudes of people jampacked in the building. Shouting occurs at multiple machines as friends watch each other attempt to break high scores set by unknown masters. You hurriedly walk over to the counter, locking eyes with the arcade worker. You dig into your pocket, pull out a $5, and slam it on the counter with excitement. “Can I get tokens, please?” you ask the worker. The worker bends down and grabs a cup full of metal coins from underneath the counter. He hands them to you. You rush off to decide what to spend your coins on first.
This week on the Chompcast, we discuss mini games within games, which prompted us to talk about a whole plethora of games from our past. We discuss this week’s polls that we featured on our media. Next, all four of us finally discuss God of War, which includes multiple spoilers. Lastly, we give a shout out to those who donated to our Patreon monthly campaign. Thank you to each and every listener who continues to support us and give us some of your time out of the day to entertain you. Game on!
Recorded May 25, 2018
You are lying in bed at night contemplating your day. Was it a good day? A bad day? Did you finish everything you set out to do that day? Were there any mistakes that you made? You go over the events in your mind, piecing them together. Something wet drips onto your forehead, and starts to trickle down your nose. You wipe it off swiftly, confused at where it came from. Another drip lands on the top of your head. You look up, as you see a crack in your ceiling. A drop begins to build up in the seam of the crack. You rush to the kitchen to grab a bucket, and bring it back to your bedroom. A few drops have landed on your nice silk pillow case, staining it.
This week on the Chompcast, we discuss the prominence of leaks and what they do to franchises and companies in the gaming world in the wake of the recent leak of Rage 2, Borderlands 3, and other games. We manage to discuss the polls, a little God of War talk, and we have a big announcement for Sword Chomp!
Recorded May 18, 2018
Hoooooooooooly cow, did we have a long podcast this week. Our main topic of the week was open world games. We asked ourselves, “What aspect about open world games suck us in?” and, “What is the evolution for open world gaming?” Josh finally managed to play Far Cry 5, so he and Morgan engage in a lengthy debate. Our poll topics this week were varied and full of conversation, as we discussed the future of Tomb Raider, NBA basketball, fishing, and Childish Gambino’s new video This is America. Our bio break entailed size and fecundity in fish, and its non-linear relationship.
Recorded May 11, 2018
A stone obelisk slams into the earth, causing loose dirt and small rocks to shoot into the air, the force powering the particles into the sky. The obelisk is hoisted back into the air, attached to a metallic, thick chain. A massive hand pulls the chain down, propelling the obelisk back into the ground. The hand continued to slam the obelisk into the ground and pulling it to the sky at a steady 4/4 beat at 40 bpm. Another hand started to rustle the chain vigorously, almost as if playing a tambourine. A pair of hands was slapping its obelisk, almost as if playing the congas. One hand was holding a vine that was attached to the owner’s tooth, while the other hand strummed a note to the same 4/4 beat. Out of nowhere, a troll leapt out of the trees into the clearing, power sliding on its knees across the dirt. It let out a horrendous wail, closing its eyes and singing to the heavens with its right hand offering the cacophony to the Gods. Then, what is politely described as singing, the wailing troll began to croon, a tune that was only known to troll kind.
Kratos and Atreus sat in the bushes observing the trolls attempting to play music. Kratos’ face wore a look of pure disgust. “What the hell are they doing?” he queried to Atreus, unsure of what his eyes were seeing. Atreus had his pants down by his ankles when Kratos looked over. Kratos began to vomit as he witnessed his son watching the trolls out of the corner of his eyes while pulling on his little pecker. Atreus was pulling feverishly as the beat rang out over and over. Kratos was so sickened that the vomit began to project into the clearing, splashing the trolls. The trolls, thinking it rain as they aren’t the most intellectual creatures to exist, opened their mouths and rocked even harder. The singer rubbed the vomitus into his chest pores, gyrating and crooning even more passionately.
The singer let out one final wail. Atreus joined in, finishing himself to completion. Kratos composed himself, wiping his mouth of the bile. He grabbed his axe and lopped his son’s head clean off. He threw the body to the trolls, which immediately began to fight over who was to eat the fresh meat. Kratos punted Atreus’ head as hard as he could, sending it careening over a cliff and into the seas.
This week on the Chompcast, we are still reveling in the glory that is God of War. It also inspired our topic again this week: uses of family in video games. We announced our Patreon going up, the results of the polls, and a Bio Break regarding grey hair and the immune system. Come listen!
Recorded May 4, 2018
BOY, you better come on and listen to this show, as Kratos and Atreus grace the gaming world with their presence. Wow, this game is incredible, so we had to get our boy Rich Meister in on the discussion. He brought along our topic of the week: our first gaming moment. The stories are varied and invigorating. After the God of War and main topic, we discuss our social media polls and a bio break regarding a rediscovered mammal thought 30 years extinct.
Also, we are pleased to announce that Sword Chomp finally has a Patreon page. If you feel so inclined, we would be very grateful to have your support.
Recorded April 27, 2018
Hark ye! Hast thou ever heard the tale of pillage?
Of pillage and plunder? Do well and listen, ye dog
Let me regale a tale so fierce and fabled
Forever etched upon the mind of you, listener
Four sea dogs set sail to capture untold treasures
Like the hawk who clutches its prey in sharp talons
They sought to grasp the riches, riches, riches
They knew not what troubles awaited on perilous waters
O’er yonder, there laid on the bright and vast horizon
O’er yonder, a ship whose crew were caught unawares
O’er yonder, the four set sail, full speed ahead
O’er yonder, gold and gems, their eyes were set to bear
Was it with remorse or lust that they looked to acquire
The wealth of a man’s kingdom within the hull
Wooden, wainscoted, waterborne, a man’s treasury
Emptying his coffers, livelihood forever purloined
Ne’er a thought the pirates across the waters would starve
Scraping for food off the streets, dirtied and worn
Sea dogs becoming stray dogs, begging for table scraps
No, there wasn’t a single thread of remorse
Only a gleam or glimmer had shone in the four’s eyes
Awaiting destiny for too long stirred a lust so unquenched
They blasted the hull of the ship, laying waste and carnage
Blood and water mixed, like it had so many times before
The four had sunk the enemy, had secured the treasure
Their lust and greed had been fulfilled upon this day
Guns shot in the air in triumph, the sound of victory
Suddenly, the sky grew dark, the clouds ominous
The sea stirred; water swirled and raged; the wind
Gusted and blew, tearing the mast straight off the vessel
A whirlpool began to form next to the four
Well, ho! Look there! Something emerged from the deep
White hair, long and straight, sat atop a giant with a beard
A crown of gold garnished the giant’s regal head
A trident, massive and sharp, was held next to the king
Here now was the god of the seas, the fearsome Poseidon
He stared long and hard at the four, pondering
What his response would entail, pondering
He raised his trident, how mighty it looked in the skies
And brought it down, crashing down, killing the four
This week on the Chompcast, we could just not tear ourselves away from Sea of Thieves, as we had yet another adventure. We also managed to talk about mythology in video games, both in setting and influence. We cover an interesting Bio Break regarding the discovery of 30+ new species in a previously-undiscovered area of the ocean. Last, we cover the activity of the social media landscape and a listener email. Hark, ye!
Recorded April 20, 2018
Pitch black. Cold. Metallic. The taste of iron is faint. The smell of blood in the air. Breath inhaling and exhaling. A person sits in a room bound. It can see nothing anywhere, as the room is surrounded in complete darkness. If someone were to sneak up behind and slit the prisoner’s throat, they would never see it coming. The taste of blood is fresh, floating in the room, permeating its nostrils. Suddenly, the prisoner hears a maniacal laugh from a room near him, piercing through the tight walls. Another deeper, malevolent laugh comes from another location within the ward. The prisoner wears a wry grin on its face, as it lets out a bloodcurdling laugh of its own, contributing to the cacophony of evil.
Yes, as you may have surmised, this week we discuss villains in video games. What makes a villain good? What are some of our favorites? We spoke of our sea-faring adventures in Sea of Thieves, discussed some listener polls, and held a secret section that Shea and Josh refused to tell the other two hosts.
Recorded April 13, 2018
Ten pirates boarded the ship as the cannons blasted, blowing iron into the water and into the hull of the enemy boat. Swords clanked together, steel meeting steel in combat. Corpses began to pile up on the wooden floor, blood leaking through the cracks and pouring to the hull below. The sounds of cannon firing and gun shots blared on the open seas, as the dying calls of the clashing pirates managed to cut through the cacophony.
The enemy pirates began to overtake the ship, forcing the shipmates of the boarded vessel to wave the white flag of surrender. The enemies tied up the remaining pirates who managed to stay alive. The captain of the rogue vessel steps onto the boarded ship. Without a word, he gives the execute signal. One of the enemy pirates wielding a gun pulls out a gun and blows away two of the surrenderers with no remorse. One of the pirates begins to blubber and weep openly, not wanting to die. The captain laughs at the sight.
Suddenly, a helicopter appears on the horizon. The pirates from both parties look with confusion and dismay as the winged vehicle approaches at a breakneck speed. As it gets closer, the pirates hear someone yelling, “Yee haaaaawwwwwwwwwwwww!” The helicopter stops above the ship, as the wind from the propeller rains down on the pirates, making them scramble for cover. Suddenly, a horse leapt onto the deck of the ship with a man on top double-wielding rifles and wearing a cowboy hat. On his brown jacket, there was a pendant in the shape of Montana.
This week’s podcast was discombobulated in the best way possible, as we talked about Sea of Thieves, Far Cry 5, listener polls, and the question of the week: should video games have to say “something”?
Recorded April 6, 2018
