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Welcome back, intrepid trainers and portable pixel pioneers! This week on Play Comics, we’re diving headfirst into the magical world where handheld gaming meets manga madness with Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen for the Game Boy Advance – those delightful remakes that proved sometimes going back to where it all began is exactly what the Pokédex ordered. Released in 2004, these Kanto classics didn’t just give us shiny new graphics and wireless trading capabilities; they spawned an entire manga adaptation that turned Red, Blue, and Green’s adventures into something far more dramatic than “gotta catch ’em all” – think more along the lines of “gotta survive mysterious vortexes and Team Rocket’s Three Beasts while somehow not getting turned to stone”.

Speaking of adventures, we’re absolutely thrilled to have Connor joining us for this episode – yes, the same Connor from my local comic shop who has somehow managed to convince me that I need every single variant cover, limited edition, and “exclusive” release that walks through his door. Connor’s wallet-draining superpowers are matched only by his encyclopedic knowledge of both gaming and comics, making him the perfect guide for our journey through the FireRed & LeafGreen saga that spans both pixels and panels.

So grab your Game Boy Advance, dust off those manga volumes, and prepare for an episode that’s more engaging than trying to catch a shiny Pokémon while Connor whispers sweet nothings about the latest Batman #1 variant in your ear. We’ll explore how faithful the manga stayed to the gaming experience, whether adding interdimensional drama actually improved the “become the very best” formula, and why sometimes the best way to revisit a classic is to completely reimagine what “classic” means in the first place.Continue Reading

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Prepare your beam sabers and polish your Zaku helmets-this episode of Play Comics is about to launch straight into the Universal Century! We’re diving headfirst into the PS2 classic Mobile Suit Gundam: Federation vs Zeon, where the only thing more intense than the space battles is trying to pronounce “RX-78-2” three times fast.

Joining the fray is none other than Derek Van Dyke from Super Deluxe GamesCast and Castle Bravo, who’s here to help us decide once and for all: Is it better to fight for the Federation, or is life just more fun in a mono-eyed mobile suit? Expect hot takes, cooler mobile suits, and at least one attempt to dodge a colony drop with nothing but sheer podcasting bravado.

So grab your joystick, pick a side, and get ready for a barrage of wit, wisdom, and way too many references to Newtypes. The One Year War has never sounded this entertaining.Continue Reading

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This week on Play Comics, we’re taking you on a high-speed tour through Mobile Suit Gundam: Encounters in Space, a PS2 classic that’s equal parts thrilling dogfight simulator and love letter to Universal Century lore. From piloting iconic mobile suits to reenacting pivotal battles from the One Year War, this game has everything a Gundam fan could ask for—except ground-based combat (but hey, who needs dirt when you’ve got asteroids?).

Joining us for this cosmic adventure is George from Shortbox Summary, who brings his signature wit and deep knowledge of pop culture to the discussion. Together, we’ll explore what makes Encounters in Space stand out among Gundam games, share our favorite moments from its sprawling story modes, and maybe even speculate about Zeon’s questionable interior design choices. Strap in—it’s going to be a bumpy ride through the stars!Continue Reading

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Attention, pixel-pushing pals and manga maniacs! Prepare to embark on a thrilling journey through the digital pages of gaming history as we dive into the world of The Mafat Conspiracy, the NES sequel to Golgo 13: Top Secret Episode. This episode of Play Comics is locked and loaded with more action than Duke Togo’s sniper rifle!

We’re joined by the legendary Dean Guadagno from The Video Game Library, who’s here to help us unravel the mysteries of this 8-bit espionage extravaganza. Get ready to dodge bullets, navigate 3D mazes, and race Ferraris as we explore how the world’s deadliest assassin made his mark on Nintendo’s beloved console.

So grab your favorite controller, adjust your scope, and get ready to infiltrate the Mafat Revolutionary Group’s hideout. It’s time to discover if The Mafat Conspiracy lives up to its manga roots or if it’s just another case of pixel propaganda. Let’s dive in, agents!Continue Reading

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Welcome back to another thrilling episode of Play Comics! This week, we’re diving headfirst into the time-warping, demon-slaying world of InuYasha: A Feudal Fairy Tale, the PlayStation classic that brought the beloved manga and anime series to the gaming console. Get ready for a journey through feudal Japan, where sacred jewels and half-demons reign supreme.

But hold onto your sacred arrows, because we’ve got a special treat for you! Joining us today is the multi-talented Josh Wells, the creative force behind Character Wells and part of the new audio drama series set in the DC universe, The Mortalverse. Josh brings his unique perspective and boundless enthusiasm to our discussion, making this an episode you won’t want to miss.

Whether you’re a die-hard InuYasha fan or a newcomer to the series, this episode is packed with insights, laughs, and a touch of nostalgia. So grab your Tessaiga, tune in, and join us on this feudal fairy tale adventure!Continue Reading

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Welcome back, fellow mecha maniacs, to another electrifying episode of Play Comics! This week, we’re strapping into our mobile suits and diving headfirst into the pixelated battlefield of Gundam Wing: Endless Duel on the Super Famicom. Prepare for a high-octane journey through the cosmos as we dissect this classic fighting game based on the legendary Mobile Suit Gundam franchise.

But wait, there’s more! We’re thrilled to announce the return of our dynamic duo of guests, the incomparable Billy and the ever-enthusiastic Erinn! These two are back by popular demand, ready to share their insights, banter, and perhaps a few heated debates about their favorite Gundam pilots and mobile suits.

Billy is a seasoned fighting game player who has mastered the intricacies of Endless Duel’s combat system, while Erinn is a die-hard Gundam fan with an encyclopedic understanding of the series’ lore and mecha designs. Together, they bring a unique perspective to the discussion, blending gameplay analysis with a genuine appreciation for the source material. Their chemistry and friendly banter are sure to keep the conversation engaging and entertaining throughout the episode.Continue Reading

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Attention all Gundam fanatics and mech maniacs! Today we’re blasting off into the cosmos with Mobile Suit Gundam Zeonic Front for the PlayStation 2!

Joining us is none other than Scott Wachter from the wildly popular podcast The Recap From Mercury. Scott’s expertise lies in overanalyzing obtuse science fiction plots, so he’s the perfect wingman to navigate the tangled narrative threads of the One Year War.

Will the valiant Federation pilots emerge victorious against the dastardly Zeon forces? Can any of us mere mortals comprehend the sheer scale of these titanic mech battles? And is Scott prepared to have his mind blown by the sheer excess of beam spam?

Strap in tight and get ready for rocket-powered robot rampage as we go full psyco gundam on Zeonic Front! The battlefield drama awaits…just try not to get caught in the crossfire. Over and out, soldiers!

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Hey there, fellow Gundam fanatics and Play Comics aficionados! Get ready to power up your mechs and dive into the wild world of Gundam Battle Assault 2, the classic PS1 game that has us all itching for some intense mecha showdowns. And who better to join us on this epic journey than our returning guest, the one and only Billy, who’s graced us with his presence on previous episodes like X-Men Mutant Academy, Ghost in the Shell, Turok 2, and Batman and Robin?

But let’s be real, folks. This time around, it’s all about giant robots duking it out in epic battles that would make even the most hardened Gundam fan swoon. And with Billy’s expert insights and witty banter, we’re sure to have a blast exploring every nook and cranny of this classic game.

So strap in, get ready to activate your beam sabers, and let’s dive into the world of Gundam Battle Assault 2!Continue Reading

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This week we’re blasting off into outer space to take a look back at the classic PS1 fighting game Gundam Battle Assault. Released in North America in 2000, this game brought the action-packed combat of the popular Gundam anime franchise to PlayStation gamers.

Our special guest this episode is Karrington Martin from the fantastic K&K Indie Gaming Corner podcast. Karrington is a huge Gundam fan and will provide expert insight into the lore behind the game’s mobile suits and storylines. We’ll discuss how Gundam was a part of his life growing up and how the timing of the North American release made for some interesting thoughts.

From the slower than you’d expect paced arcade-style gameplay to the impressively animated sprite work, Gundam Battle Assault was a technical marvel on the PlayStation. We’ll analyze the combat mechanics, graphics, and modes that made it a classic among mech fighting games. And we’ll debate where it ranks among other Gundam games and mech fighters on the original PlayStation.

So power up your beam sabers and launch your verniers because we’re taking control of some epic Gundams today with our guest Karrington Martin! Strap in and enjoy this action-packed episode of Play Comics!Continue Reading

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Spy stories are spy stories. And yet we still love them. There’s just something about spies that sits well in our hearts. Because in the end, spy stories are about an individual overcoming a situation where everything is stacked against them. So while spy stories might have a lot of the same elements running through them, there’s a big variety in how those elements are used and woven in and out of each other.

Listen in as Cory Byrd from Byrds Eye View Comics helps to take a look at Golgo 13 Top Secret Episode. We discuss his connection to the Japanese culture, manga in general, and Golgo 13 means in the grand scheme of history.

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It’s the year [insert future year here] and mankind has probably destroyed the Earth because of course they did. How did we/they get here/there? Don’t know, and there’s a ton of lore to figure out before we can know what happened. War is a mess y’all. It’s not like you can just read a few books and know exactly what happened.

Good thing we have my friend Erinn here to help sort things out. Listen in as we try to make sense of, well, everything in the Gundam universes and probably miss some things because there’s so much of it and we only have so much show to talk about it in.Continue Reading

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Sometimes I just get confused when it comes to localization decisions. Why can’t we get the manga license with our games? Did they think we wouldn’t like a plane based shooter because it had a comic with it that we didn’t recognize?

Good thing that I have Steampunk Link and Emmy Zero from SNEScapades here to help straighten things up. Listen in as we try to solve this and other mysterious aspects of this early SNES Era gem.

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One of the things that I like about anime (and manga probably too if I’d consistently read it) is magical realism. There’s just something cool about a world where paper animals can be brought to life or dragons are real or things like that and it’s not a big deal. Or where people can fall into a haunted spring and get transformed if they’re hit with the right, or wrong, temperature of water.

Listen in as Steampunk Link from SNEScapades comes on the show to talk about this game about a crazy manga where people switch genders and turn into animals nobody seems to really care about anything except literally fighting over a girl before school. Except the teachers, they don’t care at all.Continue Reading