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Attention, digital duelists and pixel-punching prodigies! Prepare to digivolve your eardrums as Play Comics takes a nostalgia-fueled dive into the arena of Digimon Rumble Arena on the PlayStation 1. This episode is more loaded than Agumon after a spicy curry feast!

Joining us in this byte-sized battle royale is none other than Derek B Gayle, the podcast polymath behind such hard hitting podcasts on the Glitterjaw Queer Podcast Collective such as Gimmicks, Walloping Websnappers, Lee Carvallo’s Podding Challenge, Skreeonk!, Falling with Style, and probably a few more shows he’s cooked up while you were reading this sentence. Together, we’ll explore how this fighting game adaptation captured the essence of the Digimon anime faster than you can say “Prodigious!”

So grab your Digivice, dust off that PS1 memory card, and get ready to rumble through this electrifying episode. Will Digimon Rumble Arena prove to be the champion of anime game adaptations, or will it get sent back to the Digital World? Tune in to find out – it’s time to digi-modify your podcast playlist!Continue Reading

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Hold onto your enchanted joysticks, pixel pilgrims! This week’s Play Comics episode is diving headfirst into the glorious chaos of SpellCaster—the Sega Master System gem that’s part Buddhist demon-hunting simulator, part side-scrolling magic blaster, and 100% “why is there a cybernetic samurai in medieval Japan?” energy.

Joining us in this dimension-hopping debacle is none other than SegaMasterTim, the human encyclopedia of 8-bit obscurities, here to help untangle a game so bizarre it makes Twin Peaks look like a PBS documentary.

Based on the Kujaku Ō manga (Peacock King for us non-manga scholars), SpellCaster serves up more genre mashups than a Sega CD compilation disc. Spoiler alert: There’s a first-person adventure segment where you’ll TAKE SWORD, TALK TO GHOST, and question every life choice that led you here.

Strap in for hot takes, FM synth jams, and Tim’s valiant attempt to explain why Sega thought “Let’s make Mystic Defender next!” was a logical sequel pitch. No sacred temples were harmed in the making of this podcast…probably.Continue Reading

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Attention, pixel pugilists and manga maniacs! Prepare to have your mind blown faster than you can say “Omae wa mou shindeiru” because Play Comics is about to unleash a Genesis gem that’ll make your thumbs twitch with nostalgia. We’re diving headfirst into the post-apocalyptic world of Last Battle, a game that’s more thinly veiled than a sumo wrestler in a tutu when it comes to its connection to Fist of the North Star.

Joining us on this journey through radioactive wastelands and questionable localization choices is none other than Chris Brown, animator extraordinaire and head of education at a cartoon museum. With his encyclopedic knowledge of all things animated, Chris will help us separate the wheat from the chaff, or in this case, the Kenshiro from the Aarzak.

So grab your favorite energy-restoring meat, practice your best “ATATATATATA!” battle cry, and get ready to press start on an episode that’s sure to leave you seeing pressure points. It’s time to explore a game where the only thing more explosive than the gameplay is the spontaneous combustion of your enemies!Continue Reading

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Krillin’ it softly, podcast lovers! It’s time to dust off your Game Boy Advance and charge up your Ki for an episode so epic, it’ll make Frieza cry for his momma! We’re diving into The Legacy of Goku 1 & 2, where pixels meet power levels and button mashing meets “But I haven’t even reached my final form!”

But wait, what’s that? Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it’s the legendary Troytle Power from TroytlePower Presents: The Power Play-Throughs Podcast, with TroytlePower and Too Young For This Trek, swooping in like Goku on a Flying Nimbus! He’s flying solo today, leaving his Too Young for this Trek co-pilots behind – probably stuck in a time chamber or something.

Get ready to laugh harder than Buu at a pie-eating contest as we dissect these Dragon Ball-inspired handheld adventures. Will Troytle’s power level be high enough to handle our intense scrutiny? Or will he need to fuse with the nearest inanimate object to survive our witty banter? Tune in to find out in this episode that’s more unpredictable than Vegeta’s mood swings!

So grab your favorite dragon radar, set your scouter to “fun,” and prepare for a podcast experience that’s more satisfying than finding all seven Dragon Balls. It’s Play Comics time, and we’re about to go full Kaio-ken on these Game Boy Advance classics!Continue Reading

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Lace up your cleats and dust off your NES cartridges because this week’s Play Comics is kicking off with a real goal-scorer! We’re diving headfirst into the pixelated pitch of Tecmo Cup Soccer Game, the NES classic that’s more RPG than FIFA. Join us as we explore this 8-bit reimagining of the beloved Captain Tsubasa manga, where special moves are more powerful than Pelé’s right foot and every match is a turn-based tactical showdown.

And who’s that coming onto the pitch? Oh sweet we’re joined by the incomparable Luke Herr from D’OhMance Dawn, who’s here to add some romantic flair to our soccer shenanigans. Will Luke score a hat-trick of puns? Can our host avoid getting a red card for excessive enthusiasm? And just how many soccer metaphors can we cram into one episode? Tune in to find out!

So grab your controller, warm up those thumbs, and get ready to shout “GOOOOOAAAAAL!” at your podcast app. It’s time to see if Tecmo Cup Soccer Game lives up to its manga roots or if it’s just playing offside with our nostalgia. Let’s kick off this episode!Continue Reading

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Welcome to another episode of Play Comics, where we shuffle the deck of video game adaptations and draw a card from the past! This week we’re diving into the world of Yu-Gi-Oh! The Duelists of the Roses, a game that takes the historical British War of the Roses and gives it a fantastical twist through the lens of the Yu-Gi-Oh! manga. Imagine Richard III and Henry Tudor not as mere historical figures, but as duelists with decks full of monsters and magic!

Joining us for this epic clash of history and fantasy is the illustrious Michael Bivens from Quest for 5 and Alcove. Michael brings his unique perspective and a flair for the dramatic as we explore how this PlayStation 2 classic blends card battles with royal intrigue. Whether you’re a fan of history, card games, or just love a good mash-up, this episode is sure to entertain and enlighten.

So grab your Millennium Puzzle and prepare for a duel of epic proportions! Will the Yorkists or the Lancastrians claim victory in this card-based battlefield? Tune in to find out, and maybe you’ll learn a trick or two to use in your next duel.Continue Reading

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Ready your decks and shuffle those cards, because this episode of Play Comics is about to take you on a wild ride through the pixelated world of Yu-Gi-Oh! Join us as we dive deep into the Game Boy Advance classics Eternal Duelist Soul and The Sacred Cards. These games are based on the legendary manga that taught us all how to dramatically shout “It’s time to duel!” without any hint of irony.

This week, we’re not just drawing cards—we’re drawing in the expertise of the one and only David Arnold! You might know him from his insightful and hilarious takes on Are You My Mother? and Gimmicks. David’s here to help us navigate the labyrinth of duels, traps, and monster summons, all while keeping our life points intact.

Expect a whirlwind of witty banter, nostalgic nods, and perhaps a few too many references to the heart of the cards. Whether you’re a seasoned duelist or just here for the laughs, this episode promises to be a critical hit. So, grab your Duel Disk, tune in, and let’s see if we can summon some podcast magic!Continue Reading

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Greetings, fellow Play Comics aficionados and Dragon Ball Z fanatics! It’s time to power up your ki and get ready for an adventure unlike any other. We’re diving headfirst into the wild world of the Dragon Ball Z Collectible Card Game on the Game Boy Advance, and trust us, it’s going to be a blast!

But wait, there’s more! Joining us on this epic journey is the one and only Kyle Billie from The Rad(io) Shorts podcast. With his wicked sense of humor and infectious enthusiasm, we know Kyle will bring a whole new level of fun and excitement to our exploration of this classic card game. Just imagine the shenanigans we’ll get into as we battle it out with our favorite characters and try to outsmart each other with clever strategies.

So, whether you’re a seasoned card game pro or a die-hard Dragon Ball Z fan, you won’t want to miss this episode. Get ready to laugh, strategize, and reminisce about the good old days of portable gaming. It’s going to be a wild ride, and we’re thrilled to have you along for the journey!Continue Reading

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Get ready to dive into the pixelated mystique of the Sega Genesis era as we unleash the power of Mystic Defender on this episode of Play Comics!

In this electrifying installment, we team up with the dynamic Phil Keeling from Pixel Lit to unravel the secrets and thrills behind the classic Sega Genesis game Mystic Defender. Brace yourselves for a riveting conversation that delves into the captivating world of gaming nostalgia, where pixels come to life, and wizards wield unimaginable powers.

Phil Keeling, a connoisseur of gaming narratives and pixelated wonders, brings his expertise to the forefront as we explore the enchanting realm of Mystic Defender. From spellbinding visuals to the mesmerizing hold this had on his childhood despite not having a single clue as to where it came from, we’ll dissect many aspects that makes this Sega Genesis game one that you probably want to go check out. Because most likely, you didn’t check it out back in the day.

Whether you’re a seasoned Mystic Defender veteran or a curious gamer looking to step into the past, this episode promises insights, anecdotes, and a touch of nostalgia that will transport you to the golden age of 16-bit gaming. So plug in those headphones, hit play, and prepare for a journey through pixels, magic, and the unforgettable legacy of Mystic Defender!Continue Reading

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Greetings, fellow gamers and digital explorers! Today, we’re strapping on our Digi-Devices and venturing into the world of Digimon – because why catch ’em all when you can DIGITIZE ’em all? W e’re peeling back the nostalgic layers of the PlayStation classic, Digimon World 2. A game where the monsters are digital, the challenges are real, and the memory card space is always at a premium. But wait, there’s more! We’re not content with just battling in virtual arenas and exploring digital dungeons. At least not by ourselves.

Joining us on this wild Digivolutionary ride is none other than Andrew Young, cohost of the podcast Behold! This gaming aficionado is here to share his insights, drop some knowledge bombs, and maybe even settle the age-old debate of Agumon vs. Gabumon. Brace yourselves, because we’re about to unravel the digital mysteries, level up our nostalgia, and possibly discover if Digimon ever learned to change a lightbulb.Continue Reading

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Get ready for a dragon duel of epic proportions! In this corner, we have Dragon Power, the janky NES game that tried and failed to cash in on Dragonball mania. And in this corner, we have the original Dragonball manga, which captures all the absurdity and excitement that Dragon Power completely whiffed on! Let’s get ready to ruuuuumble!

Please give a warm, silly welcome to our special guest judge for today’s podcast, the one and only Kyle “Game Genie” Federline! When he’s not dropping hot takes on the K&K Indie Gaming podcast, Kyle spends his time teaching his kids about the wonders of games from his childhood and trying to find gaming’s biggest hidden gems in the indie scene. Get ready as Kyle lends his unique blend of gaming wisdom and snark to judge today’s retro showdown!Continue Reading

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Sometimes things get missed. Like not realizing that a game is based on a comic. Or missing an NES game because you didn’t realize that a game was based on a comic. I know it’s a shock that I could miss something. Or an entire country can miss out on a wonderful franchise that you’d think would be a great fit if only people would know it existed and could give it a chance.

Good thing I have Doc Issues here from Capes on the Couch to help fix that mistake as we take a look at M.U.S.C.L.E. and the Kinnikuman manga that really should have been a hit over here but for some reason wasn’t because “Americans won’t get it” or something silly like that.Continue Reading

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Yu-Gi-Oh is something I never really got into growing up. Or now for that matter since I’ve gotten into some things now that I should have gotten into when I was younger. Although I was kind of around it since I was into Pokemon and Magic: the Gathering so it’s not a totally 100% new thing to me. Plus the memes.

Good thing I somehow convinced Luke Herr to come back for another session of “Luke Explains Things To Chris that Chris Should Already Know About.” This time he takes on Yu-Gi-Oh and a combo shot of games in Forbidden Memories and Dark Duel Stories. Will we be trapped in the shadow realm for attempting this? Only one way to find out!Continue Reading

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Digging back into the NES days with this one because I somehow missed it. Which in a weird way makes sense because I don’t think anybody that I knew back in the day would have known that Destiny of an Emperor was based on a manga. Or even what a manga was for that matter, but that’s a different issue.

Good thing we have Joey DiCarlo from So Wizard here to help take a look at this early NES RPG. Because we’re both old and can appreciate this one for what it is without wondering why it doesn’t have the sensibilities of a PS4 game.Continue Reading

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Eventually we had to take a look at the world of kids and little monsters that fight. For a lot of people this was their first foray into the world of manga and anime. But we didn’t know that, and we probably wouldn’t have cared at all if we did. There were kids just like us that got to play around with these amazing creatures that we all wish we could have as a pet.

That’s right, we’re talking Digimon with Michael Shea from The Basement Lounge about that show I definitely didn’t try to make you think was that other anime about monsters fighting each other. Which I’m realizing now doesn’t narrow things down enough at all.Continue Reading

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Sometimes calling something a game is a rather strong use of the word. Especially when you’re looking at it through American eyes. Double especially back in the early to mid 1990s when we just didn’t really have the concept of visual novels over here.

Listen in as Nick Weaver, creator of the Thumbles comic on Webtoon, joins the show to help take a look at a portion of the gaming medium that we didn’t have much context for based on a manga that we also didn’t have much context for over on this side of the world.Continue Reading

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These days when a series is based all around fighting and punching people in the face it’s a surprise when there isn’t a fighting game to go along with it. But did you know that there was a time when Street Fighter II hadn’t come out yet? And that people were making fighting games before it?

Listen in as Andrew Mecha Davis from Popanimecomics joins the show to help take a look at Fist of the North Star 10 Big Brawls for the King of the Universe to help solve the mystery of why this anime hasn’t been bigger in the US. And possibly set a new record for longest Play Comics episode title. I’m too lazy to actually go check on that one though, it just feels right.Continue Reading

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Post apocalyptic mayhem. New societies and population groups popping up and insisting that they are living the right way. The power struggle between might and right. Giant weaponized vehicles storming across the desert sands. OK, maybe not that last one, but what do I know?

Good thing I have Jordan Forbes from Shonen Flop to help me out with a look at Fist of the North Star on NES. Listen in as we look at yet another game that should have been featured earlier in the run of the show but I just didn’t know it was based on a comic so we’re making up for it now.
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It’s not often that I’ve seen a comic really follow along an entire family tree. Maybe a bit down the line but generation after generation after generation after….. well, you get the idea. Too bad I’m not a expert on the Jostar family legacy.

Good thing David Weinburger from Shonen Flop who thankfully is all over this one. Things will probably get a bit bizarre.Continue Reading

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Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z were the introduction to anime for a ton of people my age. So imagine how cool it must have been to finally have a game of it? And a fighter at that! What could possibly go wrong?

Listen in as Luke Herr from Multiversal Q, Exiled, and RPG Pals Club comes on the show to talk about the first Dragon Ball Z game made that came out in North America, but not the first one that came out in North America. Don’t worry the craziness is just getting started.Continue Reading

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Here comes Speed Racer racing around the track. But he’s got the the Car Acrobatic Team hot on his tail. Can Speed make it around the curve and onto the finish line without getting caught?

Micah Ulmer joins the show to help find out where exactly Speed got his origins and all kinds of cool things that show this franchise is more than just that anime you saw when you were 6.Continue Reading