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Get ready to tattoo the number XIII on your memory banks (preferably not on your collarbone) as Play Comics dives into the cel-shaded, amnesia-riddled world of XIII – the video game adaptation that brought Jean Van Hamme’s acclaimed French graphic novel series to life on PS2, Xbox, and GameCube. This first-person shooter might be the only game where waking up on a beach with complete memory loss is just the beginning of your problems, not the end result of a gaming convention afterparty.

This week, we’re joined by the phenomenally talented Rob Duenas from the Sketchcraft YouTube channel, whose artistic prowess has graced everything from the hellish battlegrounds of “Spawn Kills Every Spawn” to beloved video game franchises like Crash Bandicoot and Overwatch. When Rob isn’t busy making comic pages look absolutely stunning or designing characters for your favorite games, he’s dropping knowledge bombs about art and creativity on his channel that would make even the most amnesia-addled protagonist remember how to hold a pencil.

Together, we’ll untangle the conspiracy-laden plot that had gamers frantically searching for their own identity while taking down government agents with stylized comic book “BANG!” and “BOOM!” sound effects popping up on screen. Was this 2003 cel-shaded shooter as revolutionary as its artistic style suggested, or did it wash up on gaming shores only to be quickly forgotten? Does the console version you played actually matter, or were the loading time differences just another conspiracy to keep Xbox owners feeling superior? And most importantly, how does a game based on a graphic novel series about a character who can’t remember who he is manage to create such memorable gameplay?

Grab your favorite tattered map with cryptic clues, practice your best “I have no idea who I am but I can somehow expertly use military weapons” face, and join us for an episode more twisty-turny than XIII’s plot itself!Continue Reading

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Hell hath no fury like a Hellspawn scorned, especially when that Hellspawn is leaping between platforms on your PlayStation 2! This week’s episode of Play Comics dives headfirst into the fiery pits of “Spawn Armageddon,” the video game that attempted to cram the first 99 issues of Todd McFarlane’s demonic anti-hero saga into button-mashing glory on PS2, Xbox, and GameCube. Chains will fly, capes will billow dramatically for no apparent reason, and we’ll answer the burning question: can any game truly capture the essence of a character who essentially told both Heaven and Hell to take a hike?

Joining us on this unholy quest is the supremely talented Rob Duenas from the Sketchcraft YouTube channel, whose pencil might actually be mightier than Spawn’s chains. When Rob isn’t dropping knowledge bombs about art techniques online, he’s busy creating jaw-dropping illustrations for comic books – including the mind-bending “Spawn Kills Every Spawn.” Yes folks, our guest has literally drawn Spawn murdering alternate versions of himself, which makes him uniquely qualified to judge a game where Spawn murders… well, pretty much everything else.

So grab your favorite necroplasm-infused beverage, wrap yourself in a sentient cape that definitely isn’t judging your choice of pajamas, and prepare for an episode more twisted than Violator’s family reunion. We’re diving deep into the 2003 gaming experience that asked the important question: “What if we gave the angriest character in comics a bunch of weapons and unleashed him in a world that looks suspiciously like the developer’s first attempt at a 3D environment?” The answer, dear listeners, involves a lot more jumping puzzles than anyone ever asked for.Continue Reading

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Prepare for takeoff, fellow gamers! This week on Play Comics, we’re blasting off into the world of Robotech: Battlecry, where you can pilot a Veritech fighter and save the universe while trying not to crash into your own nostalgia! Join us as we follow Jack Archer on his epic quest to defend Earth from those pesky Zentraedi, all while dodging missiles and mastering the art of transforming from jet to robot (and back again) without losing our lunch.

Joining the mission is none other than SP Rupert from The Gonna Geek Show, Legends of S.H.I.E.L.D. d Better Podcasting, and Artie’s Attic, bringing his signature wit and insight to help us navigate the skies of nostalgia and questionable early-2000s graphics. Will we earn our medals, or will the Zentraedi laugh us out of orbit? Tune in to find out! Or don’t, it’s not like you’re going to start an intergalactic space war or anything……..Continue Reading

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Grab your time-traveling bow and arrow, folks! It’s time to dive into the prehistoric playground of Turok: Evolution, the game that asked, “What if we took a beloved comic book series and cranked the dinosaur-blasting action up to 11?” Join us as we explore this Acclaim-produced, multi-console extravaganza that had gamers questioning whether they were playing as a noble warrior or just a really enthusiastic paleontologist with anger issues.

This episode features the talented Frank Martin, comic writer extraordinaire and master of crowdfunded creativity. He’ll help us navigate the treacherous terrain between comic panels and pixelated landscapes, all while dodging raptors and questioning the logic of futuristic weapons in a world where “cutting edge” usually refers to a particularly sharp rock.

So strap on your loincloth, polish your plasma rifle, and get ready to explore a game that’s part Jurassic Park, part quantum physics experiment gone wrong. Will Turok: Evolution stand the test of time, or will it go extinct faster than you can say “Cease and desist, dinosaur!”? Tune in to find out!Continue Reading

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Snikt! Bub, it’s time to sharpen those adamantium claws and dive into the convoluted world of X2: Wolverine’s Revenge! This week on Play Comics we’re slashing our way through a game that’s as confusing as Wolverine’s own backstory.

Join us as we unravel the mysteries of this peculiar title that’s supposedly based on X2: X-Men United but seems to have more in common with a fever dream induced by too much Canadian beer. We’ll explore how this hack-and-slash adventure managed to claw its way onto the GameCube, PS2, Xbox, and even the tiny screen of the Game Boy Advance.

Joining us on this wild ride is none other than Matt Storm from the “Fun” and Games podcast. Together we’ll dissect this game faster than Wolverine’s healing factor, examining everything from Mark Hamill’s gravelly voice work to the inexplicable absence of Hugh Jackman’s luscious locks.

So grab your favorite yellow spandex, pour yourself a glass of maple syrup, and get ready to rage! This episode is about to go berserker!Continue Reading

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Dive into the depths of gaming nostalgia with this week’s episode of Play Comics, where we’re making waves with “Aquaman: Battle for Atlantis”! Grab your tridents and prepare for a splash of humor as we explore this Xbox and GameCube gem that’s more waterlogged than a sponge in a tsunami.

Our special guest, Anne Brennaman from The Comics Collective podcast, joins us to help navigate the choppy waters of this aquatic adventure. Together, we’ll uncover how the game drew inspiration from Peter David’s legendary run on Aquaman Vol 5, proving that even the King of Atlantis can’t escape the siren call of ’90s comic book glory.

So, put on your best scale-mail armor and get ready to plumb the depths of this fishy tale. Will it be a pearl of gaming wisdom or just another barnacle on the hull of superhero game history? Tune in to find out – and remember, friends don’t let friends play underwater without a buddy system!Continue Reading

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Ladies and gentlemen, brace yourselves for a super-powered episode of Play Comics that’ll have you faster than a speeding bullet and more powerful than a locomotive! This week, we’re diving into the pixelated world of “Superman: The Man of Steel” for Xbox, a game that’s more connected to the comics than Lois Lane is to trouble.

Joining us on this Kryptonian adventure is none other than Doc Issues from Capes on the Couch, here to analyze whether this entry in Superman’s mixed bag of gaming endeavors is a heroic triumph or a Kryptonite-level disaster. We’ll explore how this game draws inspiration from the contemporary Superman comics, with a special focus on the “Superman: Y2K” storyline that turned Metropolis into a futuristic wonderland faster than you can say “Great Caesar’s ghost!”

So grab your cape, adjust your glasses, and get ready to leap tall buildings in a single bound as we uncover whether this Xbox title is truly worthy of the Man of Steel’s iconic ‘S’ shield. It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s… another episode of Play Comics!Continue Reading

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Cowabunga dudes! Grab your nunchucks and order a pizza because we’re diving shell-first into the radical world of the 2003 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles video game! This gnarly beat ’em up brought the heroes in a half-shell to GameCube, Game Boy Advance, PS2, and Xbox faster than you can say “Turtle Power!”

Join us as we team up with Isaac Fisher from Definitive Film to dissect this game like Donatello dissects a circuit board. Isaac’s currently knee-deep in mutagen, working on a bodacious documentary called TMNT: Evolution, Mutation, & Reboot chronicling 40 years of TMNT history with the rest of the team at Definitive Film. So strap in, because this episode is gonna be more action-packed than a showdown with the Shredder in a pizza parlor!Continue Reading

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Holy podcast, Batman! This week on Play Comics we’re diving into the shadowy world of Gotham with a game that’s as elusive as the Riddler’s puzzles and as intense as a Batmobile chase. Get ready to explore Batman: Rise of Sin Tzu, a game that swooped onto the PS2, Xbox, Gamecube, and Game Boy Advance bringing with it a whirlwind of caped crusading action with an original story set in the legendary world of Batman: The Animated Series.

Joining us once again is the Dark Knight of comic book gaming knowledge, Blair Farrell from Comic Book Video Games. Blair’s back in the Batcave to help us unravel the mysteries of this unique title and its connections to the animated world of Gotham’s finest. Is Sin Tzu the villain we never knew we needed, or just another face in the rogues’ gallery? Tune in to find out and maybe learn a Bat-fact or two along the way!

So grab your utility belt and prepare for a night in Gotham like no other. Whether you’re a seasoned Bat-fan or just here for the gadgets and gizmos, this episode promises to be a bat-tastic adventure you won’t want to miss!Continue Reading

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Holy glitchy gameplay, Batman! In this electrifying episode of Play Comics, we’re diving deep into the murky waters of Batman: Dark Tomorrow, the Gamecube and Xbox game that had fans scratching their heads and controllers flying across the room. Based on the contemporary Batman comics of its time, this game had all the makings of a classic—dark, brooding atmosphere, a complex storyline, and our favorite caped crusader. But did it live up to the hype, or did it fall into the depths of Gotham’s sewers?

Joining us on this bat-tastic journey is none other than Robert Fitton from the Storymoders podcast. Robert brings his storytelling expertise to help us unravel the tangled web of this game’s narrative and mechanics. Get ready for a rollercoaster of laughs, insights, and maybe a few bat-signals of distress as we explore what went right and oh-so-wrong with Batman: Dark Tomorrow. Buckle up, Bat-fans—this is one episode you won’t want to miss!
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Brace yourselves comic connoisseurs and gaming geeks for an episode that will have you questioning reality itself! In this multiversal misadventure we delve into the depths of X-Men Next Dimension, a game that dared to challenge the boundaries of the comic book universe.

But wait, there’s more! We’ve got a special guest star joining us on this cosmic crusade – the one and only Lex W from the Wednesday Toast podcast! Prepare to be dazzled by his wit, charm, and encyclopedic knowledge of all things mutant-related.

As we navigate through the Operation Zero Tolerance storyline, we’ll uncover the secrets behind this dimension-hopping extravaganza. From mind-bending plot twists to jaw-dropping gameplay mechanics, no stone will be left unturned in our quest for truth, justice, and the ultimate gaming experience.

So grab your controllers, strap on your adamantium seatbelts, and get ready for a wild ride through the annals of X-Men history. This episode is sure to leave you questioning your own reality – or at least wondering why you didn’t invest in a Cerebro helmet sooner.

Excelsior, true believers! The adventure awaits!Continue Reading

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It all comes back to Spider-Man doesn’t it? The cultural saturation of the character in a lot of English speaking societies. The relatable nature of the character (and to be perfectly honest, most of the Spider people characters). The fact that the first Spider-Man trilogy was the first thing since the 90s Batman movies to really hit such a mainstream audience is no coincidence.

So how do we get a look at what Spider-Man means to people? Oh, I don’t know, maybe get a guest like Keifer from Select and Start to come and give us a look at what both this 2004 game and the movie that it ties in with? Yeah, that seems like a good idea. I should pat myself on the back for doing exactly that.Continue Reading

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Batman is one of the most well know superheroes around despite the fact that he’s not really a superhero when you break the term down. Don’t care, still love him. And that little used fact in games where he’s a pretty good detective.

Good thing we have Matt and Thad from Making Nerds Cringe here to help unravel the mystery of Batman Vengeance. Listen in as we take a look at this Batman the Animated Series (?) inspired game and all the fun that goes with it.Continue Reading

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Movie tie in games get fun. Do you have someone play the movie and they know everything that should be happening? Or do you have a movie tie in game that tries to go beyond the movie and risk making something that people don’t like? And does it matter if it’s a super successful everyone in the world has seen it movie vs more of a niche film?

We’re taking a stab at those questions and more when Adam Reck from Battle of the Atom stops by the show to talk Blade 2 for the PS2 and Xbox.Continue Reading

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Time to get this one out of the way. This podcast exists because of X-Men. The most requested game for people to be a guest for are X-Men games. Specifically it’s this one. What some people would say is “the perfect X-Men game” and I’ve heard this from many many people.

Listen in as Zack Jenkins from ComicxXF comes to finally talk about the game that everyone has been waiting for. X-Men Legends 2.Continue Reading

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X-Men. It’s the reason I started this podcast. It’s the comic series that people ask me about the most for coming on the show. And they just never disappoint because there are about a billion different reasons why people have gotten into them and why they love them. So what’s wrong with another look?

If you ask Kevin Newburn, nothing at all. Which is great because that would have made for a really awkward episode if he didn’t think that these mutants were worth another look.

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The world of comics and games, as evidenced by the existence of this podcast, have a decent amount of crossover. But a game where you introduce a whole new team to an already established universe? And have a tie in comic? That’s got to be pretty rare, right?

Listen in as Robert Secundus from Comics XF comes on the show to help take a look at Marvel Nemesis Rise of the Imperfects.Continue Reading

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No matter what you want to think, the Ang Lee Hulk film exists. And there’s a game to go with it. Yup, it’s a movie tie in game and we all know how those were back in the day.

Or do we? Listen in as Josh Sutton from Panels to Pixels takes a stab at convincing you that not only is this a good movie to go watch, but it’s also not a horrible game to go with it.Continue Reading

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This is what the rest of the Capcom fighters focusing on Marvel characters was all leading to. One of the greatest fighting games ever made. The reason to own a Dreamcast. The epic mashup of two legendary companies that has no reason to exist in this world but does anyway.

Listen in as Trent Seely from Continuity Nod comes to talk about what is possibly one of the best games every made. Period. End of discussion.Continue Reading

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Spider-Man, we just can’t get away from him can we? Not that I’m complaining, he’s a popular character for a reason. This time around joing Chris and Kieran Shiach as they talk about the second Toby McGuire Spider-Man film and the game that came out alongside it. Yeah, we’re cheating a bit and jumping ahead. I think we’ll survive just this once.Continue Reading