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In episode 14 of "Backwards Compatible: A Generation 'S' Podcast," my good friend Derek Taylor joins me as Lou takes the night off. Together, we delve into the stealthy world of "Metal Gear Solid," released in September 1998. A groundbreaking title on the PlayStation, "Metal Gear Solid" wasn't just a game; it was a cinematic journey, marking my first experience with a two-disc game. I remember my initial approach was all wrong—I tried to beat up all the enemies, only to realize hand-to-hand combat wasn't going to cut it. This challenge was what sparked my love for stealth games.

We discuss the emotional and cinematic impact of the game, reminiscing about the innovative fourth wall breaks, like having to switch controller ports to defeat Psycho Mantis and his eerie ability to "read" your memory card. Set in the desolate backdrop of Alaska, the game's atmosphere was thick with tension, complemented by humorous touches like Snake’s almost pointless cigarette smoking. We also talk about the voice acting, particularly Cam Clarke's memorable performance as Liquid Snake, as well as the different endings, influenced by player choices during Ocelot's torture scene, added depth and replayability, affecting whether Meryl lived or died—and consequently, whether you received infinite ammo or stealth camouflage for your next playthrough.

And as always, we wrap up with a few pop culture facts from September 1998, providing a glimpse into the world when "Metal Gear Solid" stealthily revolutionized the gaming landscape. Join Derek and me as we revisit this iconic game that blends stealth, action, and story in ways that still influence gaming today.

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In episode 13 of "Backwards Compatible: A Generation 'S' Podcast," Lou and I dive into the ghostly charm of "Luigi's Mansion" on the GameCube. We open with a look at the GameCube itself, discussing its distinctive tiny discs and unconventional choice to launch with Luigi as the star rather than Mario—a bold move by Nintendo. We delve into how the GameCube, often seen as an underappreciated console during its time, brought us unique and memorable gaming experiences, and express hope that Nintendo will continue to explore and revitalize these classic games for new audiences.

Additionally, we share our excitement about the upcoming re-release of "Luigi's Mansion 2" on the Nintendo Switch, anticipating how this beloved sequel will adapt to the modern console. As always, we wrap up with some pop culture reflections from September 1991, setting the cultural backdrop to the era when Nintendo was preparing to launch what would become one of its most iconic systems. Join us as we celebrate "Luigi's Mansion" and the quirky, innovative GameCube that introduced so many players to the quieter, more reluctant hero of the Mushroom Kingdom.

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In episode 12 of "Backwards Compatible: A Generation 'S' Podcast," Lou and I step into the ring with one of the NES classics, "Mike Tyson's Punch-Out!!" and its 1990 re-release featuring Mr. Dream. As one of my all-time favorite games, you may notice that I'm a LITTLE overzealous and excited this time around, and our discussion kinda pivots to in-depth strategies for tackling some of the game’s most notorious opponents, sharing tips and tactics that have helped us dodge, weave, and uppercut our way to victory over the years.

We also reminisce about our earliest memories of playing "Punch-Out!!" back in the early '90s, reliving the thrill of climbing the ranks in the boxing world of the game. This week's 'Scratch the Itch' segment features "Thunder Ray," a modern game that revitalizes the classic "Punch-Out!!" gameplay with a fresh twist, perfect for fans looking to recapture that same boxing challenge. As always, we wrap up the episode with a nod to the pop culture landscape of October 1987, the era when players first faced off against Mike Tyson in the virtual ring, setting the stage for the enduring legacy of this knockout classic. Join Lou and me as we celebrate the game that has been a contender in the hearts of gamers for decades.

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