We’ve gotten so many great comments on our Season 5 shows that we wanted to highlight some of them that pertain to Mass Effect 1 and 2 in this month’s episode! We also offer responses and pontificate on the mysteries … Continue reading Franchise Festival S5E16 – Listener Mailbag, Mass Effect 1 & 2

Chris and Hamilton come to the end of the road with Mass Effect 3, taking the fight to Cerberus’ home base and enjoying a little party on the Citadel before squaring off with the Reapers on Earth. No need to … Continue reading Franchise Festival S5E15 – Mass Effect 3 (Part 6)

Continue reading Franchise Festival S5E15 – Mass Effect 3 (Part 6)

Chris & Hamilton discuss Mass Effect 3‘s Leviathan DLC, the first half of its Citadel DLC, and the Asari homeworld of Thessia. Kai Leng returns! No need to listen to the episode to join in the discussion, though! Let’s talk … Continue reading S5E14 – Mass Effect 3 (Part 5)

Chris and Hamilton discuss Mass Effect 3‘s Ardat-Yakshi Monastery sidequest and resolve the Quarian/Geth conflict… for better or worse! No need to listen to the episode to join in the discussion, though! Let’s talk about your favorite – and least … Continue reading Franchise Festival S5E13 – Mass Effect 3 (Part 4)

Chris & Hamilton walk through the second act of Mass Effect 3, from recruiting Javik (Ike Amadi) to Tuchanka and the Citadel’s Cerberus takeover. Along the way, the Rachni Queen – or her clone – makes an exciting appearance! Disclaimer: … Continue reading Franchise Festival S5E12 – Mass Effect 3 (Part 3)

Hamilton, Spencer, and Chris cover the first phase of Commander Shepard’s Mass Effect 3 journey, from a trial on Earth to a daring escape from Sur’Kesh. We’re reunited with Anderson, Jack, Ashley, Liara, Mordin, Wrex, and more. Also James is … Continue reading Franchise Festival S5E11 – Mass Effect 3 (Part 2)

Chris and Hamilton discuss the development and gameplay generalities of Mass Effect 3 before setting up the plot with an overview of Mass Effect 2‘s “Arrival” DLC mission. No need to listen to the episode to join in the discussion, … Continue reading Franchise Festival S5E10 – Mass Effect 3 (Part 1)

Chris, Hamilton, and Spencer discuss their favorite games of 2025 (more or less), along with some honorable mentions. Don’t worry, it’s spoiler-free! Topics include: Song samples, in order: No need to listen to the episode to join in the discussion, … Continue reading Franchise Festival S5E9 – Games of the Year, 2025

Chris and Hamilton conclude their whirlwind tour through Mass Effect 2 with the Lair of the Shadow Broker mission, Legion’s recruitment, and the climax of the Collectors’ nefarious plot. No need to listen to the episode to join in the … Continue reading Franchise Festival S5E8 – Mass Effect 2 (Part 5)

Chris, Spencer, and returning guest Lily discuss nearly all remaining loyalty missions in Mass Effect 2 and make a surprising discovery on-board the derelict Collector vessel. Be sure to check out Lily’s great work at The Avocado and on her … Continue reading Franchise Festival S5E7 – Mass Effect 2 (Part 4)

Chris, Hamilton, and Spencer are joined by The Avocado‘s Lily Bones to discuss Mass Effect 2 recruitments (Samara, Thane, and Tali) as well as the loyalty missions for Garrus and Jack. Please note that we had some audio issues with … Continue reading Franchise Festival S5E6 – Mass Effect 2 (Part 3)

Chris, Hamilton, and Spencer discuss the first third or so of Mass Effect 2‘s plot, from the prologue to the rescue mission on Horizon. This covers most of recruitments, which means you get to meet Mordin Solus in this episode! … Continue reading Franchise Festival S5E5 – Mass Effect 2 (Part 2)

Chris, Hamilton, and Spencer are joined by Matt Storm (aka Stormageddon) to discuss the development, gameplay, and universe of Mass Effect 2 (2010). Be sure to check out Matt’s Linktree to find more of their work! No need to listen … Continue reading Franchise Festival S5E4 – Mass Effect 2 (Part 1)

Chris, Hamilton, and Spencer navigate the back half of Mass Effect‘s narrative, from Feros to the final confrontation with Saren. No need to listen to the episode to join in the discussion, though! Let’s talk about your favorite (and least … Continue reading Franchise Festival S5E3 – Mass Effect (Part 3)

Chris, Hamilton, and Spencer wind their way through the first half of Mass Effect‘s plot, from character creation to Noveria. Along the way, we also discuss party member backstories, the Asteroid X57 bonus mission, and how exactly one should pronounce … Continue reading Franchise Festival S5E2 – Mass Effect (Part 2)

Chris, Spencer, and Hamilton discuss the development, gameplay, and background lore of Mass Effect (2007). Come for the BioWare history, stay to find out which alien species is the biggest bunch of nerds. Sources/Links No need to listen to the … Continue reading Franchise Festival S5E1 – Mass Effect (Part 1)

Chris and Hamilton discuss the development, gameplay, stages, and bosses of Mega Man 11 (2018). Spoilers: we loved it. No need to listen to the episode to join in the discussion, though! Let’s talk about your favorite (and least favorite) parts … Continue reading Franchise Festival S4E12 – Mega Man 11

Hamilton and Chris discuss Inti Creates’ Mega Man ZX, including its origins as a potential Mega Man Zero 5 and its awkward (yet admirable) efforts to infuse the Mega Man formula with Metroidvania mechanics. Along the way, we uncover surprising … Continue reading Franchise Festival S4E11 – Mega Man ZX

Chris and Hamilton are joined by special guest Patrick of the Boss Rush Network to discuss Inti Creates’ first entry in the Mega Man series: Mega Man Zero (2002). Be sure to support Patrick’s work by visiting https://bossrush.net/, following him on Twitter using the … Continue reading Franchise Festival S4E10 – Mega Man Zero

Hamilton and Chris conclude their coverage of Capcom’s Mega Man Battle Network (2001) with a close look at the game’s plot. Even as the level design grows tedious and the story meanders, boss fights remain a highlight. No need to listen … Continue reading Franchise Festival S4E9 – Mega Man Battle Network (Part 2)

Chris and Hamilton tackle the development, gameplay, and early hours of Mega Man Battle Network (2001). Along the way, they lavish praise on the deckbuilder format and uncover the startling commonality between Capcom’s abandoned IPs. Sources No need to listen … Continue reading Franchise Festival S4E8 – Mega Man Battle Network (Part 1)