In episode six of "No Credits Rolled," host Sam Whalen delves into a variety of topics, beginning with the enduring popularity of older video games. Highlighting a surprising trend, he points out that a significant portion of gaming time in 2023 was dedicated to titles that are six years old or older, with games like Fortnite, Roblox, League of Legends, Minecraft, and GTA V dominating playtime. This data suggests a challenging environment for new games to capture the attention of gamers, overshadowed by these longstanding favorites. Sam explores how these older games continue to thrive, attributing their success to constant updates, built-in player bases, and their capacity to provide short, satisfying gameplay sessions. This segment raises questions about the future of new game development in a market dominated by a few juggernauts.

Transitioning from the discussion on game longevity, Sam shares his excitement and thoughts on "Dragon's Dogma 2." He offers an enthusiastic review, praising the game's immersive world and dynamic gameplay while acknowledging its technical shortcomings and the quirky, old-fashioned dialogue. Despite these flaws, Sam finds the game captivating, especially enjoying the epic moments and combat system that allows players to feel remarkably powerful and engaged. The review provides a balanced perspective, highlighting the game's potential to offer rewarding experiences to players willing to overlook its imperfections.

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/NoCreditsRolled

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/00va6YeE4smOzSX5P9zTxf

Apple Podcasts: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2290031.rss

Support the show

In episode six of "No Credits Rolled," host Sam Whalen delves into a variety of topics, beginning with the enduring popularity of older video games. Highlighting a surprising trend, he points out that a significant portion of gaming time in 2023 was dedicated to titles that are six years old or older, with games like Fortnite, Roblox, League of Legends, Minecraft, and GTA V dominating playtime. This data suggests a challenging environment for new games to capture the attention of gamers, overshadowed by these longstanding favorites. Sam explores how these older games continue to thrive, attributing their success to constant updates, built-in player bases, and their capacity to provide short, satisfying gameplay sessions. This segment raises questions about the future of new game development in a market dominated by a few juggernauts.

Transitioning from the discussion on game longevity, Sam shares his excitement and thoughts on "Dragon's Dogma 2." He offers an enthusiastic review, praising the game's immersive world and dynamic gameplay while acknowledging its technical shortcomings and the quirky, old-fashioned dialogue. Despite these flaws, Sam finds the game captivating, especially enjoying the epic moments and combat system that allows players to feel remarkably powerful and engaged. The review provides a balanced perspective, highlighting the game's potential to offer rewarding experiences to players willing to overlook its imperfections.

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/NoCreditsRolled

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/00va6YeE4smOzSX5P9zTxf

Apple Podcasts: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2290031.rss

Support the show

As the corridors of high school fall silent after the final bell, the hushed sound of solitude becomes the hidden chorus of adolescence. My co-host Madison Whalen and I navigate the silent storm of teenage isolation, probing the depths of self-imposed solitude and its profound effects on young minds and bodies. We unravel the tangled emotions behind the intense fear of social rejection, likening it to the sting of physical pain, and shine a light on the crucial role of parents in fostering healthy, real-world connections for their teens. Adolescents today are treading the tightrope between digital comfort zones and the uncharted waters of in-person socialization. We reflect on our own post-pandemic social anxieties and the peculiar sense of crowd-induced claustrophobia. Madison and I dissect the allure and limitations of social media havens, and the delicate dance between nurturing online friendships and breaking out of their confines to expand social circles in the flesh. In the final beats of our episode, we scrutinize the shifting dynamics of teenage social life in an increasingly digital world, leaning on insights from the Pew Research Center and a CNN study to highlight the decline of face-to-face interactions. We share personal anecdotes and ponder strategies to reel back from avoidance behavior that feeds isolation. Wrapping up, we steer you towards our various online platforms, where you can continue the conversation and dive into our extended podcast family, Insights into Entertainment and Insights Into Tomorrow. With a heartfelt goodbye, we invite you to explore our books and join us again as we seek to understand and aid the solitary hearts of today's youth.

As the corridors of high school fall silent after the final bell, the hushed sound of solitude becomes the hidden chorus of adolescence. My co-host Madison Whalen and I navigate the silent storm of teenage isolation, probing the depths of self-imposed solitude and its profound effects on young minds and bodies. We unravel the tangled emotions behind the intense fear of social rejection, likening it to the sting of physical pain, and shine a light on the crucial role of parents in fostering healthy, real-world connections for their teens. Adolescents today are treading the tightrope between digital comfort zones and the uncharted waters of in-person socialization. We reflect on our own post-pandemic social anxieties and the peculiar sense of crowd-induced claustrophobia. Madison and I dissect the allure and limitations of social media havens, and the delicate dance between nurturing online friendships and breaking out of their confines to expand social circles in the flesh. In the final beats of our episode, we scrutinize the shifting dynamics of teenage social life in an increasingly digital world, leaning on insights from the Pew Research Center and a CNN study to highlight the decline of face-to-face interactions. We share personal anecdotes and ponder strategies to reel back from avoidance behavior that feeds isolation. Wrapping up, we steer you towards our various online platforms, where you can continue the conversation and dive into our extended podcast family, Insights into Entertainment and Insights Into Tomorrow. With a heartfelt goodbye, we invite you to explore our books and join us again as we seek to understand and aid the solitary hearts of today's youth.

Ever wonder what's going on inside the mind of a teenager as they toggle between safety and thrill-seeking? Unlock the mysteries of adolescent development in our latest episode, where we dissect the compelling allure of challenges and risks for growing teens. Together with experts in psychology and teen behavior, we share insights into how these experiences are not just acts of rebellion, but crucial steps toward maturity. Join us for a heart-to-heart on personal growth as we reflect on personal anecdotes and the surprising benefits of well-chosen challenges. From the satisfaction of creating art to the continuous learning within the tech industry, we reveal how facing the right kind of challenges can lead to lower rates of depression and foster fulfillment. Learn how to guide teenagers in embracing these opportunities for growth, steering them away from unhealthy risks and towards constructive endeavors. Finally, we tackle the tough topic of unhealthy teen challenges and how parents can play a pivotal role in navigating this terrain. Discover effective strategies to channel your teen's energy into positive experiences, from outdoor adventures to creative arts, and understand the impact of parental support on their journey. This episode offers a heartfelt guide for anyone looking to help teens emerge as well-rounded, confident adults, while also shedding light on the value of challenges in our own lives.

Ever wonder what's going on inside the mind of a teenager as they toggle between safety and thrill-seeking? Unlock the mysteries of adolescent development in our latest episode, where we dissect the compelling allure of challenges and risks for growing teens. Together with experts in psychology and teen behavior, we share insights into how these experiences are not just acts of rebellion, but crucial steps toward maturity. Join us for a heart-to-heart on personal growth as we reflect on personal anecdotes and the surprising benefits of well-chosen challenges. From the satisfaction of creating art to the continuous learning within the tech industry, we reveal how facing the right kind of challenges can lead to lower rates of depression and foster fulfillment. Learn how to guide teenagers in embracing these opportunities for growth, steering them away from unhealthy risks and towards constructive endeavors. Finally, we tackle the tough topic of unhealthy teen challenges and how parents can play a pivotal role in navigating this terrain. Discover effective strategies to channel your teen's energy into positive experiences, from outdoor adventures to creative arts, and understand the impact of parental support on their journey. This episode offers a heartfelt guide for anyone looking to help teens emerge as well-rounded, confident adults, while also shedding light on the value of challenges in our own lives.

In this episode of "No Credits Rolled," Sam celebrates the podcast reaching its fifth episode by doing something special. He brings on his friend Joe, a nurse and a regular listener of the show, to discuss two of their favorite games. The first game they dive into is "Hell Divers 2," a multiplayer shooter that has gained popularity for its intense gameplay and cooperative play style. Sam and Joe praise its design, which encourages team play and strategy, likening its theme and mechanics to the movie "Starship Troopers." They also discuss the community aspect of the game and how it incorporates player actions into a larger narrative of liberating planets.

The second game they talk about is "Baldur's Gate 3," which both consider a contender for the best game ever made. They delve into its deep RPG elements, character customization, and how choices significantly impact the game's world and narrative. The discussion highlights the game's complex story, voice acting, and the ways it innovates within the RPG genre.

In this episode of "No Credits Rolled," Sam celebrates the podcast reaching its fifth episode by doing something special. He brings on his friend Joe, a nurse and a regular listener of the show, to discuss two of their favorite games. The first game they dive into is "Hell Divers 2," a multiplayer shooter that has gained popularity for its intense gameplay and cooperative play style. Sam and Joe praise its design, which encourages team play and strategy, likening its theme and mechanics to the movie "Starship Troopers." They also discuss the community aspect of the game and how it incorporates player actions into a larger narrative of liberating planets.

The second game they talk about is "Baldur's Gate 3," which both consider a contender for the best game ever made. They delve into its deep RPG elements, character customization, and how choices significantly impact the game's world and narrative. The discussion highlights the game's complex story, voice acting, and the ways it innovates within the RPG genre.