Rand(Nerds) Episode 253 - MudRunner, The Callisto Protocol

Rand(Nerds);

#Video Games #Lifestyle #Console #RandNerds A #Games

30:14

"It is a scientific fact that these macaques, like all other primates, including humans, are communicating. They communicate in much the same way we do - facial expressions, vocalizations, body postures, those kinds of things." - Jeff Kerr Jeff Kerr is PETA foundations Chief Legal Officer. I asked him to come on the show to talk about one of PETA’s current lawsuits against the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Nathional Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). PETA is arguing that the monkeys being tested on in a government run facility are capable of communication (or “are communicating”). And that we have a constitutional right under the First Amendment to receive their communications. This could be a game changer in allowing us to see what’s really going on in labs that are funded by taxpayer money, and which have so far been censored from public view. PETA’s lawsuit follows years of NIH’s attempts to deny Freedom of Information requests banning PETA executives from its campus and illegally censoring animal advocates’ speech on NIH’s public social media pages. Through the lawsuit, PETA is seeking a live audio-visual feed to see and hear real-time communications from the macaques who have been kept isolated, used in fear experiments, and had posts cemented into their heads. Anthropologists and other scientists have studied macaque and other primate communications for decades and know that the monkeys communicate effectively and intentionally through lip smacking, fear grimaces, body language, and various cries and sounds—all of which constitute speech under the law. Primatologists can analyze that speech on a deeper level to share their stories with the world.…

about a year ago 1:15:16

MP3•Episode home

Welcome to Episode 253

In this episode, Skazz takes the lead as we dive into our latest Games Night experience with MudRunner. We explore the challenges of navigating through the muddy landscapes of Eastern Europe using worn-out Soviet era trucks, discussing the fun (and frustration) of getting stuck and relying on winches—either yours or your friends—to pull you free. We also touch on the game's bad points, including its clunky interface and issues with player synchronisation, while also comparing it to Euro Truck Simulator and how the two stack up as driving games.

Continuing his horror game streak, Ram delves into The Callisto Protocol, a much-hyped, visually good looking title that unfortunately serves as a textbook case of how not to design a horror game. With a cliché storyline, poor level design, and a dull combat system, it manages to sap the fun out of the experience. The game even makes you accept an agreement to not to cheat in a single-player game. Ram completely ignores this and turns to a cheat engine just to make it bearable.

We also chat about the Big Ass Fans company with its seductive donkey logo, Ram's misadventures with speeding tickets and other run-ins with the law, and Skazz's ongoing motorbike mishaps.

Notes

You too can enjoy a big ass fan

Get all wet and dirty in MudRunner

How not to design a horror game with The Callisto Protocol

266 episodes

Rand(Nerds) Episode 253 - MudRunner, The Callisto Protocol

Rand(Nerds);

published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

Welcome to Episode 253

We also chat about the Big Ass Fans company with its seductive donkey logo, Ram's misadventures with speeding tickets and other run-ins with the law, and Skazz's ongoing motorbike mishaps.

Notes

You too can enjoy a big ass fan

Get all wet and dirty in MudRunner

How not to design a horror game with The Callisto Protocol

266 episodes

#Video Games #Lifestyle #Console #RandNerds A #Games

All episodes

Rand(Nerds);

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Rand(Nerds) Episode 267 - Stranded: Alien Dawn 57:46

23 days ago57:46

57:46

Welcome to Episode 267 Skazz tell his woes of removing processors from motherboards and nearly breaking his PC, but has now successfully managed to upgrade his machine. we also learn about Ram 'Methods' of repairing PC. Ram gives us an update of Nicktopia, and how it has completely failed as par normal. He tells tales of taming space cows, devote vegetarians, a lack of antibiotics and not balancing survival skills. He also discuss what he's learnt with his new version. We also discuss how Ram would fair if put in charge in a survival situation, including the worrying way he defaults to building Gulags and farming vegetarians. We do determine realistically he'll likely end up as a resource. We also discuss Skazz's future career as a PCSO, why Ram would be the best bond villain, how many people Batman has 'killed', and a side track into who developing GTA6 Notes Still trying to survive the planet in Stranded: Alien Dawn When ram becomes a dictator, he has been doing some revision We look forward to seeing you all on the next podcast on 22nd May 2025, at 18:30 GMT+1…

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Rand(Nerds) Episode 266 - Elder Scroll Oblivion Remaster, Stranded: Alien Dawn 1:18:20

5 weeks ago1:18:20

1:18:20

Welcome to Episode 266 – now featuring blurst of music! We kick off by discussing the remaster of Elder Scrolls: Oblivion. Reminiscing about the original, with Ram admitting he never quite finished the main quest, while Skazz bemoans his vampirism issues, a glitch fixable only through paid DLC. we also discuss the power of console commands and share thoughts on other Bethesda titles.Ram then talks about his new gaming PC. Although he can’t recall all the specs, and has issue with the overcooling RGB fans. But it at least has an abundance of USB ports. We then take a nostalgic look at The Animals of Farthing Wood. For those in the UK who grew up in the ’90s, this classic prepared us for Game of Thrones, and Skazz does still insists that badgers do not exist. Ram brings back the great empire of Nicktopia with his current gaming obsession, Stranded: Alien Dawn. In this survival game, he talks about managing a group of survivors on an alien planet. Finding a way to balance farming, researching, base building, tower defense and staring at plants and animal We also discuss: USB-powered milking machines, the debate over turning off excessive RGB lighting, the merits of weekly episode releases versus binge-watching and a bird-watching detective. Notes The remaster of Elder Scrolls Oblivion Watch nerds braking down over Patrick Stewart in Oblivion Stranded on a planet, are you doomed? Depends if Ram is in charge in Stranded: Alien Dawn In the UK, Children of the 90s were prepared for GoT, as they grew up on Animal of Farthing Wood A Murder mystery set in the White House with Netflix The Residence We look forward to seeing you all on the next podcast on 8th May 2025, at 18:30 GMT+1…

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Rand(Nerds) Episode 265 - Train related games, Switch 2 1:06:58

7 weeks ago1:06:58

1:06:58

Welcome to Episode 265Yes, despite what Ram says at the start, it is episode 265Ram continual his descent into being middle aged by trying out some train related games and not having a lot of success, the first is a non-relaxing puzzle game Station to Station which does not gel for him. Next up he Suffers a tutorial bug in railway Empire creating a rage quit, finally picks up something more familiar with Train Station Renovation, cleaning and tidy old train stations and rather worryingly sanding railsWe then move onto discussing the upcoming release of the switch 2, and the costs of gaming in general, including how the pricing is not as bad as it seems. We also discuss the dangers of DLC NotesAnnoying puzzle game Station to Station Hopefully you wont get plague by a tutorial bug in Railway Empire bring stations back to life in Train Station Renovation Will you fall to temptation with the new Switch 2 We look forward to seeing you all on the next podcast on 24th April 2025, at 18:30 GMT+1…

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Rand(Nerds) Episode 264 - Hardspace Shipbreaker, Links Awakening DX, Heroes of Hammerwatch 1:00:12

9 weeks ago1:00:12

1:00:12

Welcome to Episode 264We return to Hardspace: Shipbreaker, as Skazz has been enjoying a copy gifted to him by Ram, he discuss some of the issue with controller support issues, how much we enjoy chill games and being accidentally incinerated.Skazz then talk about playing through a fan remake of classic game Link Awakening, playing the "DX HD" version, he talks about suffering from scrolling trauma and Nintendo remakeWe then finish off looking at current game night game, Heroes of Hammerwatch, a fantastic top down 2d rouge lite, where you have to advancing through level in a tower whilst being heavily taxed by the town your trying to saveWe also discuss ram becoming middle aged in spirit by visiting a garden centre, getting into 'fancy' coffee and being traumatised by croissantsNotesEnjoy fancy coffee in an Bodum French Press Still cutting them ships in Hardspace: Shipbreaker Fan remake of classic legend of Zelda game, Links Awakening XD HD In comparisons to the Nintendo version of the above A game Skazz hates, Heroes of Hammerwatch We look forward to seeing you all on the next podcast on 10th April 2025, at 18:30 GMT+1…

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Rand(Nerds) Episode 263 - Monster Hunter Wilds, Hardspace: Shipbreaker 1:12:20

11 weeks ago1:12:20

1:12:20

Welcome to Episode 263Skazz talks about his experience with the new entry in the Monster Hunter series, Wilds, sadly hes not too keen, he talks about how the series has changed from it early days, and how it has become easier and easier with each iteration. Along with some removal of good features from the previous entry in series. including how they fixed the multiplayer mode from Rise, only to have now broken it again. He also talks about some strange graphic glitches and how the beta the game was better in some way and spoiled the game.Ram has been floating in zero-g in Hardspace: Shipbreaker, a game about dismantling space ships and earning money to pay of a massive debt, much like real life. He talks about the mechanics, burning yourself in a furnace accidentally, and the dangers of grappling and using a cutting laser near fuel tanks We also have a brief discussion about YouTube euphemisms Notes Robot soon to be 'powered' by AI to catch lion fish Not Skazz's Monster Hunter: Monster Hunter Wilds Live the life of a salvage worker in Hardspace Shipbreaker We look forward to seeing you all on the next podcast on March 27th 2025, at 18:30 GMT…

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Rand(Nerds) Episode 262 - Monster Hunter Wilds excitement, A Game About Digging a Hole 33:20

13 weeks ago33:20

33:20

Welcome to Episode 262In this episode we talk about Skazz excitement for the new Monster Hunter game, he does have some concerns if this game will be for him.Ram then talks about A Game About Digging a Hole, A cheap little game where you, unsurprisingly, dig a hole.We discuss the recent news of Gene Hackman death, we prove how well the podcast is recoreded, Ram use in a survival situation, Stubborn dogs and people complaining about cheap games NotesThe sad death of one of the great actor Gene Hackman A series that ram does not like, Pride and Prejudice And the almost certainly superior version made better by adding zombies Simon Pegg recreating an iconic scene from Shaun of the Dead No prize guessing what you do in A Game About Digging a Hole A classic British personality Fred Dibnah And the mine he decided to build When it comes what easy vs impossible XKCD says it best We look forward to seeing you all on the next podcast on March 13th 2025, at 18:30 GMT…

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Rand(Nerds) Episode 261 - Fan patches keeping games alive 24:48

15 weeks ago24:48

24:48

Welcome to Episode 261A Skazz solo episode as Ram has lost his voice to a virus, and even more amazingly, Skazz is in a positive mindsetDiscussion this episode is all about fan support and modding games long after they've been released.First up, he focuses on final fantasy 7 discussing the mod manager 7th Heaven and the script to install it on a steam deck; 7th Deck. He looks at how the some of the mod improve things even adding in full voiced dialog!Skazz then moves onto discuss the original monster hunter and some mods that allow you to play online with friends again with only a little bit of tweaking and letting you re-live the good old PS2 daysNotesThe Classic Final Fantasy 7 A non-destructive mod manage 7th Heaven Plus a script to install it on steam deck 7th Deck The original Monster Hunter Play Monster Hunter 1 online with a new server Skazz request for a fan patch: Chromehounds We look forward to seeing you all on the next podcast on Febuaray 27th 2025, at 18:30 GMT…

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Rand(Nerds) Episode 260 - Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, Metrico+ 1:09:28

17 weeks ago1:09:28

1:09:28

https://numbermatics.com/n/260/ Welcome to Episode 260We start this episode finding out why 260 is a special number and discussing what mathematicians are good for Skazz has been playing the next part of the Final Fantasy 7 remake, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, we talk how they've fleshed out the story dramatically, expanding NPC back grounds increasing the game length, we ask if this is a good thing and how the game is somewhat janky in placesRam has been playing a puzzle games based around info-graphics, Metrico+, despite the premise it surprisingly fun, it leads onto some discuss about how to make an art style that resistant to aging, and how we attach a monetary value to games. which pushing onto difficulties in game designNotesYou to can find out whats special about the number 260 Apparently they have been dangerous mathematicians When is a game too long? Skazz is finding out in FF7 Rebirth Info-graphics meets puzzle in Metrico+ Back to the future town has been featured in lot of films How to fix the Atari ET game And the Atari ET source code We look forward to seeing you all on the next podcast on Febuaray 13th 2025, at 18:30 GMT…

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Rand(Nerds) Episode 259 - Cyberpunk 2077 1:14:26

19 weeks ago1:14:26

1:14:26

Welcome to episode 259We kick this episode discussing missing the classic sodium vapor street lamp and other random lighting technologies, we also look back at how we both kinda enjoyed lock down and some hobbies picked upSkazz then talks about his replay Cyberpunk 2077, apparently Ram had also agreed to play this as first game of 2025 of which he has no memorySkazz discusses the replay value, the major changes they made since we last played and how hes enjoying a different experience playing a female V.Ram reminisces his preferred method of assassination: getting the target to take themselves out. We talk about some of the memorable moments in the game, along with some of the bugs we did encounteredWE also discuss Rams Doggo hurting itself (She's all fine now)NotesThe place where it dark for large chunks of they year is Longyearbyen in NorwayThe classic street light Sodium-Vapor Revisiting a favorite RPG Cyberpunk 2077 The amazing voice actor for Female V, Cherami Leigh We look forward to seeing you all in the new year on January 30th 2025, at 18:30 GMT…

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Rand(Nerds) Episode 258 - Far Cry 6 46:19

21 weeks ago46:19

46:19

Welcome to episode 258We kickoff by discussing how where going to make a name for ourselves in 2025 and if Ram can be extradited We then move onto games, Ram's been playing Far Cry 6, we have a brief talk about the series and its spin offs before talking about this game mechanics including finding stuff on the maps, ammo tyeps anti frustration features, cockfighting and Ubisoft being UbisoftWe also look at Steam year in review and discuss possible horse ownershipNotesStory's about what life is like in North Koreahttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLRPDzs3bRQ&ab_channel=InsiderJust a Tank filling up with at Tesco, nothing to see herehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLQiUe3HMRs&ab_channel=TankNutDaveRetake your country from Gus Fring in Far Cry 6https://www.ubisoft.com/en-gb/game/far-cry/far-cry-6We look forward to seeing you all on the next podcast on January 16th 2025, at 18:30 GMT…

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Rand(Nerds) Episode 257 - Christmas Special 2024, GOTY, Citzen Sleeper 50:51

24 weeks ago50:51

50:51

Welcome to episode 257 We kick off with the talking about rams meat, before moving onto games. Ram has been escaping an evil corporation and trying to stay alive in Citizen Sleeper, A nice and simple RPG game with some interesting mechanics using dice rolls to do activity around a dying station. Including doing dead end basic jobs trying to earn money to eat and buy medicine to keep alive, or destroying a man chance at a better life by not babysitting enough. We then move onto 'our' games of the year, with Skazz up first with his top pics have to choose between Scarlet Nexus, Granblue Fantasy: Relink before settling on Ys X:Nordics, he explains how he nearly bounced of the game but came back to really enjoy it. Ram then talk about his runners up with the System Shock remake, and the murder mystery time bending game The Forgotten City. Before settling on the game that he has poured most of the summer into, his Empyrion Galactic Survival! Notes A cyborg escaping an evil corp in Citizen Sleeper Skazz GOTY options: Scarlet Nexus , Granblue Fantasy: Relink , Ys X: Nordics Rams GOTY options: System Shock remake , The Forgotten City , Empyrion Galactic Survival We look forward to seeing you all in the new year on January 2nd 2025, at 18:30 GMT…

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Rand(Nerds) Episode 256 - We Were Here Forever, Telling Lies 1:02:37

25 weeks ago1:02:37

1:02:37

Welcome to episode 256 - The Memory podcast We get right into the games this month, by first discussing the game we've been playing for our Christmas game night special - We Were Here Forever. the fourth game in one of our favorite (barring the third) Puzzle series, we discuss the story, how the games work and the tie in videos. Along with what we did and didn't like about some of the puzzles. We also talk about getting stumped and our differing methodology on how to solve them, including Rams bits of paper Next up Ram has been playing the the spiritual successer to Her Story, Telling Lies, with illegal access to an NSA hard drive, you have to figure out the truth about that happened between four major (and a lot of minor) characters by searching for and watching there video conversations. Ram talk about the story and game play, as well as reveling if he prefers this to it predecessor We also discuss using our podcasts as a punishment device, and what makes a good stealth game Notes Interesting facts from the QI Elves with No Such Thing as a Fish The 'last' in the series of one of our favorite puzzle games We Were Here Forever Learn more about the We Were Here series with the official videos The Chronicles Of Castle Rock Find the truth of an undercover operation in Telling Lies The proceeding game in the same style and smaller in scope: Her Story…

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Rand(Nerds) Episode 255 - Ys X: Nordics, Amanda the Adventurer 1:22:10

27 weeks ago1:22:10

1:22:10

Welcome to episode 255 We kick things off with Skazz admitting he's rethinking his playing the Elder Scrolls series. Despite claiming he doesn't like the games, he owns Skyrim on multiple systems... Ram then shares how he’s gotten into Korean food after binge-watching a variety of Korean TV shows. He gives a quick rundown of how these shows work and highlights some of his favorites. Skazz was initially concerned but felt reassured when he learned that Ram watches the subtitled versions instead of the dubbed ones. Next, we dive into a discussion about modern media. We reminisce about missing the days of 22-episode TV seasons, where there weren’t years-long gaps between season. We also discuss if modern shows are chasing the wrong quality and are we seeing a lack of innovation? We also touch on the infamous curse of disappointing TV show finales. On the gaming front, Skazz talks about playing the recently released English version of Ys 10: Nordics. In preparation, he’s been revisiting the first nine games in the series. He mentions having previously played part of the Japanese version of Ys 10, but his lack of Japanese language skills made it a challenge. He also discusses some of the game’s new mechanics, including a co-op feature. Finally, in a twist that will surprise regulars, Ram has been playing an indie horror game called Amanda the Adventurer. The game involves exploring an old attic and watching VHS tapes of Amanda and her companion Wooly as things take a progressively weirder—and darker—turn. Notes Pong had no software, and was in fact implemented only via hardware The many platforms of Skyrim You too can enjoy kimchi with this Korean cookbook How did Gandalf sound in other languages ? A gateway drub to Korean variety shows busted! Watch Korean celebrity's LARP in Zomebiverse The most recent game from one of Skazz's favorite series, Ys X: Nordics The debate over the location of Atlantis Of course we all know its in the Pegasus system The Japanese version of Atlantis And their version of what happened to Jesus Annoying pre-order bonuses with Star Trek Online Children tv show horror Amanda the adventurer…

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Rand(Nerds) Episode 254 - 24 Hour Livestream Recap 1:15:52

29 weeks ago1:15:52

1:15:52

Welcome to Episode 254 We start by teasing what we’ve been playing for our Christmas Games Night special—stay tuned, as all will be revealed later in the year! Next, we recap our recent 24-hour gaming live-stream, packed with a mix of some of our beloved classics and some new experiences: First up was For The King , which dominated much of our game time. Previously, Ram and Zaber, and Skazz and Zaber, had tackled this strategy RPG in pairs. This time, the trio united to confront the big bad and bring order to a chaotic land. We then transitioned into global warfare with the world-ending strategy game DEFCON . Ram had a slight edge, having played the tutorial years ago, while Skazz struggled without a mouse and Zaber forgot to deploy any units—tactical brilliance all around! To lighten the mood, we switched to Golf It! , navigating custom maps while narrowly avoiding copyright strikes. This led to a lively discussion about realistic sporting games. Next, we dove into one of the original looter-shooters, Borderlands . A game close to Ram’s heart, it showcased early mechanics we’re glad were refined in later installments. After Zaber signed off, a sleep-deprived Ram powered through Monster Hunter: World , with guidance (and occasional jealousy) from Skazz, who envied Ram's starter gear. From there, we took to the skies in Microsoft Flight Simulator . Ram demonstrated his Airbus “skills” with SimBrief, a flight-planning tool based on real-world software. Despite some debate, his landing in Denmark to “pick up” Zaber was deemed a “success.” We briefly jumped into Dead Island , where Skazz faced control issues, and Ram fought against an unexpected natural light challenge. Zaber rejoined us for the grand finale: Liar’s Bar . anthropomorphic animals play liar’s dice or cards, risking it all in a deadly Russian roulette of poison. And with that, we wrapped up another epic 24-hour stream. Finally, we reflected on Skazz’s cobbled-together setup and the technical headaches it caused, Ram’s overindulgence in sweets and chicken nuggets, and Skazz’s fixation on audio perfection. Notes Can the trio finally defeat the big bad in ⁠For the king⁠ Watch the ⁠first part⁠ of Zaber and Ram attempt from last years games night Wargames-esk strategy game in ⁠Defcon⁠ Jumping balls in ⁠Golf it!⁠ The game that popularised looter shooters ⁠Borderlands⁠ When you have the right gear you can play this game asleep! ⁠Monster Hunter World⁠ Can you land a A320 better then ram? Almost certainly, in ⁠Microsoft Flight simulator⁠ Plan your flights with ⁠SimBrief⁠ Batter the undead on tropical island in ⁠Dead Island⁠ Try not to take a bullet in ⁠Liars bar⁠…

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Rand(Nerds) Episode 253 - MudRunner, The Callisto Protocol 1:15:16

33 weeks ago1:15:16