The Gaming Lovers Podcast

As Brendo and Jem celebrate their 7th wedding anniversary, they reflect on all the games that have shaped their relationship over the years. From party games like Smash Bros to Mario Kart, to role playing games like Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic and Mass Effect. How have video games brought this married couple closer together? Find out in this special episode of The Gaming Lovers podcast!

Fresh off the back of the Nintendo Direct announcement of the new Nintendo Online Service, Brendo and Jem compare the marketplace of 'pay to play' gaming subscriptions.  How does Nintendo stack up against Sony and Microsoft? Which subscription gives you the best value for money? Plus, what options are available for PC gamers? PLUS - the cutest combatant ever added to Smash Bros finally stops Sonic in his tracks! (Watch out Brendo) All the latest news from Nintendo Direct and more in episode 22 of The Gaming Lovers podcast!

After the highly anticipated release of PS4 exclusive Spider-Man came out, Brendo and Jem talk Super Heroes - the good, the bad and the buggy games over the years. From Marvel to D.C. and even some original heroes now in the mix, super hero video games have always been around but not always treated well. So, what super power would you choose? Let us know at www.thegaminglovers.com 

For the 20th episode of The Gaming Lovers podcast, Brendo and Jem look at video games that are 20 years old. 1998 is considered one of the best years for games with iconic titles such as The Legend of Zelda - Ocarina of Time, Metal Gear Solid and Banjo-Kazooie all launching that year. Plus, they catch up with their Esports correspondent Jamie to get all the latest news from the Melbourne Esports Open. #MEO2018

Product placement in entertainment is nothing new. Subtly showing your favourite fictitious characters using real world products can be a great way to sell items without being too 'in your face' ...most of the time. Sometimes certain companies go one step too far and make an entire game (or several) solely to sell more Big Macs... I mean... things.  In episode 19 of The Gaming Lovers podcast, Brendo and Jem sort through the bizarre world of product placement in video games, from the skillfully hidden to the obnoxious and down right stupid. Plus, Ronald McDonald rapping! (You've been warned)

There is nothing new under the sun. Much of gaming now is built on the classics, just with better graphics. With Insomniac Games rebooting Spider-Man this year, Brendo and Jem look at videogames that have been Remastered, Remade and Rebooted and distinguish the difference between the three. What old game could do with a fresh coat of paint? Find out what The Gaming Lovers think should be modernised for the current console generation.

The Gaming Lovers are joined by their relatives in this special episode of the podcast. Brendo's dad Alan and little sister Rhiannon have their teamwork put to the test with various games from Death Squared, Snipperclips, Mario Tennis Aces and more.   Jem and Rhiannon chat about their favourite childhood video games, share embarrassing stories about Brendo as a kid and play Overcooked 2 for the first time ever!

When one of The Gaming Lovers' favourite games, Horizon Zero Dawn, recently announced a canonical board game is in the works, Brendo and Jem get inspired to look deeper into the weird and wonderful world of board game adaptions of video games. From the detailed and lengthy versions of Fallout and Dark Souls to a quirky take on Portal. Mmmm... cake anyone? The married duo start speculating on what video games would work well in tabletop format, looking at classic RPG's and even Pikmin! What video game would you love to play as a board game?

Guilty Pleasures. We all have them. From food we know we shouldn't eat to movies we don't want to admit we watch. Brendo and Jem admit their guilty pleasure video games including commercial flops and plain embarrassing 'I hope no one sees me playing this' games. The Gaming Lovers also share a few stories of how gaming has crossed paths with their work life from cosplayers catching Brendo's train to voiceover jobs casting Jem in the perfect role. Will your video game guilty pleasures match theirs? Find out in episode 15!

Movies based on Video Games have become a running joke in the gaming community. The kind where you start laughing at it... and then cry because they destroyed your favourite childhood game on the silver screen.  Brendo and Jem sort through the rubbish and reveal the diamond in the rough, the hidden gem of video game movies! What movie actually did it's game justice? Plus, The Gaming Lovers gush about the fan film of Uncharted recently uploaded on YouTube starring Nathan Fillion! Perhaps there is hope for games turned into movies after all...  

Brendo and Jem answer a question from a listener about good games for beginners and how to avoid video game addiction.It’s a touchy subject of late but important to address. The Gaming Lovers give some simple and practical advice to prevent gaming overtaking your life.They also run through various games perfect for newbies ready to get their feet wet in the gaming world!If you or someone you know is struggling with an addiction, seek professional help or contact Lifeline.

This week Brendo and Jem are joined by 3 special guests - Geoege, FattyBin & Jedi. Teenage girls who love video games but haven't experienced the classics.   Time for a gaming history lesson! Hear them play and react to iconic games from Atari, NES, Sega Mega Drive, Nintendo 64 and the original Sony Playstation.   What will they love? What hurts their eyes? What did they say about Sonic to make Brendo cry? Hear all their reactions to these retro games in episode 12 of The Gaming Lovers podcast.   Games featured: Pong, Outlaw, Freeway, Super Mario Bros, Double Dragon 2, Super Mario World, Super Mario Kart, Street Fighter 2, Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Crash Bandicoot and Mario Kart 64.

Some video game villains make us cringe with their terrible dialogue or poor programing. But this episode is not about those - no - this episode of The Gaming Lovers podcast, Brendo and Jem list the video game villains who need to re-think their career path. Whether it's Dr Eggman and his many failed attempts against Sonic or Albert Wesker from Resident Evil and his 'brillant plan' to get stabbed through the chest... they all need to see a guidance counselor stat! What video game villain do YOU think needs a new day job?

Ever wanted to be paid to play video games? Making money in gaming is much easier and more common than you might realise.  In episode 10 of The Gaming Lovers podcast, Brendo and Jem sort through the various ways to make moolah with your favourite hobby. From live streaming to eSports, gaming journalism to the shady underworld of gold farming; there are a multitude of ways to rake in the cash. But which options are the best for making a living through gaming? Ahh, what a wonderful time we live in where our childhood talents in Frogger or Mario Kart are marketable tools on our resume! 

There are many memorable female characters in video games but few have the honour of being the main character in their game.  As more strong, intelligent women steal the show in gaming, like Ellie in The Last of Us or Aloy in Horizon: Zero Dawn, the trend of female protagonists is on the upswing.  Brendo & Jem have complied a list of their favourite top 10 female gaming protagonists (with a few honourable mentions).  From cult hits like Tomb Raider's Lara Croft to the fiery Fetch in Infamous First Light. Did your favourite make the list?