Self-Critical Hits! http://www.selfcriticalhits.com an rpg podcast of amusingly ill-informed opinions about things you probably aren't interested in Fri, 20 Apr 2012 06:41:30 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.5 an rpg podcast of amusingly ill-informed opinions about things you probably aren't interested in Self-Critical Hits yes an rpg podcast of amusingly ill-informed opinions about things you probably aren't interested in Self-Critical Hits! http://www.selfcriticalhits.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/S-CH-iTunes-Logo-2012.jpg http://www.selfcriticalhits.com Seattle, WA Ummm... Episode 027 – Mass Effect for Panthers and Mister Lil-Pat-on-the-Back http://www.selfcriticalhits.com/?p=172 http://www.selfcriticalhits.com/?p=172#comments Fri, 20 Apr 2012 06:41:10 +0000 milesgaborit http://www.selfcriticalhits.com/?p=172 Continue reading →]]> Seriously, how metal is this?

You can't go wrong with a goat head

James got a Satan tattoo!

Also, we recorded an episode – both things are news!

Aaaaaand SPOILERS! This time we talk an awful lot about Mass Effect, Skyrim, and Fallout 3/New Vegas, and how those games in their various ways demonstrate things we’d like to see at the table.

We also discuss the Legend of Korra premiere; Dog Eat Dog – a hot ass story game about colonization, assimilation, and power that’s currently being Kickstarter’d; and awesome cartoons of yore like He-Man, She-Ra, and the Ninja Turtles.

And there’s lots of other stuff!

Hosts: Kaycee, James, Ken, David, Miles

Notes & Links:

]]> http://www.selfcriticalhits.com/?feed=rss2&p=172 0 James got a Satan tattoo! - Also, we recorded an episode - both things are news! - Aaaaaand SPOILERS! This time we talk an awful lot about Mass Effect, Skyrim, and Fallout 3/New Vegas, and how those games in their various ways demonstrate things we'd... James got a Satan tattoo! Also, we recorded an episode - both things are news! Aaaaaand SPOILERS! This time we talk an awful lot about Mass Effect, Skyrim, and Fallout 3/New Vegas, and how those games in their various ways demonstrate things we'd like to see at the table. We also discuss the Legend of Korra premiere; Dog Eat Dog - a hot ass story game about colonization, assimilation, and power that's currently being Kickstarter'd; and awesome cartoons of yore like He-Man, She-Ra, and the Ninja Turtles. And there's lots of other stuff! Hosts: Kaycee, James, Ken, David, Miles Notes & Links: Dog Eat Dog on Kickstarter Legend of Korra Running After Antelope by Scott Carrier Barry Lyndon by Stanley Kubrick Mass Effect comics! Story Games Seattle, the lovely folks who - led by the indefatigable Ben Robbins -  hosted many gaming table throughout the weekend of Emerald City Comicon Mouse Guard: Legends of the Guard New He-Man comics! Fucking Michael Bay Self-Critical Hits yes Episode 026 – Control Issues http://www.selfcriticalhits.com/?p=167 http://www.selfcriticalhits.com/?p=167#comments Wed, 29 Feb 2012 06:46:47 +0000 milesgaborit http://www.selfcriticalhits.com/?p=167 Continue reading →]]> A rambling, silly episode to ring in ‘Season 2′ of Self-Critical Hits! We talk a little about the movie Chronicle and the new Conan comic, but mostly just say terrible things. Among these things: Whitney Houston’s funeral, the podcasters union, and lines of cocaine on David’s man-boobs.

We eventually get to a gaming-related topic – which, naturally, is approached only tangentially – about losing control of your character in RPGs: when it’s awesome, and when…not so much. We talk a lot about failure as loss of agency, and most of this topic is in the context of GM’d games. Sadly, the end of this conversation was cut off by ridiculous technical difficulties…go ahead and assume we ended with deep thoughts.

Hosts: David, Kaycee, Ken, James, Miles

Notes & Links:

]]> http://www.selfcriticalhits.com/?feed=rss2&p=167 1 A rambling, silly episode to ring in 'Season 2' of Self-Critical Hits! We talk a little about the movie Chronicle and the new Conan comic, but mostly just say terrible things. Among these things: Whitney Houston's funeral, the podcasters union, A rambling, silly episode to ring in 'Season 2' of Self-Critical Hits! We talk a little about the movie Chronicle and the new Conan comic, but mostly just say terrible things. Among these things: Whitney Houston's funeral, the podcasters union, and lines of cocaine on David's man-boobs. We eventually get to a gaming-related topic - which, naturally, is approached only tangentially - about losing control of your character in RPGs: when it's awesome, and when...not so much. We talk a lot about failure as loss of agency, and most of this topic is in the context of GM'd games. Sadly, the end of this conversation was cut off by ridiculous technical difficulties...go ahead and assume we ended with deep thoughts. Hosts: David, Kaycee, Ken, James, Miles Notes & Links: Chronicle The Hobbit Trailer David is a Werewolf Todd and the Book of Pure Evil Addaura - Seattle black metal James recommends The Killing Raktajino - Klingon Coffee Convert a Dead Mormon to a Gay! The Games: Skyrim, Mouse Guard, Call of Cthulhu, Burning Wheel, D&D, Apocalypse World, Dogs in the Vineyard Self-Critical Hits yes Episode 025 – Silver & White Actual Play+Discussion http://www.selfcriticalhits.com/?p=155 http://www.selfcriticalhits.com/?p=155#comments Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:36:17 +0000 milesgaborit http://www.selfcriticalhits.com/?p=155 Continue reading →]]> What the what!?! More Self-Critical Hits?

Yes. Yes indeed.

This time we play Silver & White, an intense and fun story game by Mr. Jackson Tegu that is still in playtesting. The game is about 4 teens who stumble upon a dead body, an enigmatic machine, and many other mysteries besides. We had a really wonderful time.

Following the actual play we talk about the fun we had – what we thought of some of the more interesting mechanical bits of the game, what worked particularly well and what we might change. Mainly, though, we gush all over the place.

Hosts: Tanya, Tori, David, Miles

]]> http://www.selfcriticalhits.com/?feed=rss2&p=155 0 What the what!?! More Self-Critical Hits? Yes. Yes indeed. This time we play Silver & White, an intense and fun story game by Mr. Jackson Tegu that is still in playtesting. The game is about 4 teens who stumble upon a dead body, an enigmatic machine, What the what!?! More Self-Critical Hits? Yes. Yes indeed. This time we play Silver & White, an intense and fun story game by Mr. Jackson Tegu that is still in playtesting. The game is about 4 teens who stumble upon a dead body, an enigmatic machine, and many other mysteries besides. We had a really wonderful time. Following the actual play we talk about the fun we had - what we thought of some of the more interesting mechanical bits of the game, what worked particularly well and what we might change. Mainly, though, we gush all over the place. Hosts: Tanya, Tori, David, Miles Self-Critical Hits yes Episode 024 – PAX 2011 Report http://www.selfcriticalhits.com/?p=150 http://www.selfcriticalhits.com/?p=150#comments Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:34:26 +0000 admin http://www.selfcriticalhits.com/?p=150 Continue reading →]]> Self-Critical Hits did PAX Prime this year…and we did it HARD. This episode covers what we all saw and did and loved at the biggest gaming con on the West Coast. We talk about the hottest new hotness that we got to handle, and where we had the most fun.

Also discussed: our tête-a-tête with the good folks at Gamechurch; the PAX Utilikilt anti-goal; and James being banned from playing the “Fashion No-No” card.

Hosts: Miles, James, Tanya, Ken, David, Kaycee

]]> http://www.selfcriticalhits.com/?feed=rss2&p=150 0 Self-Critical Hits did PAX Prime this year…and we did it HARD. This episode covers what we all saw and did and loved at the biggest gaming con on the West Coast. We talk about the hottest new hotness that we got to handle, Self-Critical Hits did PAX Prime this year…and we did it HARD. This episode covers what we all saw and did and loved at the biggest gaming con on the West Coast. We talk about the hottest new hotness that we got to handle, and where we had the most fun. Also discussed: our tête-a-tête with the good folks at Gamechurch; the PAX Utilikilt anti-goal; and James being banned from playing the “Fashion No-No” card. Hosts: Miles, James, Tanya, Ken, David, Kaycee Self-Critical Hits yes Episode 023 – No Gobs, No Stoppers http://www.selfcriticalhits.com/?p=147 http://www.selfcriticalhits.com/?p=147#comments Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:33:04 +0000 admin http://www.selfcriticalhits.com/?p=147 Continue reading →]]> A short episode this week, in which we briefly discuss: the use of jargon and specific language in gaming, and the effect that naming things well has on play; Gamechurch, a Christian gamer support organization; Games on Demand (sort of) at PAX Prime; and Fantasy Flight Games acquiring the Star Wars license.

Hosts: James, Ken, David, Kaycee, Miles, Lee

]]> http://www.selfcriticalhits.com/?feed=rss2&p=147 0 A short episode this week, in which we briefly discuss: the use of jargon and specific language in gaming, and the effect that naming things well has on play; Gamechurch, a Christian gamer support organization; Games on Demand (sort of) at PAX Prime; a... A short episode this week, in which we briefly discuss: the use of jargon and specific language in gaming, and the effect that naming things well has on play; Gamechurch, a Christian gamer support organization; Games on Demand (sort of) at PAX Prime; and Fantasy Flight Games acquiring the Star Wars license. Hosts: James, Ken, David, Kaycee, Miles, Lee Self-Critical Hits yes Episode 022 – What’s My Motivation, Denzel? http://www.selfcriticalhits.com/?p=144 http://www.selfcriticalhits.com/?p=144#comments Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:31:32 +0000 admin http://www.selfcriticalhits.com/?p=144 Continue reading →]]> Dear Listeners,

It is a true pleasure to bring you this week’s item, a pleasantly diverting discussion on the topic of motivation at the roleplaying table: why we do the things we do in game, and what we might learn from their doing. It all gets a bit navel-gaze-y, really (but entertainingly so!).

Some recommendation’s from this August’s august Self-Critical Hits company precede the central agenda item, along with a listing of games that Ms. Brewster encountered at Go Play NW, several minutes of James being tormented and planes flying over, and a surprise appearance by an Academy Award winner (or two!).

Hosts: James, Tori, Ken, Miles

]]> http://www.selfcriticalhits.com/?feed=rss2&p=144 0 Dear Listeners, It is a true pleasure to bring you this week’s item, a pleasantly diverting discussion on the topic of motivation at the roleplaying table: why we do the things we do in game, and what we might learn from their doing. Dear Listeners, It is a true pleasure to bring you this week’s item, a pleasantly diverting discussion on the topic of motivation at the roleplaying table: why we do the things we do in game, and what we might learn from their doing. It all gets a bit navel-gaze-y, really (but entertainingly so!). Some recommendation’s from this August’s august Self-Critical Hits company precede the central agenda item, along with a listing of games that Ms. Brewster encountered at Go Play NW, several minutes of James being tormented and planes flying over, and a surprise appearance by an Academy Award winner (or two!). Hosts: James, Tori, Ken, Miles Self-Critical Hits yes Episode 020 – The Quiet Year AP http://www.selfcriticalhits.com/?p=139 http://www.selfcriticalhits.com/?p=139#comments Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:28:00 +0000 admin http://www.selfcriticalhits.com/?p=139 Continue reading →]]> It’s actual play time this week, and we’ve got a hold of a playtest copy of The Quiet Year. It’s a post-apocalyptic map making game by Joe McDaldno, and we had a great time with it. Monstrous cave mutants (and the townsfolk who loved them) figured prominently, as did the noble houses of Westeros and a lady named Serenity.

]]> http://www.selfcriticalhits.com/?feed=rss2&p=139 0 It’s actual play time this week, and we’ve got a hold of a playtest copy of The Quiet Year. It’s a post-apocalyptic map making game by Joe McDaldno, and we had a great time with it. Monstrous cave mutants (and the townsfolk who loved them) figure... It’s actual play time this week, and we’ve got a hold of a playtest copy of The Quiet Year. It’s a post-apocalyptic map making game by Joe McDaldno, and we had a great time with it. Monstrous cave mutants (and the townsfolk who loved them) figured prominently, as did the noble houses of Westeros and a lady named Serenity. Self-Critical Hits yes Episode 019 – Tori Likes All These Games! http://www.selfcriticalhits.com/?p=136 http://www.selfcriticalhits.com/?p=136#comments Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:25:39 +0000 admin http://www.selfcriticalhits.com/?p=136 Continue reading →]]> In this week’s thrilling installment, Tori gushes about all of the games she played at Fabricated Realities Con last month – basically, she loved everything.

Also included: some discussion of using Fiasco! to wrap up a fantasy campaign, the tragically impending end Uncanny X-Men, the resurrection of the Seattle Story Games meetup, and the upcoming Geek Girl Con.

New Segment! The Misadventures of Rudy the Fucking Bastard Dog! Miles’s ridiculous tiny dog Rudy is featured throughout this episode – see if you can catch any of his delightful and informative cameos!

Please note: we lost the first half of this conversation, but hopefully we’ve edited for clarity.

Also- Tori was INCREDIBLY hungover for this. So apologies if she butchered explaining the game mechanics!

Hosts: Tori and Miles- topic starts right away. And is probably NSFW

]]> http://www.selfcriticalhits.com/?feed=rss2&p=136 0 In this week’s thrilling installment, Tori gushes about all of the games she played at Fabricated Realities Con last month – basically, she loved everything. Also included: some discussion of using Fiasco! to wrap up a fantasy campaign, In this week’s thrilling installment, Tori gushes about all of the games she played at Fabricated Realities Con last month – basically, she loved everything. Also included: some discussion of using Fiasco! to wrap up a fantasy campaign, the tragically impending end Uncanny X-Men, the resurrection of the Seattle Story Games meetup, and the upcoming Geek Girl Con. New Segment! The Misadventures of Rudy the Fucking Bastard Dog! Miles’s ridiculous tiny dog Rudy is featured throughout this episode – see if you can catch any of his delightful and informative cameos! Please note: we lost the first half of this conversation, but hopefully we've edited for clarity. Also- Tori was INCREDIBLY hungover for this. So apologies if she butchered explaining the game mechanics! Hosts: Tori and Miles- topic starts right away. And is probably NSFW Self-Critical Hits yes Episode 018 – Building Gamer Community http://www.selfcriticalhits.com/?p=133 http://www.selfcriticalhits.com/?p=133#comments Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:23:55 +0000 admin http://www.selfcriticalhits.com/?p=133 Continue reading →]]> Here’s the 2nd part of our talk with Rose Cowman – founder of the recently completed, and by all accounts completely awesome Fabricated Realities story gaming con – and the mysterious yet devastating Danielle, both visitors from the frozen south. This time we talk about building and/or finding community and safe space through gaming. We also make grand plans for an RPG about living in an anarcho-punk house (the dreaded and arcane chore wheel will figure prominently).

Hosts: Tori, Tanya, Ross, Danielle, James, Tobin, Caleb, David

]]> http://www.selfcriticalhits.com/?feed=rss2&p=133 0 Here’s the 2nd part of our talk with Rose Cowman – founder of the recently completed, and by all accounts completely awesome Fabricated Realities story gaming con – and the mysterious yet devastating Danielle, both visitors from the frozen south. Here’s the 2nd part of our talk with Rose Cowman – founder of the recently completed, and by all accounts completely awesome Fabricated Realities story gaming con – and the mysterious yet devastating Danielle, both visitors from the frozen south. This time we talk about building and/or finding community and safe space through gaming. We also make grand plans for an RPG about living in an anarcho-punk house (the dreaded and arcane chore wheel will figure prominently). Hosts: Tori, Tanya, Ross, Danielle, James, Tobin, Caleb, David Self-Critical Hits yes Episode 017 – Fabricated Realities Con and the Spectre of Gamer Elitism http://www.selfcriticalhits.com/?p=130 http://www.selfcriticalhits.com/?p=130#comments Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:21:56 +0000 admin http://www.selfcriticalhits.com/?p=130 Continue reading →]]> The usual suspects are joined this week by Ross and Danielle, visiting from the wilds of Olympia. Ross is the founder of the upcoming (BRAND NEW!!!) Fabricated Realities story gaming con, which is discussed at some length because it sounds like a whole bunch of awesome – expect a full report!

The group then gets into some talk about: perceptions of elitism among folks who play contemporary/story games; the idea of the so-called “hipster gamer”; gaming as an effort to create safe, or even therapeutic, social space; and – finally, to assure anyone listening that there’s no bias here – a bunch of trash is talked about both 3rd and 4th editions of D&D.

Also, our talk with Ross and Danielle ran a bit long – okay, like almost 3 hours long – so we’ll be releasing the rest of the discussion in the next couple weeks.

Hosts: Tori, Tanya, Ross, Danielle, James, Tobin, Caleb, David

]]> http://www.selfcriticalhits.com/?feed=rss2&p=130 0 The usual suspects are joined this week by Ross and Danielle, visiting from the wilds of Olympia. Ross is the founder of the upcoming (BRAND NEW!!!) Fabricated Realities story gaming con, which is discussed at some length because it sounds like a whole... The usual suspects are joined this week by Ross and Danielle, visiting from the wilds of Olympia. Ross is the founder of the upcoming (BRAND NEW!!!) Fabricated Realities story gaming con, which is discussed at some length because it sounds like a whole bunch of awesome – expect a full report! The group then gets into some talk about: perceptions of elitism among folks who play contemporary/story games; the idea of the so-called “hipster gamer”; gaming as an effort to create safe, or even therapeutic, social space; and – finally, to assure anyone listening that there’s no bias here – a bunch of trash is talked about both 3rd and 4th editions of D&D. Also, our talk with Ross and Danielle ran a bit long – okay, like almost 3 hours long – so we’ll be releasing the rest of the discussion in the next couple weeks. Hosts: Tori, Tanya, Ross, Danielle, James, Tobin, Caleb, David Self-Critical Hits yes