Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Last Save Lounge: Stories About Video Games

Aaron got a new job, which means his recordings time are FUNKY. Here's a note on what to expect.

🎮 About Last Save Lounge

A show about the video games that saved our progress, and a little bit of us. Each week, host Aaron talks with a guest about the single video game that means the most to them.

💸 Becoming a Patreon member at Patreon.com/HoodieWeather - Get ad-free episodes, bonus segments, and free games!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when the video game you've been waiting years for arrives during the hardest week of your life? This week on Last Save Lounge, the cozy gaming podcast about the games that saved our progress (and a little bit of us), I'm joined by Zelda content creator Pea of HylianPeaPod (Instagram, TikTok, Twitch, and YouTube) to talk about her favorite game of all time: The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom for the Nintendo Switch.

Pea didn't fall for Breath of the Wild right away — her first reaction at the midnight launch was that it wasn't "a normal Zelda game." But by the time Tears of the Kingdom arrived, everything had changed: the release landed during a genuinely difficult week, right after her dog was diagnosed with two illnesses, and she describes opening the game at midnight and bursting into actual tears. We talk about how Tears became her comfort and her escape that weekend — and still is today — why she thinks it improves on Breath of the Wild in nearly every way, her Twitch community built almost entirely around 100%-ing the game on stream, and her advice for anyone looking to start their own Zelda journey.

In this cozy gaming podcast episode, we explore:

• The emotional midnight launch that turned Tears of the Kingdom into more than just a game for Pea
• Why she says "Breath of the Wild walks, but Tears of the Kingdom runs"
• Building her Twitch community and content career around Zelda
• Her favorite in-game builds, including the now-legendary "Korok Crusher 3000"
• Where to start if you've never played a Zelda game before

If you love Zelda, cozy gaming podcasts, gaming memories, comfort games, games as escapism, Nintendo Switch games, or stories about the games that show up for us exactly when we need them, this episode is for you.

Last Save Lounge is my weekly hangout for people who still think about the games that shaped them. Come find me @lastsavelounge on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. If you'd like to buy me a metaphorical coffee (I run on good conversations and caffeine), you can do that at patreon.com/hoodieweather. And if times are tough, you are too — you can still become a free Patreon member and get exclusive benefits.

🎮 About Last Save Lounge

A show about the video games that saved our progress, and a little bit of us. Each week, host Aaron talks with a guest about the single video game that means the most to them.

💸 Becoming a Patreon member at Patreon.com/HoodieWeather - Get ad-free episodes, bonus segments, and free games!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is there a single greatest platformer of the 1990s? Kevin Cortez thinks so, and he's not shy about it. This week on Last Save Lounge, the cozy gaming podcast about the games that saved our progress (and a little bit of us), I'm joined by journalist and content creator Kevin Cortez — whose work has appeared in Popular Mechanics, HuffPost, and Mothership — to talk about his favorite game of all time: Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest for the Super Nintendo. Kevin lays out exactly why — the tightened controls, the soundtrack, the level design that escalates from world to world, and a difficulty curve he calls "just right." We also dig into the distinction he draws between his favorite game and the most important one (that'd be Super Mario World), how DKC2 was the first game that taught him a sequel could actually surpass its predecessor, and what it was like revisiting the game as an adult to prep for this conversation.

In this cozy gaming podcast episode, we explore:

• Why Kevin stands firmly behind Donkey Kong Country 2 as the best platformer of the 1990s
• The soundtrack, controls, and level design choices that set it apart from its predecessor
• Why Kevin draws a distinction between his "favorite" game and the "most important" game he's played
• How DKC2 taught him what a great sequel could look like
• His career writing for Popular Mechanics, HuffPost, Mothership, and more.

Last Save Lounge is my weekly hangout for people who still think about the games that shaped them. Come find me @lastsavelounge on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. If you'd like to buy me a metaphorical coffee (I run on good conversations and caffeine), you can do that at patreon.com/hoodieweather. And if times are tough, you are too — you can still become a free Patreon member and get exclusive benefits.

🎮 About Last Save Lounge

A show about the video games that saved our progress, and a little bit of us. Each week, host Aaron talks with a guest about the single video game that means the most to them.

💸 Becoming a Patreon member at Patreon.com/HoodieWeather - Get ad-free episodes, bonus segments, and free games!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What do you do when your favorite game of all time is also a family tradition? This week on Last Save Lounge, the cozy gaming podcast about the games that saved our progress (and a little bit of us), I'm joined by Baron Jones — better known as BaronJ67, Communications Director at LV1 Gaming — to talk about his favorite game of all time: Ogre Battle 64.

Baron's history with the game started before he ever picked up a controller for it — watching his late uncle and cousin command chibi armies, cast spells, and navigate a branching, morality-driven story with multiple endings. That early exposure turned into a lifelong love once he played it himself, and it ended up shaping his entire taste in strategy RPGs from there. We talk about the game's surprisingly ahead-of-its-time chaos/alignment system, how it led him to XCOM, Mount & Blade: Bannerlord, and Final Fantasy Tactics, and whether it would still hit the same way if he discovered it for the first time today.

In this cozy gaming podcast episode, we explore:

• How Ogre Battle 64 became a shared experience across Baron's family before it became personal
• The branching story, chaos/alignment system, and RTS-style battles that made the game years ahead of its time
• How the game shaped Baron's lifelong love of tactics RPGs
• His path from streaming under the BaronJ67 name to becoming Communications Director at LV1 Gaming
• Why some games become part of our family history, not just our personal one

If you love tactics RPGs, retro N64 games, strategy games, cozy gaming podcasts, gaming memories, or games that get passed down like family traditions, this episode is for you.

Last Save Lounge is my weekly hangout for people who still think about the games that shaped them. Come find me @lastsavelounge on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. If you'd like to buy me a metaphorical coffee (I run on good conversations and caffeine), you can do that at patreon.com/hoodieweather. And if times are tough, you are too — you can still become a free Patreon member and get exclusive benefits.

🎮 About Last Save Lounge

A show about the video games that saved our progress, and a little bit of us. Each week, host Aaron talks with a guest about the single video game that means the most to them.

💸 Becoming a Patreon member at Patreon.com/HoodieWeather - Get ad-free episodes, bonus segments, and free games!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Last Save Lounge, the cozy gaming podcast about the games that saved our progress (and a little bit of us), we're joined by Nellie of NellieQuests (@nelliequests on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitch) to talk about her favorite game of all time: Animal Crossing: New Horizons.

Nellie opens up about picking the game back up during a major transitional period in her life, how it reignited a passion for gaming she hadn't touched since her DS days, and why the villagers of Animal Crossing became a source of stability for someone who moved around a lot growing up. We also dig into her creative process as a working actress, why cozy games like Animal Crossing, Paralives, and Palia scratch a similar itch to performing, and her ongoing (deeply ambitious) Bob's Burgers build in Paralives — including a 100 Baby Challenge starring Linda Belcher.

If you love cozy gaming podcasts, gaming memories, and conversations about how our favorite games shape who we are, this episode is for you.

Last Save Lounge is a weekly hangout for people who still think about the games that shaped them. Join us @lastsavelounge on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, and if you'd like to buy us a metaphorical coffee (we run on nostalgia and caffeine), find us at patreon.com/hoodieweather.

🎮 About Last Save Lounge

A show about the video games that saved our progress, and a little bit of us. Each week, host Aaron talks with a guest about the single video game that means the most to them.

💸 Becoming a Patreon member at Patreon.com/HoodieWeather - Get ad-free episodes, bonus segments, and free games!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week's Last Save Lounge is gonna hit a little different. I'm recovering from a major stomach bug that lasted weeks, and a few guest rescheduled so I'm calling an audible and recording a brief solo episode this week! If you like this, lemme know and I'll try to do more in the future

🎮 About Last Save Lounge

A show about the video games that saved our progress, and a little bit of us. Each week, host Aaron talks with a guest about the single video game that means the most to them.

💸 Becoming a Patreon member at Patreon.com/HoodieWeather - Get ad-free episodes, bonus segments, and free games!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if the last thing you remember before a near-death accident was a video game — and the game somehow got you through it?

This week on Last Save Lounge, the cozy gaming podcast about the games that saved our progress (and a little bit of us), we're joined by David Mann, a 3D character artist who's spent his career designing and directing character art for major game and interactive projects, to talk about why Double Fine's Psychonauts is his favorite game of all time.

David tells the almost unbelievable story of getting hit by a truck while biking to class in San Francisco — and spending the entire ambulance ride and hospital stay convinced he was living inside Psychonauts, dreaming he had psychokinetic powers and was setting birds on fire with his mind, right up until he woke up on a gurney heading in for his fourth MRI of the night. We also dig into what drew him to character art in the first place, how Psychonauts' design and world-building shaped his own career, and the ten-plus-year friendship with host Aaron that started with a conversation about Mirror's Edge.

In this cozy gaming podcast episode, we explore:

• Why Psychonauts remains one of the most formative games of David's life
• The wild true story of surviving a bike accident while dreaming he was playing it
• How character design and world-building in games like Psychonauts shaped David's career as a 3D artist
• What it's like working as an outsource manager overseeing character art for major studios
• Why some games become part of how we process real-life trauma
• 
  

If you love Double Fine games, Psychonauts, indie platformers, cozy gaming podcasts, gaming memories, or stories about games that show up for us in unexpected ways, this episode is for you.

#Psychonauts #DoubleFine #cozygaming #gamingpodcast #gamingmemories #3Dcharacterart #indiegames

Last Save Lounge is a weekly hangout for people who still think about the games that shaped them. Join us @lastsavelounge on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, and if you'd like to buy us a metaphorical coffee (we run on nostalgia and caffeine), find us at patreon.com/hoodieweather.

🎮 About Last Save Lounge

A show about the video games that saved our progress, and a little bit of us. Each week, host Aaron talks with a guest about the single video game that means the most to them.

💸 Becoming a Patreon member at Patreon.com/HoodieWeather - Get ad-free episodes, bonus segments, and free games!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when a game is so challenging that you simply refuse to quit? This week on Last Save Lounge, Aaron sits down with independent game developer and technical artist Caris Baker, co-creator of Throwback: Jai Alai Heroes, to talk about why StarCraft II is her favorite game of all time.

From growing up in a family obsessed with games, creativity, and play to becoming a professional game developer, Caris shares the winding path that led her to Blizzard's legendary real-time strategy game. We explore how StarCraft II became more than a hobby—it became a challenge that shaped the way she thinks, learns, and approaches her work as a creator.

In this episode, we discuss:

🎮 Why StarCraft II remains one of the greatest RTS games ever made

🎮 Growing up with Nintendo, PlayStation, PC gaming, and video rental stores

🎮 The surprising connection between StarCraft II, Warhammer 40K, and game development

🎮 How difficult games can inspire personal growth and mastery

🎮 ADHD, problem-solving, and the satisfaction of overcoming challenges

🎮 Building Throwback: Jai Alai Heroes and creating arcade games in the modern era

🎮 Why some games stay with us throughout multiple stages of our lives

Whether you're a lifelong StarCraft fan, a game developer, an RTS enthusiast, or someone who loves hearing the stories behind people's favorite games, this episode is packed with gaming memories, creative insights, and plenty of nostalgia.

About Last Save Lounge

Last Save Lounge is a weekly cozy gaming podcast where developers, streamers, creators, and gaming enthusiasts answer one simple question:

"What is your favorite game of all time?"

Keywords: StarCraft II, StarCraft 2, Blizzard Entertainment, RTS games, real-time strategy games, game development, indie game developer, Throwback Jai Alai Heroes, technical artist, gaming memories, cozy gaming podcast, PC gaming, Warhammer 40K, Blizzard games, video game design

Subscribe for new episodes every Tuesday wherever you get your podcasts.

🎮 About Last Save Lounge

A show about the video games that saved our progress, and a little bit of us. Each week, host Aaron talks with a guest about the single video game that means the most to them.

💸 Becoming a Patreon member at Patreon.com/HoodieWeather - Get ad-free episodes, bonus segments, and free games!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What makes a video game stick with you long after you've finished playing it? This week on Last Save Lounge, we're joined by Clara Deitmar of Mucks Games to talk about why Baba Is You is their favorite game of all time and what game developers can learn from its brilliant design. Check out the new Mucks Games Kickstarter for Frieda Is Changing at https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/mucksgames/frieda-is-changing

As a member of the team behind the upcoming game Frieda Is Changing, Clara brings a unique perspective on creating games that leave a lasting impression on players. We dive into the challenges of indie game development, designing memorable player experiences, and why some games continue to live in our heads long after the credits roll.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why Baba Is You is one of the most innovative puzzle games ever made

• Designing games that stay with players emotionally and intellectually

• The realities of indie game development

• Building a social media presence without a dedicated marketing team

• How small studios connect with audiences in today's gaming landscape

• What makes players remember a game years later

Whether you're a fan of puzzle games, indie game development, game design, or simply love hearing passionate creators talk about the games that shaped them, this episode is for you.

🎮 About Last Save Lounge

A show about the video games that saved our progress, and a little bit of us. Each week, host Aaron talks with a guest about the single video game that means the most to them.

💸 Becoming a Patreon member at Patreon.com/HoodieWeather - Get ad-free episodes, bonus segments, and free games!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What makes a game stay with you as you grow older? This week on Last Save Lounge, we’re joined by Tom Dyke—a livestream and video producer who has worked with companies like Cards Against Humanity, Direwolf Digital, and the McElroy Family—to talk about why The Binding of Isaac is his favorite game of all time.

In this cozy gaming podcast episode, we explore:

• Why smaller, tightly authored games can feel more meaningful than sprawling open worlds
• How games change as we grow older and our relationship to media evolves
• The strange early-2000s internet energy that shaped games like The Binding of Isaac
• Why the game’s art style evokes memories of Newgrounds and eBaum’s World

We also talk about:

• Growing up with Pokémon
• Internet culture and indie gaming aesthetics
• The joy of replayable roguelike games
• Why weird games leave such a lasting impression

If you love indie games, roguelikes, cozy gaming podcasts, gaming memories, or early internet nostalgia, this episode is for you.

🎙️ About Last Save Lounge

A weekly cozy gaming podcast where guests answer one question:

👉 What is your favorite game of all time?

🔑 Keywords:

The Binding of Isaac, Pokémon, indie games, roguelike games, cozy gaming podcast, gaming memories, Newgrounds nostalgia, eBaum’s World, indie gaming, retro internet culture

👍 Don’t forget to subscribe for more cozy gaming conversations every week!

#BindingOfIsaac #Pokemon #indiegames #cozygaming #gamingpodcast #gamingmemories #roguelike #Newgrounds

🎮 About Last Save Lounge

A show about the video games that saved our progress, and a little bit of us. Each week, host Aaron talks with a guest about the single video game that means the most to them.

💸 Becoming a Patreon member at Patreon.com/HoodieWeather - Get ad-free episodes, bonus segments, and free games!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if the best games weren’t about leveling up… but about learning? This week on Last Save Lounge, we’re joined by Chelsea of Chelsea Blossom Games—a cozy creator known for mixing wholesome games with intense Soulsborne experiences—to talk about why Outer Wilds is her favorite game of all time.

In this cozy gaming podcast episode, we explore:

• Why “knowledge games” are such a powerful genre
• How Outer Wilds emotionally connects with players
• Why Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice “altered her brain chemistry”
• The joy of discovery, mystery, and self-driven storytelling in games

We also talk about:

• Soulsborne games and introspective RPG moments
• Cozy games versus challenging games
• Weird gaming experiences like Crime Scene Cleaner
• Why players connect so deeply to games like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

If you love Outer Wilds, Soulsborne games, cozy gaming podcasts, gaming memories, or thoughtful game design discussions, this episode is for you. Check out Chelsea's work on her Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/chelseablossomgames and elsewhere at http://beacons.ai/chelseablossomgames!

🎮 About Last Save Lounge

A show about the video games that saved our progress, and a little bit of us. Each week, host Aaron talks with a guest about the single video game that means the most to them.

💸 Becoming a Patreon member at Patreon.com/HoodieWeather - Get ad-free episodes, bonus segments, and free games!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when a video game tells an emotional story for the first time in your life? This week on Last Save Lounge, we’re joined by Braska’s Daughter (BD)—a Twitch creator known for her warm and welcoming Final Fantasy community, hilarious low-cost cosplay sketches, and love of RPG storytelling—to talk about why Final Fantasy X is her favorite game of all time.

In this cozy gaming podcast episode, we explore:

• Experiencing an emotional story like Final Fantasy X at a young age
• Why Yuna’s journey resonated with so many players
• How Final Fantasy welcomes every kind of fan
• The power of RPG storytelling and gaming memories

We also talk about:

• Growing up with the PlayStation 2 era of gaming
• Building a positive Final Fantasy community online
• Why humor and cosplay help fans connect with these games

If you love Final Fantasy X, cozy gaming podcasts, JRPGs, goofy cosplay, or gaming nostalgia, this episode is for you. Find Braska's Daughter online at linktr.ee/Braskasdaughter!

🎮 About Last Save Lounge

A show about the video games that saved our progress, and a little bit of us. Each week, host Aaron talks with a guest about the single video game that means the most to them.

💸 Becoming a Patreon member at Patreon.com/HoodieWeather - Get ad-free episodes, bonus segments, and free games!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What makes a game feel perfect every time you play it? This week on Last Save Lounge, we’re joined by Neon O’Dea—a UI/UX artist at Bungie working on Destiny 2—to talk about why Star Fox 64 is their favorite game of all time.

In this cozy gaming podcast episode, we explore:

• The joy of an “authored path” in game design
• Why Star Fox 64 feels so tightly crafted and replayable
• How great games guide players without overwhelming them

If you love cozy gaming podcasts, Nintendo 64 nostalgia, Star Fox, or game design deep dives, this episode is for you.

🎮 About Last Save Lounge

A show about the video games that saved our progress, and a little bit of us. Each week, host Aaron talks with a guest about the single video game that means the most to them.

💸 Becoming a Patreon member at Patreon.com/HoodieWeather - Get ad-free episodes, bonus segments, and free games!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What makes a game something you want to pass down? This week on Last Save Lounge, we’re joined by Sean Lenhart—voice actor, audiobook narrator, and longtime performer—to talk about why The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening is his favorite game of all time.

In this cozy gaming podcast episode, we explore:

• How The Legend of Zelda shapes gaming memories across generations
• Introducing your kids to video games in a meaningful way
• Why Zelda’s music stays with us long after we stop playing
• The emotional connection between games, family, and storytelling

We also talk about:

• Parenthood and sharing games with the next generation
• The unique charm of Link’s Awakening
• Leon Kennedy as the perfect dumb boi action game protagonist

If you love cozy gaming podcasts, Zelda games, gaming memories, or sharing games with your kids, this episode is for you.

🎙️ About Last Save Lounge

A weekly cozy gaming podcast where guests answer one question:

👉 What is your favorite game of all time?

🔑 Keywords:

Legend of Zelda, Link’s Awakening, Zelda music, cozy gaming podcast, gaming memories, parenthood and gaming, introducing kids to video games, retro games, Nintendo

👍 Don’t forget to subscribe for more cozy gaming conversations every week!

#Zelda #LinksAwakening #cozygaming #gamingpodcast #gamingmemories #Nintendo #retrogaming

🎮 About Last Save Lounge

A show about the video games that saved our progress, and a little bit of us. Each week, host Aaron talks with a guest about the single video game that means the most to them.

💸 Becoming a Patreon member at Patreon.com/HoodieWeather - Get ad-free episodes, bonus segments, and free games!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What makes a game the perfect entry point into gaming? This week on Last Save Lounge, we’re joined by Devin from AnythingThatGames—a creator known for helping players break into gaming with their “no frills to high skills” approach—to talk about why Halo: Reach is their favorite game of all time.

In this cozy gaming podcast episode, we explore:

• Why Halo Reach is Devin's favorite game of all-time
• How Bungie evolved storytelling from Halo to Destiny
• The role of progression systems in keeping players engaged
• How video games tell stories through gameplay—not just cutscenes
• Why self-expression matters in modern gaming

We also dive into:

• The legacy of Bungie across Halo, Destiny, and Marathon
• Why Halo Reach’s campaign still resonates today
• How games can welcome new players into the hobby

If you love Halo, FPS games, cozy gaming podcasts, gaming memories, or even if you've just been learning how to get into gaming, this episode is for you.

🎙️ About Last Save Lounge

A weekly cozy gaming podcast where guests answer one question:

👉 What is your favorite game of all time?

🔑 Keywords:

Halo Reach, Bungie, Halo series, Destiny, Marathon, cozy gaming podcast, gaming memories, FPS games, beginner gaming, video game storytelling, progression systems

👍 Don’t forget to subscribe for more cozy gaming conversations every week!

#HaloReach #Halo #Destiny #cozygaming #gamingpodcast #FPSgames #gamingmemories #Bungie

🎮 About Last Save Lounge

A show about the video games that saved our progress, and a little bit of us. Each week, host Aaron talks with a guest about the single video game that means the most to them.

💸 Becoming a Patreon member at Patreon.com/HoodieWeather - Get ad-free episodes, bonus segments, and free games!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What makes a game unforgettable? For writer Aysha Faruh (Life is Strange: Double Exposure, Pathologic 3), it’s all about messy characters, tough choices, and emotional chaos—and that’s why her favorite game of all time is Dragon Age 2 by BioWare.

In this episode of Last Save Lounge, a cozy gaming podcast about gaming memories and the games that shape us, we dive deep into:

• Why Dragon Age 2 is one of the most underrated RPGs ever
• The power of angry, angsty characters in role-playing games
• How player choices shape relationships in games like Dragon Age 2, Life is Strange, and Baldur’s Gate 3
• Why modern RPGs don’t hit the same emotional highs

We also talk about:

• Baldur’s Gate 3 and companion dynamics
• Writing for Life is Strange: Double Exposure
• The influence of The Magicians on character writing (Eliot Hive RISE UP)
• Why “cozy gaming” doesn’t always mean calm games

If you love BioWare RPGs, cozy gaming podcasts, gaming nostalgia, or deep dives into game storytelling, this episode is for you.

🎮 About Last Save Lounge

A show about the video games that saved our progress, and a little bit of us. Each week, host Aaron talks with a guest about the single video game that means the most to them.

💸 Becoming a Patreon member at Patreon.com/HoodieWeather - Get ad-free episodes, bonus segments, and free games!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why does The Legend of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild continue to redefine what open-world games can be? In this episode of Last Save Lounge, host Aaron “TurboHoodie” Amendola sits down with Cloudd, a standout creator in the Legend of Zelda speedrunning community, to talk about why The Legend of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild is her favorite game of all time.

For Cloudd, The Legend of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild isn’t just a game—it’s a space for creativity, mastery, and self-expression. Through her experience in speedrunning, she’s developed a deep understanding of the game’s systems, uncovering new ways to move, optimize, and interact with its vast open world. This episode explores how The Legend of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild rewards curiosity and skill in ways that continue to inspire players years after its release.

Aaron and Cloudd dive into the intersection of video game memories and high-level play, discussing how speedrunning transforms a sprawling adventure into something precise, personal, and endlessly replayable. Like many great gaming discussions, the conversation balances technical insight with heartfelt reflection—highlighting how games evolve alongside the people who play them.

They also explore the legacy of the Legend of Zelda series, the satisfaction of mastering complex mechanics, and the joy of returning to a game that always has something new to offer. As with every episode of this cozy gaming podcast, the focus stays grounded in the human side of gaming—why certain experiences stick with us, and how they shape who we are. If you love The Legend of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild, enjoy interviews with gamers, or are curious about the world of speedrunning, this episode is a must-listen.

🎮 About Last Save Lounge

A show about the video games that saved our progress, and a little bit of us. Each week, host Aaron talks with a guest about the single video game that means the most to them.

💸 Becoming a Patreon member at Patreon.com/HoodieWeather - Get ad-free episodes, bonus segments, and free games!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why does Ratchet & Clank still feel so unforgettable years later? In this episode of Last Save Lounge, host Aaron “TurboHoodie” Amendola sits down with Matt Peters to revisit one of PlayStation’s most iconic franchises: Ratchet & Clank.

For Matt, Ratchet & Clank isn’t just another action-platformer—it’s a cornerstone of his video game memories. It's WHIMSY. From the series’ signature blend of inventive weapons and sci-fi humor to the evolving friendship between Ratchet and Clank, this conversation dives into what made the game stick at such a formative time in his life. Aaron and Matt explore how Ratchet & Clank stands out in the broader landscape of video games, balancing fast-paced gameplay with charm, world-building, and personality. Like many great gaming discussions, the episode goes beyond mechanics—focusing on the feeling of discovering new planets, experimenting with wild weapons, and growing up alongside a franchise that defined an era of PlayStation gaming.

As the conversation unfolds, Matt reflects on how Ratchet & Clank shaped his perspective on games and why it continues to resonate today. It’s a thoughtful, nostalgic look at how certain titles become more than entertainment—they become part of who we are. If you’re a fan of Ratchet & Clank, love heartfelt interviews with gamers, or enjoy a cozy gaming podcast centered on nostalgia and personal storytelling, this episode will feel like coming home.

If you love video game memories, PlayStation classics, and heartfelt interviews with gamers, this episode of Last Save Lounge is for you.

🎮 About Last Save Lounge

Last Save Lounge is a weekly cozy gaming podcast about nostalgia, memory, and the video games that stay with us. Each episode features interviews with gamers about their favorite game of all time—and the personal stories behind why those games matter.

🎮 About Last Save Lounge

A show about the video games that saved our progress, and a little bit of us. Each week, host Aaron talks with a guest about the single video game that means the most to them.

💸 Becoming a Patreon member at Patreon.com/HoodieWeather - Get ad-free episodes, bonus segments, and free games!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How does Wolfenstein 3D still leave a lasting impact on players decades later? In this episode of Last Save Lounge, host Aaron “TurboHoodie” Amendola sits down with Andrew Staley, technical artist at High Voltage Studios working on Fortnite, to talk about the game he calls his all-time favorite: Wolfenstein 3D.

Released in 1992 by id Software, Wolfenstein 3D is widely recognized as one of the foundational games of the first-person shooter genre. But for Andrew, its significance goes far beyond gameplay. He shares how he was first introduced to the game by his grandfather—his Zadie—a deeply meaningful figure in his life and a veteran who fought in the war.

Aaron and Andrew explore how Wolfenstein 3D, a game rooted in World War II themes, takes on a uniquely personal dimension when experienced through the lens of Andrew’s Jewish family history. It’s a powerful reflection on memory, legacy, and the ways games can connect generations. Along the way, Andrew also talks about how those early gaming experiences shaped his path into the industry, eventually leading him to a career as a technical artist working on one of the biggest games in the world.

This episode is a heartfelt conversation about family, history, and the games that stay with us—not just because of what we play, but who we play them with.

🎮 About Last Save Lounge

A show about the video games that saved our progress, and a little bit of us. Each week, host Aaron talks with a guest about the single video game that means the most to them.

💸 Becoming a Patreon member at Patreon.com/HoodieWeather - Get ad-free episodes, bonus segments, and free games!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why does Mass Effect 2 still resonate with players more than a decade later? In this episode of Last Save Lounge, host Aaron “TurboHoodie” Amendola sits down with games journalist Ryan Gilliam of Rogue.site to talk about his all-time favorite: Mass Effect 2.

Released by BioWare in 2010, Mass Effect 2 is widely considered one of the greatest sci-fi RPGs ever made. Ryan explains why the game’s unforgettable story and characters continue to stand above the rest of the series.

Aaron and Ryan dive into the emotional impact of the Normandy’s crew, including Ryan’s longtime love for Garrus Vakarian, the sharp-shooting Turian companion whose loyalty and relationship arc helped Ryan realize he was queer while he was still in high school. It’s a thoughtful discussion about how games and the characters within them can help players understand themselves. Together, Aaron and Ryan reflect on what made Mass Effect 2 such a defining moment for modern role-playing games and why the bonds we form with characters can stay with us long after the final mission.

🎮 About Last Save Lounge

A show about the video games that saved our progress, and a little bit of us. Each week, host Aaron talks with a guest about the single video game that means the most to them.

💸 Becoming a Patreon member at Patreon.com/HoodieWeather - Get ad-free episodes, bonus segments, and free games!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What makes a game unforgettable? In this episode of Last Save Lounge, host Aaron “TurboHoodie” Amendola sits down with Charlie Wein of the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce in Chicago to revisit one of the most atmospheric point-and-click adventure games of the 1990s: The Dig.

Originally developed with the legendary SCUMM engine, The Dig stands out as a cinematic science-fiction adventure that pushed storytelling in PC games forward. Charlie shares why this LucasArts classic left such a lasting impression—from its mysterious alien world to the slower, thoughtful puzzle design that defined the golden age of adventure games. Together, Aaron and Charlie explore the nostalgia of retro PC gaming, what made The Dig unique among LucasArts titles, and how the game’s mood, music, and storytelling still resonate decades later. It’s a warm conversation about memory, discovery, and the games that stay with us long after the credits roll.

🎮 About Last Save Lounge

A show about the video games that saved our progress, and a little bit of us. Each week, host Aaron talks with a guest about the single video game that means the most to them.

💸 Becoming a Patreon member at Patreon.com/HoodieWeather - Get ad-free episodes, bonus segments, and free games!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Richard Lovejoy of the Gamers With Jobs Conference Call joins Aaron to discuss a favorite from his childhood: King's Quest 3 - To Heir Is Human.

🎮 About Last Save Lounge

A show about the video games that saved our progress, and a little bit of us. Each week, host Aaron talks with a guest about the single video game that means the most to them.

💸 Becoming a Patreon member at Patreon.com/HoodieWeather - Get ad-free episodes, bonus segments, and free games!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why does Kingdom Hearts still hold such a powerful place in players’ hearts? In this episode of Last Save Lounge, host Aaron “TurboHoodie” Amendola sits down with Patrick Hitzler of Chicago Loot Drop for a heartfelt conversation about his favorite game of all time: Kingdom Hearts.

Originally released by SquareSoft, Kingdom Hearts became a defining crossover in video games—blending Disney characters with Final Fantasy storytelling in a way that felt magical, strange, and unforgettable. Patrick shares why the first game in the series continues to resonate with him, from its emotional story and iconic worlds to its charming (and sometimes awkward) dialogue that fans have come to love.

Aaron and Patrick explore the deeper impact of Kingdom Hearts through the lens of gaming memories, reflecting on how the game shaped Patrick’s relationship with storytelling, friendship, and growing up. The conversation also touches on Patrick’s work with Chicago Loot Drop, connecting the joy of video games to community and giving back.

This episode is a warm, nostalgic entry in a series of interviews with gamers about the titles that defined them—perfect for listeners who love cozy gaming podcasts and revisiting the moments that made them fall in love with games in the first place.

🎮 About Last Save Lounge

Last Save Lounge is a weekly cozy gaming podcast about nostalgia, memory, and the video games that stay with us. Each episode features interviews with gamers about their favorite game of all time—and the personal stories behind why those games matter. It's a show about the games that saved our progress, and a little bit of us.

🎮 About Last Save Lounge

A show about the video games that saved our progress, and a little bit of us. Each week, host Aaron talks with a guest about the single video game that means the most to them.

💸 Becoming a Patreon member at Patreon.com/HoodieWeather - Get ad-free episodes, bonus segments, and free games!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Charlie Hall, games journalist, writer, and photographer, joins Aaron for a cozy conversation about his favorite game of all-time: B-17 Bomber for the Intellivision.

🎮 About Last Save Lounge

A show about the video games that saved our progress, and a little bit of us. Each week, host Aaron talks with a guest about the single video game that means the most to them.

💸 Becoming a Patreon member at Patreon.com/HoodieWeather - Get ad-free episodes, bonus segments, and free games!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Amanda Knowlton of Gamers With Jobs drops in to gab about Alexey Pajitnov's sublime puzzler Tetris

🎮 About Last Save Lounge

A show about the video games that saved our progress, and a little bit of us. Each week, host Aaron talks with a guest about the single video game that means the most to them.

💸 Becoming a Patreon member at Patreon.com/HoodieWeather - Get ad-free episodes, bonus segments, and free games!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Video games journalist and YouTube essayist Jenna Stoeber stops by to chat about the inherently rad womanness of 2007's Portal.

🎮 About Last Save Lounge

A show about the video games that saved our progress, and a little bit of us. Each week, host Aaron talks with a guest about the single video game that means the most to them.

💸 Becoming a Patreon member at Patreon.com/HoodieWeather - Get ad-free episodes, bonus segments, and free games!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Content Creator Lord_Iro heads to Shadow Moses to praise 1998's Metal Gear Solid's perfect Kojima-ness.

NOTE: This episode has known audio problems about 30 mins in, but I cleaned it up real nice.

🎮 About Last Save Lounge

A show about the video games that saved our progress, and a little bit of us. Each week, host Aaron talks with a guest about the single video game that means the most to them.

💸 Becoming a Patreon member at Patreon.com/HoodieWeather - Get ad-free episodes, bonus segments, and free games!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last Save Lounge is a weekly video game interview podcast where I sit down with gamers, creators, and developers to ask them one simple question:

"What is your favorite video game of all time… and why?"

Because it’s never just about the game.

It’s about where you were when you played it.

Who you were playing with.

And the moments that stuck with you long after the credits rolled.

New episodes of Last Save Lounge release weekly starting February 2nd.

Follow, subscribe, and join us at the bar — your seat’s already waiting.

🎮 About Last Save Lounge

A show about the video games that saved our progress, and a little bit of us. Each week, host Aaron talks with a guest about the single video game that means the most to them.

💸 Becoming a Patreon member at Patreon.com/HoodieWeather - Get ad-free episodes, bonus segments, and free games!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.