Aug 10, 2017
In our inaugural FFX-2 podcast Gino and Chris "ZombiePie" -REDACTED- answer a trove of listener questions and free-style the lyrics to Suteki Da ne. We then discuss the game's opening fever dream and feel sad about games. We cover all of the events of chapter 1 and let me tell you, this is one of the darker FF episodes. FFX-2 is a bad game peaople. FFX-2 is a bad game.
How would your opinions about Final Fantasy X-2 change if it had been its own game, and wasn't a sequel to a pre-existing game? I feel there are two camps regarding the matter. One argues the FFX trappings are all that maintains their interest in an otherwise empty story. The other camp argues X-2 is held back by a universe that doesn't fit its tone.
I’m not sure if this comment will be read on the main podcast or the Final Fantasy podcast, but I think it applies to both in a few ways. If possible, please read it on both because I would love to hear Billy’s response to this email, as well as listening to Chris defend himself. I wanted to comment about a live stream Gino hosted where his Final Fantasy co-host, Chris, said what is ostensibly the most offensive thing anyone on Deep Listens has ever said. During Gino's Final Fantasy VIII live stream, Magic The Gathering was brought up. Now generally when it comes to MTG I say different strokes for different folks, but this conversation was related to how to introduce new players to Magic the Gathering. To put it civilly: Gino provided a well-founded answer based on real life experiences, and Chris extolled a mountain of hot bullshit. Everything Chris said was wrong, just plain wrong. I get his perspective of wanting to split two decks quickly to start a game, but everything he said is the worst way to teach MTG. I should know, as I too volunteer to teach MTG at a local card and board game shop.
So what’s so wrong with what he said? First, Chris recommended new players just buy a Duel Deck, and he pointed to “Might and Mind,” as a good jumping point. He stated that players could just split the two decks and play a “vanilla ass game of MTG.” NO! JUST NO! As Gino said, learning the fundamentals should come first before you try tackling a meaty Duel Deck. Concepts such as “Suspend” require an entire workshop for me to teach first time players. Second, Chris stated the best way to learn Magic is to play the Pauper or Commander metagames. Saying this is the Magic equivalent of a war crime. You are setting up new players for failure; please do not do this! Because of how dangerous his advice is, I was wondering if Billy and Gino can hound Chris for ten minutes to prevent him from doing further harm to the Magic community. ;)
P.S. I love the podcast and hope my comedic sarcasm came through, and I agree with Chris about Berserk and Fate/Stay Night. The animes are fucking cool even if they are rough on the edges.
Best wishes,
Jarred