Call Me By Your Game

Episode 39 – Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy’s Kong Quest with Alec Robbins

Get your nanners peeled because we’re finally following up the first episode of this podcast with one of the greatest sequels of all time, Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy’s Kong Quest. On this episode of Call Me By Your Game Conner is joined by Mariologist, Comic strip auteur, fashion icon, and Mr. Boop himself, Alec Robbins.
Conner and Alec have a ball discussing the state of Nintendo just a week before the announcement of Super Mario 3D All-Stars. Alec also gives us a rundown of his Nintendo fandom and sticks up for both the criminally underrated Wii U and flawed but wonderful Super Mario Sunshine.
The two of them also discuss the trend of video games not focusing on what makes a game fun to play, how DKC2 is an example of two contrasting art styles that make each other pop, and how the developers of this game threw all of their best ideas at the proverbial board in order to make a fantastic and dynamic 2D platformer.
Actions for 9/30/2020
Support the Breathe Act – LinkLA Election Items    Support Yes on Measure JCD4 Residents: Support Nithya Raman for City CouncilSupporting Black Lives – Email ListRegister to vote – Vote.org
Episode 39 – Show Notes
Alec Robbins – Mr. Boop web page, Mariology, Heartbreak High, @alecsrobbins (Intagram) @alecrobbins (Twitter)Conner McCabe – @conner_mccabe (Gram/Twit), twitch.tv/conziscool69Produced by Jeremy Schmidt – Video Games: a Comedy ShowCall Me By Your Game – WebsiteInstagram – @callmebyyourgamepodEmail – callmebyyourgamepod@gmail.comPatreon – Super NPC Radio

Episode 38 – Baseball Spotlight Part III – MVP Baseball 2005

As we enter the final week of Major League Baseball’s regular season we find ourselves longing for another Baseball Spotlight. Well looks like we’re in luck because on today’s episode we get exactly that. Guest host Jeremy Schmidt sits down with Conner as he talks about the greatness, legacy, and lasting impact of the best baseball video game of all time, MVP Baseball 2005.
On this edition of Call Me By Your Game’s Baseball Spotlight Conner tells of the legend that is the MVP Baseball series and longs for a return. He speaks lovingly of the phenomenal controls and gameplay, the attention to detail given to both the physics engine and player detail, and tells of the time that So Taguchi saved him not once but twice against his greatest MVP challenge ever. Bonus: we finally get the Martin family tree reveal. How neat!
Actions for 9/23/2020
Support the Breathe Act – LinkLA Election ItemsSupport Yes on Measure JCD4 Residents: Support Nithya Raman for City CouncilSupporting Black Lives – Email ListRegister to vote – Vote.org
Super NPC Radio – PatreonWebsite: callmebyyourgame.comThe Show – @callmebyyourgamepod (Instagram)Jeremy Schmidt – @scaremyschmidt (Intagram) @ocarinaofcrime (Twitter)Conner McCabe – @conner_mccabe (Gram/Twit), twitch.tv/conziscool69Produced by Jeremy Schmidt – Video Games: a Comedy Show

Episode 37 – Harvest Moon and Stardew Valley with Bryce Gangel

What the heck in this world is more relaxing than farming relationship simulation games? Nothing I tell ya! Nothing! Games like Harvest Moon and Stardew Valley hold a similar place in people’s hearts because of their play styles and relaxing nature. On this episode actor and work confidant Bryce Gangel talks to Conner about her connection with those two games.
Bryce reminisces about how fun it was to play Harvest Moon 64 at her friend’s house growing up who she first bonded with after seeing the Parent Trap in theaters together. Umm… adorable! She tells how years later after not really playing video games a friend introduced her to Stardew Valley and the void was suddenly filled. She walks Conner through the ins and outs of Stardew Valley explaining how it incorporates several real world elements both in theme and in reality.
Actions for 9/16/2020
Support the Breathe Act – LinkLA Election Item – Support Yes on Measure JSupporting Black Lives – Email ListRegister to vote – Vote.org
Super NPC Radio – PatreonWebsite: callmebyyourgame.comThe Show – @callmebyyourgamepod (Instagram)Bryce Gangel – @bryce.gangel (Instagram)Conner McCabe – @conner_mccabe (Gram/Twit), twitch.tv/conziscool69Produced by Jeremy Schmidt – Video Games: a Comedy Show

Episode 36 – Assassin’s Creed with Jonathan Sims

Put on your Sunday shoes because this week we’re traveling through genetic memories and diving into haystacks. That’s right, we’re talking about the first game in the Assassin’s Creed franchise, Assassin’s Creed(who could have guessed?). We’re graced by the presence of actor, teacher, and GameStop Careers survivor Jonathan Sims.
On this episode Conner and Sims reminisce about their days at college together and discuss when they took a sketch class and then later wrote a web series with some friends. Wholesome, right? Sims also shares how he was the PlayStation kid in the family but still liked the Nintendo hits, how he got to play Assassin’s Creed over a holiday season and had so much free time, and this game fit perfectly into his eternal enjoyment of open world action adventure style games.
Actions for 9/9/2020
Supporting Black Lives – Email ListRegister to vote – Vote.orgThe Okra Project – helps bring Black Trans people healthy, nutritious, and culturally specific meals, especially those experiencing food insecurity
Super NPC Radio – PatreonWebsite: callmebyyourgame.comThe Show – @callmebyyourgamepod (Instagram)Jonathan Sims – @mrjpsimsConner McCabe – @conner_mccabe (Gram/Twit), twitch.tv/conziscool69Jeremy Schmidt – Video Games: a Comedy Show

Episode 35 – Mario Party 4 with Jessica Svendsgaard

There’s nothing that tests the bond of friendships and humanity quite like a round of Mario Party, and today we’re finally going to tackle it once and for all. This one goes out to all the dice rollers, mini game winners, and star stealers out there. We’re joined by bird savior and hilarious comedian Jessica Svendsgaard to discuss Mario Party 4 (2002) for the Nintendo GameCube.
Conner sits down to hear of Jessica’s memories of playing this game with her musical theater friends in high school, they discuss how no matter how far ahead you are there’s a looming threat of the game being turned upside down, and Jessica even shares with us a thorough powerpoint detailing what it means to choose your Mario Party character.
Actions 9/2/2020
Supporting Black Lives – Email ListRegister to vote – Vote.orgSupport your local progressive candidates and hold them accountableNithya Raman – LA City Council Candidate for CD4Los Angeles Residents, check out the LA podcastSupport your LA unhoused Neighbors – Streetwatch LA
Super NPC Radio – PatreonWebsite: callmebyyourgame.comThe Show – @callmebyyourgamepod (Instagram)Jessica Svendsgaard – @svendsgaard (Twitter) @fatcuckbaby (Instagram) @Jessica-Svendsgaard (Venmo)Conner McCabe – @conner_mccabe (Gram/Twit), twitch.tv/conziscool69Jeremy Schmidt – Video Games: a Comedy Show

Preview: Co-op Episode 2 – Super Mega Baseball 3 with Ben Wietmarschen and Greg Smith

Welcome to the preview of Call Me By Your Game Co-op Episode 2 featuring Super Mega Baseball 3. Co-op episodes are monthly Super NPC Radio Patreon exclusives a part of the $10 tier. We’ll be bringing you a preview of each one here to get a taste of the sort of deep dive discussion and overall great hangs that happen. The full Co-op episodes are available on the Patreon.
This is also Part II of the Baseball Spotlight series from Call Me By Your Game. Part III will feature MVP Baseball 2005 and Part IV will wrap up the series for us and discuss a true masterpiece: Backyard Baseball.
There is no finer form of the sport of baseball than that featured in Super Mega Baseball 3. You’ve got your homers, you’ve got your diving catches, and of course you’ve got the Sirloins celebrating another win. Super Mega Baseball 3 is a game worth celebrating for countless reasons and on this episode your panel tries their best to do so. Host Conner McCabe is joined by former MLB Fan Cave Contestant and current Ohio track star Ben Wietmarschen as well as prospective umpire and Detroit jack of all trades Greg Smith. We revel at the deep customization options and goofy personality, gush over the gradual acclimation available to the player, and how this game scratches a baseball video game itch that hasn’t been scratched in years.
Super NPC Radio – PatreonWebsite: callmebyyourgame.comThe Show – @callmebyyourgamepod (Instagram)Ben Wietmarschen – @benwietmarschen (Twitter)Greg Smith – @smithlgreg (Twitter/Instagram) smithlgreg.comConner McCabe – @conner_mccabe (Gram/Twit), twitch.tv/conziscool69Produced by Jeremy Schmidt – Video Games: a Comedy Show

Episode 34 – Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 with Nick Costanza

Pew pew pew. “That’s Call of Duty’s Music!” That’s right folks today we’re discussing a heralded title in one of the most popular franchises ever, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2. We’re joined by writer, Pokédex completer, and the COD King himself, Nick Costanza. You might know Nick from the Los Angeles improv scene as well as being a regular guest on Video Games: a Comedy Show.
On this episode Nick tells of playing Pokémon while on the plane to Japan as a child during the height of Pokémania, how he was introduced to Assassin’s Creed and Call of Duty by his YOUTH PASTOR, and how playing Modern Warfare 2 helped build real friendships in high school. Happy birthday Nick Costanza! You are a true gem in the world.
Actions for 8/26/2020
Supporting Black Lives – Email ListDemand Justice for Jacob Blake – Link to Instagram post with ActionsDonate to the Milwaukee Freedom Fund – LinkDemand Justice for Anthony McClain – Link to Instagram post with Actions
Super NPC Radio – PatreonWebsite: callmebyyourgame.comThe Show – @callmebyyourgamepod (Instagram)Nick Costanza – @nickcostanza (Instagram) @Nick_Costanza (Twitter)Conner McCabe – @conner_mccabe (Gram/Twit), twitch.tv/conziscool69Jeremy Schmidt – Video Games: a Comedy Show

Episode 33 – Mass Effect with Beverlee Jean

Finally, we’ve reached the year we’ve all been dying to visit, 2183! And you know what that means, we’re getting into some Mass Effect (2007) for the Xbox 360. It’s about to get space and alien-y up in here.
On this episode we are joined by the furiously talented actor, podcaster, and theater wiz Beverlee Jean to talk about a hugely important game. On this episode Bev shares a few video game lottery winning stories from her life, tales of waiting years to play Mass Effect, and how it got her back into video games for good.
Action Items for 8/19/2020
Supporting Black Lives – Email ListThe Okra Project – helps bring Black Trans people healthy, nutritious, and culturally specific meals, especially those experiencing food insecuritySupport the USPSText USPS to 50409Buy stamps, envelopes, cards shipping and suppliesCall your senators and reps and urge them to support the USPSSupport your unhoused neighbors. If you’re in LA, follow Streetwatch LAInstagram – TwitterSuper NPC Radio – PatreonWebsite: callmebyyourgame.comThe Show – @callmebyyourgamepod (Instagram)Beverlee Jean – @sincerelybeverlee (Instagram) – 1PDnD Podcast – Shaky UnderstandingConner McCabe – @conner_mccabe (Gram/Twit), twitch.tv/conziscool69Jeremy Schmidt – Video Games: a Comedy Show

Episode 32 – Return of the Obra Dinn with Tao Yang

Ahoy mateys! We’re boarding an old vessel in search of mystery. We’re also doing a podcast while aboard the ship so bear with us as we look for the most conducive place to record. Quiet on deck please!
On this episode we are joined by sketch writer, slick improviser, and former New York City boy Tao Yang to talk about the relatively new mystery puzzle game, Return of the Obra Dinn. By his own admission Tao has played nearly game ever, so you know this one is gonna be good. You just KNOW it!
While discussing this episode one of the bad boys of Jetset Tao tells of the time his brother taught him how to do a Hadoken in Street Fighter II, Conner attempts to come up with a game Tao hasn’t played, and Tao shares how this game was more of a summer romance than a long term relationship.
Action Items for the Week
Supporting Black Lives – Email ListThe Okra Project – helps bring Black Trans people healthy, nutritious, and culturally specific meals, especially those experiencing food insecurityRegister to vote in our imperfect voting system – Vote.org
Super NPC Radio – PatreonWebsite: callmebyyourgame.comThe Show – @callmebyyourgamepod (Instagram)Tao Yang – @tyang209 (Instagram/Twitter)Conner McCabe – @conner_mccabe (Gram/Twit), twitch.tv/conziscool69Jeremy Schmidt – Video Games: a Comedy Show

Episode 31 – WWF No Mercy with Joe Gould

Can you smell what this podcast is cooking?… We’re sorry about the cheese there. This week we’re joined by the hilarious sketch writer and comedian Joe Gould to talk about potentially the greatest wrestling game of all time, WWF No Mercy (2000) for the Nintendo 64.
On this episode Conner and Joe solidify their relationship as best friends and dive into the origin of Joe’s love for wrestling, they discuss Joe’s former aspirations for wrestling professionally and obsession with mastering moves, and how having different storylines did a lot for No Mercy’s quality and reverence as a wrestling game.
Action Items for 8/5/2020
Supporting Black Lives – Email ListThe Okra Project – helps bring Black Trans people healthy, nutritious, and culturally specific meals, especially those experiencing food insecurityEnd qualified immunity to hold police accountable. Bill proposed by congress.Code Switch Episode explaining Qualified Immunity
Super NPC Radio – PatreonWebsite: callmebyyourgame.comThe Show – @callmebyyourgamepod (Instagram)Joe Gould – @joepgould (Instagram/Twitter)Conner McCabe – @conner_mccabe (Gram/Twit), twitch.tv/conziscool69Jeremy Schmidt – Video Games: a Comedy Show, @ocarinaofcrime (Insta) @scaremyschmidt (Twit)