Podcast

Who Framed Roger Rabbit?

Standard

Jeepers Dudes and D-Padders! This is a doozy of an episode. Things tend to get loose when we discuss games in the evening vs. the morning. Lots of tangential talk this episode… including, but not limited to… vomit.

Bart vs. the Space Mutants

Standard

Eat my shorts man! No really, eat em. They are purple and the aliens want purple stuff for some reason. They’ve got to go.

This week, the Dudes discuss the unique and hotly debated Bart vs. the Space Mutants. Some love it, some hate it, some love to hate it. Tune in and find out what the dudes think.

We have a new logo! Which means, we’ve now opened a store full of sweet 2 Dudes swag. Come check it out:

http://www.galloree.com/Shops/2-Dudes-and-a-NES-Shop–4279/index.php

Behind The Scenes Look

Shout Outs!

Marble Madness

Standard

They’re back!!! The Dudes are joined by none other than the bringer backer himself… Slapper Bags!!! aka John as they discuss Marble Madness.

Turbo button? There is a turbo button!? The dudes really show their expertise at this game. Be sure and listen.

We have a new logo! Which means, we’ve now opened a store full of sweet 2 Dudes swag. Come check it out:

http://www.galloree.com/Shops/2-Dudes-and-a-NES-Shop–4279/index.php

Behind The Scenes Look

Shout Outs!

Nightmare on Elm Street

Standard

BOO!

It’s Halloween time and the Dudes have come together to talk about another horror based game. This time, the Dudes are talking about Nightmare on Elm Street. Joining the Dudes this week is Dude Paul to talk about this game that despite negative reviews the Dudes happen to enjoy.

See what the Dudes have to say about this game and be sure to drink plenty of coffee lest Freddy get you……

Behind The Scenes Look

Shout Outs!

Legacy of the Wizard

Standard

TMNT II still remains on hold. Oh well. It may become a lost episode….

However, this week the Dudes sit down with the guys over at the Youtube channel Power Trip Gaming to talk about the game Legacy of the Wizard. They really bring a love and passion for this game that the Dudes may be lacking. This episode is a good listen for a game that has a large cult following.

Download

Behind The Scenes Look

Shout Outs!

Castlevania

Standard

This week the Dudes finally talk about TMNT II: The Arcade Game… NOT!!! Still working on those scheduling issues. Instead, the Dudes tackle another Patreon Pick and this is one that the D-Padders have been asking for for quite some time… Castlevania! Just in time for the month of October. Dun Dun Duuuuuuuuun!

Download

Behind The Scenes Look

Shout Outs!

Super Mario Maker

Standard

This week the Dudes take a break from talking NES games to talk about a new game with a classic feel. That game is the much acclaimed Super Mario Maker. For the first time Nintendo takes the creator role to the gamer and let’s YOU decide the challenges that will face the Italian Plumber this time.

Michael talks about his experiences playing the game which makes Justin very jealous because he has yet to get the game. The Dudes also talk about the prospect of creating Dudes levels for the D-Padders to play.

Join the Super Mario Maker Facebook group HERE

Download

 

Behind The Scenes Look

Shout Outs!

Princess Tomato in the Salad Kingdom

Standard

This week the Dudes sit down to talk about a more obscure game in the NES gaming world in Princess Tomato in the Salad Kingdom. This is a game with a strong cult following and that shows in the D-Padders who voted for this game to be talked about by the Dudes.

The Dudes have an interesting time talking about a game whose cast is usually reserved for the salad bar. Listen to find out what the Dudes have to say about this game.

Retrofitted Trophies

Lettuce Begin

Delmonte

Green Giant

Rating

Miracle Gro

Manure

Behind The Scenes Look

Shout Outs!

Heavy Barrel

Standard

Join the Dudes this week as they talk about a Keg of Significant Weight. No wait…that’s not it. Oh yeah, Heavy Barrel! That’s it! Heavy Barrel brings all the excitement that a child of the 80’s could ever want. In this game, you are trying to save the world from Terrorists by assembling a special weapon called Heavy Barrel. The Dudes have a good time discussing this game and hope that you have a good time listening.

Retrofitted Trophies

A Fiver

Ah-nold

Team America

Pocket Full of Keys

You can’t Touch This

Pyro maniac

 

Game Rating

Type of Gun

.22 Rifle

9 MM

 

Behind The Scenes Look

Shout Outs!

Starting a Podcast

Standard

Foreword: It’s been almost two years since I started my podcasting voyage. In those two years, I’ve learned a lot. But this is about when I started. I wrote this article as I was developing and starting my very first podcast, Retro Thought Pod. RTP has since ceased to exist, but my podcasting journey continues on with two new podcasts. Read this article about when it all started and stay tuned for a follow-up to hear what I’ve learned.

Lessons from a clueless hopeful.

The World Wide Web can be quite the intimidating place for someone whose experience with it doesn’t normally include much more than spying on Facebook and watching YouTube videos. But about a year ago when I started listening to podcasts, I knew podcasting was something that I wanted to do. Recording my voice and cementing my thoughts to a sound file was a very attractive notion. The idea of connecting with like people who share the same sentiment and want to hear me talk, of course, was even more enticing.

I spent the next ten months making excuses. I am far too busy with school, work, and family. I really don’t have anything interesting to say. There is probably a hundred other podcasts out there that would be better than me; why even try? What do I have that is special and unique that would make me stand out in the huge labyrinth of podcasts? Well, the answer to that last question may still be nothing; but I finally came to the realization that none of my excuses matter. It does not matter if anybody likes my podcast because I will like it. I will listen to it. I want to look back on this, years from now, and say that I was proud that I tried and maybe there will be a person or two out there that will enjoy it.

So do I just sit in front of a mic, record my voice, put it up on the internet, and hope the world flocks to me? I could do that, but I doubt that the podcast would be very effective. I also doubt that I would stick with an ineffective podcast. I have a competitive spirit. I do not typically do things half way in the beginning. I may decide to half-heartedly do something after I have realized it is not working. But in the beginning, I take things head on and in a sprint.

It was time to devise a plan and this is where the advice starts. The plan includes four phases:

Phase I: Study. All I have listened to for the past year is podcasts. I love them. I take notes. I pick and choose the things that I think certain podcasts do right and I write it down. I want to expand upon what others do right and prevent myself from making the mistakes of others.

Phase II: Don’t Adventure Alone. This may be the most important phase. I cannot do this on my own. I feel that in order to produce an effective podcast and gain a loyal following; I need to reach out to those who are already doing that very thing. I have been completely blown away by the responses I have received from the podcast community. Everyone is willing to extend a helping hand. The community is so much like a family it is almost hard to understand. I encourage anyone who is thinking about a podcast to reach out and email the podcasts that you listen to and admire. In reaching out to those who inspired me, I have a leg up that I didn’t even know existed. Also, and I am not saying that this is a necessity, but I want to enjoy this with friends. I enjoy the company of my friends already. It is certainly easier for me to talk with other people than to try and talk by myself to a microphone. So I have assembled a team of people who I would call experts and we are moving forward together.

Phase III: Plan and Market. We can record five episodes and maybe reach a few listeners by the time we reach episode five; or we can reach out to people on social media and have a few listeners before we ever even start. Which option sounds better? I chose the latter. I have spent time on social media and time developing a website so that by the first recording; we will already have a few listeners. It may not seem like much, but in a race; I would much rather starts three feet ahead of my competition.

Phase IV: Record and Don’t Worry. This is the easiest part. I want to have fun and just talk about the things that make me happy. This world is huge. Whatever I talk about will also resonate with someone somewhere.

I still do not really know what I am doing. We have not recorded a single episode. We currently have a whopping zero listeners. We are, however, forging ahead full steam and I have the utmost confidence that we will do whatever it takes. We will put out a quality podcast. We will produce a quality web site. We will actively engage with the community on social networks. Will it work? Will we be successful? Check back with me in a few and I’ll tell you.

-Dude Michael

American Gladiators

Standard

This week the Dudes take on a game of epic proportions! That game is none other than American Gladiators which of course was based on the classic television hit from the 90’s.

Joining the Dudes is a brother Dude Matthew. Matthew and Michael go head to head in a history quiz game. Will Michael be able to keep his streak alive? Listen to find out. ‘

This game tended to fly under the radar for the NES but the Dudes are fond of this one, especially Michael who spent many childhood days playing against his brother in the ultimate test of video game athleticism.

Retrofitted Trophies

The Winslow Special – Lose the game

Steve Urkel Will be Impressed – Beat the eliminator

Blue Hair Don’t Care – Beat the game

Red Hair don’t stare – Lose at the game

Pit of Death – Knock one of the gladiators off of anything

Zakk Wylde Would be Impressed – Guitar twang after winning joust

Game Rating

Family Matters Character:

Stevil

Stefan

Judy

 

Download

Shout Outs!

Crystalis

Standard

The Dudes are joined this week by the one and only High Score Dude or Dude Shaun as he is also known by. They sit down to discuss the game Crystalis, which is a lesser known NES classic.

Many may have not heard about Crystalis but the game turns into a fun and interesting play for the Dudes. The Dudes talk about all things Crystalis that even includes a quiz game! Can Michael keep his winning record alive? You have to listen to find out.

Crystalis is a fun game that has brought entertainment to the many that have played it, just as this podcast will to the many D-padders.

Retrofitted Trophies

You are the wind beneath my wings – Get the sword of wind

Mom, the fog lamp!! – Find the fog lamp

Rinky Dink – Beat the game at the lowest level possible

Where’s Earth – Get both the wind and the fire sword

Do your parents even love you? – Find the psycho armor and shield

Thor like- Obtain the thunder sword

Waiting for a hero – Play the game between 1997 and 2097

Godslayer – Beat the game

Game Rating

90’s Rapper:

Bone Thugs N Harmony

LL Cool J

Biggie Smalls

Download

Shout Outs!

The Bard’s Tale

Standard

ANOTHER PATREON PICK! It is officially the attack of the Patreon picks and the dudes could not be happier about that either. This week however, Dude Justin is on the sidelines with a sick Dudette but never fear Dude Micheal is joined by Hon. Dude George for this week.

The game being played was a bit of a cult classic RPG The Bard’s Tale. The game has been received with mixed reviews and there are mixed reviews on the podcast (Spoiler alert).

The Bard’s tale can be a fun and enjoyable but very detailed game. So listen to this episode to hear what the Dudes have to say.

Retrofitted Trophies

Mario you greedy SOB

Another 300 Gold down the drain

Billboard Top 100

Platinum Record

You May Advance

Bullseye

Is That All You’ve Got

Gimme That Grammy

Game Rating

A song:

Spaceman by the Killers

Earned It by The Weekend

Behind The Scenes Look

Download

Shout Outs!

Adventures of Dino Riki

Standard

This week the Dudes sit down to talk ANOTHER PATREON PICK! Did we mention that you all are awesome, yeah you, you are awesome. This week’s game is a pick by Dude Joe who chose Adventures of Dino Riki.

A lesser known title to grace the NES, Adventures of Dino Riki, is a difficult but fun addition to any D-padder’s collection. It is a game that plays a lot like other Hudson Soft makes like 1942 but features a caveman instead of a plane.

While this game is sure to cause some frustration (OK, maybe a lot) it is worth the pick up and the Dudes spend an enjoyable time discussing it.

Retrofitted Trophies

Dino A Go-Go: Get the turbo boots

Tyrannosaurus Wrecks: Defeat the t-rex

Dino-snore: Lose on the first level

Oh look a time travel machine: Beat stage one

Check my new invention: Kill all on screen enemies with fire

Wrong game dude: Kill snifit looking bad guy

 

Game Rating

Both Dudes give the same rating:

Dino from the Flintstones

 

Behind The Scenes Look

Shout Outs!

Ghosts ‘N Goblins

Standard

Download

Frustratingly difficult? Maybe. Fun? Depends on who you ask. Classic? For sure. Hold onto your underwear!

Ghosts ‘N Goblins has a storied history in the video game industry. Starting in the arcade and then later ported to the NES, this game is difficult yet fun. Want to know what the Dudes thought of it? Listen in.

The Dudes are really liking all of the Patreon Picks. This is another one. This one is from Mike Vito. Thanks to Mike for yet another Capcom game. We’ve really got a streak going.

Retrofitted Trophies

I Prefer David Lee Roth – Beat Astaroth

Vincent Price Would Be Impressed – Beat the game with no deaths

Thriller Night – Beat the game in under 30 min

Who’s the Big Man Now? – Kill 10 Big men

Albino Hulk – Kill first unicorn

Oh Yes They Call Him the Streak – Beat the level after getting hit by the first bad guy

Straight to Satan – Use level select to go straight to satan

King Arthur Most Certainly Would NOT Be Impressed – Lose to the first red devil

Game Rating

Type of Ghost

Patrick Swayze

Ghost Dad

Behind The Scenes Look

Shout Outs!

2 Dudes Go Biweekly

Standard

BIG PODCAST NEWS!

After much thought, Justin and I have decided to go officially biweekly. This might seem like a bummer at first, but if you think about it, we’ve been really going biweekly on accident over the past few months anyway. We feel like it is going to be a good thing and here’s why…

1. More time to spend on each game. We can play the games longer. Hopefully, we’ll come up with better commentary and potentially more thoughtful retro-fitted trophies.

2. We can have more Patreon funds to spend on game giveaways. I’m not going to lie, the $75 goal being met is awesome, but I may have underestimated the cost of buying and shipping each episode’s game for four episodes a month. We won’t be able to cover it. But two games a month? We’ve got this!

3. This is a biggie for us. WE CAN COMMIT TO A DEFINITE RELEASE DATE. Right now, it’s kinda up in the air as to when we have time to schedule, record, and edit all within a week. I know some podcasts do it and do it well, but we don’t feel like we are able to do that. We usually trickle the episode out after a week’s time. If we feel like we have time to record “bonus” episodes and release them outside of the regular biweekly window we will, but you will still be guaranteed an episode twice a month.

So, Justin and I have both committed to releasing an episode every first and third… wait for it… ‪#‎wedNESday‬! This week might be a little late as we make the transition, but expect the episode after this week’s episode to release promptly on June 17th.

-Dude Michael

Mega Man 2

Standard

Download

The Dudes sit down this week with Eric from the Factory Sealed Podcast to talk about one of the most NES games Mega Man 2. The Dudes spend some time early in the podcast talking with Eric and making some corrections to the Ducktales story that was pointed out by a D-Padder.

Eric is a Mega Man expert and that really shows throughout the episode. Not only does he know about Mega Man 2 but all Mega Man in general. The Dudes talk all things Mega Man 2 and really get into this game.

The Dudes really enjoyed playing this beloved game and certainly enjoyed talking about it. Hopefully, you will enjoy listening as well.

Retrofitted Trophies

Call me Barry Allen – Get through Quick Man stage without using Time Stop

Gear Head – Beat Metal man

Runnin’ on Fumes – Use no E tanks the entire game

Now that’s how you make an entrance – Jump into the Boss gate

Michael Trophy – Defeat Bubble Man

You’re not hard core – Kill all enemies with metal blades

Ain’t got no time for this – Skip heat man disappearing platform using item 2

Pea Shooter – Use only the mega buster

Taming the Dragonzord – beat the mega Dragon without getting hit

 

Game Rating

Type of Blade

Machete

Katana

Schimitar

Behind The Scenes Look

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZPq4v6MF1Y

Shout Outs!

Ducktales

Standard

Another Patreon Pick!? Not only is this another pick from our Patreon supporter Dude Shaun, but it’s also a widely loved game.

It’s a Capcom Disney game from the NES era. Do we really need to say anything else? Probably not, but we did sit down and discuss this game quite a bit in this latest episode.

Also, as is our latest style, we did a high score challenge. But… this time we had an awesome prize donated to us by Dude Shaun: A copy of the remastered version of Ducktales! Congratulations to Derek Fletchall for winning the prize!

If you want to participate in our future high score challenges or post a high score for any previous game we’ve covered, come join our High Scores!! Facebook Group.

Download

Retrofitted Trophies

If It Floats, It’s a Witch – Beat the Transylvania boss

Fore! – Use your golf swing to get an object

A Prize In and Of Itself – Defeat the Yeti (A Sacred Beast)

I Feel Bad About This… Really – Kill 5 rabbits

Donald Would Be Impressed – Beat the game on hard

King ‘o the Ducks – Collect $10 million

Orkin Man on the Moon – Defeat the Moon Rat

Game Rating

Rich Person:

Justin – Elon Musk

Michael – Bill Gates

Behind The Scenes Look

Shout Outs!

Astyanax

Standard

The Dudes sit down to talk another Patreon pick and this week they are joined by the picker Greg from the SNES Podcast. The game that is discussed is a little known classic Astyanax. This Jaleco game may have quietly existed in a massive NES library but brings a lot of fun to the Dudes this week.

Astyanax is an action adventure game that is set in a mythological dream world where a teenage boy has been trapped. It is a game that brings a lot of fun and enjoyment but few NES gamers know about.

Join the Dudes as they discuss this game and perhaps play it yourself to see what you think

 

Retrofitted Trophies

I Love to Bash – Clear an entire stage only using the axe

Justin’s new mic attacks – Get 9 lives

Madam I think you need to see a doctor – Beat Medusa

Daphne – Beating Cesar

Bursting with Energy – Get a full power bar

Rosebud- Beat the game

Who needs weapons anyway – Beat 10 enemies with no weapons

Tom Arnold Would be Impressed – Score over 800,000

Protector of the Kingdom – Finish the game with 1 life and no continue

Got it paid – Beat the level rent

Putin Rejoiced-  Losing on Level 4-1

Sweet Feed- Pick up some life

Ping Pong Paddle John- Smack a pile of goo and killing it before it becomes a monster

Game Rating

Greek Character

Hercules

Achilles

Aphrodite

Behind The Scenes Look

Shout Outs!

Meatball Monsters

Standard

Astyanax was a game I didn’t get excited about when I first heard the name as a kid. It could have been because I had a hard time spelling it, or because I thought it was some kind of food fungus ointment, kind of like Tinactin, only without the boom and inflated face of John Madden.

 


BOOM! TOUGH ACTIN’ ASTYANAX FOR ALL YOUR MYTHOLOGICAL INSPIRED FOOT FUNGUS!

However, as Michael Kelso tends to you, he gives me a game that I care so little about and makes me care about it, usually unintentionally, or promising me lavish gifts like a box of Slim Jims so I can practice my Macho Man impression or a signed copy of a box of Crest 3D toothpaste signed by the god of dental hygiene himself, Rob Luther. Astyanax is one of those games that requires a few tries before you can really appreciate it, or in my case, chuckle at what you’re seeing. In the case of today’s article, the focus here is on ordinary things are in this game if you really stop to strip it all done to the bare bones. However, in doing so, you’re left with a lot of questions, but fortunately, your ol’ pal Atari Man, he has all the answers for you.

A day in the life of young Roche consists of waking up in some dingy, dark, dank, probably cold(did the Greeks ever think of paying their heating bills? What, they can have a “big fat” wedding, but they can’t make sure Roche isn’t so freezing he has to pull out his heavy footie pajamas?) and putting on an outfit that not only looks silly in general, but looks like something created by the dual efforts of Big Van Vader and Grimace from The McDonald’s commercials. Is Roche really the mysterious 1980s wrestler The Purple Nurple???


SMELL MY ARMPIT! IT’S TIME, IT’S TIME, IT’S PURPLE NURPLE SUIT TIME!!!

Speaking of this outfit, and the physical makeup of this kid in general, how does he go from looking like a punching bag for most people in the cut scenes to somebody who could DDT every monster he faces? I’m consulting with Zeus for a drug screening. I mean, you can’t really blame Roche for this, it’s his silly parents pressuring him into doing this stuff. What’s the meaning of all of this anyways?

As bad as you might feel for Roche, as far as the silly outfit and parental peer pressure to look like the next Brock Lesnar, I DON’T feel bad for the fact his axe sounds like it couldn’t cut through a block of cheese, never mind an enemy, but hey, if you’re a brash kid who gets this fire axe from God and doesn’t return it, you get what’s coming to you. Did he listen to all of God’s instructions? No, of course not! That’s kids these days, always grabbing mystical fire axes and running off without finding out how it works, what the warranty is on it, and walking all over my prize Carolina blue grass, well guess what, pal, next time I see you on my lawn I’ll-

Wait, where was I going with that?

It’s a good thing that for all the bologna(and it’s not even fresh) that’s going on in this game, with young whippersnappers taking steroids, wearing ugly suits, and using a fire axe unsupervised, it’s a good thing that there’s something in this game I love so much, it helps me look past the glaring parental miscues from Roche’s folks, and the fact people are dumb enough to find courage in some random teenager and his axe of flame. Come on, finding courage in inanimate objects. What’s next? People harnessing energy from their mouth?

Nobody asked you, Rob.

Two words, meatball monsters.

Oh no, this isn’t Atari Man having some kind of nightmare that just so happened to arrive after eating a meatball sub, this is the one monster that shows up in the game, first dropping(or is it spinning?) down, looking like a big brown meatball. This is no ordinary meatball, it’s one that turns into what appears to be a two headed monster. Be afraid, be very afraid! For never in the history of man has there EVER been a two headed monster that’s brought good news, joy, and happiness! That’s right, Roche, say your prayers, because there’s NOTHING that can save you now, not even your fire butter knife! A two-headed monster! How merciless! How evil! How-


Sigh. I give up.

Spoiler Alert! Roche beats the two headed meatball monster with the power of Sesame Street, and just a little dash of grated parmesan cheese.

 

About the author:

Atari Man is a 33-year-old video game small business owner, retro enthusiast, and writer. He’s a good guy, just don’t get trapped in an elevator with him if you don’t know who Ace Harding or the VTech World Wizard are.

Defender of the Crown

Standard

Download

Lots of Robin Hood talk, cat jokes, and call backs in this episode of 2 Dudes and a NES. Also, a little bit of talk about the NES game… Defender of the Crown.

The Dudes received a lot of feedback this week telling them how awesome the Amiga version of this game is. Well, get ready to be disappointed because this show is called 2 Dudes and a NES.

We’re kidding of course. Another great episode in the books even if this wasn’t the best port of the game.

Retrofitted Trophies

Kevin Costner Would Be Impressed – Use Robin Hood to beat the game

Don’t Blink – Win at jousting

Putin Rejoiced – When the red team conquers the map

Wooo Hooo – Win at the mace battle

Did you say Abe Lincoln? – Beat one of the mini games with your eyes closed

Holy Moly – Blow the biggest hole in the castle wall

Game Rating

Type of Robin Hood movie:

Michael – Kevin Costner’s Robin Hood

Justin – Russell Crowe’s Robin Hood

Behind The Scenes Look

Shout Outs!

NES/Nintendo Junk Box

Standard

Hey Dudes! The NES/Nintendo Junk Box is happening! We will be sending it out starting the first week of May and continuing it on a quarterly schedule as long as we have $30 worth of Patreon support. So what is it exactly?

I will start by filling a Large Flat Rate Priority Mail box with Nintendo and NES related stuff both from my personal collection and with the money provided by the Patreon support. I will send it on to the first person on the list. That person takes out what they want and refills it with more Nintendo goodies before sending it on to the next person. It keeps going until it ends up back to me, the original sender. If you want participate, here’s what you need to know:

 

1) Fill out the form

2) This first round will be limited to 15 people. Justin and I are 2 of those people so that means 13 D-Padders. However, because the people who support the Patreon campaign make this happen, they will get first priority.

3) All Nintendo stuff is fair game, but NES stuff is obviously preferred. Ideally the box would be at least 25% to 50% NES related.

4) Please be fair with what you take out and put in (That means only 1 copy of Deadly Towers is allowed!)

5) Try to reuse the original box if possible and feel free to decorate. It costs around $15 to $18 to ship to the next person. You will have to cover this cost.

6) Please try to ship it out within one week of getting it.

7) US only. Sorry to our foreign D-Padders.

Pa Pa Patreon!

Standard

We do the podcast for the love of it… for the love of community we’ve created. However, we think we can make the show and community better. And that’s going to cost us more money than we’ve already put in.

Basically, we want to make some improvements to the website, podcast, and community. Better audio through better equipment, better website interaction, more game giveaways, etc.

The show will continue on as is… for free… same quantity and quality (well, maybe better quality but not worse). However, if you want us to sound better and giveaway more awesome swag, consider making a donation.

We already have some great people supporting us. We have reached 3 milestone goals already. You should be hearing some better audio by now and Justin will have a new mic within the next couple of episodes. We no longer need to take on sponsors to support our bandwidth costs. And… we are going to start a quarterly NES/Nintendo “Junk Box”! Stay tuned for details on that.

With all that being said, we have a lot more plans for the show and a couple of more milestone goals to fulfill. Who doesn’t want us to give away the game each show or start doing videos/twitching? Nobody, that’s who!

To help support us, visit our site on Patreon.com today!

#dpadders4lyf

Blue Haired Trumpeters

Standard

Michael Kelso is a really trusting guy as it relates to what I post on this fine website. Well, it’s either that or he leads such a boring life that something I find particularly funny or interesting entertains him. Seriously, Kelso, go out and get some sun or something, your life is a precious thing to be wasting on the futile efforts of Atari Man to bring such hilarity to the masses. Fine, suit yourself, but when your license plate goes missing I don’t want to hear anything. I digress. Once again, Michael has tasked me with playing a game I’ve never played on the NES before, nor had any intentions of playing ever, in Defender Of The Crown.

Now look, I get the whole appeal of this game. It was cool to play this way before Robin Hood: Men In Tights came onto the scene, and even before Jim Carrey and Matthew Broderick were enjoying a battle at Medieval Times, but I think, in retrospect, most of us who did play this title will soon realize it isn’t the swordplay, the jousting, or anything else featured in this game that truly steals the show and gives us that epic adventure we were longing for as children. No, friends, not since the days of King Arthur has there been quite an interesting musical act quite like..

The blue haired trumpeters.

 

Why is their hair blue? There’re many speculations really, everything from them being a mysterious race of humans who mated with Smurfs or are of some direct descent from them. Other people think this is how the group Blue Man Group was formed, which is another strong theory. Neither theory can be proven, however. My opinion is that once again more foes fell to the trickery of one Latrine of the Robin Hood: Men In Tights movie after refusing to help her gain the affections of The Sheriff Of Rottingham. They were punished by losing their golden locks and replacing them with what appear to be heads of 7 Eleven Slurpees. Whichever theory you subscribe to, the important thing here is to know that back in those days, as the direct descendant of the rapper Snoop Dogg, Snoopus Maximus once said, and I quote, “There ain’t no party like a blue hair party, cuz a blue hair party don’t stop.” He may have also unnecessary thrown in a letter G as well. I don’t know. I wasn’t there, now was I? Get off my back, woman!

 

Ahem. It does beg the question, how much more money would Robin Hood movies grossed had these blue-haired little weirdos been in the films? Would people care less about whether Robin Hoods could speak with an English accent? Would townspeople care less about their villages being burned down in the name of Mel Brooks? As a fellow trumpeter, I can tell you, it’s not an easy job sounding that good, and I can say with certainty that a large portion of Defender Of The Crown sales should have been spent trying to find a cure for middle age blue hair, but sadly, it never was.

 

No friends, the people at Defender Of The Crown thought it was more beneficial to create scenes where a knight in full armor stands looking out onto the crowd, with nothing but an empty elementary school flag pole as a weapon.

 

I pledge allegiance to the blue haired people of medieval England.

 

About the author:

Atari Man is a 33-year-old video game small business owner, retro enthusiast, and writer. He’s a good guy, just don’t get trapped in an elevator with him if you don’t know who Ace Harding or the VTech World Wizard are.

Hyperion

Standard

Download

Just in time for Easter, the Dudes are here to talk about an Easter Egg. Except this time the Easter Egg is a game itself. The Dudes are talking this week about never released and unfinished game Hyperion.

Developed by Yoshio Sakamoto, Hyperion was a very unique game that could have had an impact on future games released on the NES. However, the game was never released and actually gave rise to two famous NES games.

Intrigued about this game that never came to fruition? Well give the episode a listen and see what you think about this game that never came to be.

Retrofitted Trophies

Hand-eye coordination of an astronaut – Beat the 1st level without getting hit

Shouldn’t you be on an old building – Kill 5 Gargoyles on level 2

Game Rating

Type of Invention:

Michael – Shamwow

Justin – Flobee

Behind The Scenes Look

Shout Outs!

Project Z.A.P. aka Hyperion

Standard

As a young gamer, one of my greatest joys was uncovering an Easter egg in a game, or perhaps a glitch, something that wasn’t always intended to be found, sometimes something to benefit your adventurous search, or other times when it was simply the calling card left from a disgruntled programmer. It really didn’t matter to me, because I felt like I was a part of something special, something secretive. I’m pretty good at keeping secrets by the way, unless, of course, there’s a bowl of mashed potatoes or Angry Beavers merchandise involved, in which case, I’m sorry, but I’m spilling the beans. Today’s Atari Man Loves features a game I’m sure you’ve all heard of from the vast annals of video game history, a little ditty I like to call Hyperion.

What’s that? You never heard of Hyperion? Well, that’s no surprise really, as most of us diehard NES fans have only just heard of it recently. Turns out one day, many moons ago, when Nintendo was hopping with testers and game counselors working their butts off to make sure products were swell (and better than anything Sega could produce-zing!) they were tasked with reaching a certain quota. In the case of counselors, it was the amount of gamers they assisted, testers of course, testing a certain amount of games. Should one complete this task they were given a pretty sweet gift, a cartridge copy of Hyperion. Only those people employed by Nintendo in either of these jobs had a chance to get this title, and even then, only if they reached their quota. Talk about unlocking items and trophies! Hyperion can only be described by some as an arcade style Mega Man, but that’s a pretty vague description. What is known is it kept a high score and had no real story as far as the levels went. You blasted your way through as you needed to, and relied on your hand-eye coordination for jumps along the way.

gumshoe-web

Still lost? Allow me to elaborate. Hyperion was an early title for Nintendo, a prototype created by gaming genius Yoshi Sakamoto, the brains behind the title Gumshoe, and better-known title he created after it, maybe you heard of it, Metroid. It was to utilize both control ports in the NES, using both the Zapper gun and controller, but as a lot of geniuses are prone to do (and trust me, I would know) Sakamoto was ahead of his time, as very few games since prior to the market crash were brave enough to utilize two controllers. Sakamoto was insistent that this would help the NES stand out from the pack, but Nintendo was hesitant and thought North American gamers would have a difficult time adapting to the idea of using a Zapper and a controller at the same time. Testers and game counselors LOVED the game and would often play it, should they attain it, in between calls. Still, Nintendo just wasn’t convinced. Not wanting to let his ideas go to waste, Sakamoto pulled apart the nucleus of his idea and created two games. Care to guess what they were?

Gumshoe and Metroid!

9v-metroid-2

Recently, Hyperion has been released on rom and the few sites that have it so far have already begun experiencing server problems from the sheer amount of feedback from diehard NES collectors who are doing the next best thing to mugging an old NES tester or breaking into the home of a NES game counselor.

So what do I love about Hyperion? I love anything that is the spark, the catalyst, to other games and pieces of video game history we are more familiar with. Any game can become a piece of history, but I think it’s easier to be the more popular ones. Even they had to begin somewhere though, and Hyperion, with it’s underrated soundtrack, tight controls, and innovative concept for the time, could have become something that we’d be talking about in the same breath as the game it loosely copied (before it even came out mind you, figure that out), Mega Man, or even The Legend Of Zelda, we’ll never really know.

What we do know is I need to wrap this up, because I haven’t played my daily dose of Hyperion today, and that’s just not a good day to be alive, I say.

 

About the author:

Atari Man is a 33-year-old video game small business owner, retro enthusiast, and writer. He’s a good guy, just don’t get trapped in an elevator with him if you don’t know who Ace Harding or the VTech World Wizard are.

Home Alone

Standard

Download

Are you like the Dudes? Do you watch Home Alone all year round? Even when it’s not Christmas time? Is your play count on the movie above 500?

Well, then why not join Michael and Justin as they discuss the NES adaptation of the movie? Made by (now) famous development studio Bethesda Softworks. This game was voted on by you, the D-Padders, as the 2nd most wanted game for us to talk about. Interesting…

Michael and Justin may not have been huge fans of this game but could certainly see why someone would want to play it for nostalgia purposes. So listen in to this episode and also, it’s generating a lot of buzz in our brand new High Score Group so come check that out HERE.

We also discuss our Patreon campaign a little bit further. Feel free to support us HERE.

Retrofitted Trophies

7 Going on 30 – Beat the game

Moonwalking – Do the moonwalk in the treehouse

Game Rating

Type of Trap:

Michael: Bear trap

Justin: Mouse trap

Behind The Scenes Look

Shout Outs!

Super Mario Bros. 2

Standard

Download

The Dudes return! And as per dude protocol, they are joined by special guest and back from break specialist John.

This week the Dudes dive into the NES classic Super Mario Bros 2. Definitely the most obscure of the Mario games, there is perhaps no other Mario game that has more polar reactions to it. Super Mario Bros 2 brings out the debate about whether it is a great Mario game or a mediocre at best game.

While the game gets mixed reviews retrospectively, it certainly was popular. The Dudes dive into this game and all the obscurity that it brings.

Retrofitted Trophies

Girl Power Trophy to Princess Peach

Boom goes the dynamite – Kill 5 enemies with POW block

Little Nemo – Beat the game without dying

Over Easy – Beat Ostro

Yes, We All Wear Masks – Steal the key

Magic Carpet Ride – Steal a carpet

Triathlon Trophy – Beat the game as Mario

High Jump Trophy – Beat the game as Luigi

Long Jump Trophy – Beat the game as Peach

Weight Lifting Trophy – Beat the game as Toad

Blistex Trophy – Beat the game

Game Rating

Type of Vegetable:

John: 8 out of 10 onions

Michael: an onion

Justin: Radish

 

Behind The Scenes Look

Shout Outs!

Zelda II: The Adventure of Link

Standard

Download

Zelda II: The Adventure of Link. Wasn’t Zelda I an adventure of Link as well?

The Dudes are joined by the incredible Jay of Nintendo Quest! He has beat this game; so that right there makes him 100% more able to talk about this game than the Dudes.

And that’s exactly why it’s great that Justin and Michael bring on guests. This is a really interesting episode with lots of great game talk.

Don’t forget to support Jay and his Nintendo Quest documentary on Kickstarter. Only a few days left.

Retrofitted Trophies

Godfather’s Special – Kill 5 mini horse heads

Where are my pants? (Easy Access) – Play the game and look at Link

The Dirty Birdy – Defeat Thunderbird without taking a hit

Live Mountain – Make it past death mountain

Conquer the Crag… the Agro Crag – Make it through Death Mountain without destroying your controller or TV

Lady of the Night – Get “healed” by a lady in town

Game Rating

Type of mountain:

Michael – Mt. Olympia

Justin – K2

Jay – Mt. Everest

 

Video

Coming soon!

Behind The Scenes Look

Shout Outs!

Kung Fu

Standard

Download

Hiyah! Now that we’ve got the obligatory hiyah out of the way, the Dudes are joined by Kung Fu master Landon Long of The Retro Junkies Super Show! It’s time to kick some tail and save Sylvia!

Kung Fu is a great arcade port that has quick, addictive gameplay. Sit back and listen as the Dudes discuss techniques, boss designs, and high scores galore!

Retrofitted Trophies

This One’s for Matthew – Kill the boomerang guy

Shaq Fu Who? – Defeat the big black guy (aka The Giant)

Die in the Dog – Getting killed in a dog pile

Bruce Lee’s 2nd Cousin – Beat the game without dying

Ankle Attack of Death – Kill a boss by only using sweep kicks

Groundhog Day – Beat the game 3 times in a row

You Broke My Stick! – Beat the stick boss

How Much for a Dozen? 5000 – Perform the 5000 point jump kick

Mama Said Knock You Out – Lose to the 4th level boss (aka Mr. X’s mom)

Sweep the Leg Johnny – Defeat Mr. X by only using sweep kicks

Game Rating

Type of karate move:

Michael – Roundhouse kick

Justin – Crane kick

Landon – High jump kick

 

Video

Coming soon!

Behind The Scenes Look

Shout Outs!

Rygar

Standard

Download

Rygar, oh Rygar. An arcade port that turned into something entirely different.

It’s been a while since the Dudes have released an episode. Holidays, sickness, and just general life stuff has been in the way. But the Dudes won’t let that stop them. They are back on track (for now) and ready to talk some Rygar.

So sit back and listen as Justin and Michael dig through this arcade turned adventure game. Does it stack up against recent platformers on the show? Listen in and find out.

This game was highly requested by the D-Padders in the new poll that is available to determine which games the Dudes should cover next. You can visit that poll HERE and make your requests known.

Retrofitted Trophies

Who turned over the cinderblock? – Kill 4 rolly poly enemies

It’s a me Rygar! – Jump on 10 turtle shells

Who needs a rope when you’ve got this in your pants? – Get the grappling hook and never use a rope to climb again

Crotch rocket – Use the grappling hook

Arbor day is a stupid holiday anyway – Kill 4 trees

If Captain America and Iron Man had a baby – Obtain the armor powerup

Game Rating

Type of Shield:

Michael – Zelda’s wooden shield

Justin – Prototype shield

 

Video

Behind The Scenes Look

Shout Outs!

Nintendo Country Christmas

Standard

 

We truly appreciate all the awesome calls and support from you guys over the past year. We hope you love this episode as we had a blast putting it together for you.

So Happy Holidays from us dudes and we’ll see you next year!

-Dude Michael

 

Music From The Show

Behind The Scenes Look

 

Shout Outs!

  • This episode contains many great tunes from Merry Chipmas 2013 featuring the following artists:

    Joe Bleeps
    muteKi
    DBOYD
    CLSource
    Ikasam
    sleeping arms
    jiffypop23
    2PLAYER
    81ttr45hr10t
    Matecha
    Laffe the Fox
    MicroD
    Starman Stan
    SketchMan3
    Pocaille
    Kloudygirl
    S.P.R.Y
    kfaraday
    3ndymion
    wailord
    Starman Stan
    Pieces of Eight

  • Announcement’s for this week’s segments by Rob McCallum of Nintendo Quest
  • Special thanks to our sponsor: Square Breathing Windows Phone Meditation App
  • Special thanks to our sponsor: Heavenly Mushroom
  • GoFundMe for Elliot Crabtree can be found here: http://www.gofundme.com/bw0d1g
  • Find us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and Podomatic!

Battletoads & Double Dragon

Standard

Dudes and Hosers abound! It’s the crossover of the century featuring the podcast rivalry that has listeners buzzing.

The Dudes meet up this week with the guys over at Genesis Gems to hash out their differences and talk about the crossover game Battletoads and Double Dragon. They may have been tricked to get there but it certainly ended up being worth it.

In this episode one of the greatest Beat ’em ups is discussed. Trust the Dudes, you do not want to miss this episode.

Now, take off!!

Not really, please stay and listen.

Sweet art by D-Padder Joe Kopel

Sweet art by D-Padder Joe Kopel

 

Retrofitted Trophies

You’ll get warts – Beat the game as a Battletoad

No Shame – Beat Abobo

Would the real Bimmy Lee Please stand up – Can’t get past the First Level

Domo Arigato Mr. Roboto – Beat the robot in level 2 and use it’s leges to beat up other Shadow Warriors

Brotherly Love – Beat in 2 player as Billy and Jimmy

Pound Sand – Pound 3 bad guys into the ground

You dirty rat you killed my brother – Playing as Double Dragon characters with one dying by being killed by Big Blag

What’s the time, Hammer Time! – Pound 5 bad guys into the floor

Pogo a go go – Use Pogo attack

Cave man special move – beating the girl by throwing her by her hair

Sonic Boom – Beating the Guile look a likes on stage 2

Polly want a cracked skull – Beat the birds in stage 3

Do what Sega can’t – Beat the NES version

Came in like a wrecking ball – Kill 5 crows with the wrecking ball as a Battletoad

Be a gentleman – Get through Roper’s stage without hitting the ladies with the whips

 

Game Rating

Type of Gem

 

Video

 

Behind The Scenes Look

 

Shout Outs!

Ninja Gaiden

Standard

Hiyah! Watch out for that ninja attack! The Dudes return from a trip to the ninjutsu class at ITT Tech with the task of playing Ninja Gaiden.

All they have to do is beat the game in order to earn their quadruple black belt. Unfortunately, that’s not going to happen this week. They do however podcast about this hotly anticipated game.

This game was highly requested by the D-Padders in the new poll that is available to determine which games the Dudes should cover next. You can visit that poll HERE and make your requests known.

So sit back, relax, and listen as the dudes vent their frustrations and share their love for this game. Somehow they managed to refrain from cursing on air. Family friendly you know.

Retrofitted Trophies

Go Ninja Go Ninja Go – Beat the game in under 15 minutes

Who’s Your Daddy? – Release your father from posession

Oh! A “guy”den – Get surrounded by enemies

I Got The Bad Boy in Garland, TX – Obtain the fire wheel

Ornithologist Be Darned – Kill a bird

Your Father Would Be Impressed – Beat the game without taking damage

Tecmo Black Belt – Beat the game

Way of the Monk – Beat the game only killing enemies that you have to kill

Blade Runner – Beat the game without using powerups, only your sword

Justin Harrell is a jerk – He is.

Game Rating

Ninja Weapon Rating

Michael – Shuriken

Justin – Nunchucks

Video

Coming Soon!

Behind The Scenes Look

Shout Outs!

Swamp Thing

Standard

Into the Green! The dudes find themselves in another world this week and with them are the guys from the Comic Nerds Unite Podcast. While in the Green the Dudes and Comic Nerds decide to play a little Swamp Thing for the NES and read some Swamp Thing comics. (Because what else would you do in a metaphysical swamp)

While in the Green the guys decide to record not one but two podcasts, so after listening to this episode, you should go over to the Comic Nerds Unite podcast and hear the Dudes there.

Swamp Thing Nerds Unite! The Dudes are invaded in the green by Marc and Tim of the Comic Nerds Unite podcast to talk about Swamp Thing.

Retrofitted Trophies

Don’t wipe boogers on the sofa – Beat level 1 without a swamp booger

Jump the Shark – Correctly jump over fish robot

Swamp Thing created by Len Wein and Bernie Wrightson – Think about the 9 issues of Swamp Thing you read before playing while rocking your child to sleep

Ah, this polution – Get killed by a tin can

A Better NIght – Taking this game out and putting another game in

Don’t pollute – Put the game in the recycle bin

Game Rating

Swamp Booger Rating

Video

Coming Soon!

Behind The Scenes Look

We did a sweet crossover with this episode! Check out Comic Nerds Unite!

Shout Outs!

Bubble Bobble

Standard

Michael has some new pets. Two little dinosaur dragon dudes. Unfortunately, they like to eat Cascade and blow bubbles. Those bubbles then in turn trap things and kill them. Nasty bubbles they are. Our old friend Soundboard Mario is no more thanks to those dastardly bubbles, but you’ll have to listen to the episode to find out how it happens.

my_tombstone

Join the dudes in discussing this great game. Bubble Bobble was one of Justin’s favorite games growing up. It was rented from the trailer many times. Michael has played it a ton growing up too. Expect a lot of good nostalgia and love for this game. Enjoy!

Retrofitted Trophies

Oh, hoooooold A, I was waaay off – Realize that you can hold A to bounce on bubbles

Go buy a lottery ticket – Kill a beastie with lightning while popping another

Dude, your girlfriend looks like me – Beat the game as player 2

Come to Papa – Kill all the enemies by letting them come to you

Bubble Chain – Pop 7 beasties at the same time

If it wasn’t for these pennies – Kill all enemies with speed shoes

Game Rating

Type of soap:

Ivory

Cascade Complete

Video!

Behind The Scenes Look

Shout Outs!

Little Nemo: The Dream Master

Standard
[audio https://archive.org/download/NESDudes_LittleNemo/Little%20Nemo%20%28HD%29.mp3]

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz… huh? Oh, you woke us up. We were trying to play some Little Nemo: The Dream Master with Dude Jay.

As long as you’re here, why not take the time to listen to us talk about this wacky game from Capcom based on a really old comic strip (1905!). We hit up a few tangents, but basically stay on track this time.

Oh! And Michael blows through another worthy opponent in the “Justin’s Historical Tidbits and Trivia” Quiz Show!

Michael’s Quiz Record: 4 Wins – 2 Losses

Retrofitted Trophies

Oops, too soon – Jump on the animal before it’s ready

This is not the “Dave reads from Wikipedia” train – Beat the House of Toys level (a TADPOG reference, Jay says you are welcome Dave and Tyler)

Mega Man ain’t got nothing on me – Defeat the nightmare king using only charge shots

Haven’t we met before – Beat the same enemy 10 times

I got this in the bag – Beat the game without breaking a controller

Call child protective services – Watch the cutscenes between levels

Well, now I have no hair – Beat the game

Wannabe Mario – Get thrown into the spikes by the train

Finally, I’m out of the fungus – Beat the first level

Un-mentioned trophy – Watch the very end of the “Behind the Scenes” footage to hear it (WARNING: Very explicit)

Game Rating

Candy:

Strawberry Hard Candy (Old People Candy)

Black licorice… no wait… Giant Jawbreaker

Milk Duds

Video!

Behind The Scenes Look (WARNING: Last 5 minutes contains explicit content)

Shout Outs!

Super Dodge Ball

Standard

LOOKOUT!!! Whew, that one barely missed you!

This week the dudes take on each other in a game of dodge ball. Well, not really but they do play Super Dodge Ball for the NES. The Dudes also share many childhood stories about both dodge ball and broken collar bones.

Super Dodge Ball is a classic and at times overlooked game in the NES library. The dudes dive into the many components of this NES classic with an Olympics and Saved by the Bell feel (huh? Listen and find out).

While Super Dodge Ball may not have won the attention of many, it found it’s way into the Dudes home and they will tell you all about it and whether this is a solid pick up.

Happy Listening!

Retrofitted Trophies

Wait this isn’t Mario – Get hit while flickering thinking you will be invincible

Enter the Matrix – Dodge a ball during the game’s slow downs or flickers

Here we go Screech, kick that Commie’s hiney – Beat the game

Sam of the Dead – Beat Team Shadow (Zombie Team)

Game Rating

Type of playground equipment:

Merry Go Round

Tetherball

Video!

Behind The Scenes Look

Shout Outs!

Friday the 13th

Standard

Guess what? Halloween episode! Bet you guys saw this one coming.

The Dudes screw up this week and use up their Friday the 13th game on a day not labeled Friday the 13th… Oh well, at least it is Friday.

Now the big question on the table is whether this game is any count. Here’s a hint: It’s made by LJN.

*SPOILERS* Michael and Justin aren’t huge fans of this one. However, it is still a great episode (the dud games usually are) and we hope you enjoy it. Does this game really live up to its hype of being terribly awful?

Retrofitted Trophies

David, Meet Goliath – Defeat Jason only using rocks

Oh my God I’m Dying, Oh my God I’m Dying – Play the game for an hour

Counselor of the Month – Beat the game without losing any kids

Is That Thing Cashmere? – Acquire Jason’s Mom’s Sweater

We Don’t Need No Water, Let That Mother $%$#^# Burn – Light all the fireplaces

Brush My Teeth You Will Not – Beat the game

Game Rating

Type of Summer Camp Activity

Arts and Crafts

Washing Dishes

Video!

Behind The Scenes Look

Shout Outs!

Shovel Knight

Standard

Bo bo bo bonus episode!!!! The Dudes gather together round the fire with some other dudes and talk about the NES classic… Shovel Knight. Oh wait! This isn’t a classic NES game. It’s a new game. Why would the Dudes be talking about this one?

Shovel Knight might be a new game, but it’s brimming over with classic NES nostalgia. Much like the 2 Dudes and a NES podcast, Shovel Knight is a true love letter to the Nintendo Entertainment System. Justin and Michael truly feel like it needs to be talked about. Well, Justin hasn’t actually played it yet, but that’s why the Dudes brought on some guests. Nick Stephens (NES Podcast, Genesis Gems) and Rob McCalllum (Nintendo Quest) help flesh out this awesome discussion of Shovel Knight.

Game Rating

Type of Garden Tool

Rake

Hoe

Mattock

Self Propelled Push Mower

Automatic Garden Tiller

Spade

Behind The Scenes Look

Shout Outs!

Kid Icarus

Standard

This week the dudes get their mythology on with Kid Icarus. Kid Icarus was a famous game that was brought into the gaming world by none other that Nintendo’s R&D 1. Much like other games brought to the NES from R&D 1 (ahem…. Metroid), Kid Icarus brings a lot of fun, frustration and ultimately enjoyment.

In the show the guys talk about their experiences playing this game and their many frustrations. They also bring in many tangents as usual. The show also features a few embarrassing moments, that the listener will enjoy.

There is also a quiz game that puts Justin on the spot this time , with horrible results. The Dudes love talking this NES classic and we hope that you enjoy the show as much.

Happy listening

Retrofitted Trophies

Pit’s Perilous Puberty – Get the ending where Pit becomes an adult

By the Beard of Zeus – Beat the game

Wannabe Plutus – Max out your currency

Cheater’s never prosper, your credit’s no good here – Use a password cheat and fall into immediate debt

Adephagia made me do it – Drink from the cup of life, when your life is already full

Mastered the way of Hermes – Plug in controller 2 to get lower prices in the shop

 

Game Rating

Type of Wine

Sherry

Riesling

Video!

Behind The Scenes Look

Shout Outs!

Dude Story: An NES Bromance

Standard

Have you ever wanted to know the story of how Justin and Michael met? Or how their relationship flourished? No? Really??

Well, the dudes are going to tell you anyway. Michael is in the process of moving and has all of his NES stuff packed away. No games to play. No accessories with which to tinker. But instead of skipping this week’s episode, the dudes have decided to record an episode about mostly nothing. Enjoy!

Want to hear an episode about an NES game? Try one of these gems… TMNT, Mega Man, Contra, Startropics, or Deadly Towers!

Behind The Scenes Look

Shout Outs!

Startropics

Standard

The Dudes are joined this week by honorary Dude Hickman. The three dudes discuss the obscure (yes, Aaron Hickman is a fan of the obscure, like his podcast) game StarTropics.

StarTropics is a game that for those that experienced it, was loved. What’s not to love? Yo-yos? Awesome. Baseball equipment used as weapons? Again, Awesome. Plus the game carries with it a fun time that is reminiscent of Zelda. Although Dude Justin had to make an early exit this week, Dude Michael and Dude Hickman dive deep into the game.

Other than talk about the game, the Dudes cover several topics and hilarity ensues. Also Michael takes on Dude Hickman in another round of historical tidbits and trivia quiz game.

Michael’s Quiz Record: 3Wins – 2Losses

Retrofitted Trophies

King of the Ocean – Talk to the dolphin

Mike Jones Who!? – Talk to the town people and find out your name

Knowing is half the battle – Beat the cobra

It’s a secret to everybody – Get on the shape and enter the code

Second Hand Nightmare – Buying the game second hand and not having the code

I ain’t afraid of no ghost! – Beat the ghost boss

Game Rating

Kid’s Toy:

Basketball

Paddle Ball

Video!

Behind The Scenes Look

Shout Outs!

Batman

Standard

Dudes are vengeance. Dudes are the night. Dudes are… talking about BATMAN!

The dudes are joined this episode by Rob Luther of many podcasts fame (Turtle Flakes, Genesis Gems, The Retro Junkies Super Show, etc.) and he really helps Michael out in the quest department. He also cheats at quizzes… hoser.

BATMAN is a beloved game by many a D-Padder and it’s surprising that it hasn’t been recommended yet. Nevertheless, the dudes take it upon themselves to bring a ton of great dialog about this game. Be sure and give this show a listen this week if you are a fan of the game or if you have never played it. You are guaranteed to want to give it a go afterwards.

Michael’s Quiz Record: 2Wins – 2Losses

Retrofitted Trophies

Low Blow Hero/Nut Shot Hero – Beat every opponent by crouching and punching

Who’s Laughing Now? – Murder JOKER

Honey, I Blew Up the BATMAN – Make BATMAN burst into flames by dying

BATMAN the Horologist (it’s a real word people) – Climb the clocktower without taking damage

Stay With Me – Complete a level with one bar of health

Wannabe Bill Gates – Defeat the

Wanna See a Magic Trick – Hide in the corner during the first boss fight so the boss can’t hit you

Call the EPA – Get to level 3 and realize the chemical plant has been dumping

Purple Rain – BATMAN makes it rain with bullets

Gotham Is Now Safe Thanks To the Purple Knight – Beat the game

Don’t You Know I’m a Martial Artist – Beat the game with only your fists

That’s Batastic – Beat the game without using cheats

Game Rating

Type of Nocturnal Animal:

Mike: Racoon

Justin: Bat eared fox

Rob: Owl

Video!

Behind The Scenes Look

Shout Outs!

Mega Man

Standard

The Dudes may not have been on their A game when it came time to do the episode on Faxanadu but they attempt to redeem themselves this week as they review one of the more famous games for the NES. And redeem, the Dudes do, as they talk about this all time great.

Mega Man holds a spot in all NES fans’ hearts. As one of the first side scrolling shooters with graphics that were impressive for the NES, Mega Man has become one of the most beloved games in history. This also sparked one of the most successful gaming franchises of all time.

If you have been a 2 Dudes fan or just now finding them, this show is a must listen. Joining the Dudes this week is Rob Maher who designed a game that definitely has drawn influences from Mega Man.

Want to know more? Want to learn more about Mega Man or at least hear some Dudes talk about? Do yourself a favor and give this episode a listen.

Retrofitted Trophies

D-D-D-Do ya have it?! Guts! – Beat the Gutsman stage

Fire Proof – Beating Fireman without taking a hit

Ice Ice Baby – Beat Iceman stage and do running man in celebration

Training for the World’s Strongest Man – Beat a stage while holding a rock

Go work on the theory of relativity – Beat Dr. Wiley

If it wasn’t for this jaundice – Beat yellow cyclops

There can only be 1 – Beat copy cat Mega Man

Cut the cord – Beat Elecman with Cutman ability

Tom Arnold Would Be Impressed – Beat the game without taking a hit

Game Rating

Type of Menial Task:

Mike: Chopping and Hauling Wood

Justin: Hammering Nails

Rob: Cleaning the house

Video!

Behind The Scenes Look

Shout Outs!

Linkstravaganza

Standard

Want to know how to find us everywhere? Follow the links:

Twitter: twitter.com/NES_Dudes

Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Two-Dudes-and-a-NES

Google+: plus.google.com/+Nesdudesplay/posts

Podomatic: nesdudes.podomatic.com/

Website: nesdudes.com/

Tumblr: nesdudes.tumblr.com/

Medium: medium.com/@nes_Dudes

RSS Feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/2DudesAndANes

Tom Arnold: tomarnoldcomedy.com/

iTunes Feed: itpc://nesdudes.podomatic.com/rss2.xml

TuneIn: tunein.com/radio/2-Dudes-and-a-NES-p582405/

Spreaker: www.spreaker.com/show/2-dudes-and-a-nes

Stitcher: www.stitcher.com/podcast/retro-thought-pod/two-dudes-and-a-nes

YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/NESDudes

Instagram: instagram.com/nes_dudes

MySpace: myspace.com/nes_dudes

about.me: about.me/NES_Dudes

Vine: vine.co/u/1086082449164881920

SoundCloud: soundcloud.com/nesdudes

Retro Junkies Forum: theretrojunkies.com/forums/index.php?topic=316.0

2 Dudes Forum: http://nesdudes.boards.net

Zazzle Store: http://www.zazzle.com/2_dudes_and_a_nes

Archive.org: https://archive.org/search.php?query=creator%3A%222+Dudes+and+a+NES%22

Faxanadu

Standard

[audio https://archive.org/download/NESDudes_Faxanadu/Faxanadu%20HD.mp3]

With a game library as massive as the NES, there will come a time when the Dudes discuss a game that not even they are experts on. Never fear! The Dudes search far and wide to bring in others that know the game well so that the listeners will not suffer (we think).

This week the Dudes talk about the RPG Faxanadu and they bring in special guest Aron Robison to help them out. Aron is a Faxanadu Guru and he sits down to talk with the Dudes about this game. While the Dudes have never got to the end of this game, Aron has and he tells us about the last time he beat the game.

While being a more obscure NES title, Faxanadu had some fame in its time. It was one of the early RPG’s and it had a place on Nintendo Power’s top 30 games for some time. For more on this game, give the Dudes a chance and have a listen.

 

Retrofitted Trophies

Meditative State – Get to the Guru

Gots me lots of golds – get 1500 gold from the king

Magic Missile – Use deluge to kill one of the spiky dwarves

Armed to the teeth – buy the best of everything

Gym Class Trophies- martial arts power

Jerkin’s for Jerks – Upgrade your armor

It’s a me Mario – make it to 2nd town just jumping over everyone

Jacks Wild – Get your first J key

 

Game Rating

Magic Spell:

Hungry Pit

Confuse

Wish Spell

 

Video!

Behind The Scenes Look

Forum 

http://nesdudes.boards.net/thread/68/faxanadu

Notice: The music at the end of the episode is not for the next game the Dudes discuss. Mega Man 4 music was incorrectly put in when it should be Mega Man.

Shout Outs!

Tecmo Bowl

Standard

‘Tis the season… the football season. Football season is underway and the dudes can’t think of a better way to kickoff (get it?) this time of the year than with a discussion about Tecmo Bowl. Tecmo Bowl is hands down one of the greatest football games to ever come out on any system. Be sure and listen to the dudes gush about it for a solid 70 minute run time.

Well, they don’t talk about Tecmo Bowl the whole time actually. Pay close attention as Michael and Justin also talk a little bit about general football (a subject in which Michael is not well versed) and rental stores. They also talk about the adult section of said rental stores (Oh no! Family friendly tarnished again?). Near the end, the dudes discuss some general podcast news and friends south of the border, so stick around for the whole thing.

Apologies to any D-Padders hoping to hear from Paul “Sweet” of Retro Obscura as technical difficulties prevented him from being on the show for more than 10 seconds. Apologies to Paul too while we’re at it. Sometimes those darn computer thingies just don’t act right. Just listen to an episode or two of Michael and Justin’s old show “Retro Thought Pod” and you’ll know that these guys are prone to technical hiccups.

Technical issues aside, this might be one of the best episodes yet. A great game and plenty of humor sprinkled into several tangents. Hope you enjoy!

Retrofitted Trophies

Ditka – Beat the game with Chicago

Good Game, But No Super Bowl – Win a game as Miami

You Better Get a Bright Orange Vest – Score a safety.

Quit Being a Jerk and Take a Knee – Score 5 touchdowns in one game.

Game Rating

Wide Receiver Route:

Michael – Deep Post

Justin – Hail Mary!

Video!

Behind The Scenes Look

Shout Outs!

Mike Tyson’s Punch-Out!!

Standard

The dudes return this week with a classic that has been the most requested game among the listeners. That’s right, the Dudes are finally going to talk about Mike Tyson’s Punch Out.

Joining the dudes this week is a long time friend and Punch Out guru John. John wrote the article for the website regarding Punch Out called the Ten Count. This is suggested reading to go along with this week’s show.

The dude’s go a little long this week as they go through each frighter individually and leave very little out in this weeks’ game discussion. Plus, this game has a few Japanese names for Justin to butcher, as well as multiple stories of Michael finding the cart, as he has several copies of this game (what better game to have multiple copies of right?).

We hope you enjoy this week’s show and the Dudes went all out in this week’s episode to try not to disappoint.

Retrofitted Trophies

Go Back to Making Cars – Beat Piston Honda

Go Get You Some Rogaine You Big Bum – Knock out Bald Bull during his charge attack

Nighty Night – KO MR. Sandman

Holyfield’s Revenge – Knock Tyson’s ear off (Not possible….. or is it?)

 

Game Rating

Type of Punch:

Jab

Uppercut

Haymaker

Video!

Behind The Scenes Look

Shout Outs!

The Ten Count of Punchout!!

Standard

When someone got the fool notion that they wanted me to contribute something to this website, the very first retro-est memory that popped in to my head was Mike Tyson’s Punch-Out. For some people, the first video game they remember is Mario. For some, it’s The Legend of Zelda. Well, my first video game memory is of an underage[1], underweight[2], underdog out of the Bronx looking to make it big in the World Video Boxing Association (WVBA).

[1] Seriously, Little Mac is 17.

[2] 107 pounds! I’ve owned dogs bigger than that.

Why does this game stick out? It’s not like it had a memorable story (criminally undersized kid punches people?)[3]. The graphics were solid for the 8-bit era, but nothing spectacular. No, the most memorable thing about this game is the characters you spend hours jabbing and uppercutting. As any Batman fan will tell you, the rogues’ gallery is the place where your imagination runs wild. Punch-Out gives you just enough details (height, weight, catchphrases, and some between-round animations) about your in-game pugilist opponents that you can think up an entire back story for a boxer in one round. So let’s count it down –worst to first. How do the Punch-Out boxers stack up?

[3] Although this live-action Punch-Out video might make a better movie than 95% of the movies that have come out this year. What would it take to get this made? I’ll pony up money right now.

NOT RANKED

Mike Tyson: Forget the hassle of getting to him in the first place[4]. Also forget the out of the ring troubles Iron Mike found himself in within a few years of the game’s release. Stepping into the ring with Tyson, only to see Little Mac get dropped with an uppercut two seconds later could ruin your entire weekend. Not only that, for every five of your friends that claimed to have beaten him, four were definitely lying and the other probably punched a wall in the course of the fight. Mike, I know the game is named after you, but to make the list, I need more than a .02% chance of winning (or even landing more than two punches) first.

[4] Unless you entered a pass code on the title screen, you cheater.

Little Mac: Let’s face it: Little Mac wears a tank-top in the ring. That fact alone keeps him off the list. Plus, his trainer, Doc Louis, is possibly homicidal –if you could look Mac in the face after he’s gotten destroyed in a round and send him back out for more punishment with nothing more than advice to join the Nintendo Fan Club, you are either woefully underqualified to be a trainer or are a sociopath. Mac does have some good points –his vertical leap is astounding, he never backs down even when he’s outweighed by a solid 100 pounds or more, and he rode bikes before riding bikes got ruined by hipsters. All in all, Little Mac is solid, but doesn’t crack the list.

Number Ten

Great Tiger

The only boxer who makes fighting a chore. You can only throw one punch at a time until he goes into his magic whirly routine. Difficult? Not really, until you miss one block on spin-o-rama, your timing gets thrown off, and one of the easiest fights in the game turns into teeth grinding frustration. Great Tiger is like the free bread restaurants put on the table before meals. Yeah, it’s OK, but it’s not what you came for and is to be gotten through as quickly as possible so you can get to the good stuff. Put it this way –Great Tiger found a way to make magic boring. And he has a dead tiger in his corner. So, you know…animal abuse. Not cool.

 

Number Nine 
Super Macho Man
There’s a lot of problems here. Thanks to some odd sprite coloring, SMM has gray hair between rounds and black hair during the fight. Between rounds, he looks like an over-the-hill bodybuilder you would see on the beach wearing a too-small Speedo[5]. During the fight, SMM looks like a redneck backyard wrestler. In addition, he flexes his pecs at you. Think about that for a second. You’re a mullet-having, speedo-wearing, boxer named Super Macho Man. Your opponent is a seventeen year-old kid and you intimidate him by…pec-flexing? SMM may have taken one too many shots to the head. On a side note, you’re probably thinking the Super Spin Punch is awesome. You’re wrong. Any time you throw a punch so hard, you’ve turned yourself around in a boxing ring hokey-pokey, you have failed.

 

[5] Unfortunately, the too-small Speedo part holds true during the fight. Gross.

Number Eight
Von Kaiser
Von Kaiser is just sort of…there. On the plus side, he has a kickin’ ‘stache. Growing a magnificent mustache AND teaching boxing at a military academy? That’s serious dedication. On the minus side, Von Kaiser is 42. What sort of terrible life is he leading that he is not only forced to keep boxing, but has ended up only one step above Glass Joe? KO’ing Von Kaiser makes me feel guilty, like I should I be contemplating what my life has come to –beating up old dudes in some minor circuit boxing match. I need to take a long shower after this.

 

 

Number Seven
Glass Joe
This is the highest Glass Joe has probably been ranked in anything. I feel less guilty for this knock-out, since Glass Joe knows himself well enough to ask you to make it quick. A friend of mine tried to lose on purpose to Glass Joe. The only way he could make it work was by starting the match, then promptly leaving the room -even then, the fight went to the judges’ scorecards. However, Glass Joe was always good for a conversation with a friend –who in the world did he KO[6]? Did he land a lucky punch when the other guy wasn’t looking? Did Glass Joe’s opponent throw the fight, fulfilling a long-standing debt to the video game mafia? Was it a forfeit? The world may never know. Reading his bio and seeing that he is from Paris[7] just makes him that much funnier.

 

[6] Glass Joe’s record — 1-99 (1 KO)

[7] Aside from the all the cracks about French military prowess (or lack thereof), isn’t the fact that Von Kaiser, who is from Berlin, is ranked higher seem like a bit of an inside joke by the programmers?

Number Six
Don Flamenco
Admit it. If you played Punch-Out, you’ve probably stood up and did the Don Flamenco dance –the right arm in the air, one-legged hoppy dance[8]. Hey, I’m not judging you. We’ve all been there. Don Flamenco also made the biggest production of being knocked down –skidding backwards, he could easily twist and turn four or five times before hitting the canvas face first with a heavy thud. Don makes you think in the ring too. You’re crouched, just waiting to counter the special punch you just know is coming and….nothing. You drop your guard. Still nothing. And then this goofy tango dancer starts mocking you, with an 8-bit laugh. You get mad, throw a punch and he blocks and comes right back at you. Don has turned your own game, counter-punching, back on you –you have to counter-counter-punch. Whoa. Deep thoughts with Don Flamenco.

 

[8] If you included the rose in your teeth, you get a star.

Number Five
Piston Honda
Piston Honda is fierce, no doubt about it. He pulls himself up off the mat with resolve. If you don’t interrupt him, his Piston Punch will pack a wallop and almost certainly knock you down. He’s also got enough moxie to fight his way back in to contention, going from minor circuit champ to world circuit contender. I actually tried his hop around dance on my brother, but it was just about as successful as Piston Honda’s [9]. Piston seems a little star-struck, looking around for the Tokyo TV cameras, but all in all, he’s a tough fight.

 

[9] Which is to say, not.

Number Four

Soda Popinski
In the arcade version of this game, Soda Popinkski was originally Vodka Drunkenski. Let that sink in for a minute and imagine how better your life would have been if Vodka Drunkenski had been the name that appeared on your living room TV screen. Anyway. This new and improved NES version drinks from a never-ending green bottle generically labeled “pop” between rounds. Sure, Nintendo. I see right through your little game. With a head that looks like someone accidentally left a boulder of it inside while doing brain surgery and boxing gloves that may be loaded with rocks, Soda is one of the more difficult fights you’ll face. No special moves, just quick jabs and uppercuts. Unlike Great Tiger, however, this is never boring. Why? Soda is from Moscow [10]. That’s right, beating Soda Popinski is a victory for truth, justice, and the Bronx.

 

[10] He also appears pink/orange during the fight –poor pixel shading or subtle political commentary?

Number Three

Mr. Sandman
Mr. Sandman is easily the coolest fighter in the game. Great nickname? Check. Awesome special move [11]? Check. Snappy, yet bullying, catchphrases that make you grit your teeth when you lose, but are incredibly satisfying to throw back in Mr. Sandman’s face after putting him down for the count? Check. Also, major props to Nintendo for avoiding some of the cultural stereotypes/clichés that used for some of the other characters [12]. Thankfully, we don’t have to awkwardly explain why Mr. Sandman is cool while also talking around some sort of terrible racial slur. Of all of the boxers in the game, Mr. Sandman is the only one who seems like they could have been a contender in real life. A little cartoonish, sure, but he’s got Floyd Mayweather’s knack for self-promotion, Frazier’s uppercut, and Muhammad Ali’s cool. Who would protest if they made one more Rocky movie and Mr. Sandman was the bad guy? Nobody.

 

[11] Variously referred to as the Sand Blaster or the Dreamland Express –either of which is exactly what I would want my special boxing move called.

[12] Looking at you, Piston Honda.

Number Two

King Hippo
I honestly laughed out loud the first time I saw King Hippo. He’s the shape of a Butterball turkey and has a mouth big enough to fit a basketball. He’s wearing a crown in his corner, for crying out loud. How old is he? How much does he weigh? Who knows? The game certainly won’t tell you. I’m pretty sure he got to be king by eating all of the other claimants to the throne. Land a jab and his shorts fall down. The king is obviously a comedy break between fights. Knock him down once and he stumbles backwards into the ropes, not to get up until referee Mario requisitions a crane from a nearby construction company.

 

 

Number One

Bald Bull
I ranked Bald Bull number one because I am quite frankly terrified that, if I had not, he would show up at my house and knocked my block off. Bald Bull weighs 298 pounds. Little Mac, the 100 pound guy in a tank-top is expected to fight a giant that escaped from a Turkish prison. When Bald Bull unleashes and connects on his bull charge [13], I am always half-convinced that I’ll see Little Mac go flying out of the ring and land in a heap in the third row. When you knock him down, he stumbles and hits the mat with a thud as loud as your drunk uncle at a Christmas party. Just when Mario counts nine and you’re convinced he’s out, done, finished, Bald Bull hauls himself off the canvas, shoots you a contemptuous look over his shoulder and comes back to introduce you to his right fist. Bald Bull still gives me nightmares and I’m 28 years old. Imagine the terror he wreaked on unsuspecting eight year olds in the early nineties.

 

[13] He throws an uppercut that starts from the floor. THE FLOOR. Imagine a defensive lineman putting his entire weight into one enormous uppercut and you’ve got some idea of what we’re talking about.

-Honorary Dude John

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and Podomatic!