This week on Brain Lords all the games are a stage and all the avatars are merely players! Ever dramatically look backwards, slowly walk along a vista, or equip suboptimal gear because it made for a cooler experience? It turns out with a little imagination any game can be a role playing game. Jorge and Kyle discuss the ways in which we can add a little extra to any kind of game, as well as the ways the “intended experience” took us out of the moment. Alas poor Link…I knew him well.

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Kyle - Cute Monster Props

Jorge - JMV

THINGS DISCUSSED

Baten Kaitos, Etrian Odyssey, Dragon Quest III

What defines a Role Playing (Video) Game? (0:09:51)

Baldur's Gate, Final Fantasy VII, The Legend of Zelda series, The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask, Super Mario RPG

Have you ever imagined something in a game that made for a better, more personal experience outside of developer intent? (0:23:51)

Metal Gear Solid, Metal Gear Solid 2, Metal Gear Solid 3, Mega Man X, Pokémon Gold and Silver, Yume Nikki, VVVVVV

How can slower, quieter moments offer better storytelling than more active moments with dialogues or cutscenes? (0:43:37)

Deltarune Chapter 5, Breath of Fire, Death Stranding, Mr. Gimmik, UFO 50

Game Ratings: Silent Protagonists (0:56:25)

Chrono Trigger, Chrono Cross, Super Mario RPG, Doom 2016, Persona 5, Half Life 2, Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker

How have you changed the way you played explicitly to tell a better story for yourself? (1:19:17)

Elden Ring, Psychonauts 2, Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening, Final Fantasy IV, Breath of Fire, Kingdom Hearts, Mina the Hollower, Evolution: World of Sacred Device, Signalis

Have you ever felt that a game's design or developer intent actively becomes an obstacle in role playing? (1:33:48

The Last of Us 2, Star Fox (2026), The Adventures of Elliott, Shin Megami Tensei IV, Golden Sun, Deus Ex: Mankind Divided

The Question Zone (2:02:12)

Zohar and Goodnight asks: What are the strengths and weaknesses between a silent protagonist and a protagonist with acting dialogue and participation in the story?

Fox McLeod of the Clan McLeod asks: How important is it for you as a player to feel connected to a main character?

Hotline Miami

The Rec Room (2:13:29)

Tanuki: Pon’s Summer, Boku No Natsuyasumi 2, Witch Hat Atelier, Sayonara Wild Hearts, Speed Racer 4K (2008)