A Gamer Looks At 40
An exploration of the history of video games told through the stories of the every day people who lived it. Join me along with a rotating cast of friends, family, gaming journalists, and industry types as we share personal recollections from the last thirty years of gaming, one story at a time.
Ep 137: Final Fantasy 9 (Part 2) - All The Other Stuff We Didn't Talk About Yet
One more for the Final Fantasy books, this one wrapping up the incredible experience that is Final Fantasy 9. On this episode, we discuss story beats, magical moments, players guides, potential remakes, and final thoughts. Join us, won't you? STARRING (all handles from BlueSky) Barry Carenza (@hawkh...
Ep 136: Final Fantasy 9 (Part 1) - Nostalgia Bait or Love Letter to the Past
All aboard the Final Fantasy 9 train! After the cyberpunk leanings of FF7 and the emotional love story of FF8, Square again pivoted to the past for their game of the future. The result is a glorious blend of high fantasy, in depth character building, and an emotional connection that's among the best...
Ep 135: Final Fantasy 8 (Part 2) - Story, Characters, and Second Chances
Last week, we explored those vital first impressions and those crippling realizations of Final Fantasy 8. This week, we peel back the onion even further, discussing story, characters, card games, and what we feel would improve the experience if a re-remaster were ever to occur. STARRING (all handles...
Ep 134: Final Fantasy 8 (Part 1) - First Steps Into a Bizarre, Beautiful World
According to the internet, fans, and anybody with opinions to share, Final Fantasy 8 is a C-tier entry in the franchise. Despite raking in millions of dollars and rave reviews upon release, this oft maligned experience doesn't have many supporters. Or does it? On this episode of A Gamer Looks at 40,...
Ep 133: Grippy Socks and Coping Skills - A Gamer Goes to the Mental Hospital
Greetings from the depths of my emotional turmoil! OK, not that bad, but it's been a tumultuous few months in the Life of Tucker and this episode aims to set the record straight on exactly where I've been up to. TRIGGER WARNING: unfiltered talk of self harm, suicidal ideation, and religion in this e...
Ep 132: Call of the Collectors - Part 2 w/ Gamer Ahmer
Another week, another conversation with a fascinating collector of retro videogame stuff! This week, Gamer Ahmer and I discuss her white whale finds, beloved pieces she'll never part with, and the amazing friendships found in the retro gaming community. Thanks for listening! STARRING: Gamer Ahmer! F...
Ep 131: Call of the Collectors - Part 1 w/ Joe Coiro
The sun is shining, the weather's warm and Grandma Ethel's cleaning out the attic. May is the Season of Garage Sales and in honor of this glorious time of bargain hunting, we'll be chatting with collectors all month long. This week, I have a conversation with the first collector I ever knew, the one...
Ep 130: AMA and State of the Show Address - Spring 2025
Time to talk about things! Join me as I answer a variety of questions from my friends on Discord, Twitter, and Blue Sky as well as share the immediate future of A Gamer Looks at 40. It's a fun show with some truly bizarre takes, all of them mine. Mwa ha ha ha ha! SONG COVERS KINGDOM HEARTS - Dearly ...
Tales From the Bargain Bin #24 - Demon's Crest (SNES) w/Julian of Stage Select
Demons, monsters and elemental gems, oh my! Released in the same year as Donkey Kong Country, Mega Man X, and Super Metroid, this Capcom side scroller was a buried under an avalanche of classic titles. But one Julian of The Stage Select Podcast rescued this game from the bowels of a bargain bin and ...
Tales From the Bargain Bin #23 - Ken Griffey Jr Presents Major League Baseball
Happy Start of Baseball! In honor of the beginning of the baseball season, my brother and I discuss a not-at-all bargain bin game that we still pop on today. With an enchanting mix of arcade speed and simulation depth, Ken Griffey Presents strikes the perfect balance of pick-up-and-play fun. An abso...