I'm an experienced gamer. A very experienced gamer. But, I'm not about to give it up because some kid who has just destroyed me on Apex Legends is laughing down the mic and calling me a fossil. No siree! Not that anyone is suggesting I give it up. I don't think. Not sure why I recorded this, thinking about it.

But it's here now, so wrap your ears around it and give it a big waxy hug!

Brief mentions of the console wars, Daley Thompson, Space Invaders, and other stuff that has been tossed along on the winds of time. Some mild complaining and minimal swears.

To the campfire!

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One guest.

Three games they adore.

One game they abhor.

And a gaming character to spend an eternity upon the island with.

It could be weird, it could be unhinged, it could have crappy sound quality, but at least it will be short!

To the island!

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A graphic designer from Argentina transforms into a game developer despite industry obstacles in his home country. Jorge, creator of Astrozombies, shares his remarkable journey of perseverance and creative vision on Desert Island Gamer.

The emotional vulnerability of releasing a passion project stands at the heart of this conversation. Having poured years into Astrozombies, Jorge reflects on the challenge of public scrutiny with remarkable wisdom: "Take the feedback that helps you improve, and remember different strokes for different folks." His balanced approach to criticism reveals the maturity necessary to thrive as an independent creator.

His deliberate choice to buck current gaming trends makes Jorge's story particularly compelling. While the industry races toward expansive open worlds and hyper-realistic graphics, he crafted a game that harks back to the golden era of platformers. "I figured there's already a lot of people doing that," he explains. "These things go in cycles. If it's fun, it's fun." This philosophy extends to his ambitious vision of Astro Zombies as the first in a trilogy – each game complete in itself but forming a greater whole.

His desert island game selections reveal the DNA of his creative influences. He passionately describes each game's unique qualities. The thoughtful incorporation of a standout soundtrack in Astro Zombies demonstrates how these influences manifest in his creation.

Curious about the nostalgic platformer that's capturing hearts? Discover Astro Zombies today and experience a game created with genuine passion for the medium's roots while bringing something fresh to modern players.

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Remember hauling your console and a bulky TV to a friend's house just to play multiplayer games? Or strategically deciding which save files to keep on your precious 8MB memory card? Gaming has evolved at a breathtaking pace, and along the way, many once-essential elements have vanished into obsolescence.

This nostalgic journey explores five gaming foundations that once seemed permanent but have crumbled beneath the weight of technological progress. From the chaotic joy of LAN parties – where friends would gather with controllers, snacks, and tangled wires to play Halo 2 until sunrise – to the tactile satisfaction of those bright red buttons on a Kempston joystick that made us feel like we were piloting spacecraft. We reflect on how physical game collections that once proudly lined our shelves have increasingly given way to the convenience of digital downloads, allowing us to remain "melted deep into the sofa" while browsing our libraries.

The console wars themselves have transformed dramatically. What was once a battlefield with numerous contenders – Spectrum, Amstrad, Commodore, Atari, Sega, and more – has consolidated into essentially a Microsoft-Sony duopoly, with Nintendo happily playing emperor from the sidelines. And who among us still remembers the strategic chess game of managing limited blocks on memory cards, a challenge that would baffle today's gamers as much as cassette tapes confuse young music fans?

What gaming elements do you miss from the past? Share your own gaming nostalgia and let us know which fallen foundations you wish had survived the relentless march of progress.

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Let us know where we're going wrong....or, like, right...maybe.

Support the show

Follow the adventure, support the show, listen with both ears - https://linktr.ee/DesertIslandGamer

Have you ever wondered what really goes on behind the scenes in a gaming clan? Picture this: you’re in the middle of an intense virtual battle, only for a teammate to suddenly vanish to fix his shed. That’s the kind of unpredictability we explore in our latest episode, where we recount our rollercoaster ride through the chaotic world of gaming clans.

Get a front-row seat to the drama that unfolds not just in the games, but in the forums where battles of words often eclipse those of weapons. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or just curious about this digital subculture, this episode promises a captivating glimpse into the world of gaming communities, offering both hearty laughs and genuine insights.

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#A little side note. I now pronounce Cannes without the S. Hey, I'm a working class northern lad raised on Catchphrase and 'say what you see'. You should hear me pronounce baguette! Anyway, moving on...

Join us on an enchanting journey with Emmy-nominated animator and director Richard Bazley, as he shares the remarkable story of his path from the idyllic Devon countryside to the bustling world of animation in Los Angeles. Richard's dream, sparked by a Disney book from his mother, led him through uncharted waters, serendipitously landing his first industry role on "Who Framed Roger Rabbit." His experiences paint a vivid picture of resilience and creativity, offering valuable insights into the relentless pursuit of one's dreams.

In this episode, we also celebrate the magic of cinema. We reminisce about working with iconic actor Tom Conti and reflect on influential films that have shaped our love for the medium, such as "Star Wars," "Spartacus," and "The Golden Voyage of Sinbad." Richard shares how these cinematic marvels inspired his childhood creativity with Lego and clay, before diving into the emotional depth of films like "Crash" and "The Sixth Sense."

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Ever wondered what happens when you mix a handful of eager gamers with a silent, anticlimactic release event? Here's the tale of that comically underwhelming night that only a true gaming enthusiast could appreciate.

Join me by the campfire as I recount this misadventure and explore the quirky joys of our beloved gaming community. This episode isn't just about a failed launch—it’s a humorous reflection on the passion and sometimes misguided dedication that fuels our adventures in the virtual world. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or someone who loves a good story, you'll find a bit of yourself in this nostalgic journey through past gaming escapades. So grab your favourite snack, warm up by the fire, and enjoy this tale of wet weather, quiet queues, and the unyielding pursuit of digital glory.

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