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Playing With Power: A Mature, Unofficial Nintendo Power Retrospective Podcast

Playing With Power: A Mature, Unofficial Nintendo Power Retrospective Podcast

By The Power Boys

A mature, unofficial issue-by-issue retrospective podcast on Nintendo Power Magazine. Join the Power Boys, a gaggle of guys in their 30s comparing childhood experiences to how the coverage and games hold up today. The banter and asides contain some off-color jokes and adult content, which mostly consist of the hosts making fun of each other. Come for the content, stay for the banter!
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Issue 58 Pt1 - Mar 1994 - Wario Land

Playing With Power: A Mature, Unofficial Nintendo Power Retrospective PodcastMay 22, 2017

00:00
01:38:11
Issue 94 Pt 4 March 1997 - Turok

Issue 94 Pt 4 March 1997 - Turok

We finally make it to the end of Issue 94. what should be an addendum to part 3 was just not short enough after the Awards Debacle. so more PWP for you. Enjoy :)


Support the show at https://www.patreon.com/playingwithpower
 

enjoy our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/playingwithpowerpodcast 

Jun 17, 201954:52
Issue 94 Pt 3 - NP Power Awards for 1996

Issue 94 Pt 3 - NP Power Awards for 1996

We take back the Arizonan hosts John and Ben for another auspicious awards ceremony. We take a simple concept and derail it viciously, often at Mikes expense.  enjoy


Support the show at https://www.patreon.com/playingwithpower
 

enjoy our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/playingwithpowerpodcast 

Jun 01, 201901:25:60
Issue 94 Pt 2 - March 1997

Issue 94 Pt 2 - March 1997

We emerge from the Turok expose to cover more games, leading up to the wretched Hunchbank of Notre Dame for Game Boy.


  Support the show at https://www.patreon.com/playingwithpower
 

enjoy our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/playingwithpowerpodcast 

May 15, 201955:58
Issue 94 Pt 1 March 1997 - Turok

Issue 94 Pt 1 March 1997 - Turok

Mike and Ivan explore the jungles of Issue 94, featuring Turok. Its all we can handle to get through the jungles of the mail bag, the Jurassic period, and Mario Kart 64.

Support the show at https://www.patreon.com/playingwithpower

enjoy our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/playingwithpowerpodcast

Apr 30, 201901:11:49
Issue 93 Part 2 - Feb 1997 - Mario Kart 64

Issue 93 Part 2 - Feb 1997 - Mario Kart 64

We begin with the final chapter of the Shadows of the Empire comic which will be sorely missed as it was off the wall. from C3PO's actual purpose, to the artwork, this truly is the shining light of the episode.

we also talk about some other games and the contest of the month.

Stay tuned next month for issue 94!

Apr 15, 201901:22:20
Issue 93 Pt 1 - Feb 1997 - Super Mario Kart 64

Issue 93 Pt 1 - Feb 1997 - Super Mario Kart 64

Mike and Ivan continue our trek through the slough that is 1997, with a Players Pulse read that is meaty as hell, and the n64 graphics still don't hold up well. 

Apr 01, 201901:15:19
Issue 92 Pt 2 - Jan 1997 - Shadows of the Empire

Issue 92 Pt 2 - Jan 1997 - Shadows of the Empire

Mike and Ivan finish Ivan's first issue as the new host.  and just have way too much fun reading the Shadows of the Empire comic.

Mar 11, 201901:16:08
Issue 92 Pt 1 - Jan 1997 - Shadows of the Empire

Issue 92 Pt 1 - Jan 1997 - Shadows of the Empire

Ivan joins Mike in hosting, with the Arizona boys gone, Ivan brings his effervescent personality to tackle the N64 classic Star Wars entry featuring Dash Rendar, the character that was as quickly forgotten as he was brought in.

Mar 04, 201959:49
Issue 91 Pt 2 - Dec 1996 - Mortal Kombat trilogy (Ben's Farewell)

Issue 91 Pt 2 - Dec 1996 - Mortal Kombat trilogy (Ben's Farewell)

Ben and John bid us a fond farewell as the show goes on without them. Can Mike prevail on his own? He doesn't have to find out, since Ivan will be joining him for the future episodes. We might have less updates but we will be trying to keep regular now that the Arizonans are now around :)  

Feb 01, 201901:19:58
Issue 91 Pt 1 - Dec 1996 - Mortal Kombat 3 (Ben's farewell)

Issue 91 Pt 1 - Dec 1996 - Mortal Kombat 3 (Ben's farewell)

Ben has been hosting this show since the begging, but all good things must come to an end. So John joins us to see Ben off in style.  We cover a Mortal Kombat compilation (Deja vu). Ben starts the show at a screeching halt, and we slowly progress from there.

Enjoy the Final issue of Bens issue. but stay tuned for Mike and Ivan hosting the new year of 1997.

Jan 28, 201901:36:51
Issue 90 Pt 2 - Nov 1996 Pt 2 - DKC 3 (Ft Ivan)

Issue 90 Pt 2 - Nov 1996 Pt 2 - DKC 3 (Ft Ivan)

Mike and Ivan conclude the November 1996 Issue of Nintendo power, with some gross Star Wars humor and the Maui Mallard discovery leaves us laughing.  

Mike and Ivan also host the Taste Test Retro Gaming with Flavour!

Jan 25, 201901:44:37
Issue 90 Pt 1 - Nov 1996 - DKC3 (ft Ivan)

Issue 90 Pt 1 - Nov 1996 - DKC3 (ft Ivan)

We live yet again, Ben isn't able to join the second last issue of 1996 with Mike so Ivan steps up to the plate to help tackle Issue 90. With Donkey Cong Country 3 and it's very suggestive clip art. Join us as we limp back to life.

Jan 22, 201901:05:32
Issue 89 Part 2 - Oct 1996 - Mortal Kombat Trilogy

Issue 89 Part 2 - Oct 1996 - Mortal Kombat Trilogy

Issue 89 concludes with more epic center RPG stuff and the usual hilarity.
Nov 09, 201801:22:57
Issue 89 Part 1 - Oct 1996 - Mortal Kombat Trilogy
Nov 05, 201801:20:30
Issue 88 (Part 2 of 2) - Sept 1996 - N64 Launch

Issue 88 (Part 2 of 2) - Sept 1996 - N64 Launch

We continue our journey towards the blocky polygonal future that is promised to us by the N64
Sep 14, 201801:00:39
Issue 88 (Part 1 of 2) - Sept 1996 - N64 Launch

Issue 88 (Part 1 of 2) - Sept 1996 - N64 Launch

Latest episode of Playing With Power: A Mature, Unofficial Nintendo Power Retrospective Podcast
Sep 10, 201801:11:37
Special Announcement for all fans!

Special Announcement for all fans!

The lack in new episodes has led to some chices being made and opportunities for one of you loyal listeners. Ben will be leaving soon and Mike needs a cohost. Do you have the drive to see this show go on, and the will to carry hs torch?

Aug 11, 201804:18
Issue 87 - August 1996 (part 2 of 2) - Tetris Attack

Issue 87 - August 1996 (part 2 of 2) - Tetris Attack

We continue the issue with coverage of the Japanese launch of the N64, Fifa Soccer 97, and Urban Strike for Game Boy.  There's an advertisement for Game Boy Pocket edition, a continuation of the "Beat the Boss" section, plus a number of previews of upcoming N64 titles.  Mike's internet drops out at juuust the right time so come on over to join us.

Jun 23, 201855:08
Issue 87 - August 1996 (part 1 of 2) - Tetris Attack

Issue 87 - August 1996 (part 1 of 2) - Tetris Attack

In this issue, we talk at length about the "great" new advertisement for Nintendo Power subscribers, breeze through Tetris Attack, and roast Sonic clone Oscar.  We touch base with Wayne Gretzy's 3D Hockey before starting coverage of Kirby Super Star.  You'll then find us ragging hard on Markio Kart clone Power Rangers Zeo Battle Racers and Zero Racers for Virtual Boy.  We discuss the merits and shortcomings of Marvel Superheroes: War of the Gems before wrapping up the first half.

Jun 19, 201801:13:32
Issue 86 - July 1996 (part 2 of 2) - MORE N64 Previews

Issue 86 - July 1996 (part 2 of 2) - MORE N64 Previews

We dig in on Robotech: Crystal Dreams for N64, talk about Eye of the Beholder, Star Ocean, Sword of Hope, and then greatly question the value of an Iron Man / X-O Manowar crossover for a Game Boy title.  We rag on Counselor's Corner, amuse ourselves at Mortal Kombat Trilogy, try to figure out The Brainies, and then enter some filler section called Beat the Boss.  A meager Now Playing section preceeds a handful of teased games both canceled and delivered before we wrap things up!

Jun 12, 201858:46
Issue 86 - July 1996 (part 1 of 2) - MORE N64 Previews

Issue 86 - July 1996 (part 1 of 2) - MORE N64 Previews

Ben's back at the helm with Mike!  Bass Masters Classic Pro Edition is by far some of the most entertaining coverage we've seen in quite a while in Nintendo Power.  It's pure gold and results in much hilarity from our hosts.  Oh yes there's also this thing called the Nintendo 64 coming out soon...

Jun 03, 201801:20:19
Issue 85 - June 1996 (part 2 of 2) - N64 Preview

Issue 85 - June 1996 (part 2 of 2) - N64 Preview

Mike is joined by Ivan and John again for part deux!  John starts the episode off by sending Mike a NSFW eel photo.  The Epic center is up with Dragonheart for Game Boy, Sword of Hope for Game Boy, and continued coverage of Lufia II for SNES.


Moving on, there's even more coverage of Mohawk and Headphone Jack, Counselor's Corner, Toy Story for Game Boy, 

May 31, 201849:20
Issue 85 - June 1996 (part 1 of 2) - N64 Preview

Issue 85 - June 1996 (part 1 of 2) - N64 Preview

It's a Ben-less podcast, but fear not!  Mike has brought frequent guest Ivan back, who dragged along former host John who had no plans on a Friday night!  As you can imagine, the conversation immediately devolves into mature joke territory.


The boys slog through the player's pulse before digging in on the N64 previews, classified information, Summer Olympic Games for SNES, Izzy's Quest for the Olympic Rings, and more!

May 28, 201801:23:55
Issue 84 - May 1996 (part 2 of 2) - Ken Griffey Jr’s Winning Run

Issue 84 - May 1996 (part 2 of 2) - Ken Griffey Jr’s Winning Run

Hosts Ben, Mike, and repeat guests Dylan and Ivan are BACK to reveal the Nintendo Power Award winners for 1995.  And who will be our Playing With Power Nesters Champ???  Tune in to find out.


We then continue the issue to dig into the Epic center (yes, more Super Mario RPG) and "stellar" games like the cancelled Lobo from the DC universe.

May 24, 201801:31:52
Issue 84 - May 1996 (part 1 of 2) - Ken Griffey Jr’s Winning Run

Issue 84 - May 1996 (part 1 of 2) - Ken Griffey Jr’s Winning Run

We're back with a rousing episode with Mike and Ben, who is recording from his parent's garage from a gaming headset!  We discover the tantalizing,  titilating world of a former Nintendo Power reader at awaken-your-life.com and quickly get distracted by her...testimonials?


Moving on, we pick out our favorite made up names from the team rosters on Ken Griffey Jr.'s Winning Run.  Then we discuss the wacky Mohawk and Headphone Jack, the cancelled DC comics spinoff fighting game Lobo, and drive each other crazy of course!

May 21, 201801:23:50
Issue 83 - April 1996 (part 2 of 2) - Earthworm Jim 2

Issue 83 - April 1996 (part 2 of 2) - Earthworm Jim 2

Tune in to part deuce where Mike and Ben talk Lufia, Super Mario RPG, Tactics Ogre, Civilization, Pocahontas for Game Boy, and College Slam for Game Boy, before Nintendo Power reheats some leftovers and features A Link to the Past again. We cover the usual sections at the back of the magazine and end on a desperate note. Join us!

Apr 02, 201840:46
Issue 83 - April 1996 (part 1 of 2) - Earthworm Jim 2

Issue 83 - April 1996 (part 1 of 2) - Earthworm Jim 2

Ben and Mike preview Shadows of the Empire for N64, review Power Piggs of the Dark Age, MORE Killer Instinct II Arcade coverage, The Smurfs, Kirby's Block Ball for Game Boy, MORE Earthworm Jim 2 codes, and more shenanigans as usual.

Mar 26, 201801:13:37
Issue 82 - March 1996 (part 2 of 2) - Super Mario RPG

Issue 82 - March 1996 (part 2 of 2) - Super Mario RPG

Greetings true believers!  We're back at ya with the second half of issue 82 from March of 1996.  Mike and guest Ivan pick things up at the Epic Center to talk Super Mario RPG, Tales of Phantasia, and P.T.O. II.  Later on here them blaze through NHL '96 for Game Boy, Smurfs for Game Boy, and much, much more.  Also: name change announcement for the Ultra 64!

Mar 23, 201801:25:17
Issue 82 - March 1996 (part 1 of 2) - Super Mario RPG

Issue 82 - March 1996 (part 1 of 2) - Super Mario RPG

BOOM we immediately kick things off with guests Dylan and Ivan to vote on the '95 Nester Awards. Then we dig in on Player's Pulse, NBA Jam knockoff College Slam, Frantic Flea, the horror that is Cutthroat Island, Super Mario Kart again (96 has been a slow year for Nintendo so far), Digipen student projects, the godawful Tetris 3-D for Virtual Boy, a Ken Griffey Jr. interview, and more! Phew. It's a jam packed first half of the issue. Don't miss out! Download now.

Mar 19, 201801:53:50
Issue 81 - February 1996 (part 2 of 2) - Killer Instinct 2 Arcade

Issue 81 - February 1996 (part 2 of 2) - Killer Instinct 2 Arcade

Part DEUX of issue 81 has Mike and Ben talking about Breath of Fire II, Dragon Quest VI, Nester's Funky Bowling for Virtual Boy, Prehistorik Man, Ardy Lightfoot, and Sink or Swim. Still looking for a sports correspondent by the way! They finish up the issue by walking through the Now Playing and Pak Watch sections. Have a great weekend folks!

Mar 16, 201848:38
Issue 81 - February 1996 (part 1 of 2) - Killer Instinct 2 Arcade

Issue 81 - February 1996 (part 1 of 2) - Killer Instinct 2 Arcade

Mike and Ben learn how *not* to go camping (hint: it involves a Virtual Boy) before tearing down the new characters from Killer Instinct 2 for the Arcade. They then crack wise at the robot master designs from Mega Man X3 before tearing Mechwarrior 3050 a new cockpit. Do you have fond memories of Toy Story for SNES? Ben thinks your nostalgia may be wrong! Mike tells us how much he "enjoyed" playing Syndicate for SNES and we close out the episode discussing some of the more questionable character designs from DKC2.  Enjoy!

Mar 13, 201801:04:42
Issue 80 - January 1996 (part 2 of 2) - Happy Nu Year! feat. The Super Cs

Issue 80 - January 1996 (part 2 of 2) - Happy Nu Year! feat. The Super Cs

Closing out the second half of the January 1996 issue we welcome the return of the Super C's! We review Scooby Doo for SNES, flouder at a Golf game, and check out some game boy games before stumbling through Now Playing and cracking wise along the way. Join us!

Mar 11, 201801:17:38
Issue 80 - January 1996 (part 1 of 2) - Happy Nu Year! feat. The Super Cs

Issue 80 - January 1996 (part 1 of 2) - Happy Nu Year! feat. The Super Cs

We're baaaaack! Over the break we said goodbye to John as a full-time host, but Ben and Mike are here to pick up the pieces with guests the Super Cs to introduce our 1996 season.  In this episode, we find ourselves disgusted with 90s gross-out advertisement trends, enjoy photos of a young Trailer Park Boys' Bubbles lookalike, and oh yes dig into some games!  Earthworm Jim 2 for SNES followed up with a giant N64 preview (find out what games like Mario Kart 64 or Blast Corps were called before they were released!), Revolution X featuring Aerosmith, Mutant Chronicles: Doom Troopers, and Breath of Fire 2.  Also featured: frequent interruptions by a certain Chavez baby!

Mar 05, 201801:39:15
Issue 79 Pt2 - Dec 1995 - Donkey Kong Country 2
Jan 19, 201801:03:55
Issue 79 Pt1 - Dec 1995 - Donkey Kong Country 2

Issue 79 Pt1 - Dec 1995 - Donkey Kong Country 2

We begin the last issue of 1995 and the last issue of John as a regular host. We hit up the players pulse and tackle the return to the Banana Republic of Kongo. and much more

Jan 15, 201801:07:03
Issue 78 - Part 2 - November 1995 - Mortal Kombat 3

Issue 78 - Part 2 - November 1995 - Mortal Kombat 3

We talk about how Nintendo teased FF7 on the NU64 before falling asleep while Mike describes Secret of Evermore in excruciating detail.  John and Ben take turns interrupting him with music and Ben caps it off with a live acapella.  This turns into an aside about singing inappropriate songs in the boy scouts.  We describe the distaster that is Waterworld for Virtual Boy followed by the fun Virtual Boy baseball game. After bumbling our way through the rest of the issue we call it a night!

Jan 12, 201801:01:33
Issue 78 - Part 1 - November 1995 - Mortal Kombat 3

Issue 78 - Part 1 - November 1995 - Mortal Kombat 3

In John's penultimate issue he not only discovers the bottom of a bottle of vodka, he also tells us all about estate taxes!  We learn all about Boogerman, the "popping subreddit", Mike takes a p*ss all over our Patreon donors while simultaneously failing at his job to actually *play* the games feature, and somewhere in there we talk about Spiderman & Venom Separation Anxiety and Big Sky Trooper.  Lastly Ben and John give Mike sh*t for choosing the name of his *other* podcast without researching first.

Jan 09, 201801:07:40
Issue 77 Pt 2 - Oct1995 - Super Mario World 2

Issue 77 Pt 2 - Oct1995 - Super Mario World 2

Ivan stays with us as we wrap up this issue and wish you all a happy holiday and a merry new year. filled with gross tangents, wildly inappropriate humor, and lots of love.

Dec 29, 201751:44
Issue 77 Pt 1 - Oct1995 - Super Mario World 2

Issue 77 Pt 1 - Oct1995 - Super Mario World 2

Merry Christmas Power Players, we have a christmas present for you! We are joined by Ivan from the Taste Test to talk about Yoshis Island, the baby mario cry, the pastel colors, and all the joy this game brings, as well as more game goodness!

Dec 25, 201701:11:26
Issue 76 Pt 2 - Sept 1995 - Killer Instinct

Issue 76 Pt 2 - Sept 1995 - Killer Instinct

We keep at it with issue 76 of nintendo power and Mike has some long term goal for the show at the end of this episode

Dec 22, 201757:56
Issue 76 Pt 1 - Sept 1995 - Killer Instinct

Issue 76 Pt 1 - Sept 1995 - Killer Instinct

The boys tackle issue 76, Mike loves envelope art, John is missing then he isn't, as we rattle on about killer Intinct and other games.

Dec 18, 201701:02:39
Issue 75 Pt 2 - Aug 1995 -Virtual Boy

Issue 75 Pt 2 - Aug 1995 -Virtual Boy

The power boys are still at it, taking apart the Red Menace and all other mid 90's goodness. So enjoy :)

Dec 15, 201733:39
Issue 75 Pt 1 - Aug 1995 -Virtual Boy

Issue 75 Pt 1 - Aug 1995 -Virtual Boy

We take on the Virtual boy and look for the good as well as the bad of this misstep in Nintendo's history. What are your thoughts? tell us on facebook!

Dec 11, 201701:18:54
Issue 74 Pt2 - Jul 1995 - Donkey Kong Land (ft Super C’s)
Dec 01, 201701:05:10
Issue 74 Pt1 - Jul 1995 - Donkey Kong Land (ft Super C’s)
Nov 27, 201701:24:32
Issue 73 Pt2 - June 1995

Issue 73 Pt2 - June 1995

We wrap up June 1995 of Nintendo Power

Nov 17, 201701:03:40
Issue 73 Pt1 - June 1995 - Weaponlord

Issue 73 Pt1 - June 1995 - Weaponlord

We do June 1995 of NP. WOOO

Nov 14, 201701:14:51
Issue 72 - May 1995 Pt2 - Kirby’s Dreamland

Issue 72 - May 1995 Pt2 - Kirby’s Dreamland

The trio remains to finish the May 1995 issue of Nintendo Power!

We discuss the True lies game and quickly divert to the hotness of Eliza Dushku, the glory of Ah-Nold, and the concept of non russian terrorists

Then we talk about warlock and the sad truth behind a Canadian who took too much influence with the movie.

and much more!

Nov 10, 201701:09:39
Issue 72- May 1995 Pt1 - Kirby’s Dreamland

Issue 72- May 1995 Pt1 - Kirby’s Dreamland

Mike is working overtime on the Graveyard Shift so he's a little late in this episode, so we Bring up a dramatic reenactment of a Letter from a reader, the Death and Return of Superman, and the adorability of Kirby, as well as the guys dating lives and the Nesters for 1994

And much more!

Nov 06, 201701:10:50
Issue 71 Pt2 - Apr 1995 - Stargate

Issue 71 Pt2 - Apr 1995 - Stargate

We are back to finish the Stargate issue of Nintendo Power

we cover the upcoming ULTRA 64 and games that will never look as good as promised.

Bonkers the SNES Game

German playthrough videos

Pac in time

SNES games that offer patches

Izzy the olympic mascot from hell

and more

Nov 03, 201701:04:03