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Bookwarm Games

Bookwarm Games

By Wesley Schantz

Bookwarm Games plays on the connection between games, books, and life:

O, she's warm!
If this be magic, let it be an art
Lawful as eating.
- The Winter's Tale

You're back! Don't bother yourself with talking now, you look too tired.
Mothers understand these things. Eat some [favorite food] and scoot up to bed.
- EarthBound


Deep dives into video games and books, including a trove of audio for the Video Game Academy, co-hosted with Ben Kozlowski. Get involved at www.patreon.com/ProfessorKozlowski
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Currently playing episode

What is Itoi's fascination with monkeys? MOTHER / EarthBound Beginnings (7/8)

Bookwarm GamesMay 29, 2022

00:00
43:40
Red and The Green Knight
Mar 21, 202401:06:23
Dylan Holmes, author of A Mind Forever Voyaging: A History of Storytelling in Video Games

Dylan Holmes, author of A Mind Forever Voyaging: A History of Storytelling in Video Games

Dylan Holmes joins me to discuss his history of storytelling in video games, A Mind Forever Voyaging. Read his book if you're interested in games like FF7, MGS, Deus Ex, and Dear Esther, or in questions about cinematic technique, player choice, power and escapism. Read Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, by Gabrielle Zevin all the way to the end and you'll find it among her acknowledgments. Plus, it's translated into French as ⁠Little Big Stories: Voyage au coeur de la narration⁠ (surely not a reference to another great novel, Little, Big, by John Crowley?!)

Read more from Dylan at Nightmare Mode and Augmented Vision. See my review over on ThePixels. The Secret of Monkey Island audio comes from the SCUMM Bar fansite.


Thanks for reading and listening.

Feb 25, 202401:13:40
Of Podcasting Paradiso: Dante and the Digital Humanities
Feb 12, 202454:16
The Boy and the Heron, or Alexander Schmid and Wesley Schantz
Feb 03, 202445:45
AI: The Somnium Files - NirvanA Initiative (part 8)

AI: The Somnium Files - NirvanA Initiative (part 8)

Concluding thoughts on the visual novel. Thanks for listening!


More resources at https://videogameacademia.org/courses/video-game-studies/intro-to-visual-novels/

Jan 05, 202457:15
AI: The Somnium Files - NirvanA Initiative (part 7)

AI: The Somnium Files - NirvanA Initiative (part 7)

Home stretch!


More at https://videogameacademia.org/courses/video-game-studies/intro-to-visual-novels/

Jan 05, 202442:39
AI: The Somnium Files - NirvanA Initiative (part 6)

AI: The Somnium Files - NirvanA Initiative (part 6)

More at https://videogameacademia.org/courses/video-game-studies/intro-to-visual-novels/

Jan 05, 202457:24
AI: The Somnium Files - NirvanA Initiative (part 5)

AI: The Somnium Files - NirvanA Initiative (part 5)

Twists!


https://videogameacademia.org/courses/video-game-studies/intro-to-visual-novels/

Jan 05, 202444:36
AI: The Somnium Files - NirvanA Initiative (part 4)

AI: The Somnium Files - NirvanA Initiative (part 4)

Onward!


https://videogameacademia.org/courses/video-game-studies/intro-to-visual-novels/

Jan 05, 202446:41
AI: The Somnium Files - NirvanA Initiative (part 3)

AI: The Somnium Files - NirvanA Initiative (part 3)

Continuing discussion of the sequel to AI: The Somnium Files.


More on visual novels at https://videogameacademia.org/courses/video-game-studies/intro-to-visual-novels/

Jan 05, 202446:44
AI: The Somnium Files - NirvanA Initiative (part 2)

AI: The Somnium Files - NirvanA Initiative (part 2)

The lost audio recovered, continued.


More at https://videogameacademia.org/courses/video-game-studies/intro-to-visual-novels/

Jan 05, 202430:47
AI: The Somnium Files - NirvanA Initiative (part 1)

AI: The Somnium Files - NirvanA Initiative (part 1)

The lost audio from last spring recovered at last--mostly--as we discuss the sequel to AI: The Somnium Files, NirvanA Initiative. Thanks for listening and sticking with us.


More resources on visual novels at https://videogameacademia.org/courses/video-game-studies/intro-to-visual-novels/

Jan 05, 202437:31
Justice Questions, Questions of Meaning - Alyse Knorr on Poetry and Teaching

Justice Questions, Questions of Meaning - Alyse Knorr on Poetry and Teaching

A conversation with Alyse Knorr, 'achiever' (to cite her Super Mario Bros 3, where I first encountered her work and reviewed it for The Pixels). In which we discuss:

- Sweetbitter Podcast, with new episodes coming soon about Mary Magdalen and a fourth season in the works

- Switchback Books, which she edits with her wife

- Regis University, where she teaches alongside colleagues such as Russ Arnold

- her poetry, research, and the novel she's writing

- Annotated Glass and Sappho fragment 31

- 'Bright Star,' Keats, Eliot, Carson's Autobiography of Red; Gilgamesh and Enheduanna

- 'Anatomy Exam'

- Ardor, a book of eco-queer domestic life and love

- Every Last Thing, a book of tantrums and embarrassed apologies

- Micaela Tore's MA thesis on Copper Mother

(and around here you'll get a musical interlude from moonbowmusic)

- Topophilia: Elizabeth Bishop's 'The Map'; Henry Jenkins' 'Complete Freedom of Movement'; Sean Fenty's nostalgia piece in Playing the Past.

- her new class on Video Games and Meaning: topics, problems, persuasion and social justice: Hair Nah and microaggressions; Oregon Trail and colonialism; Tomorrow, Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, by Gabrielle Zevin; Passage; citizen science; This War of Mine; Papers, Please; Train; Anna Anthropy's Dys4ia, Queers in Love at End of World, and ZZT.

- Her new novel (agents, check it out), a postapocalyptic story of love and a journey in a world with too much stuff, not enough people

Alyse also recommends Merlin for birdwatching; "The Love Song of J Alfred Prufrock," by TS Eliot; "Married," "Alone," "In Dispraise of Poetry," and "Failing and Flying," by Jack Gilbert.

Thank you for reading and listening! from the Video Game Academy

Aug 22, 202301:02:05
Enchantment in His Dark Materials: Conversation with MG Prezioso
Feb 14, 202337:18
Shadow Particles with Evan Minto of Ani-Gamers / EarthBound Beginnings and Dragon Quest with Signum

Shadow Particles with Evan Minto of Ani-Gamers / EarthBound Beginnings and Dragon Quest with Signum

Cross-pollination and housekeeping here at the break at the end of the year, stirring up dust and sending out links to past broadcasts: 

First, here's the link to a recent conversation with Evan Minto on Season 3 Episode 3 of His Dark Materials, The Intention Craft. 

Then, listen on for one of my semi-monthly discussions from the Middle-earth to EarthBound series on Signum Academy, an introduction to classic JRPGs like  Dragon Quest and MOTHER/EarthBound in the light of Tolkien's influence on storytelling. 

There's more bookwarm games and gamecool books to come in the new year, starting with a new Video Game Studies module in SPACE.

Happy holidays, and thanks for listening! 

Dec 28, 202237:19
Conflicting Pirate Agendas: Assassin's Creed 4

Conflicting Pirate Agendas: Assassin's Creed 4

Professor Kozlowski spins us a yarn of the high seas. Pirate opportunism, whale physics, development metafiction, and a polyphony of voices and moral gray areas--it's a good game, but is it actually an Assassin's Creed? Well, yeah. It says so on the box. 

Dec 22, 202201:34:40
The Menu Requires a Loading Screen: Assassin's Creed 3
Nov 04, 202201:34:47
You Buy Rome: AC Brotherhood & Revelations
Sep 30, 202201:34:27
Drop the Loot: Assassin's Creed 2
Sep 02, 202201:35:50
Lamb Dad, Lion Dad: Introducing The Thoughtful Dad Podcast

Lamb Dad, Lion Dad: Introducing The Thoughtful Dad Podcast

Another guest lecture, after a fashion. Joe and I started a new series on being a dad. Share it with a dad or thoughtful caretaker in your life! 

Show notes:

First episode! We share thoughts on news sources, TV at dinnertime and screen time in general; the "Tiger Mom" Amy Chua interview on Honestly with Bari Weiss and what sorts of dads we are; backyard baptisms and letting the kids help build things.

Intro/outro: Wesley and William playing 'Undertale'

Share determination and send us questions: thoughtfuldadpodcast at gmail. Thanks for listening.

Sep 02, 202257:34
Surprise! It's a Lecture: Assassin's Creed Retrospective

Surprise! It's a Lecture: Assassin's Creed Retrospective

Professor Kozlowski lays it down. Everything is permitted? We see your forthcoming book, Cameron Kunzelman of the Game Studies Study Buddies, and raise you one podcast (this one) and one article replete with Dostoevsky references (also forthcoming). 

Ante up with Ben's history and dev history; getting to know the open world; crowds in-game and reception in real life; historical realism; Zero Punctuation critiques; conspiracy nonsense (spoilers: maybe we should think twice about giving a Piece of Eden to Al Mualim) and actual philosophy. Assassins vs Templars? Meh. Exploring the tensions between ideas of freedom and order throughout history? Sign us up! 

Wait, the rest of the series is actually going to deliver on that, right? Right??

Learn more and join the discussion at videogameacademia.org and professorkozlowski.wordpress.com/ 

Thanks for listening. 

Aug 19, 202201:38:11
Geez, you're persistent - Ch 8: All Things... MOTHER 3 (8/8)
Jul 26, 202201:34:50
I Make Sparkly: Ch 7 The Seven Needles (cont.) - MOTHER 3 (7/8)

I Make Sparkly: Ch 7 The Seven Needles (cont.) - MOTHER 3 (7/8)

You've come a long way...through snowy mountains and volcanoes, sea-beds and islands, back to Saturn Valley. Time for a coffee break. Audio clips from the soundtrack as preserved at starmen.net; discussion audio hosted by 3rdStrongest. Join the conversation at our humble Video Game Academy. Thanks for listening.
Jul 17, 202201:18:47
Ch 6: Sunflower Fields & Ch 7: The [First Four] Needles - MOTHER 3 (6/8)
Jul 12, 202254:43
Forlorn Junk Heap: Ch 5 Tower of Thunder - MOTHER 3 (5/8)

Forlorn Junk Heap: Ch 5 Tower of Thunder - MOTHER 3 (5/8)

Theoretical possibilities in the series include beating Belch without Fly Honey and the Pork Trooper without the DCMC Pamphlet, but why would you? Audio clips from the soundtrack as preserved at starmen.net; discussion audio hosted by 3rdStrongest. Join the conversation at our humble Video Game Academy. Thanks for listening.

Jul 04, 202201:02:21
Trust in Destiny: Ch 4 Club Titiboo - MOTHER 3 (4/8)
Jun 26, 202254:57
In this psychic dojo: Psychonauts - Intro/Basic Braining
Jun 25, 202201:01:14
If I say dance, you dance! Ch 3: The Mysterious Peddler - MOTHER 3 (3/8)
Jun 20, 202241:22
My humble little [favorite food] patch: Ch 2 Thief Adventure - MOTHER 3 (2/8)
Jun 12, 202247:45
 Rougher! Tougher! Badder! Prologue and Ch 1 - MOTHER 3 (pt 1 of 8)

Rougher! Tougher! Badder! Prologue and Ch 1 - MOTHER 3 (pt 1 of 8)

In the long-awaited sequel to EarthBound, as localized by Tomato et al., we parse some shocking developments and developer choices. Audio clips from the soundtrack as preserved at starmen.net; discussion audio hosted by 3rdStrongest. Join the conversation at our humble Video Game Academy. Thanks for listening.

Jun 05, 202201:10:23
Powers worthy of a lowly insect: MOTHER / EarthBound Beginnings (8/8)
May 29, 202201:03:46
What is Itoi's fascination with monkeys? MOTHER / EarthBound Beginnings (7/8)
May 29, 202243:40
All work and no play: MOTHER / EarthBound Beginnings (6/8)

All work and no play: MOTHER / EarthBound Beginnings (6/8)

Spookane and the dentures side quest, with a digression on Nathan for You - Gas Station Rebate. Audio clips from the soundtrack as preserved at starmen.net; discussion audio hosted by 3rdStrongest. Join the conversation at our humble Video Game Academy. Thanks for listening.

May 29, 202238:21
Have you seen the woman with a big belly? MOTHER / EarthBound Beginnings (5/8)
May 29, 202231:42
The Custodial Arts: MOTHER / EarthBound Beginnings (4/8)

The Custodial Arts: MOTHER / EarthBound Beginnings (4/8)

Lloyd's school and the factories, with a digression on music (Twinkle Elementary and the File Select remix by Ace Waters). Audio clips from the soundtrack as preserved at starmen.net; discussion audio hosted by 3rdStrongest. Join the conversation at our humble Video Game Academy. Thanks for listening.

May 28, 202247:32
Are you a forgotten man, too? MOTHER / EarthBound Beginnings (3/8)
May 28, 202239:34
Starman Zookeeper: MOTHER / EarthBound Beginnings (2/8)
May 28, 202235:26
Itoi's Rural America: MOTHER / EarthBound Beginnings (pt 1 of 8)
May 21, 202235:54
Gamecool 78: Her own key to the garden
Dec 28, 202137:40
Final Fantasy VI and VII Comparison

Final Fantasy VI and VII Comparison

Alex Schmid and I revisit the golden age of the JRPG, with a nod to our oft-collaborating younger selves. https://videogameacademia.org/  

Dec 26, 202101:00:01
Reekwind and Side Quests - Planescape: Torment pt 4

Reekwind and Side Quests - Planescape: Torment pt 4

Lost audio from the fall. Apologies, all, for the lateness! Video Game Academy is not dead, we've just been on hiatus what with school and everything. https://videogameacademia.org/ 

Dec 26, 202149:60
The Smoldering Corpse (Planescape: Torment 3)

The Smoldering Corpse (Planescape: Torment 3)

We kick back with Ebb Creakknees and stack our coppers, saving up for a new tattoo from Fell. You know, the only one of the Lady's servants who when he walks, like Shakespeare's dark lady of Sonnet 130, treads on the ground. https://videogameacademia.org/ Music from the OST. 

Sep 12, 202159:07
You're my wiki tabs - Stardew Valley

You're my wiki tabs - Stardew Valley

We gather down at the Video Game Academy farm for a round-picnic-table discussion of the phenomenal Stardew Valley. For more, see the full almanac over at http://videogameacademia.org/ Music from the OST

Sep 06, 202151:01
Into the Hive - Planescape: Torment 2

Into the Hive - Planescape: Torment 2

We get acquainted with Sigil, meet some friendly denizens and fellow wanderers, and consider some of the factions vying for our services. http://videogameacademia.org/courses/planescape-torment/ Music from the OST

Sep 04, 202154:40
Planes, drains, and ominous spiels - Planescape: Torment (pt 1)

Planes, drains, and ominous spiels - Planescape: Torment (pt 1)

What makes us think this life is real? Well, we spot Bob the skull--I mean Morte--, Willem Dafoe--er, The Nameless One--, and, on the heels of Deionarra the ghost, Corey! And Mike joins us to provide some lore on the background for the OG Planescape: Torment, including World of Darkness and the Outer Planes of D&D. Dusties, zombies, etc. look out! https://videogameacademia.org/courses/planescape-torment/ 

Aug 28, 202101:17:54
Gamecool 77: The Word Alone

Gamecool 77: The Word Alone

Discussing ch 36-37 of The Amber Spyglass, by Philip Pullman. https://newschoolnotes.blogspot.com/2020/02/gamecool-books-amber-spyglass.html 

Aug 25, 202101:07:21
It's Cuckoo Clock over Don Quixote, 2 to 1

It's Cuckoo Clock over Don Quixote, 2 to 1

Esteemed listeners, big news. Website tidyings-up and new mascots are on the way. Plus, by popular demand, t-shirt giveaways? https://videogameacademia.org/ 

Aug 21, 202158:21
Back to Video Game Academy

Back to Video Game Academy

It's the Sunday afternoon of the year, and we're setting up plans for the coming semesters. That means a little Planescape: Torment, a smidgeon of Shadowrun: Dragonfall, and maybe some Undertale and Stardew Valley. Help us with our follow-through? We'd love to hear from you. https://videogameacademia.org/2021/08/15/the-sunday-afternoon-of-the-year/

Aug 15, 202155:11
Gamecool 76: The Cause of It All

Gamecool 76: The Cause of It All

Discussing ch 34-35 of The Amber Spyglass, by Philip Pullman. Course page https://newschoolnotes.blogspot.com/2020/02/gamecool-books-amber-spyglass.html Music comes from Hilary James and Simon Mayer, "Over the Hills and Far Away"

Aug 08, 202144:47
Gamecool 75: A Taste--A Memory--A Landslide

Gamecool 75: A Taste--A Memory--A Landslide

Discussing ch 32-33 of The Amber Spyglass, by Philip Pullman. https://newschoolnotes.blogspot.com/2020/02/gamecool-books-amber-spyglass.html 

Aug 01, 202158:16