The Optional Podcast

A video game podcasts that reminds you to engage with the world around you too. Hosted by Paul Tamayo alongside the one and only Cam Brewster, this is video game commentary for the rest of us.

Leisure
Video Games
26
219: Psychic Honk
Seriously, what do the British call hashtags?
70 min
27
218 - Clean Air
We're back, baby.
80 min
28
217 - Shut Up And Listen (feat. Roman France)
<p>That's all, folks. We've come to the end of this particular journey for now and we brought in our original co-host Roman France, who now works at Activision to talk about his journey so far in the games industry, our current playlists, a couple of listener questions, one last Feelin' It for the road and a final farewell to all of you lovely listeners. Thanks for supporting us for so long. It's been real.</p>
141 min
29
216 - Sign of the Times
We’re back! This week we’re talking Ooblets, Hyper Scape, Hitman 2, more State of Decay 2, Ubisoft Forward recap, that fake Doctor’s ban, Walter Mercado, Lianne La Havas, and TONS more. Tune in already! Continue the convo with us on Discord: https://discord.gg/T2v8CDc Spread the word and review us on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2UvzcId Get our weekly newsletter for bonus content: bit.ly/3ewWLeN Help the keep the lights on: https://bit.ly/2RSIvU3
120 min
30
215 - CTRL + Z (feat. Jeffrey Rousseau)
<p>This week we’re talking to one of our favorite writers Jeffrey Rousseau to discuss <em>Nioh 2</em>, <em>State of Decay 2</em>, <em>The Last of Us Part II</em>, <em>Unsolved Mysteries</em>, FGC resets, Amazon’s <em>Crucible</em>, next-gen game prices, listener questions, and TONS more. TUNE IN.</p> <p><strong>Continue the convo with us on Discord:</strong><a href="https://discord.gg/T2v8CDc"> <u><strong>https://discord.gg/T2v8CDc</strong></u></a></p> <p><strong>Spread the word and review us on Apple Podcasts:</strong><a href="https://apple.co/2UvzcId"> <u><strong>https://apple.co/2UvzcId</strong></u></a></p> <p><strong>Get our weekly newsletter for bonus content:</strong><a href="https://t.co/u97nyaqB8n"> <u><strong>bit.ly/3ewWLeN</strong></u></a></p> <p><strong>Help the keep the lights on:</strong><a href="https://bit.ly/2RSIvU3"> <u><strong>https://bit.ly/2RSIvU3</strong></u></a></p>
101 min
31
214 - System Reset (feat. Alan Torres)
<p>This week the guys are joined by our fellow young New York legend <a href="https://twitter.com/Alan7615"><u>Alan Torres</u></a>, freelance video producer for the likes of <em>IGN</em>, <em>Kotaku</em> and his own channel <em>Spectr Gaming</em>, to talk more <em>Last of Us Part II</em>, <em>Bloodborne</em>, <em>Half Life: Alyx</em>, allegations in the games space, Mixer coming to an end, Twitch’s own batch of issues that include everyone’s least favorite pseudo medical professional, our favorite bodega picks, quarantine habits, what games we want as MOBA’s and TONS more. Tune in already!</p> <p><strong>Continue the convo with us on Discord:</strong><a href="https://discord.gg/T2v8CDc"> <u><strong>https://discord.gg/T2v8CDc</strong></u></a></p> <p><strong>Spread the word and review us on Apple Podcasts:</strong><a href="https://apple.co/2UvzcId"> <u><strong>https://apple.co/2UvzcId</strong></u></a></p> <p><strong>Get our weekly newsletter for bonus content:</strong><a href="https://t.co/u97nyaqB8n"> <u><strong>bit.ly/3ewWLeN</strong></u></a></p> <p><strong>Help the keep the lights on:</strong><a href="https://bit.ly/2RSIvU3"> <u><strong>https://bit.ly/2RSIvU3</strong></u></a></p>
108 min
32
213 - Technical Spectacle
<p>This week we’re back to talk <em>The Last of Us Part II</em> first impressions, <em>Bloodborne</em>, <em>Desperados III</em>, EA Play Live 2020 recap, <em>Cyberpunk</em> delays, horrible tweets, how to handle copaganda, <em>Atomic Blonde</em>, and new ways we’re exploring implementing fitness into our lives. Tune in already, ya jerks.</p> <p><strong>Continue the convo with us on Discord:</strong><a href="https://discord.gg/T2v8CDc"> <u><strong>https://discord.gg/T2v8CDc</strong></u></a></p> <p><strong>Spread the word and review us on Apple Podcasts:</strong><a href="https://apple.co/2UvzcId"> <u><strong>https://apple.co/2UvzcId</strong></u></a></p> <p><strong>Get our weekly newsletter for bonus content:</strong><a href="https://t.co/u97nyaqB8n"> <u><strong>bit.ly/3ewWLeN</strong></u></a></p> <p><strong>Help the keep the lights on:</strong><a href="https://bit.ly/2RSIvU3"> <u><strong>https://bit.ly/2RSIvU3</strong></u></a></p>
103 min
33
212 - For the Culture (feat. Kahlief Adams)
<p>This week we’re joined by our big bro Kahlief Adams from the <em>Spawn On Me</em> Podcast to talk about <em>The Last of Us Part II</em>, <em>Disintegration</em>, <em>Bloodborne</em>, <em>Mafia III</em>, PlayStation 5 hype, Miles Morales hype, HBO taking down <em>Gone With the Wind</em>, our favorite LGBTQ game characters, <em>Animal Crossing</em> conspiracies,<em> Da 5 Bloods</em>,<em> LA 92</em>, Chappelle’s <em>8:46</em>, <em>Man Like Mobeen</em>, <em>The Black Power Mixtape</em> and SO much more. Tune in for this legendary episode.</p> <p><strong>Continue the convo with us on Discord:</strong><a href="https://discord.gg/T2v8CDc"> <u><strong>https://discord.gg/T2v8CDc</strong></u></a></p> <p><strong>Spread the word and review us on Apple Podcasts:</strong><a href="https://apple.co/2UvzcId"> <u><strong>https://apple.co/2UvzcId</strong></u></a></p> <p><strong>Get our weekly newsletter for bonus content:</strong><a href="https://t.co/u97nyaqB8n"> <u><strong>bit.ly/3ewWLeN</strong></u></a></p> <p><strong>Help the keep the lights on:</strong><a href="https://bit.ly/2RSIvU3"> <u><strong>https://bit.ly/2RSIvU3</strong></u></a></p>
135 min
34
211 - We’re All We Got
<p>The guys are back this week to talk about returning to favorites like Bloodbourne and Yakuza Zero, Game Gear Micros, Black game composers, empty corporate statements, Nookazon drama, dreaming of vacation, Dorohedero and TONS more. Take a break from the world and join us, you jerks.</p> <p><strong>Continue the convo with us on Discord:</strong><a href="https://discord.gg/T2v8CDc"> <u><strong>https://discord.gg/T2v8CDc</strong></u></a></p> <p><strong>Spread the word and review us on Apple Podcasts:</strong><a href="https://apple.co/2UvzcId"> <u><strong>https://apple.co/2UvzcId</strong></u></a></p> <p><strong>Get our weekly newsletter for bonus content:</strong><a href="https://t.co/u97nyaqB8n"> <u><strong>bit.ly/3ewWLeN</strong></u></a></p> <p><strong>Help the keep the lights on:</strong><a href="https://bit.ly/2RSIvU3"> <u><strong>https://bit.ly/2RSIvU3</strong></u></a></p>
79 min
35
210 - Simulations (feat. Jeff Legaspi)
<p>This week we’re joined by Annapurna Interactive’s Jeff Legaspi to talk about <em>Jedi Fallen Order</em>, <em>FIFA</em>, management sims, <em>Metro: Exodus</em>, Wholesome Direct,<em> Skyrim</em> Grandma, <em>The Last of Us Part II</em> gameplay and tons more. We also talk about the events unfolding around the country and the world this week. Tune in.</p> <p><strong>Continue the convo with us on Discord:</strong><a href="https://discord.gg/T2v8CDc"> <u><strong>https://discord.gg/T2v8CDc</strong></u></a></p> <p><strong>Spread the word and review us on Apple Podcasts:</strong><a href="https://apple.co/2UvzcId"> <u><strong>https://apple.co/2UvzcId</strong></u></a></p> <p><strong>Get our weekly newsletter for bonus content:</strong><a href="https://t.co/u97nyaqB8n"> <u><strong>bit.ly/3ewWLeN</strong></u></a></p> <p><strong>Help the keep the lights on:</strong><a href="https://bit.ly/2RSIvU3"> <u><strong>https://bit.ly/2RSIvU3</strong></u></a></p>
113 min
36
209 - Focal Points (feat. Dia Lacina)
<p><strong>This week we’re joined by the one and only Dia Lacina to talk Umarangi Generation, Crucible, If Found, Mafia III, Fortnite trailer premieres, cultures as in-game skins, photo mode appreciation, 8-bit bops, Bosch, and Bad Bunny. TUNE IN.</strong></p> <p><strong>Continue the convo with us on Discord:</strong><a href="https://discord.gg/T2v8CDc"> <u><strong>https://discord.gg/T2v8CDc</strong></u></a></p> <p><strong>Spread the word and review us on Apple Podcasts:</strong><a href="https://apple.co/2UvzcId"> <u><strong>https://apple.co/2UvzcId</strong></u></a></p> <p><strong>Get our weekly newsletter for bonus content:</strong><a href="https://t.co/u97nyaqB8n"> <u><strong>bit.ly/3ewWLeN</strong></u></a></p> <p><strong>Help the keep the lights on:</strong><a href="https://bit.ly/2RSIvU3"> <u><strong>https://bit.ly/2RSIvU3</strong></u></a></p> <p><u><strong>Follow Paul on Twitch: </strong></u><a href="https://www.twitch.tv/polimayo">https://www.twitch.tv/polimayo</a></p>
151 min
37
208 - Same Energy (feat. Caitlin Galiz-Rowe + M...
<p>We’re joined by Uppercut’s very own Caitlin Galiz-Rowe and Monti Velez to talk <em>Predator: Hunting Grounds</em>, <em>Final Fantasy VII Remake</em>, <em>Sakura Wars</em>, <em>Apex Legends</em> Season 5, Tony Hawk remaster, Unreal Engine 5, <em>Ghosts of Tsushima</em>, Blizzard f’n up AGAIN, <em>Petals for Armor</em>, <em>Emojidrome</em>, <em>Betty</em> on HBO, and TONS more. Tune in already!</p> <p><strong>Continue the convo with us on Discord:</strong><a href="https://discord.gg/T2v8CDc"> <u><strong>https://discord.gg/T2v8CDc</strong></u></a></p> <p><strong>Spread the word and review us on Apple Podcasts:</strong><a href="https://apple.co/2UvzcId"> <u><strong>https://apple.co/2UvzcId</strong></u></a></p> <p><strong>Get our weekly newsletter for bonus content:</strong><a href="https://t.co/u97nyaqB8n"> <u><strong>bit.ly/3ewWLeN</strong></u></a></p> <p><strong>Help the keep the lights on:</strong><a href="https://bit.ly/2RSIvU3"> <u><strong>https://bit.ly/2RSIvU3</strong></u></a></p>
142 min
38
207 - Qué Lo Qué Slider (feat. Nico Deyo)
<p>This week we’re joined by freelance media critic and stream coordinator extraordinaire <a href="https://twitter.com/appleciderwitch"><u>Nico Deyo</u></a> to talk <em>Valorant</em>, <em>Overwatch</em>, <em>Deliver Us The Moon</em>, <em>Animal Crossing</em> hustling, last week’s Inside Xbox, Digital TGS, OWL, problematic herbs being rewarded AGAIN,<em> The Sopranos</em>, Internet Shaquille, Disney Gallery and TONS more. Tune in already, ya jerks.</p> <p><strong>Continue the convo with us on Discord:</strong><a href="https://discord.gg/T2v8CDc"> <u><strong>https://discord.gg/T2v8CDc</strong></u></a></p> <p><strong>Spread the word and review us on Apple Podcasts:</strong><a href="https://apple.co/2UvzcId"> <u><strong>https://apple.co/2UvzcId</strong></u></a></p> <p><strong>Get our weekly newsletter for bonus content:</strong><a href="https://t.co/u97nyaqB8n"> <u><strong>bit.ly/3ewWLeN</strong></u></a></p> <p><strong>Help the keep the lights on:</strong><a href="https://bit.ly/2RSIvU3"> <u><strong>https://bit.ly/2RSIvU3</strong></u></a></p>
143 min
39
206 - Crumbs Ain’t Good Enough (feat. Natalie F...
<p>This week we’re joined by the illustrious <a href="https://twitter.com/heartimecia"><u>Natalie Flores</u></a>, weekend writer at Fanbyte and writer for Paste, to talk <em>Valorant</em>, <em>Streets of Rage 4</em>, <em>Ring Fit Adventure</em>, <em>Last of Us 2</em> leaks, corny Twitch bozos, social distancing life hacks, <em>Final Fantasy XIII</em> love, <em>Killing Eve</em>, <em>The Last Dance</em>, and so much more. Seriously, strap in because this is filled to brim. Tune in already!</p> <p><strong>Continue the convo with us on Discord:</strong><a href="https://discord.gg/T2v8CDc"> <u><strong>https://discord.gg/T2v8CDc</strong></u></a></p> <p><strong>Spread the word and review us on Apple Podcasts:</strong><a href="https://apple.co/2UvzcId"> <u><strong>https://apple.co/2UvzcId</strong></u></a></p> <p><strong>Get our weekly newsletter for bonus content:</strong><a href="https://t.co/u97nyaqB8n"> <u><strong>bit.ly/3ewWLeN</strong></u></a></p>
160 min
40
205 - Mas EFX (feat. Chase Carter)
<p>This week we’re joined by Optional family <a href="https://twitter.com/chasewrites"><u>Chase Carter</u></a>, Freelance Journalist, Podcaster, and Discord Moderator extraordinaire to talk <em>Horizon’s Gate</em>, <em>This, Too, Shall Pass</em>, <em>Animal Crossing</em> shattering sales records, GameStop reopening stores, questionable representation in games, <em>Little Fires Everywhere</em>, <em>Sherman’s Showcase</em>, <em>Outer Banks</em> and TONS more. Tune in already, you jerks.</p> <p><strong>Continue the convo with us on Discord:</strong><a href="https://discord.gg/T2v8CDc"> <u>https://discord.gg/T2v8CDc</u></a></p> <p><strong>Spread the word and review us on Apple Podcasts:</strong><a href="https://apple.co/2UvzcId"> <u>https://apple.co/2UvzcId</u></a></p> <p><strong>Get our weekly newsletter for bonus content:</strong><a href="https://t.co/u97nyaqB8n"> <u>bit.ly/3ewWLeN</u></a></p> <p><strong>Help us the keep the lights on:</strong><a href="https://bit.ly/2RSIvU3"> <u>https://bit.ly/2RSIvU3</u></a></p>
96 min
41
204 - Mr. Zest (feat. Bo Lee)
<p>This week we’ve got our good friend <a href="https://twitter.com/BoFohSho">Bo Lee</a>, reporting from Dallas, back on the show to talk more <em>Final Fantasy VII Remake</em>, <em>Animal Crossing</em>, <em>Streets of Rage</em> hype, PlayStation companion robots for gamers, Tifa appreciation, DEVS, new Kid Cudi, and tons more.</p> <p><strong>Continue the convo with us on Discord:</strong> <a href="https://discord.gg/T2v8CDc"><u>https://discord.gg/T2v8CDc</u></a></p> <p><strong>Spread the word and review us on Apple Podcasts:</strong> <a href="https://apple.co/2UvzcId"><u>https://apple.co/2UvzcId</u></a></p> <p><strong>Get our weekly newsletter for bonus content:</strong> <a href="https://t.co/u97nyaqB8n"><u>bit.ly/3ewWLeN</u></a></p> <p><strong>Help the keep the lights on:</strong> <a href="https://bit.ly/2RSIvU3"><u>https://bit.ly/2RSIvU3</u></a></p>
103 min
42
203 - Final Fantasy Haptics (feat. Tom Caswell)
<p>This week we’ve got our friend Tom Caswell (<a href="https://twitter.com/GreatBriTom"><u>@GreatBriTom</u></a>) on the show to talk about Final Fantasy VII Remake, Call of Duty: Warzone, Animal Crossing, Resident Evil 3, PS5 controllers, Xbox Series X news, Cyberpunk delayed, listener questions and our recommendations to help you get through another week of quarantine. So boot it up and redeem some Nook Miles.</p> <p>Tom’s Mixer Channel: <a href="https://mixer.com/greatbritom"><u>https://mixer.com/greatbritom</u></a></p> <p>Support us on Anchor: <a href="https://anchor.fm/the-optional-podcast">https://anchor.fm/the-optional-podcast</a></p> <p>Talk with us on Discord: <a href="https://discord.gg/T2v8CDc"><u>https://discord.gg/T2v8CDc</u></a></p> <p>Please Review us on iTunes: <a href="https://apple.co/2UvzcId">https://apple.co/2UvzcId</a></p>
126 min
43
202 - Miss Me With That Gamer Sh**
<p>This week we’re talking more <em>Animal Crossing, Resident Evil 3, RE: Resistance, Doom Eternal,</em> the week’s news, listener questions and calls, and TONS more. So tune in already, you JERKS.</p>
114 min
44
201 - Shut Up and Dance
<p>This week we’re talking about Animal Crossing, Resident Evil 3 Remake, VR Chat, new Neir, esports during covid-19, Portrait of a Lady On Fire, Dave on Hulu, listener questions and TONS more. Tune in already.</p>
98 min
45
200 - New Horizons Zero Doom
<p>This week we’re MORE talking Animal Crossing, Doom Eternal, Resident Evil 3 demo, Warzone, Houseparty, PlayStation 5 + Xbox One Series X specs, questions and TONS more. TUNE IN, YOU JERKS FOR EPISODE 200!</p> <p><a href="https://acpatterns.com/">Animal Crossing Pattern Design Tool</a>&nbsp;</p> <p><a href="https://kotaku.com/playing-doom-eternal-is-actually-self-care-1842426854">Playing Doom Is Actually Self Care (Kotaku)</a></p> <p><br></p>
107 min
46
199 - Settler Simulator
<p>This week we’re talking ANIMAL CROSSING: NEW HORIZONS, Call of Duty Modern Warfare: Warzone, E3 canceled, Stadia woes, Lego Mario, Minecraft libraries, listener questions, and tons more. Tune in, you jerks.</p>
94 min
47
198 - Hexagon Don
<p>This week we’re revisiting <em>Into the Breach</em>, <em>Breath of the Wild</em> and talking new games like <em>Yes, Your Grace</em>. We’re also talking Twitch streamers shooting their shots, more GeForce Now drama, Last of Us live-action series, Nintendo PlayStations, Bad Bunny, Mythic Quest and TONS more. Tune in, you jerks.</p>
70 min
48
197 - Games, Stop
<p><strong>This week Cam’s back and we’re talking more No Man’s Sky, Bloodroots, Iris and the Giant, Frostpunk, GDC postponed, Gentefied, Hunters, and TONS more. Tune in already, ya jerks.</strong></p>
76 min
49
196 - xXEmo_Gamer420Xx (feat. Chase Carter)
<p>With Paul out in space alone this week, who better than our very own friend of the show and real-life Guardian Mod on the Discord, Chase Carter! Paul and Chase talk No Man’s Sky, Animal Crossing HYPE, Corona Virus scares, more like GeForce NOT (amirite), Bayonetta on Tinder, The Greatest Anime: Haikyu, Best Picture: Sonic the Hedgehog and TONS more. Just listen already, ya jerks.</p> <p><a href="https://twitter.com/chasewrites"><u>Follow Chase on Twitter!</u></a></p>
116 min
50
195 - Dreamy
<p>This week we’re talking Dreams, Coffee Talk, Frostpunk, the end of E3, Division 2 DLC, Kenny Beats, Roast Me, listener questions and TONS more. Tune in already, ya jerks.</p>
101 min