Something Rotten - Podcast Rankings and reviews

I adore this podcast. Ugliness is such a specific feeling for any work of art to try and evoke, and for a medium that does it better than any other, videogames don’t seem too interested in exploring it anymore. It’s amazing hearing such a thoughtful and genuinely interested dialogue about the games that manage to do this. I hope it continues.

Blake Hester and Jacob Geller have a delightful chemistry on their podcast. Covering not just game mechanics but the narrative, themes and implications of a variety of rotten games that are rotten in their very own ways. A triumph of a show with hosts who volley exceedingly well with each other, and know how to disagree yet continue to have meaningful discussions about the media they’re dissecting.

I love the dynamic of the hosts and their grungy subject matter. Blake and Jake both bring unique perspectives to the show’s subject: rotten, dirty, bleak video games. They have had several “seasons” so far, ranging from Max Payne 3 to No More Heroes.

And their nebula exclusive feed with exclusive episodes has some of my favorites, calling out The Killer7/No More Heroes ep featuring guest host Gareth Damian Martin.

No matter what game it is both hosts always find a great way to make it fun to listen to even if there is no knowledge on the game themselves. One of my favorite podcasts!