Game Sack

[NightWolve]

In the video Joe asks the question what delineates between "Indie" and "Homebrew" - and I think that is as slippery of a slope as "Retro"

To be considered a "homebrew" I would assume it's made in someones home, using tools they own with no real company structure behind them.

Yeah, "homebrew" at least is clearer to describe - a game that was made by fans for a console after its normal lifespan has run its course. It's much more of an uphill battle having to reverse engineer the system, the API, not having access to official dev kits, and since most videogame consoles come with a closed-licensing model (you're technically supposed to talk business with the console manufacturer to pay them for the privilege of making a game for the system), homebrew games are technically unlicensed (hence not legal).

[crazydean]

NightWolve, I agree with you.

I always assumed that homebrew was required to be unlicensed whereas an indie game has a small budget but still gets the legal nod from the console manufacturer.

I would say that the more difficult designation comes from the term "indie". Couldn't any 3rd party game be considered independent?

[seieienbu]

I would argue that (probably?) all homebrew games are indie but not all indie games are homebrew.

[Joe Redifer]

It's not Macho Man. I tried doing Macho Man at the end of the Wrestling Games episode. The voice I did in this one is basically what I call "Angry Texan". Macho Man is usually much calmer and controlled.

[Medic_wheat]

It's not Macho Man. I tried doing Macho Man at the end of the Wrestling Games episode. The voice I did in this one is basically what I call "Angry Texan". Macho Man is usually much calmer and controlled.

Next time wear cowboy boots and a cowboy hat lol.

[NightWolve]

http://www.heypoorplayer.com/2016/04/29/game-sack-interview/

"Mike asks popular YouTube retro-gaming duo Game Sack a sackful of questions"

Being an "old school" gamer, I still get confused to this day when I see how many views a "Let's Play" video on YouTube manages to accumulate.  Watching other people play video games?  Why would I want to do that when I can just play the game myself?  Being the oldest contributor here at Hey Poor Player, I'm probably the only one of us that refuses to watch one of these videos.  The other guys here often pass by my desk watching in fear as I shake my cane at the monitor when YouTube decides to recommend nothing but Game Grumps and PewDiePie. 

Luckily, not all is lost to veteran gamers like myself.  There are thousands of gaming related YouTube channels that provide amazing retro gaming content and can also teach the younger generation of fans about the history of their favorite hobby.  One of these channels that I consider to be the best on YouTube is Game Sack.  Joe & Dave have been teaching both longtime players and those new to the hobby about their favorite (and least favorite) gaming consoles, games, and peripherals since their first video in April 2011.  When I reached out to Game Sack to inquire about an interview I was delighted to see how approachable Joe and Dave were, and could immediately tell how passionate they were about their channel.  Hopefully this interview will introduce a handful of gamers to the Game Sack channel and also provide a bit of insight to long time fans on what makes Game Sack tick.

Game Sack brother!!!

[ClodBusted]

[TR0N]

Guess who they parody 

[ClodBusted]

Joe, Dave, if you only had half the fun making this video in comparison to me watching it, you must have had a bloody good time. You got all those personalities spot on.

For the next episode in that vein, I'd throw Pat/Ian and Chris Bucchi in the hat. And Peanut Butter Gamer.

[NightWolve]

All right, a nice comfortable Sunday plus a new episode of Game Sack, gonna give it a go!

[EvilEvoIX]

They got the HCG's mannerisms and speaking pattern perfectly.  Joe did a VERY good Job with his impressions.

[TDIRunner]

I really enjoyed the different format for this week's episode.  There was definitely a lot of time and effort put into those parodies.  I'm kind of hoping that some of those guys do reverse parodies of Game Sack in their future episodes.

[Medic_wheat]

I really enjoyed the different format for this week's episode.  There was definitely a lot of time and effort put into those parodies.  I'm kind of hoping that some of those guys do reverse parodies of Game Sack in their future episodes.

I believe Happy Console Gamer did a mock game sack opening once.

[TDIRunner]

I really enjoyed the different format for this week's episode.  There was definitely a lot of time and effort put into those parodies.  I'm kind of hoping that some of those guys do reverse parodies of Game Sack in their future episodes.

I believe Happy Console Gamer did a mock game sack opening once.

I'll have to check that out.  Have a link?

[seieienbu]

This is quite possibly my favorite episode of your show.  I liked the Metal Jesus Rocks parody best.

[TDIRunner]

I forgot to mention this earlier, but you even got AVGN's tattoo on your arm.  That's the type of attention to detail that I expect from Game Sack. 

[CGQuarterly]

This episode was freaking awesome.  I've never watched an episode of AVGN so I can't comment on that one, but your impression of Mark from CGR was great, as was Metal Jesus.  I only wish you had done AlphaOmegaSin, but I guess that's going for the low-hanging fruit.

[ToyMachine78]

This episode was freaking awesome.  I've never watched an episode of AVGN so I can't comment on that one, but your impression of Mark from CGR was great, as was Metal Jesus.  I only wish you had done AlphaOmegaSin, but I guess that's going for the low-hanging fruit.

How have you resisted watching AVGN all these years after all the coverage, hype, etc?

[CGQuarterly]

This episode was freaking awesome.  I've never watched an episode of AVGN so I can't comment on that one, but your impression of Mark from CGR was great, as was Metal Jesus.  I only wish you had done AlphaOmegaSin, but I guess that's going for the low-hanging fruit.

How have you resisted watching AVGN all these years after all the coverage, hype, etc?

Well, first of all I am not a big consumer of YT gaming content.  Most of my YouTube watching consists of loading up mixtape videos to listen to at work, and motor racing videos (watching the GP of Long Beach right now, in fact.)  Second, the first time I saw a screenshot of AVGN making his trademark mad face I knew I that I would hate the show, so I've never watched it.  You'd be surprised at how many "famous" gaming YouTube channels I've either never watched, or have only watched a couple of times. 

I also really dislike channels where the content creator is ostensibly selling some kind of character instead of just being themselves.  I want to at least believe that the person is just being themselves.  That's why I like Game Sack.  For all I know Joe and Dave are gigantic assholes in real life, but I don't care because on-screen they are a couple of likable, relatable average Joes (no pun intended).  So any channel where the person is fake-angry [Irate Gamer, Angry Joe, AVGN (all of whom I've never watched)] or over the top "wacky" (PewDiePie - again never watched) is just not something I care to watch.  The occasional LGR or Game Sack is more than enough YT gaming content for me.  I used to watch Metal Jesus (kind of a colorful character but I totally believe that what you see is him just being himself), but once YT turned into his full-time job he just started making the kinds of videos that would get maximum clicks and I lost interest.  More power to him, but it's not for me anymore.

[majors]

...you even got AVGN's tattoo on your arm.  That's the type of attention to detail that I expect from Game Sack. 

There where a few "Easter eggs"...like the AES with the Super Gameboy<?> in the cart slot. Makes re-watching it more fun to pick up the hidden funny bits.

[ToyMachine78]

This episode was freaking awesome.  I've never watched an episode of AVGN so I can't comment on that one, but your impression of Mark from CGR was great, as was Metal Jesus.  I only wish you had done AlphaOmegaSin, but I guess that's going for the low-hanging fruit.

How have you resisted watching AVGN all these years after all the coverage, hype, etc?

Well, first of all I am not a big consumer of YT gaming content.  Most of my YouTube watching consists of loading up mixtape videos to listen to at work, and motor racing videos (watching the GP of Long Beach right now, in fact.)  Second, the first time I saw a screenshot of AVGN making his trademark mad face I knew I that I would hate the show, so I've never watched it.  You'd be surprised at how many "famous" gaming YouTube channels I've either never watched, or have only watched a couple of times. 

I also really dislike channels where the content creator is ostensibly selling some kind of character instead of just being themselves.  I want to at least believe that the person is just being themselves.  That's why I like Game Sack.  For all I know Joe and Dave are gigantic assholes in real life, but I don't care because on-screen they are a couple of likable, relatable average Joes (no pun intended).  So any channel where the person is fake-angry [Irate Gamer, Angry Joe, AVGN (all of whom I've never watched)] or over the top "wacky" (PewDiePie - again never watched) is just not something I care to watch.  The occasional LGR or Game Sack is more than enough YT gaming content for me.  I used to watch Metal Jesus (kind of a colorful character but I totally believe that what you see is him just being himself), but once YT turned into his full-time job he just started making the kinds of videos that would get maximum clicks and I lost interest.  More power to him, but it's not for me anymore.

Well I guess it's all about what you are after. There are informative gaming shows like Game Sack, and entertainment shows like AVGN. The character bit makes sense for an entertainment show, as watching some goof ball just sit and talk about games isn't very entertaining for the most part. I'm looking at you Metal Jesus. 

That is what makes games sack stand out. Very polished production, very informative, and enough humor to be entertaining.

I will say though, AVGN was the first gaming show I ever watched. First YT show period for that matter. I always assumed YT was just a bunch cellphone shot bullshit people uploaded. Once I found AVGN, I started looking for more and found game sack.

AVGN is also single handedly responsible for motivating me to dig out my old consoles and games. I owned a lot of the games he covered early on, and had a lot of the same gripes, which made the show even funnier. It made me want to play them again. This is probably true for a lot of folks who have returned to retro gaming.

[TDIRunner]

This episode was freaking awesome.  I've never watched an episode of AVGN so I can't comment on that one, but your impression of Mark from CGR was great, as was Metal Jesus.  I only wish you had done AlphaOmegaSin, but I guess that's going for the low-hanging fruit.

How have you resisted watching AVGN all these years after all the coverage, hype, etc?

Well, first of all I am not a big consumer of YT gaming content.  Most of my YouTube watching consists of loading up mixtape videos to listen to at work, and motor racing videos (watching the GP of Long Beach right now, in fact.)  Second, the first time I saw a screenshot of AVGN making his trademark mad face I knew I that I would hate the show, so I've never watched it.  You'd be surprised at how many "famous" gaming YouTube channels I've either never watched, or have only watched a couple of times. 

I also really dislike channels where the content creator is ostensibly selling some kind of character instead of just being themselves.  I want to at least believe that the person is just being themselves.  That's why I like Game Sack.  For all I know Joe and Dave are gigantic assholes in real life, but I don't care because on-screen they are a couple of likable, relatable average Joes (no pun intended).  So any channel where the person is fake-angry [Irate Gamer, Angry Joe, AVGN (all of whom I've never watched)] or over the top "wacky" (PewDiePie - again never watched) is just not something I care to watch.  The occasional LGR or Game Sack is more than enough YT gaming content for me.  I used to watch Metal Jesus (kind of a colorful character but I totally believe that what you see is him just being himself), but once YT turned into his full-time job he just started making the kinds of videos that would get maximum clicks and I lost interest.  More power to him, but it's not for me anymore.

I understand where you are coming from and I'm pretty much the same way with the exception of AVGN.  I think I can put up with the character just because I've been watching it for so long. I started watching him long before I watched any other video game related channel.  However, I feel the Nerd has sort of run its course, and I find that I prefer the stuff that James does out of character.  I would have absolutely no problem if he retired the character and started doing reviews as himself.  I also wouldn't mind hearing his opinions on some "good" games.

[CrackTiger]

Jibba pretty much summed up how I feel.

Videos are also the last resort if I'm looking for actual information.

[NightWolve]

I only wish you had done AlphaOmegaSin, but I guess that's going for the low-hanging fruit.

Ah yeah, forgot about him, that would've been great to see!

[ToyMachine78]

One thing that was left out of the Game Sack spoof at the end was Patreon plugging and pandering. I hate that shit. Watch my show, give me money!

[BigusSchmuck]

Great episode. I haven't watched many other youtube gaming channels other than Gamesack, The Gaming Historian (needs to get off the Nintendo fanboy bandwagon seriously) and Jibba's channel. Really be cool to see a part 2 though!

[Joe Redifer]

There is a Patreon easter egg of sorts if you find the actual Exasperated Gamer channel. Just click open his description!

[TR0N]

[EvilEvoIX]

As always another good show.  I really want that McDonald's Treasure Land Game.  M.C. KIDS looks good too.

[Medic_wheat]

The pepsin an game reminds me of those hundreds upon hundreds of endless run IOS games you find on people's phones

[Nameless5511]

I don't know what it is about this last episode, but I'm really craving some McDonalds and Pepsi right now.

In all seriousness, I wouldn't mind picking up a copy of M.C. Kids.

[TDIRunner]

Another great episode.  I don't know why, but the Pepsi games looks awesome to me.

I will still always remember TMNT 2: The Arcade Game for its Pizza Hut product placement (and maybe the only game to make me want the product it was advertising).

[crazydean]

Another great episode.  I don't know why, but the Pepsi games looks awesome to me.

I will still always remember TMNT 2: The Arcade Game for its Pizza Hut product placement (and maybe the only game to make me want the product it was advertising).

There was a coupon inside the box for a free personal pan pizza. Actually, I think it was on the back cover of the manual.

[HailingTheThings]

Another great episode.  I don't know why, but the Pepsi games looks awesome to me.

Fun Fact:

You can play a back up copy of Pepsiman in your Dremacast using Bleemcast. Yay.

[TDIRunner]

Another great episode.  I don't know why, but the Pepsi games looks awesome to me.

I will still always remember TMNT 2: The Arcade Game for its Pizza Hut product placement (and maybe the only game to make me want the product it was advertising).

There was a coupon inside the box for a free personal pan pizza. Actually, I think it was on the back cover of the manual.

I remember that because a friend had it.  However, I never saw it myself because we rented 99.99% of the games I played back then and you better believe that coupon was long gone by the time I got to rent that game.

[Medic_wheat]

Another great episode.  I don't know why, but the Pepsi games looks awesome to me.

I will still always remember TMNT 2: The Arcade Game for its Pizza Hut product placement (and maybe the only game to make me want the product it was advertising).

There was a coupon inside the box for a free personal pan pizza. Actually, I think it was on the back cover of the manual.

I remember that because a friend had it.  However, I never saw it myself because we rented 99.99% of the games I played back then and you better believe that coupon was long gone by the time I got to rent that game.

Enjoy that coupon bro.

[TurboXray]

I bought Gunstar Heroes when it came out, and there was a fruit rollup in side the case. Not sure if it was part of a promotion or not, but I ate it 

[ToyMachine78]

I bought Gunstar Heroes when it came out, and there was a fruit rollup in side the case. Not sure if it was part of a promotion or not, but I ate it 

LOL That seems pretty damn random. Probably part of someone's lunch . Good story

[Joe Redifer]

No, mine came with a fruit roll-up as well. I told the guy at EB to throw it away and initially he didn't want to. I had a hard time convincing him to toss it but he eventually did. Now my copy will never be 100% complete.

[munchiaz]

cool spot was a pretty fun game as a child, and its still fun to play today.

[Enternal]

I blame Dave for this purchase.

[Joe Redifer]

You should blame me instead since I reviewed it! It's a great game with even better music.

[HailingTheThings]

You should blame me instead since I reviewed it! It's a great game with even better music.

You're a great game with even better music.

[Enternal]

You should blame me instead since I reviewed it! It's a great game with even better music.

Idk how i forgot after only a month. Maybe I just got use to you using your wrestler bear voice. I guess i'll have to cross Dave off my list.

[TR0N]

[EvilEvoIX]

Master System Games look really good Via RGB.  Excellent colors.  That system is decidedly better than the NES.  Shame it was black listed by Nintendo.

[seieienbu]

...why am I watching Gamesack after 3 in the morning?  ::sigh::

Another nice episode.  In case you guys do another one on copycats, I thought Square's World Runner and Rad Racer reminded me of toned down versions of Space Harrier and Out Run.

Oh, and as a kid I thought Adventure Island was a total rip off of Wonderboy, but, well, time makes fools of us all, I guess?

[BigusSchmuck]

...why am I watching Gamesack after 3 in the morning?  ::sigh::

Another nice episode.  In case you guys do another one on copycats, I thought Square's World Runner and Rad Racer reminded me of toned down versions of Space Harrier and Out Run.

Oh, and as a kid I thought Adventure Island was a total rip off of Wonderboy, but, well, time makes fools of us all, I guess?

Never would have thought of that with Rad Racer and World Runner. Makes sense now. Come to think of it, the original Legend of Zelda kind of ripped off Hylide (other than the god awful music) too? Might be a bit far fetched to put up Deadly Towers as a Zelda clone as well?

[lekrang]

I discovered gamesack a few months back when I was researching on tg16 and neogeo.
I have since watched literally every single videos they have made.

It has became one of my favorite youtube channels.
Keep up the good work GameSack!

[CrackTiger]

Zelda isn't a very original game and is generally considered either a Hydlide clone or the game Hydlide is ripping off, depending on the type of game enthusiast you are. They didn't copy the music from Hydlide because they stole it from a band (Deep Purple?). It's too bad that Golvelius was lumped in as a Zelda clone when it really isn't.

Smash Bros is just a side view-only Power Stone clone/battle royale game. If the idea was that a game featuring characters from a publisher's games is a genre of its own, they've been around since the Famicom days (Wai Wai World). Even Telenet has Nariagari Trendy on PC Engine and Saturn Bomberman has a large roster. But even if Snash Bros isn't very original either, just as Neutopia is a true Zelda clone, that Sony Smash Bros clone was totally trying to ape Smash Bros.

This seems like it was intended as a quick and easy video compared to what they seem to usually do, but an interesting topic would be showing the many games which do things famous games do while pre-dating them. It doesn't matter if Zelda was purposely copying other games or not, but it would be informative for casual game video watchers to learn about games like Adventure, Venture, AD&D Cloudy Mountain, etc which came earlier.