Welcome to the Gamepad Saga podcast, where gaming isn't just a pastime, it's a story worth telling. From retro classics to the latest releases, we dive deep into the worlds, the characters, and the culture that make gaming unforgettable. Whether you're a casual player or a hardcore fan, this is your checkpoint for all things gaming. Grab your controller, press start, and join the saga.

Don PepeX

Website | GamePad Saga

https://gamepadsaga.podbean.com/

Click HERE to join our Discord.

https://discord.gg/QRK7GSxqvW

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On this episode of the Gamepad Saga Podcast, Eric and Kishion sit down (with tequila and sniffles) to unpack a lively, wide‑ranging conversation about how gaming has changed from the 1990s to today. They debate the old-school difficulty of Mario, Sonic, Prince of Persia and Battletoads versus modern titles that offer tutorials, autosaves and guidance—naming exceptions like the Souls games and Zelda: Breath of the Wild/ Tears of the Kingdom. Expect personal stories about frustrating long grind sessions (Destiny), eight‑hour strike missions, and the satisfying — or soul‑crushing — lessons learned when consoles gave you only three lives.

Topics covered include how retro games shaped spatial memory and exploration (no glowing waypoints), the psychology of delayed reward versus modern minute‑by‑minute dopamine (skins, loot boxes, battle royales), and whether online multiplayer brings connection or isolation compared to couch co‑op classics like Mario Kart and Diddy Kong Racing. They share vivid personal anecdotes about World of Warcraft addiction, cold‑turkey breaks, and how gaming habits influenced real‑life responsibilities.

Hardware and economics get a deep dive: Kishion explains the current PC market pressures — graphics card and RAM price hikes tied to AI demand and scalping — and the rising costs of consoles and subscription services. They discuss whether pushed‑up console pricing nudges buyers toward building a PC, and gripe about industry focus on graphics and frame rates over gameplay innovation.

Kishion gives an insider view of GameStop from his time working there: midnight launches, trade‑in policy quirks, the difference between ‘new’ and sealed copies, membership and price‑matching experiences, and how corporate decisions and store planograms often clash with frontline reality. They reflect on missed opportunities for GameStop and how store culture shaped their view of retail in gaming.

Other highlights: reactions to the delayed IO Interactive 007 game and comparisons to Hitman and Splinter Cell, discussion of recent PC fan projects like the Star Fox 64 recompilation, and thoughts on current release strategies, marketing, and what players still want from single‑player campaigns.

Whether you’re nostalgic for cartridge‑era difficulty, curious about the economics of modern gaming hardware, or want honest back‑room stories from retail life, this episode serves up candid takes, humor, and plenty of gaming lore. Tune in for heated debate, insider anecdotes, and recommendations for what to play (and what to avoid) next.

Don PepeX

Website | GamePad Saga

https://gamepadsaga.podbean.com/

Click HERE to join our Discord.

https://discord.gg/QRK7GSxqvW

Where you can listen: Apple | YouTube | Spotify | Amazon | Audacy | Boomplay | Goodpods | iHeartRadio | PlayerFM | Podchaser | Podcast Addict | Podfollow

Follow us on Social Media: Facebook | Instagram |TikTok | X (Twitter)

In this episode of the Gamepad Saga podcast, the hosts dig into Mega Man Zero 3 — its story beats, difficult boss fights, and the heavy themes that make the series stand out. They discuss Dr. Weil’s return and manipulation of Copy X, the reprogramming of the Eight Gentle Judges into the Wild Numbers, the search for the Dark Elf and the role of the Seal System, and the multiple revealing twists that set up the final installment.

Eric and Kishion break down major boss encounters (including Omega, Anubis Necromancers, and the Wild Numbers), gameplay changes like the weapon-upgrade/ranking system, and how the game’s tone shifts to a more focused, intense storytelling style.

The episode also veers into tangents about cheating devices (Cronus zen, GameShark/GameGenie), personal anecdotes, and a humorous neighborhood conflict — all delivered with candid, often profane commentary and plenty of nostalgia. Expect plot summaries, character and theme analysis, gameplay impressions, and a few off-topic rants and stories.

Don PepeX

Website | GamePad Saga

https://gamepadsaga.podbean.com/

Click HERE to join our Discord.

https://discord.gg/QRK7GSxqvW

Where you can listen: Apple | YouTube | Spotify | Amazon | Audacy | Boomplay | Goodpods | iHeartRadio | PlayerFM | Podchaser | Podcast Addict | Podfollow

Follow us on Social Media: Facebook | Instagram |TikTok | X (Twitter)