Describing The Skybox
Society & Culture
About
WELCOME TO DESCRIBING THE SKYBOX! We are a fortnightly, book club-styled podcast in which we attempt to go in-depth on an individual video game and figure out what makes it unique. Episodes are around an hour to an hour and a half long and primarily feature free form discussion on themes and mechanics present in each episode’s titular game. Bear in mind that we are not reviewers, so as far as we critique the games at hand, our intent is not to convince you to play any particular work. SPOILER WARNING: Given the depth at which we intend to cover the games in question, those which feature a story, plot, mechanical surprises, fun moments you may not have heard about or otherwise will be fully discussed, likely at length. Given this, it is advised that you go into each episode with the understanding that these elements will most likely be spoiled. If you are sensitive to that sort of thing, we recommend that you either play the game before listening to the podcast, or skip the episode a
Episodes
- Episode 15 - Harshened the Blow - Fez
A great podcast has been revealed to you. Welcome back to Describing the Skybox! Today, as our first episode in Mystery May, we’re going to be talking about Fez, a now shockingly 14 year old game. Fez is a puzzle platformer, emphasis on th…
- Episode 14 - A Misleading Thumbs Up - Super Mario World
This episode of Describing The Skybox focuses on Super Mario World, discussing its refined level design, iconic presentation, and legacy in 2D platforming. The hosts also briefly mention innovation, Pokémon Snap, and preview their upcoming…
- Episode 13 - In My PJs - Resident Evil Requiem
This episode reviews Resident Evil Requiem, noting its blend of first-person survival horror and third-person action. The discussion covers the dual protagonist approach, enemy art direction, sound design, and a critique of the narrative,…
- Episode 12 - Skyrim in Reverse - Final Fantasy
Describing The Skybox discusses the original Final Fantasy on NES, highlighting its genre conventions like party creation and class upgrades. The episode examines how the game gates exploration, its storytelling depth, and its surprisingly…
- Episode 11 - Dead in a Week - Roadwarden
In Episode 11, Describing The Skybox discusses Roadwarden, a text-heavy RPG set in a post-apocalyptic fantasy world. The hosts examine its emphasis on dialogue, decision-making, and resource management, noting its potential appeal for fans…
- Episode 10 - Pigs and Other Shapes - Klonoa 2: Lunatea's Veil
In Episode 10, Describing The Skybox discusses Klonoa 2: Lunatea's Veil, a Playstation 2 platformer. The hosts explore the game's novel mechanics, its use of 3D design, mascot character design, and the variety of its levels, noting its tig…
- Episode 9 - Hero Bucks - Far Cry 5
Every problem cannot be solved with a podcast. Welcome back to the podcast and, of course, to our second episode of Fanbruary this year! Today, we’re talking about Far Cry 5, which is, obviously, an installment in the Far Cry franchise and…
- Episode 8 - Adult Man Brain - Nancy Drew: Curse of Blackmoor Manor
What would motivate someone to turn into a podcast? Welcome to the first episode for Fanbruary this year! We’re starting off with a classic adventure game in Nancy Drew: Curse of Blackmoor Manor, part of an extremely prolific series which…
- Episode 7 - That Which Was Well Paced - That Which Gave Chase
This episode reviews the narrative game "That Which Gave Chase," noting its unique sledding mechanic, fast-paced story, and cosmic horror themes. The hosts compare it to similar short narrative games and discuss its surprising connection t…
- The Scribies 2025 - Gremlinsesque
Describing The Skybox hosts the first annual Scribies game awards, celebrating games discussed on the podcast. They introduce new and returning categories and thank listeners for their support.
- Episode 6 - Sweet, Sweet, Sweet Release - Everhood
Describing The Skybox reviews the indie game Everhood, discussing its blend of bullet hell, adventure, and rhythm game mechanics, its challenging difficulty, and its narrative inspired by Undertale. The hosts also mention upcoming podcast…
- Episode 5 - A Fresh Island Song - Hades II
In this episode of Describing The Skybox, the hosts discuss Hades II, exploring its new weapons, gods, and expansive content. They delve into the game's narrative, favorite builds, and the character of Chronos.
- Episode 4 - 20,000 Hot Dogs - Silent Hill f
Describing The Skybox discusses Silent Hill f, noting its combat-focused gameplay, setting in 1960s Japan, and narrative style. The episode explores enemy designs and pacing, while acknowledging some mechanical and tonal inconsistencies in…
- Episode 3 - An Adult Baby - Slitterhead
This episode reviews Slitterhead, an action horror game by Bokeh Game Studio. The discussion covers its unique possession-based combat system, dated mission structure, lack of enemy variety, and overall polish, concluding it is a potential…
- Episode 2 - The Powerhouse of the Cell - Parasite Eve
Describing The Skybox discusses the PlayStation survival horror RPG Parasite Eve, noting its incredible visuals and creature designs that complement a somewhat silly narrative. The episode touches on the game's clunky mechanics and real-ti…
- Episode 1 - Train of Donkeys - Mouthwashing
This episode reviews the narrative adventure game Mouthwashing, highlighting its well-written, tragic story that explores horror in the human experience through its low-fi, surreal visuals and nonlinear narrative. The discussion covers how…
- Episode 200 - Cultural Osmosis - Minecraft
In this 200th anniversary and final episode of NOCLIP, the hosts discuss their first experiences playing Minecraft. They explore the game's influence on culture and content creation, its mechanics, and its transition into a new podcast ide…
- Episode 199 - Screams of Wimmenfolk - Bloodborne
This episode revisits the FromSoftware action RPG Bloodborne, discussing its faster combat, gothic and Lovecraftian horror setting, and narrative style. The hosts explore how the game's mechanics complement its themes and compare it to oth…
- Episode 198 - Two Moon Knight - Life is Strange: Double Exposure
This episode reviews Life is Strange: Double Exposure, a narrative adventure game focusing on Max Caulfield. The discussion covers the game's story, character and world evolution, and its connection to the original Life is Strange, noting…
- Episode 197 - All Day I Dream About Sony - Astro Bot
This episode of Describing The Skybox discusses the PS5 exclusive game Astro Bot, exploring the concept of console exclusivity and the game's design. The hosts analyze the Sony-themed environments, the role of unique PS5 hardware, and the…
- Episode 196 - You Mentioned Pants - Balatro
This episode of Describing The Skybox focuses on the game Balatro, examining its mechanics like synergistic Joker modifiers and deck-building options. The discussion covers the game's aesthetic, strategic depth, accessibility, and difficul…
- Episode 195 - You Can Lead a Horse to Fanta - Uma Musume: Pretty Derby
This episode of Describing The Skybox discusses the gacha game Uma Musume, known for its horse racing anime girls. The hosts explore its sports management roguelike elements, the intensive gacha system, and the trade-offs between time and…
- Episode 194 - Bioshock Ruined Society - The Talos Principle 2
This episode of Describing The Skybox reviews The Talos Principle 2, examining its puzzle-solving mechanics and narrative progression. The discussion highlights the game's focus on environmental impact and societal responsibility, contrast…
- Episode 193 - Super Death - Spiritfarer
This episode discusses the game Spiritfarer, an incremental management sim focusing on its characters, their stories of demise, and preparation for the "Everdoor." The discussion touches on the game's heartfelt narratives, beautiful art, a…
- Episode 192 - Life Isn't Worth Living - To the Moon
This episode discusses the narrative game To the Moon, highlighting its focus on character memory and personal storytelling over traditional gameplay. The hosts note its effectiveness in creating relatable characters despite a sci-fi premi…
- Episode 191 - That Might Be A Pokémon - Half-Life
This episode reviews the influential FPS game Half-Life, noting its effective world-building, creature design, and blend of action and horror. The discussion covers its pacing, fluid movement, and enduring 90s sci-fi atmosphere.Indexed fro…
- Episode 190 - Goth Mommies - The Wolf Among Us
The hosts discuss Telltale Games' narrative adventure The Wolf Among Us, analyzing its murder mystery plot, character development, and mechanics. They consider its unique position in Telltale's history and its positive reception.
- Episode 189 - For Your Daddy - Monster Hunter Wilds
This episode reviews Monster Hunter Wilds, comparing its mechanics to previous entries like Monster Hunter World. It covers the game's combat, the effectiveness of its new features like focus mode and the wound system, and critiques aspect…
- Episode 188 - Pretty Cute - Immortality
This episode of Describing The Skybox reviews the game Immortality by Sam Barlow, creator of Her Story and Telling Lies. The discussion covers the game's player-directed nature, its unique clip-finding mechanics, and the technical and perf…
- Episode 187 - Only Rock and Paper - Wanted: Dead
The podcast episode reviews the game Wanted: Dead, describing it as a throwback third-person action game with a focus on melee combat and gunplay. While the combat can be a slog due to clunky mechanics and enemy respawns, the episode highl…
- Episode 186 - Where Sailors Hang Out - Shenmue
This episode of Describing The Skybox focuses on the action/adventure game Shenmue. The hosts discuss its narrative, the variety of gameplay activities beyond combat, its surprisingly detailed visuals for its era, and the impact of its tim…
- Episode 185 - Roast Beef, Some Chicken, A Pizza - Castlevania 64
This episode reviews Castlevania 64, an early 3D entry in the series. The hosts discuss its combat, platforming, and atmosphere, noting that while it has some jank and camera issues, it is more competent than its reputation suggests and wo…
- Episode 184 - Bring Me the Cellos - Darkest Dungeon
This episode of Describing The Skybox discusses the game Darkest Dungeon, an RPG featuring Lovecraftian themes and roguelike elements. The hosts delve into the game's notorious difficulty, its atmospheric design, and the turn-based combat…
- Episode 183 - Drive-By Nap - The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
This episode reviews The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, noting the shift to playing as Zelda and the new mechanics like spawning objects and enemies. It discusses how these changes affect combat, puzzle design, and the overall experien…
- The NOCLIP Awards 2024 - Public Intellectuals
The NOCLIP Awards 2024 are presented, with the hosts discussing the selected games and the variety of experiences encountered throughout the year. The episode touches on the changing nature of gaming and encourages listeners to explore bey…
- Episode 182 - Starring Adam Sandler - Slay the Princess
Describing The Skybox discusses the narrative game Slay the Princess, noting its impressive writing, voice acting, and numerous endings. The episode explores the game's blend of horror, comedy, and romance, and how player choices impact th…
- Episode 181 - It's Jar Jarring - Star Wars Episode 1 Racer
In episode 181, Describing The Skybox revisits the nostalgic N64 game Star Wars Episode I: Racer. The hosts discuss its solid racing mechanics, fast-paced gameplay that often ends in explosions, and how it captures the feel of the movies,…
- Episode 180 - Your Murderous Urges - Loretta
This episode of Describing The Skybox discusses the game Loretta, an adventure game centered on the player character's decision to murder her husband and the subsequent narrative choices. The hosts explore the game's focus on narrative, pl…
- Episode 179 - A Rusty Crux - Amnesia: The Bunker
This episode reviews Amnesia: The Bunker, the fourth game in the series. It covers the game's combat, immersive sim elements, World War I setting, sound design, and unique save system, while also discussing its difficulty and comparing it…
- Episode 178 - A Bunch of Band-Aids - Cryptmaster
This episode reviews the typing-based dungeon crawler Cryptmaster, highlighting its novel system of using typed words for abilities and puzzle-solving. While praising its engaging combat, exploration, and unique tone, the review also point…
- Episode 177 - Respect Water - Omori
This episode of Describing The Skybox reviews the RPG Omori, discussing its unique art, dark and sad themes, character depth, and psychological horror elements. The hosts also touch on the game's combat system, tonal shifts, and compare it…
- Episode 176 - Dissolve Those Bones - Crow Country
Describing The Skybox reviews the survival horror game Crow Country, noting its unique polygonal graphics and amusement park setting. The discussion covers its survival mechanics, environmental design, and how its simplicity aids progressi…
- Nine Years of NOCLIP - Baja Throat Blast
The NOCLIP podcast marks nine years, initiating a year-long celebration for their upcoming tenth anniversary. The hosts mention recent changes, including a new theme song and the shift to remote recording, and express gratitude to their au…
- Episode 175 - Thoughtpocalypse - Lorelei and the Laser Eyes
This episode discusses the puzzle game Lorelei and the Laser Eyes, noting its escape room format, narrative structure, and puzzle difficulty. The hosts also touch on the game's length and developer Simogo's signature style.
- Episode 174 - Gaming Erogenous Zones - Who's Lila?
Episode 174 of Describing The Skybox discusses Who's Lila?, an adventure game where players manipulate their character's face to influence conversations. The review highlights the game's innovative mechanics, narrative paths, and puzzles,…
- Episode 173 - Serial Prankster - Lorelai
This episode of Describing The Skybox discusses the game Lorelai, a 2D side-scrolling adventure. The conversation covers its narrative, character writing, and visual elements, drawing comparisons to earlier games by the same developer, Har…
- Episode 172 - I Blinked Weird - Outer Wilds: Echoes of the Eye
In this episode of Describing The Skybox, the hosts delve into Outer Wilds: Echoes of the Eye, the game's expansion. They discuss the new explorable areas, puzzles, and how the DLC builds upon the original game's mechanics while offering a…
- Episode 171 - Every Time They Do, It Makes Me Laugh - Xenoblade Chronicles 3: Future Redeemed
This episode reviews the Xenoblade Chronicles 3: Future Redeemed DLC, noting its new party, level one start, and narrative focus on inter-trilogy character interactions. The discussion covers new mechanics, character archetypes, and the ov…
- NOCLIP Pocket E100 - It Does, in Fact, Please the Lord - Super Mario Land
NOCLIP Pocket celebrates its 100th episode by revisiting Super Mario Land. The discussion covers its platforming, level design in comparison to Super Mario Bros., the impact of Game Boy limitations, and its music and visuals.
- Episode 170 - Gaius, the Lion, the Witch or the Wardrobe - Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree
Describing The Skybox reviews Elden Ring's Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, noting its expansive and visually distinct world design. While mechanical rewards may be sparse, the new items and challenging combat encounters, aided by a new upgrade…