A Gamer Looks At 40

Hosted by Bill Tucker

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Episodes

177

Latest episode

Dec 2025

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EN-US

About the show

An exploration of the history of video games told through the stories of the every day people who lived it. Join me along with a rotating cast of friends, family, gaming journalists, and industry types as we share personal recollections from the last thirty years of gaming, one story at a time.

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60 recent

December 29, 2025Episode 1371 hr 53 min

Ep 137: Final Fantasy 9 (Part 2) - All The Other Stuff We Didn't Talk About Yet

One more for the Final Fantasy books, this one wrapping up the incredible experience that is Final Fantasy 9. On this episode, we discuss story beats, magical moments, players guides, potential remakes, and final thoughts. Join us, won't you?STARRING (all handles from BlueSky)Barry Carenza (@hawkhellfire)Julian Titus (@julian_titus) of The Stage Select Podcast (@StageSelectPod)Mekel Kasanova (@MekelKasanova)Eric of the Unlockables Podcast (@unlockables)James and JJ of RetroFits on YouTube (@FitsRetro) Rick of Pixel Project Podcast (@pixelprojectradio)SONG COVERSFINAL FANTASY IX: 'Frontier Village Dali' | Classical Guitar | John Oeth by John Oeth Guitar - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EAMCV6zU7XAUnforgettable Sorrow (Final Fantasy IX) | Classical Guitar Cover by John Oeth Guitar - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGAb0qLhUNUMy Website: agamerlooksat40.comMy Discord: https://discord.com/invite/SdaE4atGjCMy Twitter: @agamerlooksat40My TikTok: @agamerlooksat40My Facebook: facebook.com/agamerlooksat40My Insta: @agamerlooksat40My Patreon: patreon.com/agamerlooksat40My Email: agamerlooksat40@gmail.comMy Phone Number: Ehhhhh, not gonna happen. :-D Support the show

December 22, 2025Episode 1361 hr 41 min

Ep 136: Final Fantasy 9 (Part 1) - Nostalgia Bait or Love Letter to the Past

All aboard the Final Fantasy 9 train! After the cyberpunk leanings of FF7 and the emotional love story of FF8, Square again pivoted to the past for their game of the future. The result is a glorious blend of high fantasy, in depth character building, and an emotional connection that's among the best in the entire franchise. On this episode, we talk precious first impressions and the incredible cast.STARRING (all handles from BlueSky)Barry Carenza (@hawkhellfire)Julian Titus (@julian_titus) of The Stage Select Podcast (@StageSelectPod)Mekel Kasanova (@MekelKasanova)Eric of the Unlockables Podcast (@unlockables)James and JJ of RetroFits on YouTube (@FitsRetro) Josh of the Still Loading Podcast (@StillLoadingPod)Rick of Pixel Project Podcast (@pixelprojectradio)SONG COVERSFinal Fantasy 9 - Vamo Alla Flamenco - Acoustic/Classical Guitar Cover - Super Guitar Bros by Super Guitar Bros - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JDptVywFAEFinal Fantasy IX - Battle Theme - Symphonic Metal Cover by GillStudio - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WnMyPuq9EAsMelodies of Life - Final Fantasy IX Piano Collections *REMAKE* [Advanced] by AtinPiano - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0vx-KvA-qv4My Website: agamerlooksat40.comMy Discord: https://discord.com/invite/SdaE4atGjCMy Twitter: @agamerlooksat40My TikTok: @agamerlooksat40My Facebook: facebook.com/agamerlooksat40My Insta: @agamerlooksat40My Patreon: patreon.com/agamerlooksat40My Email: agamerlooksat40@gmail.comMy Phone Number: Ehhhhh, not gonna happen. :-D Support the show

December 15, 2025Episode 1351 hr 36 min

Ep 135: Final Fantasy 8 (Part 2) - Story, Characters, and Second Chances

Last week, we explored those vital first impressions and those crippling realizations of Final Fantasy 8. This week, we peel back the onion even further, discussing story, characters, card games, and what we feel would improve the experience if a re-remaster were ever to occur. STARRING (all handles from BlueSky)Barry Carenza (@hawkhellfire)Julian Titus (@julian_titus) of The Stage Select Podcast (@StageSelectPod)Mekel Kasanova (@MekelKasanova)Michael K Hughes (@KaidanXain) of the Capes and Junk Podcast (@CapesAndJunk)Mike Albertin of Games My Mom Found (@mom_found)Mike of the Distorted Illuminations YouTube channel (@MadMonarch_DI) Eric of the Unlockables Podcast (@unlockables)James and JJ of RetroFits on YouTube (@FitsRetro) Josh of the Still Loading Podcast (@StillLoadingPod)SONG COVERSFinal Fantasy VIII - Find Your Way (Harp Arrangement) by Harpsibored - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=id9hD4mLJVQFinal Fantasy VIII - Compression of Time (Harp Arrangement) by Harpsibored - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8cRIaUCSJsMy Website: agamerlooksat40.comMy Discord: https://discord.com/invite/SdaE4atGjCMy Twitter: @agamerlooksat40My TikTok: @agamerlooksat40My Facebook: facebook.com/agamerlooksat40My Insta: @agamerlooksat40My Patreon: patreon.com/agamerlooksat40My Email: agamerlooksat40@gmail.comMy Phone Number: Ehhhhh, not gonna happen. :-D Support the show

December 8, 2025Episode 1341 hr 18 min

Ep 134: Final Fantasy 8 (Part 1) - First Steps Into a Bizarre, Beautiful World

According to the internet, fans, and anybody with opinions to share, Final Fantasy 8 is a C-tier entry in the franchise. Despite raking in millions of dollars and rave reviews upon release, this oft maligned experience doesn't have many supporters. Or does it? On this episode of A Gamer Looks at 40, we attempt to separate fact from fiction and examine those amazing first impressions along with those down the line realizations. STARRING (all handles from BlueSky)Barry Carenza (@hawkhellfire)Julian Titus (@julian_titus) of The Stage Select Podcast (@StageSelectPod)Eddie Varnell (@thatretrocode) of the Boss Rush Network (@BossRushNetwork)Mekel Kasanova (@MekelKasanova)Michael K Hughes (@KaidanXain) of the Capes and Junk Podcast (@CapesAndJunk)Mike Albertin of Games My Mom Found (@mom_found)Mike of the Distorted Illuminations YouTube channel (@MadMonarch_DI) Eric of the Unlockables Podcast (@unlockables)Trevor and Jeff of New Dad Gaming Podcast (@newdadgaming)James and JJ of RetroFits on YouTube (@FitsRetro) Josh of the Still Loading Podcast (@StillLoadingPod)Mustin (@mustin) SONG COVERSFinal Fantasy VIII - Liberi Fatali Massive Collab' by Marc Papeghin - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YGjl92DqhnABALAMB GARDEN on Guitar - Final Fantasy 8 - Sam Griffin by Sam Griffin - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JK994q3TZL8My Website: agamerlooksat40.comMy Discord: https://discord.com/invite/SdaE4atGjCMy Twitter: @agamerlooksat40My TikTok: @agamerlooksat40My Facebook: facebook.com/agamerlooksat40My Insta: @agamerlooksat40My Patreon: patreon.com/agamerlooksat40My Email: agamerlooksat40@gmail.comMy Phone Number: Ehhhhh, not gonna happen. :-D Support the show

June 16, 2025Episode 1331 hr 5 min

Ep 133: Grippy Socks and Coping Skills - A Gamer Goes to the Mental Hospital

Greetings from the depths of my emotional turmoil! OK, not that bad, but it's been a tumultuous few months in the Life of Tucker and this episode aims to set the record straight on exactly where I've been up to. TRIGGER WARNING: unfiltered talk of self harm, suicidal ideation, and religion in this emotionally bare episode. If you or someone you know is struggling with SI or SHI, help is a phone call / text / chat away at https://988lifeline.org/ or dial 988 on your US based phone.My Website: agamerlooksat40.comMy Discord: https://discord.com/invite/SdaE4atGjCMy Twitter: @agamerlooksat40My TikTok: @agamerlooksat40My Facebook: facebook.com/agamerlooksat40My Insta: @agamerlooksat40My Patreon: patreon.com/agamerlooksat40My Email: agamerlooksat40@gmail.comMy Phone Number: Ehhhhh, not gonna happen. :-D Support the show

May 19, 2025Episode 13258 min

Ep 132: Call of the Collectors - Part 2 w/ Gamer Ahmer

Another week, another conversation with a fascinating collector of retro videogame stuff! This week, Gamer Ahmer and I discuss her white whale finds, beloved pieces she'll never part with, and the amazing friendships found in the retro gaming community. Thanks for listening!STARRING:Gamer Ahmer! Follow her adventures on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@GamerAhmerMy Website: agamerlooksat40.comMy Discord: https://discord.com/invite/SdaE4atGjCMy Twitter: @agamerlooksat40My TikTok: @agamerlooksat40My Facebook: facebook.com/agamerlooksat40My Insta: @agamerlooksat40My Patreon: patreon.com/agamerlooksat40My Email: agamerlooksat40@gmail.comMy Phone Number: Ehhhhh, not gonna happen. :-D Support the show

May 5, 2025Episode 1311 hr 5 min

Ep 131: Call of the Collectors - Part 1 w/ Joe Coiro

The sun is shining, the weather's warm and Grandma Ethel's cleaning out the attic. May is the Season of Garage Sales and in honor of this glorious time of bargain hunting, we'll be chatting with collectors all month long. This week, I have a conversation with the first collector I ever knew, the one and only Joe Coiro of JoeCade on YouTube. In this episode, we discuss collecting as a kid, touching memories, and the enduring quality of retro gaming. STARRING:Joe Coiro of JoeCade on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@JOE-cadeMy Website: agamerlooksat40.comMy Discord: https://discord.com/invite/SdaE4atGjCMy Twitter: @agamerlooksat40My TikTok: @agamerlooksat40My Facebook: facebook.com/agamerlooksat40My Insta: @agamerlooksat40My Patreon: patreon.com/agamerlooksat40My Email: agamerlooksat40@gmail.comMy Phone Number: Ehhhhh, not gonna happen. :-D Support the show

April 28, 2025Episode 1301 hr 4 min

Ep 130: AMA and State of the Show Address - Spring 2025

Time to talk about things! Join me as I answer a variety of questions from my friends on Discord, Twitter, and Blue Sky as well as share the immediate future of A Gamer Looks at 40. It's a fun show with some truly bizarre takes, all of them mine. Mwa ha ha ha ha! SONG COVERSKINGDOM HEARTS - Dearly Beloved | Classical Guitar Cover (Beyond The Guitar) by Beyond the Guitar - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xirqA74CI8gMy Website: agamerlooksat40.comMy Discord: https://discord.com/invite/SdaE4atGjCMy Twitter: @agamerlooksat40My TikTok: @agamerlooksat40My Facebook: facebook.com/agamerlooksat40My Insta: @agamerlooksat40My Patreon: patreon.com/agamerlooksat40My Email: agamerlooksat40@gmail.comMy Phone Number: Ehhhhh, not gonna happen. :-D Support the show

April 14, 202540 min

Tales From the Bargain Bin #24 - Demon's Crest (SNES) w/Julian of Stage Select

Demons, monsters and elemental gems, oh my! Released in the same year as Donkey Kong Country, Mega Man X, and Super Metroid, this Capcom side scroller was a buried under an avalanche of classic titles. But one Julian of The Stage Select Podcast rescued this game from the bowels of a bargain bin and discovered one of the best experiences on the system. Join us as we discuss Firebrand, the Virtual Boy and the joys of mid-90's videogame magazine writing. STARRING:Julian Titus (@juliantitus.bsky.social) of The Stage Select Podcast:Engage with Stage Select here: https://linktr.ee/thestageselect My Website: agamerlooksat40.comMy Discord: https://discord.com/invite/SdaE4atGjCMy Twitter: @agamerlooksat40My TikTok: @agamerlooksat40My Facebook: facebook.com/agamerlooksat40My Insta: @agamerlooksat40My Patreon: patreon.com/agamerlooksat40My Email: agamerlooksat40@gmail.comMy Phone Number: Ehhhhh, not gonna happen. :-D Support the show

April 7, 202541 min

Tales From the Bargain Bin #23 - Ken Griffey Jr Presents Major League Baseball

Happy Start of Baseball! In honor of the beginning of the baseball season, my brother and I discuss a not-at-all bargain bin game that we still pop on today. With an enchanting mix of arcade speed and simulation depth, Ken Griffey Presents strikes the perfect balance of pick-up-and-play fun. An absolute blast of a game that I enjoyed discussing. Hope you dig the conversation!STARRING:Bobby Tucker My Website: agamerlooksat40.comMy Discord: https://discord.com/invite/SdaE4atGjCMy Twitter: @agamerlooksat40My TikTok: @agamerlooksat40My Facebook: facebook.com/agamerlooksat40My Insta: @agamerlooksat40My Patreon: patreon.com/agamerlooksat40My Email: agamerlooksat40@gmail.comMy Phone Number: Ehhhhh, not gonna happen. :-D Support the show