Show Notes:

- Spiritbox concert recap: Peter attended a standout show in Salt Lake City, noting the energy, mixed-gender crowd, and explosive live performance that solidifies Spiritbox's rising status in metal.

- Graduation celebrations: Aubrey graduated from the University of Utah; Peter recounts the efficient ceremony and celebratory Rodizio Grill outing.

- TTRPG return: Peter is back to GMing, running Keys from the Golden Vault for his old group, reflecting on the prep and joy of returning to the table.

Reading updates:

- Peter: The Artist's Way to rekindle creative energy.

- Eden: Finished volume 6 of Adachi and Shimamura, started reading Late Bloomer (romantic, flower-farm drama with "sexy conflict").

Other updates:

- Free Comic Book Day: Eden helped run the busiest, most successful FCBD at the comic shop yet, featuring coffee, custom buttons, and signings by Phil Hester and Eric Gapster.

- Infinity Nikki patch 1.5 chaos: Eden breaks down the game's disastrous update—retcons, glitches, co-op flops, disappearing currency, and a literal girlcott.

- Girls Frontline 2: Exilium: Eden praises the writing in this tactical gacha game while lamenting its horny robot girl aesthetic.

Marvel's Thunderbolts* (spoiler-free and spoiler-filled discussion):

- Florence Pugh carries the film with emotional depth.

- Emphasis on connection and community over brute force.

- The ending subverts typical MCU punch-fests.

- Surprises and smart character arcs elevate it above recent Marvel fare.

2003's Hulk retrospective:

- Hulk as a metaphor for trauma and abuse—possibly the most emotionally resonant portrayal of the character.

- Praise for Jennifer Connelly and Sam Elliott.

- Visual style mixing comic book panels and split screens—ambitious if inconsistent.

- Talbot's goofy subplot and memorable death scene.

- Mixed feelings on the CGI Hulk's look but appreciation for its bold emotional scope.

Pop Culture Quick Hits:

- Jeremy Renner's lowball pay offer and the uncertain future of Hawkeye Season 2.

- Reactions to the Murderbot trailer and miscasting concerns.

- Hype (and tempered expectations) for Fantastic Four and the future of the MCU.

Join us in another two weeks for more great pop-culture discussion and exploration. Reach out at feedback@themiddleofculture.com and we'll see you then!

What We've Been Up To

Peter's Update:

- Recovering from a cold

- Saw his wife Elissa perform as Mary Poppins in local theater

- Unable to watch planned content like Andor and Daredevil Born Again

- Finished playing Avowed, started Eternal Strands but finding limited character progression

- Considering returning to Dragon Age: The Veilguard and excited about Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered

Eden's Update:

- Preparing for Free Comic Book Day at their comic shop

- Working with local artists Phil Hester and Eric Gapster who will be signing

- Special coffee brew called "Daydreams" and beer samples planned for the event

- Recently visited House on the Rock in Wisconsin, describing it as a fascinating collection of oddities created by an eccentric collector

Gaming Corner

- Peter discusses his frustrations with Eternal Strands' limited character progression despite enjoying the gameplay

- Eden is playing Claire Obscure Expedition 33, describing it as "Super Mario RPG's combat with very slick French production value"

- Both agree Oblivion is worth revisiting, with Eden calling it "the best Elder Scrolls game"

- Discussion of Oblivion's unique development quirks, including voice actors recording lines alphabetically rather than by scene

Music Highlights

- Peter recommends several new metal releases:

- Dormant Ordeal - Tooth and Nail

- Kardashev - Alunea

- Tribunal - In Penitence and Ruin

- Conan - Violence Dimension

- Structure - Heritage

Bracket Tournament: Disney vs. Marvel vs. Star Wars vs. Muppets

- We conduct a bracket tournament comparing properties from these four franchises

- Notable matchups include The Incredibles vs. Muppet Christmas Carol and Iron Man vs. The Great Muppet Caper

- The Muppet Christmas Carol ultimately emerges as the champion

- Discussion of what makes the Muppet movies so special, particularly Michael Caine's serious performance alongside Muppets

Coming Up Next

- In two weeks: Special episode reviewing Ang Lee's Hulk (2003) starring Eric Bana

- Peter has never seen it, while Eden maintains it's "still the best version of the Hulk"

📝 Episode Notes

🎮 Main Topic: RPG Mechanics We Love (and Why Avowed Stands Out)

- The hosts highlight key RPG mechanics that elevate the player experience:

- Maps that matter: Clarity, verticality, and incentivized exploration.

- Visible resources on mini-maps: Encourages environmental interaction and rewards curiosity.

- Streamlined crafting: Especially for those who don't usually like crafting--Avowed's system is intuitive and meaningful.

- Sound cues for treasures: Smart audio design reinforces exploration loops.

- Pre-battle preparation: Crafting buffs (health, essence, stat boosts) that have meaningful impacts on both combat and conversations.

- Flexible combat builds: No locked classes; dual loadouts and hybrid builds let players constantly evolve.

- Quick-access radial menu: A smart, snappy way to deploy consumables mid-fight without breaking immersion.

🧠 What Makes an RPG Great (Beyond Avowed)

- Good maps that invite exploration, not just wayfinding.

- Meaningful character backgrounds that influence narrative and world reactions.

- Strong writing: doesn't need to be literary, but must be compelling and well-structured.

- Characters and companions that enrich the story and provide emotional depth.

- Combat and game mechanics that are fun to play, not just functional.

🧨 Spoiler Section: Choices in

Avowed

- Peter and Eden both freed Sapadal, embraced the godlike heritage, and set the Living Lands free.

- Differences in choices led to varied narrative outcomes: one preserved a city, the other unknowingly let it burn.

- The third-act "Obsidian moral choice" delivers hard-hitting emotional consequences.

- The endgame allows for meaningful reflection on godhood, revolution, and rebirth.

📚 What We're Reading & Watching

- Adachi and Shimamura -- A slow-burn light novel with standout prose.

- Jamis Bachman, Ghost Hunter -- Paranormal mystery in small-town Utah.

- Andor Rewatch -- A deep dive into the thematic richness of the heist arc.

🎧 Recent Metal Discoveries

- Deafheaven -- Lonely People with Power: A return to form, potentially surpassing Sunbather.

- Amenra -- With Fang and Claw & De Toorn: Two EPs showcasing both their brutal and post-metal sides.

- Allegaeon -- The Ossuary Lens: Tech-death meets progressive emotion; Peter's album of the year (so far).