What is The Commune?
We're a group of gamers, and we're always looking for new gamers to join us. Every month or so, we pick a game to play. We chat about the game together, and we record podcasts, record videos, and write essays. You can reach The Commune in the following ways: As for me, I'm Greg Livingston, but I go by Golem. I organize things around here.

Podcasts

Episode 26: Setting vs. Structure
Jul 9, 2014
In any location, you'll encounter setting and structure. What composes each of these elements, and how do they influence each other?
Episode 25: Pacing?
Jun 22, 2014
Chapter 1 of Terranigma switches between combat and puzzles regularly; how does it pace the player's progress from one to the other?
Episode 24: Planning
Jun 3, 2014
What's it take to form an effective plan in Adventures of Lolo?
Episode 23: Powerups
Jun 5, 2014
The powerup episode! How does Trax balance and differentiate its powerups? How does Shatterhand make powerups a gameplay goal?
Episode 22: Health and Points
Apr 11, 2014
We review the way that health gives structure to gameplay segments and the role of points. Included is an interview with Ben Ruiz and his thoughts on health, points, and mechanics in brawlers.
Episode 21: Brawler Strategies
Apr 4, 2014
Let's survey Kunio's moves as an introduction to combat flow in Shin Nekketsu Kouha.
Episode 20: Car Trouble
Mar 17, 2014
How does Counterfeit Monkey pull together a sequence of puzzles into one unit? Let's look at repairing a car and the puzzles within.
Episode 19: Puzzling Logic
Feb 10, 2014
What steps do we take to solve puzzles? What tactics lead to success, and what tactics frustrate the player?
Episode 18: Gargoyle Swapping
Jan 19, 2014
You've got several gargoyles you can swap through, each one with its own abilities. How can we think about or come to understand this ability?
Episode 17: Backtracking
Dec 22, 2013
Exploration is nice and all, but backtracking requires players to replay old content. Let's consider the impact of backtracking on Demon's Crest.
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