{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Episode 541 - Final Fantasy VII, StarCraft & the PC Games We'll Never Get Over","description":"Justin's got the week off, so Seth steps in as co-host and the conversation does not disappoint. Doug and Seth dig into a Reddit question that sent them both deep into the nostalgia rabbit hole: of all the computer games you played between 1985 and 2010, what's the one you still think about today? Seth goes back to the PC port of Final Fantasy VII \u2014 the game that defined the RPG genre for a generation of players who couldn't afford a PlayStation \u2014 and StarCraft, the game that proved the internet was both a gift and a curse once Korean players started annihilating everyone on Battle.net. Doug lands on Diablo, Counter Strike, Half-Life, and Team Fortress from what he describes as the best summer of his life, plus Warcraft II and the legendary dorm-vs-dorm Counter Strike leaderboard that consumed an entire semester. Seth adds Morrowind and the Halo 2 university network wars, including the top-ranked player named Mixomatosis who turned out to live three doors down and was simply a different kind of person. The gaming conversation rolls naturally into a deep dive on Marvel Rivals, Overwatch, and hero shooter culture \u2014 the difference between quick match and competitive, the rage of random teammates, why role-locking exists, and why you absolutely should not be trying out a new character in ranked. But first: Doug's mom has a long history of purging spices from the family pantry, and it explains a lot about his childhood. From there Doug and Seth debate overrated recipes (the dump-and-bake casserole situation has gotten out of hand), wage war over cottage cheese, and discover halloumi together in real time. Underrated picks include millionaire shortbread and candied pecans \u2014 two things that deserve far more attention. Plus fair food: dirty, suspect, and somehow perfect. A quick Clair Obscure Expedition 33 check-in leads into the episode's new game: AI or LinkedIn? Doug reads posts and Seth has to guess whether each one is a genuine LinkedIn post or AI generated. The results are both funnier and sadder than expected \u2014 especially the guy who timed his lunch at four minutes and 37 seconds because what isn't measured doesn't improve. This week's recommendations: Seth \u2014 Taskmaster (free on YouTube, 21 seasons). Five comedians, bizarre tasks, Greg Davies and Alex Horne hosting. One of the best shows you haven't watched yet. Doug \u2014 The Backrooms (A24). Directed by 20-year-old Kane Parsons based on the viral liminal space internet lore. Chiwetel Ejiofor stars. One of A24's highest-grossing films. Go see it. Plus: what even is SCP? Seth explains, and the answer sends Doug down a rabbit hole he didn't budget time for.   Subscribe: youtube.com\/mindgappodcast  Join the Discord: https:\/\/discord.gg\/T3HwyEw5v7  Listen everywhere you get podcasts  Support us on Patreon: https:\/\/www.patreon.com\/mindgappodcast Merch on Redbubble: https:\/\/www.redbubble.com\/shop\/ap\/67768184   ","author_name":"Mind Gap","author_url":"http:\/\/mindgap.libsyn.com","html":"