Last Save Lounge

Why does Ratchet & Clank still feel so unforgettable years later? In this episode of Last Save Lounge, host Aaron “TurboHoodie” Amendola sits down with Matt Peters to revisit one of PlayStation’s most iconic franchises: Ratchet & Clank.For Matt, Ratchet & Clank isn’t just another action-platformer—it’s a cornerstone of his video game memories. It's WHIMSY. From the series’ signature blend of inventive weapons and sci-fi humor to the evolving friendship between Ratchet and Clank, this conversation dives into what made the game stick at such a formative time in his life. Aaron and Matt explore how Ratchet & Clank stands out in the broader landscape of video games, balancing fast-paced gameplay with charm, world-building, and personality. Like many great gaming discussions, the episode goes beyond mechanics—focusing on the feeling of discovering new planets, experimenting with wild weapons, and growing up alongside a franchise that defined an era of PlayStation gaming.As the conversation unfolds, Matt reflects on how Ratchet & Clank shaped his perspective on games and why it continues to resonate today. It’s a thoughtful, nostalgic look at how certain titles become more than entertainment—they become part of who we are. If you’re a fan of Ratchet & Clank, love heartfelt interviews with gamers, or enjoy a cozy gaming podcast centered on nostalgia and personal storytelling, this episode will feel like coming home.If you love video game memories, PlayStation classics, and heartfelt interviews with gamers, this episode of Last Save Lounge is for you.🎮 About Last Save LoungeLast Save Lounge is a weekly cozy gaming podcast about nostalgia, memory, and the video games that stay with us. Each episode features interviews with gamers about their favorite game of all time—and the personal stories behind why those games matter.

How does Wolfenstein 3D still leave a lasting impact on players decades later? In this episode of Last Save Lounge, host Aaron “TurboHoodie” Amendola sits down with Andrew Staley, technical artist at High Voltage Studios working on Fortnite, to talk about the game he calls his all-time favorite: Wolfenstein 3D.Released in 1992 by id Software, Wolfenstein 3D is widely recognized as one of the foundational games of the first-person shooter genre. But for Andrew, its significance goes far beyond gameplay. He shares how he was first introduced to the game by his grandfather—his Zadie—a deeply meaningful figure in his life and a veteran who fought in the war.Aaron and Andrew explore how Wolfenstein 3D, a game rooted in World War II themes, takes on a uniquely personal dimension when experienced through the lens of Andrew’s Jewish family history. It’s a powerful reflection on memory, legacy, and the ways games can connect generations. Along the way, Andrew also talks about how those early gaming experiences shaped his path into the industry, eventually leading him to a career as a technical artist working on one of the biggest games in the world.This episode is a heartfelt conversation about family, history, and the games that stay with us—not just because of what we play, but who we play them with.

Why does Mass Effect 2 still resonate with players more than a decade later? In this episode of Last Save Lounge, host Aaron “TurboHoodie” Amendola sits down with games journalist Ryan Gilliam of Rogue.site to talk about his all-time favorite: Mass Effect 2.Released by BioWare in 2010, Mass Effect 2 is widely considered one of the greatest sci-fi RPGs ever made. Ryan explains why the game’s unforgettable story and characters continue to stand above the rest of the series.Aaron and Ryan dive into the emotional impact of the Normandy’s crew, including Ryan’s longtime love for Garrus Vakarian, the sharp-shooting Turian companion whose loyalty and relationship arc helped Ryan realize he was queer while he was still in high school. It’s a thoughtful discussion about how games and the characters within them can help players understand themselves. Together, Aaron and Ryan reflect on what made Mass Effect 2 such a defining moment for modern role-playing games and why the bonds we form with characters can stay with us long after the final mission.

What makes a game unforgettable? In this episode of Last Save Lounge, host Aaron “TurboHoodie” Amendola sits down with Charlie Wein of the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce in Chicago to revisit one of the most atmospheric point-and-click adventure games of the 1990s: The Dig.Originally developed with the legendary SCUMM engine, The Dig stands out as a cinematic science-fiction adventure that pushed storytelling in PC games forward. Charlie shares why this LucasArts classic left such a lasting impression—from its mysterious alien world to the slower, thoughtful puzzle design that defined the golden age of adventure games. Together, Aaron and Charlie explore the nostalgia of retro PC gaming, what made The Dig unique among LucasArts titles, and how the game’s mood, music, and storytelling still resonate decades later. It’s a warm conversation about memory, discovery, and the games that stay with us long after the credits roll.

Richard Lovejoy of the Gamers With Jobs Conference Call joins Aaron to discuss a favorite from his childhood: King's Quest 3 - To Heir Is Human.

Why does Kingdom Hearts still hold such a powerful place in players’ hearts? In this episode of Last Save Lounge, host Aaron “TurboHoodie” Amendola sits down with Patrick Hitzler of Chicago Loot Drop for a heartfelt conversation about his favorite game of all time: Kingdom Hearts.Originally released by SquareSoft, Kingdom Hearts became a defining crossover in video games—blending Disney characters with Final Fantasy storytelling in a way that felt magical, strange, and unforgettable. Patrick shares why the first game in the series continues to resonate with him, from its emotional story and iconic worlds to its charming (and sometimes awkward) dialogue that fans have come to love.Aaron and Patrick explore the deeper impact of Kingdom Hearts through the lens of gaming memories, reflecting on how the game shaped Patrick’s relationship with storytelling, friendship, and growing up. The conversation also touches on Patrick’s work with Chicago Loot Drop, connecting the joy of video games to community and giving back.This episode is a warm, nostalgic entry in a series of interviews with gamers about the titles that defined them—perfect for listeners who love cozy gaming podcasts and revisiting the moments that made them fall in love with games in the first place.🎮 About Last Save LoungeLast Save Lounge is a weekly cozy gaming podcast about nostalgia, memory, and the video games that stay with us. Each episode features interviews with gamers about their favorite game of all time—and the personal stories behind why those games matter. It's a show about the games that saved our progress, and a little bit of us.

Charlie Hall, games journalist, writer, and photographer, joins Aaron for a cozy conversation about his favorite game of all-time: B-17 Bomber for the Intellivision.

Video games journalist and YouTube essayist Jenna Stoeber stops by to chat about the inherently rad womanness of 2007's Portal.