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Artwork for Hardcore Gaming 101

Hardcore Gaming 101

HardcoreGaming101.net
Antz Extreme Racing
Ernest Evans
Sifu
PFLAG
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater
Quake II
Deathloop
Star Wars: Episode I Racer
Minecraft
Madworld
Psycho Soldier
Gaming Culture
ID Software
Dracula
Snow Bros
Silk Road 2
Half-Life 2
Mario's Picross
Skateboarding
Nintendo

Join the HG101 gang as they rank the games YOU nominate in their ever growing list, the Top 47,858 Games of All Time. Brought to you by the one and only HardcoreGaming101.net.

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes830Founded13 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
LeisureVideo Games

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Artwork for Hardcore Gaming 101

Latest Episodes

Join the HG101 gang, plus special guest Katherine, as they discuss and rank an aquatic spiritual predecessor to the Zero Escape series. Then stick around for Your Only Move Is HUSTLE, a turn-based stick-figure combat game!

This weekend's Patreon B... more

Join the HG101 gang as they discuss and rank a landmark for '90s PC gaming. Then stick around for Darkwing Duck (NES), a Capcom platformer based on the popular Saturday morning cartoon!

This weekend's Patreon Bonus Get episode will be DEVIL DICE —... more

Join the HG101 gang as they discuss and rank an Australian mascot platformer about being a tiger with two mouths. Then stick around for Crimsonland, a bloody 2003 game that paved the way for Vampire Survivors!

This weekend's Patreon Bonus Get epis... more

Join the HG101 gang as they discuss and rank a Game Boy Advance game based off a hybrid live-action/CGI kids television show. Then stick around for Arctic Eggs, a futuristic physics-based frying game!

This weekend's Patreon Bonus Get episode will ... more

Key Facts

Accepts Guests
Accepts Sponsors
Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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Recent Guests

Chris Hatala
A lifelong gamer and industry expert
Ghaleon Unlimited
Episode: Catherine (and Screamer!)
Lord BBH
Guest appearing for the discussion about Shock Troopers
Episode: New Ghostbusters 2 + Shock Troopers (feat. LordBBH)
Sean Shonson
Guest host who shares insights on Poppin' Tanks.
Episode: Pop'n Tanks!
Tex O'Bairn
Episode: XIII
Real Slavic Bear
Episode: XIII

Hosts

Robbo
Host and producer with long-running involvement in HG101 content; central on-air presence across episodes.
Carl
Co-host with recurring role; contributes to rankings and analysis.
Rabo
Main host and producer, frequent presence across episodes.

Reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars from 662 ratings
  • Curiously soothing. The VG knowledge here is truly impressive.

    Podcast Addict
    5
    smbhax
    11 days ago
  • Been listening to this podcast for years now and they've done a great job of steadily improving without losing their original feel but speaking of a "losing feeling"...

    I'd like to nominate (Jurassic Park) Trespasser for the PC. It's a terrible game with interesting ideas and I'd like to hear HG101 complain about it at length only to struggle to give it a ranking as they weigh its intent vs its execution (a frequent and highly enjoyable staple of the podcast)

    Podcast Addict
    5
    JackLSauce
    2 months ago
  • My go to podcast

    I’ve been listening off and on to this podcast for years and it always invigorates me to try new games I haven’t played before or revisit classics. All the hosts provide a unique perspective on games and have their strengths and weaknesses toward different genres. I’m glad this exists as a fan of obscure and niche video games.

    I nominate g-taste for the ps2!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    KanjiCRT
    United States2 months ago
  • This podcast is Top (Banana)

    Great podcast, love the bants of the hosts and their views on the games, even if their takes sometimes makes me wanna give em a quick slap across the chops. Appreciate the wide range of games, from the most iconic of list topping classics to the dregs of Game Gear licensed muck.

    Neo Turf Masters was robbed though.

    I'd like to nominate Top Banana for the Amiga. It's a game that deserves discussion. Review by Drpepperfan.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    pgharavi
    United States3 months ago
  • The goofus of retro gaming podcasts

    When retronauts first started the show was these grumpy nerds who sneered at the games they were covering.

    Gradually they got better at podcasting and also took a more thoughtful approach to retro games.

    HCG seems to be stuck in that early mode of retronauts where they are smart and knowledgeable but seem to constantly think they’re better than what they’re covering.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Jill Lloyd Flanagan
    United States5 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Guests bring fresh perspectives, keeping debates engaging.
Lively, well-researched discussions that appeal to retro-gaming fans.
Hosts balance deep dives with entertaining banter, though some episodes can be very opinionated.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

StarCraft (and Darkwing Duck (NES)!
Q: What made StarCraft so influential in its era?
Its combination of three distinct factions with unique playstyles, a solid single-player campaign, early and stable multiplayer via Battle.net, and Blizzard's hardware-conscious design created a viral formula that propelled RTS into the mainstream and laid the groundwork for modern esports.
Demon Turf (and Super Contra!)
Q: How does Super Contra compare to Demon Turf?
Super Contra is considered harsher in design and gameplay dynamics, presenting numerous challenges while Demon Turf, despite some annoying elements, is enjoyable and charming.
Demon Turf (and Super Contra!)
Q: What do you think of the game design of Demon Turf?
The design is reminiscent of Mario 64 but with a unique narrative involving Beebs, and while it has many creative aspects, there are significant frustrations, particularly around jumping mechanics and enemy interactions.
Clock Tower (and Uru/Myst Online!)
Q: Is this game set in Norway?
Yes, the setting for Clock Tower is in Norway.
Sonic Frontiers
Q: How do the co-hosts feel about the continuity and character dynamics in Sonic Frontiers?
They appreciate the nods to previous games and characters, noting that the interactions between Sonic and new characters like Sage offer unique comedic moments.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
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Frequently Asked Questions About Hardcore Gaming 101

What is Hardcore Gaming 101 about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Content centers on in-depth explorations of retro and cult video games, with a strong emphasis on ranking and comparing titles across eras. Episodes blend historical context, design analysis, and personal anecdotes, often featuring rotating guests and a panel that highlights diverse game genres, platforms, and development eras. The show is noted for thorough research, thoughtful critique, and lively banter, delivering both nostalgia and fresh perspectives that help listeners decide which titles deserve a revisit or a spot on a top-list ranking. A notable strength is the rotating-host dynamic and a broad catalogue of niche titles, which makes it appealing to fans who enjoy deep dives beyond mainstream classics.

Where can I find podcast stats for Hardcore Gaming 101?

Rephonic provides a wide range of podcast stats for Hardcore Gaming 101. We scanned the web and collated all of the information that we could find in our comprehensive podcast database. See how many people listen to Hardcore Gaming 101 and access YouTube viewership numbers, download stats, audience demographics, chart rankings, ratings, reviews and more.

How many listeners does Hardcore Gaming 101 get?

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How many subscribers and views does Hardcore Gaming 101 have?

To see how many followers or subscribers Hardcore Gaming 101 has on Spotify and other platforms such as Castbox and Podcast Addict, simply upgrade your account. You'll also find viewership figures for their YouTube channel if they have one.

Which podcasts are similar to Hardcore Gaming 101?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Hardcore Gaming 101:

1. Retronauts
2. Triple Click
3. Game Scoop!
4. We Hate Movies
5. The Besties

How many episodes of Hardcore Gaming 101 are there?

Hardcore Gaming 101 launched 13 years ago and published 830 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact Hardcore Gaming 101?

Our systems regularly scour the web to find email addresses and social media links for this podcast. We scanned the web and collated all of the contact information that we could find in our podcast database. But in the unlikely event that you can't find what you're looking for, our concierge service lets you request our research team to source better contacts for you.

Where can I see ratings and reviews for Hardcore Gaming 101?

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What guests have appeared on Hardcore Gaming 101?

Recent guests on Hardcore Gaming 101 include:

1. Chris Hatala
2. Lord BBH
3. Sean Shonson
4. Tex O'Bairn
5. Real Slavic Bear

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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