Games Every Designer Should Play

Welcome to Episode 16 of 'Games Every Designer Should Play,' the podcast that explores the world of game design by analysing some of the greatest games of all time. Join experienced Game Design lecturers Stuart Lilford, Adrian Mills, and David Grant as they blast off into the vibrant, gravity-defying world of Super Mario Galaxy.

🚨 Spoiler alert for The Game! We STRONGLY advise you to play before listening.

n this episode, we explore what Super Mario Galaxy teaches us about game design — and why it remains one of the most celebrated 3D platformers ever made. We break down how its innovative use of gravity reshapes 3D movement, how its tightly structured levels deliver constant variety, and why its game feel and presentation are so consistently satisfying.

We also dig into the game’s more critical aspects, questioning whether its linear structure and repeated ideas hold it back compared to the sandbox freedom of Super Mario 64. Along the way, we discuss its unforgettable musical score, the joy of launching into each level, and the surprisingly emotional story of Rosalina.

Featuring feedback from listeners and the verdict: Is Super Mario Galaxy a must-play for every designer?

🔴 BACK ADRIAN'S KICKSTARTER: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/zappedtothepast/zapped-to-the-past - The ZAPPED TO THE PAST C64 BOOK 🔴

📧 Email us your comments or questions on the game discussed in the next episode at [email protected] 

It's Adrian's turn to choose the game we must play for the next episode. Will it be beloved by all or could it be controversial? You'll have to listen to the end to find out! 👀

Don't forget to subscribe, like, and share! #SuperMarioGalaxy #GameDesign #GamesEveryDesignerShouldPlay #Nintendo #LevelDesign #GameFeel #Mario #GameDesignPodcast #DesignThinking

Thank you for tuning in! 🎧✨

We are @ShouldPlayPod on Instagram, Twitter BlueSky, Threads, and YouTube.

=== CREDITS ===

Music by Vasil Trofimov from Pixabay.

Sound Effects by floraphonic from Pixabay.

Thanks to Gary Mitchell for Technical Support

Welcome to Episode 15 of 'Games Every Designer Should Play,' the podcast that explores the world of game design by analysing some of the greatest games of all time. Join experienced Game Design lecturers Stuart Lilford, Adrian Mills, and David Grant as they venture into the brutal, beautiful, and uncompromising world of Dark Souls.

🚨 Spoiler alert for The Game! We STRONGLY advise you to play before listening.

In this episode, we unpack what Dark Souls really teaches us about game design — and why so many players bounce off it before it finally clicks. We explore how its difficulty, obscure systems, and fragmented storytelling are not accidents, but deliberate design choices that encourage learning, mastery, and community discussion.

We analyse iconic boss encounters like Ornstein and Smough, examine how risk and reward shape player behaviour, and discuss why Dark Souls’ approach to environmental storytelling and level design continues to influence modern games. We also take a critical look at its onboarding, questioning how much friction is productive — and where the game perhaps goes too far.

Featuring feedback from listeners and the verdict: Is Dark Souls a must-play for every designer?

📧 Email us your comments or questions on the game discussed in the next episode at [email protected] 

It's Stuart's turn to choose the game we must play for the next episode. Will it be beloved by all or could it be controversial? You'll have to listen to the end to find out! 👀

Don't forget to subscribe, like, and share! #GameDesign #GamesEveryDesignerShouldPlay #DarkSouls #GameDesignPodcast #FromSoftware #LevelDesign #BossDesign #GameAnalysis

Thank you for tuning in! 🎧✨

We are @ShouldPlayPod on Instagram, Twitter BlueSky, Threads, and YouTube.

=== CREDITS ===

Music by Vasil Trofimov from Pixabay.

Sound Effects by floraphonic from Pixabay.

Thanks to Gary Mitchell for Technical Support

Welcome to a Special Christmas Episode of Games Every Designer Should Play, the podcast that explores the world of game design by analysing some of the greatest games of all time. Join game design lecturers Stuart Lilford, Adrian Mills, and David Grant as they return to Shadow Moses to unpack the legacy of Metal Gear Solid — one of the most influential and idiosyncratic games ever made.

🚨 Spoiler alert for the game! We strongly recommend playing Metal Gear Solid before listening.

In this episode, we explore how Metal Gear Solid blends cinematic storytelling, memorable characters, and inventive stealth mechanics to create a landmark experience. We discuss its iconic boss fights and how they subvert player expectations, the way it famously breaks the fourth wall, and how countless small details — codec calls, animations, sound design, and contextual interactions — elevate the entire experience.

On the critical side, we examine the game’s portrayal of female characters, questioning how well it has aged, and debate whether the second disc adds meaningful tension or feels like unnecessary padding. We also reflect on how its setting, tone, and ambition defined The Rule of Cool.

🎧 Featuring listener feedback and the verdict:
Is Metal Gear Solid still a must-play for every designer?

📧 Email us your comments or questions on the game discussed in the next episode at [email protected]

Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share!
#GameDesign #Podcast #GamesEveryDesignerShouldPlay #MetalGearSolid #StealthGames #NarrativeDesign

Thank you for tuning in — and happy holidays! 🎄🎧✨

We are @ShouldPlayPod on Instagram, Twitter, BlueSky, Threads, and YouTube.

=== CREDITS ===
Music by Vasil Trofimov from Pixabay.
Sound Effects by floraphonic from Pixabay.
Thanks to Gary Mitchell for Technical Support.

Welcome to Episode 14 of 'Games Every Designer Should Play,' the podcast that explores the world of game design by analysing some of the greatest games of all time. Join experienced Game Design lecturers Stuart Lilford, Adrian Mills, and David Grant as they roll into the wacky, colourful world of Katamari Damacy.

🚨 Spoiler alert for The Game! We STRONGLY advise you to play before listening.

In this episode, we discuss how Katamari Damacy nails its core gameplay loop, providing constant feedback and a sense of progression through clever design. We explore its unique game feel — from whimsical sound effects to imaginative art direction — and how its playful mechanics, hidden side-challenges, and subtle depth keep players engaged. Plus, we look at all the extra touches the game affords, like the addition of the snorkel, the item descriptions, and the amazing end-credits level.

Featuring feedback from listeners and the verdict: Is Katamari Damacy a must-play for every designer?

📧 Email us your comments or questions on the game discussed in the next episode at [email protected] 

It's David's turn to choose the game we must play for the next episode. Will it be beloved by all or could it be controversial? You'll have to listen to the end to find out! 👀

Don't forget to subscribe, like, and share! #GameDesign #Podcast #GamesEveryDesignerShouldPlay #KatamariDamacy #IndieGames #GameMechanics #CoreGameplayLoop

Thank you for tuning in! 🎧✨

We are @ShouldPlayPod on Instagram, Twitter BlueSky, Threads, and YouTube.

=== CREDITS ===

Music by Vasil Trofimov from Pixabay.

Sound Effects by floraphonic from Pixabay.

Thanks to Gary Mitchell for Technical Support

Welcome to a Special Bonus Halloween Episode of 'Games Every Designer Should Play,' the podcast that explores the world of game design by analysing some of the greatest games of all time. Join experienced Game Design lecturers Stuart Lilford, Adrian Mills, and David Grant as they discuss Mouthwashing — a visceral indie game that shows us how to tell a powerful narrative.

🚨 Spoiler alert for The Game! We STRONGLY advise you to play before listening.

In this episode, we discuss how Mouthwashing demonstrates the value of starting small, using a compact scope to deliver a focused and memorable experience. We explore how removing player choice can strengthen narrative impact, how environmental storytelling and sharp dialogue build emotional depth, and how leaning into limitations — whether in animation, art style, or level design — can lead to bold creative decisions.

📧 Email us your comments or questions on the game discussed in the next episode at [email protected] 

Don't forget to subscribe, like, and share! #GameDesign #Podcast #GamesEveryDesignerShouldPlay #IndieGames #NarrativeDesign #Mouthwashing

Thank you for tuning in! 🎧✨

We are @ShouldPlayPod on Instagram, Twitter Blue Sky, Threads, and YouTube.

=== CREDITS ===

Music by Vasil Trofimov from Pixabay.

Sound Effects by floraphonic from Pixabay.

Thanks to Gary Mitchell for Technical Support