Nintendo Country Christmas

We truly appreciate all the awesome calls and support from you guys over the past year. We hope you love this episode as we had a blast putting it together for you.

So Happy Holidays from us dudes and we'll see you next year!

-Dude Michael

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Battletoads & Double Dragon

Dudes and Hosers abound! It's the crossover of the century featuring the podcast rivalry that has listeners buzzing.

The Dudes meet up this week with the guys over at Genesis Gems to hash out their differences and talk about the crossover game Battletoads and Double Dragon. They may have been tricked to get there but it certainly ended up being worth it.

In this episode one of the greatest Beat 'em ups is discussed. Trust the Dudes, you do not want to miss this episode.

Now, take off!!

Not really, please stay and listen.

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Ninja Gaiden

Hiyah! Watch out for that ninja attack! The Dudes return from a trip to the ninjutsu class at ITT Tech with the task of playing Ninja Gaiden.

All they have to do is beat the game in order to earn their quadruple black belt. Unfortunately, that's not going to happen this week. They do however podcast about this hotly anticipated game.

This game was highly requested by the D-Padders in the new poll that is available to determine which games the Dudes should cover next. You can visit that poll HERE and make your requests known.

So sit back, relax, and listen as the dudes vent their frustrations and share their love for this game. Somehow they managed to refrain from cursing on air. Family friendly you know.

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Swamp Thing

Into the Green! The dudes find themselves in another world this week and with them are the guys from the Comic Nerds Unite Podcast. While in the Green the Dudes and Comic Nerds decide to play a little Swamp Thing for the NES and read some Swamp Thing comics. (Because what else would you do in a metaphysical swamp)

While in the Green the guys decide to record not one but two podcasts, so after listening to this episode, you should go over to the Comic Nerds Unite podcast and hear the Dudes there.

Swamp Thing Nerds Unite! The Dudes are invaded in the green by Marc and Tim of the Comic Nerds Unite podcast to talk about Swamp Thing.

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Happy Thanksgiving

This week the Dudes take a break from talking NES games to talk about what NES aspects they are most thankful for. They also talk many stories from their past that may or may not involve Turkey Day (Most do not).

The Dudes also listen to several phone calls from listeners.

So as you're sitting there wallowing in your turkey coma today, listen to a little 2 Dudes Thanksgiving episode or a few of your past favorites.

Game on and Eat on!

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Bubble Bobble

Michael has some new pets. Two little dinosaur dragon dudes. Unfortunately, they like to eat Cascade and blow bubbles. Those bubbles then in turn trap things and kill them. Nasty bubbles they are. Our old friend Soundboard Mario is no more thanks to those dastardly bubbles, but you'll have to listen to the episode to find out how it happens.

Join the dudes in discussing this great game. Bubble Bobble was one of Justin's favorite games growing up. It was rented from the trailer many times. Michael has played it a ton growing up too. Expect a lot of good nostalgia and love for this game. Enjoy!

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Little Nemo: The Dream Master

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz... huh? Oh, you woke us up. We were trying to play some Little Nemo: The Dream Master with Dude Jay.

As long as you're here, why not take the time to listen to us talk about this wacky game from Capcom based on a really old comic strip (1905!). We hit up a few tangents, but basically stay on track this time.

Oh! And Michael blows through another worthy opponent in the "Justin's Historical Tidbits and Trivia" Quiz Show!

Michael's Quiz Record: 4 Wins - 2 Losses

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Super Dodge Ball

LOOKOUT!!! Whew, that one barely missed you!

This week the dudes take on each other in a game of dodge ball. Well, not really but they do play Super Dodge Ball for the NES. The Dudes also share many childhood stories about both dodge ball and broken collar bones.

Super Dodge Ball is a classic and at times overlooked game in the NES library. The dudes dive into the many components of this NES classic with an Olympics and Saved by the Bell feel (huh? Listen and find out).

While Super Dodge Ball may not have won the attention of many, it found it's way into the Dudes home and they will tell you all about it and whether this is a solid pick up.

Happy Listening!

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Friday the 13th

Guess what? Halloween episode! Bet you guys saw this one coming.

The Dudes screw up this week and use up their Friday the 13th game on a day not labeled Friday the 13th... Oh well, at least it is Friday.

Now the big question on the table is whether this game is any count. Here's a hint: It's made by LJN.

*SPOILERS* Michael and Justin aren't huge fans of this one. However, it is still a great episode (the dud games usually are) and we hope you enjoy it. Does this game really live up to its hype of being terribly awful?

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Shovel Knight

Bo bo bo bonus episode!!!! The Dudes gather together round the fire with some other dudes and talk about the NES classic... Shovel Knight. Oh wait! This isn't a classic NES game. It's a new game. Why would the Dudes be talking about this one?

Shovel Knight might be a new game, but it's brimming over with classic NES nostalgia. Much like the 2 Dudes and a NES podcast, Shovel Knight is a true love letter to the Nintendo Entertainment System. Justin and Michael truly feel like it needs to be talked about. Well, Justin hasn't actually played it yet, but that's why the Dudes brought on some guests. Nick Stephens (NES Podcast, Genesis Gems) and Rob McCalllum (Nintendo Quest) help flesh out this awesome discussion of Shovel Knight.

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Kid Icarus

This week the dudes get their mythology on with Kid Icarus. Kid Icarus was a famous game that was brought into the gaming world by none other that Nintendo's R&D 1. Much like other games brought to the NES from R&D 1 (ahem.... Metroid), Kid Icarus brings a lot of fun, frustration and ultimately enjoyment.

In the show the guys talk about their experiences playing this game and their many frustrations. They also bring in many tangents as usual. The show also features a few embarrassing moments, that the listener will enjoy.

There is also a quiz game that puts Justin on the spot this time , with horrible results. The Dudes love talking this NES classic and we hope that you enjoy the show as much.

Happy listening

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Dude Story: An NES Bromance

Have you ever wanted to know the story of how Justin and Michael met? Or how their relationship flourished? No? Really??

Well, the dudes are going to tell you anyway. Michael is in the process of moving and has all of his NES stuff packed away. No games to play. No accessories with which to tinker. But instead of skipping this week's episode, the dudes have decided to record an episode about mostly nothing. Enjoy!

Want to hear an episode about an NES game? Try one of these gems... TMNT, Mega Man, Contra, Startropics, or Deadly Towers!

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Startropics

The Dudes are joined this week by honorary Dude Hickman. The three dudes discuss the obscure (yes, Aaron Hickman is a fan of the obscure, like his podcast) game StarTropics.

StarTropics is a game that for those that experienced it, was loved. What's not to love? Yo-yos? Awesome. Baseball equipment used as weapons? Again, Awesome. Plus the game carries with it a fun time that is reminiscent of Zelda. Although Dude Justin had to make an early exit this week, Dude Michael and Dude Hickman dive deep into the game.

Other than talk about the game, the Dudes cover several topics and hilarity ensues. Also Michael takes on Dude Hickman in another round of historical tidbits and trivia quiz game.

Michael's Quiz Record: 3Wins - 2Losses

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Batman

Dudes are vengeance. Dudes are the night. Dudes are... talking about BATMAN!

The dudes are joined this episode by Rob Luther of many podcasts fame (Turtle Flakes, Genesis Gems, The Retro Junkies Super Show, etc.) and he really helps Michael out in the quest department. He also cheats at quizzes... hoser.

BATMAN is a beloved game by many a D-Padder and it's surprising that it hasn't been recommended yet. Nevertheless, the dudes take it upon themselves to bring a ton of great dialog about this game. Be sure and give this show a listen this week if you are a fan of the game or if you have never played it. You are guaranteed to want to give it a go afterwards.

Michael's Quiz Record: 2Wins - 2Losses

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Mega Man

The Dudes may not have been on their A game when it came time to do the episode on Faxanadu but they attempt to redeem themselves this week as they review one of the more famous games for the NES. And redeem, the Dudes do, as they talk about this all time great.

Mega Man holds a spot in all NES fans' hearts. As one of the first side scrolling shooters with graphics that were impressive for the NES, Mega Man has become one of the most beloved games in history. This also sparked one of the most successful gaming franchises of all time.

If you have been a 2 Dudes fan or just now finding them, this show is a must listen. Joining the Dudes this week is Rob Maher who designed a game that definitely has drawn influences from Mega Man.

Want to know more? Want to learn more about Mega Man or at least hear some Dudes talk about? Do yourself a favor and give this episode a listen.

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Faxanadu

With a game library as massive as the NES, there will come a time when the Dudes discuss a game that not even they are experts on. Never fear! The Dudes search far and wide to bring in others that know the game well so that the listeners will not suffer (we think).

This week the Dudes talk about the RPG Faxanadu and they bring in special guest Aron Robison to help them out. Aron is a Faxanadu Guru and he sits down to talk with the Dudes about this game. While the Dudes have never got to the end of this game, Aron has and he tells us about the last time he beat the game.

While being a more obscure NES title, Faxanadu had some fame in its time. It was one of the early RPG's and it had a place on Nintendo Power's top 30 games for some time. For more on this game, give the Dudes a chance and have a listen.

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Tecmo Bowl

'Tis the season... the football season. Football season is underway and the dudes can't think of a better way to kickoff (get it?) this time of the year than with a discussion about Tecmo Bowl. Tecmo Bowl is hands down one of the greatest football games to ever come out on any system. Be sure and listen to the dudes gush about it for a solid 70 minute run time.

Well, they don't talk about Tecmo Bowl the whole time actually. Pay close attention as Michael and Justin also talk a little bit about general football (a subject in which Michael is not well versed) and rental stores. They also talk about the adult section of said rental stores (Oh no! Family friendly tarnished again?). Near the end, the dudes discuss some general podcast news and friends south of the border, so stick around for the whole thing.

Apologies to any D-Padders hoping to hear from Paul "Sweet" of Retro Obscura as technical difficulties prevented him from being on the show for more than 10 seconds. Apologies to Paul too while we're at it. Sometimes those darn computer thingies just don't act right. Just listen to an episode or two of Michael and Justin's old show "Retro Thought Pod" and you'll know that these guys are prone to technical hiccups.

Technical issues aside, this might be one of the best episodes yet. A great game and plenty of humor sprinkled into several tangents. Hope you enjoy!

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Mike Tyson's Punch-Out!!

The dudes return this week with a classic that has been the most requested game among the listeners. That's right, the Dudes are finally going to talk about Mike Tyson's Punch Out.

Joining the dudes this week is a long time friend and Punch Out guru John. John wrote the article for the website regarding Punch Out called the Ten Count. This is suggested reading to go along with this week's show.

The dude's go a little long this week as they go through each frighter individually and leave very little out in this weeks' game discussion. Plus, this game has a few Japanese names for Justin to butcher, as well as multiple stories of Michael finding the cart, as he has several copies of this game (what better game to have multiple copies of right?).

We hope you enjoy this week's show and the Dudes went all out in this week's episode to try not to disappoint.

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Power Punch II

This week the dudes discuss a famous boxing game. However, this game is more famous for what is was not rather than for what it was.

Power Punch II was to be a follow up to the famous Mike Tyson's Punch Out. However, due to some legal troubles, discussed in the show, Nintendo pulled the plug on using Mike Tyson. Nintendo also outsourced the game leading to poor quality from a company that understood cricket more than the sweet science.

This week's episode has a little of everything being that this game does no have much to offer. We hope you enjoy and are not grossed out too much.

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Top 5 Jobs Held by Mario

There is no other character that signifies Nintendo than Mario. Mario has been the signature character (Hero) for the company from the early days. However, throughout that time, Mario has worn many hats, as one might say. He has carried many different jobs, and his success varies from job to job.

This week, in the 25th installment (hold your applause please) of 2 Dudes and a NES, the Dudes take a break from the game by game style to talk about the top five jobs held by the beloved Mario. The Dudes talk a little history of the creation of Mario as well as some of the roles (acting?) that Mario has taken over the years.

We can only imagine where the NES would be without the Italian plumber/doctor/demolition worker/too many other things to list. But we know Nintendo would certainly not be the same without him.

Happy Listening

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Cobra Triangle

The Dudes sit down to talk about a more known Rare title this week in Cobra Triangle. The Dudes also have a special guest in this week's show, Michael's younger brother Matthew.

Cobra Triangle is an isometric (Justin now knows what that means in video game talk) action boat game. This game features many different courses that give the gamer many challenging tasks as well as some obscure ones.

Conra Triangle is a classic that the Dudes enjoy playing and discussing. Stick around for the end of the show and the Dudes even discuss the new disney show Girl Meets World.

Happy listening!

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Anticipation

Through the years many video games have been inspired by board games. However what about a board game solely created for a video game system? Leave it to the guys at Rare to be innovative and bring the board game to the NES, but they went a step further with the creation of Anticipation "Nintendo's first video board game."

The Dudes sit down to talk about Anticipation this week a little. We must say a little because there is plenty of tangent talking in this episode. But how can you blame the Dudes? I mean, talk for an hour about just anticipation? Impossible.

After starting off on a bad foot due to a lame joke made by Justin and Michael deservedly giving him the silent treatment for it, the Dudes get right to the heart of Anticipation, board games, ridiculous reviews and much more.

While this is a lesser known NES title that you may not have experience with, the Dudes put on a great show for the listeners.

Thanks for listening.

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Wrecking Crew

This week the Dudes dive into a Nintendo black box classic in Wrecking Crew. Brought to the NES by the famous Nintendo R&D1 crew, Wrecking crew brought an old school arcade feel directly into the living rooms of many.

Wrecking Crew is one of the earliest games that Mario, Luigi and perhaps Wario make an appearance. The Dudes speculate that there was either a furlough in the plumbers' union or a strike that lead to the need for Mario and Luigi to explore the field of demolition. Despite the career turn for the Italian plumbers, Wrecking Crew makes for an entertaining play.

The Dudes enjoy this early Nintendo classic and hope you do as well. This was a fun podcast for the Dudes and hope the fun continues in your ears!

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Bucky O' Hare

This week the Dudes sit down to talk some Bucky O'Hare. Made from the slightly darker comic book series and early 90's television show, Konami released this NES classic that came to be popular due to it's many levels and Mega Man-esque fun.

The Dudes discuss their favorite planets, characters and bosses from this classic and currently valuable NES game.

The Dudes as usual go on to discuss several tangents including nomenclature for male and female rabbits, type of rabbits and how the name Bucky O'Hare relates.

If you are a fan of the short lived early 90's television show or only came across this character through the classic NES game you will enjoy this week's edition of 2 Dudes and a NES.

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Maniac Mansion

Certainly one of the more bizarre and beloved games the Dudes have discussed, is this 1987 Lucasfilms Games classic. Maniac Mansion was ported to the NES in 1990 with a few infamous changes.

The Dudes dive into the history of this game including the changes Nintendo forced upon the designers in order to get the game published (and one that made it through at first).

This game infuses comedy and B grade horror film themes in the game that the Dudes certainly appreciate and sure the listeners do as well.

While the game had an almost cult like following, not unlike a possible B grade horror inspiration to this game, Rocky Horror Picture Show, the game holds a place in the hearts of many retro gamers.

Happy Listening

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Bad Dudes

Are the Dudes bad enough Dudes to talk about a game featuring a couple of Bad Dudes? You Bet!!

This week the Dudes talk about the quintessential 80's game Bad Dudes. And they promise to not make too many burger references.

While the game Bad Dudes may not win an awards for being one of the best games of all time, it holds a special place in the hearts of those remember the glory days of the 80's. Really there is nothing more 80's than a couple bad dudes in sleeveless shirts kicking some ninja tail to save the President of the United States. Plus, who wouldnt answer this call of duty?! Certainly not a couple of bad dudes.

The NES Dudes really had a great time discussing Bad Dudes. We hope you will as well.

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Short Order / Eggsplode

The Dudes not only talk about TWO games this week but also throw in an accessory as well. Well, the game was technically two games in one cart but hey it's all the same, right?

The Power Pad is quite possibly the most under utilized accessory for the NES. While the premise of the Power Pad was awesome and worked great there were not a lot of games that were developed for it. The Dudes discuss this justice to the much cooler Grandfather to the Dance Dance Revolution pad.

One of the few games that was developed for the Power Pad was the combo arcade style games from the only company to develop such a game outside of Bandai, Tose (Not Toast). This game was a lot of fun and served as a great party game.

This was a fun play and talk for the Dudes and we hope you enjoy it as well.

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Deadly Towers

When the Dudes said they intended on playing the good, the bad and the ugly on the NES, they were not kidding. This game comes from the gallows of the bad game repertoire.

Deadly Towers was brought to the NES from Japan by the company made more famous by their edutainment games, Broderbund. Perhaps they should have stuck to what they did best. As an action adventure game this one just did not stand up to the quality of other games of the times like Zelda and Wizards and Warriors.

While the Dudes may not have preferred this game to the many other great games that the NES has to offer, they had a great time discussing it.

Happy listening.

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Raid On Bungeling Bay

Man, that box art sure is creepy……

The dudes reach into obscurity this week to pull out a little known or talked about game out of the NES vault. While most, (sans one sporting a ginger colored beard that may be awesome) have not heard of this game, the dudes hope to bring it into your NES experience.

The game has an awesome premise, being that you are a lone fighter against an empire that is trying to build up and take over the world. Oh, and these folks happen to go by the name bungeling…… whatever that means.

The dudes had a great time playing and reviewing this game. While the game itself might not have seen a lot of fame,the game franchise that was formed from the creator, in part inspired by the creation of this game, was one of the most popular gaming franchises of all time. The dudes hope you enjoy listening to this episode and maybe you become inspired to play this little known title.

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Jaws

Jaws… the one NES game that has consumed more of the dudes’ collective time than any other game. Why didn’t they spend their wonder years playing co-op Contra? Why didn’t they compete in some intense high score competitions with Donkey Kong? Who knows. Maybe if they knew what they were doing they would have spent less time on it.

However, Jaws holds a place in the dudes’ legacy whether it is a good game or not. Be sure and listen to this week’s episode as Justin and Michael discuss their praises and complaints with Jaws.

Also, be sure and stick around as they try and defend themselves against a 2-star review on iTunes, talk Facebook feedback, and reveal the winners of the review contest.

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Contra

Hold on the dudes are pumping some iron getting ready to bust out of their shirts to talk about the quintessential ’80′s game Contra.

Joining the dudes to talk about one of the most famous and loved games for the NES is Nick Stephens from the NES Podcast on the Retro Junkies Network. Nick was chomping at the bit to talk about this game mainly because he is a dude proclaimed expert for Contra.(I mean he beat it without the Contra Code for crying out loud)

The dudes talk about all things Contra in this bandana wearing, shirtless run and gun episode of 2 Dudes and a NES. We hope you enjoy listening to it as much as we did recording it.

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Metroid

The Dudes were delighted this week to have yet another real life guest on our show! They talk about one of the best NES games to come out on the system… Metroid!

This one was requested by a listener, but the Dudes have been itching to talk about it since the inception of this show. Metroid has one of the most storied histories of all the NES games. Plus, it’s a whole lot of fun to play. The music is so creepy that some might call it a survivor horror game. Inspired by Alien, it is easy to see some of the similarities between them.

Metroid is an incredible game that set the standard for a lot of games to follow it. It makes you wonder why so few Metroid games have been made while Samus is such a loved character. Guess absence really does make the heart grow fonder. Anyway, enjoy this episode. We know the Dudes did!

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A Boy and His Blob

The 2 Dudes really out do themselves on this one. They actually have a real live guest who is very accommodating, unlike that nutty Mario. David Crane sits down with the Dudes for an exclusive interview about his days as a video game programmer in the early days and his experience creating and designing A Boy and His Blob. If you listen to any 2 Dudes show, this would be the one to catch. But you should pr0bably listen to all of them.

After the interview with David Crane the 2 Dudes try to salvage a show, but due to the excitement get a little side tracked at times. The Dudes also award themselves a pretty prestigious award for a great podcast.

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Secrets/Easter Eggs

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Kabuki Quantum Fighter

This looks like a weird game. And what is a kabuki anyway?

Join the 2 Dudes as they discuss by far the weirdest game to be discussed on the show. If you like futuristic games where ancient Japanese dance art is a vital component to success, you will like this game. Plus how many games can you use hair as a weapon?

Despite an interruption by a surprise guest the 2 Dudes discuss the awesome and down right hilarious parts of this game and go off on several tangents in the process. (Ahem....Justin) From the graphics, design and certainly original story, the Dudes discuss it all. Plus toward the end they tease about a special project that is in the works in the laboratory of the 2 dudes.

In a show that both Dudes feel may be their best yet, you will find plenty of laughs, information and down right fun. Listen and Enjoy

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Metal Gear

Be sneaky... very very sneaky...

The dudes try and sneak into your subconscious and talk about some Metal Gear this week. If you're listening via ear buds, you better watch out.

Metal Gear is a very unique experience on the NES. There isn't another game on the system quite like it. Does that mean that it's amazing and one of the best games to ever grace the system? Vladimir Putin might say yes, but the dudes... well they might think otherwise. Listen to find out what the NES dudes think about this game and why they are making references to Vladimir Putin in addition to Tom Arnold.

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