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Sacred Symbols+, #405 | When Grief Is Hijacked

🕑 Added 2024-09-14 16:00:08 +0000 UTC

Comments

Cyprus Davis

Late listening to this, but wow this was such a great conversation. Abubakar Salim is a delight. Wasn’t planning on playing Tales of Kenzera: Zau, but after listening to this I’m for sure picking it up.

Lucas Hixon

I’m late to commenting on this post, but I listened right when it dropped, and thought this was a great conversation! Abubakar’s comments on how he interpreted grief as a sort of Metroidvania was super interesting, and cool how that was how he approached developing the game. I picked the game up right after listening and I can’t wait to play it.

Jason Little

Very thoughtful and interesting interview. Well done!

Benjamin Pope

Great interview! Abubakar seems like a super cool and down to earth guy. Hopefully he can come back on the show sometime!

Steve Gray

What a great interview, I was on the fence about checking out the game but will definitely give it a go now! I would love to see Abubakar come back on the show, well done Colin

Luke Oliveto

I remember Deathloop being called "woke" because you play as a black guy in it. These people simply can't be reasoned with

Anthony Palerino

Im looking forward to checking this out sometime soon! Hope to see Insurgent continue with a new project in the next few years.

Elliott Morgan

Really good to hear nuanced conversation. The game is great btw!

Kevin Cooper

A well-spoken interview on both sides, and I appreciate that. But it felt like Abubakar dodged the question as to what Sweet Baby Inc actually consulted on in the game -- whether intentionally or unintentionally.

Fotis Lyto

I am sad that Zau was cough on this, the game doesn't deserve it, however every game that has had sweet baby inc in it has been worse for it and had always had the same shit stink on it, on some games less (GoW ragnarok) and on some more (ssktjl) but always that stink. They have been such a bane on gaming that people went scorched earth with them and zau was caught on the crosshairs. However I don't know why they even had to work with them to be honest. It is an unfortunate situation.

Mykal

Excellent conversation. I bought this game because of Colin and also got the platinum. Had a great time with it and enjoyed the story 🙏🏻

Tim Leibfritz

Abubakar is so cool. I loved Raised By Wolves and he was the best part. He was great on KF but I'd much rather hear him with Colin. I hope he comes back!

Alec Davis

If this guy wants some sort of vindication, he should make a strong sophomore attempt

Pauly Twos

If only there were a way for you to find out for sure...

🌊Finna D. Fresh Flow🌊

Awesome interview🔥 Looking forward for a follow up one ❤️ After finishing Astro bot looking forward in trying out this game

Vito Chiaramonte

Nice interview

Casey Cieslikowski

Game looks not bad but just middling and bland.

James

The comparison of metroidvanias and grief is so interesting and cool. Never thought of it like that but after hearing him explain it I totally see the similarities he drew from to make his game.

Yalingo

Doesn't this fit the anti woke narrative of "go make your own characters and stories" though? They didn't take an existing property and race swap characters, they didn't include any lgbt issues and they didn't supplant any opportunities for other games by existing. For the anti woke crowd, isn't this game an example of your own requests of the industry?

Niall Harrison

Just got the game on download , was on ps plus aswell .

Napoleon in Rags

This game was great! I also got the platinum and enjoyed it all the way. Anyone who called this “woke” or pushing an agenda never even played it.

Jose Lopez

Fantastic interview! Shows like these are the reason I support on patreon.

RenegerGraeme

This was fantastic. Listening to Abubakar was really insightful and I’d love to hear more from him. Seems like a really intelligent and fascinating dude. Will definitely be checking out this game and excited to see what Abubakar does next

FourEyes Malone

Great conversation. Really looking forward to the follow up episode!

Christopher Smith

Great interview! I picked up this game on Colin’s recommendation and really loved the game. Would love to see more stories set in Africa that really leans into African culture the way that the yakuza games are unapologetically Japanese.

Ember's Arcade

Abubakar was lovely in this interview. Glad you’re shining a light on this game, Colin.

Umkart

Got it. Those influencers and outlets aren’t typically on my feed. I just haven’t seen it n

Omar Rosa

Awesome interview! I will be buying this game.

Dain

What an empowering yet heartbreaking interview

Dennis

Because this game was connected to SBI and the fact is has an all black cast was enough for a lot of people to dismiss this game. If you check the social pages of all the ''usual anti-woke influencers''. All of them made content about this game, even though there was nothing woke about it. Which can mean just 2 things. At best they didn't do their due diligence, and just assumed this game belonged in the culture war because it's connection to SBI. But were to lazy to actually play it. And at worst they were just being racist, which means anytime they call anything woke it should be called into question.

Michael Limauro

Agree that Kenzera Zau was a unique and great metroidvania. Looking forward to seeing what they do next!

KillwinDie

Oh, it's that guy oh wow, I liked that show. And he's in House of Dragon? I got some TV to watch

Clit Yeastwood (the artist formerly known as Phallic Boldween)

She definitely knows Colin but idk how friendly they are. I know she's chill with Chris tho. I feel like a collaboration could happen if they had reason to.

Gabriel Baker

I wish Alanah would appear on LSM but I doubt it since she’s close to the Kinda Funny and Rooster Teeth crowd. I think she and Colin could have fascinating conversations

Jeremy Tan

Fantastic interview! I’m gonna go check this game out now

Mike R

This was excellent. I already bought the game on Colin’s strong recommendation and to some extent to spite the ignorant haters, but hadn’t gotten to it yet. This discussion was really compelling about the game itself, and I agree that it’s truly sad that it has been tainted with that nonsense. I will move it up on my list and do my best to experience it on its own terms and forget the noise.

Jeece

One of the most productive and interesting sacred symbols + eps in awhile. Well done!

William Harding

Seriously fantastic episode. I loved Abubakar Salim ever since I saw him as Father in Raised By Wolves. He is fantastic in House of the Dragon. I loved the quote about grief and metroidvania games. Please do more interviews like this.

Brett Altmiller

Great episode. I had not heard of the game until Colin mentioned it and after listening to this episode I picked it up on PSN. I can’t wait to get to it! Abubakar’s story and passion really resonated with me. Thanks again!

Clit Yeastwood (the artist formerly known as Phallic Boldween)

Abubakar Salim co-host a monthly podcast on Alanah Preace's YouTube channel, if anyone wants to hear more of this dude. He always has very interesting perspectives & seems really passionate about gaming.

Clit Yeastwood (the artist formerly known as Phallic Boldween)

I agree they should put this out on free feeds. This was a great conversation, & kinda a unique interview for the gaming space these days. Could do some good having this out there for more people to hear.

Hozi

Honestly, this should be out out free feeds as soon as possible. People need to hear this.

Garry

What an amazing show Salim comes across as a really nice guy who is open minded and honest. Downloaded the game and will be playing it tonight. Thanks Colin this was the best interview you’ve done on SS+ especially as he seems willinh to talk about everything he can brilliant man.

Benji_B2sick

Great conversation. So excited at the potential of hearing this guy go in depth on his ideas of about games in the future

Breno Bezerra Bluhm

You are a npc with no actual personal opinion and only used as a tool for cultural warriors.

Kenneth Koepnick

This dude is great.

Tom Gentry

Dude Abubakar…what a beautiful human, this was a very touching episode. It is refreshing to have something that resonates on an emotional level beyond the usual chicanery/humor/nihilism, even when those are always welcome and ever present.

Evan

Loved this. Platinumed the game as well and thought it was a solid Metroidvania. The culture-war non-troversy around the game is ridiculous and I’m sad it got buried in the BS because of disingenuous and misinformed actors.

Jamie Milligan

Downloaded the game because honestly up until you mentioned it about a month ago, I never even heard of it. What a Gem of a metriodvania. And once it goes off Extra, come pay day, I’ll buy it to show my support. People that have been making culture war clickbait videos about this title DEFINITELY have not even played it.

Madsines

Weirdo.

SpectreBull

This might be one of the best episodes of SS+, truly. Loved hearing Abubakar talk about the game and hear his thoughts on the noise that plagues it. Will be buying and playing it once I get my next paycheck.

Dante B

Downloading the game right now.

JoshM

Going to save the last few mins of this till I've beaten Zau, but gotta say this has become one of my favourite episodes of SS+. Just all round great discussion, and exactly what games discourse needs more of. Would be awesome to see Abubakar back at some point!

NeO JD

Solid ep. Glad to see Abubakar is as chill as he seemed. His moment at The Game Awards was touching. Also, he’s dope in HOTD. Hope to see him back for sure.

Jimmy G

Agreed, it would be great to have a developer “war stories” SS+ every quarter or something.

Cameron Sturre

Really loved this episode. Such a great discussion. This has made me interested in picking up the game.

Special Needs Cannon

That was an awesome interview. I’d expect nothing less from SS+

Adam Razak

I really enjoyed listening to Mr. Salim. Metroidvanias aren't usually my thing, but I might have to check this game out.

Directional Joy

Fantastic interview! His description of a ‘parenting rogue’ VG tickled the creative side of my brain. 👏

Noah

No clue how you can listen to this entire episode (which you probably didn’t listen to at all since you commented this) and come to this conclusion of all things. You’re mad over a boogeyman that doesn’t exist.

Jimmy G

It’s too bad that the people who’d get the most out of this interview will be least likely to listen. If you hate Sweet Baby Inc. this is worth your time.

Tyler Andersen

Loved the episode and agree that this game got caught in the crossfire of the culture war unfairly. As much as I liked it I look forward to a more in depth episode about the game and metroidvania's. Abubakar has really interesting thoughts on the level design of his game and I can't wait for you two to explore that more.

Deathspank

Amazing interview. Can't wait till he comes back

Your Boi Nicky V

Awesome actor, and a very friendly guy. Great get Colin.

Umkart

I don’t understand the narrative Colin seems to think is being used by the games and social media against the game. I guess I’ll watch and find out as it has never been clear what his point is.

Bogey

This was good shit man

Logan

Seek help and touch a healthy dose of grass.

Zac Lebeau

Oh my God I saw Colin's eye twitch when Salim laughed about not wanting to play side scrollers forever he has no idea the dangerous waters he was treading in 🤣

Jose

Please stop being exploited by cultural war propagandists who want you to waste your time being obsessed abt DEI. None of this impacts your life. It is a scapegoat and a distraction. Get help.

Noah Teuber

This is one of the best SS+ episodes ever. Such an important, multifaceted discussion. I will absolutely be buying Tales of Kanzera and hope Abubakar returns to the show sooner rather than later!

Diddy’s Dong Quest

Adding this to my backlog. Hope to play it soon :)

Pianopower

You guys are deranged

Noah Friscopp

So good!

Definitely Stephanie

This just makes DEI look cool and good

Rufián

He lied to your face, Colin. British governement site business search: https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/14831091/officers "Bebe Sucre Ltd" from French is "Sugar Baby Ltd" or "Sweet Baby Ltd." One of Bebe Sucre Ltd's directors is Salim, Abubakar Ali - creator of Tales of Kenzera: Zau. Another one of Bebe Sucre Ltd's directors is one Belair, Kimberly Ann...co-founder of Sweet Baby Inc. The game is a SBI creation, born of DEI. Abubakar Salim is one of them. Colin got taken for a ride.

Stevie Walnuts

Best episode of Sacred+ in a long time, always love the interviews. Definitely going to download this game now

Shadi Haddad

The emotional and deeper description about Metroidvanias blew my mind. I'm playing through the new Castlevania collection and this feeling rings so true. They're at their hardest in the beginning and only get more manageable.

ShinyRyuji

He ate the ending 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

Zachary Beach

So…Dustborn spoiler cast with the two of you?

Robbie Agnew

Finally something helpful to put out in the wild!

Trevor Myers

well I have to get this game now

Joe Cross

I'm currently 20 minutes into this conversation and it has me feeling very emotional. It's been years and years of absolutely exhausting culture war conversations in every avenue of life and to hear two people talk in an honest, nuanced way is so refreshing. Can't wait to finish but this is fantastic. Stellar work, Colin.