For fans of retro video games and hilarious commentary, the NADDpod 8 Bit Book Club is a must-listen podcast. Hosted by the talented crew behind Not Another D&D Podcast (NADDpod), the 8 Bit Book Club brings together the worlds of old-school gaming and literary reviews. In this unique show, the hosts dive into the weird and wonderful world of video game novels, dissecting books based on classic titles like Super Mario Bros., Sonic the Hedgehog, and even obscure games you might have forgotten.
If you’re looking for a mix of humor, nostalgia, and insightful critiques of retro gaming books, the NADDpod 8 Bit Book Club is the perfect podcast to add to your playlist. Let’s take a deeper look at what makes this show so special, and why it has become a favorite among both gamers and book lovers.
You may also read: Cineprint 35 Free Download: How to Get This Plugin for Free
What is NADDpod 8 Bit Book Club?
The 8 Bit Book Club is a podcast series where the hosts read, review, and hilariously critique old novels based on classic video games. These often-overlooked books—many of which were released during the height of the gaming craze in the late 80s and 90s—are packed with bizarre plots, cheesy dialogue, and strange character adaptations. The NADDpod crew, consisting of Brian Murphy, Emily Axford, and Caldwell Tanner, brings their signature humor and dynamic chemistry to every episode, making each book review both entertaining and insightful.
Whether it’s reading through a cheesy Legend of Zelda novel or a clunky adaptation of Metroid, the 8 Bit Book Club podcast offers a nostalgic trip through video game history, with a unique literary twist. It’s not just a podcast for readers—gamers will also appreciate the deep dives into the stories behind their favorite childhood video games.
The Hosts: Dynamic Chemistry and Hilarious Commentary
One of the highlights of the NADDpod 8 Bit Book Club is the incredible chemistry between the hosts. Brian Murphy (Murph), Emily Axford, and Caldwell Tanner are no strangers to podcasting, having already built a massive following through NADDpod. Their lighthearted banter and natural comedic timing make even the most lackluster books feel like an enjoyable adventure.
- Brian Murphy: Often acting as the “straight man” of the trio, Murph’s dry wit and deadpan humor bring balance to the wild discussions about video game novels. His deep knowledge of retro games also helps ground the more absurd elements of the books.
- Emily Axford: Emily brings a lively, irreverent energy to the show, often pointing out the oddities and inconsistencies in the book plots. Her sarcastic commentary and laugh-out-loud jokes keep listeners engaged throughout the episodes.
- Caldwell Tanner: As the creative artist and illustrator of the group, Caldwell adds a unique visual perspective to the podcast. His love for all things nerdy comes through in every discussion, especially when they cover some of the weirder, more obscure video game novels.
Together, they make the 8 Bit Book Club not just a review podcast, but an ongoing comedic exploration of how bizarre retro video game adaptations can be.
What to Expect from 8 Bit Book Club Episodes
Each episode of the NADDpod 8 Bit Book Club follows a consistent format. The hosts begin by introducing the book they’ll be discussing, often giving some background on the video game that inspired it. From there, they dive into the plot—if you can call it that—of the book, sharing excerpts, poking fun at the writing, and marveling at how far video game novels have come.
Here are some notable aspects you can expect in an episode:
- Retro Game Novels: The show covers a wide range of video game novels, from popular franchises like Mario and Sonic to lesser-known games like Mega Man and EarthBound. The focus is usually on older novels from the 80s and 90s, many of which were marketed towards young gamers.
- Humorous Critiques: The podcast’s charm lies in its ability to make even the most poorly written books enjoyable through the hosts’ commentary. Whether they’re reading over-the-top action scenes or hilariously cringeworthy dialogue, the hosts never miss an opportunity to crack a joke.
- Nostalgic Discussions: Beyond just reviewing the books, the hosts frequently discuss their own experiences with the video games the novels are based on. This adds an extra layer of nostalgia for listeners who grew up playing these games.
Notable Episodes of NADDpod 8 Bit Book Club
With a library of episodes covering a range of retro gaming books, there are a few standout episodes that every fan of NADDpod or video games should listen to:
- Super Mario Bros.: The Novelization: In this episode, the hosts tackle the bizarre novel adaptation of Super Mario Bros. Here, the hosts marvel at how a game with such a simple plot—plumber saves princess from giant turtle—was turned into an elaborate story filled with strange characters and unnecessary subplots.
- The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past: Based on one of the most beloved games of all time, this episode looks at how the Zelda franchise translated into novel form. Spoiler alert: not very well, but the hilarious breakdown of the book makes it one of the most memorable episodes.
- Sonic the Hedgehog: Fortress of Fear: Fans of Sonic the Hedgehog will love this episode, where the hosts critique an adventure novel about Sonic taking on Dr. Robotnik. With a mix of action and absurdity, this episode captures the chaos of Sonic’s world perfectly.
Why You Should Listen to NADDpod 8 Bit Book Club
If you’re a fan of video games, retro culture, or comedy podcasts, the NADDpod 8 Bit Book Club is definitely worth your time. It offers a fresh, comedic take on both video game adaptations and old-school gaming culture. Plus, the hosts’ engaging chemistry makes each episode feel like a casual conversation with friends about the most ridiculous aspects of video game history.
For NADDpod fans, this podcast is a great extension of the humor and personality they’ve come to love. The 8 Bit Book Club is an enjoyable way to relive the golden age of video games while discovering the hidden gems (and hilarious failures) of video game novels. Whether you’re familiar with the books or not, the banter between the hosts is sure to keep you entertained.
FAQs
What is the NADDpod 8 Bit Book Club about?
Where can I listen to NADDpod 8 Bit Book Club episodes?
Who are the hosts of NADDpod 8 Bit Book Club?
Which video game novels does NADDpod 8 Bit Book Club cover?
Is the NADDpod 8 Bit Book Club connected to Not Another D&D Podcast?
What are the funniest episodes of the NADDpod 8 Bit Book Club?
