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Chad Garvin boosted:

Meal-Morial Madness 2025 : Mission Complete

Six years! I cannot believe it’s been that long, but we’re still here because of events like this year. Every year we go in facing some amount of uncertainty about whether or not the event will be as successful as years past.

This year in particular, I think we are all facing higher prices and having to look at our budgets a bit closer. And those in need are hit harder than ever with funding cuts compounded with higher prices. But you showed up, and you helped many in need.

Every year we like to share statistics about the event. This year we raised $9,870.00 for Feeding America, making it our second-highest fundraiser.

286 individual donations
Median donation amount of $20
- Up from $10 last year!
~87 donors
- Tiltify doesn’t distinguish between anonymous donations this year, so that’s a rough guesstimate based on username. There were 42 donations with no username or email, so the number is likely higher.
36+ games
69 unique chatters on Twitch (nice!)
Our highest watch time on Twitch. Nearly 2x higher than it has ever been
28 volunteers
- 7 NEW volunteers
<$7,000 away from taking the # 1 spot for Team Fundraiser on Tiltify (NEXT YEAR?!)
Only 2 network issues where the stream went out for a bit

We’ve been asking for help early in the year every year, and we’re thrilled to say that we were able to add seven new volunteers to our team (and we hope they’ll be back next year!). We want this event to be a success for years to come, so we’re incredibly grateful for the support we receive. If you’re interested in helping out with the event, please follow us on social media, join our Discord server, or send us an email at events@4score7pongs.com. We (by we I mean Jess who rocked it by herself this year) really need some help with our social media next year, so if that sounds like something you’d be up for, please let us know!

Words cannot express my gratitude for everyone’s generosity for this event. It brings me hope that together we can make change for the better, at least one step at a time. Thank you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. We will continue doing this as long as you keep showing up.

If you were unable to see who made this event possible, we’ve included our closing credits video here. Please enjoy. And we’ll see you next year.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1PQqkfeUX8

And before you ask, we’ll get the VODs up in the coming weeks (or months) so you can watch any moments you missed. The prize team will be reaching out to winners soon.

Eternally Grateful,
Jared “jarbochov” Cherup

#charity #mealmorialmadness

Meal-Morial Madness 2025 by the numbers.

Meal-Morial Madness is heading into the final 12 hours! I’m playing Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance in half an hour, at 11:30 a.m. EDT. Stop by and hang out as we push to reach our milestones raising money for Feeding America https://twitch.tv/4score7pongs

With food prices going up, workers losing their jobs, and reductions in government funding, food assistance programs need our help more than ever.

On May 24-25, I'm participating in Meal-Morial Madness, a two-day gaming marathon raising money for Feeding America. https://youtu.be/CmAWz7Tsr3g?si=sStv5SV1zslitWFN

This weekend, I'm participating in @4score7pongs‘s Meal-Morial Madness, an annual video game marathon raising money for Feeding America. I'll be cleaning games, playing Fire Emblem, narrating Slay the Princess, and more! You can watch live starting at 10 a.m EDT on Saturday at https://4score7pongs.com/mmm or https://twitch.tv/4score7pongs. You can even donate during the two-day event for a chance to win prizes. I’d love to have you stop by and say hello!

Meal-Morial Madness, our gaming-for-charity marathon, is happening 3 weeks from today! I'm going live on Twitch now to practice one of my games that I'll be playing during the show. Let's Slay the Princess! https://twitch.tv/SirChadlyOC

@tom when I need a quick fix and don’t have time to look for new stuff, my go-to is comeonandsl.am

#JustbeatIt Wildfrost has gotta be the hardest roguelike deck builder I’ve ever played. It feels like starting Slay the Spire on Ascension 5 and gets significantly harder after the first win. It’s a shame that its difficulty makes it inaccessible to all but the true sickos because it has fun turn-based mechanics like moving fighters around two battle lanes, waves of interesting enemies, and granting free discards after a few turns. Easy mode, please! I don’t want to lose 9 out of 10 runs! 4/5

The title screen for Wildfrost, played on an Xbox Series X.

This screenshot shots an example of the gameplay. The player’s fighters are placed in two rows on the left half, where they battle against the enemies on right half. The characters’ actions go off when their countdown timer at the bottom of their card reaches zero. The player can play one card from their hand per turn, which can be used to buff your heroes, attack your enemies, or summon new heroes.

The Victory screen that shows after winning your first run. The main hero card of your run is shown on the left, next to stats and meta progression unlocks. The stats for this run: “Rudge: Snow applied: 73. Damage dealt: 987. Charms gained: 10. Highest damage dealt: 23. Blings from combos: 95. Damage blocked: 42.”

The credits for Wildfrost, which are accessible from the title screen. “Thank you for playing! Will Lewis: Programming & Design. Asaf Gazit: Art & Design. Paul Zimmerman: Music. Felix Barabrino. BetaJester - Controller Support: Adam Clewes-Boyne. Chucklefish: Publishing Team.”

Shogun Showdown is a puzzle-like roguelike deck builder with strategic combat that kinda feels like dancing? Well, maybe slower like chess. …No, it’s like boxing! You’re constantly hopping in and out of enemy range, jabbing, then floating away like a butterfly. The meta progression feels satisfying without being required to complete a run. I #JustBeatIt by winning my first run, but with more “days” (i.e. ascension levels) to continue the challenge, there’s more to explore here. 4/5

This screenshot from Shogun Showdown, played on a Steam Deck, shows the game’s shop. My deck is below, with several cards that have reached their full enhancement limit. For 20 of my 50 coins, I could buy an enhancement to one of my weapons that would increase to cooldown by 1, but would add Perfect Strike, where the attack’s cooldown would instantly recharge if it was used to remove the exact amount of HP the enemy had remaining. The shop also offers other items, enhancements, and permanent upgrades that can be purchased for various currencies.

This screenshot was taken when beating the game. “VICTORY” is displayed, as well as an unlocked achievement that says, “Quest completed — Shogun Slayer: Defeat the Shogun” It also displays the run stats: “New highest day: 1 New best time: 1:06.1 New best turns: 1089 New best combo: 73 New best hits: 30”

This screenshot shows the cutscene that plays after completing your first run. The prohibits is sitting at a campfire, and someone says, “…but of course, it wasn’t over.”

The cutscene continues; “and that was just the beginning…”

#JustBeatIt Defender’s Quest 2 really grew on me. Sure, it’s not as good as the first, but it’s still a great character-building tower defense game. It takes the best parts of DQ1 and leaves room for future enhancements. It’s a miracle this game came out after a 12-year development hell, and it deserves respect and admiration for what it accomplishes. I really enjoyed my time with it. 4/5

A screenshot showing the gameplay of Defender’s Quest II: Mists of Ruin (PC, 2025). Characters are placed in special tower squares where they automatically attack any enemies that pass by their area of attack. The goal is to protect the two home bases.

This screenshot shows the story exposition that occurs between stages. The main protagonist Evni Hunt says, “I will gladly sacrifice the opinion of a CRIMINAL to ensure the job gets done. Do I make myself clear?”

A message from the developers that displays after beating the game. “Thank you for playing Defender’s Quest 2. Making this game has been a long, difficult 12-year journey.”

The scrolling credits that displays after beating Defender’s Quest 2. Patrick McCarthy: Lead game design and balance. Programming. Tool development. Lars Doucet: FortressofDoors.com. Programming. Game, Systems, and UX/UI Design. Art cleanup. Xalavier Nelson, Jr: Co-Lead Development. Narrative Direction and Writing. Anthony Pecorella: Production.

#JustBeatIt Westerado: Double Barreled is a great introduction to sandbox RPGs like Fallout or Skyrim where you have the freedom to do (or kill) whatever you want but without the 60-hour time commitment. You play a revenge-seeking cowboy who is taking on tasks from needy townsfolk to learn clues that will help him identify his brother’s murderer. The genre isn’t for me, but it’s a neat little spaghetti western! 6.5/10

The main menu for Westerado: Double Barreled, played on a Steam Deck. The save file for slot 1 shows that the cowboy protagonist is wearing a blue cowboy hat, a red scarf, a thin black tie, a blue jacket, red pants, and fine pair of boots. He has $29, the time is 4:59, and the map is 143% explored.

The protagonist is standing over the murderer, who is dying of gunshot wounds. The murderer says, “Since the fire, how many- ‘sputter’ How many folks are dead cause you killed ‘em? Fifty?! A HUN’RED?!”

This pixelated scene from the credits shows the black night sky with the halo of a full moon glowing over a dusty, Western valley in various shades of red.

The scrolling credits of Westerado: Double Barreled. The pixelated scenery shows a sunrise cresting in the distance over a dry, mountainous landscape.

#JustBeatIt Defender’s Quest, a personal top-10 all time video game, is a 2012 indie Tower Defense RPG that miraculously just released a sequel against all odds. I could spend a whole podcast episode talking about it. You find and recruit heroes from 6 classes and level them up between clever stages. It perfectly slow-drips new challenges offset by new army improvements. It offers 3 difficulty settings, bonus challenges, and New Game+ mode to squeeze out even more enjoyable content. 💎 5/5

The title screen for Defender’s Quest: Valley of the Forgotten (PC) played on a SteamDeck.

This screenshot shows the Tower Defense gameplay, where 6 heroes are positioned strategically around enemy pathways to protect Azra, the protagonist.

This screenshot shows a scroll that displays after beating the main game. It says, “New Game+ Unlocked! Congratulations! You can now start a new adventure with your old party! Face mutant enemies with new abilities, infuse your equipment with amazing new powers, and stock your library with many new books. Engage in numerous new side-quests with additional cutscenes and story, unlock developer commentary, translate Eztli-Tenoch’s speech, meet new characters, and so much more! Go to the save screen and select NEW GAME+ on your old save slot. You can return to your “regular” game at any time. Continue”

The scrolling credits for Defender’s Quest. “Level Up Labs, LLC Lars Doucet, FortressofDoors.com: Programming, Game Design, Systems Design, Interface Design, Art Cleanup. Anthony Percoella: Game Design, Class Design, Battle Design, Game Balance. James Calvin: Story Design, Cutscenes + Journal, Character Design…”

#JustBeatIt with the good ending live on stream, DuckTales 2 (NES, 1993) improves upon the first game's excellent gameplay by fixing the pogo mechanic. The difficulty is more balanced with more interesting bosses and easier stages, though the castle in Scotland may be the hardest stage in the series. Capcom added some cool concepts, like cake now functions like an energy tank, and cane upgrades can unlock gates and secrets. Kinda weird to spend Scrooge’s hard-earned money on items though. 8.5/10

The ending sequence to DuckTales 2. A small picture shows Scrooge McDuck and his nephews watching as a pirate ship sinks into the sea. The text reads, "The treasures... they all sank into the sea!"

A small picture shows Scrooge McDuck winking at the camera as he takes off his top hat, revealing one of the hidden treasures that was hiding under his hat. The text reads, "That's not all of it! Look, I've got another treasure right here!"

The final ending screen. Scrooge looks happy and has one finger gesturing up. Below that, it says, "Total money $2,697,000 The End."

#JustBeatIt DuckTales is the first of many licensed action platforming bangers that Capcom would become known for. The innovative uses of Scrooge McDuck’s cane keeps the action fresh and interesting. Multiple difficulties, stages, secrets, and endings keep the replay value high. 4/5

P.S. This beat is special to me because I broke this cartridge as an angry young boy. Thankfully, I kept all the pieces, and recently I was able to reassemble it. This is its first beat on its 2nd life.

Scrooge McDuck, and amorphous Duck wearing a red jacket and a black top hat, is jumping for joy as he looks at an open treasure chest filled with gold coins.

A newspaper front page describing Scrooge McDuck’s accomplishments. “DUCK PRESS Scrooge Remains the Richest Duck in World Daring explorer Scrooge McDuck has found the five legendary treasures making him the richest duck in the world. Congratulations! Total money $8,799,000” The accompanying photo shows a bronze metal, which signifies that the game was beaten on Easy mode.

The final ending screen after beating DuckTales (NES, 1989). A picture shows Scrooge McDuck’s top half with his figure gesturing above the text: “Right lads! I couldn’t have done it without you. I really am the richest ducks in the world. End.”

#JustBeatIt Mega Man 2 remains one of the all time best action platformers, especially in 1989. There’s so many memorable moments like dodging Quick Man stage’s lasers, one-shotting Metal Man with his own blade, and discovering that only Bubble Lead can beat Dr. Wily. And I can’t leave out the music! The soundtrack is a paragon of excellence that would transcend beyond the boundaries of video game music. 9/10

The title screen for Mega Man 2 (NES, 1989) played on original hardware on a CRT. A helmetless Mega Man is standing at the ready on top of a skyscraper to the right of the title and text: “NORMAL DIFFICULT PRESS START”

Dr. Wily is on his hands and knees begging Mega Man for his life after his alien illusion was destroyed.

This scene from the credits shows Mega Man, colored in a blue and white getup that resembles Air Man’s power, is walking toward the camera as white snowflakes fall across the entire screen. A picture shows a distant small village in a snowy mountainside while wistful music plays.

The end of the scrolling credits. The text reads, “Thank you for playing… Presented by Capcom, U.S.A.”

#JustBeatIt Super Mario Land (GameBoy, 1989)
🎶“Way back in the day
All you had were three-frame LCD games.
Our journeys had a lack
Of all but travel Scrabble packs!
Yes, NES looked best,
But to put this one next game in context:
It was a milestone year,
Handheld gaming started here!”🎶

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sAtWQ_xn0kI)

The title screen for Super Mario Land (GameBoy, 1989) played on a black Analogue Pocket.

The ending screen for Super Mario Land. Mario and Daisy are running to the right, past the words “Your quest is over-“ An orange cat is visible behind the Analogue Pocket, resting on a plaid blanket on his owner’s lap.

The ending credits for Super Mario Land. A spaceship is flying with occasional clouds. “Producer: G. Yokoi”

The words “THE END” are formed in block letters against a cloudy sky.

FINALLY, a #JustBeatIt on my first encounter with Jank: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (NES, 1989). Cowabunga indeed. This game is so cool except for all the parts that aren’t. A 6/10 that I love despite the immeasurable amount of flaws. Let’s celebrate with a pizza. 🍕

The title screen for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (NES, 1989, Ultra GamesTM) played on original console hooked up to a CRT. PUSH START

A screenshot from the end of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. A portrait of Master Splinter against a red background is left of the white text on a black background that reads, “You defeated Shredder and saved the world. Now, I can turn back to human form.”

Splinter’s portrait has turned into a male human face, and the text now adds the following: “Thanks. You guys have excelled my skills.”

A portrait of April O’Neil’s face against a red background is left of the white text against a black background: “Oh! Splinter is back to his real form. You guys are great! Thanks for your help. Let’s celebrate with a pizza.”

Chad Garvin boosted:

Meal-Morial Madness 2025 Call For Volunteers

We’re thrilled to announce our sixth fundraising event in support of Feeding America.

This year, we’re organizing a two-day marathon of video games, fun, and madness from May 24th to 25th.

We’ve streamlined the volunteer process for those interested in helping out with the event. Head over to our volunteer portal at: https://4score7pongs.com/volunteer. Whether you’d like to stream a game, donate a prize, assist behind the scenes, or contribute in any other way we haven’t thought of, please let us know.

We’ll be sharing more details as we get closer to the event later this year. Stay tuned by following us on your preferred social media platform and bookmarking our website to stay updated with the latest announcements.

#volunteers

I'm playing more Tape to Tape, the roguelite hockey game, live on Twitch! Then probably DuckTales 2 later? https://twitch.tv/SirChadlyOC

I abused the rewind feature on the Nintendo Switch Online service, but I managed to get a #JustBeatIt on Ninja Gaiden (NES, 1989). I’m not a hardcore gamer who can spend weeks mastering notoriously difficult games, so I appreciate using modern tools to experience more than just the first few levels. Thanks to unlimited continues, it’s honestly not TOO BAD except for the final boss and suddenly spawning enemies that knock you midjump into a pit. The art and storytelling were groundbreaking. 7/10

A screenshot from the NES application on the Nintendo Switch Online Service, which is playing Ninja Gaiden (1989, NES). The ninja protagonist, Ryu Hayabusa, is standing on a rock my mountain top looking far off into the distance across the horizon at a castle on top of a taller mountain.

The sinister antagonist, Jaquio, is looking down at the camera in a darkly lit room. He says, “Have a nice day.”

The beginning of the final credits staff roll of Ninja Gaiden.

The final ending screen that displays after beating Ninja Gaiden. “THE END Thank you for playing. And see you next. TECMO”

#JustBeatIt Tape to Tape asks, what if EA Sports NHL 94 was a roguelite? This indie sports game nails the solid old-school hockey gameplay and adds roguelite elements and meta progression like branching paths, earning new artefacts and talents to improve your run, unlocking new players and power ups, and buying permanent upgrades. 9/10

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