In the first episode of the Tier 0 Podcast, host Paul Shell, known as TheAstroPub, discusses his experiences with the space simulation game Star Citizen, including his favorite ship, gameplay preferences, and insights on the game’s lore. The episode features a fun segment where Shell competes against AI in a lore quiz, showcasing his extensive knowledge of the game.
In the inaugural episode of the Tier 0 Podcast, host Paul Shell, known as TheAstroPub, engages in a lively discussion about the popular space simulation game Star Citizen. The episode features a series of rapid-fire questions aimed at introducing Shell, who has been a backer of Star Citizen since its early days in 2014. He shares insights into his content creation journey, which includes running a podcast called Captain’s Table and a channel focused on Star Citizen lore, where he delves into the game’s narrative and other sci-fi universes.
Shell discusses his current gaming setup, revealing his PC specifications, which include an Intel i7 CPU and a 2070 Super graphics card, indicating a potential need for an upgrade. He also expresses his favorite ship in the game, the Corsair, and shares his preferred gameplay style, which involves legitimate trading. When asked about the release date for Squadron 42, he speculates on two possible timelines, suggesting it might launch in February 2026 but warns of potential delays, a common occurrence in game development.
The conversation shifts to the contentious topic of Player Versus Environment (PVE) versus Player Versus Player (PVP) gameplay, with Shell cleverly opting for both. He also reveals which job he would take at Cloud Imperium Games (CIG) if given the chance, showcasing his desire to influence the game’s narrative. As the discussion progresses, he shares his thoughts on aspects of Star Citizen that frustrate him, particularly the quantum travel mechanics, which he feels detract from player agency and immersion.
Shell faces a challenge to summarize Star Citizen lore in one minute, successfully covering key historical events and factions within the game universe. He emphasizes the importance of character-driven narratives and how CIG could improve player engagement through relatable mission givers and story arcs. He argues that building connections to characters would enhance the overall experience, drawing parallels to successful franchises like Star Wars and World of Warcraft.
The episode culminates in a fun segment where Shell takes on AI, specifically Google Gemini, in a lore quiz about Star Citizen. He successfully answers a series of questions, often providing more accurate and nuanced responses than the AI, highlighting his deep knowledge of the game’s lore. The podcast wraps up with Shell sharing where listeners can find him online, including his Twitch streams and YouTube channels, as he invites the audience to join him in exploring the vast universe of Star Citizen and beyond.