Archive for the ‘game club’ Category
Podcast: Call of Cthulhu Dark Corners of the Earth Game Club
There is no writer quite like H.P. Lovecraft and there’s definitely not a whole lot of games like Call of Cthulhu: Dark Corners of the Earth. A divisive title that is seen by some a tiresome game of pointless challenges while others revere it as the quintessential horror video game. Fred and Jam delve into the design, development, and campaign of this unique horror title.
Podcast: Donkey Kong 64 Game Club
Donkey Kong 64 has got to be one of the most divisive titles to be released both by Rare and on the Nintendo 64. Depending on how you came to play it, you either love it or hate it. While Jam had tackled this title back when it released, even getting the coveted 101% completion, Fred had never touched it. Thanks to listener Blake (jedislurpee) we played through the game in its entirety and go back to dissect the development, gameplay, and key factors of a title that probably gets more hate than it deserves.
Podcast: The Astyanax or Lord of the Kings
Developer Aicom had a slew of interesting titles in the late 80s and early 90s, one of which was called The Astyanax or Lord of the Kings in Japan. Oddly enough the game also had one of those infamous ports to the NES that changed and extended the original arcade concept, which Fred loved as a kid. In this episode Jam and Fred discuss their discovery of the arcade original and a replay of the Nintendo port.
Podcast: Kingdom Hearts, Part 2
This week we wrap up Squaresoft’s collaboration with Disney in the original Kingdom Hearts. Fred and Jam wrap up the campaign and then bring in guest Fortengard to discuss the secrets, bosses, and lesser known differences between versions.
Podcast: Kingdom Hearts, Part 1
Despite not being able to do a live show, Jam and Fred get together and record a massive introduction to the original Kingdom Hearts. In this first part the two go over the development, gameplay, and presumably first half of the game (they are just past Agrabah by the end of the show). Sorry for the lack of music, there was something off in the audio file that didn’t make it easy to do, so in the interest of time the show was pushed out sans music.
Podcast: Psychic World
This week Jam’s pick was Psychic World. An action platformer originally released on the MSX as Psycho World (it was Japan only), this title received wider regard in the West as a Game Gear title and those in Europe may have also played the Sega Master System version. Fred and Jam dissect the development, gameplay, and version differences between this largely forgotten title by an almost unknown developer.
Podcast: Nier Game Club
In the first game club for the new format Fred, Jam, and guest Fortengard jump into the ambitious world of Nier. Developed by dissolved developer Cavia and published by Square Enix, this is one of the oddest titles to appear last generation. In this episode the hosts dissect the development, campaign, gameplay, and audio/visuals of this divisive cult favorite.
Opening: Snow in Summer
Fishing: Song of the Ancients Fate
Town: Song of the Ancients (Devola)
Open Area: Hills of Radiant Winds
Dungeon: The Wrecked Automatons
Closing: Yona (Piano Version)
Podcast: Jade Empire Game Club
Due to scheduling conflicts, Fred and Jam had to do the Jade Empire game club as a live show and not an extra credit. BioWare’s first console exclusive (temporarily) and intermediary between Knights of the Old Republic and Mass Effect is an interesting combination of gameplay mechanics for the developer. Fred and Jam delve into the development, mechanics, and campaign of Jade Empire, which is probably the most polarizing of BioWare titles.
Extra Credit: Tomb Raider Game Club
Tomb Raider and its infamous heroin, Lara Croft, are a culture phenomenon. While Ms. Croft garnered more attention and mass appeal – both from a gaming and culture standpoint – in the UK rather than the US, it was nearly impossible to live in the late 90s and not know about Tomb Raider. With countless ports and even anAnniversary face lift thanks to now series developer Crystal Dynamics, we delve into the original game once and for all. Join special guest Andy Urquhart along with Fred and Jam as they discuss Lara’s first adventure.
Extra Credit: Condemned Criminal Origins Game Club
What was originally supposed to be this week’s episode because Fred wasn’t going to make the live show, is now faithfully back to a game club. That’s why this show seems to start suddenly, because there was a pre-show explaining the circumstance that no longer exists. Either way, Fred and Jam tackle Sega and Monolith’s launch window 360 title about fighting bums, investigating crimes, and going insane.
Gaming History 101 