Archive for the ‘podcast’ Category
Podcast: The Keyboard is the Computer
Microcomputers were a significant part of gaming in the world for the better part of the 80s and early 90s. In the United States, they were more of a hobby at lower price points or only for those willing to shell out large sums. That all changed in 1982 when the Commodore 64 hit the market. In other countries, the C64 was present and significant, but not quite to the degree as in the US. In a time when the console world was crashing, the C64 became the go-to gaming platform for the early to mid 80s. Special guest Eric Bouchard from Everyday Gamers joins Fred to discuss their childhood microcomputer with a plethora of great games.
Podcast: Genre Study of Platformers (Part 1)
This week Fred and Jam begin to tackle the evolution of genres. One of the biggest and earliest influences is definitely the Platformer. In this episode they discuss the early instances, gameplay mechanics, and eventually what comes to define the genre. In what will have to be a multi-part series, this episode covers a majority of 1978-1990.
Podcast: Don’t Call It A Comeback
This week Fred gets stuck at work so Jam takes over hosting duties and teams up with 42 Level One’s Andy to discuss games that need to come back. Now they are both European, so expect a good deal of Sega titles as well as some audience participation. Actually Fred is a little worried he may no longer have a job, guess we’ll see next week.
Podcast: What’s Your Favorite?
This week Fred is joined by special guest Rob “Trees” (formerly of EZ Mode Unlocked and GH101 alum) to ask, “What’s your favorite game?” They gather answers from the listeners and then have some fun with them.
Podcast: …Shepard…
One of BioWare’s largest gaming achievements would have to be Mass Effect. In the follow-up to Jade Empire, and after 3 years of development, the original premiered on Xbox 360 and established the closest example to Star Trek in gaming. An entire universe was literally developed for the series and despite some stumbles here and there, the Mass Effect series is of the most notable from last generation. Join Fred, Jam, and special guest Me10dee as they delve into the world of Commander Shepard.
Podcast: Play It Loud!
This week Fred and Jam are discussing the development, release, and games behind Nintendo’s most popular portable: the Game Boy. Released under the concept of keeping it addicting and inexpensive, the Game Boy was the first video game system to be embraced by the mainstream and thanks to a little game called Tetris was a must own for the 90s.
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.
Podcast: 2016 on the 5s and 10s
In a slightly early episode this year, we are ringing in 2016 as we always have: by celebrating the decades and half decades of gaming history. This year we are celebrating years ending in 1s and 6s and covering everything from Nintendo becoming a toy company to the release of the Commodore Vic-20.
Extra Credit: Knights of the Old Republic
Knights of the Old Republic (KOTOR for short), is notable for many reasons. Developers BioWare and Obsidian not only created a new plotline, in fact part of a new history, of Star Wars, but managed to also do so with RPG elements. From the moment development began to the release of the sequel, KOTOR is definitely an influential part of the video game universe of Star Wars. This episode delves into development, mechanics, and release of both titles in the series.
Twas the Night Before Xmas, Part 4
For the first time ever, Jamalais joins in a Christmas episode with Fred and special guest Fortengard to discuss Christmas stories, memories, and the holiday releases of 1998 and 1999. This amazing art comes courtesy of listener SieOne.
Gaming History 101 