The Experience Points Podcast
A weekly video game podcast from the co-writers of ExperiencePoints.net

Alas, the year has come to an end! With 2013 around the corner, what better time to look back on some of our favorite games from the past year. In Experience Points tradition, Scott and I discuss each of our three favorite games of 2012. What makes our lists? Will we continue the trend of sharing the same Game of the Year? Listen and find out!

Also, what are your favorite games of 2012? Or even your favorite "things", period? We would love to feature it on the podcast. Find out more here!

Show notes:


SPOILER WARNING: Our picks are listed below!

Jorge

1. Journey

2. The Walking Dead
3. Borderlands 2

Scott
1. Journey
2. The Walking Dead
3. Papa y Yo

- Runtime: 39 min 09 secs

- Music provided by Brad Sucks

Direct download: EXP_Podcast_204_-_2012_Games_of_the_Year.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 8:31pm PDT

This week, Jorge and I return from top secret mission with classified info on <em>Call of Duty: Black Ops II</em>.  This show (which is for your ears only) covers everything from multiplayer dynamics to geo-political commentary, so there's something for everyone.  BlOps 2 (as we affectionately call it) offers some intriguing changes to both the mechanical and thematic aspects of the series, so there is plenty to discus.  As always don't hesitate to infiltrate the comments with your thoughts!

- Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes
- Find the show on Stitcher
- Here's the show's stand-alone feed
- Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking here. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format.
- Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right.

Show notes:

- Runtime: 41 min 50 sec

- Music provided by Brad Sucks

Direct download: EXP_Podcast_203_-_Black_Ops_2_Debrief.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 10:00am PDT

Image from Telltale Games

At least, Lee's story has come to end. After the fifth and final episode of The Walking Dead (Season 1, I hope), we have so much to talk about. What decisions did you make in the end? And, more importantly, does the game satisfy our expectations? Join us this week on the podcast as Scott and I dissect The Walking Dead, Episode 5, and discuss the game's many accomplishments.

Show notes:

- Runtime: 56 min 34

- Music provided by Brad Sucks

Direct download: EXP_Podcast_202_-_The_Walking_Dead_Debrief_Episode_5.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 8:00pm PDT

We mentioned in our 200th episode that the Experience Points Podcast would try out some new things. Well here is one of our first experimental podcasts. At the heart of this one is a great story by Drew Dixon about his time with Day Z. Initially I wanted to explore why good people do bad things in video games. Instead, I learned more about how reflecting on ethical dilemmas, even ones that turn out less than perfect, can be more rewarding than first imagined. A huge thanks is owed to Matt Lightfoot, Carolyn Jong, and Drew Dixon, for their incredibly insight and willingness to chat. The conversations we had were dramatically shortened for brevity, but every word was fascinating.

Of course we encourage you to share your thoughts on both the topic and this more experimental/themed podcast episode in the show notes! If you like the show, be sure to share this episode with your friends and review us in iTunes. This type of podcast not your "cup of tea"? Never fear! We will be back tomorrow with another regular EXP Podcast!

To listen to the podcast:

- Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed.

- Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking here. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format.

- Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right.

Show notes:

- Runtime: 22 min 56 sec

- "It's all gonna break," by Drew Dixon via GameChurch

- Music provided by Brad SucksAlastair CameronBroke For FreeHey Rosetta!

Direct download: EXP_Podcast_201_-_A_Day_Z_Dilemma.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 9:30am PDT

Alright, so we haven't actually been doing the podcast for two hundred years, but it's still been a pretty long time!  Two hundred episodes ago, Jorge and I started the podcast.  It's been more fun than we could have imagined.  This week, we get a little bit meta and talk about the show on the show.  Don't worry: it's not just self congratulation.  We're looking to switch some things up and try out some new ideas in hopes of making the next two hundred episodes even better.  

As always, we couldn't be more grateful to our great audience.  To everyone who has ever listened: thank you!

To listen to the podcast:

- Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed.
- Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking here. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format.
- Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right.

Show notes:

- Runtime: 34 min 39 sec

- New site banner and logos by Phillip Andrew Wong, Knowrhythm.net

- Sound effect from Freesound user Halleck

- Music provided by Brad Sucks

Direct download: EXP_Podcast_200_-_The_Bicentennial_Show.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 10:00am PDT

Peter Molyneux is at it again! This time with a massive experiment involving millions of cubes, a mindbogglingly persistent player base, and an almost mythological promise that could only come from the eccentric mind of the infamous game designer. So what is in the heart of Curiosity - What's Inside the Cube? Is it a prize that can literally "change your life", or is it an exploitative train wreck of an experience? Join Scott and I this week as we discuss the power of Curiosity.

Show notes:

- Runtime: 36 min 42 sec

- Music provided by Brad Sucks

Direct download: EXP_Podcast_199_-_Inside_the_Cube.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 8:55pm PDT

This week, we are pleased to welcome Jim Crawford to the podcast!  Jim is a game designer whose latest work, Frog Fractions, teaches us all about the hidden wonders of math.  Well, it actually does a lot more than that, but you really owe it to yourself to play it (it's free!).  Jim was kind enough to come on the show and chat with us about everything from design philosophy, the role of nostalgia, and the legend of the Twin Beard.  We hope you enjoy it and thanks for listening!

To listen to the podcast:

- Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed.
- Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking here. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format.
- Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right.

Show notes:

- Runtime: 42 min 38 sec

- Jim Crawford's website: Twinbeard Studios
- Follow Jim on Twitter
- Music provided by Brad Sucks

Direct download: EXP_Podcast_198_-_Jim_Crawford_and_Frog_Fractions.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 10:00am PDT

Master Chief fan art
by Ling Yun via Deviant Art

What do Master Chief, James Bond, John Carter, Luke Skywalker, and Shakespear have in common (besides huge egos)? They are all lasting cultural icons that show no sign of disappearing from popular consciousness anytime soon. Can we consider all of these "pulp" works in a sense? Join us this week on the podcast as Scott and I discuss Halo 4, the strength of Halo's lore, and the lasting repercussions of 343i taking creative control over a modern gaming hero.

As always, check out the articles that inspired this conversation in the show notes below and be sure to leave your thoughts on the matter in the comments below.

Show notes:

- Runtime: 33 min 49 sec

- "How Halo Went From Video Game to Pulp Empire," by Erik Sofge via Popular Mechanics.

- "Why Video Games Are the New Pulps," by Mark Bernardin via io9.

- Music provided by Brad Sucks

Direct download: EXP_Podcast_197_-_Pulp_and_the_Legacy_of_Halo_4.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 8:10pm PDT

You didn't think we'd let Dishonored sneak by without talking about it, did you? This week, we dedicate an entire episode to the game. It's dense in the most positive sense: with multiple solutions to even the most mundane obstacles, an open-ended upgrde system, and a surprisingly massive (albeit hidden) amount of lore, everyone's playthrough will be slightly different. For example, one of us was an unassuming (and slightly bumbling) assassin, while the other was a terrifying rat lord. As always, feel free to weigh in with your thoughts in the comments!

To listen to the podcast:

- Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here.  Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed.

- Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking here. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format.

- Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right.

Show notes:

- Runtime: 49 min 41 sec

- Music provided by Brad Sucks

Direct download: EXP_Podcast_196_-_Dishonored_Debrief.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 10:00am PDT

Happy Halloween listeners! The witching hour is tonight, and as a means to satiate the hunger of the elder gods, we submit to you this aural offering. This week on the EXP Podcast, Scott and I enter the haunted crypts, blood hallways, and creepy forests of SlenderAmnesia: The Dark DescentHome, and more. What we bring back might terrify you, or at least entertain you with our insight into the construction of excellent horror games.

As always your comments are appreciated. Let us know what horror games make you favorites list, especially if you play them yearly as a Halloween treat!

Show notes:

- Runtime: 36 min 01 sec

- Music by Frederick Magle, performing Bach's Toccata and Fugue in d Minor, and Parsec Productions, Slender music after locating Page 1.

- Music provided by Brad Sucks

Direct download: EXP_Podcast_195_-_Halloween_Horrorcast.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 8:53pm PDT

This week we have the pleasure of welcoming Nels Anderson back the podcast. You may know him from one of his many appearances on the podcast...but it's much more likely you know him as the lead designer of this year's breakout hit, Mark of the Ninja! Design philosophy, player choices, and teleportation: we cover a huge array of topics and have a great time doing so. We hope you enjoy it and, as always, thanks for listening!

To listen to the podcast:

- Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed.

- Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking here. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format.

- Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right.

Show notes:

- Runtime: 01 hr 03 min 34 sec

Official website for Mark of the Ninja

Nels Anderson's website

- "The Long Road From Ninja to Mark of the Ninja," by Patrick Klepek, via Giant Bomb

- "The Stealth Letters," via Rock Paper Shotgun

- Music provided by Brad Sucks

Direct download: EXP_Podcast_194_-_Nels_Anderson_and_MotN.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 10:00am PDT

Image from Telltale Games

We are back again with another visit the zombie-infested South. This week on the EXP Podcast, Scott and I discuss episodes 3 and 4 of The Walking Dead. This podcast jumps right into spoilers, so if you are looking for more general insight into how the series tells its story, check out last week's podcast.

 As always, we encourage you to leave your thoughts and your own play experiences in the comments below. Of all the episodes of The Walking Dead, episode 4 might reveal the most about one's character and approach to surviving the apocalypse. Let us know how you shaped Lee's decisions.

Show notes:

- Runtime: 54 min

- Music provided by Brad Sucks

Direct download: EXP_Podcast_193_-_The_Walking_Dead_Debrief__Episodes_3_and_4.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 9:25pm PDT

We've caught the fever. You know: the one that starts with a mild cough and ends with you chewing the flesh off your friends and loved ones? That's right, we've been playing Telltale's excellent adventure series, The Walking Dead. This week, we devote a good chunk of time to the series' interesting design and mechanical choices before heading into spoiler country to discuss the details of episodes 1 and 2. Part of the fun of these games is hearing how other people dealt with many impossible decisions they present, so feel free to jump in with your thoughts in the comments.

To listen to the podcast:

- Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed.

- Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking here. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format.

- Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right.

Show notes:

- Runtime: 50 min 51 sec

- Music provided by Brad Sucks

Direct download: EXP_Podcast_192_-_The_Walking_Dead_Episodes_12.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 10:00am PDT

Every now and then a game comes along that attempts to address a delicate and rare issue. Minority studio's debut title Papo y Yo does just that. The platforming-puzzle game of sorts is quite explicitly about a young boy and his alcoholic and abusive father. While the game might be "a bit on the nose" for some, it actually reveals quite a bit of narrative depth and artistry. Join us this week on the podcast as Scott and I discuss this unique indie game.

Show notes:

- Run time: 41 min 50 sec

- Music provided by Brad Sucks

Direct download: EXP_Podcast_191_-_Papo_y_Yo_Debrief.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 10:42pm PDT

Over the past year, Kickstarter has made a huge impact on the video game scene.  Whether it's huge success stories (like Double Fine's campaign) or one of the dozens (hundreds?) of projects that never get off the ground, the crowd funding site has established a new way to create, market, and distribute games.  Even so, there's still plenty of ambiguity surrounding the Kickstarter model: questions of what kinds of projects belong on the service, the way rewards are handled, and what people should expect from their investment still linger.  This week, Jorge and I talk about the kinds of projects we've backed, our approach to what we invest in, and how Kickstarter may aid in the search for the perfect barbecue sauce.  As always, feel free to jump into the comments with your thoughts!


To listen to the podcast:

- Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed.
- Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking here. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format.
- Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right.

Show notes:

- Run time: 33 min 45 sec

- "Kickstarter is Not a Store," via The Kickstarter Blog
- "Some personal Kickstarter stats," by Darius Kazemi, via Tiny Subversions
- Music provided by Brad Sucks

Direct download: EXP_Podcast_190_-_Kickin_it_With_Kickstarter.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 10:00am PDT

Ah, remember the good ol' days? Back when you would have to blow on your games to make them work? When Battle Toads was so difficult you would cry, but keep playing anyway? When the "hottest graphics" were about as detailed as your Lego castle? Do you miss those days? Could that charming haze be the tell-tale sign of nostalgia glasses? This week on the EXP Podcast, Scott and I discuss the power of nostalgia, retro-graphics, and even mumblecore. As always, check out Leigh Alexander's inspiring article in the show notes and leave your thoughts (and your examples of nostalgia), in the comments below.

Show notes:

- Runtime: 34 min 21 sec

- "Opinion: In Search of 'intelligent nostalgia'", by Leigh Alexander via Gamasutra

- Music provided by Brad Sucks

Direct download: EXP_Podcast_189_-_Exploring_Intelligent_Nostalgia.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 10:16pm PDT

Have you ever been playing a game and suddenly come across something that is a little bit..."off?"  I'm not talking about an NPC clipping through a wall or the weirdness you find in a Suda51 game; I'm talking about the little (or not so little) details that take you out of the experience.  For example, Sam Machkovech wrote a recent article about how, as resident of Seattle, Deadlight's depiction of the Emerald City left him cold.  We use his discussion of fictitious billboards and erroneous geography as a starting point and go on to discuss the ways in which small details impact a game's ability to foster a sense of place.  Do you have an eye for detail?  Have you played any games set in your hometown?  Feel free to jump into the comments with your thoughts!


To listen to the podcast:

- Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed.
- Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking here. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format.
- Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right.

Show notes:

- Runtime: 33 min 45 sec

- "Dead Wrong," by Sam Machkovech via Unwinnable
- Music provided by Brad Sucks

Direct download: EXP_Podcast_188_-_Slightly_Off.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 10:00am PDT

The Japanese RPG as a distinct entity still exists, despite the rise and prominence of the "Western RPG" market. Some games, like Xenoblade Chronicles, might even move the genre forward while reinvigorating the joy we once had in playing the latest JRPG. This week on the podcast, Michael Abbot of The Brainy Gamer joins us to discuss "Why We JRPG". As always, thanks for listening, particularly to these longer episodes, and we encourage you to leave your own thoughts on the genre in the comments below.

To listen to the podcast:

- Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed.

- Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking here. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format.

- Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right.

Show notes:

- Runtime: 55 min 53 sec

- "Why We JRPG" by Michael Abbot via The Brainy Gamer

- Music provided by Brad Sucks and "Main Theme" by Yoko Shimomura from the Xenoblade Chronicles Original Soundtrack

Direct download: EXP_Podcast_187_-_JRPG_Systems_and_Xenoblade_Chronicles.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 10:31pm PDT

What does the way we play games say about our real life behavior? It's a question Lore Sjöberg poses in a recent article about the way our external psychology manifests itself in our virtual avatars. We touch on everything from behavioral quirks to personal notions of justice, so hopefully by the end you have a better idea of what makes Jorge and me tick. Feel like a little bit of therapeutic sharing? As always, we welcome your thoughts in the comments!

To listen to the podcast:

- Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed.
- Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking here. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format.
- Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right.

Show notes:

- Runtime: 32 min 22 sec
- "Alt Text: It’s Time for Videogame Psychotherapy," by Lore By Lore Sjöberg, via Wired
- Music provided by Brad Sucks

Direct download: EXP_Podcast_186_-_Playing_with_Psychology.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 10:00am PDT

Gamescom has come and gone, and with an amazing turnout at that! The yearly European game conference brings out all sorts of good news and this year, the news mostly concerns brand new games on the horizon. Join us on the EXP Podcast this week to discuss downpours, puppetry, armies of Pomeranians, and so much more. As always, let us know your thoughts in the comments below. Also, be sure to check out the show notes for links to all the game trailers we discuss on the show!

To listen to the podcast:

- Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed.

- Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking here. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format.

- Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right.

Show notes:

- Run time: 29 min 40 sec

 - Trailers: RainRemember MeTokyo JungleUntil DawnPuppeteerTearaway.

- Music provided by Brad Sucks

Direct download: EXP_Podcast_185_-_Gamescom_2012_Recap.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 10:00pm PDT

How important is competition? What does the thrill of victory (and the agony of defeat!) teach us? Ian Bogost sparked these questions in a recent essay about the importance of competition, and we use his piece as a starting point to hash out the merits of having games with clear winners and losers. We also go on liberal tangents about the Olympics, dodgeball, and the effects of public leaderboards in single-player games. These are questions sparked by a recent essay by game designer 

To listen to the podcast:

- Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed.
- Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking here. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format.
- Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right.

Show notes:

- Run time: 41 min 04 sec
- "In Defense of Competition," by Ian Bogost
- Music provided by Brad Sucks

Direct download: EXP_Podcast_184_-_Winning_Losing_and_the_Olympics.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 10:00am PDT

EXP Podcast #183: Listener Mail 2

We made the call and you answered. By post, pigeon, and pyschic connection, you sent in questions for the show. This week on the EXP Podcast, Scott and I answer them. We touch on game ideas, to DS favorites, and even the latest Kickstarter craze, the Ouya. As always, if you have questions or topics you want to hear discussed on the show, you can contact us at any time at experiencepoints[at]gmail.com or via twitter (@sjuster and @jalbor). We would also love to hear your thoughts in the comments section below.

Show notes:

- Run time: 32 min 07 sec

California Extreme's website

- Music provided by Brad Sucks

Direct download: EXP_Podacst_183_-_Listener_Mail_2.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 9:25pm PDT

Last weekend, Jorge, Hanah, and I went on a field trip to California Extreme. Best described as "a classic arcade games show," it's a celebration of historical video and pinball games and a chance to literally play with history without having to worry about running out of quarters. After spending some time on the show floor, we regrouped to talk about our some of the standout games, our arcade wishlists, and the future of classic gaming. We cover a lot, but it's impossible to do justice to everyone's favorite arcade games, so feel free to jump into the comments with your thoughts!

To listen to the podcast:

- Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed.
- Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking here. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format.
- Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right.

Show notes:

- Run time: 42 min 38 sec
California Extreme's website
- Music provided by Brad Sucks

Direct download: EXP_Podcast_182_CAX_2012.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 10:00am PDT

Every now and then Scott and I like to take a break from our usual schedule and actually chat about - you guessed it - video games. This may be hard to believe, but we actually do play a decent amount of games ourselves. This week on the EXP podcast, Scott and I discuss what we've been playing. We touch on The Walking DeadMetroid: The Other MMagic the Gathering: 2013Demon Souls and a couple more. As always, we encourage you to leave your thoughts in the comments section below.

Also, we are doing another mail bag episode! Send in yours questions to us via email experiencepoints AT gmail dot com), message or reply to us on Twitter (that's @JAlbor and @SJuster)or any other method and we will discuss them on the show. To listen to the podcast:

- Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed.

- Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking here. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format.

- Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right.

Show notes:


- Run time: 42 min 07 sec

- Music provided by Brad Sucks

Direct download: EXP_Podcast_181_-_On_Our_Screens.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 10:05pm PDT

Is the goal of photorealistic graphics and the prevalence of gritty shooters at odds with the role of imagination in video games? In a recent column, Steven Boone wonders if the influence of realistic, violent games limits their creative potential. We use the piece as a starting point to talk about how aesthetic style impacts the experience of playing a game. Do today's high resolution, violent, and narratively focused games give us tunnel vision? It's a broad topic that encompasses everything from marketing, to art style, to storytelling techniques, so feel free to jump into the comments with your thoughts!

To listen to the podcast:

- Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed.

- Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking here. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format.

- Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right.

Show notes:

- Run time: 32 min 57 sec

- "The Last of Us, and other video games that leave absolutely nothing to the imagination," by Steven Boone, via Capital New York

- Music provided by Brad Sucks

Direct download: EXP_Podcast_180_realism.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 10:00am PDT

Scott recently paid a visit to our fine nation's capital. Besides having tea with the Obama family, he visited a the cornucopia of stellar Smithsonian museums, including the American Art Museum that currently houses the first ever "Art of Video Games" exhibit. The collection highlights a treasure trove of material, albeit still a small segment of the industry as a whole. Scott and I discussed their game choices in detail in an earlier podcast, but now one of us has some familiarity with the look and feel of the exhibit. Join us on this week's podcast as we talk about modern art, cross-generational sharing, and the pleasure of being a tour guide. As always, we encourage you to leave your thoughts on the exhibit and the future of games in museums in the comments section below. To listen to the podcast:

- Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed.

- Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking here. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format.

- Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right.

Show notes:


- Run time: 40 min 04 sec

- "The Art of Video Games," an exhibition at the Smithsonian American Art Museum

- Music provided by Brad Sucks

Direct download: EXP_Podcast_179_-_The_Video_Game_Exhibit.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 9:04pm PDT

Supergiant Games released Bastion on XBLA back in 2011, but many players, including Scott, only recently had a chance to play the award-winning game when it joined other stellar works in the Humble Indie Bundle. This week on the podcast, Scott and I revisit one of my favorite games of 2011. Join us while we discuss what makes the game so special and the best way to bring the story to a powerful conclusion. As always, let us know your thoughts on the game in the comments section below.

To listen to the podcast:

- Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed.

- Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking here. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format.

- Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right.

Show notes:

- Run time: 35 min 38 sec

- Interview with Darren Korb via Top Score with Emily Reese

- Music by Darren Korb via the Bastion Soundtrack

Direct download: EXP_Podcast_178_-_Bastion_Debrief.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 9:55pm PDT

EXP Podcast #177: Journey's End

As you may know, Scott and I are avid thatgamecompany fans, particularly of Journey, their latest masterpiece. It was such a rewarding and almost mystical experience we did not want it to end. Steven Poole, however, thought it should have ended just a tad sooner. This week on the EXP Podcast, Scott and I discuss Poole's claim that Journey's ending is a "cop out" and, more importantly, examine the way game endings can violate themes and trends established within story and gameplay. As always, we love to hear your thoughts on the subject. Chime in with your comments below!

To listen to the podcast:

- Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed.

- Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking here. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format.

- Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right.

Show notes:

- Run time: 28 min 41 sec

- Music by Brad Sucks

Direct download: EXP_Podcast_177_-_Journeys_End.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 9:08pm PDT

This week, Jorge and I take a trip to the theater and discuss the recently-released Indie Game: The Movie. It's a documentary featuring the creative folks behind three of the most well-known independent games of the past few years: BraidSuper Meat Boy, and Fez. The movie offers a glimpse of the extremely personal journey of making a video game and explores the personal and professional challenges they face along the way. The film has generated a lot of discussion inside the video game community and in broader press and we're looking forward to hearing your thoughts in the comments!

Some discussion starters:

- What does the film teach us about the independent scene and the video game industry overall?

- Who is this movie for? What can gaming enthusiasts take from it and what might newcomers learn?

- What other independent developers would you like to see highlighted in a movie?

To listen to the podcast:

- Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed.

- Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking here. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format.

- Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right.

Show notes:

- Run time: 46 min 35 sec

- The official website for Indie Game: The Movie

- "Indie Game: The Movie's new credits put end to conflict," by Allistair Pinsof, via Destructoid

- Music provided by Brad Sucks

Direct download: EXP_Podcast_176_igtm80.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 2:08pm PDT

We made the drive back up to Northern California, but left pieces of ourselves back in the Los Angeles the convention center - mostly the tired and exhausted parts. This week on the show, Scott and I revisit our experience at E3 and chat about our general thoughts on the show, the weird experience such an industry show creates, and some of our video game favorites and let downs. Surely you watched the show from afar if you couldn't make it yourself. If so, chime in below in the comments section and let us know what your E3 surprises and disappointments were this year!

Show notes:

- Run time: 34 min 05 sec

- Music provided by Brad Sucks

Direct download: EXP_Podcast_175_-_E3_2012_Revisited.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 5:59pm PDT

E3 is over! Right now a giant Sonic the Hedgehog statue sits in the dark, international developers are flying over the Atlantic ocean, and thousands of swag collectors are rummaging through their treasures like a child on Halloween night. While the show came to a close, Scott and I still had plenty of games to check out, some exciting and original works and other supreme disappointments. Thanks again for listening and be sure to tune in to next week's podcast when we discuss E3 with more depth and the benefit of hindsight.

Show notes:

- Run time: 36 min 06 sec

- Music provided by Brad Sucks

Direct download: EXP_Podcast_-_E3_2012_Day_3.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 10:22pm PDT

It's the second day of E3!  Jorge and I spent a lot of time with the big publishers today.  We saw high profile titles like Black Ops 2 and Dishonored, but we also carved out space for more niche games like Papa & Yo and Dust 514.  We hope you enjoy the recap and we're looking forward to hearing your thoughts on the show in the comments!

To listen to the podcast:

- Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed.
- Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking here. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format.
- Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right.

Show notes:

- Run time: 32 min 32 sec
- Music provided by Brad Sucks

Direct download: e3_2012_day_2.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 10:15pm PDT

The E3 2012 show floor doors burst open today, letting industry professional tossing out business cards like they were beads on Mardi Gras, media reps carrying enough stress to kill an elephant, a horde of ravenous fans hungry for glorious swag. Scott and I sauntered in at some point too, a tad confused and more than a little curious. We took Day 1 of the show relatively slow, but we still have plenty to talk about. Join us on this E3 2012 podcast to discuss our first thoughts on the show, some of the IndieCade entries, Natural Selection 2, NBA Baller Beats, and more. As always, we love to hear your thoughts in the comments section below.

Show Notes:
- Run time: 30 min 06 sec

Direct download: E3_2012_-_Day_1.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 11:51pm PDT

California is big and brown and has very little 3G/4G wireless coverage in its middle. Regardless, Jorge and I have made it safely down to Los Angeles for E3 2012 while still managing to catch the all-important press conferences for Microsoft, EA, Ubisoft, and Sony. Join us while we discuss each conferences larger themes and our first impressions about what E3 has to offer. If you caught the streamed conferences yourself, let us know your thoughts on the show thus far in the comments below.

To listen to the podcast:

- Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed.
- Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking here. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format.
- Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right.

Show notes:

- Run time: 34 min 36 sec
- Music provided by Brad Sucks

Direct download: e3_2012_day_0.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 10:53am PDT

The same gaming lull is here, but out gaming habits are as vibrant as ever. Believe or not, but Scott and I do find time in our busy schedule to actually play games. This week we take a break to chat about the games we have been playing recently, from everyone's favorite Blizzard release to an unexpectedly enjoyable side-scrolling MOBA. Let us know what you have been enjoying lately in the comments section below, and be sure to chime in with your thoughts on the games we've discussed in the show.

To listen to the podcast:

- Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed.

- Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking here. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format.

- Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right.

Show notes:


- Run time: 39 min 29 sec

Digital: A Love Story

- Music provided by Brad Sucks

Direct download: EXP_Podcast_174_-_Now_Playing.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 9:09pm PDT

We all know there's no such thing as ghosts (right...?), but what about virtual ghosts?  This week, inspired by Jason Johnson's piece on Red Dead Redemption's haunted mansion, we discuss the myths, urban legends, and tall tales that crop up around games.  We talk about the ways games facilitate far out theories and why mysteries are so alluring to players.  Of course, you can't have conspiracies without fellow conspirators, so we're looking forward to hearing your theories in the comments.

And, just for fun, here's one of my favorite haunted RDR videos:

<div aling="center"><iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/9lpTuNUTd8I" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

Some discussion starters:

- What are some of your favorite gaming myths, rumors, and/or ghost stories?

- What type of game best facilitates folklore?  How do rules, systems, and plots inform theories?

- How have gaming urban legends changed over the years?

To listen to the podcast:

- Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed.
- Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking here. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format.
- Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right.

Show notes:

- Run time: 29 min 48 sec

- "Black Undead Damnation," by Jason Johnson, via Kill Screen
- A list of rumors about Tumbleweed, from the <i>Red Dead Redemption</i> wiki on Wikia
- Music provided by Brad Sucks

Direct download: EXP_Podcast_173_legends.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 10:00am PDT

There are some truly stunning game players out there, people who can shoot, soar, jump, and score through the most difficult gaming challenges around. They show a true mastery over game systems. But does this make them good critics? How good at games do we have to be to contribute the most valuable video game discussions? This week on the EXP Podcast, Scott and I tackle an excellent article by Kyle Stegerwald addressing the question of skill and games criticism. As always, we encourage you to leave your thoughts in the comments section below. 

Show notes:

- Run time: 32 min 37 sec

- "Bad at What? The Question of Skill and Games Criticism", by Kyle Stegerwald via medium difficulty

- Music provided by Brad Sucks

Direct download: EXP_Podcast_172_-_Critical_Mastery.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:56pm PDT

We try to stretch, maybe do some breathing exercises, and envision that "happy place" in our mind's eye, but even the best of us experience game-related grumpiness.  This week, thanks to Mitch Krpata's recent and refreshingly honest appraisal of his video game raging, we talk about games that make us mad.  We touch on everything from specific games to the ways frustration manifests itself, while trying to keep fury-related flashbacks to a minimum.  As always, don't just stew in silence; feel free to burst into the comments with your thoughts on angry gaming.

Some discussion starters:

- What specific games make you mad?  Are there certain franchises that continually rile you up?

- How do specific games systems foment anger?  Conversely, are there certain types of mechanics or dynamics that are naturally calming?

- Let's hear your horror stories: Broken controllers?  Smashed monitors?  Lifelong bans?  What are the consequences of Hulking out?

To listen to the podcast:

- Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed.
- Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking here. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format.
- Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right.

Show notes:

- Run time: 28 min 42 sec
- "All the Rage," by Mitch Krpata, via Insult Swordfighting
- Music provided by Brad Sucks

Direct download: EXP_Podcast_171_raging.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 10:00am PDT

I may be a low-down dirty cheat, but I am not alone. In fact, plenty of people glitch against walls, harvest the brilliant internet hive-mind for puzzle solutions, or ask the twitterverse how to build the sweetest weapons and armor. Are we losing something or gaining something by cheating? And why do we cheat in the first place? Join Scott and I while we discuss these questions, our own cheating habits, and so much more. As always, we encourage you to leave your comments below and let us know how, when, and why you have opted to rely on outside help.

To listen to the podcast:

- Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed.

- Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking here. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format.

- Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right.

Show notes:

- Run time: 35 min 30 sec

- Music provided by Brad Sucks

Direct download: EXP_Podcast_170_-_Cheating_Habits.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:43pm PDT

Jorge and I are always going on about why games are valuable, but we're usually talking about their artistic, social, and cultural value.  This week, we focus more on the bottom line.  Inspired by Chris Kohler's fantastic article about game pricing and the effects of the used market, we talk about the monetary factors that influence the games we play and how we perceive the industry.  It's huge topic and we touch on a host of issues that all deserve their own conversations, so I'm sure we'll come back to them in the future.  For now though, we're interested in what you think about when budgeting your game purchases.  Feel free to jump into the comments and share your cost benefit analysis!

Some discussion starters:

- How does a game's price factor into your purchasing decisions?

- What is your current relationship with the used game market?  Has this changed over the years?

- Would more transparency in game company budgets and financial strategies impact what you would willingly pay for a game?

To listen to the podcast:

- Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed.
- Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking here. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format.
- Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right.

Show notes:

- Run time: 41 min 21 sec
- "Videogames Can't Afford to Cost This Much," by Chris Kohler, via Wired
- Music provided by Brad Sucks

Direct download: EXP_Podcast_169_game_cost.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 10:00am PDT

As we mentioned over the last few podcasts, this week on the show, Scott and I discuss Ready Player One, a young-adult sci-fi novel that marries Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory with every 80s pop-culture reference in existence. I highly recommend you give the book a read. If you have not yet picked it up, feel free to listen to the podcast anyway. Like always, we remain spoiler-free until near the end. As always, we would love to hear your thoughts in the comments section below. Also, because I forgot to mention it on the podcast, if I were to pick a giant robot for the final battle, I would pick an Evangelion.

Show notes:

- Run time: 48 min 50 sec
- Music provided by Brad Sucks

Direct download: EXP_Podcast_168_-_Ready_Player_One_Debrief.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 9:09pm PDT

We've all played some clunkers in our time, but what what are the roots of a bad game's troubles?  Could it be the person at the end of the controller?  Could we be doing it wrong?  Today, Jorge and I talk about the line between a bad game and a bad player.  Inspired by Sean Sands' thoughts about getting a new perspective on games he hasn't liked, we discuss the search for a clear vision.  We touch on everything from Kinect Star Wars to Far Cry 2, and have a great time searching for the good in even the most tedious experiences.  As always, feel free to jump into the comments with your thoughts!

Some discussion starters:

- Has there ever been a time when you realized you were playing a game "wrong?"  What prompted this realization?

- What kinds of things do bad games teach us?  Is "bad" more of a relative concept based on popular conventions than an absolute category?

- To what extent should developers guide players toward the standard or "right" way to play?

To listen to the podcast:

- Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed.
- Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking here. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format.
- Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right.

Show notes:

- Run time: 35 min 14 sec
- "You're Doing it Wrong," by Sean Sands, via Gamers With Jobs
- Music provided by Brad Sucks

Direct download: EXP_Podcast_167_doing_it_wrong.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 10:00am PDT

The Mass Effect 3 fervor remains in full swing, and while many are already growing tired of the backlash against Bioware, it would be a missed opportunity to not discuss ramifications of player-driven protestations. Of course this is a grand subject, so we could not handle it alone. Kris Ligman of Critical Distance and Dire Critic joins us this week to discuss player entitlement, authorial intent, and all the drama surrounding the color-coded end of Commander Shepard. As always, we would love to hear your thoughts on the controversy in the comments section below. You will also find more of Kris' work in the show notes as well as pertinent articles about the Mass Effect ruckus.

Show notes:

- Run time: 41min 06 sec

- "In which Squaresoft wrote a Bioware game. (Spoilers.)", by Kris Ligman via Dire Critic. See her weekly roundups at Critical Distance

- "The Ending," by Cruise Elroy

- "Why the ending of Mass Effect 3 was satisfying, and worthy of the series (Massive spoilers)", by Ben Kuchera via The PA Report

- "The argument over Mass Effect 3's ending makes Ken Levine sad", by Brian Crecent via The Verge

- Music provided by Brad Sucks

Direct download: EXP_Podcast_166_-_Bioware_Blues.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 8:11pm PDT

How do video games handle religion and spirituality?  It's a question that's been inspiring a fair amount of buzz. It's a big topic, so we decided to add a third seat on this week's show. Jorge and I are excited to welcome Richard Clark to the podcast.  Richard's a prolific writer who regularly tackles issues of religion and morality in video games.  As an added bonus, he's also an all around nice guy!  Be sure to check him out on Twitter, Kill Screen, Christ and Pop Culture, and Game Church.  As always, feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments. Thanks for listening!

Some discussion starters:

- What are some of your favorite examples of religion in games?

- What kind of game (e.g., open world, adventure, strategy, etc.) is most conducive to tackling questions of spirituality?Open world vs. scripted story for considering spirituality?

- Have you ever unexpectedly encountered religion/spirituality in a game?

To listen to the podcast:

- Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed.
- Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking here. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format.
- Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right.

Show notes:

- Run time: 53 min 55 sec
- "How do games handle the divine?  Accidentally." by Yannick Lejacq, via Kill Screen
- "Video games are a good fit for theological exploration," by Brian Crecente, via The Verge
- "Capcom Videogame ‘Asura’s Wrath’ Draws Hindu Critics’ Wrath," by Sriram Vadlamani, via Tech Wire Asia
- "Study: Video games depict religion as violent and problematic (interview)," by Stefanie Fogel, via Venture Beat
- Music provided by Brad Sucks

Direct download: EXP_Podcast_165_religion_in_games.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 10:00am PDT

At long last, the much awaited Journey from thatgamecompany is available on PSN. Jenova Chen's discussion of his own creations always seem so lofty, can his team deliver what Scott and I have so eagerly desired since its announcement? Join us while we discuss our personal experiences, how Journey is more "gamey" than we imagined, and how the game tells a story. We go quite long in this one, so we appreciate everyone who puts in the time to listen. The task of discussing Journey is not an easy one, but we hope you enjoy this voyage with us nonetheless. As always, we would love to hear your thoughts on the game. Please leave them in the comments section below.

Show notes:

- Run time: 53 min 11 sec

- Music, "Apotheosis" and "Final Confluence", by Austin Wintory from Journey. Find more of his work here.

Direct download: EXP_Podcast_164_-_Journey_Debrief.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 8:38pm PDT

The yearly Game Developers Conference has come and gone, and while Scott and I sadly missed the event proper, we did keep our hear to the ground. This week on the podcast, we discuss some highlights that caught our attention. Join us as we touch upon Valve's approach to Portal 2, mobile pricing models, the problem with DRM, and the "mind your own business" mentality.

Show notes:

- Run time: 38 min 42 sec

- "Witcher developer CD Projekt Red abandons DRM for future releases," by Eric Caoili via Gamasutra

- "GDC 2012: 'Don't underprice your mobile product' - Cave COO," by Kris Graft via Gamasutra

- "GDC 2012: Humor, meaning, cooperation and ambition: the microtalks," by Leigh Alexander via Gamasutra

- "GDC 2012: Portal 2: Making a sequel to a 'perfect' game," by Tom Curtis via Gamasutra

- Music provided by Brad Sucks

Direct download: EXP_Podcast_163_-_GDC_Highlights_2012.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 2:50pm PDT

Turn down the lights and turn up the Marvin Gaye: this week, it's all about sex.  Inspired by Rich Stanton's recent article on the subject of sex in video games, we take a look at the more amorous side of medium we love.  We talk about everything from Wii waggling to polyamory in this episode, so there's bound to be something to arouse your interest.  As always, we're all about free love around here, so feel free to express yourself in the comments.

Some discussion starters:

- What games portray sex in a notable way?

- When it comes to portrayals of sex in video games, how do we differentiate schlock from good stuff?

- How does one's connection (emotional, physical, or otherwise) to their avatar impact the meaning of sex in games?

To listen to the podcast:

- Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed.
- Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking here. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format.
- Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right.

Show notes:

- Run time: 33 min 33 sec
- "Why Can't Games Do Sex?" by Rich Stanton, via Eurogamer
- Music provided by Brad Sucks

Direct download: EXP_Podcast_162_simulated_sex.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 9:14pm PDT

We finally did it: we played Gears of War: The Board Game!"  Last year, Jorge and I discussed the game in a podcast about the general relationship between board games and video games.  Being fans of Gears and games in general, we decided (for better or worse!) we would play it once it was released.  We finally did so and now we've regrouped to offer our thoughts on the game and its relationship to its source material.  As always, feel free to jump into the comments with your thoughts.

Some discussion starters:

- For those who played the game: did you like it?  What worked and what didn't?

- It was somewhat surprising that the Gears board game felt very faithful to the video game.  What are some video games might lend themselves to board game adaptations in a similarly counter-intuitive way?

- What lessons can video games take from their more tangible brethren?

To listen to the podcast:

- Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed.
- Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking here. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format.
- Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right.

Show notes:

- Run time: 41 min 35 sec
- Official website for Gears of War: The Board Game and some discussion at Board Game Geek
- Music provided by Brad Sucks

Direct download: EXP_Podcast_161_gears_board_game.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 10:00am PDT

Are you a "Gamer" and proud of it? Some actually shy away from the term or want to abandon it entirely. The name "gamer" evokes images of basement-dwellers and incredibly long sessions of World of Warcraft, at least for those outside the community. But can we salvage this form of gaming identification? Should we reclaim the word and shout "I am a gamer and proud of it" from the rooftop? This week on the EXP Podcast, inspired by an article from Jason Johnson, Scott and I discuss the gamer moniker, knitting circles, and more. As always, you can find the original article in the show notes below and we encourage you to leave your thoughts in the comments section below and while you're at, feel free to leave us a review on iTunes. Thanks for listening!

Show notes:

- Run time: 34 min 27 sec

- "Will the Real Gamer Please Stand Up?", by Jason Johnson via Kill Screen Daily

- Music provided by Brad Sucks

Direct download: EXP_Podcast_160_-_By_Any_Other_Name.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 4:28pm PDT

Every week, it seems like there is some sort of mini-controversy happening.  Whether it is outrage over a shady DLC scheme or frustration over a classic series' new artistic direction, there is never any shortage of noise and fury.  This week, we use Sean Sands' observations on the recent Super Bowl to explore the line between constructive criticism and pointless rage.  Feel the need to get something off your chest?  We're always here to listen, so feel free to share your thoughts in the comments

To listen to the podcast:

- Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed.
- Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking here. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format.
- Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right.

Show notes:

- Run time: 29 min 00 sec
- "The Noise and the Fury," by Sean Sands, via Gamers With Jobs
- Music provided by Brad Sucks

Direct download: EXP_Podcast_159_noise_fury.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 10:00am PDT

Scott and I have returned with another selection of independent games that deserve your attention for more than a few reasons. We begin with two browser-based MMO's, the first a bullet-hell RPG the other a surreal cat roleplaying game, both of which will tickle your... fancy feast (YEAAAA!) We round out the show with a more serious look at Triple TownYeti Town, and the dangers of clones and patent laws. You can find links to all the games in the show notes below along with a few articles of interest. As always, we encourage you to leave your thoughts in the comments section below.

Show notes:

- Run time: 39 min 55 sec
Realm of the Mad God, by Wild Shadow Studios
Chatchat, by Terry Cavanagh and Hayden Scott-Baron
Triple Town, by Spryfox
Yeti Town, by SixWaves/LoLApps (and allegedly Spyrfox)

- "The Bulldog and the Pegasus," by Ian Bogost via Gamasutra
- "Attack of the Clone Attackers," by Jamin Warren via Kill Screen

- Music provided by Brad Sucks

Direct download: EXP_IndieCast_10_-_Gods_Cats_and_Clones.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 5:26pm PDT

This week's podcast is brought to you by...you!  We solicited questions from readers and listeners and received a great batch of topics.  We touch upon a huge variety of issues, including region locking, games with historical settings, and the different approaches to games criticism.  This was a fun show to record and we'd like to do it again, so keep those questions coming via email, twitter, or singing telegram.  Thanks for your questions and thanks for listening!

To listen to the podcast:

- Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed.
- Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking here. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format.
- Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right.

Show notes:

- Run time: 39 min 50 sec
- Krystian Majewski on Mass Effect and Batman: Arkham Asylum
- Music provided by Brad Sucks

Direct download: EXP_Podcast_158_mailbag1.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 10:00am PDT

We may say we are all part of a large gaming community, but some groups of players may be living in a walled off city, isolated from the popular discussion of games. World of Warcraft may have millions of players, but is the WoW community excluded now more than ever? Katie Williams thinks so in her article that inspired this week's podcast discussion. Who built these walls? What are we losing by isolating ourselves? And most importantly, how do we tear these walls down? Join Scott and I this week while we try to answer these questions and many more. As always, we encourage you to read Katie's original piece which you can find in the show notes below. We also encourage you to share your thoughts in the comments section.

Discuss starters:
- How relevant is WoW today?
- Are MMOs unique enough such that they inherently exist in a walled off city?
- What role do developers, and community managers in particular, play in fomenting conversation between games.

To listen to the podcast:

- Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed.

- Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking here. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format.

- Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right.

Show notes:

- Run time: 29 min 05 sec

- "The Walled City of Gaming: World of Warcraft," by Katie Williams via Gameranx
- "Bow Nigger," by Always Black
- "Alice and Kev: The Story of Being Homeless in Sims 3," by Robin Burkinshaw

- Music provided by Brad Sucks

Direct download: EXP_Podcast_157_-_Breaching_the_Wall.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 5:13pm PDT

When we talk about the greatest games of all time in terms of their design, technology, and art, are we fooling ourselves?  In a recent opinion piece, Leigh Alexander suggests that "truly great games" are all about players' personal contexts.  This week, we use her article about the mystique surrounding Ocarina of Time as a starting point for a discussion about how our memories and the passage of time shape and re-shape some of our favorite games.  As always, we're looking forward to hearing your thoughts in the comments!

Discussion starters:

- When you think about your favorite games, how crucial was the context in which you played themt?
- Have you ever revisited a game and then come away with a drastically new opinion?
- How should we take a game's context into account when thinking about its legacy?

To listen to the podcast:

- Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed.
- Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking here. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format.
- Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right.

Show notes:

- Run time: 30 min 20 sec
- "Truly Great Games," by Leigh Alexander, via Edge
- Music provided by Brad Sucks
Direct download: EXP_Podcast_156_truly_great.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 10:00am PDT

We have consulted the Mayan calendar, had a chat with John Cusack, and returned with our prediction on games, habits, and hardware for the coming year. This time we take a scatter shot approach, going down a long list of topics and releases in hopes of sharing out quick thoughts on almost every 2012 issue on the horizon. Naturally we missed out on something you are eagerly awaiting. Let us know what that is in the comments section below. Again, happy new year and we look forward to discovering what the future actually holds.

To listen to the podcast:

- Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed.

- Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking here. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format.

- Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right.

Show notes:

- Run time: 34 min 45 sec

- Music provided by Brad Sucks

Direct download: EXP_Podcast_155_-_2012_Predictions.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 3:17pm PDT

It's that time of the year again, folks: time to pick our game of the year!  Jorge and I could never pick just one (or could we...?), so we each pick three of our favorite games from 2011 and talk about what makes them great.  It was a great year, if I do say so myself, and our lists reflect the many diverse and memorable titles released over the past year.  Of course, we don't come close to discussing all the great games of 2011, so we're looking forward to hearing your favorites in the comments!  Happy New Year and thanks for listening!

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Show notes:

SPOILER WARNING: Our picks are included below



Jorge's Games of the Year:

Skyrim
Bastion
Portal 2

Scott's Games of the Year:

don't take it personally, babe, it just ain't your story
Lesbian Spider-Queens of Mars
Portal 2

- Run time: 34 min 53 sec
- Music provided by Brad Sucks

Direct download: EXP_Podcast_154_goty_2011.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 10:00am PDT