The Experience Points Podcast
A weekly video game podcast from the co-writers of ExperiencePoints.net
EXP Podcast #66: Fall Sales Wager Results

Remember back in October, when we tried to guess which new fall titles would be the biggest sellers of the season?  This week, we reveal the much anticipated outcome.  The whole experiment was much more complicated than we bargained for, but we came away with some interesting lessons about the allure of franchises, the supposed "casual/core" dichotomy, and the shadowy world of sales numbers. Below is our list of the best selling games as well as our respective predictions.  For those of you playing along, how did you do?  Were there any big surprises?  Did any of your favorites miss the list? Also, you may want to take this opportunity to say "hi" to Jorge.  You know, put any old arguments to rest, or maybe say something nice just to show you care.  Life is unpredictable: one day you're on top of the world and next you're writhing in intestinal anguish after indulging in some laxative-infused tiramisu custard...

Actual List (as calculated by us):

 

1.  Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2

2.  New Super Mario Bros. Wii

3.  Wii Fit Plus

4.  Assassin's Creed 2

5.  Left 4 Dead 2

6.  Dragon Age: Origins

7.  Borderlands

8.  Uncharted 2: Among Thieves

9.  DJ Hero

10.  The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks

 

Jorge's List:

 

1.  Modern Warfare 2

2.  New Super Mario Bros. Wii

3.  Wii Fit Plus

4.  Band Hero

5.  Uncharted 2

6.  Left 4 Dead 2

7.  Assassins Creed 2

8.  Lego Indiana Jones 2

9.  DJ Hero

10.  Dragon Age

 

Scott's List:

 

1.  Wii Fit Plus

2.  Modern Warfare 2

3.  New Super Mario Bros Wii

4.  Lego Indiana Jones 2

5.  Dragon Age

6.  Lego Rock Band

7.  Assassin's Creed 2

8.  Left 4 Dead 2

9.  The Legend of Zelda: The Spirit Tracks

10.  Brutal Legend

 

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 the title. 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 11 sec

- Music provided by Brad Sucks

Direct download: EXP_Podcast_66_fall_wager_results.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 2:19pm PDT

EXP Podcast #65: Commercial Appeal

Take a look at the trailer for Vanquish above. This is the latest work from Shinji Mikami, famed creator of the Resident Evil franchise. What exactly is going on here? What type of game is this? We've got a gruff looking space marine fighting robot aliens. What are we supposed to get out of this trailer? Which brings us to this week's topic: What are we supposed to get out of trailers in general? Join us while we discuss veterans, butterflies, 80's music, exploitation, and the art of game trailers. You can find links to some of the trailers we discuss in the show notes.

Some discussion starters:

- Can trailers even hope to give an accurate assessment of what the game is going to be like?

- Do they have an obligation to not mislead the viewer?

- What do you look for in a good trailer? Have any favorites? Have you ever avoided them?

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 the title. 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 02 sec
- Halo 3 Museum Trailer
- GTA4: Liberty City Stories Trailer
- Mirror's Edge Trailer
- Gears of War 2
Trailer
- Left 4 Dead 2 Trailer
- Music provided by Brad Sucks

Direct download: EXP_Podcast_65_-__Commercial_Appeal.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 5:31pm PDT

EXP Podcast #64: Spartacus: Blood and Pixels

For a long time, many video games have sought to emulate storytelling techniques found in film, particularly the ways a story is visually conveyed. While a growing number of people are questioning the wisdom of this goal, "cinematic" is still usually a complementary term used to describe games. This week, we turn the tables and examine how aesthetic techniques from video games are influencing TV and film. With the help of G. Christopher Williams' article on the video game aesthetics of Spartacus, we discuss both subtle and overt aesthetic contributions games make to works outside of the medium. As always, feel free to share your thoughts on the sharing in the comments

Some discussion starters:

- Do any specific films or TV shows strike you as aesthetically inspired by video games?

- Is there a particular "look" that denotes video game aesthetics? Is it still pejorative to liken a film or TV show to a video game?

- Can film and TV appropriate video game aesthetics even though they lack the ability to appropriate the corresponding mechanics?

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 the title. 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 22 sec

- "The Video Game Aesthetics of Spartacus: Blood and Sand," by G. Christopher Williams, via PopMatters

- Music provided by Brad Sucks

Direct download: EXP_Podcast_64_spartacus_aesthetics.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 1:35pm PDT

EXP Podcast #63: Halo Podcast Evolved

To his personal shame, Scott had never played any of the Halo games. So we decided to drop into the franchise from orbit, pull Halo one from cryo, and mount up as Master Chief. Scott and I have just finished playing the first two Halos (on Legendary mode) and want to take a moment to discuss our thoughts on the birth of a truly epic franchise. Podcast topics this week include the dangers of zombies, complex level design growing pains, purple corridors, and the birth of a Spartan legend. We encourage you to leave your own thoughts on the franchise in the comments section below, though please avoid Halo 3/ODST spoilers.

Discussion Topics:

- How did you first feel about Halo 1 and 2 when you first played them.

- Is it hard to visit older titles? Do you find past mistakes become more tiresome? Do sequels forever take the place of their predecessors?

- How did Bungie manage to construct such a important franchise with such an influence on the history of game development? How well does the beginning of the franchise hold up today?

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 the title. 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: 36 min 25 sec
- Music provided by Brad Sucks

Direct download: EXP_Podcast_63_-_Halo_-_Podcast_Evolved.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 5:43pm PDT