A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away....Jorge and I recorded a podcast about Star Wars.  Inspired by the recent announcement that the Bioware-developed MMO, Star Wars: The Old Republic would indeed be released this year, we discuss our expectations and the nature of Star Wars video games in general.  We've flown from one end of this galaxy to the other, and we've seen a lot of strange stuff, but finding a great Star Wars game is rare and precious thing.  Many Bothans died to bring us this podcast, so make it worth their sacrifice by sharing your thoughts in the comments!

Discussion starters:

- Will Star Wars: The Old Republic become more fun than you can possibly imagine, or will it cause a great disturbance in the Force?
- What are your favorite Star Wars video games and what elements of the universe do the depict?
- Which lesser known characters or themes would you like to see in a Star Wars 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: 39 min 32 sec
- "Star Wars: The Old Republic Launching Dec. 20, starts at $15 per month," via Joystiq
- Wikipedia's list of Star Wars games
- Music provided by Brad Sucks

Like some sort of radioactive monster from the sea, the Tokyo Game Show has risen and invaded Japan. This week on the EXP Podcast, Scott and I discuss the most interesting tidbits out of TGS, touching on a variety of subjects, from our longing for the "Japanese" aesthetic to pregnancy peripherals and the prospects for the PS Vita and the 3DS. Be sure to check out the show notes for some of the games we mention in the show.

Discussion starters:
- Do you miss traditionally "Japanese" games?

- What games out of TGS piqued your curiosity?

- Are you more or less excited for the Vita? How about the 3DS?

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 53 sec

- Ni No Kuni TGS Trailer

- Gravity Rush TGS Trailer
- Mommy Tummy TGS Footage via Joystiq

- "Opinion: 'Expansion Slide Pad' Reflects Lack Of Confidence In 3DS," by Kyle Orland via Gamasutra
- Music provided by Brad Sucks

This week, Jorge and I are pleased to welcome Krystian Majewski back to the show!  Krystian is designer of Trauma, an independent game that blends puzzle solving, exploration, and interactive storytelling.

We discuss the Trauma's development process and ask Krystian about his approach to game design.  We also find time to talk about everything from urban exploration to Lego robots, and we find out whether Krystian ended up with "Katherine" or "Catherine."  

Unsurprisingly, we had a great time talking with Krystian and we hope you enjoy the conversation as well.  Be sure to check out the links in the show notes if you're interested in Trauma, as well as Krystian's many other projects.  Thanks again to Krystian, and to you all 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: 1 hr 04 min 17 sec
- The Official Website of Trauma
- Krystian's writing on Game Design Scrapbook and Game Design Reviews
- The Monster Hunter Podcast on Social Dissonance
- Krystian's Design Portfolio Website
- Music provided by Brad Sucks

We have wrestled with sheep, turned blocks into staircases, and climbed the highest towers to bring you this Catherine themed podcast. This week on the show, Scott and I discuss the latest erotic-story-focused-puzzle game from Atlus, its cowardly and ineffectual protagonist, and its take on gender, marriage, and fidelity. As always, we encourage you to share your own thoughts on Catherine in the comments section below.

Some discussion starters:
- What do you think of Catherine's protagonist?
- Do you feel your ending fit within the story well?
- What sort of message came through Catherine?

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: 48 min 07 sec
- Music provided by Brad Sucks