There is a sub-genre of point-and-click adventures with a huge fan-base. Escape the Room puzzles, as the name implies, fill confined spaces with puzzles that hold the secrets of escape. Glyphs might be hidden in couches, parts of a clock could be hidden in a potted plant. From cars, to closets, to art spaces in Japan town, Escape the Room puzzles create a unique experience by hiding mystery behind the seemingly mundane, all in close proximity. Join this week on the podcast while Scott, myself, and a few guests, explore the design and appreciation of room escape games.

Show notes:

- Runtime: 1 hour 7 mins 12 secs

- Submachine Series by Mateusz Skutnik.

- Real Escape Game is produced by SCRAP Entertainment

- Music by The Underscore Orkestra, Kevin MacLeod, and Latché Swing.

Scott and I have had "insider conversations" with one Mr. Businessman, which ultimately proved fruitless. Instead, we have our own conversation about the upcoming console cycle. Where is all the hype for the next release? Is there anything we should be excited for? What are you excited for?

Show notes:

- Runtime: 30 mins 59 secs

- Music by Brad Sucks

Remember when we asked you about your favorite things of 2012?  Well, you all delivered!  This week, we formally give 2012 a stylish send-off by talking with old friends, listening to new voices, and discussing some great reader submissions.  We want to give a huge thank you to everyone who contributed by talking with us, sending in an audio clip, or simply dropping us a line via email or in the comments.  2012 may be over, but that doesn't mean it's gone, so feel free to jump into the comments with your favorite things from last year.

- 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: 1 hr 40 min 48 sec
- Music by:
 - Blue Ducks
 - Broke for Free
 - Patrick Lee

Extra special thanks to:

- Christian Fratta
- David Carlton
- Gus Mastrapa
- Jacob Clark
- Jeremy Sear
- Kris Ligman
- Mads Kristensen
- Malachi Lakey
- Michael Abbott
- Michael Chadwick
- Mitch Krpata
- Patrick Molloy
- Phillip Wong

Spec Ops: The Line made a surprisingly large splash in the critical games sphere considering its trouble development and relatively low set of expectations. Critical Distance gathered up a huge collection of the best writings on the game, which you can find right here. Also, Brendan Keogh wrote a book about it! With themes that attempt to deconstruct both American military violence and video game violence, there is plenty of depth to explore in the latest debrief. Of course if you have played the game yourself, do let us know what you think of it in the comments below!

Show notes:

- Runtime: 38 min 53 sec

- Music by The Black Angels and Deep Purple via the Spec Ops: The Line licensed soundtrack.\

I had some extra time during the holiday break, so I decided to take deep dive into my backlog with two of the most popular franchises of this console generation: Assassin's Creed and Mass Effect.  As a teaser, I'll say that I'm only planning on finishing one of the two...

I'm extremely late to the party, but I just couldn't keep my thoughts to myself.  I sprung the topic (as well as the terrible idea of calling it a "Quicktime 'Cast") on Jorge and we ended up talking about both series' legacies.  Feel free to jump into 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: 37 min 34 sec
- Music by Broke for Free