The Experience Points Podcast
A weekly video game podcast from the co-writers of ExperiencePoints.net
"After I no-scoped that noob I broke down and cried."

Can games inspire catharsis?  If you mean expel bodily fluids, then yes, I suppose it's an inevitability.  For the sake of your couch, I wouldn't recommend it.  Instead, why not look to games for emotional catharsis?  It's a question posed by Critical Distance in this month's Blogs of the Round Table.  We decided to join the conversation and discuss the types of games that let us build up and then vent emotions.  Competitive games, meditative headstands, and the lasting legacy of Greeks (even ones that have twin chain blades) all come up over the course of the chat.  As always, we're looking forward to hearing your thoughts in the comments.

 

- Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes

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- 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.

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Direct download: EXP_Podcast_291_-_Digital_Catharsis.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 10:00pm PDT

Did you see that amazing and gorgeous looking trailer from Gamescom!? It was a fully rendered marvel! I can't wait to see how it will look in the much more limited and realistic setting of the actual game, you know, we can finally know what it is, right? This week on the EXP Podcast, Scott and I discuss cinematics in games, what they can offer games before and after release, and more. Have some thoughts on CG trailers or cut scenes? Let us know in the comments below, especially if you have a favorite! And if you actually do want to see a cool trailer, check out the one for Rime below.

 

 

 

Show notes:

 

- Runtime: 35 mins 05 secs

- Music by Brad Sucks

Direct download: EXP_Podcast_290_-_Cinematic_Concerns.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:18pm PDT

If you look closely, you can see the ghost drivers.

Video games are often considered a form of escapism, but what about the games that attempt to painstakingly model the small intricacies of the real world?  Jorge and I aren’t very experienced when it comes to conducting virtual trains, piloting virtual planes, or growing virtual grains, but we are very much fascinated by the strong interest in simulation games.  Inspired by a truly magnificent and terrifying trailer for Farm Simulator 15, we dive deep into the mindset and appeal of games about the real world.

 

- 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 mins 57 secs

Direct download: EXP_Podcast_289_-_Podcast_Simulator_2014.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 10:24pm PDT

Your bank account is slowly tricking away into nothing. Can you even remember all the services you subscribe to, right now, off the top of your head? This week on the EXP Podcast, Scott and I discuss all the ways we pay for games and services in more than one lump sum. We also touch upon potential value of EA Access coming to Xbox One. As always, we encourage you to subscribe to this very podcast below and let us know your thoughts on subscription models in the comments below.

 

Show notes:

 

- Runtime: 35 mins 49 secs

- "PlayStation Now rentals cost $2.99 for four hours' play, but everything could be changing," by Brian Crecente via Polygon

- "EA offers top games and big discounts for $5 a month," by Justin McElroy via Polygon

- Music by Brad Sucks

Direct download: EXP_Podcast_288_-_Subscribe_Now.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 8:31pm PDT