Wed, 30 December 2020
2020 is almost behind us, but before we go, it's time to take another look back at some of the games that didn't make it to the very top of our lists. Unlike almost everything else that happened this year, video games were pretty good, which means that we have some very tasty leftovers to sample. Throw on those sweatpants, plant yourself on the couch, and let's run the clock down on this year and look forward to the next. |
Wed, 23 December 2020
It's time to run through our picks for the best games of 2020! This no-good, terrible, very bad year is coming to an end, but there are some things to celebrate before its over. Today, we discuss each of our top picks. We would love to hear from you as well! Send us an email with your favorite game of the year. And be sure to come back next week for our yearly leftover discussion! Show Notes:
Direct download: EXP_Podcast_603_-_2020_Games_of_the_Year.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 3:05pm PST |
Wed, 16 December 2020
Neither plague, nor fascism, nor new console scalpers could stop it: The Gameys have arrived. This week it's time for our annual game awards. Our yearly counter-programming/trolling of Geoff Keighley let's us blow off some steam while also recognizing the games and categories that truly matter. We got gear grinders, waifus/husbandus, baffling Nintendo moves and more. And of course we bestow the title of gamey-est game of the year to one special title. Thank you for attending and please do not take the gift baskets home; they are for decorative purposes only. |
Wed, 9 December 2020
This week we played a game where you and a faithful animal side-kick traverse beautiful wind-swept valleys, navigate ancient ruins, and fight magnificent cursed beasts to free the spirits inside. But enough about Shadow of the Collosus! This week on the podcast we review The Pathless, the latest game from Giant Squid. This is a gorgeous game with an interesting lineage and well worth your attention. Show Notes:
Direct download: EXP_Podcast_601_-_The_Pathless_Debrief.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:51pm PST |
Wed, 2 December 2020
This week we open we bridge a temporal rift and debrief on Demon's Souls. With Jorge's knowledge of the 2020 incarnation and Scott's knowledge of the 2009 incarnation, we manage to assemble just enough knowledge to understand that some of Demon's Souls' mysteries will be forever shrouded in arcane lore and obscure flavor text. But seriously, if anyone tells you they understand World Tendency they're lying to you.
Direct download: EXP_Podcast_600_-_Demons_Souls_Debrief.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 10:00am PST |
Thu, 26 November 2020
Bugsnax is probably the weirdest game of 2020. Part children's game, part adult body-horror, this game takes the saying "you are what you eat" to frightening conclusion. Join as we eat our way through Bugsnax. |
Wed, 18 November 2020
This week, we (well, Jorge at least) put our money where are mouth is and talk about hands-on PS5 first impressions. Yes, it's big. Yes, it looks like a modernist art nightmare. But it's also the only place to play the Demon's Souls remake, so how could anyone resist?
Direct download: EXP_Podcast_598_-_PS5_first_impressions.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 9:15pm PST |
Wed, 11 November 2020
The PS5 is officially release! Well, sort of. Most people couldn't pre-order one and stocks are still ludicrously low. Reviews are out, but are they selling systems or are we all just waiting? Oh, and if we keep giving rich Twitch streamers money, how are we going to afford a PS5 anyway!? Show Notes: - Runtime: 31 min 40 sec- Music by Brad Sucks
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Wed, 4 November 2020
Hey, it's a hectic week for those of us living in the US (and many would argue the world at large) so we're going to try to keep it light by talking about something so innocuous that only true monsters would object: petting virtual dogs. Sometimes you need to just focus on mechanics whose entire point is just to provide some small amount of joy. We expand into a few other completely optional world-building mechanics and enjoy a short vacation into a world of totally pleasant digital interactions. |
Wed, 28 October 2020
This week on the EXP Podcast, we introduce Scott's eldest to the legendary gaming progenitor Super Mario himself. And of course we celebrate Halloween with a spoopy discussion of Phasmophobia, an early-access co-op horror game.
Show Notes: Runtime: 35 mins 33 secs |
Wed, 21 October 2020
Like Zagreus himself, we have risen and are ready to throw ourselves against Hades once again. This time, it's a full debrief with plenty of discussion about the late-game mechanics and the story. I'd say spoilers, but you should know by now that there is no escape. Crack open a pomegranate and take in all of the Underworld's delights. |
Thu, 15 October 2020
Sonic in Fall Guys. Steve in Smash Bros. What's next, the car-insurance gecko in Spiderman? This week on the EXP Podcast, we tackle brand synergy and where it does (and doesn't) make sense to invade one world with the characters of another.
Show Notes: - Runtime: 34 min 21 sec
Direct download: EXP_Podcast_593_-_A_Crossover_Episode.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 8:51am PST |
Wed, 7 October 2020
Ever get the feeling that you're endlessly pushing a boulder up a hill? Or perhaps a self-important, washed up king won't stop blathering in your direction? Or maybe a bone hydra keeps mauling you? Well you're either in the year 2020 or in Hades (maybe both). This week we dive into Supergiant's latest game to compare our load outs and our interactions with all those weirdo relatives from Olympus! |
Wed, 23 September 2020
Get your bombs, ropes, and jetpacks ready folks; it's time for Spelunky 2! This week on the EXP Podcast, we debrief one of this year's most anticipated games, get into the philosophy of getting good, and hate on the mole rats with a fiery passion. This game, like its predecessor, is nearly endless, so I fully expect to come back to this game as the months (and years) continue. Enjoying the game? Hating it? Sent us your own thoughts via email! Show Notes:
Direct download: EXP_Podcast_591_-_Spelunky_2_Debrief.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 8:36pm PST |
Wed, 16 September 2020
Look, let's be real: Jorge and I recorded this before Spelunky 2 came out because we knew we'd be doing nothing but playing Spelunky 2 by this point in the week. Furthermore, I'm highly confident that you, dear listener, are playing Spelunky 2 as well. In fact, at this point I just assume that everyone is playing it, so the best I can hope is that this show serves as a nice Spelunky 2 soundtrack. List closely though: if you need a Spelunky 2 break, we give some positive recommendations on Spiritfarer and The Last Campfire. Both games are quite charming and might be a good break from the adorable chaos in which we are all relishing. |
Wed, 9 September 2020
This week on the EXP Podcast, we discuss the surprisingly affordable Xbox Series S ($299), just hours before Microsoft announced the price of the One X ($499). Both consoles are cheaper than expected! But if you want to be artificially gouged, there's also a Mario bundle coming out. |
Wed, 2 September 2020
Hard to believe that September is here. It's been a weird summer, probably because we haven't been able to go anywhere. On the bright side, we've had plenty of time to dive into some pleasantly-surprising video games. This week, we talk Fall Guys, If Found, and Paper Mario. We also wonder if we should pursue a new angle in which all reviews are haiku. The feasibility of that is to be determined. |
Wed, 26 August 2020
This week on the podcast, we finish what we started and give our full review of Ghost of Tsushima from Sucker Punch. There is a lot to discuss in this pollen-packed open-world game, some of it new and exciting and some of it aggressively familiar. But it this particular stack of bamboo worth slicing into? Give this episode a listen and find out!
Direct download: EXP_Podcast_587_-_Ghost_of_Tsushima_Debrief.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 6:59pm PST |
Wed, 19 August 2020
You know what's hard? Writing something about George Orwell. There's so much pressure to do justice to the talent you're describing. He'd probably advise getting straight to the point, so here it is: this week, we review Orwell's famous style rules put forth in his essay, "Politics and the English Language," and try to apply them to video games. I'm pretty happy with the results, so feel free to scroll down if you want a recap of where we landed.
Orwell's rules for writing:
Orwell's rules for games (as written by Jorge and Scott):
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Wed, 12 August 2020
This week on the EXP Podcast, we discuss the sometimes bizarre, sometimes optimistic, and very frequently disheartening realities of COVID-19 and how the pandemic impacts sports - both electronic and traditional. What do you think the future of e/t Sports looks like? Let us know by sending us an email! - Runtime: 42 min 23 sec
Direct download: EXP_Podcast_585_-_Sports_in_a_Pandemic_World.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 9:26pm PST |
Wed, 5 August 2020
A bright flash explodes in your eyes and the purified metal sings its deadly song as it tastes freedom. Something moves past you with uncanny speed and the wind seems to be chasing it, hoping to keep up. You look down and realize it's too late: this podcast has cut its way into your phone as if it were some sort of legendary blade forged from a comet. This week: we come dangerously close to becoming "sword people." |
Wed, 29 July 2020
We're back in Japan this week with nothing but a horse and a samurai sword to our names. It's time for the much-anticipated Ghosts of Tsushima. This is a dense game that opens up quickly and offers a lot to discuss, so we are sharing our first thoughts on the game before we get too heavy into spoiler territory.
Show Notes:
Direct download: EXP_Podcast_584_-_Ghost_of_Tsushima_First_Impressions.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 9:48pm PST |
Wed, 22 July 2020
Duck and cover everybody: it's time to talk about video game reviews. Reactionary hot takes have been around forever, but the concept of "review bombing" is a special, terrible twist on the all-too-common public vitriol towards a video game that dares do anything other than pander directly to the most vocal fanatics. Metacritic (no stranger to controversy itself) recently introduced a short post-release moratorium on user reviews in an effort to blunt review bombing. But will it work and what's truly at play here. This week we put on our flak jackets and try to find out.
Direct download: EXP_Podcast_582_-_Review_Bombs_Away.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 10:00am PST |
Wed, 15 July 2020
They did it. They did the impossible. The remade Final Fantasy VII. This week on the EXP Podcast, Scott and I follow up on our six-part FF7 review with a thorough review of the Final Fantasy VII Remake - which includes some HUGE surprises. If you were doubtful about this game like we were, definitely give this episode a listen! Show Notes: - Runtime: 1 hr 03 min 53 sec
Direct download: EXP_Podcast_581_-_Final_Fantasy_VII_Remake_Debrief.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:44pm PST |
Thu, 9 July 2020
Grab a brick and sharpen your shivs: This week, we do an in-depth debrief on The Last of us Part II. It's strikes both of us as a bit odd that a game could simultaneously be so popular and so divisive, but at least it makes for some lively conversation. As is always the case, we start off with general thoughts and purely mechanical analysis, but be warned that the back half of this show is all about the story in all it's violent detail. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go barricade my door and practice my guitar in preparation for society's collapse.
Direct download: EXP_Podcast_580_-_Last_of_Us_2_debrief.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 10:01pm PST |
Wed, 1 July 2020
What makes "Making" good? This week on the EXP Podcast, inspired by a Kotaku article by Ian Walker, we discuss the act of creation, what makes destruction is so easy and satisfying, and how we might elevate otherwise tedious in-game acts. We also chat a little about The Last of Us 2, a game all about destroying - both yourself and others. Show Notes: - "Games Should Make Creating Just As Satisfying As Destroying," by Ian Walker via Kotaku - Runtime: 39min 07sec - Music by Brad Sucks
Direct download: EXP_Podcast_579_-_Destination_Creation.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 9:44pm PST |
Wed, 24 June 2020
It's a news-y sort of week around here, so let's dive right in. Don't look for this podcast on Mixer: we've already made the jump to hyperspace and are on our way to reclaim our Guinness World Record for podcasting and share one last chili dog with our favorite influencer. |
Wed, 17 June 2020
We have seen the future and it looks like a binder full of Magic cards. This week on the EXP Podcast, we discuss the newly unveiled PlayStation 5 and some of the games coming to the console when it launches... when? For how much? Leaning one way or the other on next-gen? Let us know your console of choice and why by shooting us an email! Show Notes: - Runtime: 42 min 45 sec - Music by Brad Sucks
Direct download: EXP_Podcast_577_-_PS5_Reveal_Debrief.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 8:45pm PST |
Wed, 10 June 2020
90s kids: get out your bifocals and strap on your sock garters: Sega has not one, but four new consoles for you! Yes, this week we squint and discuss the Sega Game Gear Micro, muse about the alternate history where this made sense, and wrap up by thinking through other alternate video game realities. |
Wed, 3 June 2020
This week on the EXP Podcast, we share a meandering conversation somewhat about games and somewhat about the ongoing racial injustices that are on everyone's mind. We encourage you to skip this episode if it's not what you need right now. We also encourage you to stay educated, stay safe, and stay active via donations, direct action, or however you can. Music by Brad Sucks
Direct download: EXP_Podcast_575_-_A_Conversation_Only_Somewhat_About_Games.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 9:44pm PST |
Wed, 27 May 2020
Sometimes, you just have to do your job. Hopefully that job isn't storming the beaches at Normandy, but if it is, hopefully you can take solace in the fact that you're doing your commander proud. This week, we use the WWII sim Post Scriptum as a starting point to talk about hierarchy in video games. When do you follow orders and how is a chain of command set up in a medium that is usually obsessed with individual agency? How will I get those sweet cheevos of my CO has be peeling potatoes? |
Wed, 20 May 2020
Tony Hawk is back and gnarly as ever folks. Tony Hawk Pro Skater 1 & 2 is getting a gorgeous remaster and rerelease. This week on the EXP Podcast, Scott and I grind our way back to a simpler time and revisit this sports classic. Join us for laughs, a rundown of some other not-so-serious sports games, and at least one reference to the hit 1989 Christian Slater film Gleaming the Cube. Show Notes: - Runtime: 35 min 49 sec
Direct download: EXP_Podcast_573_-_Back_on_the_Board_with_Tony_Hawk.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 10:40pm PST |
Wed, 13 May 2020
Knock knock: there's a delivery for you...a smart delivery! Now that we've seen the recent announcement of the first batch of Xbox Series X games, it's time to take stock and partake in some recreational speculation. Vikings, fancy cars, and grotesque body horror: There are more games than you can swing an enchanted barbed wire bat at.
Direct download: EXP_Podcast_572_-_Series_of_Series_X.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:05pm PST |
Wed, 6 May 2020
Once again we've sprung another leak, this time from Naughty Dog and Nintendo. Should we be surprised? The games industry is one of the leakiest ships at sea, right? This week on the EXP Podcast, we discuss these new leaks, some memorable old ones, and what information we would actually want to see in the future. Show Notes: - Runtime: 36 min 58 sec - "The Last of Us Part 2 leaked by hackers, reports say," by Michael McWhertor, via Polygon - "Massive Nintendo Leak Reportedly Includes Wii Source Code, Developer Materials, And N64 Test ROMs,"by Ethan Gach, via Kotaku - Music by Brad Sucks |
Wed, 29 April 2020
Are we alone in the universe? Who knows, but one thing is for sure: virtual space is teeming with extraterrestrial life forms. This week, inspired by recent video of declassified UFO footage, we turn our eyes to the sky and look for aliens and how they're represented in the games we play. |
Wed, 22 April 2020
All aboard the train to Midgar folks, Final Fantasy VII Remake has arrived! This week on the EXP Podcast, we discuss our first impressions on the game, the changes it's made to the originals, and the ways it remains the same. We also have an exciting new update out for Mario Maker and Scott is getting his Joy-Con suped-up! Show Notes: - Runtime: 36 min 01 sec - Music by Brad Sucks |
Wed, 15 April 2020
Oh hey, it's your favorite neighbors! You know: the two weirdos who stay inside and play video games all day and then talk about said video games. After a small preview last week, we're returning to Animal Crossing: New Horizons for a formal debrief. There's a surprising amount of analysis and design for a game about a quaint animal town, so we hope you give it a listen. But if you get sick of us, just know that the ability to craft a good fence means you can craft a good neighbor.
Direct download: EXP_Podcast_568_-_Animal_Crossing_Debrief.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 11:15pm PST |
Wed, 8 April 2020
Put those down those turnips and revolt against the tyranny of Tom Nook's exessive dialogue bubbles! Or maybe we need to relax and let the Turnips be? This week on the EXP Podcast, Animal Crossing has us asking big questions about patience, frustration, and why we can't just eat spaghetti with our hands. Show Notes: - Runtime: 40 min 11 sec - Music by Brad Sucks
Direct download: EXP_Podcast_567_-_Playing_with_Patience.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 10:32pm PST |
Wed, 1 April 2020
We made it through March! Hope everyone is still hanging in there. We are still waiting out the global pandemic in our neck of the woods, so we're taking the opportunity to talk about how the social distancing rules are impacting some big games. We've also had some time the play Animal Crossing and Doom Eternal during our stint in the great indoors. Take a well deserved break and think about better things. Like punching demons in the face! |
Wed, 25 March 2020
This week on the EXP Podcast, we load up the truck and take a little ride on the Kentucky Route Zero. This is a game nearly a decade in the making. It's a surreal, folkloric exploration of a great many ideas and it transcends space and time. All that is to say, this little review of ours isn't easy - and hell, sometimes, neither is playing the game. We hope you at least enjoy the ride. Show Notes
Direct download: EXP_Podcast_565_-_Kentucky_Route_Zero_Debrief.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 10:18pm PST |
Wed, 18 March 2020
The world seems pretty wild right now, right? The COVID-19 situation has escalated quite a bit in the recent weeks and we hope everyone is doing as well as can be expected. We decided there's no way to do a normal show under the circumstances, so consider this podcast a virtual check in from us to you. We're physically incapable of avoiding all video game talk, so you'll still get plenty of that; there's just some more real life stuff mixed in. Pull up a virtual chair and hang out. Stay safe out there!
Direct download: EXP_Podcast_564_-_Bridging_the_Social_Distance.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 10:01pm PST |
Wed, 11 March 2020
This week on the EXP Podcast we get a fresh start! Inspired by an article from Polygon by Nicole Carpenter, we are talking about the age-old practice of save-scumming - the practice of loading up an old save file to redo your actions and get the optimal (or at least different) outcome. Nicole uses it to save a horse - but we can think of many more malicious - and positive - ways to use such godly powers! Show Notes |
Wed, 4 March 2020
I often worry about the next generation and the world they're inheriting, but then I realize that they don't need my concern: they have Pokémon to protect them! This week, we talk about a few recent news stories: Riot is getting into the tactical shooter business, Twitch is weird, and the children are Pokémon savants. We live in strange times. |
Wed, 26 February 2020
This week on the EXP Podcast, we discover that the vast majority of Mass Effect players never went full renegade asshole-captain. If no one really enjoys playing bad cop, are morality systems a waste of time? Or have we lost something by making all our choices morality-meter free? Perhaps most importantly, what would a great morality system look like and why should it be a mod for Eurotruck Simulator? Show Notes: - Runtime: 34 min 57 sec - "Almost Nobody Played A Bad Guy In Mass Effect" by Luke Plunkett, viaKotaku - Music by Brad Sucks |
Wed, 19 February 2020
In these hectic times, sometimes you just need to play a game where you just chill and do nothing. But is tending to virtual crops or role playing as a pixelated barista as relaxing as it sounds? This week, we talk about games that try to lower the stakes, ask less, and draw us in with tranquility instead of action.
Direct download: EXP_Podcast_560_-_A_Game_About_Nothing.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 10:06pm PST |
Wed, 12 February 2020
This week on the EXP Podcast we cover some recent news! Spider-Man swings into Sony's corporate office (and swings out to with a boatload of cash), Bioware is rebuilding the very core of Anthem, and we say goodbye to our old frenemy Flash (gone, but not forgotten or every really uninstalled).
Show notes: |
Wed, 5 February 2020
How do show appreciation for your favorite games from years past? Well, if you're Jorge and me, you dedicate dozens of hours talking about them on the Internet (shout out to my boy, Crono). But what if you want to make a grander gesture? Whether it is hoarding cartridges, dumping ROMs, or nailing stuff to the wall, there's a variety of ways to preserve the games you love. This week, we use Andrew Liszewski's article to talk about how we honor great games, ideally without running afoul of copyright law or losing our security deposits. |
Wed, 29 January 2020
We have ventured through many worlds and overcome numerous obstacles, but out of all of them a few are unforgettable. This week on the EXP Podcast, we revisit some of the most memorable levels in video games and try to figure what makes them so enduring.
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Wed, 22 January 2020
The world may feel cold and desolate. The days are filled with alternating episodes of terror and inconvenience: you escape the grasp of creatures straddling the line between the living and the dead only to notice your boots have holes in them. But don't worry: you're not alone. You see a flickering strand gently wafting through the chiral dust. It's a podcast from a more innocent time: the Death Standing Debrief. Finally!
Direct download: EXP_Podcast_556_-_Death_Stranding_Debrief.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:00am PST |
Wed, 15 January 2020
We are full steam ahead into 2020 and the slate of games coming out this year is thrilling. This week on the EXP Podcast we discuss our most anticipated games of 2020, make some predictions of the year ahead, and try to guess our GOTY 2020. Spoiler alert: It's Spelunky 2. - Runtime: 40 min 5 sec - Music by Brad Sucks
Direct download: EXP_Podcast_555_-_The_Year_Ahead_2020.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 9:58pm PST |
Wed, 8 January 2020
Think you escaped 2019? Think again! Our game of the year podcast was so jam packed that we had to save some our favorite games for later. Grab your most comfy pair of sweatpants and forget about counting calories: it's time for leftovers. |
Wed, 1 January 2020
Happy New Year listeners! We are celebrating 2020 by rounding up our top games of 2019. It was a weird year for games. My list was tough to put together and had numerous iterations with very different games at the top. Take a listen and let us know your favorite games of 2019!
- Runtime: 54 min 13 sec - Music by Brad Sucks
Direct download: EXP_Podcast_553_-_2019_Games_of_the_Year.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:20pm PST |