Episode 24B: Level Cleared, Part 2

In the second half of our season finale, we discuss our personal thoughts for best game of 2011. Also included is some discussion about next year's releases, and a few things to look forward to in the second season of Downloadable Content! All music used still belongs to their respective games/studios/developers/composers/etc. Episode 24B

Episode 24A: Level Cleared, Part 1

In our 2-part season finale, we discuss our own personal best and worst video games of 2011! Discussed in this first half we talk about our picks for worst game of the year. Music used is from the OverClocked Remix album celebrating 25 years of The Legend of Zelda, called 25YEARLEGEND. All music belongs to their respective games/studios/composers/developers/etc. Episode 24A

Episode 23: Free Play

It's a free-for-all! In this episode, it's completely open discussion--we talk about anything video-game related. We range across topics from DRM on Batman: Arkham City, professional gaming, the changing face of single-player gaming, next-gen console rumors and several others. Feel free to leave a comment about the episode. All music used belongs to their respective games/studios/developers/composers/etc. Episode 23

Episode 22: A Biased Press

We talk about the business of video game reviews. How much of a game review is honest opinion, and how much of it is advertising? Do professional publications stand to profit from giving a game a positive review, even if it might be inflated? What influence do non-professional reviewing have on the industry? All music used belongs to their respective games/studios/composers/developers/etc. Episode 22

Episode 21B: Sacrifices Must Be Made, Part 2

Part 2 of our discussion of sacrificing story and gameplay for graphics. We take a look at games that succeed in combining the three, and also look at ones that fail. Episode 21B

Episode 21A: Sacrifices Must Be Made, Part 1

It's a topic brought up with every single generation of new consoles--the thought that game makers are sacrificing good story and good gameplay for the sake of selling a game that focuses entirely on graphics. In light of this current generation of systems, do you agree or not? In this 2-part episode, we debate this issue from various angles. All music used belongs to their respective games/studios/composers/developers/etc.  Episode 21A

Episode 20: Holiday Gifts

The holidays are fast approaching, and with it, some of the hottest anticipated video game releases. I and the panel discuss some of the biggest releases due out this holiday season, what we think will be the must-have titles, and the games we personally want to nab. All music used belongs to their respective games/studios/developers/composers/etc. Episode 20

Episode 19: Bleeps and Bloops

Music can add so much to the experience of playing a video game. From its humble beginnings as filler, music now serves a huge function--in fact, we expect it now, with studios now employing full orchestras to accompany their games. In this episode, we discuss how far music has come in the gaming world, as well as talk about our favorite game tunes and composers. All music used belongs to their respective games/studios/developers/composers.

Episode 19

Episode 18: 20 Years of SNES

Super Nintendo was released in the US in 1991. Twenty years later, we're still playing its games, thanks to the Wii's Virtual Console. For many of us twenty- and thirty-somethings, this was THE system to have growing up. Listen in as I and the panel reminisce and remember our best experiences growing up with the Super Nintendo. All music used belongs to their respective games/studios/developers/etc.

Episode 18

Episode 17: Now In Eye-Popping 3D

We go to the next level in this episode. The panel and I discuss what may very well be the next step in the evolution of video games--that of 3D gaming. As it makes its first steps into the medium, we ask: is it just a fad, or will it be here to stay? Hear our thoughts on the issue. All music used belongs to their respective games/studios/developers/etc, including the remixes used from OverClocked Remix.

Episode 17

Episode 16: What's Old is New Again

We take a look at the growing trend in gaming: the growing trend of game remakes, reboots, re-imaginings, and re-paintings. Has the industry run out of ideas? Or is it just a way to bring new gamers into the fold? Everything old is new again right here on this episode. All music used belongs to their respective games/studios/composers/developers, including those from OverClocked Remix.

Episode 16

Episode 15: Supreme Court Gaming

We follow up from our discussion in Episode 3, in which I and the panel discussed the video game case brought before the Supreme Court--specifically, to determine the constitutionality of California's 2005 law that would make it a crime to sell violent video games to minors. Now, the Court has rendered its decision, and we discuss what the ruling will have on the video game industry. All music used belongs to their respective games/composers/developers/studios/etc, including selections from OverClocked Remix.

Episode 15

Episode 14: Pay to Play

We discuss a new trend in the console world--the idea of buying additional content to augment and enhance our gameplay instead of just unlocking that content through said gameplay, something most of us did while we were younger. Is this a good thing for the industry, or is it simply a means to drive up the cost of gameplay? What about non-disc-based games released in episodic format? Listen to our thoughts on downloadable content right here on Downloadable Content. All music used belongs to their respective games/studios/developers/composers/etc, including the selections from OverClocked Remix.

Episode 14

Episode 13: Sony's Failboat

Now that the PlayStation Network is back and fully operational, I and the panel reminisce on the 6-week frustration that was the PSN Outage of 2011. We discuss the causes, Sony's horrible PR, and what they've done to appease their fans, all laced with sarcastic wit. All music used belongs to their respective studios/composers/developers/etc.

Episode 13

Episode 12: E3 2011

The annual E3 has come and gone, but with the announcement of two consoles, this year's E3 was of particular interest. Join us as we break down this year's E3, and give our thoughts on some of the expo's biggest offerings, like the Nintendo WiiU. All music used belongs to their respective composers/games/studios/etc.

Episode 12

Episode 11B: Under the Umbrella, Part 2

This is the second part of our Resident Evil discussion, picking up with Resident Evil 0 and heading through to now.

Episode 11B

Episode 11A: Under the Umbrella, Part 1

In our 4th and final episode celebrating classic video game franchises, we now turn to the baby of this year's group. Resident Evil turns 15 this year, but it's done quite a lot since its first game in 1996. It invented the survival horror genre, and keeps re-inventing it. Listen as we share our experiences with the series. Part 1 discusses the origins to RE: Code Veronica. All music used belongs to their respective composers/developers/studios/etc. Enjoy!

Episode 11A

Episode 10B: Bananas & Pirates, Part 2

This is the second part of our Metroid and Donkey Kong discussion. This focuses on Nintendo's favorite necktie-wearing ape. All music used belongs to their respective developers/studios/composers/etc.

Episode 10B

Episode 10A: Bananas & Pirates, Part 1

In the third installment of our commemoration of video gaming's classic franchises, our Episode 9 panel discusses what has made Metroid and Donkey Kong great these past 25 and 30 years, respectively, after they entered into gaming history. This is a 2-episode. In this first part, we discuss Metroid. All music used belongs to their respective studios/composers/developers/etc. Enjoy!

Episode 10A

Episode 9B: Into the Legend, Part 2

Part 2 of our Dragon Warrior/Zelda discussion. This second half consists of our Legend of Zelda discussion. All music used belongs to their respective composers/developers/studios/etc.

Episode 9B: Into the Legend, Part 2

Episode 9A: Into the Legend, Part 1

Continuing our small series of episodes celebrating video gaming's classic franchises, we take a look at Dragon Warrior and The Legend of Zelda, both turning 25 this year. We recount the games, our experiences, and talk about what gives them lasting appeal. Due to the amount of good material recorded, this episode is split in two. Part 1 is our Dragon Warrior discussion. All music used belongs to their respective composers/developers/studios/etc.

Episode 9A: Into the Legend, Part 1

Episode 8: The Blue Hedgehog

Sonic turns 20! In this episode, I and this panel talk about the rise, fall, and what might be a resurgence. Sega's mascot has been through hell and back again, but we discuss his origins, his successes, his disasters, and our fun experiences growing up with him. Listen in as we commemorate Sonic's 20th anniversary. All game music used belongs to their respective studios/developers/composers, etc; two selections are from the web site OverClocked Remix. Enjoy!

Episode 8: The Blue Hedgehog

Episode 7: To The Movies

In this episode, I and the panel discuss the tumultuous relationship between video games and movies; generally, movies based on video games don't translate well from game console to the big screen, and we discuss our thoughts as to why this is, with some exceptions. We discuss the movies based on Super Mario Bros, Mortal Kombat, Street Fighter and Resident Evil, to name a few. Give us your thoughts on this episode by posting at Downloadable Content's Facebook. All music used belongs to their respective composers/studios/developers/etc. The arrangements from Street Fighter II belong to the artists from OverClocked Remix. Enjoy!


Episode 7: To The Movies

Episode 6: Nintendo Power Awards

In this episode, I and the panel revisit the Nintendo Power awards. We made our predictions in Episode 1, now hear if our predictions were accurate. Which Nintendo games shone brightest in 2010? Which games took home honors in the ballot's 22 categories? Which game won overall Game of the Year? Find out in this episode. All game music used belongs to their respective composers/studios/developers/etc. Background music and sound effects are from the game show "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire." Intermission music is an arrangement of a piece from Final Fantasy V, by zircon of OverClocked Remix.

Episode 6: Nintendo Power Awards

Episode 5A: PAX East 2011, Part 1

On this special DLC, I and four others reminisce over what's becoming one of gaming's biggest events: the Penny Arcade Expo, held over 3 days in Boston, MA. In it, we share our experiences of the massive gathering; what we saw and played with on the Expo Floor, where big and indie studios alike came together to show off their latest and greatest; to the many freeplay rooms, to the awesome concerts, the Omegathon, and more. Because of how much was recorded, this episode is being split into two parts, with this first part recapping the first day. Have a PAX East experience? Talk about it on the Downloadable Content Facebook page. All music used belongs to their respective composers/bands/studios/developers/etc. Enjoy!

Episode 5A: PAX East 2011, Part 1

Episode 5B: PAX East 2011, Part 2

This is the second half of our PAX East 2011 recap. We talk about Days 2 and 3 here, which includes the amazing concerts from Video Game Orchestra, MC Frontalot, and Jonathan Coulton, and the final rounds of the Omegathon. Have a PAX East experience? Share it on the Downloadable Content Facebook page. All music used belongs to their respective composers/bands/developers/studios/etc. Enjoy!


Episode 5B: PAX East 2011, Part 2

Episode 4: Underrated Gems

Episode 4 has the panel talking about underrated video games--games that enjoyed widespread critical acclaim, yet failed to garner the financial success that usually accompanies said acclaim. Why do you think games like these get swept under the rug? Our expanded panel discusses six such games that saw this fate; we talk about our potential reasons why these games fell by the wayside. Feel free to weigh in on the discussion on Downloadable Content's Facebook page. All music used belongs to their respective games, studios, and composers. Enjoy!

Episode 4: Underrated Gems

Episode 3: Legislative Gaming

In Episode 3, we discuss the push to legislate video games--specifically, violent video games. We discuss why that is, and also discuss at length the California video game law which is now being argued in the Supreme Court of the United States. What effect could potential rulings by the Court have on the video game industry? Find out what we think, and weigh in on the discussion, if you feel so inclined. All game music belongs to their respective owners.

Downloadable Content: Episode 3

Episode 2: Series Evolution

In Episode 2, we talk about the evolution of popular video game franchises--what makes each successive game in a series still fun to play after years, even decades after its starting game? Do things like new stories, new consoles, and new graphics help or hinder a series? Can a series get too experimental and die before their time? I and our panel of Ron, Erica, and Peter talk about six franchises, and discuss what we think keeps these games fun to play, and also what causes the death of one or two. All music used belongs to their respective games and composers. Enjoy!

Downloadble Content: Episode 2

Episode 1: Generational Reset

It's a podcast made by everyday gamers of varying skills, meant for everyday gamers; from hardcore to casual, from longtime gamer to newbie. We don't provide reviews of video games, nor do we intend to bias against any type of gamer. In DLC, we talk about issues pertinent to the gaming industry--topical issues that affect the gaming population at large. We aim to have fun on this show, and we offer you, the listener, a chance to provide feedback. We even offer you, if you're so interested, a chance to come on and record with us and sound off on an issue that's important to you. This podcast is meant to be an open forum, where discussion and debate are encouraged.

Episode Description: In this inaugural episode, I and three others talk about the resurgence of 2-D gaming and whether we think it's good for the industry. In the second half, we look at and make our predictions for this year's Nintendo Power awards. Feedback is encouraged! Download here: Episode 1

Time: 78:45
Guests: Peter, Erica, Ron

Production notes: In the second half, we discuss and make predictions for the upcoming Nintendo Power awards. I never thought to prepare the panel by giving them the ballot beforehand. As a result, you can hear me typing away in NeoOffice Spreadsheet when the panel makes their picks. Still, there was some good discussion all around, and while this opening episode is about 20 minutes longer than I'd like (I'm hoping, once this becomes a regular thing, to have 60-minute episodes), I don't think it's a bad start. Enjoy!


Music Credits:
Intro & Outro: Time's Scar (Chrono Cross)
Intermission: Defiers of Fate (Final Fantasy 13)
1st half end: Game Over (Metal Gear Solid)
2nd half incidental music from "Who Wants to be a Millionaire"