Episode S4E23: Level 4 Cleared

It's the season finale! We round up 2014 in video gaming, give you our thoughts on the most memorable games and events of the year, and also give you what we're looking forward to in 2015. All music belongs to their respective games/studios/developers/composers/etc. Ep S4E23

Episode S4E22: R.I.P. Single-Player?!

With more and more games taking advantage of the internet, online multiplayer is on the rise. However, more and more developers are deciding to put more of their resources into multiplayer experiences and as a result, devoting less time and/or dropping the single-player experience from games altogether. Does this herald the beginning of the end for single-player games? All music used belongs to their respective games/developers/composers/studios/etc. No copyright infringement is intended. Ep S4E22

Episode S4E21: A Little Humoresque

We take a look at the funny in this episode, examining the role of humor in video games. Is it needed? What's the purpose? What are some games that are noted for their humor? All music used belongs to their respective games/studios/developers/composers/etc. Ep S4E21

Episode S4E20: RPGs Here & There

What makes western RPGs so different from JRPGs? Why are JRPGs no longer the big console sellers they once were? Western RPGs seem to have filled the void left by JRPGs, but what is it about these genres that keep us coming back to them time and time again? All music used belongs to their respective games/developers/studios/composers/etc. Ep S4E20

Episode S4E19: Why Video Games Need Feminism

In light of the horrible mess that is GamerGate, we talk on this episode why, perhaps more than ever, video games need feminism. The terrible threats and vitriol spewed at critics like Anita Sarkeesian, Zoe Quinn, and others, are unacceptable, and we all must do our part, as gamers and human beings, to get rid of this idea that video games are a "guys-only" club. All music used belongs to their respective games/composers/developers/studios/etc. Ep S4E19

Episode S4E18: Free Play 7.0

It's just Ron and Brian as they give you the third and final Free Play episode of this season. They talk about Twitch's acquisition, what's going on in e-sports, and more. All music belongs to their respective games/developers/composers/studios/etc. Ep S4E18

Episode S4E17: Gaming's Greatest Villains

Villains of video games are often times just as memorable, if not more so, than a game's hero. They have their unique personality traits that give them a lasting impression in a gamer's memory. On this episode, we give our thoughts on gaming's greatest villains and give them some love. Brian is joined by Ben and Tanya on this episode. All music used belongs to their respective games/developers/composers/studios/etc. Ep S4E17

Episode S4E16: Free Play 6.0

It's another Free Play episode, and another set of interesting topics are up for debate--in this episode, we discuss the rampant sexism and harassment in the gaming community, the merits of physical vs. digital distribution, an indie game renaissance, and plenty more. All music belongs to their respective games/developers/composers/studios/etc. No copyright infringement is intended. Ep S4E16

Episode S4E15: Say Fuzzy Pickles!

It didn't go over well when it was released 20 years ago, but since then, EarthBound has become a cult classic. What's the appeal of this weird, quirky, odd, yet hilarious game? Doug joins Brian on another nostalgia-fueled episode as they discuss the Super Nintendo game that gave us Ness. All music used belongs to their respective games/studios/developers/composers/etc. Ep S4E15

Episode S4E14: The Elder Scrolls of Tamriel

Twenty years ago, Bethesda introduced us to the massively open-world RPG series known as The Elder Scrolls. From its beginnings as a PC staple to a global phenomenon available on consoles as well, millions of gamers have sunk millions of hours into each game, eager to do everything that can be done with each expansive world. We reminisce our experiences of this great series here. All music used in this episode belongs to Jeremy Soule, composer of the Elder Scrolls games. The cover of "The Dragonborn Comes" at the end is performed by Malukah. No copyright infringement is intended. Ep S4E14

Episode S4E13: Welcome To Silent Hill

Fifteen years ago, Konami gave us their answer to Capcom's Resident Evil franchise. Rather than zombies, bio-organic weapons, and viruses, Silent Hill gave us psychological chills. Supernatural elements, satanic cults, drugs, inner demons, and Pyramid Head gave us good old-fashioned nightmare fuel. We celebrate and reminisce this classic survival horror franchise on this episode. All music belongs to their respective games/studios/developers/composers/etc. Ep S4E13

Episode S4E12: Free Play 5.0

Ron and Ryan join Brian on the first of the Free Play episodes for Season 4. Even though summertime is usually the quiet period of the video gaming year, there's still plenty to talk about. What news and opinions from the gaming world have we thoughts on? Listen and find out. All music belongs to their respective games/developers/studios/composers/etc. Ep S4E12

Episode S4E11: E3 2014

It's our annual E3 recap episode. Joined by Ron, Ben, Joshie, and Cat, we give you our take on the highlights, games, and controversies surrounding this year's event. All music used belongs to their respective games/studios/developers/composers/etc. Ep S4E11

Episode S4E10: To Be A Gamer

What does it mean to be a "gamer"? On this episode, we take a look at the definition, and debate as to whether we should retire the term or figure out ways to give the label a more positive, all-inclusive attachment. Apologies for the drop in audio quality in the 2nd half--Skype occasionally takes issues with large panels. All music used belongs to their respective games/developers/studios/composers/etc. Ep S4E10

Episode S4E9: From Platform to Platform

It's a love letter to platform games, a genre of games that has fallen out of favor in recent console generations as gamers prefer much more nuanced, story-driven, feature-loaded experiences. Yet it's this down-but-not-out style of game, where you grind level by level, which is largely to thank for what we play today. Ronny and Brian talk about platforming games and why they're still relevant today. All music used belongs to their respective games/studios/developers/composers/etc. Ep S4E9

Episode S4E8: Sega Does What NintenDONT

In 1989, Nintendo was enjoying wide-ranging success. A new challenger appeared that year in the US, and shortly after, a blue hedgehog sought to do battle with a mustachioed plumber. So began the console wars of the 1990s. While Nintendo eventually won the war, the Sega Genesis left a profound mark on video gaming. Brian and Shanna look back at the Genesis with fond nostalgia on this episode of DLC. All music used belongs to their respective games/studios/developers/composers/etc. Ep S4E8

Episode S4E7: PAX East 2014

It's our annual PAX East recap episode! We bring to you our experiences from the 3-day gaming convention, from the games we played, panels we saw, concerts we experienced, and more. Listen to our stories from a fun-filled weekend. We're joined by Doug from AnimeCons TV, Wyatt and Jon from Sprites And Dice, also appearing once again are Ben and Shanna. All music belongs to their respective games/developers/studios/composers/inc. Ep S4E7

Episode S4E6: The Original Gray Brick

In 1989, Nintendo launched a product that would change the face of handheld gaming forever. While the Game Boy wasn't the first handheld device to play games, it was the first to receive massive critical acclaim and appeal. Even now, 25 years later, Nintendo is still the runaway leader in the handheld market. On this episode, we look back at some of our greatest (and worst) memories of the original gray brick. All music used belongs to their respective games/developers/composers/studios/etc. Ep S4E6

Episode S4E5: An Artistic Identity Crisis

Video games, like any art, have to undergo some growing pains. In an effort to try to gain legitimacy and mainstream recognition and not be seen as simply a kid's toy, some games may take on the look and feel of Hollywood-style movies. Others argue that video games should not try to be something else, but instead should stand on its own merits. Agree or disagree? We give our thoughts on this episode. All music used belongs to their games/developers/composers/studios/etc. Ep S4E5

Episode S4E4: Steam-Powered Machines

Joshie joins DLC for the first time this season, and brings with him his two cents on the currently-being-developed Steam Machines. With Valve wanting to get in on the console and PC market, we talk about the devices themselves and speculate on how successful we think Valve might be. All music used belongs to their respective games/developers/studios/composers. Ep S4E4

Episode S4E3: Flight of the Developers

In light of the recent announcement of Irrational Games shutting down, the reaction has ranged from wishing Ken Levine well to Rage Quitting everything. Yet, he's certainly not the first big-name developer who's left behind their AAA franchises to pursue making other games (usually indie). What effects on the video game industry does this have when such talent leave behind their blockbuster franchises to pursue other creative interests? That's what we aim to discuss here. All music belongs to their respective games/developers/studios/composers/etc. Ep S4E3

Episode S4E2: Bigger, Stronger, Faster

In the 40+ years since the first video game console, these devices have gone from a living room accessory to multi-functional, all-in-one machines capable of doing far more than simply play video games. We take a look at the evolution of video game consoles and wonder just how far we can go. All music used belongs to their respective games, developers, studios, composers, etc. Ep S4E2

Episode S4E1: State of the 8th Generation 2.0

We begin Season 4 of Downloadable Content with a glimpse into the 8th Generation: the newly-launched PS4 and Xbox One. How are they faring little more than 2 months after their release? Now that the honeymoon is over, what games are we looking forward to in order to justify those expensive toys? And what is up with Nintendo and its floundering Wii U? All music used belongs to their respective games/composers/studios/developers/etc. Ep S4E1

Bonus DLC: Series 3 Outtakes

It's the Series 3 outtake reel: what you're about to hear are some outtakes from this season of DLC, moments that got cut from finished episodes, and in some cases, left in the finished episode and re-lived here because they're just too funny. All music used belongs to their respective games/developers/studios/composers/etc. No copyright infringement is intended. Ep S3EB