Checkpoint Reached.

Checkpoint Reached Episode 19: Halloween Edition

2010-10-21T21:29:00.011-04:00

Oh my God.

Checkpoint Reached has risen from the dead. Just when you thought we were gone for good - BAM - we all on ya'. In this week's comeback episode we talk about what we have been playing during our lengthy time away. We got Starcraft II, Halo: Reach, Darksiders and more. Then, its all about the recent rise in PC gaming, the age of current generation consoles and... the Wii. So stream it, load it, or delete it. Its Checkpoint Reached Season 3, and we are here to stay.

Cast: Ray Hartmayer, Eli Kineg, and Ben Tolmachoff.

Runtime: 1:33:27

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Feedback? Email us at Checkpointreached@yahoo.com or Tweet us at Chkpointreached, and we will read your questions, hate, and comments on air!

Checkpoint Reached Episode 18: Eat Papa! Eat! Edition

2010-04-10T03:25:00.005-04:00

This week Hotshot is back joining Eli and Ray for a regular show discussing what we have been playing, what we are looking forward to, and most of all how embarrassing Ray's gaming these days is. We also delve into the advent of iPhone, iPod, and iPad gaming and what the new OS 4.0 means for mobile gaming as a whole. Is Apple going to become the next big competitor for Nintendo and Sony in the hand-held gaming market? Join us for an in-depth look at this latest trend.

Cast: Ray Hartmeyer, Eli Kineg, Gagandeep Singh

Runtime: 1:22:05

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Checkpoint Reached Presents: God of War III

2010-03-29T17:26:00.006-04:00

In the end, there will be only kick ass podcasts.

Join Eli, Ray and Chad as they give the final word on one of Sony's biggest exclusives of the year. God of War III is here in all it's ruthless and brutal glory and it sure does kick some boo-tay. Crush the download bar quick, this is one you don't want to miss.

Fun Tidbits (From Eli Kineg)

God of War III Launch Trailer

God of War III Mega Hype Thread

Cast: Eli Kineg, Ray Hartmeyer, Chad Skiles

Runtime: 1:31:27

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Checkpoint Reached Finally Presents Mass Effect 2 and Heavy Rain

2010-03-14T17:10:00.006-04:00

See..so what happened was....Ray didn't edit the review for two weeks due to a hectic schedule. But this works out for you guys because this week of checkpoint reached we review Mass Effect 2 and Heavy Rain and spoil the hell out of them both.
So SPOILER ALERT if you want to listen.

Cast: Eli Kineg, Ray Hartmeyer, Ben Tolmachoff, Chad Skiles

Runtime: 1:44:27

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Checkpoint Reached Episode 17: Nothing to Present Edition

2010-02-14T01:50:00.004-05:00

No folks, this isn't the one where we review Mass Effect 2. But please, don't walk-click away yet! Eli and I didn't forget about you (for once) and decided to do a show anyway! This week we talk about X10 and hit on Mass Effect 2 and BioShock 2 impressions. Stay tuned, we promise you won't fall asleep. Maybe.

Cast: Ray Hartmeyer, Eli Kineg

Runtime: 46:50

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Checkpoint Reached Episode 16: 2010 Rocks the Casbah Edition

2010-01-23T14:02:00.008-05:00

Knock knock.

Who's there?

2010.

2010, who?

2010 kicks a lot of fuckin' ass.

Hey guys, it's Checkpoint Reached here again to sound off on another great year of gaming. We have a quick chit-chat about what we've been playing lately and then we delve in to what is exciting about this grand ol' year. We reflect on Mass Effects fantastic glitches, get deep and thoughtful with a discussion about Heavy Rain and get all kinds of hyped about what is to come in the next few months. Bag that head and round those lips, it's Checkpoint Reached.

Cast: Ray Hartmeyer, Eli Kineg, Tomas Rodriguez

Runtime: 1:24:07

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Checkpoint Reached Episode 15: Gotti Edition

2010-01-11T15:36:00.009-05:00

We have returned! This week on Checkpoint Reached we have our annual awards for the best of the best games. Ben and Tom return finally for this episode and we read some colorful reader emails. As requested here are our XBL and Psn tags:

Ray- XBL Jechtshot78, PSN Jechtshot78

Eli- XBL BurningAlice, PSN MiserySiren

Ben- XBL Choffy21, PSN Choffy21

Tom- XBL Man hunter e507, PSN Markmenm

Cast: Eli Kineg, Ben Tolmachoff, Ray Hartmeyer, Tomas Rodriguez

Runtime: 1:24:55

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Checkpoint Reached Episode 14: MEATLOAF edition

2009-12-11T22:20:00.006-05:00

This week on checkpoint reached we have special extremely poor guest Aljosa who shares with us the wonders of Pokemon Soulsilver and eating garbage for nourishment. We talk Assassins Creed 2, Modern Warfare 2, LittleBigUpdate, and more. In the second segment we discuss Q1 2010 and how fucking awesome it is. Also, Meatloaf.

Cast: Ray Hartmeyer, Eli Kineg, and Special Guest Aljosa Kljujic.

Runtime: 1:00:56

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Checkpoint Reached Presents: Uncharted 2 Review

2009-11-03T18:10:00.007-05:00

The most fantastic, explosive, dangerous, booming, banging, double-crossingly good game has hit the PS3, and we're pulling up tight to hit you with a review.

We have an enthusiastic team of Ray, Eli and Ben this week (holy shit, all three letter names!) and everyone is really feelin' good about this here game. It's time to nut up or shut up. It's Checkpoint Reached mofucker.

Cast: Ray Hartmeyer, Eli Kineg, Ben Tolmachoff

Runtime: 1:05:13

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Checkpoint Reached Episode 13: No topic Edition

2009-10-26T01:30:00.008-04:00

This week on Checkpoint Reached we are creatively bankrupt and so we don't have a topic. We do however talk about Uncharted 2, Brutal Legend, Demon's Souls, and Critter Crunch with special guest Gagandeep Singh(Just call him hotshot). Also, Penis Size. Yup.

Cast: Ray Hartmeyer, Eli Kineg, Gagandeep Singh

Runtime: 46:33

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Checkpoint Reached Presents: Batman Arkham Asylum, Halo 3: ODST

2009-10-08T22:13:00.006-04:00

What do you call Batman in an ODST suit? Who the fuck cares? That's unimportant.

What is important is the mac daddy of all Checkpoint Reached reviews coming all up on you. That's right, we have not one but two reviews in one show. First we talk about Batman: Arkham Asylum. In the second segment we talk a little Halo 3: ODST and drop our opinions on both.

What are you waiting for? Get your podcast on!

Cast: Eli Kineg, Ray Hartmeyer, Ben Tolmachoff, Thomas Rodriguez.

Runtime: 1:14:09

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Checkpoint Reached Episode 12: Eli Sucks Edition

2009-09-29T01:19:00.005-04:00

In this episode Eli gets ragged on by his fellow podcasters. Goddamn it.

In the first segment we hit you with the normal, homegrown, good ol' fashion "What the fuck have you been playing?" We answer the call. From Batman to ODST to Final Fantasy II. We be playin' games.

Second segment chimes in with the exciting titles of Q3 2009 and Q1 2010. There's a lot to be excited about this fall and sound 'em off good and proper.

See? We did come back for more!

Cast: Ray Hartmeyer, Eli Kineg, Ben Tolmachoff.

Runtime: 59:16

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(Side note: Email us with any questions or comments at Checkpointreached@yahoo.com)

Checkpoint Reached Episode 11: Bringin' it Back Edition

2009-09-23T00:23:00.006-04:00

Welcome back ladies and gents.

Checkpoint Reached has taken a beefy three month vacation and now we're back! (Just like the movie about the dinosaurs). We apologize for the long break in the show-flow but we got a juicy episode coming at you. In the first segment we discuss the best and worst video game characters in the industry. Gears of War fans beware: We don't like the cast.

The second segment introduces something we are calling "The Checkpoint Reached Gameboner!" In this edition of Gameboner Ray and Eli talk about Halo 3: ODSTs launch and reflect on highlights though out the whole series. Man, oh man, what an episode!

Cast: Eli Kineg, Ray Hartmeyer, Ben Tolmachoff

Runtime: 1:08:42

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Checkpoint Reached Episode 10: BILLY MAYS IN ALL CAPS EDITION

2009-06-30T01:05:00.010-04:00

After a 2 week hiatus Checkpoint Reached is back in full swing. This week we talk about 50 Cent: Blood on the sand, Wanted: Weapons of Fate, Red Faction Guerilla, and Lots of Final Fantasies in the first segment. Then we take on the heated Halo VS Call of Duty and [Prototype] VS inFAMOUS debates. Lots of fighting this week, tune in.

Cast: Eli Kineg, Ray Hartmeyer, Ben Tolmachoff, Tomas Rodriguez.

Runtime: 1:15:24

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Side note: Feed back? Hate the show? Questions for the show? Drop us a line at checkpointreached@yahoo.com and get your questions read on air.

ATTENTION: Peggle $.99 on iTunes!!!

2009-06-11T15:13:00.006-04:00

If you're one of the cheap bastards who can't stand to pay $5 for the second best game ever made (the first obviously being Crackdown), you have no excuse anymore.

Peggle is only $.99! But hurry! The sale ends June 14th at midnight.

Your welcome.

Link

Checkpoint Reached E3 2009 Special #2: Aftermath Edition

2009-06-09T00:58:00.010-04:00

Eli hosts this week as we talk about our favorite moments of E3 2009. From game announcements to vitality sensors, we cover it all in our second E3 special. We also FINALLY answer reader mail, so keep it coming and we will make it a regular segment.

Cast: Eli Kineg, Ben Tolmachoff, Ray Hartmeyer, and special guest Kyle Stranick.

Runtime: 1:08:37

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Side note: Feed back? Hate the show? Questions for the show? Drop us a line at checkpointreached@yahoo.com and get your questions read on air.

Checkpoint Reached E3 2009 Special #1: Microsoft Edition

2009-06-02T00:48:00.007-04:00

After a two week hiatus, the Checkpoint Reached crew is back to talk about E3 2009 so far. We talk about the massive amount of games we have been playing in the time off including Wolverine, inFAMOUS, Metal gear Online, and tons of others. Then in the second segment we talk about e3 so far and Microsoft's massive press conference as well as speculate on the coming announcements at the Nintendo and Sony press conferences taking place later today.

Tune in.

Cast: Ray Hartmeyer, Ben Tolmachoff, Tomas Rodriguez, and special guest Luke Urbanski.

Runtime: 1:24:18

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Side note: Feed back? Hate the show? Questions for the show? Drop us a line at checkpointreached@yahoo.com and get your questions read on air.

No show this week. :(

2009-05-19T13:14:00.004-04:00

Due to it being finals time for a lot of us, we are not going to be able to record a show until next week at the earliest. Plus we have new recording software! So we need to set that up and test it out.

Thats alright, you guys are too busy to listen anyway...right?

...

Right?

In any case, we apologize for not having a show this week, but we will be back soon.

Checkpoint Reached Episode 7: Confessions Edition

2009-05-11T23:39:00.008-04:00

On an extra ~~late~~ special episode of Checkpoint Reached we talk about Burnout Paradise DLC, Peggle, Left 4 dead DLC, Silent Hill 2, and many other games. Then we get into a knock down drag out brawl as we ~~fight~~ discuss games everyone else loves but we HATE. Stick around.

Cast: Ray Hartmeyer, Eli Kineg, Ben Tolmachoff, and Tomas Rodriguez

Runtime: 1:17:53

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Side note: Feed back? Hate the show? Questions for the show? Drop us a line at checkpointreached@yahoo.com and get your questions read on the show.

Checkpoint Reached Episode 6: Bustin' Makes Me Feel Good Edition

2009-04-30T21:45:00.004-04:00

This week on Checkpoint reached we have a super extra long extravaganza of a show for you. we talk about what we have been playing including Riddick, fatal frame 2, pokemon, demigod, and wheeman. Then we talk about iPhone games, Games on our pile of shame, and our favorites so far of the generation. Stick around folks, this is a long one.

Cast: Ray Hartmeyer, Eli Kineg, Tomas Rodriguez, and Ben Tolmachoff

Runtime: 1:40:48 (Longest show ever)

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Side note: Feed back? Hate the show? Questions for the show? Want to kiss our asses? Drop us a line at checkpointreached@yahoo.com and get your questions read on the show.

Don't fret folks, podcast goes up later today.

2009-04-30T13:22:00.003-04:00

I didn't get home until late last night because I was taking an underwater basket weaving at night course. However, I assure that the Podcast will go up sometime later today.

Any hate mail is to be directed at Checkpointreached@yahoo.com

Checkpoint Reached Presents: Killzone 2

2009-04-20T19:16:00.009-04:00

Killzone 2 is one of the PS3's most talked about games. For that reason, it would be pretty dumb if we didn't talk about it at least a little. In this podcast we cover all things Killzone and discuss it's highs, lows, and how god damn goddamn good it looks.

Enjoy the review, guys.

Cast: Eli Kineg, Ray Hartmeyer, Ben Tolmachoff, Tomas Rodriguez

Runtime: 29:34

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- Eli Kineg

(Reviews Editor)

Side Note: Got Feedback? Get your questions read on the next podcast by emailing us at checkpointreached@yahoo.com

Website blames 9 year-old's death on video-games

2009-04-16T10:24:00.007-04:00

Instead of trying to explain the situation, I will let what www.pantagraph.com posted this morning...

"By Associated Press

NEW YORK -- A friend says a 9-year-old New York City boy might have been imitating a video game character when he apparently made a plastic parachute and jumped to his death from his apartment building's roof.

Police say Domori Miles likely cobbled a plastic bag and rope together before flying off the 13-story Brooklyn building Tuesday. The items were found on the ground near his body.

Ten-year-old friend Shakar Murrel says Domori was a fan of the wrestling game "WWE SmackDown vs. Raw" and loved wrestler Jeff Hardy's swan dives.

Stamford, Conn.-based World Wrestling Entertainment expresses sympathy but calls for "a full investigation ... before conclusions are made." It says no "SmackDown vs. Raw" characters jump off buildings or use parachutes.

Domori's mother tells police she had gone to the store."

Source: Pantagraph.com

I feel deeply sorry for the loss of their son. It is most certainly a tragedy to lose a child at such a young age. I can also understand the anger and frustration of the parents and why they would be so quickly to blame anything. I don't think anybody blames them for being upset.

Its alright for the parents to be upset, but the media needs to be more logical when writing these articles. Blaming video games for something any kid anywhere could have done. Forgetting there are tons of toys that involve parachutes, tons of TV shows (including cartoons), movies, books, even pictures that have parachutes, this media outlet decided to blame video games directly. After blaming video games, they point out a wrestling game "SmackDown vs. Raw" which, in the article even points out, contains no characters with parachutes or people jumping off of buildings.

What if it was a lack of supervision? What if the kid had a undiagnosed mental illness? It could be tons of things, yet it seems that only video games are the ones to blame for the child's death. These kind of premature accusations breed nothing but controversy and give video games an even more negative image.

Lets just hope that we can get some more facts on the situation and that major media outlets don't go apeshit on this. Until then...

Checkpoint Reached Episode 5: 5 > 3 Edition

2009-04-15T21:49:00.008-04:00

This week on Checkpoint Reached we have Five people on instead of three. Listen as Adam Wasdovitch and Ben Tolmachoff join Me, Eli, and Tom as we discuss games we have been playing including Age of Conan, Yakuza, Dishwasher: The Dead Samurai, Killzone 2, and DemiGod. We also talk about the Bioshock 2 gameplay unvieling, and the new protaginist in Assassins Creed II.

So tune in for a regular show and make sure you check the blog this weekend for our Killzone 2 review.

Cast this week: Ray Hartmeyer, Eli Kineg, Tomas Rodriguez, Ben Tolmachoff, and Adam Wasdovitch.

Runtime: 36:18

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Side note: For any questions or feedback on the show please email us at checkpointreached@yahoo.com and we will read your emails on the next episode.

Games you own, but have spent very little time with.

2009-04-14T16:24:00.002-04:00

I was straightening up my game collection today when I came across a few games that I have owned for a long time, and have never even played before. Pictured above are games that I either have never so much as put them into a game console, or played for 10 minutes and turned off. The list for me is as follows:
Shenmue II(I never even played Shenmue 1.)
Ultimate spiderman
Marc Ecko's Getting up
Infected
Final Fantasy Tactics War of the lions
Metriod prime 2 Echoes (I am going to get killed for this.)
ICO(And this too)
and Digital Devil Saga

This saddens me but I know that I am not the only one whom this plagues. In the comments below list the games that you have neglected and we will read them on episode 6 of the checkpoint reached podcast.