Idle Thumbs

Idle Thumbs 33: "The Kane of Lynch" or "This Crazy Robot" or "Rock the Mouse"

questions@idlethumbs.net (Idle Thumbs Staff) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Lengthy discussions abound in this cast-and-a-half. We go off on the experiences unique to shorter, tighter games, the dying art of an equal player vs CPU ruleset, the American Civil War, and what it really feels like being the king. Plus: More video game dreams.

Idle Thumbs 32: The Stuff Dreams Are Made Of

questions@idlethumbs.net (Idle Thumbs Staff) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Ingredients: Co-op grappling-based wizard platforming, never-ending falling blocks, Peter Molyneux, Pyramid Head. Season to taste or until awakened screaming.

Idle News Podblast - 06/29/09: With StarCraft II

questions@idlethumbs.net (Idle Thumbs Staff) — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Special Report! Nick's back from Blizzard's preview event, ready to offer up his hands-on impressions of the StarCraft II multiplayer beta. Also, lots of side topics and diversions you can't do without. But mostly StarCraft II. And a gay pride parade.

Idle Thumbs 31: The Future of Games

questions@idlethumbs.net (Idle Thumbs Staff) — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0500

You can't shut your eyes. A small child spots you, waves eagerly. You try to reach him, but are stopped short as the cables restraining your fingers go taut. Struggling against wires and straps binding your shoulders and feet, you get one last glimpse of the boy before he's dragged screaming into Max Payne's departing van.

Idle News Podblast - 06/24/09: Without Nick Breckon

questions@idlethumbs.net (Idle Thumbs Staff) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0500

With Nick still out of town, we're passing the time with more from last week's cutting room floor. We'll be back soon with real podcasts.

Idle News Podblast - 06/18/09: With Cheese Plate

questions@idlethumbs.net (Idle Thumbs Staff) — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Where we come from the games beat themseles. There's a shaved Muppet around every corner, and Samus Aran can't shut up. It will please you, with a depth that might surprise you. Featuring Steve Gaynor as Mr. Dream.

Idle Thumbs 30: Idle Thumbs E30

questions@idlethumbs.net (Idle Thumbs Staff) — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0500

We're back from E3, filled with hands-on impressions, tales of awkward industry encounters, and an important question: Who needs a motion wand when you have a ten year old boy trapped in your TV?

Idle Thumbs 29: Dreaming of Gillen

questions@idlethumbs.net (Idle Thumbs Staff) — Wed, 27 May 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Sometimes the past is just as good as you remember it. Sometimes it's better. Nick turns back the clock ten years to explore the less traveled branching paths of adventure gaming, Jake is revamped and thrown back by Nintendo's latest offerings, and Chris? Chris dares to dream.

Idle Thumbs 28: Other People Get It

questions@idlethumbs.net (Idle Thumbs Staff) — Wed, 20 May 2009 00:00:00 -0500

After taking a week off in silent honor of the Duke, we return. Lawsuits fly and franchises fall as they try to get you to ride around on a fake skateboard. E3's coming back. I probably have Swine Flu. Don't worry, other people get it.

Idle Thumbs: No Podcast This Week

questions@idlethumbs.net (Idle Thumbs Staff) — Wed, 13 May 2009 00:00:00 -0500

With Chris gone to GDC Canada, we're taking the week off. See you soon.

Idle Thumbs 27: What is Game?

questions@idlethumbs.net (Idle Thumbs Staff) — Wed, 06 May 2009 00:00:00 -0500

This week you, the readers, take control, as we spend the entire episode with our grubby mitts elbow deep in the Idle Thumbs mailbag. With special guests Steve Gaynor of 2K Marin, and each and every one of you readers listening along at home.

Idle Thumbs 26: Raising the 'Bargo

questions@idlethumbs.net (Idle Thumbs Staff) — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0500

We return from break full of questions. Why are all the best games about America made in Europe? Does your game dialog sound more like Steven Seagal or John McClane? Is there going to be a twist? We don't know, but we really want to tell you why the Moon is awesome.

Idle Thumbs 25: Pause Theme from Battletoads

questions@idlethumbs.net (Idle Thumbs Staff) — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0500

With the fight against Robo-Manus safely on hold, our co-hosts are free to discuss the love/hate battle with ruthless games, the slow decline of the mod community, and the science gone mad of achievements paired with grinding, all with a funky back beat you can dance to.

Idle Thumbs 24: Shadow and Colossus: Back in Action

questions@idlethumbs.net (Idle Thumbs Staff) — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Like good games on the DS, we are back. With GDC a fond and distant memory, we tackle the surprising stack of good new titles for Nintendo's handheld, learn some new moves from a hobo, see the latest from BioWare and Double Fine, and shed a tear as Wander goes Hollywood.

Idle Thumbs Conf Grenade 4: [Transmission Lost]

questions@idlethumbs.net (Idle Thumbs Staff) — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0500

The final Conf Grenade pops and fizzles its way into your ear, offering our closing thoughts on the Game Developers Conference. Join us for some last words before the GDC book slams closed for another 51 weeks.

Idle Thumbs Conf Grenade 3: Morality, the Medical Surprise

questions@idlethumbs.net (Idle Thumbs Staff) — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Steve Gaynor and Duncan Fyfe join us for the penultimate Conf Grenade, blasting through GDC's midsection at a rate so fast, you might not survive the trip. Put on your game designer hat and buckle up.

Idle Thumbs Conf Grenade 2: Don't Look at Me, I'm Hideo

questions@idlethumbs.net (Idle Thumbs Staff) — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Partake in a virtual luncheon with a pantheon of gaming greats. Witness the changing of Will Wright's mind. Scream as you are wholly seared into the fourth dimension of experimental gaming. We're joined by guests Alex Ashby, Lawrence Bishop, and B. M. Bronstring.

Idle News Podblast - 03/27/09: With Free Monster Samples

questions@idlethumbs.net (Idle Thumbs Staff) — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0500

I don't even know what to say.

Idle Thumbs Conf Grenade 1: A Fish Called Extreme

questions@idlethumbs.net (Idle Thumbs Staff) — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0500

GDC is warming up, and so are we. Idle Thumbs alums Marek Bronstring, Duncan Fyfe, and Lawrence Bishop join in for an look at GDC's first days of Indie-focused content, our anticipated panels, fabricated sex scandals and more. We love GDC this much.

Idle Thumbs 23: At the Mountains of Money

questions@idlethumbs.net (Idle Thumbs Staff) — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0500

You lie on the ground, the last breaths leaving your body as you look up into the glowing, burlap sack-wrapped eyeholes of the man who ended your life. As voices recede and the world drifts away, you realize your dying thought will be

Idle Thumbs 22: Put On the Top Ghost

questions@idlethumbs.net (Idle Thumbs Staff) — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Sometimes a game blows up in your face, 106 moves in. Sometimes a tutorial man tells you the controls backwards, just because. Sometimes, no matter what you try, the old man just can't kill that snake. When the world's got you feeling down, do what we do, and put on the top ghost.

Idle News Podblast - 03/09/09: Countdown to Tears

questions@idlethumbs.net (Idle Thumbs Staff) — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Five years ago, prophecies by Steven Spielberg and EALA's Neil Young charted a course of new, untold emotional resonance, and the future of video games was irrevocably changed. As Game Developers Conference 2009 approaches, the clock ticks ever closer to the video game singularity: Prepare for the countdown to tears. Games discussed: Steven Spielberg, Neil Young, the crying game.

Idle Thumbs 21: The Hypersonic Effect

questions@idlethumbs.net (Idle Thumbs Staff) — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0600

Virtual worlds fall around you. Objectives appear before your eyes, cluttering your vision. Everything falls silent. As tears stream down your space visor you realize, too late, that it has you. Welcome to The Hypersonic Effect.

Idle News Podblast - 02/26/09: With Saitek Cyborg

questions@idlethumbs.net (Idle Thumbs Staff) — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0600

Special Report! Awesome robot robot robot; actually, he's a cyborg, and he comes bearing contests. Saitek Cyborg, at your service.

Idle Thumbs 20: Idle Thumbs 2000

questions@idlethumbs.net (Idle Thumbs Staff) — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0600

Has your desire to explore and investigate given way to a guided experience that just wants to hold your hand? Find out at the next waypoint. Join us as we offer up impressions from the DICE Summit, discuss this week's surprise assault of great games, and eat our own butt.

Idle Thumbs 19: Upping the Majesty

questions@idlethumbs.net (Idle Thumbs Staff) — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0600

Special guest Steve Gaynor joins us as we sail over grassy dewswept mountains resplendent with gaming's bounty, then crash-land into an F-bomb laden cutscene. Plus: Watch your cursor drift towards the

Idle Thumbs 18: Citizen Killzone

questions@idlethumbs.net (Idle Thumbs Staff) — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0600

Following modern trends, this episode eschews its core gameplay for a series of scattered but crowd-pleasing showpieces. Hop in a Big Stompin' Mech with F.E.A.R. 2, use a mandatory turret to defend your favorite FPS titles, and perform an overly-animated finishing move on

Idle News Podblast - 02/05/09: With Joe Pesci

questions@idlethumbs.net (Idle Thumbs Staff) — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0600

Special Report! Duck for cover, commandeer a Jeep, and man a turret: Resident Evil is back, and Idle Thumbs is blasting through the gates of a midnight embargo. With Joe Pesci. Sometimes something comes up mid-week that we want to talk about. This time we actually did. We may do more of these in the future.

Idle Thumbs 17: War of the Broses

questions@idlethumbs.net (Idle Thumbs Staff) — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0600

Grab a brew and waste the Space Fuhrer with your friends from the quad. Chris weighs in on Killzone 2, Nick weighs the good and bad of two upcoming strategy titles, and Jake weighs the importance of a polished first play experience... with your mom. How many times have you heard a dictionary say

Idle Thumbs 16: The Sources' Duel

questions@idlethumbs.net (Idle Thumbs Staff) — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0600

Confidential informants collide and megatons are dropped in this week's high-speed episode. We talk about gaming narrative as a pastiche of tone and suggestion, but you just want your damn cutscenes. Plus: Wired's Chris Kohler joins us to dismember your naked form with a samurai sword. Replayability: 3.7.

Idle Thumbs 15: I'll Kill the Last Alien

questions@idlethumbs.net (Idle Thumbs Staff) — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0600

Kaz Hirai says you'll truly appreciate the complexity of this podcast in about nine and a half years. What's that? Gonna cry? Nick Breckon says you're a baby who likes baby games. And a cheat, too, I bet.

Idle Thumbs 14: Interface with the Animus

questions@idlethumbs.net (Idle Thumbs Staff) — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0600

BioShock 2 lead level designer JP LeBreton joins us for this accidentally retro-filled episode to recount the rich tapestry of game music, talk up the LucasArts classics, and dream of a world where Grand Theft Auto was reimagined as a 1930's Warner Bros. cartoon.

Idle Thumbs 13: Manipulated Through Time

questions@idlethumbs.net (Idle Thumbs Staff) — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0600

We loudly ring in Year of the Video Game with a double episode of post-holiday potluck warmth. Like a worried mom, we lecture about driving under the influence of video games. Like a drunk uncle, we can't shut up about

Idle Thumbs XI-2: The Legend of Big Bird's Bones

questions@idlethumbs.net (Idle Thumbs Staff) — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 00:00:00 -0600

Concluding our trio of podcasts recorded two weeks ago due to holiday issues, the crew remains joined by 2K Marin's Steve Gaynor to discuss psychopathic murderer Gordon Freeman, John Madden getting a government bailout, classic network sitcom Coach, and the love affair between the Japanese people and Wizardry.

Idle Thumbs XI: Extremes

questions@idlethumbs.net (Idle Thumbs Staff) — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 00:00:00 -0600

Last week, Thumbs invited 2K Marin's Steve Gaynor to help pre-record a low- key cast on nuclear plant sims, traffic sims, sewage construction sims, bus sims, boat sims, and ghosts. Riveting stuff.

Idle Thumbs 10: The Ballad of John Riccitiello

questions@idlethumbs.net (Idle Thumbs Staff) — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 00:00:00 -0600

As the CEOs of EA and Activision engage in an epic battle for the hearts and souls of gamers, our co-hosts consider Spike VGA-related game unveilings, fool significant others into buying consoles, look at some IGF 2009 entries, and propose Netflix achievement whoring.

Idle Thumbs 9: The Confestabaloo

questions@idlethumbs.net (Idle Thumbs Staff) — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 00:00:00 -0600

Our co-hosts sedated themselves a bit this week in deference to special guest Chuck Jordan, Telltale designer and veteran of Grim Fandango and Curse of Monkey Island. Amidst discussions of Disneyland and ARG-based PR, we start to plan for Games of the Year and indulge in some pomposity about Game Narrative.

Idle Thumbs 8: Green Lantern is the Blindfolded Fool

questions@idlethumbs.net (Idle Thumbs Staff) — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 00:00:00 -0600

Idle Thumbs U.S. returns from vacation fists a'swingin, battering you senseless with tales of lives reconsidered (and rewound), friends (lists) lost, and having to sit and watch someone else really suck (at your favorite game).

Idle Thumbs 7: Stop Doing Interviews

questions@idlethumbs.net (Idle Thumbs Staff) — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0600

Special guest Steve Gaynor of 2K Marin, last seen in Idle Thumbs 3: Field of Dreams, joins us once again as we drop hot scoops about the Ensemble Studios closing, wrap up discussion of Steve's favorite game ever Fallout 3, and debate bizarre Left 4 Dead tactics. Plus: our giveaway contest is announced, and a new segment is possibly introduced.

Idle Thumbs 6: Explode Mode

questions@idlethumbs.net (Idle Thumbs Staff) — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0600

Your old Xbox is about to become your new Xbox, but that might mean you just start using your Netflix account again. Special guest Brad Shoemaker of Giant Bomb gently guides us through the minefield of this week's industry scandals, helps us finally close the book on Far Cry 2, and rekindles our love of J. Allard.

Idle Thumbs 5: The Wizard

questions@idlethumbs.net (Idle Thumbs Staff) — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0600

This week, Nick was left for dead at Valve's offices where he played some kind of video game, Chris and Jake have experienced what's so amazing about LittleBigPlanet, and we keep attempting to cajole you into playing Far Cry 2. Plus: Will Gears of War 2 blow you away? We investigate. There may be a wizard.

Idle Thumbs 4: The Fable of Love

questions@idlethumbs.net (Idle Thumbs Staff) — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0500

We're a day early and possibly still a dollar short. Weeks of Fallout 3 coverage culminate with Nick's full completion-informed opinions. (Mutants allowed.) Chris and Jake dive into the polarizing world of Far Cry 2, and Fable 2's bizarre romances are set to heart-wrenching song. Join us, for this relatively subdued cast. To your face.

Idle Thumbs 3: Field of Dreams

questions@idlethumbs.net (Idle Thumbs Staff) — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Did you hear BioWare is working on a Star Wars MMO set in the KOTOR universe? Oh, you did? Nick and Chris talk about their day at the Old Republic reveal event, Thumbs alum and BioShock 2 designer Steve Gaynor of 2K Marin joins us as a special guest, Jake turns into an old man, and more. Listen in!

Idle Thumbs 2: The Fanboy's Lament

questions@idlethumbs.net (Idle Thumbs Staff) — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Tokyo Game Show and BlizzCon may be over, but they live on in our hearts, and our podcast. Stay awhile and listen for hands-on reports, commentary, and the heart-rending ballad of a once-proud console warrior. This episode probably not sponsored by Gamer Grub.

Idle Thumbs 1: Let the Games Begin

questions@idlethumbs.net (Idle Thumbs Staff) — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Throw away your bifocals and burn your books. Why rely on reading comprehension when you can sit on your ass and listen to us talk? Idle Thumbs is back, now with 100% fewer articles, and we've been hitting the preview events just for you.