Level Up - Video Game RPG Podcast » Podcasthttp://leveluppodcast.wordpress.comA weekly PC and Console roleplaying game radio show.enFri, 22 Apr 2011 10:32:30 PDTWordPress.com http://wordpress.com/2009 Level Up Podcast.Games & Hobbies/Video GamesZeus Poplar and Jake 'Googleshng' AlleynoA weekly PC and Console roleplaying game radio show.A weekly PC and Console roleplaying game podcast, hosted by Zeus Poplar and Jake 'Googleshng' Alley.Episode 014 – Divinity 2: Ego Draconis reviewhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/leveluppodcast/~3/d0ugOFXe3I0/PodcastZeus Poplar and Jake 'Googleshng' AlleyTue, 13 Apr 2010 13:24:34 PDThttp://leveluppodcast.wordpress.com/?p=124Ahoy!

First thing’s first: our podcast host shut down recently. I had to change the Feedburner RSS feed, so if anyone wakes up and finds a lot of doubles in their iTunes, don’t bother re-downloading them. The only new content is this here Divinity 2: Ego Draconis review.

Direct MP3 Download (right-click link and save)

Four months in the works–four months! I know, I know, it took me forever. But it was CDV’s fault for being so generous and sending me a brand spankin’ new review copy. I just couldn’t play it for a few hours and pass judgment. The end result is a twenty-two minute review.

Enjoy.

- Zeus


]]>Ahoy! First thing&#8217;s first: our podcast host shut down recently. I had to change the Feedburner RSS feed, so if anyone wakes up and finds a lot of doubles in their iTunes, don&#8217;t bother re-downloading them. The only new content is this here Divinity 2: Ego Draconis review. Direct MP3 Download (right-click link and save) [...]<img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=leveluppodcast.wordpress.com&amp;blog=7849328&amp;post=124&amp;subd=leveluppodcast&amp;ref=&amp;feed=1" width="1" height="1" />1noAhoy! First thing&#8217;s first: our podcast host shut down recently. I had to change the Feedburner RSS feed, so if anyone wakes up and finds a lot of doubles in their iTunes, don&#8217;t bother re-downloading them. The only new content is this here DiviZeus Poplar and Jake 'Googleshng' AlleyAhoy! First thing&#8217;s first: our podcast host shut down recently. I had to change the Feedburner RSS feed, so if anyone wakes up and finds a lot of doubles in their iTunes, don&#8217;t bother re-downloading them. The only new content is this here Divinity 2: Ego Draconis review. Direct MP3 Download (right-click link and save) [...]Podcasthttp://leveluppodcast.wordpress.com/2010/04/13/episode-014-divinity-2-ego-draconis-review/http://www.mirtna.org/levelup/01_level_up_014.mp3Episode 013 – Game Artshttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/leveluppodcast/~3/yLdqaOH2P1M/PodcastZeus Poplar and Jake 'Googleshng' AlleyTue, 13 Apr 2010 13:06:10 PDThttp://leveluppodcast.wordpress.com/?p=73After a month of catastrophic hardware failures and dealing with the headaches of organizing a tri-coastal recording session, we once again bring in Susan Richardson to join in on a discussion of the games of Game Arts.

Direct MP3 Download (right-click link and save).

In a world where everyone else is sending mopey teens from destroyed villages out to save the world, it’s nice having a company to send pre-teens out to explore the world just for its own sake in Lunar and Grandia.

- Jake


]]>After a month of catastrophic hardware failures and dealing with the headaches of organizing a tri-coastal recording session, we once again bring in Susan Richardson to join in on a discussion of the games of Game Arts. Direct MP3 Download (right-click link and save). In a world where everyone else is sending mopey teens from [...]<img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=leveluppodcast.wordpress.com&amp;blog=7849328&amp;post=73&amp;subd=leveluppodcast&amp;ref=&amp;feed=1" width="1" height="1" />1noAfter a month of catastrophic hardware failures and dealing with the headaches of organizing a tri-coastal recording session, we once again bring in Susan Richardson to join in on a discussion of the games of Game Arts. Direct MP3 Download (right-click liZeus Poplar and Jake 'Googleshng' AlleyAfter a month of catastrophic hardware failures and dealing with the headaches of organizing a tri-coastal recording session, we once again bring in Susan Richardson to join in on a discussion of the games of Game Arts. Direct MP3 Download (right-click link and save). In a world where everyone else is sending mopey teens from [...]Podcasthttp://leveluppodcast.wordpress.com/2009/08/21/episode-013-game-arts/http://www.mirtna.org/levelup/01_level_up_013.mp3Episode 012 – Authoring RPGshttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/leveluppodcast/~3/r3CCLX9riMM/PodcastZeus Poplar and Jake 'Googleshng' AlleyTue, 13 Apr 2010 13:06:16 PDThttp://leveluppodcast.wordpress.com/?p=66Guest host Jonathan Drain returns in part two of the podcast to discuss authorship in roleplaying games.

Direct MP3 Download (right-click link and save).

Topics include Chekhov’s gun, how (and whether) a writer should Hide The Gun, and how both concepts affect RPG storylines. We also discuss puzzle design: which should come first, the Key or the Door? In other words, should the player be allowed to find the solution before they find the problem? It’s no surprise that our conclusion draws from famous fantasy tropes. Finally there’s exposition in sci-fi and fantasy worlds, or how to introduce gamers to a unique world without having characters robotically spout common knowledge for the player’s benefit.

All these questions answered — or not — and much, much more!

Thanks again to JD, the man who put the “D” in d20source.com. Jake will return next week, along with Susan, when we feature Game Arts, the Grandia and Lunar series.

- Zeus


]]>Guest host Jonathan Drain returns in part two of the podcast to discuss authorship in roleplaying games. Direct MP3 Download (right-click link and save). Topics include Chekhov&#8217;s gun, how (and whether) a writer should Hide The Gun, and how both concepts affect RPG storylines. We also discuss puzzle design: which should come first, the Key [...]<img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=leveluppodcast.wordpress.com&amp;blog=7849328&amp;post=66&amp;subd=leveluppodcast&amp;ref=&amp;feed=1" width="1" height="1" />2noGuest host Jonathan Drain returns in part two of the podcast to discuss authorship in roleplaying games. Direct MP3 Download (right-click link and save). Topics include Chekhov&#8217;s gun, how (and whether) a writer should Hide The Gun, and how both concZeus Poplar and Jake 'Googleshng' AlleyGuest host Jonathan Drain returns in part two of the podcast to discuss authorship in roleplaying games. Direct MP3 Download (right-click link and save). Topics include Chekhov&#8217;s gun, how (and whether) a writer should Hide The Gun, and how both concepts affect RPG storylines. We also discuss puzzle design: which should come first, the Key [...]Podcasthttp://leveluppodcast.wordpress.com/2009/08/13/episode-012-authoring-rpgs/http://www.mirtna.org/levelup/01_level_up_012.mp3Episode 011 – How Dungeons & Dragons Influenced Video Gameshttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/leveluppodcast/~3/GJnUj2EKEYQ/PodcastZeus Poplar and Jake 'Googleshng' AlleyTue, 13 Apr 2010 13:06:23 PDThttp://leveluppodcast.wordpress.com/?p=60Jake’s hard drive crashed, so Jonathan Drain of D20 Source joins us to talk about Dungeons & Dragons, how it influenced video games, and vise versa. (The 4th version of D&D took inspiration from MMORPGs, not to mention a certain well known FPS series.)

Direct MP3 Download (right-click link and save).

Mostly we just ramble on about this and that, including my personal 2008 Game of the Year, Mount & Blade, an Action/RPG/Strategy game which reminds JD of a LARP and me of those D&D strongholds which high level Fighters are supposed to build. We even touch a bit on that classic question, What Is An RPG? (previously covered in our first episode), because there’s no point in beating a dead horse — unless it’s a dead RPG horse, in which case you gain some experience.

Many thanks to Jonathan, who’ll be returning again next week in part two of the two-part episode, titled: Episode 11: Part Two — Episode 12.

We’re… still working on the title.

- Zeus


]]>Jake&#8217;s hard drive crashed, so Jonathan Drain of D20 Source joins us to talk about Dungeons &#38; Dragons, how it influenced video games, and vise versa. (The 4th version of D&#38;D took inspiration from MMORPGs, not to mention a certain well known FPS series.) Direct MP3 Download (right-click link and save). Mostly we just ramble [...]<img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=leveluppodcast.wordpress.com&amp;blog=7849328&amp;post=60&amp;subd=leveluppodcast&amp;ref=&amp;feed=1" width="1" height="1" />6noJake&#8217;s hard drive crashed, so Jonathan Drain of D20 Source joins us to talk about Dungeons &#38; Dragons, how it influenced video games, and vise versa. (The 4th version of D&#38;D took inspiration from MMORPGs, not to mention a certain well known FZeus Poplar and Jake 'Googleshng' AlleyJake&#8217;s hard drive crashed, so Jonathan Drain of D20 Source joins us to talk about Dungeons &#38; Dragons, how it influenced video games, and vise versa. (The 4th version of D&#38;D took inspiration from MMORPGs, not to mention a certain well known FPS series.) Direct MP3 Download (right-click link and save). Mostly we just ramble [...]Podcasthttp://leveluppodcast.wordpress.com/2009/08/07/episode-11-how-dnd-influenced-video-games/http://www.mirtna.org/levelup/01_level_up_011.mp3Episode 010 – Zero Player Gameshttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/leveluppodcast/~3/oHj7chLxwmo/PodcastZeus Poplar and Jake 'Googleshng' AlleyTue, 13 Apr 2010 12:16:34 PDThttp://leveluppodcast.wordpress.com/?p=55This week we look at the surprising number of RPGs which will play themselves, while you half-pay attention and potentially do some multi-tasking.

Direct MP3 Download (right-click link and save).

Highlights of course include the ever-popular Progress Quest, but we also dedicate a large portion of the show to how the creators of Legends of Zork need to burn in the fires of the abyss. Plus the surprising fact that a fair number of games which play themselves somehow manage to be intimidatingly difficult.

As always, feel free to send mail to leveluppodcast@live.com and share with us the secrets of the universe. Or whatever else is on your mind.

- Jake


]]>This week we look at the surprising number of RPGs which will play themselves, while you half-pay attention and potentially do some multi-tasking. Direct MP3 Download (right-click link and save). Highlights of course include the ever-popular Progress Quest, but we also dedicate a large portion of the show to how the creators of Legends of [...]<img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=leveluppodcast.wordpress.com&amp;blog=7849328&amp;post=55&amp;subd=leveluppodcast&amp;ref=&amp;feed=1" width="1" height="1" />2noThis week we look at the surprising number of RPGs which will play themselves, while you half-pay attention and potentially do some multi-tasking. Direct MP3 Download (right-click link and save). Highlights of course include the ever-popular Progress QuesZeus Poplar and Jake 'Googleshng' AlleyThis week we look at the surprising number of RPGs which will play themselves, while you half-pay attention and potentially do some multi-tasking. Direct MP3 Download (right-click link and save). Highlights of course include the ever-popular Progress Quest, but we also dedicate a large portion of the show to how the creators of Legends of [...]Podcasthttp://leveluppodcast.wordpress.com/2009/07/24/episode-010-zero-player-games/http://www.mirtna.org/levelup/01_level_up_010.mp3Episode 009 – The Games of Enixhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/leveluppodcast/~3/U74DjIQE6SU/PodcastZeus Poplar and Jake 'Googleshng' AlleyTue, 13 Apr 2010 12:14:59 PDThttp://leveluppodcast.wordpress.com/2009/07/18/53/Today we look back at the games of Enix, specifically those that fell between the birth of the SNES and the sweaty embrace of Square-Enix. (We’re saving Dragon Quest/Warrior games for their own podcast.)

Direct MP3 Download (right-click link and save).

If Enix had an golden age, at least here in America, it was undoubtedly between 1991′s Actraiser and the tragically unloved comedy RPG Robotrek (1995).These were the salad days, when one could walk down to the local video store and pick up a new Enix RPG seemingly every week. Much will be said about Quintet, Enix’s star developer at the time, and their unofficial trilogy, Soul Blazer, Illusion of Gaia, and the JP/EU-only Terranigma.

Alas, all good things must come to an end. Enix “pulled a Wonka” and mysteriously closed their doors to US customers (for reasons we discuss in the ‘cast).

- Zeus

leveluppodcast@live.com


]]>Today we look back at the games of Enix, specifically those that fell between the birth of the SNES and the sweaty embrace of Square-Enix. (We&#8217;re saving Dragon Quest/Warrior games for their own podcast.) Direct MP3 Download (right-click link and save). If Enix had an golden age, at least here in America, it was undoubtedly [...]<img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=leveluppodcast.wordpress.com&amp;blog=7849328&amp;post=53&amp;subd=leveluppodcast&amp;ref=&amp;feed=1" width="1" height="1" />2noToday we look back at the games of Enix, specifically those that fell between the birth of the SNES and the sweaty embrace of Square-Enix. (We&#8217;re saving Dragon Quest/Warrior games for their own podcast.) Direct MP3 Download (right-click link and savZeus Poplar and Jake 'Googleshng' AlleyToday we look back at the games of Enix, specifically those that fell between the birth of the SNES and the sweaty embrace of Square-Enix. (We&#8217;re saving Dragon Quest/Warrior games for their own podcast.) Direct MP3 Download (right-click link and save). If Enix had an golden age, at least here in America, it was undoubtedly [...]Podcasthttp://leveluppodcast.wordpress.com/2009/07/18/53/http://www.mirtna.org/levelup/01_level_up_009.mp3Episode 008 – Cheesy Tricks and Exploitshttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/leveluppodcast/~3/cFR6MoctvSE/PodcastZeus Poplar and Jake 'Googleshng' AlleyTue, 13 Apr 2010 12:14:35 PDThttp://leveluppodcast.wordpress.com/?p=44This week we discuss the various weird tricks some of us have been known to use to gain an edge in RPGs both new and old. These range from the practical in-game tricks the developers expect you to work out, like power leveling sites, to exploiting huge bugs, like the oddly ubiquitous item cloning cheat.

Direct MP3 Download (right-click link and save).

We also get sidetracked onto a huge number of crazy tangents, getting into pen and paper D&D, fan-driven MMO downgrading, and the odd bit of philosophy that the same thing that makes you a clever player in a difficult game makes an easy game horribly flawed.

Anything you’d like us to respond to next week? E-mail us at leveluppodcast@live.com

- Jake


]]>This week we discuss the various weird tricks some of us have been known to use to gain an edge in RPGs both new and old. These range from the practical in-game tricks the developers expect you to work out, like power leveling sites, to exploiting huge bugs, like the oddly ubiquitous item cloning cheat. [...]<img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=leveluppodcast.wordpress.com&amp;blog=7849328&amp;post=44&amp;subd=leveluppodcast&amp;ref=&amp;feed=1" width="1" height="1" />1noThis week we discuss the various weird tricks some of us have been known to use to gain an edge in RPGs both new and old. These range from the practical in-game tricks the developers expect you to work out, like power leveling sites, to exploiting huge buZeus Poplar and Jake 'Googleshng' AlleyThis week we discuss the various weird tricks some of us have been known to use to gain an edge in RPGs both new and old. These range from the practical in-game tricks the developers expect you to work out, like power leveling sites, to exploiting huge bugs, like the oddly ubiquitous item cloning cheat. [...]Podcasthttp://leveluppodcast.wordpress.com/2009/07/10/episode-008-cheesy-tricks-and-exploits/http://www.mirtna.org/levelup/01_level_up_008.mp3Episode 007 – Bethesda Softworkshttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/leveluppodcast/~3/NoAfVBqRhR0/PodcastZeus Poplar and Jake 'Googleshng' AlleyTue, 13 Apr 2010 12:13:08 PDThttp://leveluppodcast.wordpress.com/?p=40This week we discuss Bethesda Softworks, makers of The Elder Scrolls series and Fallout 3. While Square Enix has mastered the interactive novel, Bethesda is the undisputed king of wide open spaces, allowing players to do whatever they want. Beginning with Arena, we cover The Elder Scrolls series, Morrowind, Oblivion, even a little Daggerfall. Then at the end, Jake covers Fallout 3.

Direct MP3 Download (right-click link and save).

The most surprising thing about Bethesda games is, well, you’d think with all that acreage covered there’d be less to do than other, linear games (like Grand Theft Auto’s non-interactive storefronts and zombie pedestrians). Quite the contrary! Bethesda titles crammed with goodies to pick up and pocket (read: steal). Every home is loaded with interactive knickknacks, every remote farm teeming with some subterranean Elder God to discover or another, every stretch of forest is peppered with darting wildlife and Elven ruins.

Whether you love Bethesda-style games or hate them, there’s one thing you can’t deny: Those guys have one hell of a set design team

- Zeus

P.S. The Elder Scrolls: Arena is freeware. Enjoy.

Edit (2009-07-10): Daggerfall is now freeware. Huzzah!


]]>This week we discuss Bethesda Softworks, makers of The Elder Scrolls series and Fallout 3. While Square Enix has mastered the interactive novel, Bethesda is the undisputed king of wide open spaces, allowing players to do whatever they want. Beginning with Arena, we cover The Elder Scrolls series, Morrowind, Oblivion, even a little Daggerfall. Then [...]<img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=leveluppodcast.wordpress.com&amp;blog=7849328&amp;post=40&amp;subd=leveluppodcast&amp;ref=&amp;feed=1" width="1" height="1" />0noThis week we discuss Bethesda Softworks, makers of The Elder Scrolls series and Fallout 3. While Square Enix has mastered the interactive novel, Bethesda is the undisputed king of wide open spaces, allowing players to do whatever they want. Beginning withZeus Poplar and Jake 'Googleshng' AlleyThis week we discuss Bethesda Softworks, makers of The Elder Scrolls series and Fallout 3. While Square Enix has mastered the interactive novel, Bethesda is the undisputed king of wide open spaces, allowing players to do whatever they want. Beginning with Arena, we cover The Elder Scrolls series, Morrowind, Oblivion, even a little Daggerfall. Then [...]Podcasthttp://leveluppodcast.wordpress.com/2009/07/03/episode-07-bethesda-softworks/http://www.mirtna.org/levelup/01_level_up_007.mp3Episode 006 – RPG Sidekickshttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/leveluppodcast/~3/elwAIYBgV9E/PodcastZeus Poplar and Jake 'Googleshng' AlleyTue, 13 Apr 2010 12:09:02 PDThttp://leveluppodcast.wordpress.com/?p=37Having finished our overview of RPG sub-genres, or at the very least, taking a break before devoting shows to rogue-likes, LoRD-clones, dating sims and so forth. Instead, this week we focus on some of our favorite side characters from a whole slew of games. What do we mean by that? All those charming individuals who join your party, often for no good reason, and provide a whole lot more entertainment than the main protagonist and their precious plot progressing scenes.

Direct MP3 Download (right-click link and save).

Only now, having recorded and posting the show do I realize I failed to ramble on at how I love Ziggy from Xenosaga, and his self-contained grim cyberpunk plot, not really fitting in with anything else.

- Jake


]]>Having finished our overview of RPG sub-genres, or at the very least, taking a break before devoting shows to rogue-likes, LoRD-clones, dating sims and so forth. Instead, this week we focus on some of our favorite side characters from a whole slew of games. What do we mean by that? All those charming individuals who [...]<img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=leveluppodcast.wordpress.com&amp;blog=7849328&amp;post=37&amp;subd=leveluppodcast&amp;ref=&amp;feed=1" width="1" height="1" />0noHaving finished our overview of RPG sub-genres, or at the very least, taking a break before devoting shows to rogue-likes, LoRD-clones, dating sims and so forth. Instead, this week we focus on some of our favorite side characters from a whole slew of gameZeus Poplar and Jake 'Googleshng' AlleyHaving finished our overview of RPG sub-genres, or at the very least, taking a break before devoting shows to rogue-likes, LoRD-clones, dating sims and so forth. Instead, this week we focus on some of our favorite side characters from a whole slew of games. What do we mean by that? All those charming individuals who [...]Podcasthttp://leveluppodcast.wordpress.com/2009/06/25/episode-006-rpg-sidekicks/http://www.mirtna.org/levelup/01_level_up_006.mp3Episode 005 – Strategy and Tactical RPGshttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/leveluppodcast/~3/R-zAc6dnXN8/PodcastZeus Poplar and Jake 'Googleshng' AlleyTue, 13 Apr 2010 12:36:28 PDThttp://leveluppodcast.wordpress.com/?p=32Ahoy! This week we cover Strategy and Tactical RPGs. These roleplaying games have much in common with tabletop war games. Rather than bash the Attack or Item command, a player must first consider things like terrain, line of fire and fragging a team mate by accident before making a move.

Direct MP3 Download (right-click link and save).

The list of games is long: Final Fantasy Tactics, Rebelstar Tactical Command (from the makers of X-Com), Shining Force, Kartia, the free open source Battle of Wesnoth, Disgaea, even the controversial new team-based title Demigod, which I fully believe is the best RPG deathmatch since Nox.

- Zeus

P.S. Sorry it’s a day late, next week we’ll be back to our regularly scheduled Thursday episode.


]]>Ahoy! This week we cover Strategy and Tactical RPGs. These roleplaying games have much in common with tabletop war games. Rather than bash the Attack or Item command, a player must first consider things like terrain, line of fire and fragging a team mate by accident before making a move. Direct MP3 Download (right-click link [...]<img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=leveluppodcast.wordpress.com&amp;blog=7849328&amp;post=32&amp;subd=leveluppodcast&amp;ref=&amp;feed=1" width="1" height="1" />1noAhoy! This week we cover Strategy and Tactical RPGs. These roleplaying games have much in common with tabletop war games. Rather than bash the Attack or Item command, a player must first consider things like terrain, line of fire and fragging a team mate Zeus Poplar and Jake 'Googleshng' AlleyAhoy! This week we cover Strategy and Tactical RPGs. These roleplaying games have much in common with tabletop war games. Rather than bash the Attack or Item command, a player must first consider things like terrain, line of fire and fragging a team mate by accident before making a move. Direct MP3 Download (right-click link [...]Podcasthttp://leveluppodcast.wordpress.com/2009/06/19/episode-005-strategy-and-tactical-rpgs/http://www.mirtna.org/levelup/01_level_up_005.mp3Episode 004 – MMORPGs Part 2http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/leveluppodcast/~3/gZM_lDMmfBc/PodcastZeus Poplar and Jake 'Googleshng' AlleyTue, 13 Apr 2010 12:37:06 PDThttp://leveluppodcast.wordpress.com/?p=28Continuing our discussion of MMORPGs, this week we try to accentuate the positive, exchanging amusing MMO anecdotes, and offering suggestions both for players looking for games to try, and for MMO developers wanting to make it big. There’s also a bit of a sidetrack about a licensed game which really needs to spring into existence one of these days. Any big budget studios want to humor me on this one?

Direct MP3 Download (right-click link and save)

We also answer our first piece of listener mail. Keep sending those in to leveluppodcast@live.com

- Jake


]]>Continuing our discussion of MMORPGs, this week we try to accentuate the positive, exchanging amusing MMO anecdotes, and offering suggestions both for players looking for games to try, and for MMO developers wanting to make it big. There&#8217;s also a bit of a sidetrack about a licensed game which really needs to spring into existence [...]<img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=leveluppodcast.wordpress.com&amp;blog=7849328&amp;post=28&amp;subd=leveluppodcast&amp;ref=&amp;feed=1" width="1" height="1" />3noContinuing our discussion of MMORPGs, this week we try to accentuate the positive, exchanging amusing MMO anecdotes, and offering suggestions both for players looking for games to try, and for MMO developers wanting to make it big. There&#8217;s also a biZeus Poplar and Jake 'Googleshng' AlleyContinuing our discussion of MMORPGs, this week we try to accentuate the positive, exchanging amusing MMO anecdotes, and offering suggestions both for players looking for games to try, and for MMO developers wanting to make it big. There&#8217;s also a bit of a sidetrack about a licensed game which really needs to spring into existence [...]Podcasthttp://leveluppodcast.wordpress.com/2009/06/11/episode-004-mmorpgs-part-2/http://www.mirtna.org/levelup/01_level_up_004.mp3Episode 003 – MMORPGs Part 1http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/leveluppodcast/~3/IuPYAzpX5FE/PodcastZeus Poplar and Jake 'Googleshng' AlleyTue, 13 Apr 2010 12:15:54 PDThttp://leveluppodcast.wordpress.com/?p=22Our third episode is about MMORPGs — and apropos of everything, it is both massive and multiplayer. We invited our old pal and RPGamer alumna Silkenray to discuss everything from Runescape to Dungeon Runners, from Star Wars: Galaxies to Puzzle Pirates, and yeah, even the obligatory World of Warcraft.

We had so much fun chatting that it ran double the length of a usual episode, so we lopped in two, saving scrumptious leftovers for another day.

Direct MP3 Download (right-click link and save)

A dire warning to hardcore fans of the genre: We are, none of us, terribly into these games, making our experiences somewhat ironic and on the fringe. However, this was no pity party, not even a paltry pittance — we share good times, as well as bad, from thrown voices to Star Wars lapdances, and even puzzled out ways to revive the MMO real estate market.

-Zeus


]]>Our third episode is about MMORPGs &#8212; and apropos of everything, it is both massive and multiplayer. We invited our old pal and RPGamer alumna Silkenray to discuss everything from Runescape to Dungeon Runners, from Star Wars: Galaxies to Puzzle Pirates, and yeah, even the obligatory World of Warcraft. We had so much fun chatting [...]<img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=leveluppodcast.wordpress.com&amp;blog=7849328&amp;post=22&amp;subd=leveluppodcast&amp;ref=&amp;feed=1" width="1" height="1" />0noOur third episode is about MMORPGs &#8212; and apropos of everything, it is both massive and multiplayer. We invited our old pal and RPGamer alumna Silkenray to discuss everything from Runescape to Dungeon Runners, from Star Wars: Galaxies to Puzzle PiratZeus Poplar and Jake 'Googleshng' AlleyOur third episode is about MMORPGs &#8212; and apropos of everything, it is both massive and multiplayer. We invited our old pal and RPGamer alumna Silkenray to discuss everything from Runescape to Dungeon Runners, from Star Wars: Galaxies to Puzzle Pirates, and yeah, even the obligatory World of Warcraft. We had so much fun chatting [...]Podcasthttp://leveluppodcast.wordpress.com/2009/06/05/episode-003-mmorpgs-part-1/http://www.mirtna.org/levelup/01_level_up_003.mp3Episode 002 – PC Vs. Consolehttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/leveluppodcast/~3/FZN9l2XP2zk/PodcastZeus Poplar and Jake 'Googleshng' AlleyTue, 13 Apr 2010 12:06:45 PDThttp://leveluppodcast.wordpress.com/?p=18This week, we discuss the difference between the PC style of RPG development favored in the west, with the console style more common in Japan. The various strengths and weaknesses of each are covered, and we take a look at how Rogue-likes are universal.

Direct MP3 Download (right-click link and save).

Thanks to Fancy New Recording Techniques, this week is free of strange lag-time. While all new crazy hiccups sprang up, they were easily defeated, and their dire warrens fully clensed by the fires of the editing process.

Until next time,

Jake


]]>This week, we discuss the difference between the PC style of RPG development favored in the west, with the console style more common in Japan. The various strengths and weaknesses of each are covered, and we take a look at how Rogue-likes are universal. Direct MP3 Download (right-click link and save). Thanks to Fancy New [...]<img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=leveluppodcast.wordpress.com&amp;blog=7849328&amp;post=18&amp;subd=leveluppodcast&amp;ref=&amp;feed=1" width="1" height="1" />1noThis week, we discuss the difference between the PC style of RPG development favored in the west, with the console style more common in Japan. The various strengths and weaknesses of each are covered, and we take a look at how Rogue-likes are universal. DZeus Poplar and Jake 'Googleshng' AlleyThis week, we discuss the difference between the PC style of RPG development favored in the west, with the console style more common in Japan. The various strengths and weaknesses of each are covered, and we take a look at how Rogue-likes are universal. Direct MP3 Download (right-click link and save). Thanks to Fancy New [...]Podcasthttp://leveluppodcast.wordpress.com/2009/05/28/episode-002-pc-vs-console/http://www.mirtna.org/levelup/01_level_up_002.mp3Episode 001 – What is an RPG?http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/leveluppodcast/~3/JjJwSogn6aU/PodcastZeus Poplar and Jake 'Googleshng' AlleyTue, 13 Apr 2010 12:05:48 PDThttp://leveluppodcast.wordpress.com/?p=6In the premiere episode of Level Up, Jake and Zeus discuss the essential elements of video roleplaying games. If stats and experience systems are a must, then is Zelda less — or more — of an RPG than Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas? And what about Diablo — the heck’s with that?

Listen to the podcast, and find out!

Direct MP3 Download (right-click link and save).

Please bare in mind that while this wasn’t the most disastrous maiden voyage in history, we had our share of problems. There’s a faint echo at the beginning, and later on we were cursed with one thousand years of lag. So if one of us cuts off the other, it was only by accident.

The podcast has been patched together like a golem scarecrow; it will serve us well, for now, but not without a hint of resentment in its black button eyes. Next week we’re going to try a new technique. The quality should increase by tenfold, or however many times you can fold a ten.

Until next time,

- Zeus


]]>In the premiere episode of Level Up, Jake and Zeus discuss the essential elements of video roleplaying games. If stats and experience systems are a must, then is Zelda less &#8212; or more &#8212; of an RPG than Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas? And what about Diablo &#8212; the heck&#8217;s with that? Listen to the [...]<img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=leveluppodcast.wordpress.com&amp;blog=7849328&amp;post=6&amp;subd=leveluppodcast&amp;ref=&amp;feed=1" width="1" height="1" />1noIn the premiere episode of Level Up, Jake and Zeus discuss the essential elements of video roleplaying games. If stats and experience systems are a must, then is Zelda less &#8212; or more &#8212; of an RPG than Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas? And what aboZeus Poplar and Jake 'Googleshng' AlleyIn the premiere episode of Level Up, Jake and Zeus discuss the essential elements of video roleplaying games. If stats and experience systems are a must, then is Zelda less &#8212; or more &#8212; of an RPG than Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas? And what about Diablo &#8212; the heck&#8217;s with that? Listen to the [...]Podcasthttp://leveluppodcast.wordpress.com/2009/05/21/episode-001-what-is-an-rpg/http://www.mirtna.org/levelup/01_level_up_001.mp32009 Level Up Podcast.Zeus Poplar and Jake 'Googleshng' AlleynonadultA weekly PC and Console roleplaying game radio show.