http://www.vggpodcast.com/ en-us ℗ & © 2014-2018 Mike & Addie This is a family-friendly video game podcast hosted by Mike & Addie, a daddy/daughter gaming duo. Each week, we talk about the video games we play, the games we're looking forward to, and whatever else seems to fit. Mike & Addie This is a family-friendly video game podcast hosted by Mike & Addie, a daddy/daughter gaming duo. Each week, we talk about the video games we play, the games we're looking forward to, and whatever else seems to fit. This is a family-friendly video game podcast hosted by Mike & Addie, a daddy/daughter gaming duo. Each week, we talk about the video games we play, the games we're looking forward to, and whatever else seems to fit. Mike Snyder podcast@vggpodcast.com no Mike Snyder VGG Reviews 007

I've also added eight more Steam codes to the game give-away page. Listen for the password. If you can't use them or don't want them, share with a friend. The new plan is to give listeners one week to redeem the games you want, and then I'll share the link on Twitter, which will work until the password changes on the next episode.

00:00:00 - Game Audio Clip (from South Park)
00:00:47 - Welcome to the Podcast (Intro)
00:06:27 - Hellblade - Senua's Sacrifice (Review)
00:12:44 - Super Mario Odyssey (Review)
00:24:30 - South Park - The Fractured but Whole (Review)
00:33:20 - Don't Knock Twice (Review)
00:37:40 - Dead Synchronicity - Tomorrow Comes Today (Review)
00:43:53 - Thimbleweed Park (Review)
00:52:05 - Closing Remarks (Wrap-Up)
00:53:52 - Game Music Clips (from Super Mario Odyssey)
00:57:44 - Post-Episode Outtake (with Addie)

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With no end to the games on the horizon, we talk about quite a few upcoming releases, with rankings on how likely it is they'll release this year. Oh, and if you're a PC gamer, you're in luck. Sixteen games have been added to the codes give-away page. They're free to the first listener able to solve a little scavenger hunt made up of clues in the episode. Listening late? Play along anyway, because the Steam codes usually last days, weeks, even months before being redeemed. It never hurts to check.

00:00:04 - Welcome to the Podcast (Intro)
00:05:40 - Intro and Agenda for 2017 Wrap-Up
00:10:47 - Listener Email (Jason G)
00:14:51 - Listener Email (Pawel)
00:29:23 - Listener Email (Judge Greg)
00:32:55 - Mike's 2017 Honorable Mentions
00:49:23 - Bill's Best-Of-Played in 2017
01:06:03 - Mike's Best Of 2017 Top 10 List
01:18:49 - Mike's 2017 Didn't-Play List
01:24:57 - Bill's Ongoing Backlog List
01:32:13 - Bill's 2017 Predictions Recap
01:34:21 - Mike's 2017 Predictions Recap
01:38:27 - Bill's Predictions for 2018
01:44:29 - Mike's Predictions for 2018
01:48:44 - Looking Ahead to 2018 and Beyond
02:12:45 - Closing Remarks (Wrap-Up)
02:15:00 - VGG Podcast MIDI Music Clip
02:17:21 - Post-Episode Outtake (with Addie)

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In the intro, several more game codes on Steam have been added to the codes give-away page, and I talk a little about plans for our 2017 year-end wrap-up episode, where Bill will return to co-host. If want to participate, email us your best-of list, predictions for 2018, or just whatever seems appropriate for a year-end wrap-up.

00:00:00 - Game Audio Clip (from Wolfenstein 2)
00:00:46 - Welcome to the Podcast (Intro)
00:05:24 - 8-Bit Adventure: The Uninvited (Review)
00:15:20 - 8-Bit Adventure: Shadowgate (Review)
00:21:30 - Subject 13 (Review)
00:32:22 - Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus (Review)
00:41:08 - Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle (Review)
00:50:28 - Closing Remarks (Wrap-Up)
00:51:13 - Game Music Clips (from Mario + Rabbids)
00:52:11 - Post-Episode Outtake (with Addie)

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http://www.vggpodcast.com]]> http://www.vggpodcast.com/#ep156 Sat, 16 Dec 2017 16:00:00 GMT 00:52:28 Wolfenstein 2 The New Colossus, Mario Rabbids Kingdom Battle, Shadowgate, The Uninvited, Subject 13, video games, videogames, video game, videogame, Playstation, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch Mike Snyder VGG Reviews 005

For the first time, I'm also including segment timestamps in these show notes. I may go back and add timestamps retroactively for the last four episodes also, if I get the time. I hope this helps any listener wanting to skip a review, or skip to a specific review.

00:00:00 - Game Audio Clip (from AC Origins)
00:00:31 - Welcome to the Podcast (Intro)
00:04:12 - Dishonored: Death of the Outsider (Review)
00:17:14 - Danganronpa V3 - Killing Harmony (Review)
00:30:04 - Interactive Fiction Competition 2017 (Intro)
00:34:26 - IFComp 2017 - Just Get the Treasure (Review)
00:38:09 - IFComp 2017 - Eat Me (Review)
00:42:39 - IFComp 2017 - Hexteria Skaxis Qiameth (Review)
00:44:25 - Assassin's Creed Origins (Review)
00:57:02 - Closing Remarks (Wrap-Up)
00:58:46 - Game Music Clips (from Danganronpa V3)
01:03:58 - Post-Episode Outtake (with Addie)

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This week, I review Prey (PS4), Syberia II (PS3), and The Surge (PS4). That's most of the show. First, though, this week's feature is a top ten list of the most exciting announcements (for me) from this year's E3. Listen afterwards for this week's code give-away password. Up for grabs are Steam codes for Good Robot, Manual Samuel, and Dreamscapes: The Sandman - Premium Edition.

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It's impossible to express how grateful we both are for everybody who listened to and enjoyed our podcast over these past three (almost) years. Whether you were a recent listener, a lapsed listener from early on, or there from the beginning to the end, we never would have kept going without you as an audience. It means the world to us both that you helped make this possible for so long.

This week's show starts with our usual news and new releases, followed by an update on what I've been playing. That's Syberia II (PS3) and Prey (PS4). After that, we switch gears to email, which is the focus of this week's episode. We also received several audio clips from listeners, which are included too. After that, we reminisce for a bit before closing the show. It may not truly be the end, but with Addie stepping away from co-hosting duties, it sure feels like it. We hope you enjoy this "final" episode.

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http://www.vggpodcast.com]]> http://www.vggpodcast.com/#ep150 Wed, 24 May 2017 16:00:00 GMT 01:23:58 Syberia II, Syberia 2, Prey, video games, videogames, video game, videogame Mike & Addie Persona 5, Zelda, and more

After talking briefly about this week's new releases, we read listener email. This includes a couple great questions about weapon durability in games, and frustrating game mechanics in general. We also get brief impressions of The Fall, The Last Tinker, and Fruit of Grisaia from Nikhil.

Several Steam codes from prior weeks may still be available, and six new ones have been added this week. They are for Outlast, Mushroom Men: Truffle Trouble, Atonement: Scourge of Time, Atonement 2: Ruptured by Despair, Sword of the Stars: The Pit - Gold Edition and Bardbarian.

The ending music this week is an assortment of several clips from Persona 5.

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http://www.vggpodcast.com]]> http://www.vggpodcast.com/#ep149 Wed, 17 May 2017 16:00:00 GMT 01:03:16 Persona 5, The Fall, The Last Tinker City of Colors, Zelda Breath of the Wild, The Fruit of Grisaia, weapon durability, video games, videogames, video game, videogame Mike & Addie Brief thoughts on Persona 5

He's here this week, and probably next, but Addie should be back for episode 150. If you have email or voice mail (using our SpeakPipe link or by sending your own .MP3 file) for our "final" episode, be sure to get it to us by May 22nd, prior to our recording on May 23rd.

It's a shorter episode this week, because I'm still not finished with Persona 5 (PS4). I talk a little about it this week, but I'm saving most of my thoughts for the review. News consists of this week's new game releases. Then I read an email regarding the differences in walking simulators, Dreamfall Chapters impressions, and the PSVR-compatible game GNOG.

My plan for this week's feature segment is a little rushed, but it involves Game Informer's top 100 RPGs of all time in their latest issue. I mention just the ones I played until reaching the top 10. I had intended to say more about each game, but by that point in the show, Heath was too restless for that.

The password for this week's addition to the Steam codes page is given out very late in the episode. Five games have been added this week, and as always, the first first listener to redeem them gets them. Up for grabs are Sudeki, Jurassic Park: The Game, Candle, Guardians of Victoria and ZombieCarz. Quite the eclectic mix.

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In our second attempt, Heath and I stick to the plan. Without a well-intentioned sibling for him to argue with and complain about, it went better. I talk a little about last week's emails to follow up on a couple things, and then we do the Steam code give-away for Child Phobia: Nightcoming Fears and Her Story.

After news, new releases, and the free Xbox and Playstation game line-ups for May, we talk about what we're playing. I skipped Persona 5 this week, even though I put a lot more time into it. We start with my pre-recorded review segment where I talk about Late Shift (PS4) and What Remains of Edith Finch (PS4) -- spoiler-free reviews for both of them. Then, we talk about Heath's first experience with Virtual Reality (VR) last weekend, and a few games he's playing. These include Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (Switch), C.A.T.S. - Crash Arena Turbo Stars (iOS), King of Thieves (iOS), and more. It's mainly just a brief mention of each.

This week's feature is something a little different. Because I've been in an "interview" mindset lately, I decided to interview Heath for the open (and entirely made-up) "gamer" position. Questions include trivia/facts, personal preferences, and more. Some of his answers surprised even me.

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Plenty of new game releases make up this week's news segment. After that, we read several really great emails from listeners. Topics include Double Fine's Amnesia Fortnight, a Double Fine display at the game exhibition in Hamburg, the Nintendo SNES-Mini rumor, the portability of digital downloads on the Nintendo Switch, and what happens when the online servers for games are shut down. That last topic was supposed to be more about the lack of fanfare when the Disney Infinity servers were taken down, but I somehow manage to turn it into a rant about online services in general, and my fears about digital-only content and game patches when current-gen and last-gen servers are eventually shuttered.

It seems I'm nowhere close to finishing Persona 5 yet (PS4), or Syberia 2 (PS3) for that matter, so I talk a little about both games, but without a pre-recorded review segment this week. In particular, I talk about the small-scale criticism about P5's English translation, and my thoughts on the puzzle design in S2.

Addie talks a little about Little Alchemy (iOS) and Clash Royale (iOS), with me asking questions to better understand what she's playing. Then in our final segment, I count down my personal Top 10 List of the games released this year (so far) that have already hit my ever-growing backlog. The point here is to maybe provide some insight on a few games I'll be playing and talking about in the weeks to come.

Steam codes given away this week are Dexodonex, Operation KREEP, and Sniper: Ghost Warrior 2. If you're the first listener to enter this week's password (given out during the show) into the box near the bottom of our website's main page, you can redeem these codes on Steam. It never hurts to check, even if you're a few days late. Sometimes, the codes go unclaimed longer than you might expect.

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http://www.vggpodcast.com]]> http://www.vggpodcast.com/#ep146 Wed, 26 Apr 2017 16:00:00 GMT 01:05:42 Syberia II, Syberia 2, Persona 5, Little Alchemy, Clash Royale, Double Fine, Amnesia Fortnight, video games, videogames, video game, videogame Mike & Addie Mass Effect: Andromeda, Lego City Undercover

In this episode, I rant about YouTube's cryptic "inappropriate content" complaint about one of our recent episodes, which resulted in its removal from YouTube. Even after disputing it, an uninformative and unhelpful cookie-cutter response was the only result. Since our content doesn't actually voilate their content policy, and no specifics were given, it's impossible to continue uploading to YouTube because I have no idea what the issue was. As a result, we're no longer on YouTube. My first thought was the ending music in that episode (from Blaster Master Zero), but I generally only include stuff that others have set a precedent by uploading already. Even so, a "copyright strike" is an entirely different thing on YouTube, so the specifics of what went wrong may forever remain a mystery.

After news and new releases, I include my previously-mentioned pre-recorded review. We had no email this week, which may have been for the best, since Heath was very anxious to move ahead into game discussion. Much of his gaming time has been spent on the Nintendo Switch, so he talks a little about The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (Switch) and Snake Pass (Switch). Most of the discussion is about Lego City Undercover (Switch), which prompts us to talk about collectibles and completion percentages in games.

This week's Steam code give-aways include Puzzle Agent, Puzzle Agent 2, and The Silent Age. The ending music is the Mass Effect: Andromeda title theme.

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http://www.vggpodcast.com]]> http://www.vggpodcast.com/#ep145 Wed, 19 Apr 2017 16:00:00 GMT 01:09:36 Mass Effect Andromeda, Syberia II, Syberia 2, Lego City Undercover, Snake Pass, Persona 5, The Legend of Zelda Breath of the Wild, YouTube, video games, videogames, video game, videogame Mike & Addie Thief Town, Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime, Mass Effect: Andromeda, Syberia II

Addie doesn't have much to say about the Xbox Scorpio announcement, but I share my thoughts during our news segment. After that, she helps me with this week's list of new game releases. In email, I talk more about the Mass Effect: Andromeda faces/animation controversy (a topic that comes up again later in my pre-recorded segment), math, and Pawel's thoughts on Psychonauts and Blackwood Crossing.

Also in my pre-recorded segment, I give first impressions of Thief Town (PS4) and Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime (PS4), plus a brief update on my progress in Syberia II (PS3) and Mass Effect: Andromeda (PS4). Being busy as usual, Addie played very little and doesn't really have anything to add. In fact, this episode may be a bit more monolouge-y than usual.

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http://www.vggpodcast.com]]> http://www.vggpodcast.com/#ep144 Wed, 12 Apr 2017 16:00:00 GMT 01:03:31 Mass Effect Andromeda, Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime, Thief Town, Syberia II, Psychonauts, Late Shift, Xbox Scorpio, Blackwood Crossing, video games, videogames, video game, videogame Mike & Addie Blaster Master Zero, Mass Effect: Andromeda, Zelda Just a Cleric, Just Bones, and Monster RPG 2. As always, if you're the first listener to fill in the blanks using show-related clues, you can redeem one or two or even all three of these on Steam. Sometimes the codes don't get redeemed for days or weeks, so it's always worth checking them out, just in case.

This week's news is a recap of April's free PlayStation Plus games, and the games releasing this week for various platforms. In email, listeners share opinions about several games, including Limbo, The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing, Guacamelee, TellTale's Batman, Night in the Woods, and L.A. Noir.

Blaster Master Zero (Switch) gets a review in my pre-recorded segment. After that, Addie talks a little about The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (Switch) and I Love Hue (iOS), which is her Mobile Game of the Week.

Without adequate time to prepare, we have no top ten list or quiz this week. But we do have some Blaster Master Zero music. The show ends with the title theme and a sampling of early level music in all its retro-inspired glory.

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http://www.vggpodcast.com]]> http://www.vggpodcast.com/#ep143 Wed, 05 Apr 2017 16:00:00 GMT 00:51:43 Mass Effect Andromeda, Blaster Master Zero, Syberia II, Zelda Breath of the Wild, video games, videogames, video game, videogame Mike & Addie Neir: Automata, Mass Effect: Andromeda, Horizon: Zero Dawn

After news and new releases, an email from Pawel gives us a chance to talk briefly about Addie's role as co-host. Nothing is decided, and she's here for now, but the time may come when it's just me and Heath, as Addie's priorities change with school, friends, and various other activities and interests. The same email also gives me a chance to disagree with him about Horizon: Zero Dawn.

I have a brief update on Blaster Master Zero (Switch) and opening thoughts on Mass Effect: Andromeda (PS4). In my pre-recorded segment, I review Nier: Automata (PS4). After that, Addie has a short game review of her own. Then, in a new quiz, I challenge her to name the exclusive gaming platform (Xbox, Playstation, Nintendo) associated with each of sixteen iconic game characters. Bonus points are awarded if she can name a game featuring that character. Listeners can play along too.

Steam game codes given away this week are Time Mysteries: Inheritance Remastered and Broken Sword 1: Director's Cut. As always, the first person to fill in the blanks using simple show-related clues (the answers to which can be found at our website) gets one or both of these free games.

The ending music this week is the amusement park theme from Nier: Automata.

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http://www.vggpodcast.com]]> http://www.vggpodcast.com/#ep142 Wed, 29 Mar 2017 16:00:00 GMT 01:12:21 NieR Automata, Mass Effect Andromeda, Blaster Master Zero, Horizon Zero Dawn, Portal 3, video games, videogames, video game, videogame Mike & Addie Neir: Automata, Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D

In email, we talk about the ways we relate the similarities in games, losing cohesive storytelling in open world games, and the possibility of Horizon or Zelda copycats after the recent success of those games. That's after news and new releases.

Two Steam game codes are given away early in the show. These are Poker Night at the Inventory and Poker Night 2. If you're the first listener to solve the simple clues to fill in the blanks, you can redeem these PC games on Steam. Last week's Steam codes may still be available too, since I haven't received word yet that they're redeemed (as of this posting).

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http://www.vggpodcast.com]]> http://www.vggpodcast.com/#ep141 Wed, 22 Mar 2017 16:00:00 GMT 00:36:06 NieR Automata, Blaster Master Zero, Stretchmo, Castle Crashers, The Legend of Zelda Breath of the Wild, video games, videogames, video game, videogame Mike & Addie Horizon: Zero Dawn, Super Bomberman R, Favorite 80's Movies

This week, we talk about the upcoming PLAY Collective games on PS4, this week's new releases, more on the Nintendo Switch and upgrading your memory card, listener feedback about Horizon: Zero Dawn, and thoughts on recent events involving the co-host of a much more popular podcast.

In my pre-recorded segment, I give opening impressions of Blaster Master Zero (Switch) and a review of Horizon: Zero Dawn (PS4) -- without spoilers, of course. Heath talks briefly about everything he's playing, including Super Bomberman R (Switch), Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare 2 (PS4), Tearaway Unfolded (PS4), Zelda: Breath of the Wild (Switch), and Snipper Clips (Switch).

In this week's top ten list, I count down my favorite 80's movies, but with one constraint. I choose movies that also happened to have an associated video game. This excludes many of my 80's favorites, but those are mentioned in a lengthy honorable mentions section.

Two Steam game codes are given away early in the show. These are Rest in Peace and the classic puzzle-platformer Limbo. If you're the first listener to solve the simple clues to fill in the blanks, you can redeem these PC games on Steam. And finally, the ending music this week is from Horizon's title theme. Enjoy!

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http://www.vggpodcast.com]]> http://www.vggpodcast.com/#ep140 Thu, 16 Mar 2017 16:00:00 GMT 01:25:33 Horizon Zero Dawn, The Legend of Zelda Breath of the Wild, Super Bomberman R, Plants vs Zombies Garden Warfare 2, Tearaway Unfolded, Snipper Clips, video games, videogames, video game, videogame Mike & Addie Horizon: Zero Dawn, Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Night in the Woods

With Heath here, though, we talk about the Nintendo Switch late in the show. We share our thoughts and early impressions of the new handheld/home hybrid console. Heath talks a little about The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and I try to steer him clear of anything that might be a spoiler. Before that, my pre-recorded segment is a few opening thoughts on Horizon: Zero Dawn (PS4). I'm saving a more in-depth review of the game until I finish it, hopefully by next week.

For this week's new game releases, Heath tries to guess what each game is about. There's some confusion, though, because at one point he thinks he's supposed to predict what it is without even hearing the title. After that, email dominates the show in what's probably this week's longest segment. Of all the weeks to get a whopping five emails from listeners -- some with questions specifically to Addie -- it's the one week she isn't here. Topics are interesting and varied, including recent movie recommendations, how we recommend games based on similarities to other games, a different take on Horizon: Zero Dawn, a recommendation for Super Mario 3D Land (3DS), what age is right for kids to start learning games with more advanced mechanics, the paradox that is game developer Spiders, and a mini-review of the recently-released game Night in the Woods.

This week's Steam game give-away, early in the show, is for TellTale's The Wolf Among Us. Solve the clue to be the first listener to redeem and win the code.

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http://www.vggpodcast.com]]> http://www.vggpodcast.com/#ep139 Thu, 09 Mar 2017 16:00:00 GMT 01:10:14 Legend of Zelda Breath of the Wild, Horizon Zero Dawn, Night in the Woods, video games, videogames, video game, videogame Mike & Addie The Turing Test, Nioh, Nintendo Launch Games

Before that, email includes feedback about last week's list of hypothetical game character cross-overs, Gravity Rush 2, Psychonauts in the Rhombus of Ruin, and a preemtive Nintendo friend request for when Mario Kart releases on the Switch.

News includes this week's new game releases (half of those being Switch launch titles) and the free games line-up for Xbox Gold and PlayStation Plus. In gaming updates, Addie has very little to say about what she played (Splatoon on Wii U and The Last Tinker on PS4). My pre-recorded segment includes a wrap-up for Nioh (PS4) after I managed to finish it late last week, and a spoiler-free review of the Portal-inspired first person puzzle game The Turing Test (PS4).

Steam game codes given away this week are The Last Tinker: City of Colors and S.T.A.L.K.E.R: Shadow of Chernobyl. Listen for that early in the episode and solve the clues to be the first person to claim the codes on Steam. The ending music this week is from a hidden radio in The Turing Test.

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http://www.vggpodcast.com]]> http://www.vggpodcast.com/#ep138 Thu, 02 Mar 2017 16:00:00 GMT 00:56:43 The Turing Test, Nioh, Top Ten Nintendo Launch Games, video games, videogames, video game, videogame Mike & Addie Nioh, The Sims Freeplay, Broken Age, Nintendo

Addie's gaming time has still been very limited. She started over in The Sims Freeplay (iOS), and that's about it. My pre-recorded segment is more ongoing coverage of my time in Nioh (PS4), which is starting to throw some really tough late-game bosses at me.

Inspired by last week's question about video game crossovers, this week's top ten list imagines games where an important character gets replaced by a different character from some other game, leaving that character to invade a different game, and so forth. What crossovers would you find most interesting?

Steam game codes given away this week are BoneBone: Rise of the Deathlord and Insurgency. Listen for that early in the episode and solve the clues to be the first person to claim the codes on Steam.

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My pre-recorded segment this week is all about Nioh (PS4). I haven't finished it, and I'm likely not even half-way through, but I cover quite a bit more than last week. We also talk more about Borderlands 2 (PS4) from The Handsome Collection, after Addie decided to try it out in split-screen co-op with her brother and me. Addie's Mobile Game of the Week is Color Switch (iOS). She also talks about another tough-to-describe mobile puzzle game called Paper.io (iOS). After looking at it post-show, it seemed kind of like a blockier multiplayer version of Qix, at least in its basic concept.

This week's ending music is from the Nioh title screen. Next week, more Nioh talk (if there's anything left to say), and it'll be our third of five weeks recording on Wednesday evening for a Thursday release. We're almost half-way back to our usual schedule of a day earlier.

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After all the usual segments (including my thoughts on mid-generation console updates in response to an email, which is also our Question of the Week), I talk about what I've been playing. This includes a pre-recorded spoiler-free review of Resident Evil VII (PS4). Addie hasn't had time to play anything again this week.

I count down some of the best crowdfunding/Kickstarter success stories in this week's top ten list. After that, we have codes for two more games on Steam, courtesy of Bill, which happens very near the end since the games up for grabs kind of relate to the top ten list. To wrap up, this week's ending music is the safe room song from Resident Evil 7.

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After three more Steam code give-aways, news and new releases, we have several emails from listeners to share. This includes many suggestions for family-friendly tech/geek/game podcasts, thoughts on the Nintendo Switch as it relates to the more mainstream consoles from Sony and Microsoft, a suggestion for a new top ten list for a future episode, another reaction to a prior top ten list, and thoughts on TellTale's Batman and the cult of Pokemon (disclaimer: not a real cult).

In game chat, I talk a little about the split-screen co-op I played with Addie's brother Heath this weekend (Perfect Dark Zero backwards compatible on Xbox One, and Borderlands 2 from The Handsome Collection on PS4). Addie played nothing, or so she says, so all that's left is my pre-recorded wrap-up on Gravity Rush 2 (PS4). It's a great game with a time-consuming platinum trophy I haven't quite earned yet.

This week's "top" list is a follow-up to another recent top ten. This time, it's my top 13 video game tropes that would be horrible in real life. This was a lot of fun to discuss. Addie believes she may be living out one of these tropes for real. The show wraps up with the title theme from Gravity Rush 2. And don't forget: next week begins a five-episode run of posting one day late.

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Addie talks about Call of Duty 2 split-screen again (Xbox 360) and AdVenture Capitalist (iOS). My pre-recorded segment is a partial review of Gravity Rush 2 (PS4), or, if you prefer, my lengthy opening thoughts on what I've played so far.

This week's top ten list is inspired by Pawel's list from last week's email. This time, I count down my favorite 1000 gamerscore or platinum trophy in games, with the longest list of honorable mentions ever -- thankfully relegated to the post-show outtake section.

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Email returns in a big way, with comments and questions from new and long-time listeners alike. To answer one, we need your help. Can you suggest and recommend any other family-friendly podcasts that would be suitable for listening when kids are around, such as for a long commute? It doesn't have to be just video games. Anything tech or geeky works too. Movies? Comics? New gadgets? Let us know, and we'll share the suggestions on our next episode.

In other email, it's a duo of top ten lists. Bill writes in with the top ten games he missed in 2016 but hopes to play this year. Pawel includes his top ten favorite platinum trophies earned, in an email that also includes The Last Guardian, made-up languages in games, and the odd things we notice regarding voice acting in games.

Addie talks about what she's been playing, which is The Witness (PS4), Call of Duty 2 split-screen (Xbox 360), and A World of Keflings (Xbox 360). My pre-recorded segment includes a Gravity Rush Remastered wrap-up (PS4), a brief update about Phoenix Wright (3DS), and my review of a cult classic last-gen action RPG called Nier (Xbox 360). This week's ending music is from Kaine's theme in Nier. Such a great soundtrack.

Late in the show, we have a new top ten list of our own. This time, we talk about the seemingly mundane or standard abilities that video game characters have that would be awesome if they were real. There's even an honorable mention!

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There wasn't any email this week, but we have news, new releases, and a long-dormant Time Travel segment where I correct and revisit a few things from last week's huge year-end wrap-up episode. This leads into my top ten list for the week, in which I talk briefly about the games from 2016 I didn't play, but hope to in 2017.

Addie's Mobile Game of the Week is Bowmasters (iOS). In two separate pre-recorded segments, I review The Fall (PS4) and Gravity Rush Remastered (PS4). The ending music this week is from Gravity Rush. It's the old town theme, from the game's first area, and it somehow reminds me of music from Ni No Kuni!

Our feature this week is a new quiz for Addie. Rather than just list off the twelve categories and ten winners of the 2016 Steam Awards, I make a game of it for Addie. I tell her the game and the award it won (one real, one fake), and she tries to guess which is which. It's informative and fun!

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First, though, it's our usual segments, including the free PlayStation plus offerings for January, and listener email. Email includes another audio recording from Christian, thoughts on how the podcast has changed since our early episodes, the games our listeners are playing, whether TV and movies should factor into understanding a game's story, whether trophies and achievements should factor into game reviews, and listerners' top games played in 2016. There's a lot to discuss here.

In game updates, Addie talks about Rolling Sky (iOS), I have a pre-recorded wrap-up for VVVVVV (3DS/Vita), reviews of Battlefield 1 (PS4) and Titanfall 2 (PS4), and Bill recaps everything he played in 2016. I should have mentioned earlier that part-time third chair guest host Bill joins us again for this oversized year-end wrap-up; and oversized it is. We should be back to a normal hour-long show next week (give or take), but this week you're getting a show that's two or three times longer than usual. We know that's a big commitment, but we think it's definitely worth your time. So many games. So much chat!

Our features this week include lists of our favorite games of 2016, which includes games released in 2016 as well as games from a prior year we played in 2016. Mine is actually two separate lists, with part of it in a pre-recorded segment due to a large number of honorable mentions. We also talk about our 2016 disappointments, our most anticipated games of 2017, a tally of our successes and failures from our 2016 predictions, and a new batch of gaming predictions for 2017.

We have tangents, disagreements, and yeah, plenty of game chat. Plus, Heath talks about his favorite games of 2016 in Mini-Gamers episode 16.

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http://www.vggpodcast.com]]> http://www.vggpodcast.com/#ep130 Wed, 04 Jan 2017 15:00:00 GMT 02:44:02 Titanfall 2, Battlefield 1, Dishonored 2, The Witness, Uncharted 4, Rolling Sky, Virginia, Gone Home, Adventure Time Finn Jake Investigations, top 10 video games of 2016, 2017 video game predictions, video games, videogames, video game, videogame Mike & Addie Final Fantasy XV, VVVVVV, Assassin's Creed Movie

Addie talks about Ms. Splosion Man (Xbox 360) and Escape From Adventure Island (Wii). My pre-recorded segment includes a short review of VVVVVV (3DS - also free on Vita with PlayStation Plus this month), although I haven't finished it yet. After that, I have a much longer review of Final Fantasy XV (PS4), without any story spoilers. It's yet another reason why 2016 has been a great year for games.

Following that is a new top ten list, combined with a quiz for Addie. I list ten common elements from the Final Fantasy series, and Addie tries to guess what each one actually means. We wrap up with some reflection and fond memories of the year in gaming, but a more complete year-end wrap-up and 2017 look-ahead will be next week, when Bill joins us for episode 130.

The ending music this week is straight outta Final Fantasy XV's in-game car radio. So with this final episode of the year done and out, there isn't much time left to send us your own thoughts on the year in gaming. Let us know what you enjoyed, what disappointed you, what surprised you, and your favorite games of the year!

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After this week's usual news, new releases and email segments, Heath and Hadleigh are back with a pre-recorded Mini-Gamers episode 15. It's much longer than usual. It ends with a surprisingly difficult round of 20 Questions, despite the game I thought of being pretty much their favorite game ever. After that, Addie and I talk more about JumpStart's Escape From Adventure Island (Wii), which has been nostalgic for Addie as a game she first started way back when she was new to video games. Her Mobile Game of the Week is Adventure Capitalist (iOS). We also talk a little about Super Mario Run (iOS), although neither of us play much of it.

My pre-recorded segment is a quick update on the latest Phoenix Wright (3DS), some opening thoughts about Final Fantasy XV (PS4), and a review -- sort of, since I didn't finish it but have moved on -- for Suda 51's new free-to-play game Let it Die (PS4).

I also came prepared with a top 10 list this week. This time, it's my favorite robots in video games. Are there any obvious choices I missed? Write in and let us know. Then, after wrapping up, we end the show with some Christmas-inspired music from the 1998 PC game Jazz Jackrabbit 2: Holiday Hare. Oh, and there's a final message from the kids of Video Game Generations, in their own unique way.

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This week's assortment of listener email makes up for last week's absence of any. This includes an audio message from Christian, where he talks briefly about two games he's currently playing (Broken Age and Grim Dawn). Before that, Addie once again makes up stories about this week's new releases. We have no gaming news this week, but two download codes are given out, fill-in-the-blank style, where you can get either Wasteland 2 Director's Cut on Stream, or a couple extras for The Last Guardian on PS4, even if you don't have the game. That code is for the mini-soundtrack sampler, and a desktop theme. If you redeem either of these, be sure to let us know!

My pre-recorded segment includes an update on Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney: Spirit of Justice (3DS), in addition to The Last Guardian review. In honor of the game, a short orchestral song from the game's 2016 trailer is our ending music this week. At the very end, though, is a marathon of outtakes snipped from the show -- mostly Addie taking the show in unnecessary directions. It's getting more and more difficult to keep her on-topic.

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We had no email this week, but there's plenty to talk about, gaming-wise. Addie played a few missions in the campaign for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Remastered (PS4). It seems that she's enjoying this more grown-up game, although I spend a while afterwards openly wondering whether or not she needs to wait a couple more years. In my pre-recorded segment, I have opening impressions on Suda 51's latest, a free-to-play action RPG called Let it Die (PS4). The segment also includes two reviews of shorter games I played this week, Virginia (PS4) and The Unfinished Swan (PS4/Vita).

Bookending the episode, I give out an Ultraviolet digital download code for Final Fantasy XV: Kingsglaive (a movie) early on, and we end things with one round of video game character Twenty Questions.

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Heath's segment, Mini-Gamers, returns for its fourteenth episode. I also have a pre-recorded review of Watch_Dogs 2 (PS4) late in the episode.

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We recorded early due to a scheduling conflict, so I didn't know at the time that my post-recorded review of Dishonored 2 (PS4) was going to be a twenty minute epic. Sorry about that. Or you're welcome, depending on how you feel about long reviews.

Toward the end, Addie plays video game "Who Am I?" (twenty questions). After we wrap up, I thought it fitting to include a sad little song from the Dust District in Dishonored 2. Enjoy!

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We also have a PSN code for the Playstation 4 version of Dishonored: Definitive Edition to give away. No fill-in-the-blanks show trivia this week, but we do make a game of it. We split the code into six parts, which you'll have to put together by listening to most of the episode. At least they're in order. If you piece it together and redeem it, please let us know!

Addie talks about The Sims Freeplay (iOS) and Stretchmo (3DS). After that, my pre-recorded segment has very brief opening thoughts about Dishonored 2 (PS4), plus a recap of the seventeen IFComp 2016 entries I played (out of the fifty-eight total entries). I even make a list of it, with my score for each one.

The show wraps up with one round of video game "Who Am I?" played in 20-questions form. Can Addie guess the mystery character I'm thinking of? Listen to find out.

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So just a brief rundown:

Intro and off-topic.
News & new releases.
Listener feedback (email).
Addie talks Mario Kart 7 (3DS).
I review Mafia III (PS4).
Top ten video game sidekicks.
Republique Steam code give-away.
Wrap-up, ending music, old outtake.

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This week features a new top ten list, where we envision non-episodic games that might actually work if released over time in multiple episodes. That's also our question of the week. Did we miss an obvious choice? Let us know what game or series you think would work well episodically. Afterwards, with a litle more time to spare, we played video game Who-Am-I (aka 20 Questions), with Addie guessing.

In addition to talking about the PlayStation Plus line-up for this month and the new games releasing this week, our lone email has inspired me to move The Saboteur higher on my backlog. It ends with his rapid-fire impressions of five more IFComp 2016 entries. In my review segment, I talk about two more IFComp entries, Quest for the Traitor Saint and Pogoman GO! That starts around the 21:53 mark. I'm still playing Mafia III (PS4) and the latest Phoenix Wright (3DS), but I don't have anything new to add since last week. Still, I wanted to include a little more music from Phoenix Wright at the end. The theme for The Steel Samurai is just as catchy as ever.

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But it's not all bad! Episode 120 is here! We talk about new releases, the Xbox Games with Gold for November, listener email, and some news. News includes a pre-recorded segment from a few days prior, after the reveal of the Nintendo Switch, where Addie and I talk about the new console -- what's known, what isn't, and our general impressions.

In another pre-recorded segment, I have initial thoughts on Blues and Bullets episode 1 (PS4) and Mafia III (PS4). I also talk a little more about Wasteland 2 (PS4) and Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney: Spirit of Justice (3DS). Addie and I then talk about Broken Age (PS4), which she finally finished this weekend. Following that, in a pre-recorded review segment that starts around the 42:30 mark, I have reviews of two more IFComp 2016 entries.

To wrap up the show, I've included several more tunes from the latest Phoenix Wright. Due to many factors, we don't have a quiz or a new top ten list this week.

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IFComp 2016 coverage continues this week, in a pre-recorded review segment that starts around the 37:25 mark. We also have a few mini-reviews for other entries from listener Nikhil, which I read during our email segment a bit earlier, at around 33:38. Other email includes game updates from our listeners, plus two new questions of the week. First, has there ever been a game or game series that you've played back-to-back for the purpose of getting ready for the release of the latest game in the series? Two, what's your favorite death sequence or death quote in a video game? Write in and let us know!

In an increasingly rare on-topic moment for Addie, she talks about an educational quiz game called Kahoot! It's her Mobile Game of the Week, but apparently it can also be played online. Then in a second pre-recorded segment, I have a short review of Gears of War 4 (Xbox One), which is a great start to a new Gears trilogy. Oh, and with Halloween just around the corner, we once again plug our own Halloween-themed interactive fiction, Hallowmoor and A Trick-or-Treat Adventure, which you'll find linked below the show notes for this episode, at our website.

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After a Steam code give-away for Suda51's The Silver Case (fill in the blanks by solving simple show-related trivia questions), we do news, new releases, and email. Email includes Jason's response to last week's question about mobile game genres we need to see more of, and Pawel writes in with hands-on pre-launch impressions of PlayStation VR.

In gaming chat, we talk more about Stacking (Xbox 360) and Wasteland 2 (PS4). My pre-recorded segment breaks records when it comes to the longest pre-recorded segment ever. It starts at around 27:04 and runs until almost the end, a whopping forty-eight and a half minutes. Half of my three-day weekend was spent playing and reviewing Interactive Fiction Competition games, so that makes up the entirety of this oversized segment. In total, there are six reviews, or seven if you count the joke game about toilets. Since it ran so long, I didn't bother preparing a quiz or a new top ten list. Maybe next week.

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Early in the episode, after some off-topic updates, we give out the final two codes for free copies of Retro City Rampage DX -- one for Playstation and one for Steam. Like last week, the codes have a few blanks to fill in by answering a few simple show-related trivia questions. Most of them are easy to get just by looking at our prior show notes. If you're the lucky listener to redeem either of these codes, please write in or message us on Twitter so we know.

After news, which includes this week's new releases and the free Playstation and Xbox game line-ups for October, we have quite a bit of listener email. You too can write in and have your email read and discussed on the show. Let us know what you're playing, give us your opinion about some recent happening in the world of video games, or answer one of our prior Questions of the Week. This episode, we ask two new questions. First, has there ever been a game where your opinion changed, for better or worse, based on the opinions of other people after the fact? Second, what kinds of games do you most like to see on mobile platforms (phones and tablets)? Is there anything you feel is underrepresented on mobile? One of our long-time listeners has embarked on a journey to create interesting mobile games, and he's looking for opinions.

Closing out the episode this week is a new top ten list. This time, I'm counting down the most interesting games that were food and beverage product tie-ins. This includes fast food. Any theory on what will take the top spot?

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We talk a little about the annual Interactive Fiction Competition, which is just around the corner. These text-based adventure games are always free and range in quality from great to abysmal, and there's a possibility I may review or discuss some of them during the competition. After that, Addie reads this week's new game releases with her own commentary. Then our one listener email for the week is full of content, including an answer to last week's QotW about games with mismatched elements.

We have no quiz or top ten list this time, but game chat is abundant. My pre-recorded segments include a wrap-up on Recore (Xbox One), short spoiler-free reviews of Gone Home (PS4) and Bound (PS4), a quick update on Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney: Spirit of Justice (3DS), and opening thoughts on God Eater Resurrection (PS4) and Wasteland 2: Director's Cut (PS4). Addie's Mobile Game of the Week is Smash Bandits (iOS). Following that, we talk about the two other games she's playing. Those are Alice: Madness Returns (Xbox 360) and Stacking (Xbox 360).

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http://www.vggpodcast.com]]> http://www.vggpodcast.com/#ep116 Wed, 28 Sep 2016 12:15:00 GMT 01:13:21 video games, videogames, video game, videogame, Recore, Gone Home, Stacking, Alice: Madness Returns, Bound, Wasteland 2 Director's Cut, God Eater Resurrection, Smash Bandits, Phoenix Wright, Ace Attorney, Spirit of Justice Mike & Addie The Console Wars, Recore, Deus Ex: Mankind Divided, Phoenix Wright: Spirit of Justice

This leads into a general discussion about the Sony vs. Microsoft console war (sorry Nintendo; you're not even involved). After this, Bill catches up on several months of gaming, with some talk about Wofenstein: The New Order and The Old Blood, the previous Wolfenstein on Xbox 360, The Banner Saga, Zombi (the PS4 version of ZombiU), Gone Home, To the Moon, Middle Earth: Shadow of Mordor, The Order 1886, The Last of Us Remastered, Life is Strange, The Cave, Costume Quest 1 and 2, Broken Age, and Remember Me.

Our usual segments before that include this week's new game releases, listener email, and a new Question of the Week. Write in and let us know if you've ever played a game that had some element or aspect that just didn't fit. Music that didn't match the tone of the story? Some gameplay hook that just didn't even need to be there? We'll talk about that on a future episode.

Addie's Mobile Game of the Week is Hay Day (iOS). In my pre-recorded segment, I have a wrap-up for Deus Ex: Mankind Divided (PS4), opening thoughts on Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney: Spirit of Justice (3DS), and my impressions so far of Recore (Xbox One). We also have a review of Roguelands (PC) courtesy of listener Christian. If you'd like to record a short two or three minute review of a game you've recently played, send it to us in .MP3 format (or whatever) for use in future episodes!

The music at the end includes a few tunes from this latest Phoenix Wright game.

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http://www.vggpodcast.com]]> http://www.vggpodcast.com/#ep115 Wed, 21 Sep 2016 12:20:00 GMT 01:45:29 video games, videogames, Deus Ex, Mankind Divided, Recore, Phoenix Wright, Ace Attorney, Spirit of Justice, Hay Day, Wolfenstein, Roguelands, The Order 1886, Zombi, Gone Home, The Banner Saga, To the Moon, The Last of Us Remastered, Life is Strange, Remember Me, Middle Earth, Shadow of Mordor Mike & Addie Deus Ex: Mankind Divided, Deja Vu II: Lost in Las Vegas, Top 10 Point-and-Click Adventures

My pre-recorded segment is a review of point-and-click adventure Deja Vu II (GameBoy Color), and a partial review of Deus Ex: Mankind Divided (PS4). I haven't quite finished this latest Deus Ex, but felt it was time to give more than just surface-level impressions. With luck, I'll wrap it up for next week with some final thoughts.

Addie and I then talk about the recently-released Ghostbusters game again (PS4), and Addie talks briefly about Roblox (PC) and Splatoon (WiiU). This leads into a new top ten list. This week, I count down my favorite point-and-click adventure games, with a few obligatory honorable mentions. This week's ending music is a selection of tunes from Deja Vu II.

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My pre-recorded segment includes more brief thoughts on Deus Ex: Mankind Divided (PS4), which I'll still be playing a week or two more. Also, I finished Deja Vu (GameBoy Color on Retron5) and Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands (PSP on PlayStation TV), so I have reviews for both. Addie's first Mobile Game of the Week for her new iPad is Tiny Tower (iOS). Apparently it's pretty great.

This week's ending music is a selection of tunes from retro classic point-and-click adventure game Deja Vu.

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http://www.vggpodcast.com]]> http://www.vggpodcast.com/#ep113 Wed, 07 Sep 2016 12:15:00 GMT 01:05:35 video games, videogames, Deus Ex Mankind Divided, NES, Deja Vu, GBC, Gameboy Color, Tiny Tower iOS, Prince of Persia, The Forgotten Sands Mike & Addie Xexyz (NES), Deja Vu (GBC), No Man's Sky, Deus Ex: Mankind Divided

Eight-year-old Heath, Addie's younger brother, is also back with a new episode of Mini-Gamers. It's episode 13, and as usual, he goes from game to game quickly. Unless I missed one, this includes Tennis in the Face, Headlander, Seralim, Minecraft, Bakugan Battle Trainer, and Armikrog.

In off-topic or tagentially-related discussions, Addie is amazed that people can actually build a PC, I discovered a few DOS 3.5" disk-based games in some old boxes for my collection, I explain Hatsune Miku to Addie, and she recaps the plot of her favorite commercial. Also, a new top-ten list this week is about all the ways that games are easier now than they used to be.

The ending music is a selection of tunes from Xexyz. For such a great game, the music is less memorable and more repetitive than many other NES classics. Still, it seemed appropriate after reviewing the game.

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http://www.vggpodcast.com]]> http://www.vggpodcast.com/#ep112 Wed, 31 Aug 2016 12:15:00 GMT 01:21:57 video games, videogames, No Man's Sky, Xexyz, Deus Ex Mankind Divided, Hatsune Miku, NES, Deja Vu, GBC, Gameboy Color, Prince of Persia, The Forgotten Sands Mike & Addie No Man's Sky, Suikoden II (PS1)

After Addie reads the news and new releases, we have plenty of listener email to read and discuss. This includes questions about kids and their attraction to games based on movies and other non-game IP, a Playstation humble bundle, the games our listeners are playing, and answers to last week's QotW about which thing would be more welcomed: reviews or impressions of games outside my comfort zone (fighting, sports, racing, etc.) or more retro game coverage. Our new Question of the Week comes from email as well. As a gamer, how do you keep from getting sore and uncomfortable while playing? Do you have a tip to share? Or is it just a matter of getting up to stretch frequently?

My pre-recorded segment is a final wrap-up on Suikoden II (PS1), and my continued impressions of No Man's Sky (PS4). Addie talks about two games. These are Best Fiends (iOS) and NoNo Islands from Illusion Labs (iOS), the latter of which is her Mobile Game of the Week.

We ran out of time to include my latest top ten list, so we'll try to do that next week. Oh, and if you listen after the music, you might want to check back next week to find out whether or not Addie wins the donut bet.

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http://www.vggpodcast.com]]> http://www.vggpodcast.com/#ep111 Wed, 24 Aug 2016 12:15:00 GMT 01:21:00 video games, videogames, No Man's Sky, Suikoden II, Suikoden 2, Best Fiends iOS, NoNo Islands iOS, Illusion Labs, The Phantom Pain, Metal Gear Solid, Sheltered Mike & Addie No Man's Sky, Ghostbusters (PS4), Minecraft, Suikoden II (PS1)

Then we have news, new releases, and email. Christian's android-based mobile game AsteroidDefense has been released. Pawel keeps it brief this week with his thoughts on Murdered: Soul Suspect and Shutshimi. Finally, good friend Bill (who needs to return as a guest host again) answers our recent QotW about favorite Double Fine / Tim Schafer games.

Game talk begins with my pre-recorded segment, in which I have very favorable opening thoughts on No Man's Sky (PS4). Next week, I hope to dive deeper into a discussion on the game's systems and what I'd like to see improved. After that, Addie and I talk about Stacking (Xbox 360) and Ghostbusters (2016/PS4). It's always nice when Addie has more to say about recently played games, but back-to-school could mean that her time will become even more limited.

In a half-formed, open-ended Question of the Week, I'm looking for opinions about what would be a better choice for the podcast: getting back into more retro games for review and discussion (NES, SNES, Genesis), or sometimes leaving my comfort zone and trying out games in genres that usually don't appeal to me (sports, racing, fighting, strategy, and multiplayer-only). Write in and let us know your thoughts on the matter, or for any gaming related reason. Email makes up an important part of the show.

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http://www.vggpodcast.com]]> http://www.vggpodcast.com/#ep110 Wed, 17 Aug 2016 12:15:00 GMT 01:02:47 video games, videogames, No Man's Sky, Suikoden II, Suikoden 2, Ghostbusters The Game, Minecraft, Stacking, Murdered Soul Suspect, Shutshimi, Tim Schafer, Double Fine Mike & Addie Lichdom: Battlemage, Resident Evil 5, Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon

After news and new releases, it's our Fall Games Preview segment. It's that time again, when many big new games are scheduled for release in the last few months of the year. At the end, I share my top five most anticipated games coming out this year. Write in and let us know yours! Then, our solitary email this week is a great, thorough answer to last week's QotW about your favorite Double Fine games.

In game talk, Addie talks briefly about the multiplayer mini-games in Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon (3DS) and Stretchmo (3DS). My pre-recorded segment wraps up Resident Evil 5 (PS4) after playing the two extra story missions. I also finished Lichdom: Battlemage (PS4), which I review in the same segment.

To end the show, this week's top ten list, inspired by Resident Evil, is my favorite zombie-themed games. This includes a few obligatory honorable mentions. So enjoy, and we'll see you next week!

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Addie started playing two games, so her "what we're playing" contribution is opening thoughts on Double Fine's Headlander (PS4) and Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon (3DS). I have a brief bit to say about Mighty No. 9 (PS4), and a pre-recorded segment that includes an update on my ongoing year-long play-through of Suikoden II (PS1 on PSTV) and a review of Resident Evil 5 (PS4).

Instead of a new top ten list, Addie takes my video game console quiz. Play along and find out how well you know the makers and decades of launch for twenty consoles of prior generations. Our Question of the Week, devised by Addie, is to let us know your favorite Double Fine game. That's very specific, I know, but it was a spur of the moment choice.

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Before we read this week's email, news includes next month's free Xbox Games With Gold and the new games releasing this week. My pre-recorded segments are about my initial impressions of Resident Evil 5 (PS4), plus reviews of three games I finished -- Christopher Brookmyre's Bedlam (PS4), Broken Sword 5 Episode 2 (Vita), and Zero Escape: Zero Time Dilemma (Vita/PSTV). Addie's Mobile Game of the Week is Little Alchemy (iOS).

A new top ten list this week is about games from this console generation that seem very underrated. As for last week's QotW about games that surprised you, we're carrying that forward another week, since our next episode will be recorded three days earlier than usual. It'll release next Wednesday, though, as usual. If there's a game you didn't expect to like, but your tried it and liked it after all, write in and let us know.

This week's ending music comes from Bedlam, one of the games reviewed in this episode. It's only a small sample of the awesome music in this unique first-person shooter.

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http://www.vggpodcast.com]]> http://www.vggpodcast.com/#ep107 Wed, 27 Jul 2016 12:15:00 GMT 01:11:45 video games, videogames, Christopher Brookmyre's Bedlam, Zero Escape Zero Time Dilemma, Broken Sword 5 Episode 2, Little Alchemy, Resident Evil 5, Harry Potter, 999, Firewatch Mike & Addie Pokemon Go, The Technomancer, Christopher Brookmyre's Bedlam, Zero Escape: Zero Time Dilemma

After my brief opening thoughts on Christopher Brookmyre's Bedlam (PS4) -- the game, not the book -- and a brief update on where I am in Zero Time Dilemma (Vita), I have a pre-recorded review of The Technomancer (PS4). I think it's destined to be another underrated gem. Addie's Mobile Game of the Week is Circle (iOS), from Ketch App.

Following that, Addie talks a bit about her ongoing efforts to collect all the ties in Octodad: Dadliest Catch (PS4). This leads into her list of the top five plot holes in Octodad. Once we wrap that up, Heath returns with Mini-Gamers Episode 12 where he talks more about Octodad, Yasai Ninja (PS4), and Kirby: Planet Robobot (3DS). He also insists on doing a "guess the game character" quiz, proving he's a much better guesser than I am, apparently.

Our Question of the Week for listeners is about games that surprised you. This doesn't have to be just underrated games you enjoyed. Maybe it's a well-liked game that didn't seem as if it'd be your kind of thing, yet you played it anyway and ended up really enjoying it. If you have such a story to share, write in and let us know!

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http://www.vggpodcast.com]]> http://www.vggpodcast.com/#ep106 Wed, 20 Jul 2016 12:15:00 GMT 00:59:52 video games, videogames, Pokemon Go, The Technomancer, Christopher Brookmyre's Bedlam, Zero Escape Zero Time Dilemma, Octodad Dadliest Catch, Firewatch Mike & Addie Playdead's Inside, The Technomancer, Pokemon Go, Mega Man Legends (PS1)

First up in game chat is my pre-recorded segment, which includes opening thoughts on Mega Man Legends (PS1), The Technomancer (PS4), Zero Escape: Zero Time Dilemma (Vita), and spoiler-free thoughts in a sort-of review of Playdead's Inside (Xbox One). Addie's Mobile Game of the Week is Pokemon Go (iOS), of course, because it's everybody's Mobile Game of the Week it seems. The two of us spend some time talking about that, with Addie explaining how it works.

In a feature this week, I present my list of favorite games that can be finished in one or two sittings, prompted by last week's question from a listener. It's a long list, so it doesn't fall under the "top-10" umbrella, but hopefully it'll provide a few good suggestions for different kinds of games on different platforms, if you're looking for something short but substantial.

Our Question of the Week to listeners is a little open-ended. What are your thoughts on mobile gaming (phones, tablets) versus handheld gaming (Vita, 3DS)? Is handheld gaming on the way out as mobile gaming rises, or can both continue to survive? Do you play on Vita, PSP, Gameboy, DS/3DS, or do you stick to your iPhone and Andriod when on the go? Let us know your thoughts, so we can continue the discussion.

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Game talk is mostly my pre-recorded review of last year's open world Mad Max (PS4). Addie's latest Mobile Game of the Week is Mahjong Adventure (iOS). Neither of us played much else since the last episode.

In honor of Mad Max, though, this week's Top 14 (including the honorable mentions in the list, per Pawel's suggestion) is all about Max. Listen to find out my Top 14 all-time Max's. Maxes? Plural of Max. Whatever. Yes, it's as silly as it sounds. And of course, the episode starts as always with a little off-topic warm-up, followed by news -- this week's new game releases, and the PlayStation Plus line-up for July.

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http://www.vggpodcast.com]]> http://www.vggpodcast.com/#ep104 Wed, 06 Jul 2016 12:15:00 GMT 01:08:16 video games, videogames, Mad Max, Fury Road, Mahjong Adventure, Clash of Clans, Top 10 Maxes, Top Ten Max's Mike & Addie Echo Night (PS1), Mad Max, Disney Crossy Road, Top 10 Open World Games

Speaking of that, my featured top-ten this week is not one, not two, but three lists of my top ten favorite open worlds in games. These are (1) the top ten open world and semi-open world games set in a real-world location, (2) the top ten semi-open world games in a fictional setting, and (3) the top ten open world games in a fictional setting. That's a pre-recorded segment late in the show.

Addie's Mobile Game of the Week is Disney Crossy Road (iOS). It was a busy weekend for her, so that's all she played, other than more Clash of Clans (iOS). In my pre-recorded segment, I include brief updates on a few games I'm playing, plus a review of Playstation classic Echo Night (PS1 on Vita). I also discovered that the Vita allows for complete per-game controller remapping. Playstation TV has more limited remapping options, but on Vita I was able to map Echo Night controls to work just like modern dual-stick first-person games.

The ending music this week includes a few short tracks from Echo Night.

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Before that, in my pre-recorded segments, I review Mirror's Edge: Catalyst (PS4) and Submerged (PS4). Also included are my opening thoughts on Mad Max (PS4), Akiba's Trip: Undead & Undressed (Vita), Echo Night (PS1), and State of Decay: Year One Survival Edition (Xbox One). Addie's Mobile Game of the Week was a surprise to me. It's Clash of Clans (iOS), which has really captured her interest lately. She also briefly talks about Super Mario Galaxy 2 (Wii) and My Sims Party (Wii).

I guess these notes are backwards, but before all that, it's news, new releases, and email. We're also happy to report that all three game prize bundles from episode 100 have been received by the winners. We're thinking of doing more give-aways in the future, but on a smaller scale. Nothing definite has been decided or planned, so nothing to announce just yet.

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http://www.vggpodcast.com]]> http://www.vggpodcast.com/#ep102 Wed, 22 Jun 2016 12:15:00 GMT 01:10:06 video games, videogames, Mirror's Edge Catalyst, Mad Max, Submerged, State of Decay Year One Survival Edition, Akiba's Trip Undead Undressed, Echo Night, Broken Sword 5 Episode 2, Clash of Clans, Super Mario Galaxy 2, My Sims Party Mike & Addie Republique, Klonoa: Door to Phantomile (PS1), Mirror's Edge: Catalyst

In email this week, we hear from a new listener for the first time, there's a bit of happy-dancing from the winner of our Xbox game bundle give-away, another top 10 favorite games list, E3 reactions, one listener is playing DS games 999 and the Phoenix Wright series, and we get opposing views about whether or not The Witcher 3 is an unquestionably better game than Fallout 4. We also take a Vita game name quiz late in the show, which also comes to us via email.

Addie did very little gaming since last week, but I have a shorter-than-usual pre-recorded segment about what I'm playing. This includes a wrap-up on Republique (PS4), opening thoughts on Mirror's Edge: Catalyst (PS4), and brief mentions of other games I started, including Klonoa: Door to Phantomile (PS1) and Broken Sword 5 Episode 2 (Vita).

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http://www.vggpodcast.com]]> http://www.vggpodcast.com/#ep101 Wed, 15 Jun 2016 12:15:00 GMT 01:50:42 video games, videogames, Fallout 4, E3, The Witcher 3, Republique, Klonoa Door to Phantomile, Mirror's Edge Catalyst, Broken Sword 5 Episode 2, Crimson Shroud, Minecraft, Mario Kart 7 Mike & Addie The Big One Zero Zero

It's a normal episode for the most part. We have tons of email this week, plus news and new releases for Addie to speculate on plots. It turns out, most of the new releases this week feature robots of some sort, according to Addie. Some actually do! In our two feature segments, we talk about our hopes for E3 (which is just a few days away), and our top 10 games of all time. This includes answers from several listeners as well, although it turns out it's difficult to choose just ten, or choose just one in a series, or even to put them in a specific order.

Addie talks briefly about what she's playing: Mario Kart 7 (3DS), Plants vs. Zombies (Nook), Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare (Xbox One), and Mr. Jump (iOS). In my pre-recorded segment, I talk about Fallout 4: Automatron (PS4), Crimson Shroud (3DS), Republique (PS4), plus a review of Adam's Venture: Origins (PS4).

The after-music ending bit this week is pretty long. Let's just call it... an interesting bit of time travel. Now, we're almost ready to take our vacation, ride some roller coasters, and zip down some water slides, so until next week, enjoy!

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http://www.vggpodcast.com]]> http://www.vggpodcast.com/#ep100 Wed, 08 Jun 2016 12:15:00 GMT 01:51:37 video games, videogames, Fallout 4 Automatron DLC, Republique, Crimson Shroud, Adam's Venture Origins, Plants vs Zombies, Top 10 List, E3 Mike & Addie Bowl in a China Shop

After news, the free PlayStation Plus games list for June, and Addie guessing the plots of this week's new game releases, we have a few listener emails. This includes Fallout 4 and Witcher 3 talk, an answer to last week's QotW about kids playing or seeing M-rated games, and a suggestion that Addie's Antics are a good thing! Late in the episode, I give honorable mentions to a bunch of great games that didn't quite make my all-time top-10 list. The actual top-10 is planned as a feature for next week.

My pre-recorded segment is mostly a review of the new Doom (aka Doom 2016 or Doom 4 - PS4). Then it's Addie's turn. Her Mobile Game of the Week is Two Dots (iOS). She also talks about games played with her step-brother Nathan -- Dark Souls 3 (Xbox One) and Halo: The Master Chief Collection multiplayer (Xbox One). I guess this ties back into last week's QotW, but it sounds like she didn't get too far in either one. She also played Roblox Wheel of Fortune (PC?), but that sounds self-explanatory.

We have two Questions of the Week for our 100th episode. First, do you have any hopes for E3 this year? The big video game convention is fast approaching, and we're going to talk next week about what we'd like to see announced or covered. Also, what are your all-time favorite games ever? Do any from my "not quite the top 10" list this week make the cut for you? Write in and let us know!

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In our question of the week, inspired by thoughts on last week's discussion about whether or not it's okay to let kids play or watch M-rated or even certain T-rated games, we want to know your thoughts and advice. To what extent -- and age -- should kids be kept away from violence and mature themes in video games? Now's your chance to share parenting advice, or if not a parent, at least your opinion on the subject.

Addie's "mo-bile" game of the week is another from Ketch App: a game called Twist (iOS). She also fills me in on Google mini-games, including her recent favorite, Zerg Rush. In my pre- and post-recorded segments, I review Uncharted 4 (PS4) and Albedo: Eyes From Outer Space (PS4), after finishing them both (platinum trophies, too). They're two very different games, but guess which one I liked more? Don't worry; I stay clear of spoilers.

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This episode is a little on the shorter side, since we had no listener feedback to read in this week's email segment. We do have news and new game releases, an aside about when kids begin to understand the difference between video games and reality, and a new kind of quiz for Addie late in the show. It would have been even shorter, but Heath was ready for another episode of Mini-Gamers, the podcast within the podcast, where he talks briefly about the games he's been playing: Broken Age (PS4), Super Smash Bros. (3DS), Ratchet & Clank (PS4), Pokemon Rumble World (3DS), and Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare (PS4).

Addie describes her plan to build a theme park in Minecraft, and she introduces a new segment of her own creation, called "Addie's Mobile Game of the Week." Her pick this week is Cooking Fever (iOS), which she's very much enjoying. In my pre-recorded segment, I have a wrap-up for Severed (Vita), an update on Suikoden II and Albedo: Eyes From Outer Space (PS1 and PS4, respectively), and my initial thoughts on Uncharted 4: A Thief's End (PS4). I'm pretty far in UC4, but haven't quite finished it, and wasn't ready for a more detailed review. But don't worry. Even when I do, I'll keep it spoiler-free.

This week's ending music is Drake's theme from Uncharted 4. Enjoy!

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http://www.vggpodcast.com]]> http://www.vggpodcast.com/#ep97 Wed, 18 May 2016 12:15:00 GMT 00:52:18 video games, videogames, Uncharted 4 A Thief's End, Suikoden II, Severed, Albedo Eyes From Outer Space, Minecraft, Cooking Fever, Ratcht and Clank, Broken Age, Pokemon Rumble World, Super Smash Bros. Mike & Addie The Secret Government

For our listener question (QotW), we want to know your favorite game reboots, or games in which they decided to drop the number and subtitle (ex: the new Hitman is just "Hitman", Tomb Raider came back as just "Tomb Raider", and Doom 4 is really just "Doom"). Next week or on a future episode, I hope to put together a top-ten list of reboots.

In email this week, it's an answer to our recent QotW about games with difficulty spikes that made you give up, excitement for Uncharted 4, a possible solution to the mystery of how I ended up with Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare on PS4, and a reminder that our youngest listener is almost here (congrats again to Pawel and wife).

Addie has been playing KetchApp's mobile game Stack this week (iOS). Tiles move quickly across the top of a tile stack, and you have to tap in time to stack that tile. If it wasn't lined up perfectly, the excess is lost, and the top of the stack becomes that much smaller for the next tile. Addie enjoys it. In my pre-recorded segments, I have opening thoughts (doubling, most likely, as my closing thoughts) on the single-player component of Battleborn (PS4), an update on Severed (Vita), initial thoughts on Albedo: Eyes from Outer Space (PS4), and reviews of Alienation (PS4) and The Park (PS4).

To wrap up, Addie takes my Portal 2 Trivia quiz. I ask ten multiple-choice questions about the game to test her knowledge about one of her all-time favorites.

Two more contest code words are given this episode. Next week is the final week for code words, after which the give-away opens up for entries. If you want a chance at winning a big bundle of Playstation, Xbox, or Nintendo games, check out the official rules: http://www.vggpodcast.com/contest100/rules.html

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http://www.vggpodcast.com]]> http://www.vggpodcast.com/#ep96 Wed, 11 May 2016 12:15:00 GMT 01:14:11 video games, videogames, Severed, Battleborn, Portal 2, Albedo Eyes From Outer Space, Alienation, The Park Mike & Addie It's Like Hockey-Soccer

In other news, we have the list of free PlayStation Plus games for May, and Addie tries to guess the plots of this week's new game releases. In email, it's Ratchet & Clank, Freedom Wars, Severed, Life is Strange, and another answer to last week's QotW about late-game boss battles that were impossible to beat. Oh, and the drinking mini-game from Watch_Dogs. Supposedly Ubisoft did patch it to make it easier, but those of us who got the trophy before that will always remember the frustrating nightmare that it entailed.

In give-away news, our sixth pair of contest code words are given in this episode. Also, the final three Steam game keys are given (SpeedRunners, DiveKick, and Kingdom Rush). Some of the Steam codes from the last couple of weeks may not have been used, so please let us know if you redeem these or any prior ones. They're single-use codes, meaning the first listener to use them is the lucky winner.

My pre-recorded segment is a wrap-up on the Ratchet & Clank reboot (PS4), and my opening impressions of Severed (PS Vita). Addie also talks about Costume Quest 2 (PS4), which she finally finished, and a little about Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare (PS4/XBO).

Rather than trivia or a quiz or a guessing game this week, I present my top ten list of hacking mini-games that have appeared in video games. This is followed (as usual) with a few honorable mentions that didn't make the list. Oh, and this week's Question of the Week (QotW) is about the PlayStation NEO (formerly known as the PS4K or PS4.5 -- eventually to be known as whatever non-Matrix name Sony chooses, kind of like they did with Morpheus/PSVR -- but I digress). There are ways to see this in a positive light, but we're curious about what you think.

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http://www.vggpodcast.com]]> http://www.vggpodcast.com/#ep95 Wed, 04 May 2016 12:15:00 GMT 01:14:09 video games, videogames, Ratchet & Clank, Ratchet, Clank, Plants vs Zombies Garden Warfare, Life Is Strange, Severed, Freedom Wars, Costume Quest 2, Costume Quest II, hacking mini-games Mike & Addie Stormy Weather

This week, we give out two new code words for our Episode 100 Game Bundle Give-Away. Also, it's the second to last week for our Steam code give-away. If you have a Steam account, try out those codes before any other listener, since they'll only work for one account.

In news, we go over the just-announced Xbox Games With Gold line-up for May, followed by new game releases for this week. Late in that list, the noisy weather prompts us to speed through them a little faster, but before that, Addie makes a guess at what she thinks each game is about. After recording, Nintendo announced that the "NX" won't be launching until March 2017, which would have been a great news topic, but we'll have to include that on the next episode, a week late.

After listener email, I include less noisy pre-recorded segments: my wrap-up on Dark Souls III (PS4), my impressions of the Final Fantasy XV Platinum Demo (PS4), and my opening thoughts on the new Ratchet and Clank game (PS4) in a partial review. We followed this with one round of video game "Who Am I?", but this was cut from the show partly because of the noisy weather, and partly because it went on for way too long with Addie entirely stumped until I finally gave her a few completely obvious clues. Next week, we might try a more traditional trivia-based quiz.

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After news, we talk about the new games releasing this week. It also felt like a good time to talk about release dates for many of the biggest games scheduled for the weeks and months ahead. This gets fairly foggy later in the year, so we'll do it again when more release dates for this year's most anticipated games have been announced.

This week, my pre-recorded segment is all about Dark Souls III (PS4). After that, Addie talks a little about Slither.io (PC, iOS), a free multiplayer "snake" game she enjoys and recommends.

In listener email, we hear from a long-time listener for the very first time. Our recent QotW about your favorite music gets plenty of responses this week too. Other listener topics include top picks for past PlayStation Plus games (in response to an email from last week), one listener's experiences creating his first game, and the merits of our quizzes and tangents.

Speaking of quizzes, video game "What Am I?" returns this week but proves that we're a little rusty at it now. We also have a new Question of the Week for listeners. Write in and let us know what game was just too difficult for you to finish. Did you get stuck at the last boss in some game you otherwise enjoyed? Was the last level a frustrating nightmare, so you just gave up? We'll read those responses -- and whatever else you want to share regarding past topics or nearly any game-related topic -- on the next episode.

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This week's free STEAM game codes are for The Fall and System Shock 2. Since we weren't notified whether or not last week's Wizardry codes were claimed, those are given out again just in case. They're one-use codes, so the first listener to redeem them on STEAM wins them.

After that, it's news and new game releases, followed by email. We have plenty of listener feedback this week, covering topics like Star Wars Battlefront, last week's QotW about your favorite kinds of music, favorite games from PlayStation Plus, are video game easter eggs still "a thing" for gamers who don't celebrate Easter (blame Addie for that tangent), and the best ways to play all past Legend of Zelda games.

First up for "what we're playing" is my pre-recorded wrap-up for Tom Clancy's The Division (PS4) and my review (spoiler-free... I think) of Quantum Break (Xbox One), which, spoiler, I absolutely loved. Then, Addie talks about what she's playing. That's Portal again (PC), and Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare (Xbox One... I think).

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We're also giving out game keys redeemable on STEAM. Listen for two keys given out in this episode, for Wizardry 6 & 7, and Wizardry 8. These come courtesy of friend and occassional co-host Bill. We have several more to give away in the coming weeks. They're one-use codes, so first person to use them gets them.

In game discussion, Addie talks a little about Knight Squad (Xbox One), Day of the Tentacle Remastered (PS4), and a free set of online games at Roblox (PC). Mini-Gamers returns this week for its tenth episode, where seven-year-old Heath talks about what he's playing, including Hyrule Warriors Legends (3DS), Witch and Hero 2 (3DS), and Deadly Tower of Monsters (PS4).

In two additonal pre-recorded segments, I talk briefly about a few games I've played just a little, followed by my own wrap-up on Day of the Tentacle Remastered (PS4). Also included, finally, is my review of Tom Clancy's The Division (PS4). I haven't quite finished it, and I haven't tried any multiplayer or dark zone stuff yet, but I should wrap that up in the next week or so.

This episode's Question of the Week comes from listener email. Let's talk about music; any kind of music. What do you listen to? Do you have any musical recommendations? Favorite songs and favorite bands? Write in and let us know! Speaking of music, this week's ending music comes from the Day of the Tentacle soundtrack, rather than our usual original MIDI tunes.

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Early in the episode, we talk about an idea we've been brewing. With our 100th episode coming up in early June, we might do some kind of video game give-away. Maybe multiple games to multiple listeners. We aren't certain it'll happen at all, but we do give two separate code words in this episode, which would be collected and entered into the contest just before episode 100, just in case. Addie really wants to have the contest to reward loyal listeners, but I worry about the many problems such a contest might present. Maybe by next week, we'll make a decision.

In news, we talk about the free Xbox Games With Gold for April, plus many of the new game releases for this week. In listener email, we talk about our favorite games featuring VR as a story element, Day of the Tentacle and other adventure games, and the recent Fallout 4 Automatron DLC.

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In my pre-recorded segment, I talk briefly about what I'm playing (PS1 game Suikoden II and Tom Clancy's The Division on PS4), and give opening thoughts on Day of the Tentacle Remastered (PS4). Then I have lengthy opening thoughts and a partial review of Salt and Sanctuary (PS4), which I've been obsessed with for the past several days.

Addie was too tired to participate in this week's top ten list (VR as portrayed in books, movies, and TV), but she insisted on playing a game of Video Game "What Am I?" She was pretty much too tired for that also, but we gave it a shot. We have no new Question of the Week, but write in anyway. Suggest a topic, share your thoughts on a prior topic, or just say hello.

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Mini-Gamers returns this week, with episode 9. Seven-year-old Heath chats with me about many of the games he played since last time. After that, Addie shows off iOS app IGun Pro HD with its realistic sound and light action. In my pre-recorded review segment, I cover Far Cry Primal (PS4) from start to finish.

Neither of us prepared a quiz this week. There was some confusion on that point, but a round of video game "Where Am I?" fills the void.

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I talk briefly about Gauntlet: Slayer Edition (PS4), which I played some with Heath (Addie's younger brother). Addie talks a little about Twisty Hollow (iOS), which she's enjoying on iPhone. In my pre-recorded segment, I still don't have much to say about Far Cry Primal (PS4), because I haven't played much more since last week. However, I talk at length about Saturday Morning RPG (Vita, PS4, PSTV), which I played and finished.

To wrap up, Addie presents me with a new quiz of her own design. This time, she picks one game (Broken Age) and asks me a series of trivia questions about the game and its development.

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Since this was done right after last week's episode, there was no new listener email. We did play video game "What Am I?" after that, plus our first-ever video game "Where Am I?" As for the question of the week, since we had only just released the prior episode when we recorded this, we stuck with the same one. Tell us about your most interesting video game-themed dreams!

In the middle, I added two additional solo segments, which were recorded later. First, I give my brief opening thoughts about Far Cry Primal (PS4), and then a wrap-up on Zero Escape: Virtue's Last Reward (Vita). In the second segment, I talk about ten games that everybody but me seems to love. These are games that were very well-received, but just didn't resonate the same way for me.

In place of the self-made MIDI instrumentals that usually end each episode, this week's closing song is a catchy tune from one of the room escape sections in Virtue's Last Reward.

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Addie and I talk about the strange competitive multiplayer game Starwhal (PS4), and stunt bike game Happy Wheels (iOS). In my pre-recorded segment, I have wrap-ups for Unravel (PS4), Three Fourths Home (PS4), and The Witness (PS4) -- yes, another wrap-up for it. I also give opening thoughts on Zero Escape: Virtue's Last Reward (Vita/PSTV).

This week's quiz is another video game "What Am I?" Listen as I descend into madness, attempting to guess the game item Addie has in mind. Not really, but it was certainly exhausting.

We may not have an episode next week, since I will be out of town during the normal recording time. However, we have a plan to record some of it early (the intro, new releases for next week, and probably a quiz), with me filling in a few other things via pre-recorded segments (including the Playstation Plus games for March, which should be announced by then). I may also add an additional solo segment or two -- some kind of feature or "top 10" list -- to make up the gap. It might result in a patchwork episode, but we'll see.

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But that's not all. Addie and I talk at length about Unravel (PS4), a cute but deceptively challenging new puzzle platformer we've both been playing. Later, Addie helps me list off my top ten favorite games featuring time travel as a story element and/or gameplay mechanic. We also play one round of video game "What Am I?" with Addie asking me the questions.

This week's new Question of the Week for listeners, suggested by Addie herself, is this. What are the coolest, best, most interesting easter eggs you've found in a game? It seems like we've talked about easter eggs before, but I don't remember it ever being a QotW, so that's what we want to know. Write in with your answers, and we'll read them on the show. Also, write in if you have a question to suggest, or just to say hi. This week was devoid of listener feedback entirely.

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In my pre-recorded segment, after brief updates on 999 (DS) and Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel (PS4), I talk about Everybody's Gone to the Rapture (PS4) in what's intended as a spoiler-free review. It's not exactly a game, but it's not exactly not a game. Whatever it is, I liked it quite bit. Before all this, though, we start with news (mostly this week's new game releases) and listener feedback (in which we discuss podcast subscriber statistics and our thoughts on how long we might keep doing the show).

Our question of the week, suggested via Twitter by TyeDyeSheepFilms, is this: How much over $60 (or the standard price for a video game in your country) would you pay for a game you really really wanted? Then, to end the episode this week, we trade off quizzing each other in a couple rounds of video game "what am I?" — a new twist on a recent favorite.

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In my pre-recorded segment, I have an update on Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel (PS4) after finishing the main game and starting the Claptastic Voyage DLC. Then it's a spoiler-free review (or, at least, most of a review, since I haven't quite finished the game) of new Thekla Inc. game The Witness (PS4). Addie didn't have anything to talk about for our "What We're Playing" segment this week.

Without a quiz prepared, we play video game character "Who Am I?" not once but twice. I'm starting to think Addie is trolling me, although it's probably not intentional. She really enjoys it when I'm confused. It's almost like a comedy routine, set to the tune of her out-of-control laughter.

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My pre-recorded segment includes updates for Nine Hours, Nine Persons, Nine Doors aka 999 (DS) and Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel (PS4). I feel like I'm close to finishing the latter, so next week's show may include a final wrap-up. After this, we talk about the competitive multiplayer "turf war" in Splatoon (WiiU), with Addie listing her five tips for the game. We wrap up with some chat about Dance Central Spotlight, centered around how likely it is that the same dozen or so songs over and over will eventually drive me batty.

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Then we talk about Dance Central Spotlight (Xbox One), which I recently started "playing" just to start getting in shape as a stepping stone to maybe an eventual, more organized exercise and weight loss plan. I may talk about the gameplay on a future episode, but this week it was just about exercising in general, and not being a lazy gamer.

In my pre-recorded segment, which is really just a part of our What We're Playing segment, but which I'm thinking of giving a name at some point (like maybe "Mike's Gaming Audio Blog," but I digress), I have brief updates for games I've recently played, including final thoughts on Tales From the Borderlands (PS4). Then, I have initial thoughts to talk about for two more -- 999: Nine Hours, Nine Persons, Nine Doors (Nintendo DS) and Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel (PS4).

This week's Question of the Week for listeners is about clothes. What video game character or group of characters in a game had the best, or most unique, or perhaps most useful outfits? Addie gives a great answer with Costume Quest, but write in and let us know what you would pick.

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In my pre-recorded segment, I have a wrap-up on Rise of the Tomb Raider (Xbox One) and opening spoiler-free thoughts on Tales from the Borderlands (PS4). Then it's back to Addie for her first-ever Retro Games With Addie segment. She starts with classic arcade game Centipede, which she played briefly on the Atari Anthology (PS2).

The rest of the episode is Vita and PSTV focused, with our top ten list of reasons to own a Playstation TV, followed by a quiz for Addie that's all about Vita game subtitles. With no email this week and no answers to last week's QotW, we ask again: do you have any 2016 gaming resolutions? Write in to let us know. Oh, and as usual, there's a short bit after this week's ending music, snipped from the main show, in which Addie confuses me once again.

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After news of Assassin's Creed and Watch_Dogs rumors, plus the free PlayStation plus games lineup for January, we read listener email. This includes more 2016 predictions in response to last week's QOTW, plus Pawel's top ten games of 2015. A little later, wedged between my two pre-recorded segments, I talk a little more about the scarcity of December's Nintendo-published action game Devil's Third, and the odd lack of PlayStation TV support for the second half of Broken Sword 5 on Vita.

In those pre-recorded segments, I start with a wrap-up for Xenoblade Chronicles X (WiiU). After those closing thoughts, I review Pneuma: Breath of Life (Xbox One). It's a short but cool first-person puzzle game similar in style to Portal and The Talos Principle. I also talk a little about my slow progress in Suikoden II (PS1 on PSTV), and my opening thoughts on Rise of the Tomb Raider (Xbox One). What an awesome game.

My plan to quiz Addie about Vita game subtitles is cut short when she surprises me with a quiz of her own. Listen for that near the end of the episode and try to guess along.

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Starting with our usual off-topic segment, Addie talks about her gaming-related Christmas gifts. Then Bill and I briefly discuss a book we both read recently -- Ernest Cline's follow-up to Ready Player One, called Armada. Before we get to our usual segments, we revisit our 2015 predictions to gauge how well each of us were able to see into the future of 2015. On the whole, fairly well as it turns out.

After news and listener email (which includes the first round of gaming predictions for 2016), we talk about what we're playing. I skipped myself this time, since it has mostly been Xenoblade Chronicles X (WiiU), which I hope to wrap up and talk about next week. For Addie, it's Lego Dimensions (PS4), which was a Christmas present for all three of them; speaking of which, Heath and Hadleigh include their Mini-Gamers Episode 8 this week, with what they're playing plus their own 2015 top ten lists.

Game discussion with Bill starts next, but spills over into several later segments. This includes more back-and-forth regarding Fallout 4 (PS4), a recap of my earlier disappointment over initially getting the bad ending in The Witcher III (PS4), Bill's thoughts on what makes good and bad achievements and trophies, and more. We also talk about our most anticipated games expected to release in 2016, plus our favorites from this year.

We wrap up the show with our 2016 gaming predictions. We'll look back at them a year from now, to see how well we did. If you want to add your own predictions to ours and those from this week's listener email, just write in! We'll read your predictions and emails next week.

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Addie talks a little about the three games she's been playing over the past week, in our What We're Playing segment. Those are Mario Kart (Wii), Castle Crashers (Xbox One), and Minecraft (the iOS version, oddly enough). In my pre-recorded segment, I wrap up my thoughts on Paranormal Pursuit (PS3) and KillZone: Mercenary (Vita on PSTV). I also talk a little more about Suikoden II (PS1 on PSTV), and basic impressions of a few other games I tried over the past week, including Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver (PS1), Eat Lead: The Return of Matt Hazard (PS3), and JamesTown+ (PS4).

I also have an update and a variety of tips to offer regarding Xenoblade Chronicles X (WiiU) to conclude the pre-recorded segment. After that, I quiz Addie about video games that were December releases, since a quiz specifically about Christmas-themed games just never came together.

Several after-show bits are also included, which wraps up with a message from us all. I think Hadleigh is a little bit confused about how holidays work, but it's the thought that counts!

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Anyway, the off-topic lead-up to news, email, and game discussion in this episode is a little longer than usual. Somehow, we get sidetracked talking about video game collecting and my collection in particular. Then in listener email, we read answers to recent Questions of the Week. In fact, this week's new question comes from the same email. What are the most memorable character names you've encountered in a video game? We share ours (although Addie has no opinion on the matter), but write in to let us know yours!

But that's not all. The same listener provided us with an element-themed quiz for this week, where we guess the real game title from the fake in ten sets featuring earth, air, fire, and water. We make our choices and compare the results toward the end of the episode.

In the middle, for What We're Playing, Addie talks some about math puzzle game Power Lines (PC). In my pre-recorded segment, I talk more about KillZone: Mercenary (Vita/PSTV), Xenoblade Chronicles X (WiiU), and the Alawar-developed point-and-click adventure game Paranormal Pursuit: The Gifted One (PS3).

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Addie has two games to talk about this week. One is Akinator the Genie (iOS), which pits you against an AI in a game of twenty questions. The other, Sneak King (Xbox and Xbox 360), challenges you to present food stealthily to unsuspecting victims... er... recipients. This was one of three advertising games commissioned by Burger King™ around a decade ago, and it's surprisingly... well... interesting, if nothing else.

My pre-recorded segments start with a wrap-up on Fallout 4 (PS4) in which I give final thoughts and tips for earning some of the game's many trophies. I also have opening thoughts on the new RPG Xenoblade Chronicles X (WiiU), and on another game that's been out for a couple years, Killzone: Mercenary (Vita/PSTV).

The episode wraps up with a new quiz. It's round-two for gaming lingo, with Addie trying to define and explain ten more video game terms. In total, it's a longer-than usual episode, and we hope you enjoy it!

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For Addie, that's more Plants vs. Zombies (Nook version) and Minecraft (PS4 version), plus a newfound interest in Mario Kart. She has a few tips for the Wii version. In my pre-recorded segment, I talk a little about Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time (PS3/Vita) before starting in with an update on Fallout 4 (PS4), which may now (tentatively) be my favorite game ever, replacing prior favorite Fallout 3. I also revisit Fallout sequel predictions covered in an episode earlier this year, to find out how much of the game lines up with what I and other listeners hoped and expected.

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In my pre-recorded segments, I give a review of Dead Nation (Vita version -- also available on PS3 and PS4), and later, my ongoing thoughts about Fallout 4 (PS4), which includes a quick primer on just what the Fallout series is all about.

If you have an answer for this week's Question of the Week, write in and let us know. If you had to choose just one game on one console, what would the game/console be, and why? Since Addie was absent, she'll be able to answer next week as well, when we hopefully return to our usual dual-host format.

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http://www.vggpodcast.com]]> http://www.vggpodcast.com/#ep72 Wed, 25 Nov 2015 12:00:00 GMT 01:05:31 video games, videogames, Fallout 4, Zelda Tri Force Heroes, Dead Nation, The Witcher 3 Mike & Addie We Value Your Opinion

Early in the show, I talk about some recent additions to my video game collection, and a little about the high prices of rare NES cartridges. Bill and I talk about The Walking Dead and his recent interest in graphic novels and comics like the Fables series. In news, we talk about the new Xbox One dashboard and backwards compatibility, plus a reminder that Black Friday deals are just around the corner.

In our What We're Playing segment, Addie talks about Minecraft (PS4). We also share more opinions about The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes (3DS), which we tried again recently. After my pre-recorded segment (a wrap-up on Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair for Vita), Bill talks briefly about several games he finished since his last appearance on the podcast, including Thief (Xbox 360), Homefront (Xbox 360), Spec Ops: The Line (Xbox 360), Lara Croft Go (Mobile), and The Wolf Among Us (Xbox 360). Following that, we have a lengthy discussion about Fallout 4 (PS4). We talk about what we like and what we don't, what's changed since Fallout 3 and New Vegas, and various concerns about the game sent in by friend and long-time listener Pawel. We're still both relatively early in the game, so I'll probably have more to say in pre-recorded segments on future episodes.

Bill makes an exit before the episode is over, so Addie is left alone to guess the answer in this week's game of "Who Am I?" We have no new listener Question of the Week, but feel free to answer any of the prior weeks' questions, or just write in with anything you think would be interesting for us to read and discuss on the show.

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http://www.vggpodcast.com]]> http://www.vggpodcast.com/#ep71 Wed, 18 Nov 2015 12:00:00 GMT 01:21:00 video games, videogames, Danganronpa 2 Goodbye Despair, Fallout 4, Minecraft, Homefront, Lara Croft Go, Zelda Tri Force Heroes, Spec Ops The Line, The Wolf Among Us, Thief Mike & Addie I'm a Public Menace

In news, we talk about Xbox One backwards compatibility for Xbox 360 games, which goes live for everybody later this week. Also, last week's Question of the Week carries over once more. Write in and let us know if you've ever been so wrapped up in a game that it almost felt like you were still playing, even when you weren't!

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http://www.vggpodcast.com]]> http://www.vggpodcast.com/#ep70 Wed, 11 Nov 2015 12:00:00 GMT 01:06:20 video games, videogames, Assassin's Creed Syndicate, Danganronpa 2 Goodbye Despair, Gravity Rush Mike & Addie A Vampire and a Naked Guy long time, I have no pre-recorded segment this week. This is where I traditionally talk about the games I'm playing, usually in excessive detail (although I try to stay spoiler-free). My gaming time was more limited this week, but Addie comes to the rescue to talk about several games she's been playing. These include Jacob Jones and the Bigfoot Mystery (Vita), Doki Doki Universe (Vita), Kingdom Hearts Final Mix (PS3), and Machinarium (Vita). We also have a new episode of Mini-Gamers featuring twins Heath and Hadleigh, with some back-and-forth about Rabbids Rumble (3DS), Ben 10 Galactic Racing (DS), Ultratron (PS4), Kingdom Hearts 3D (3DS), Kingdom Hearts 352/8 Days (DS), and more.

Before that, it's listener email. Addie and I take turns reading this week's feedback regarding prior weeks' questions (most anticipated games, the voice actors' union, and more). This also includes a few game recommendations, and the inspiration for this week's QOTW. Have you ever been so wrapped up in a game that it somehow spilled over into real life? One listener gives us a great example, and then we discuss our own. Write in and let us know if you've ever -- even for just a moment -- let some aspect of a game you've been playing slip through into real life.

Without a quiz prepared this week, we take the lazy road and play a game of "Who Am I?" It's a little like Twenty Questions with yes/no answers, but without the limit. Addie tries to guess what video game character I am, near the end of this episode.

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Listener email makes up a big part of this week's episode. This includes another recommendation for a great turn-based strategy game, answers to prior questions of the week, a recommendation for the Nintendo Quest documentary, questions about the best tools and tutorials for game development, and our most anticipated upcoming games. We also have a new quiz this week, in which Addie tries to define various game-related terms.

In my pre-recorded segments, I have a brief update on Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair (Vita), wrap-ups for Life is Strange: Episode 5 (PS4) and The Talos Principle (PS4), and my opening thoughts on Assassin's Creed: Syndicate (PS4). Addie hopes to play more this week, but didn't have anything to discuss this time around.

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http://www.vggpodcast.com]]> http://www.vggpodcast.com/#ep68 Wed, 28 Oct 2015 12:00:00 GMT 01:41:27 video games, videogames, The Talos Principle, Life is Strange Episode 5, Assassin's Creed Syndicate Mike & Addie The Three-Save Pact

News gets sidetracked when I start explaining the potential voice actors' strike to Addie. This also makes the foundation for our new Question of the Week. Basically, what's your take on the requests (demands?) from their union (SAG-AFTRA) as part of their contract negotiations with publishers/developers? Does all of it seem fair, or are they valuing their own contributions above the hard work that so many others provide in game development?

Heath's Mini-Gamers segment returns after a long break with Episode 6. This includes his rapid-fire thoughts on Yoshi's Woolly World (WiiU), Chibi-Robo: Zip Lash (3DS), and more. Addie also has her own opening thoughts about Yoshi's Woolly World, and about The Talos Principle (PS4). After this, in my pre-recorded segment, I go into more details (as spoiler-free as I can make it) about the general gameplay and puzzle structure in The Talos Principle.

Closing out the episode is one of the many calming, interesting songs from The Talos Principle soundtrack. So kick back for this longer-than-normal episode of Videogame Generations.

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Addie had no games to talk about this week, but in my pre-recorded segments I have a wrap-up for Resident Evil Revelations 2 (PS4), an update on Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair (Vita), and a review of Lords of the Fallen (PS4), which I played through to completion over my extended holiday weekend. This week's ending music is from the theme to Lords of the Fallen, which you can also find on YouTube at the link below.

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This week's quiz challenges Addie (and listeners) to guess the console family that's home to each of twenty games of a series; Nintendo, Xbox, or PlayStation? As for a Question of the Week for listeners, we're sticking with what we asked last week. Is there a well-known landmark kind of game that you've just never played? Write in and let us know what major or historically important game you've never actually played, and whether or not you think you ever will.

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http://www.vggpodcast.com]]> http://www.vggpodcast.com/#ep65 Wed, 07 Oct 2015 12:00:00 GMT 01:04:11 video games, videogames, DanganRonpa 2 Goodbye Despair, Super Mario Maker, Resident Evil Remake HD, Resident Evil Revelations 2, Rock Band 2, Castle Crashers Mike & Addie Nooks, Books, Plants, Zombies Not featured in this week's episode are the October 2015 free Games with Gold and Playstation Plus offerings. I forgot to look them up, but we'll do that next time. The PS Plus games weren't announced until after we recorded, I think, so I at least deserve a pass for those. What is featured includes a little news, lots of listener email answering prior weeks' questions, and a new quiz. This time, Addie must guess "Game or Game Studio" with a bonus point possible for each of the twenty questions.

In game chat, we talk a little more about Super Mario Maker (WiiU), and Addie has been playing a lot of Plants vs. Zombies on her Nook. In my two separate pre-recorded segments, I have a wrap-up for Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc (Vita), a review of inFamous: First Light (PS4), and lengthy opening thoughts on Resident Evil HD (PS4). This game also inspires our Question of the Week. Is there a well-known landmark kind of game that you've just never played? Resident Evil was a big one missing from my gaming history, but there are others. Write in and let us know yours!

This week's ending music comes from the Plants vs. Zombies music video, which sort of gets stuck in your head. If you've never heard this song before, then now's your chance. But don't say I didn't warn you.

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Before all of that, one listener wants to know our opinions on limited edition consoles. That's also our second Question of the Week for listeners. Write in and let us know how you feel about limited edition consoles. Do you own one? Do you collect them? If you don't have an opinion on any of these things, just write in with feedback about anything else we've discussed, or start a new topic.

No quiz this week, but we have plenty of game talk. Addie is still preparing for a Minecraft battle against a friend, plus she gives her initial impressions of Max and the Curse of Brotherhood (Xbox One). It was released several months ago, and younger brother Heath has played it quite a bit, but it was a first for Addie. In my pre-recorded segment, I have a spoiler-free wrap-up for Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain (PS4) and I go into detail about the gameplay mechanics of Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc (Vita), which I've been hooked on for the past two weeks.

We didn't get to have a Super Mario Maker marathon like we planned, but Heath did complete a simple level he calls "Mine in the dark." It's no award-winner, and is really simplistic overall, but he's proud of it nonetheless. In the game, its ID is A679-0000-0058-552B.

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Late in the episode, Addie and I take the Ultimate PlayStation Quiz. I think we would have done much better given a little more time to read, think, and discuss the possible answers. Before that, in our What We're Playing segment, we have initial thoughts on the new WiiU exclusive Super Mario Maker. My impressions are from watching Addie's younger brother Heath try it out briefly. Oh, and speaking of Heath, he may be back next week with a new episode of Mini-Gamers, but that's also absent this week.

Addie also has a story to tell about her own weekend gaming marathon, where she and a friend are building rival houses in Minecraft (Xbox 360) with a plan to declare war on each other in survival mode soon. For me, it was more Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain (PS4), DanganRonpa (Vita), and a review of an interactive fiction game (or "text adventure") called PataNoir (available free on PC, and very cheap on iOS or Android).

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Before all that, we have listener email and some news, which includes an ongoing sale of games on the PlayStation Network and a few recent game announcements. Later, Addie tries to guess "cartoon character or video game developer" in this week's quiz. We're also looking for answers to this week's listener question. Is there a game you had fun binge-playing? For instance, some weekend gaming marathon or day-and-night play of some game over a holiday break or while sick at home? Email us and tell us about it!

Also, if you haven't already rated and reviewed us on iTunes or Stitcher, we'd really, really appreciate it. It would help our visibility tremendously -- or so I've heard -- if we could get more ratings. I've seen other podcasts go from obscure to insanely popular over a matter of days or weeks, and even though we're not the greatest show out there in podcast land, I don't think we're the worst. :)

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http://www.vggpodcast.com]]> http://www.vggpodcast.com/#ep61 Wed, 09 Sep 2015 15:00:00 GMT 01:12:31 video game, videogame, Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain, Adventures of Pip, DanganRonpa Trigger Happy Havoc, A World of Keflings, Lego Jurassic Park, Lego Jurassic World, Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris Mike & Addie True Gamers

In my pre-recorded segment, I talk briefly about Adventures of Pip (PS4) and Suikoden II (PS1). Then, after a post-game wrap-up for Grabbed by the Ghoulies (Rare Replay, Xbox One), I give a spoiler-free review of recent cinematic horror game Until Dawn (PS4). Basically, it's pretty awesome.

We end the show with a quiz, but this time it's one we found online. It's touted as being for "true gamers" but turns out to be... well, just listen and you'll see. Suffice it to say that the quiz's author was having a little bit of fun with the concept, perhaps making a point as to how silly it is that some gamers mistake their opinions as facts.

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http://www.vggpodcast.com]]> http://www.vggpodcast.com/#ep60 Wed, 02 Sep 2015 15:00:00 GMT 00:59:35 video game, videogame, Until Dawn, Alien Isolation, Rare Replay, Grabbed by the Ghoulies, Crew Expendable, Fallout Shelter, Adventures of PIP, Deadly Premonition Mike & Addie Experiments in Soccer

After talking about next month's free PlayStation Plus and Xbox Games with Gold, we read listener email. This prompts discussions about Fallout Shelter, Dishonored, the Nintendo NX patent rumor, and more. Our Question of the Week also comes from this week's email: What is your favorite Nintendo game or game series?

We also have plenty to talk about in our "What We're Playing" segments. For Bill, that's South Park: The Stick of Truth (Xbox 360). For Natalie, Relic Run (iOS) and Layton Brothers Mystery Room (iOS). For Addie, LittleBigPlanet 3 (PS4) and Power Lines (PC). For Heath, it's Scribblenauts Unlimited (3DS), 2006 FIFA World Cup (Xbox 360), Pac-Man 256 (Fire TV), Fighter Physics (Fire TV), Lego Jurassic World (Xbox 360), and Minecraft (PS4).

In my pre-recorded segments, I give a wrap-up on Alien: Isolation (PS4) by talking briefly about the Crew Expendable DLC, plus my closing thoughts on The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask (3DS) after finishing it this past weekend. I also have opening thoughts on two games I started. These are Adventures of PIP (PS4) and Grabbed by the Ghoulies from the Rare Replay collection (Xbox One).

Finally, a huge thank-you to long-time listener Jason, who supplied us with another fun quiz. Our challenge is to guess if each of ten descriptions identifies a cartoon from the late 80's and early 90's, or a video game. If possible, we must also name the show or game. Bill guesses along with Addie and me.

Email: podcast@vggpodcast.com
Web: http://www.vggpodcast.com]]> http://www.vggpodcast.com/#ep59 Wed, 26 Aug 2015 18:00:00 GMT 01:32:36 video game, videogame, Alien Isolation, Rare Replay, Grabbed by the Ghoulies, Crew Expendable, Fallout Shelter, Adventures of PIP, The Legend of Zelda Majora's Mask 3D, Power Lines, Scribblenauts Unlimited, South Park The Stick of Truth, Minecraft, Pac-Man 256, PacMan 256, Pac Man 256, Lego Jurassic World, Relic Run, LittleBigPlanet 3, Layton Brothers Mystery Room Mike & Addie Let's-a-Go! This Is Fun!

Listener Pawel writes in to talk about The Witcher III and the Fallout series this week, and then it's feedback from Jon of the One Track Gamers podcast to answer prior Questions of the Week and very generously provide us with a fun audio quiz. This was a late-day addition to the show schedule, so we decided to also go ahead with a second quiz. It's one I had prepared for Addie about movie and TV characters that have appeared in games.

This week's feature segment is mostly me talking about my hopes and fears for Nintendo's next console, codenamed the NX. Several listeners have already weighed in with their opinions, so now it's my turn to predict what Nintendo should and shouldn't do.

Email: podcast@vggpodcast.com
Web: http://www.vggpodcast.com]]> http://www.vggpodcast.com/#ep58 Wed, 19 Aug 2015 18:00:00 GMT 01:16:58 video game, videogame, Alien Isolation, Rare Replay, Fallout 3, Fallout New Vegas, The Witcher III Mike & Addie Scribblenauts Fever / Batman and Robinhood

I also have final wrap-ups for three games I finished. These are The Guardian Legend (NES), No More Heroes (PS3), and Suikoden (PS1). Add to that a short discussion about Splatoon (WiiU) and Lego Jurassic World (Xbox 360), and it's one game-filled episode.

This episode's new Question of the Week comes from listener email. What game do you think would be fun to practice for a speed-run? We also have news, listener email, and a quiz where Addie tries to guess video game characters based on a series of clues.

Email: podcast@vggpodcast.com
Web: http://www.vggpodcast.com]]> http://www.vggpodcast.com/#ep57 Wed, 12 Aug 2015 18:00:00 GMT 01:18:16 video game, videogame, generations, video, game, games, videogames, podcast, family-friendly, family, friendly, all ages, xbox playstation iOS android ps1 ps2 ps3 ps4 PSP vita playstation TV 360 nintendo sony microsoft ds 3ds Wii U WiiU gameboy retron5, No More Heroes Heroes' Paradise, The Guardian Legend, Scribblenauts Unlimited, Suikoden, Alien Isolation, Splatoon, Sound Shapes, Odin Sphere Mike & Addie Hitting Dumpsters to Get T-Shirts

Game talk in my pre-recorded segment includes The Guardian Legend (NES, which I've only been playing once in a while) and No More Heroes: Heroes' Paradise (PS3, which I finished, but may revisit to earn more trophies). This week's trio of end-theme tunes are taken from The Guardian Legend (MIDI arrangements).

Another trio: Questions of the Week! Write in with your thoughts and answers to one or more of these, so we can read and discuss on an upcoming episode. (1) What single-player game would benefit from a co-op mode? How would co-op change and improve the experience? (2) What are the toughest or just plain ridiculous trophies or achievements you've seen in a game? Impossible to earn? Fifty hours of grinding? Completely random? (3) What are your thoughts on Nintendo's next console, code-named the "NX"? What do you think it will be? What should it be? Are you even interested in a new Nintendo home console?

Email: podcast@vggpodcast.com
Web: http://www.vggpodcast.com]]> http://www.vggpodcast.com/#ep56 Wed, 05 Aug 2015 18:00:00 GMT 00:56:32 video game, videogame, generations, video, game, games, videogames, podcast, family-friendly, family, friendly, all ages, xbox playstation iOS android ps1 ps2 ps3 ps4 PSP vita playstation TV 360 nintendo sony microsoft ds 3ds Wii U WiiU gameboy retron5, No More Heroes Heroes' Paradise, The Guardian Legend Mike & Addie After I Say This, I'm Going To Laugh

In Heath's third episode of Mini-Gamers, we talk about the new Adam Sandler movie Pixels, and about Playstation game Entwined. My own pre-recorded segments include a review of Rule of Rose (PS2), my opening thoughts on No More Heroes: Heroes' Paradise (PS3), and brief spoiler-free thoughts on Life is Strange: Episode 4 (PS4). We also have a fun quote-related quiz late in the show, this time provided by a long-time listener, which Addie presents and I guess.

Questions of the Week include the following, if you can't think of any reason to write in otherwise. Have an answer? Let us know!

1. A game you'd welcome an aftermath-explanation game, but not a sequel.
2. A game with horrible controls that might have been great otherwise.
3. A game where some story-based mechanic detracts from actual gameplay.

Email: podcast@vggpodcast.com

Web: http://www.vggpodcast.com]]> http://www.vggpodcast.com/#ep55 Wed, 29 Jul 2015 23:00:00 GMT 01:51:58 video game, videogame, generations, video, game, games, videogames, podcast, family-friendly, family, friendly, all ages, xbox playstation iOS android ps1 ps2 ps3 ps4 PSP vita playstation TV 360 nintendo sony microsoft ds 3ds Wii U WiiU gameboy retron5, Majora's Mask 3D, The Legend of Zelda, Fallout Shelter, Rule of Rose, Life is Strange Episode 4, No More Heroes Heroes' Paradise, Zero Wing, Oregon Trail, Pixels, Adam Sandler, The Last Starfighter, Entwined Mike & Addie The New Games of Charm

So says Garcian Smith in the main review topic this week, Killer 7 (PS2). As an M-Rated game that's certainly not for kids, it's relegated to my pre-recorded segment (which also includes updates on The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3D (3DS) and Fallout Shelter).

We have plenty of email this week, too, which includes some answers to the listener questions of prior weeks. One listener's thought-provoking question about "Groundhog Day" types of plots in games (and in movies/TV) prompts a lengthy discussion and becomes our new question of the week for other listeners. Are there any games you've played where repeating the same period of time over and over is part of the plot, aside from the ones we already mentioned?

In this episode, Addie presents me with a new quiz. She describes a series of ten games based on their cover art, challenging me to figure out what game she's talking about. There are hints involved where needed, and listeners can play along. I also challenge Addie (and listeners) with a riddle that plagued me for years as a kid: what common English word contains the letters "UFA" in that order, no other letters between them, somewhere at the beginning, middle, or end of a word? Names, products, and obscure phrases don't count. Hint: The word is common enough that it's even said somewhere in this episode.

Email: podcast@vggpodcast.com

Web: http://www.vggpodcast.com]]> http://www.vggpodcast.com/#ep54 Wed, 22 Jul 2015 23:00:00 GMT 01:37:10 video game, videogame, generations, video, game, games, videogames, podcast, family-friendly, family, friendly, all ages, xbox playstation iOS android ps1 ps2 ps3 ps4 PSP vita playstation TV 360 nintendo sony microsoft ds 3ds Wii U WiiU gameboy retron5, Majora's Mask 3D, The Legend of Zelda, Batman Arkham Knight, Fallout Shelter, Killer7, Killer 7, No Mans Sky Mike & Addie One-Year Anniversary

In our What We're Playing segment, Addie has nothing, but I give a wrap-up on Batman: Arkham Knight (PS4) after finishing it recently. I also have more thoughts on The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3D (3DS) and Fallout Shelter (iOS). Heath's "Mini-Gamers" segment returns for a second mini-episode, where we talk briefly about eight different games. This includes opening thoughts on Lego Jurassic World (Xbox 360) and his wrap-up on Splatoon (WiiU) after finishing the story levels.

In another cruel twist of fate, other obligations meant that despite all my planning and note-taking prior to the episode, we weren't able to start recording until around 9:30 PM Tuesday night. It was after 11:00 PM when we finished, and a very-tired Addie could barely keep her eyes open, let alone participate to the extent that would have been fitting our anniversary episode. I've had a "talk" with the responsible party, stressing the point that we do this podcast every Tuesday, and the earlier the better. During the school year, this would have meant delaying the episode or missing it entirely.

Email: podcast@vggpodcast.com

Web: http://www.vggpodcast.com]]> http://www.vggpodcast.com/#ep53 Wed, 15 Jul 2015 23:00:00 GMT 01:36:27 video game, videogame, generations, video, game, games, videogames, podcast, family-friendly, family, friendly, all ages, xbox playstation iOS android ps1 ps2 ps3 ps4 PSP vita playstation TV 360 nintendo sony microsoft ds 3ds Wii U WiiU gameboy retron5, Majora's Mask 3D, The Legend of Zelda, Batman Arkham Knight, Fallout Shelter, Anniversary, One-Year, One Year, Lego Jurassic World, Splatoon Mike & Addie What's This Corpse Doing Here?

We read our one listener email for this week, and list off July's free games for subscribers of Xbox Gold and Playstation Plus (which we totally forgot to do last week). The show ends in a quiz of Addie's making, which challenges me (and you as a listener) to guess game titles based on brief clues or plot points.

Next week is our one-year anniversary episode, so if you want to write in for that, please send email by Monday so we can have everything ready for Tuesday's recording. Exactly what we're going to include in the show is still a work in progress.

Email: podcast@vggpodcast.com

Web: http://www.vggpodcast.com]]> http://www.vggpodcast.com/#ep52 Wed, 08 Jul 2015 23:00:00 GMT 01:22:18 video game, videogame, generations, video, game, games, videogames, podcast, family-friendly, family, friendly, all ages, xbox playstation iOS android ps1 ps2 ps3 ps4 PSP vita playstation TV 360 nintendo sony microsoft ds 3ds Wii U WiiU gameboy retron5, Majora's Mask 3D, The Legend of Zelda, Batman Arkham Knight, Fallout Shelter, QuizUp, Gunman Clive, Pushmo Mike & Addie Splatoon or Splatoot?

This episode also has the distinction of being the last time we'll do Video Game Twenty Questions. Heavy editing keeps it interesting, but half of the audio was cut just to keep the game moving forward. I haven't entirely given up on the concept of games or quizzes -- I think they're fun, when they work -- but it needs more thought.

I'm a fan of sticking to a routine, but this week's episode arrives one day early because of scheduling conflicts. We recorded most of it on Sunday (rather than Tuesday) and then my solo game talk segments were done later. It's also one of our shortest episodes (sorry).

Email: podcast@vggpodcast.com

Web: http://www.vggpodcast.com]]> http://www.vggpodcast.com/#ep51 Wed, 01 Jul 2015 23:00:00 GMT 00:41:50 video game, videogame, generations, video, game, games, videogames, podcast, family-friendly, family, friendly, all ages, xbox playstation iOS android ps1 ps2 ps3 ps4 PSP vita playstation TV 360 nintendo sony microsoft ds 3ds Wii U WiiU gameboy retron5, The Witcher, The Witcher 3, The Witcher III, Wild Hunt, Majora's Mask 3D, Legend of Zelda, Fallout Shelter, DDR, Dance Dance Revolution Universe, Splatoon Mike & Addie More Vault Dwellers

In What We're Playing, we talk about Fallout Shelter (iOS), which then makes a second appearance in my pre-recorded segment. I also have a Witcher 3 (PS4) update in that same segment. Afterwards, Bill and I talk about a game we both feel is underrated, The Walking Dead: Survival Instinct (Xbox 360). Bill also talks about another mobile game called Rebuild (Android), which is similar in concept to Fallout Shelter, except that it's set in a zombie apocalypse instead of a nuclear one. Addie talks briefly about her latest trophy hunting efforts in LittleBigPlanet 3 (PS4), and then Bill wraps it up with quick thoughts on the original Shadow Warrior (PC) and Super Meat Boy (PC).

This episode also marks the beginning of a new mini-podcast, featuring Addie's seven-year-old brother Heath. I wanted to call it the Heath-Cast, but he decided to go with Mini-Gamers. Games discussed include Robot Wants Kitty (iOS), Battle Block Theater (Xbox 360), Max and the Curse of Brotherhood (PS4), and Race the Sun (PS4).

Next week, a business trip means we can't record at our usual time on Tuesday night. My plan is to record the main show early -- possibly as early as Sunday afternoon -- and then post-record my own What We're Playing segment to include during the final edit. Worst case scenario is that we have to skip the episode, but we'll see.

Email: podcast@vggpodcast.com

Web: http://www.vggpodcast.com]]> http://www.vggpodcast.com/#ep50 Wed, 24 Jun 2015 23:00:00 GMT 01:38:45 video game, videogame, generations, video, game, games, videogames, podcast, family-friendly, family, friendly, all ages, xbox playstation iOS android ps1 ps2 ps3 ps4 PSP vita playstation TV 360 nintendo sony microsoft ds 3ds Wii U WiiU gameboy retron5, The Witcher, The Witcher 3, The Witcher III, Wild Hunt, Majora's Mask 3D, Legend of Zelda, Fallout Shelter, Fallout 4, Shadow Warrior, Super Meat Boy, LittleBigPlanet 3, The Walking Dead Survival Instinct, Rebuild Android Mike & Addie E3 Overload

My pre-recorded weekly gameplay update is short this week. I talk briefly about The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (PS4), The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3D (3DS), and Suikoden (PS1 on Playstation TV). I also wrap up my final thoughts on Code Name: S.T.E.A.M. (3DS), which I finally finished. Addie's trophy-hunting efforts result in a recap of the latest LittleBigPlanet 3 (PS4) trophies she's earned.

Don't forget to write in for our next episode and let us know your favorite news and announcements from this year's E3. We'll read and discuss those, and give our own thoughts on some of our favorites of the show.

Email: podcast@vggpodcast.com

Web: http://www.vggpodcast.com]]> http://www.vggpodcast.com/#ep49 Wed, 17 Jun 2015 23:00:00 GMT 01:58:02 video game, videogame, generations, video, game, games, videogames, podcast, family-friendly, family, friendly, all ages, xbox playstation iOS android ps1 ps2 ps3 ps4 PSP vita playstation TV 360 nintendo sony microsoft ds 3ds Wii U WiiU gameboy retron5, Code Name S.T.E.A.M., Codename Steam, The Witcher, The Witcher 3, The Witcher III, Wild Hunt, Suikoden, Majora's Mask 3D, Legend of Zelda, E3 2015, Electronic Entertainment Expo, EA, Ubisoft, Nintendo, Microsoft, Sony, Square Enix, Bethesda, Conferences, Firewatch, Fire Watch, Final Fantasy VII Remake Mike & Addie Excited on the Inside

In our What We're Playing segment, Addie has nothing to share this week. For me, it's more Witcher III (PS4) and my wrap-up on a PC point-and-click adventure game I started playing years ago and finally finished, called Lost Horizon (Deep Silver and Animation Arts). I also have a brief update on progress in Code Name: S.T.E.A.M. (3DS) and a recommendation for a tiny, experimental PC and DSi/3DS game called Gravitation.

Email: podcast@vggpodcast.com

Web: http://www.vggpodcast.com]]> http://www.vggpodcast.com/#ep48 Wed, 10 Jun 2015 23:00:00 GMT 01:10:38 Lunatix, Lunatix Online, video game, videogame, generations, video, game, games, videogames, podcast, family-friendly, family, friendly, all ages, xbox playstation iOS android ps1 ps2 ps3 ps4 PSP vita playstation TV 360 nintendo sony microsoft ds 3ds Wii U WiiU gameboy retron5, Code Name S.T.E.A.M., Codename Steam, The Witcher, The Witcher 3, The Witcher III, Wild Hunt, Fallout 4, Gravitation, Jason Rohrer, Alt-Play, Jason Rohrer Anthology Mike & Addie Totally Bananacakes

Other topics of discussion include recent Nintendo 3DS announcements, the upcoming Steam summer sale, and a new Kickstarter for The Bard's Tale IV. We also go over this month's free game offerings for subscribers of Xbox Gold and Playstation Plus, which I just barely missed last week due to the timing of those announcements.

This week's pre-recorded segments are my wrap-up for Xeodrifter (3DS eShop) and my ongoing thoughts about The Witcher III: Wild Hunt (PS4). Natalie has a lot to say about the games she's been playing, which include Bastion (Xbox 360), Crossy Road (iOS) and Toca Kitchen (iOS). Aside from playing Bastion together with Natalie, Bill talks about his recent run-through of both seasons of TellTale's The Walking Dead series (Xbox 360) and Warcraft II (PC). Our one listener email this week answers last week's QotW about how you react to other people's opinions of games you've yet to play. After this, Bill wants to know what PS4 games he should play first, when he (hopefully soon) picks up a PS4. I've convinced him, easily enough, to play The Last of Us Remastered before anything else, but write in and let him know your suggestions too!

Email: podcast@vggpodcast.com

Web: http://www.vggpodcast.com]]> http://www.vggpodcast.com/#ep47 Wed, 03 Jun 2015 23:00:00 GMT 01:28:23 video game, videogame, generations, video, game, games, videogames, podcast, family-friendly, family, friendly, all ages, xbox playstation iOS android ps1 ps2 ps3 ps4 PSP vita playstation TV 360 nintendo sony microsoft ds 3ds Wii U WiiU gameboy retron5, Code Name S.T.E.A.M., Codename Steam, The Witcher, The Witcher 3, The Witcher III, Wild Hunt, Chibi-Robo, Bastion, Warcraft 2, Warcraft II, Warcraft, Xeodrifter, Fallout 4, The Bard's Tale, The Bard's Tale 4, The Bard's Tale IV, Crossy Road, The Walking Dead, Toca Kitchen, The Last of Us Mike & Addie Alone and Gaming

This makes it a shorter-than-normal episode, and perhaps a slightly awkward one, but at least we didn't skip a week. I read and comment on listener email and introduce a new Question of the Week. I also include my now-standard pre-recorded segment, where I give an update on progress in Code Name: S.T.E.A.M. (3DS), my wrap-up on Broken Age (PS4) after getting its platinum trophy, and my lengthy opening thoughts on recently-released fantasy RPG The Witcher III: Wild Hunt (PS4).

The plan for next week may or may not include Addie, depending on how much fun she's having. There's a good chance Bill will join me for plenty of game chat. I think we'll be back to normal the week after that, provided she's back in time.

Email: podcast@vggpodcast.com

Web: http://www.vggpodcast.com]]> http://www.vggpodcast.com/#ep46 Wed, 27 May 2015 23:00:00 GMT 00:43:31 video game, videogame, generations, video, game, games, videogames, podcast, family-friendly, family, friendly, all ages, xbox playstation iOS android ps1 ps2 ps3 ps4 PSP vita playstation TV 360 nintendo sony microsoft ds 3ds Wii U WiiU gameboy retron5, Code Name S.T.E.A.M., Codename Steam, DoubleFine Adventure, Double Fine Adventure, Broken Age, The Witcher, The Witcher 3, The Witcher III, Wild Hunt Mike & Addie The Witching Hour

In listener email (one of my favorite segments each week), we read more feedback about prior weeks' topics. One listener suggests this week's Question of the Week: what are your favorite game developer stories (the story about how a game actually got made, why a game got cancelled, and other interesting behind-the-scenes stuff). Then, when another listener asks about how I started collecting games and what my goals are, I do my best to remember how it all started and explain my take on this strange hobby.

"What We're Playing" this week was Syndicate (Xbox 360) and Life is Strange Episode 3 (PS4), although those were just me. Both of us played more Broken Age (PS4), which I completed (aside from the platinum trophy). Addie also played more of Little Big Planet 3 (PS4), where her trophy-hunting efforts were mostly fruitless. After all that, Addie has two games for me to try guessing in Twenty Questions.

Our second question of the week for listeners is one that came up in my talk about Syndicate. What are the top qualities of your "favorite" games of all time? Are they of a certain genre or style? For me, the common factor seems to be that they were all games that were unlike anything I'd played before (at the time), and they were all really memorable experiences. If you have your own answer for either of our questions this week, or if you just want to write in to talk about anything we've discussed, suggest a topic, ask a question, or just say "hi" then please email us or leave us a SpeakPipe voice mail.

The next two episodes may be a little off, since Addie will be out of town on vacation with her mom. This may mean short delays in getting them recorded and posted, or Addie sounding distant due to calling in remotely, or me having a guest host, or me going it alone, or something. We'll be back on a regular schedule after that, until July 1st, when it's me who'll be out of town trying to figure out how to make the episode happen.

Email: podcast@vggpodcast.com

Web: http://www.vggpodcast.com]]> http://www.vggpodcast.com/#ep45 Wed, 20 May 2015 23:00:00 GMT 01:08:54 video game, videogame, generations, video, game, games, videogames, podcast, family-friendly, family, friendly, all ages, xbox playstation iOS android ps1 ps2 ps3 ps4 PSP vita playstation TV 360 nintendo sony microsoft ds 3ds Wii U WiiU gameboy retron5, Code Name S.T.E.A.M., Codename Steam, DoubleFine Adventure, Double Fine Adventure, Broken Age, Syndicate, Twenty Questions, 20 questions, Collecting, Game Collecting, LittleBigPlanet 3, Little Big Planet 3 Mike & Addie Your I'm Thinking Face

We forgot to ask a Question of the Week for listeners (again), but the episode ends with a single drawn-out round of Twenty Questions. This time, Addie struggles to figure out the game I'm thinking of. Did this go well, or was it a train wreck? Listen to find out!

In addition to the podcast itself, we're now putting related videos on YouTube. So far, these are a tour of my game collection, a look at my thirty-one copies of Perfect Dark Zero, and a how-to video for a trophy in the newest Wolfenstien game. I have more ideas, and if these are popular enough, we'll continue making more.

Email: podcast@vggpodcast.com

Web: http://www.vggpodcast.com]]> http://www.vggpodcast.com/#ep44 Wed, 13 May 2015 23:00:00 GMT 01:03:44 video game, videogame, generations, video, game, games, videogames, podcast, family-friendly, family, friendly, all ages, xbox playstation iOS android ps1 ps2 ps3 ps4 PSP vita playstation TV 360 nintendo sony microsoft ds 3ds Wii U WiiU gameboy retron5, Code Name S.T.E.A.M., Codename Steam, Octodad Dadliest Catch, Wolfenstein The Old Blood, Wolfenstien, DoubleFine Adventure, Double Fine Adventure, Broken Age, Syndicate, Twenty Questions, 20 questions Mike & Addie Trophy Hunting With Addie

Heath, Addie's younger brother, is with us briefly to talk about some of his recent favorites, including Lego Batman 3 (Xbox 360), Portal 2 Co-Op (Xbox 360), Super Smash Bros. (WiiU), and Little Big Planet 3 (PS4). Following that, we play two rounds of Twenty Questions, where Addie thinks of games that I have to guess.

Our Question of the Week for listeners is a little uninspired, but hopefully will lead to a few good responses. Is there a game you'd like to recommend to other listeners? Maybe one you've been playing recently, which doesn't get enough attention elsewhere? What's the game, and why do you like it?

Email: podcast@vggpodcast.com

Web: http://www.vggpodcast.com]]> http://www.vggpodcast.com/#ep43 Wed, 06 May 2015 23:00:00 GMT 01:16:05 video game, videogame, generations, video, game, games, videogames, podcast, family-friendly, family, friendly, all ages, xbox playstation iOS android ps1 ps2 ps3 ps4 PSP vita playstation TV 360 nintendo sony microsoft ds 3ds Wii U WiiU gameboy retron5, Code Name S.T.E.A.M., Codename Steam, Suikoden, Bloodborne, Axiom Verge, Super Smash Bros., Portal 2, Octodad Dadliest Catch, Wolfenstein The Old Blood, Wolfenstien, Duke Nukem Megaton Edition Mike & Addie The Mario Gamey Thingie

In game discussion, it's entirely me this week. Addie didn't have anything new to share, but I finished Shadow Warrior (PS4) and Soul of Darkness (DSiWare), so I give my wrap-up on both. Aside from quick updates on other games that I didn't really play much since last time, I have opening thoughts on Axiom Verge (PS4) -- a Super Metroid-inspired indie 2D action/exploration game with more complicated controls than the series that inspired it.

The show ends in an extended segment where we try something a little different. Rather than a multiple choice quiz, we play two rounds of 20 Questions. Addie tries to guess the games I'm thinking of by asking yes/no questions to narrow it down. This segment is a work in progress, but we may bring it back next week with the roles reversed. Wish me luck!

Email: podcast@vggpodcast.com

Web: http://www.vggpodcast.com]]> http://www.vggpodcast.com/#ep42 Wed, 29 Apr 2015 23:00:00 GMT 01:01:14 video game, videogame, generations, video, game, games, videogames, podcast, family-friendly, family, friendly, all ages, xbox playstation iOS android ps1 ps2 ps3 ps4 PSP vita playstation TV 360 nintendo sony microsoft ds 3ds Wii U WiiU gameboy retron5, Code Name S.T.E.A.M., Codename Steam, Suikoden, Bloodborne, Soul of Darkness, Shadow Warrior, Lo Wang, Axiom Verge, Super Smash Bros., Epic Mickey 2 The Power of Two Mike & Addie A Grape Vine

The rest of the episode is all about what we're playing. I give my wrap-up on Bloodborne (PS4), an update on Code Name: S.T.E.A.M. (3DS) and Soul of Darkness (DSi), and initial impressions of Shadow Warrior (PS4) after playing through the first half. Addie played some co-op in Never Alone (PS4) with younger brother Heath, which is free with Playstation Plus this month. Heath and I also finished the last of the co-op levels in Portal 2's Peer Review DLC (Xbox 360), so we talk about that and about Addie's progress in the first Portal. She also started playing graphic adventure game Edna & Harvey: The Breakout (PC), which is the predecessor to Harvey's New Eyes (which she already finished, months ago).

Still no quiz prepared for this week, so I turned it into this week's listener question. Suggest a topic for a quiz, or if you want, send us all the questions for a quiz of your own! You can email us, or use SpeakPipe and I'll chop it up into segments and put them in interactively.

Email: podcast@vggpodcast.com

Web: http://www.vggpodcast.com]]> http://www.vggpodcast.com/#ep41 Wed, 22 Apr 2015 23:00:00 GMT 00:55:15 video game, videogame, generations, video, game, games, videogames, podcast, family-friendly, family, friendly, all ages, xbox playstation iOS android ps1 ps2 ps3 ps4 PSP vita playstation TV 360 nintendo sony microsoft ds 3ds Wii U WiiU gameboy retron5, Code Name S.T.E.A.M., Codename Steam, Bloodborne, Soul of Darkness, Shadow Warrior, Gemini Rue, Portal, Portal 2 Peer Review, Lo Wang, Edna Harvey The Breakout, Never Alone Mike & Addie Walking Around With No Heads

Somewhere in the middle, Addie talks briefly about a new iOS game she discovered, and Bill's daughter Natalie tells us a little about the first episode of TellTale's Sam & Max Season 2 (Beyond Time and Space).

It's another week with no quiz, but we do have two new Questions of the Week. First, have you ever made your own meta-game within a game? For instance, going around pretending to arrest people for ridiculous reasons in Sleeping Dogs (The Year of the Snake expansion). Second, what are your thoughts on first person versus third person games? Do you have a preference, and why? If you have comments or feedback on either of these topics, or on anything else we've discussed (or, just to say "hi"), please send us an email or leave us a voice message on SpeakPipe.

Email: podcast@vggpodcast.com

Web: http://www.vggpodcast.com]]> http://www.vggpodcast.com/#ep40 Wed, 15 Apr 2015 23:00:00 GMT 01:31:40 video game, videogame, generations, video, game, games, videogames, podcast, family-friendly, family, friendly, all ages, xbox playstation iOS android ps1 ps2 ps3 ps4 PSP vita playstation TV 360 nintendo sony microsoft ds 3ds Wii U WiiU gameboy retron5, Code Name S.T.E.A.M., Codename Steam, BloodBorne, Red Dead Redemption, Undead Nightmare, Sam & Max Season 2 Beyond Time and Space, Heroes Rise, Beyond Good & Evil, Soul of Darkness Mike & Addie My Brain Clicked

Before all that, we read this week's listerner email, which includes more wish-list hopes for the next Fallout game. Our question of the week also comes from this week's email. What are your thoughts on game characters crossing over into other games, where they may not necessarily belong? Suggest a game where this worked, or where it didn't, and we'll discuss on a future episode.

The ending music this week is a selection of MIDI arrangements of a few tunes from The Guardian Legend. The game does have great 8-bit music, and much more than I've included here. Enjoy!

Email: podcast@vggpodcast.com

Web: http://www.vggpodcast.com]]> http://www.vggpodcast.com/#ep39 Wed, 08 Apr 2015 23:00:00 GMT 01:02:33 video game, videogame, generations, video, game, games, videogames, podcast, family-friendly, family, friendly, all ages, xbox playstation iOS android ps1 ps2 ps3 ps4 PSP vita playstation TV 360 nintendo sony microsoft ds 3ds Wii U WiiU gameboy retron5, Code Name S.T.E.A.M., Codename Steam, Portal 2, Sleeping Dogs Definitive Edition, Costume Quest 2, Back to Bed, BloodBorne, The Guardian Legend Mike & Addie The Potential of a Potato

For me, that's still Code Name S.T.E.A.M. (3DS) and Sleeping Dogs (PS4), but I also played through the just-released second episode of Life is Strange (PS4), and I do my best to discuss it in general, without spoilers. Addie has only played Portal 2 (Xbox 360), and not much more of that since last week, but she's excited to possibly finish it over the next week.

I also give my initial hands-on impressions of the Amazon Fire TV Stick and the Oculus Rift Dev Kit 2 -- very different pieces of tech, each pretty cool in their own way. To wrap up the episode, I talk about my wish list for the next Fallout game (Fallout 4?) with the hopes that Bethesda will announce it soon (at E3?) Plus, listener feedback on what they'd like to see in the next game.

Email: podcast@vggpodcast.com

Web: http://www.vggpodcast.com]]> http://www.vggpodcast.com/#ep38 Wed, 01 Apr 2015 23:00:00 GMT 00:53:41 video game, videogame, generations, video, game, games, videogames, podcast, family-friendly, family, friendly, all ages, xbox playstation iOS android ps1 ps2 ps3 ps4 PSP vita playstation TV 360 nintendo sony microsoft ds 3ds Wii U WiiU gameboy retron5, Code Name S.T.E.A.M., Codename Steam, Portal 2, Sleeping Dogs Definitive Edition, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Oculus Rift Dev Kit 2, Life is Strange Episode 2 Mike & Addie Cave Johnson Quips

Addie made it quite a bit further in Portal 2 (Xbox 360) since the last episode, and I try my best to keep her from spoiling the story for listeners. She also played a little more Resogun (PS4) and Alice: Madness Returns (Xbox 360), the latter of which we discuss why it received an ESRB "M" rating and whether or not it really fits. I also talk in depth about Code Name: S.T.E.A.M. (3DS) and Sleeping Dogs: Definitive Edition (PS4), which are the two games I've been playing since last time.

This week's quiz is all about NES game titles. Can you tell the real ones from the fakes? Oh, and this episode's after-the-ending outtake is a little unusual (and a little longer than normal), but it was entirely Addie's idea.

Email: podcast@vggpodcast.com

Web: http://www.vggpodcast.com]]> http://www.vggpodcast.com/#ep37 Wed, 25 Mar 2015 23:00:00 GMT 01:27:39 video game, videogame, generations, video, game, games, videogames, podcast, family-friendly, family, friendly, all ages, xbox playstation iOS android ps1 ps2 ps3 ps4 PSP vita playstation TV 360 nintendo sony microsoft ds 3ds Wii U WiiU gameboy retron5, Code Name S.T.E.A.M., Codename Steam, Resogun, Portal 2, Alice Madness Returns, Sleeping Dogs Definitive Edition Mike & Addie Hey, Nifty America

We read more great listener email too, which includes more answers and opinions on prior weeks' topics and some game recommendations. Our newest question of the week comes from this segment, when one listener asks if we've ever just been burnt out on playing video games, and if so, what do we do to cope with it? Share your game burnout stories with us for a future episode!

Last week's question is still open as well. With the possibility that Bethesda may soon announce the next game in the Fallout series, what kinds of features, changes, or game specifics are you hoping for in Fallout 4? Let us know in email, or by leaving a message for us on SpeakPipe. We can include those messages directly in the show, if you'd like to be heard on the podcast.

Email: podcast@vggpodcast.com

Web: http://www.vggpodcast.com]]> http://www.vggpodcast.com/#ep36 Wed, 18 Mar 2015 23:00:00 GMT 00:46:22 video game, videogame, generations, video, game, games, videogames, podcast, family-friendly, family, friendly, all ages, xbox playstation iOS android ps1 ps2 ps3 ps4 PSP vita playstation TV 360 nintendo sony microsoft ds 3ds Wii U WiiU gameboy retron5, Professor Layton vs. Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney, Fallout 3, Bethesda, Attack of the Friday Monsters! A Tokyo Tale, Code Name S.T.E.A.M., Codename Steam, Mothership Zeta, Point Lookout Mike & Addie Don't Let Me Keep You

Addie's contribution to the game-specific discussion is minimal this week, since she really hasn't done any gaming since the last episode, but mine is overly long. I played through Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare (PS4), and I have plenty to say about that. I also continued past the end of Professor Layton vs. Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney (3DS) for several of the extra post-game episodes. I wrap up with a Fallout 3 update (Xbox 360), where I'm once again exploring the game's Capital Wasteland for a few more achievements, quests, collectibles, and DLC expansions.

This week's question for listeners is specifically about the Fallout series. With many high hopes that Bethesda will announce the next in the series at their first-ever E3 press conference this year, what are you hoping for in the next Fallout game? A specific location? Gameplay improvements? I have my list, but let's hear from other fans first.

Email: podcast@vggpodcast.com

Web: http://www.vggpodcast.com]]> http://www.vggpodcast.com/#ep35 Wed, 11 Mar 2015 23:00:00 GMT 01:01:58 video game, videogame, generations, video, game, games, videogames, podcast, family-friendly, family, friendly, all ages, xbox playstation iOS android ps1 ps2 ps3 ps4 PSP vita playstation TV 360 nintendo sony microsoft ds 3ds Wii U WiiU gameboy retron5, Professor Layton vs. Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney, Fallout 3, Bethesda, Call of Duty Advanced Warfare, To the Moon, Minecraft, Terraria Mike & Addie Lewis and Clank

Resogun (PS4) is also a big topic this week, when Addie says that the game doesn't really explain how you're supposed to "save the last humans." This is a PS4 launch game that I really enjoyed at the time, so I go into detail with tips and strategies for playing Resogun, explaining how the whole human-saving loop works.

Addie also tries her luck at my videogame hero sidekick quiz. Over the course of twenty questions, she attempts to figure out the hero and/or game that each sidekick goes with. It's a quiz that listeners can play along with as well. After this, I introduce a new topic of the week, inviting listeners' opinions about review scores on games. Does it help? Does it hurt? If the professionals take a stance against scoring their own reviews, will aggregate sites like Metacritic continue to show averages -- just less reliable scores from less knowledgeable reviewers? What do you think? Write in and let us know, or to answer a previous Question of the Week, or just to check in, say hi, and let us know you're listening.

Email: podcast@vggpodcast.com

Web: http://www.vggpodcast.com]]> http://www.vggpodcast.com/#ep34 Wed, 04 Mar 2015 23:00:00 GMT 01:13:11 video game, videogame, generations, video, game, games, videogames, podcast, family-friendly, family, friendly, all ages, xbox playstation iOS android ps1 ps2 ps3 ps4 PSP vita playstation TV 360 nintendo sony microsoft ds 3ds Wii U WiiU gameboy retron5, Suikoden, The Order: 1886, Resogun, Escape Trick The Secret of Rock City Prison, Professor Layton vs. Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney, Lego Batman 3 Beyond Gotham Mike & Addie Kaitlyn / Not an Elf

I give my final thoughts on Mutant Mudds Deluxe (PS3) after collecting the last trophy, and my wrap-up on Dying Light (PS4). I also talk about a short adventure game called The Starship Damrey (3DS) and bit more about the other games I've been playing. To close out the segment, I give my first impressions of The Order: 1886 (PS4), which is a game I'm really enjoying, but which seems to be getting a lot of criticism, not all of which seems deserved to me.

Earlier, with listener email, we have a new question of the week. Hypothetically, if you didn't already have a new-gen console (PS4, Xbox One, Wii U), what would be the tipping point to cause you to buy one? Or, not hypothetically, if you don't have one, what are you waiting for? A particular game? A particular price point? A new model of the hardware (ex: "slim" version)? Let us know, and we'll read your comments on a future episode.

Email: podcast@vggpodcast.com

Web: http://www.vggpodcast.com]]> http://www.vggpodcast.com/#ep33 Wed, 25 Feb 2015 23:00:00 GMT 01:03:55 video game, videogame, generations, video, game, games, videogames, podcast, family-friendly, family, friendly, all ages, xbox playstation iOS android ps1 ps2 ps3 ps4 PSP vita playstation TV 360 nintendo sony microsoft ds 3ds Wii U WiiU gameboy retron5, Dying Light, Suikoden, Mutant Mudds Deluxe, The Order: 1886, The Starship Damrey, Kirby and the Rainbow Curse Mike & Addie Daddy Dictionary

But it isn't all negative. We also have great things to say about the games we've been playing. Addie was convinced by her best friend to try the popular mobile game Draw Something. I beat Mutant Mudds Deluxe on the Vita (via PlayStation TV), although I still have one more trophy to earn, once I finish all the bonus "CGA Land" levels. I also finished Dying Light on the PS4, but again, I'll probably spend a little more time with it to try out "Be the Zombie" mode, and pick up a couple more trophies.

The show wraps up with a top-10 list of the games I've enjoyed, that most others didn't. Addie takes a guess at each one's average review score as we work our way to the bottom. For our question of the week, we want to know how you handle moral choices in games that offer them. For instance, light side or dark side in Star Wars? Friendly or aggressive in The Walking Dead? Let us know!

Email: podcast@vggpodcast.com

Web: http://www.vggpodcast.com]]> http://www.vggpodcast.com/#ep32 Wed, 18 Feb 2015 23:00:00 GMT 01:19:32 video game, videogame, generations, video, game, games, videogames, podcast, xbox playstation iOS android ps1 ps2 ps3 ps4 PSP vita playstation TV 360 nintendo sony microsoft ds 3ds Wii U WiiU gameboy retron5, Dying Light, Suikoden, Mutant Mudds Deluxe, Draw Something, ZombiU, Sudeki, Beyond Two Souls, Remember Me, Murdered Soul Suspect, Final Fantasy 7 FF7 Dirge of Cerberus, Killer Is Dead, Bound By Flame, Lost Via Domus, The Walking Dead Survival Instinct Mike & Addie Professor Lincoln and the Burnt Eggs

Our new question of the week asks what game has been the biggest disappointment for you so far? Have an answer? Write in!

Email: podcast@vggpodcast.com

Web: http://www.vggpodcast.com]]> http://www.vggpodcast.com/#ep31 Wed, 11 Feb 2015 19:00:00 GMT 01:13:53 video game, videogame, generations, video, game, games, videogames, podcast, xbox playstation iOS android ps1 ps2 ps3 ps4 PSP vita playstation TV 360 nintendo sony microsoft ds 3ds Wii U WiiU gameboy retron5, Dying Light, Suikoden, Mutant Mudds Deluxe, Dance Central 3, Child of Light, Professor Layton, Phoenix Wright, Lego Batman 2, Disney Universe Mike & Addie The Frame Wait

I finished Dragon Age: Inquisition (PS4), so I'm able to give my final thoughts on that. I also played episode 1 of Life is Strange, a game from Dontnot that I've been looking forward to based on how much I liked their game Remember Me from a couple years ago. This is very different — more like a Telltale adventure game. I'm looking forward to the rest of the series. I also give opening thoughts on Dying Light, another zombie-filled open world from Techland, the developer of Dead Island and Call of Juarez.

With just one answer to last week's three listener feedback questions, we've added another. What do you consider the most underrated game console ever, and why? As for this week's episode title: in part of my solo game discussion, when discussing frame rates, it sure sounds like I messed up somehow and said "wait" instead of "rate" — which actually makes a lot of sense, in context.

Email: podcast@vggpodcast.com

Web: http://www.vggpodcast.com]]> http://www.vggpodcast.com/#ep30 Wed, 04 Feb 2015 19:00:00 GMT 00:51:33 video game, generations, games, videogame, generations, podcast, videogames, xbox playstation iOS android ps1 ps2 ps3 ps4 PSP vita playstation TV 360 nintendo sony microsoft ds 3ds Wii U WiiU gameboy RetroN5, Dragon Age Inquisition, Jump iOS, Trivia Crack, Dying Light, Life is Strange Mike & Addie It's The Hard Knock Life

1. What's your stance on using emulation to play retro games? 2. Is there a gaming accomplishment that really challenged you? 3. What do you think about the growing trend of episodic gaming?

We also answer one listener's request for PSP game recommendations, although many of my own choices are rated M games which I probably should have mentioned at the time, in case the listener is younger or just looking for E or T rated games (sorry).

In our "what we're playing" update, Addie talks about her progress in Broken Age (Act 1 on PC), I talk about Heath's renewed interest in playing Lego Batman 2 (Xbox 360 - I helped on a few levels), and then I give an update on my progress in Dragon Age: Inquisition (PS4). The show wraps up with a new quiz (games from developers or publishers that are no longer in business), and more shenanigans from Addie as we try to wrap up the show.

Email: podcast@vggpodcast.com

Web: http://www.vggpodcast.com]]> http://www.vggpodcast.com/#ep29 Wed, 28 Jan 2015 19:00:00 GMT 01:07:11 video game, generations, games, videogame, generations, podcast, videogames, xbox playstation iOS android ps1 ps2 ps3 ps4 PSP vita playstation TV 360 nintendo sony microsoft ds 3ds Wii U WiiU gameboy RetroN5, Dragon Age Inquisition, Alice Madness Returns, Quiz, Broken Age Act 1, Lego Batman 2 Mike & Addie Charlie Brown and Lucy

Listeners weigh in with their thoughts on the potential success or failure of "Steam-Boxes" and "Android Consoles" -- plus what games they're looking forward to playing this year. As for the quiz, we test your ability to link game developers (or writers, designers, and producers) to the games they're known for. After finding out her score, Addie has vowed to get revenge on me with a new quiz of her own.

Website: http://www.vggpodcast.com

Email: podcast@vggpodcast.com]]> http://www.vggpodcast.com/#ep28 Wed, 21 Jan 2015 19:00:00 GMT 01:04:51 video game, generations, games, videogame, generations, podcast, videogames, xbox playstation iOS android ps1 ps2 ps3 ps4 PSP vita playstation TV 360 nintendo sony microsoft ds 3ds Wii U WiiU gameboy RetroN5, Dragon Age Inquisition, Alice Madness Returns, Portal 2, Quiz, Tim Schafer, American McGee, Shigeru Miyamoto, Suda 51, Warren Spector, Howard Warshaw, Will Wright, Hideo Kojima, Oculus Rift Mike & Addie Looking Ahead at 2015

Bill returns for the third time as a guest, filling us in on hardware trends and new happenings in the world of gadgets and electronics, as revelead during CES. Also, he explains why Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel is a worthy entry in the series. Addie shares her excitement about playing Alice: Madness Returns, a rated "M" game that she might not should be playing at all, but we'll see how it goes. I give my closing thoughts on Sunset Overdrive, and then talk a bit about Dragon Age: Inquisition (which I may still be playing for weeks to come; it's huge).

We're still interested in hearing from listeners about what you're looking forward to in 2015, and even your own gaming predictions. Write in and let us know (or to talk about anything, really; we read emails every episode).

And yes, there was no episode last week, due to illness.

http://www.vggpodcast.com

podcast@vggpodcast.com]]> http://www.vggpodcast.com/#ep27 Wed, 14 Jan 2015 19:00:00 GMT 01:36:55 video game, generations, games, videogame, generations, podcast, videogames, xbox playstation iOS android ps1 ps2 ps3 ps4 PSP vita playstation TV 360 nintendo sony microsoft ds 3ds Wii U WiiU gameboy RetroN5, Professor Layton vs. Phoenix Wright, Sunset Overdrive, Portal 2, CES 2015, Dragon Age Inquisition, Alice Madness Returns, Borderlands, The Pre-Sequel Mike & Addie Looking Back at 2014

I finished Far Cry 4 (PS4), Nightshade (NES), and Maniac Mansion (NES). I also talk quite a bit about Sunset Overdrive (Xbox One), which I recently started playing. We made progress in Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris (PS4) too. Heath -- he's six and not often on the show -- made it through the co-op campaign in Portal 2 with me. We've been playing off and on for several weeks, and he helped solve a few puzzles I had forgotten from when I played the co-op with Bill a couple years ago.

As always, you can write to us at podcast@vggpodcast.com. We want to know what you're looking forward to gaming-wise in 2015, or even what has you a little worried. But even if you don't have an answer, feel free to write in. We love including listener feedback on the show.]]> http://www.vggpodcast.com/#ep26 Wed, 31 Dec 2014 19:00:00 GMT 01:31:53 video game, generations, games, videogame, generations, podcast, videogames, xbox playstation iOS android ps1 ps2 ps3 ps4 PSP vita playstation TV 360 nintendo sony microsoft ds 3ds Wii U WiiU gameboy RetroN5, Professor Layton vs. Phoenix Wright, Far Cry 4, Nightshade, Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris, Maniac Mansion, Sunset Overdrive, Portal 2, Castle Crashers, Top Games of 2014 Mike & Addie Christmas 2014

No listener feedback for the second week in a row, but hopefully this week's question will get a few good replies. What was your favorite game of 2014? Let us know! Email podcast@vggpodcast.com. We also have a new quiz this week, although between Addie being tired and not really knowing this year's release dates, it was kind of an... interesting one. Also, since this week's episode was a bit short, I include two Clash at Demonhead tunes before Addie's Christmas karaoke.]]> http://www.vggpodcast.com/#ep25 Wed, 24 Dec 2014 19:00:00 GMT 00:52:38 video game, generations, games, videogame, generations, podcast, videogames, xbox playstation iOS android ps1 ps2 ps3 ps4 PSP vita playstation TV 360 nintendo sony microsoft ds 3ds Wii U WiiU gameboy RetroN5, Professor Layton vs. Phoenix Wright, Far Cry 4, Ultima VI, Ultima 6, Quiz, Christmas, Nightshade, Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris, Clash at Demonhead Mike & Addie That Game Is Abysmal

A second Question of the Week, though, is a repeat. If you'd like to share your PlayStation or XBox Live or Steam or Nintendo ID with other listeners, let us know what it is, what it means, and how you came up with it.

In game talk, we give updates on what we've been playing. Addie made more progress in LittleBigPlanet 3 (PS4) and Heath finished it, I'm told! Addie talks about her plans for world-deconstruction in MineCraft. Then I talk about more Professor Layton vs. Phoenix Wright (3DS), Ultima VI (SNES on Retron5), and Far Cry 4 (PS4). Plus, I played through an interesting action platformer called Big Nose the Caveman (NES on Retron5), so I talk a bit about that. It was an interesting non-licensed game from Camerica/Codemasters, and a couple MIDI arrangements of its music is included to end the episode.

My favorite bit, though, is a quiz that Addie came up with. She tests my knowledge of release dates on a dozen random games she found in my collection. She did all the research herself, making me a very proud dad. Too bad I wasn't able to ace the quiz, but I did okay.

Questions or feedback? Email us! podcast@vggpodcast.com]]> http://www.vggpodcast.com/#ep24 Wed, 17 Dec 2014 19:00:00 GMT 00:53:16 video game, generations, games, videogame, generations, podcast, videogames, xbox playstation iOS android ps1 ps2 ps3 ps4 PSP vita playstation TV 360 nintendo sony microsoft ds 3ds Wii U WiiU gameboy RetroN5, Professor Layton vs. Phoenix Wright, MineCraft, LittleBigPlanet 3, Big Nose the Caveman, Far Cry 4, Ultima VI, Ultima 6, The Game Awards, Quiz Mike & Addie Timer, Pistachios, and Games

Game talk covers a big variety, although much of this is a pre-recorded monologue so that Addie's parts aren't interrupted during the main show. These include Broken Sword 5 (Vita), NES Remix Pack (Wii U), Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker (Wii U), Final Fantasy X and X-2 HD Remaster (PS3), Gravity Guy (iOS), Hanging With Friends (iOS), Chariot (XBox One), Far Cry 4 (PS4), Secret Ponchos (PS4), and Professor Layton vs. Phoenix Wright (3DS).

We also brainstorm a little about upcoming episodes; especially what we might do for a holiday episode this month. All of this and more, in one of our longer episodes this week. Enjoy!

Comments or questions? Email us at podcast@vggpodcast.com.]]> http://www.vggpodcast.com/#ep23 Wed, 10 Dec 2014 19:00:00 GMT 01:32:32 video game generations games videogame generations videogames podcast xbox playstation iOS android ps1 ps2 ps3 ps4 PSP vita playstation TV 360 nintendo sony microsoft ds 3ds Wii U WiiU gameboy RetroN5, Gravity Guy, Far Cry 4, Chariot, Secret Ponchos, Final Fantasy X and X-2, Captain Toad Treasure Tracker, Hanging With Friends, Professor Layton vs. Phoenix Wright Mike & Addie Argh Is For Criticism

I give my final thoughts on Assassin's Creed: Unity (for real this time -- and mostly about its multiplayer), and an update on my progress in Final Fantasy X (I'm very near the end now). I talk a little more about Broken Sword 5 (the Vita version, which I transferred over to Playstation TV). Plus, I have a few initial thoughts on Far Cry 4 (PS4), which is the next big game I'm playing. Addie and I share our thoughts on the first two levels in The Simpsons Game (Xbox 360), plus she fills me in about Plants vs. Zombies 2. A little more about LittleBigPlanet 3 (PS4) and Super Smash Bros. (Wii U) round out this week's game chat.

In future episodes, I'll be able to talk more about the Xbox One, now that recent price drops and holiday sales have made it impossible to pass. I have a few initial thoughts on Microsoft's console now that it's hooked up and running, but I haven't really used it much yet.

Have questions, comments, or feedback? Write in at podcast@vggpodcast.com.]]> http://www.vggpodcast.com/#ep22 Wed, 03 Dec 2014 19:00:00 GMT 00:50:19 video game generations games videogame generations videogames podcast xbox playstation iOS android ps1 ps2 ps3 ps4 PSP vita playstation TV 360 nintendo sony microsoft ds 3ds Wii U WiiU gameboy RetroN5, Assassin's Creed Unity, LittleBigPlanet 3, Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, Far Cry 4, Broken Sword 5, Final Fantasy X HD Remaster, Plants vs. Zombies 2 Mike & Addie Floatier Than Mario

Two super-long listener emails answer recent Questions of the Week, which includes our choice for this week's new questions: What's your favorite recurring song or theme in a game, and what music makes you think of a particular game even if it's not actually related (ex: music you were listening to while playing something)?

In our "What We're Playing" segment, we talk about Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, LittleBigPlanet 3 (PS4 version), and for me, my near-final thoughts on Assassin's Creed: Unity (which I finished, but may play a bit more just to collect more trophies). The show wraps up with another quiz for Addie (and listeners who want to play along). This time, she must guess whether certain character names are actually from a real game, or just something I made up.

Write to us at podcast@vggpodcast.com.]]> http://www.vggpodcast.com/#ep21 Wed, 26 Nov 2014 19:00:00 GMT 01:07:27 video game generations games videogame generations videogames podcast xbox playstation iOS android ps1 ps2 ps3 ps4 PSP vita playstation TV 360 nintendo sony microsoft ds 3ds Wii U WiiU gameboy RetroN5 Ultima VI The False Prophet Assassin's Creed Unity ZombiU 2 LittleBigPlanet 3 Super Smash Bros. for Wii U Brothers Mike & Addie Little Unity Inferno your ideas for things you would like us to ask our listeners. Fun and unusual topics are probably best! Write to us at podcast@vggpodcast.com.]]> http://www.vggpodcast.com/#ep20 Wed, 19 Nov 2014 19:00:00 GMT 00:55:38 video game games videogame videogames podcast xbox playstation iOS android ps1 ps2 ps3 ps4 PSP vita playstation TV 360 nintendo sony microsoft ds 3ds gameboy RetroN5 Ultima VI The False Prophet Little Inferno Assassin's Creed Unity The Legend of Zelda Majora's Mask Tron Mike & Addie Addie Interviews Jason Scott

Listeners write in to answer our recent Questions of the Week, and at one point, we both get confused on whether the short tune Addie keeps humming is really from Super Mario Bros. I think it all comes down to a single note: higher, and it's Mario; lower, and it's something else.

Addie has been playing the demo version of an iPhone game called Geometry Dash. I finished The Evil Within (at almost thirty hours clocked), and I played more Ultima VI (SNES via Retron5) and a little more Professor Layton vs. Phoenix Wright (3DS).

To wrap up the episode, we talk about our favorite coin-op arcade games, and invite listeners to write in with your favorites. The outro music this week comes from Wizards & Warriors II (NES), which is sort of random, but was at least mentioned once in this episode.]]> http://www.vggpodcast.com/#ep19 Wed, 12 Nov 2014 19:00:00 GMT 01:11:49 video game games videogame videogames podcast xbox playstation iOS android ps1 ps2 ps3 ps4 PSP vita playstation TV 360 nintendo sony microsoft ds 3ds gameboy RetroN5 The Evil Within Ultima VI The False Prophet Internet Arcade Joust Qix Jason Scott Interview archive.org textfiles.com Geometry Dash Zelda Majora's Mask Wizards Warriors II Mike & Addie If You Don't, You're Just... What?

Our big topic of the week is the Internet Arcade, where you can play classic arcade games, for free, in your web browser. We stumble our way through a few of those. Then, almost forgetting it entirely, we come up with an on-the-spot Question of the Week for listeners. What's your favorite video game music? It's a topic we've talked about on prior episodes, but we haven't yet heard from our listeners.]]> http://www.vggpodcast.com/#ep18 Wed, 05 Nov 2014 19:00:00 GMT 00:53:49 video game games videogame videogames podcast xbox playstation iOS android ps1 ps2 ps3 ps4 PSP vita playstation TV 360 nintendo sony microsoft ds 3ds gameboy RetroN5 The Evil Within Costume Quest 2 Final Fantasy X Ultima VI The False Prophet KetchApp Internet Arcade Sky Kid Marble Madness Frogs Joust Qix Mike & Addie Candy Corn Takes a Raincheck http://www.vggpodcast.com/#ep17 Wed, 29 Oct 2014 19:00:00 GMT 01:01:14 video game games videogame videogames podcast xbox playstation iOS android ps1 ps2 ps3 ps4 PSP vita playstation TV 360 nintendo sony microsoft ds 3ds gameboy RetroN5 The Evil Within Costume Quest 2 DoubleFine Double Fine Bayonetta 2 Final Fantasy X Mike & Addie Never Ever Ever Bump Into the Walls

A third pre-recorded segment features Heath, Addie's younger brother. He talks with me about Portal 2 (XBox 360), Gauntlet and Gauntlet II (NES on Retron5), Pix the Cat (PS4), and of course, Minecraft (PS4). He does a great job of confusing me about which topic we're actually discussing, although maybe he's just messing with me on purpose. Also, Natalie sits in with us to talk about movies (Frankenstein, Hotel Transylvania, and Ghostbusters) and games (Disney Universe, mostly). She decides to skip out on the next topic (educational kids' games), but Bill, Addie and I have suggestions on quality educational games for any listeners out there with younger children.

A discussion between Bill and me on Borderlands 2 morphs into a comparison between the Borderlands series, Dead Island, and RAGE. In fact, we spend quite a bit of time talking about RAGE, even though neither of us played it recently.

We have two listener questions of the week, so if you have an opinion on either or both of these things, please please write in and let us know your thoughts (we're podcast@vggpodcast.com). This week, we want to know what game blew your mind when you first played it, because it seemed so revolutionary and new; one that opened your mind to a kind of gaming experience you didn't even know was possible. We also want to hear about your favorite mini-games from a full-sized game: card games, board games, or other unique mini-games, such as the card games found in Ni no Kuni or RAGE.

This episode ends with sections of three MIDI arrangements from NES games featured this week: 8 Eyes, Friday the 13th and Gauntlet. This episode's title has a double meaning (Heath's advice for Pix the Cat, but also a tie-in for the latest episode of Doctor Who).]]> http://www.vggpodcast.com/#ep16 Wed, 22 Oct 2014 19:00:00 GMT 01:44:40 video game games videogame videogames podcast xbox playstation iOS android ps1 ps2 ps3 ps4 PSP vita playstation TV 360 nintendo sony microsoft ds 3ds gameboy RetroN5 Middle Earth Shadow of Mordor 8 Eyes The Evil Within Minecraft Borderlands 2 Dead Island RAGE Ghostbusters Frankenstein Friday the 13th Killzone Liberation Teach Me Mike & Addie Whacking at the Heartless

After that, we introduce a new segment where Addie takes a game-related quiz. This one tests her judgment in figuring out which game in several pairs takes longer to beat. Then, we talk about video game nostalgia, and why kids don't really have an attachment to vintage games. Our Question of the Week for listeners has an upside and a downside: Which game genres do you prefer, and which do you avoid?

This week's outro music is a vgmusic.com MIDI arrangement of Chapter 1 from Little Nemo: The Dream Master.

]]> http://www.vggpodcast.com/#ep15 Wed, 15 Oct 2014 19:00:00 GMT 01:06:36 video game games videogame videogames podcast xbox playstation ps1 ps2 ps3 ps4 360 nintendo sony microsoft ds 3ds gameboy RetroN5 Middle Earth Shadow of Mordor 8 Eyes Little Nemo The Dream Master Time Lord Kingdom Hearts Umbrella Darkside Chronicles Mike & Addie The Answer Is No Answer

Then we talk about the games we've been playing. Addie and Heath played more Minecraft (PS4) in split-screen co-op mode. They both played a little puzzle game called Blok Drop U (WiiU), which I got for free from @IndieGamerChick on Twitter. I introduced Addie to her very first NES game, Sky Kid, which we played for only a few minutes in two-player mode, and her very first Gameboy Advance game, Super Mario World (a re-release of the SNES classic), although we played on the Retron5 (her idea) and only for a couple levels. I give some opening thoughts on Middle Earth: Shadow of Mordor, which I haven't played much but have enjoyed so far. Then it's NES nostalgia with the Retron5. In the past week, I played through Street Fighter 2010: The Final Fight and Fester's Quest, and I started playing Time Lord and Little Nemo: The Dream Master.

We have two questions of the week, so please feel free to email your answers and opinions so we can revisit these topics on future episodes. First, what do you think about using cheats and cheat codes in games? Second, what are your favorite non-traditional weapons used in a game? I talked a little about three games where you use the main character's own hair to fight enemies (Shantae, Bayonetta, Kabuki: Quantum Fighter), and Addie's answer was the shovel used by Shovel Knight.

Near the end, we decide to do a spur-of-the-moment lookup of the release date for Costume Quest 2 (looks like it's out now on Steam, and coming to PS4 on Halloween). There's a bit more in this episode, but you'll just have to listen. We hope you enjoy it!]]> http://www.vggpodcast.com/#ep14 Wed, 08 Oct 2014 19:00:00 GMT 00:58:09 video game games videogame videogames podcast xbox playstation ps1 ps2 ps3 ps4 360 nintendo sony microsoft ds 3ds gameboy RetroN5 Sky Kid Amazon Doctor Who Middle Earth Shadow of Mordor Minecraft Street Fighter 2010 The Final Fight Blok Drop U Fester's Quest Time Lord Little Nemo The Dream Master Kabuki Quantum Fighter Shantae Risky's Revenge Bayonetta Mike & Addie The Steven Mafat Conspiracy http://www.vggpodcast.com/#ep13 Wed, 01 Oct 2014 19:00:00 GMT 00:33:32 video game games videogame videogames podcast xbox playstation ps1 ps2 ps3 ps4 360 nintendo sony microsoft ds 3ds gameboy RetroN5 Castlevania Series The Mafat Conspiracy Golgo 13 Top Secret Episode VGA Video Game Authority Collecting Legacy of the Wizard Mike & Addie Not Nearly Enough Addie http://www.vggpodcast.com/#ep12 Wed, 24 Sep 2014 19:00:00 GMT 01:31:29 video game games videogame videogames podcast xbox playstation ps1 ps2 ps3 ps4 360 nintendo sony microsoft ds 3ds gameboy RetroN5 Fallout Series Fallout 3 New Vegas Rogue Legacy Nintendoland Zelda FTL Faster Than Light Payday 2 Spelunky Darkadia Oculus Rift Legacy of the Wizard Mike & Addie There Is No Spork

Games discussed this week include Fallout 3's expansion Operation: Anchorage, an XBOX Live Indie Game (XBLIG) called 2D World Creator, Rogue Legacy on PS4 and Vita, and of course, Destiny. Addie played some of an iPhone game called Watercolors (from Adonis Software), which looks to be a unique and colorful puzzler.

In general gaming topics, I talk about my top three original NES sports games, and then I launch into a lengthy explanation of what "Interactive Fiction" is (because I hope to play and talk about the 2014 IFComp entries next month). Our Question of the Week invites listeners to explain why Twitch game streaming and YouTube gameplay videos have become a thing. I don't quite get it.]]> http://www.vggpodcast.com/#ep11 Wed, 17 Sep 2014 19:00:00 GMT 01:01:21 video game games videogame videogames podcast xbox playstation ps1 ps2 ps3 ps4 360 nintendo sony microsoft ds 3ds gameboy Doctor Who Minecraft Adonis Software Watercolors XBLIG 2D World Creator Fallout 3 Operation Anchorage Destiny Rogue Legacy Twitch Super Spike V'Ball Tecmo Bowl Blades of Steel Interactive Fiction Hallowmoor Lunatix The Insanity Circle IFComp EctoComp Mike & Addie Daddy Dinosaur http://www.vggpodcast.com/#ep10 Wed, 10 Sep 2014 19:00:00 GMT 00:57:32 podcast xbox playstation ps1 ps2 ps3 ps4 360 nintendo sony microsoft ds 3ds gameboy Kid Icarus Uprising Phantom Dust Lumberjanes Minecraft Fallout 3 Remember Me Bound by Flame Mike & Addie Favorite NES Fantasy Games http://www.vggpodcast.com/#ep9 Wed, 03 Sep 2014 19:00:00 GMT 00:40:01 podcast xbox playstation ps1 ps2 ps3 ps4 360 nintendo sony microsoft ds 3ds gameboy Kid Icarus Uprising Phantom Dust Professor Layton vs. Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney NES Fantasy Action Adventure RPG Ironsword Wizards Warriors Rygar Legacy of the Wizard Faxanadu Battle of Olympus Lumberjanes Mike & Addie Actual, Like, Party Party Party http://www.vggpodcast.com/#ep8 Wed, 27 Aug 2014 19:00:00 GMT 01:13:32 podcast xbox playstation ps1 ps2 ps3 ps4 360 nintendo sony microsoft ds 3ds gameboy Kid Icarus Uprising Murdered Soul Suspect P.T. Dreamfall Chapters Kickstarter Castle Crashers Fatal Inertia Broken Age Edna Harvey Phantom Dust Mike & Addie It's the Flashback Dance http://www.vggpodcast.com/#ep7 Wed, 20 Aug 2014 19:00:00 GMT 00:53:59 podcast xbox playstation ps1 ps2 ps3 ps4 360 nintendo sony microsoft ds 3ds gameboy Zelda Skyward Sword Shadow of the Colossus Murdered Soul Suspect Portal 2 Professor Layton vs. Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney Tomodachi Life Mike & Addie Strider Makes Me Want Metroid http://www.vggpodcast.com/#ep6 Wed, 13 Aug 2014 19:00:00 GMT 01:02:44 podcast xbox playstation ps1 ps2 ps3 ps4 360 nintendo sony microsoft ds 3ds gameboy Zelda Skyward Sword Strider Hohokum Seeker Ghostbusters Sanctum of Slime Doctor Who Secret of Monkey Island Flashback Dance Dance Revolution Universe Dance Central Octodad Mike & Addie Guardians of the Videogames http://www.vggpodcast.com/#ep5 Wed, 06 Aug 2014 19:00:00 GMT 01:12:32 podcast xbox playstation ps1 ps2 ps3 ps4 360 nintendo sony microsoft ds 3ds gameboy kid icarus uprising ni no kuni persona 4 golden xenoblade chronicles broken sword skyward sword final fantasy x 10 strider malicious folklore video games the movie fez proteus fester's quest pac-man atari lynx Mike & Addie Email Galore (and Games) http://www.vggpodcast.com/#ep4 Wed, 30 Jul 2014 19:00:00 GMT 01:27:14 Tearaway Octodad Revolution 60 Kid Icarus Uprising Strider Towerfall Minecraft Family Podcast XBox PS4 PlayStation Video Game Videogame Videogames Mike & Addie Adventures and More www.vggpodcast.com or email us at podcast@vggpodcast.com.]]> http://www.vggpodcast.com/#ep3 Wed, 23 Jul 2014 19:05:00 GMT 00:52:44 Videogame Videogames Video Game Games Podcast Family XBox 360 PS1 PS2 PS3 PS4 Nintendo Sony Microsoft GameCube N64 GameBoy 3DS NES SNES Wii WiiU Mike & Addie Double Fine Stacking Quest Legend www.vggpodcast.com or email us at podcast@vggpodcast.com.]]> http://www.vggpodcast.com/#ep2 Tue, 15 Jul 2014 19:05:00 GMT 01:01:08 Videogame Videogames Video Game Games Podcast Family XBox 360 PS1 PS2 PS3 PS4 Nintendo Sony Microsoft GameCube N64 GameBoy 3DS NES SNES Wii WiiU Mike & Addie Okay, Let's Try This! http://www.vggpodcast.com/#ep1 Sat, 12 Jul 2014 19:05:00 GMT 00:50:53 Videogame Videogames Video Game Games Podcast Family XBox 360 PS1 PS2 PS3 PS4 Nintendo Sony Microsoft GameCube N64 GameBoy 3DS NES SNES Wii WiiU