Shows
Moved To Meditate PodcastLife and Practice Evolving Together (Part 2) with Mike deHilsterMike and I are back with Part 2 of our conversation about our paths of practicing yoga and meditation! This is the continuation Episode 29, where we shared some of our stories of music school, stress, and early yoga experiences. In today's episode, you'll hear about how we connected with our first meditation teacher, and how he made the practice seem accessible and relevant for us. We also laugh about Mike being a slightly-reluctant volunteer for my practice teaching during yoga teacher training, and how he came to like yoga despite that. He talks about developing his...
2022-04-2031 minMoved To Meditate PodcastLife and Practice Evolving Together (Part 1) with Mike deHilsterI have a special guest for today's episode...my husband, Mike deHilster! We decided to sit down and interview each other, and share a little about our story. Mike is part of the MTM team, and he also has his own relationship with mindfulness and movement practice. We talk about some of our life experiences here - from music school to working in the non-profit world and living in different regions of the US - and how yoga and meditation have woven throughout all of these activities in different ways. You'll hear about how we...
2022-03-3044 min
Video Game GenerationsEpisode 157: 2017 Wrap-Up, Top 10's, and 2018 HypeIt's a change of pace this time. Rather than an all-reviews episode, Bill joins me to talk about our favorite games of 2017 (and prior years). We read some listener email, which prompts several tangents and discussions about Nintendo Labo, 8-bit Castlevania games, the future of Playstation VR, and more. We recap our 2017 predictions to see how well we guessed the world of gaming at the beginning of last year. We also have a few new predictions for 2018. With no end to the games on the horizon, we talk about quite a few upcoming releases, with rankings on how...
2018-01-2300 minVideo Game GenerationsEpisode 154: Agents of Mayhem, Uncharted TLL, Bulb Boy, Last Day of JuneThis time on VGG Reviews (which is really what I should call the podcast, for now), I talk about Parascientific Escape: Cruise in the Distant Seas (3DS), Agents of Mayhem (PS4), Bulb Boy (Switch), Last Day of June (PS4), Danganronpa v3: Killing Harmony (demo on PS4), and Uncharted: The Lost Legacy (PS4). But first, some preliminary house-keeping includes an update on what's keeping Addie busy (to be clear, Addie isn't here -- it's just me letting you know what she's up to these days), and several new Steam game codes added to the codes give-away page. The ending music is...
2017-09-1600 minVideo Game GenerationsEpisode 150: The End... For NowThis milestone marks not only our one hundred and fiftieth episode, but also the last episode for Addie. When the podcast continues (probably in the next month or two), the format is changing to an all-review pre-recorded show with just me. That will probably continue for a while, with occasional Mini-Gamers segments with Heath or other special episodes possibly co-hosted by Bill. Then, when the time is right, the show will return to a weekly schedule, with Heath as the permanent co-host. Anyway, that's the plan. It might take months or even years before he's ready, or it may end...
2017-05-2400 minVideo Game GenerationsEpisode 148: All Good ThingsIt's the end of an era, but maybe the start of something new. This version of the Video Game Generations Podcast will come to an end in two weeks, with episode 150. Addie is old enough now that her priorities have changed, and Heath isn't quite old enough to take it seriously, contribute in a meaningful way, or even just sit still for an hour. The future is uncertain, but I hope to keep the podcast alive in some form. I may do occassional episodes that are entirely made up of my pre-recorded reviews for multiple games, or maybe we'll do...
2017-05-1000 minVideo Game GenerationsEpisode 144: Regular Old GanonGame code give-aways have been streamlined (even though you wouldn't know it from my lengthy explanation in this episode). Instead of solving clues and filling in the blanks, just listen for the password each week, and enter it in the box near the bottom of our main page (www.vggpodcast.com). This week, we're giving away one copy of Christopher Brookmyre's Bedlam and a copy of Lichdom: Battlemage, both on Steam. Plus, last week's codes are still available, as far as we know. Addie doesn't have much to say about the Xbox Scorpio announcement, but I share my...
2017-04-1200 minVideo Game GenerationsEpisode 142: It's Another EpisodeEven though it's still March, I think Addie considers this our April 1st episode. Rather than spoil anything, I'll just leave it at that. 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...
2017-03-2900 minVideo Game GenerationsEpisode 141: Just Don'tAddie's back, but it's our shortest episode ever due to limited prep time and Addie getting a bit sick. I have no pre-recorded review segment this week, but I talk a little more about Blaster Master Zero (Switch) and my opening thoughts on NieR: Automata (PS4). Addie's gaming time was spent mainly on the 3DS with Stretchmo and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D, but she also played a bit of Castle Crashers (Xbox 360) with Heath and Hadleigh. In email, we talk about the ways we relate the similarities in games, losing cohesive storytelling in open...
2017-03-2200 minVideo Game GenerationsEpisode 140: SuperbossHeath returns again to guest-host in Addie's place, due to yet another scheduling conflict. We're trying to get things back on track, though. Next week, the plan is to return to our normal Tuesday night recording, with Addie back on the show. Somehow, the show runs longer with Heath. Keeping him focused on the subject at hand has been a challange. 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...
2017-03-1600 minVideo Game GenerationsEpisode 139: No One Can Hear You NodIn a surprise twist, Addie had a second scheduling conflict on our alternate recording night, so younger brother Heath fills in as a guest host. It looks like next week will also be one day late, before we're back to our normal schedule of releasing on Wednesday, but at least Addie should be back to her regular hosting duties then. 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...
2017-03-0900 minVideo Game GenerationsEpisode 136: The Extra Pricey EditionWe haven't been without a top ten list or a game/quiz in several weeks, but the streak is broken. Hopefully we've made up for it in the other segments, including email topics that cover last week's QotW about mid-generation console updates, the next game from Spiders, PS4 remote play using Playstation TV, and video game characters stumbling into a different game's world. Before all that, we have the usual news and new game release segments. And before that, even, listen for more codes given away for a Nioh PS4 dynamic theme and some Walking Dead games on Steam.
2017-02-1600 minVideo Game GenerationsEpisode 135: It's a FlurblurThis episode starts a five-week span where we'll be releasing on Thursday instead of the usual Wednesday. After Addie's volleyball season is over, we should be back to the normal schedule. 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...
2017-02-0900 minVideo Game GenerationsEpisode 134: That's What Hippies DoWe have a plan for working around Addie's volleyball schedule. Starting next week with episode 135, we'll record one day late (Wednesday) and release on Thursday. After five weeks of this, we should be back to our usual Wednesday releases in mid-March with episode 140. So just a heads up on that. 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...
2017-02-0100 minVideo Game GenerationsEpisode 133: Narnia on a BudgetTwo more games on Steam are given away, scavenger hunt style, in this week's episode. From the looks of things, we have Steam codes to last a long time. Then after the news, Addie helps out with this week's new game releases in a segment you might consider Alternate Facts. In email, we learn that last week's top ten list about video game abilities I wish I had in real life was a hit, and we talk a little about what influences us to buy any new game console. That's our question of the week for listeners. Write in and...
2017-01-2500 minVideo Game GenerationsEpisode 132: False AlarmsA big topic this week is the Nintendo Switch. Addie missed the details we've been getting lately about this upcoming hybrid handheld/home console, so it's mainly me filling her in on the launch line-up, future releases to be excited about, and more. We also go over this week's new releases. 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...
2017-01-1800 minVideo Game GenerationsEpisode 131: The 'Get Off My Lawn' AwardFree game codes return this week, with Broken Age on GOG and Eidolon on Steam. They're one-use codes, so the first listener to redeem them gets them. Let us know via email or Twitter if you redeem one or both. There are plenty more to come over the next few weeks, mostly for games on Steam. If you have an OUYA, though, let me know, because I also have a Broken Age code on OUYA you can have. There wasn't any email this week, but we have news, new releases, and a long-dormant Time Travel segment where I...
2017-01-1100 minVideo Game GenerationsEpisode 129: A Great Year For GamesIn our last episode of 2016, most of our usual segments are absent; no news, just one new release, and no new email this week. I do have impressions of the Assassin's Creed movie, so there's that. 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...
2016-12-2800 minVideo Game GenerationsEpisode 128: Say Some MusicWith 2016 nearly over, we have just one more episode next week, before the start of 2017. There's still plenty of time to email us your top 3 or 5 or even a whole top 10 favorite games of 2016 list, and we'll read those on episode 130 at the beginning of January. Be sure to include a line or two about each game, so we know why they're your favorites. 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...
2016-12-2100 minVideo Game GenerationsEpisode 127: The Anti-TagonistFinally, after a decade of waiting made longer by a business trip the week of its release, I played The Last Guardian (PS4). Late in the episode are my thoughts on this much-hyped, long-awaited follow-up to Ico and Shadow of the Colossus. Was it worth the wait? I answer this and more in my spoiler-free review. 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...
2016-12-1400 minVideo Game GenerationsEpisode 124: Platinum OnlyIFComp 2016 has ended, so this week includes a countdown of the official top ten winners, plus listener Nikhil's IFComp wrap-up in email. We cover this week's news and new releases too, as usual. In game chat, Addie has plenty to talk about. Her Mobile Game of the Week is The Sims Freeplay (iOS), which she also talked about last week. Plus Poptropica. Plus Virginia (PS4), which she played start to finish. Plus Psychonauts (PS2 on PS4), which she only just started. We recorded early due to a scheduling conflict, so I didn't know at the time that my...
2016-11-2300 minVideo Game GenerationsEpisode 123: The Language of PizzaWe have a lot going on in this episode. I found a safe solution for fixing loose discs in unopened PS4 cases, which I explain in detail. Then it's the usual segments of news, new releases and email. Email topics include the one-year anniversary of the Star Wars Battlefront podcast (friends and long-time listeners of Video Game Generations), the physical vs. digital future debate, Steins Gate, the recently-crowdfunded Wasteland 3, feedback about my Mafia III review, PSVR, and more. We also have a PSN code for the Playstation 4 version of Dishonored: Definitive Edition to give away. No fill-in-the-blanks show...
2016-11-1600 minVideo Game GenerationsEpisode 122: See You On the MorrowShow notes this week are a bit short. I lack the motivation to be creative today, as Election 2016 has come to a close. But while you're being depressed / surprised / confused / sad / angry / happy / scared / embarrassed / outraged / ambivalent / worried / unaffected about the results -- depending on who you are -- escape for an hour and listen to Addie and me talk about the world of video games. 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)....
2016-11-0900 minVideo Game GenerationsEpisode 121: Dear Mr. ValveOn the technical side, things are back to normal this week. On the scheduling side, though, we had to record most of the podcast on Sunday, since Addie wouldn't be available at the regular time Tuesday night. Then we added email afterwards, and my game review segment. It all worked out in the end. 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...
2016-11-0200 minVideo Game GenerationsEpisode 120: Bad LuckTechnical difficulties made this week's episode a little rushed. We got a super late start, after finally getting things set up to record on a different computer than usual. Hopefully the audio level and quality is at least similar to normal. For many reasons, most of which weren't talked about here, it was an all around bad luck day. 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...
2016-10-2600 minVideo Game GenerationsEpisode 119: How To Survive a Zombie ApocalypseYou won't want to miss this week's top ten list. Addie reads through these ten great tips for surviving a zombie apocalypse, courtesy of my friend Justin on Facebook. Some day, you'll thank us! 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...
2016-10-1900 minVideo Game GenerationsEpisode 116: That's How Sonic DiesFree game codes return this week, with a give-away for Retro City Rampage DX on Steam (PC/Mac/Linux/MS-DOS) and PlayStation (PS4/PS3/PSP/Vita). It's just one of each this week. Will you be the lucky listener to solve the puzzle, fill in the blanks, and redeem one of the codes? If not, we're giving away two more codes the same way next week, so be sure to listen! 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...
2016-09-2800 minVideo Game GenerationsEpisode 114: Fewer BunsNews for this week includes the PlayStation 4 Pro, the release of PS4 firmware version 4.0, and the announcement of mobile game Super Mario Run. After a long list of this week's new releases (which is made even longer by a tangent discussion about Black Friday), we read this week's one and only listener email. It's about Fallout 4 and Skyrim mods not coming to PS4 after all, and a bit about earning trophies or achievements in games. 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...
2016-09-1400 minVideo Game GenerationsEpisode 112: The InserrationDespite recording this episode earlier than usual, we have plenty to talk about. For Addie, it's more Roblox (PC), more Minecraft (PS4), and her Mobile Game of the Week, Word Trace (iOS). My pre-recorded segment is a No Man's Sky wrap-up (PS4) and a review of classic 8-bit action adventure game Xexyz (NES). In a second segment, post-recorded and added to the episode afterwards, I have opening thoughts on three more games I started playing. These are Deus Ex: Mankind Divided (PS4), Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands (PSP), and Deja Vu (NES). Eight-year-old Heath, Addie's younger brother...
2016-08-3100 minVideo Game GenerationsEpisode 111: Smells Like the ValleyMore off-topic stuff than usual opens this episode of the Video Game Generations Podcast. Part of that is due to Addie's well-intentioned question about my favorite books, which I answer thoroughly; not too thoroughly, though, because I can think of a dozen more favorites I didn't even mention. 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...
2016-08-2400 minVideo Game GenerationsEpisode 110: Good Job Being MeWe have no quiz or top ten list this week, but in its place early in the show, it's the Star Trek: Deep Space Nine awards! It's a brief off-topic bit where I name DS9's most deserving characters in several categories: most changed, most annoying, most useless, and best acting. Guess which character gets the coveted Wallace Shawn award. 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...
2016-08-1700 minVideo Game GenerationsEpisode 108: Walking and Talking PattyWith Addie away on vacation this week, we recorded most of this episode Saturday afternoon. There wasn't much news at the time, but we do cover this month's free Playstation Plus games and the new games releasing this week. Email includes an answer to our recent QotW about games that surprised you, plus a final decision (maybe?) on the "honorable mentions" debate. 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...
2016-08-0300 minVideo Game GenerationsEpisode 107: Seven FlagsEarly in this week's episode, we try something new. Recently, Addie has been a little too quiet at the start, so I decided to get her involved with a mini-quiz, where she must think of games that feature a certain detail or subject of my choosing. This may be a returning segment, since it seemed to help this week. 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...
2016-07-2700 minVideo Game GenerationsEpisode 106: He Goes Blub Blub BlubAfter news and new releases, this week's listener email provides us with several topics. These include Pokemon Go, Firewatch, an ongoing discussion about top ten lists, more great short games to finish in one or two sittings, the NES Classic Edition, underrated games, and responses to last week's QOTW about handheld vs. mobile gaming. 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...
2016-07-2000 minVideo Game GenerationsEpisode 105: The Fish Plays the FluteThis week's lone email gives me a chance to talk about the Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney series again. Also, Addie isn't sure whether Avatar is a kid with magical wind powers, or tall blue aliens. We get that sorted out, though. 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...
2016-07-1300 minVideo Game GenerationsEpisode 103: Bring Me LightWe're light on news this week, but there are plenty of new game releases for Addie to describe incorrectly. With so many coming out this week, though, she opted to skip a few and just defer to me instead. Xbox Games With Gold for July have been announced, so we list those too. In email, Bill writes in after a long absence to talk about our one hundredth episode, and to provide his list of all-time top-ten favorite games — a standing invitation for all listeners. Without a new Question of the Week this episode, we're sticking to last week's...
2016-06-2900 minVideo Game GenerationsEpisode 100: The Big One Zero ZeroThis week, we choose the winners in our big game bundle give-away! We'd announce the names of the lucky listeners here, but Addie decided it should be a surprise. You'll have to listen to get the results. Boxes will ship out today, to the winners. 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...
2016-06-0800 minVideo Game GenerationsEpisode 99: Bowl in a China ShopOnly a few days remain for entering our upcoming game bundle give-away. Next week is our 100th episode, so part of our discussion this week is a small bit of planning for that. We also talk about summer plans and vacations in our opening off-topic segment. 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...
2016-06-0100 minVideo Game GenerationsEpisode 97: I'm The BossOur final two code words for the upcoming game bundle give-away are in this week's episode. If you want to win a bunch of video games, listen for the code words, and check out the official rules at http://www.vggpodcast.com/contest100/rules.html. Speaking of free games, if you're the lucky listener who redeems a code I read out this week for Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris on PS4, email us so I can give you its season pass DLC code also! This episode is a little on the shorter side, since we had...
2016-05-1800 minVideo Game GenerationsEpisode 96: The Secret GovernmentTopics this week include the common problem of new PS4 games arriving with discs rattling around loose in their cases (and a possible fix, if you're brave enough to try it), recently-announced release dates for a few upcoming games, yet another rumor about Nintendo's NX, this week's new game releases, brainstorming on how the actual winner selection process will work for our upcoming give-away, and more. 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"...
2016-05-1100 minVideo Game GenerationsEpisode 95: It's Like Hockey-SoccerThis week, Addie learns about military time (aka 24-hour clock notation), and we both discover that we're not quite sure what curling is (as a sport). Other topics include the delay of Zelda for WiiU and NX, the next Call of Duty, the bright side of the almost-certain-to-happen PlayStation NEO, and the ridiculousness (and difficulty) of having to set up an EA Origin account just to play a certain PS4 game online. 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...
2016-05-0400 minVideo Game GenerationsEpisode 94: Stormy WeatherA storm came through our area right as we were starting this episode, so this week's show includes plenty of unexpected sound effects. It's okay for the most part, but expect a few instances of background noise, including a constant barrage of hail during a couple early segments. We've been pretty lucky up until now with bad weather while recording, but it had to happen sooner or later. 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...
2016-04-2700 minVideo Game GenerationsEpisode 92: Video Game Give-AwayWe've pretty much established the rules for our upcoming game bundle give-away now. Even though the official rules page isn't ready yet, you can get the details early in this week's episode. Hopefully by next week, that page will be up. Basically, listen for two code words in each episode from 90 through 97, then send one email containing all the code words and a couple other pieces of important information (including your shipping address) before episode 100. The deadline is Sunday, June 5th, at 11:59 PM CST, but you can't enter until after episode 97, when the final codes are given. You'll also let...
2016-04-1300 minVideo Game GenerationsEpisode 90: That's an UnderstatementThis week, we find out that Addie tried out a few M-rated games without anybody knowing. These include Call of Duty and/or Halo and/or Just Cause. It seems like she survived, though, and she finds it more amusing than I do. In my pre-recorded segments, I have a wrap-up for Salt and Sanctuary (PS4), followed by more brief thoughts on Tom Clancy's The Division (PS4). I also give a partial review of Day of the Tentacle Remastered (PS4), after making a good amount of progress in the game since starting it last week. Early in the...
2016-03-3000 minVideo Game GenerationsEpisode 89: He Fights With PorkAddie just got back from a week-long vacation, and boy are her arms tired. Wait, how does that go? She just flew in? Anyway, this Super Sleepycast starts out with our usual segments: news, new releases, and email. PSVR and the rumored Playstation 4.5 are topics of discussion, although it's mainly just me responding to long-time friend of the show Pawel while Addie tries not to doze off. 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...
2016-03-2300 minVideo Game GenerationsEpisode 87: Something Goes Horribly WrongWe're back to our usual format with the usual segments this week. After news and new releases (where Addie once again misinforms listeners by making up her own game plots based on the game titles), we read listener email. We weren't creative enough to have a new top 10 list or a new Question of the Week, but you can always write in to answer any prior week's question. 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...
2016-03-0900 minVideo Game GenerationsEpisode 85: Think Inside the BoxIn news this week, we go over the free Xbox Games with Gold for next month, which were just announced. We also list and briefly describe quite a few new game releases for this week. In listener email, we read several answers to prior questions. In one, we're asked out thoughts on the pricing of digital versus physical games, and whether or not it really makes sense to pay full price for a game you may not even play for weeks or months, until after it's on sale or permanently discounted. Our question of the week for listeners is also...
2016-02-2400 minVideo Game GenerationsEpisode 84: Top 10 Time Travel GamesIt's video game overload this week, with my pre-recorded reviews of Firewatch (PS4), Gemini: Heroes Reborn (PS4), and The Vanishing of Ethan Carter (PS4). I also have a wrap-up on Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel and its Claptastic Voyage expansion (PS4) and intro thoughts on two games I only played briefly -- Blue Estate: The Game (PS4) and Three Fourths Home (PS4). Oh, and also a wrap-up on Nine Hours, Nine Persons, Nine Doors (DS). 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...
2016-02-1700 minVideo Game GenerationsEpisode 82: Does This People Have Sidekick?After a rant about my disappointing experience trying to order extra copies of Saturday Morning RPG, we bring you the news. Or, at least, we bring you info about the free games in this month's PlayStation Plus and XBox Games With Gold line-ups, followed by new games that release this week. Two answers to last week's QotW about exercising as a gamer make up our listener feedback segment. 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...
2016-02-0300 minVideo Game GenerationsEpisode 80: Crazy Hip-Hop Dance StepsIn news and email this week, we talk about new game releases, Amazon's new 20% discount on all video game pre-orders for Prime members, the design philosophy behind arcade classics, gaming interests after your family grows, and even more anticipated games of 2016. After that, we talk a little about infinite runners (aka endless runners), since Addie has been playing Geometry Dash and Geometry Dash Meltdown on iPhone. My contributions are Gravity Guy (it's too hard) and an iOS runner based on Mirror's Edge (it's cool). Then we talk about Dance Central Spotlight (Xbox One), which I recently started "playing"...
2016-01-2000 minVideo Game GenerationsEpisode 79: Ten Reasons to Own PSTVAfter our usual off-topic bit, where Addie tries to convince me to get a Loot Crate subscription just for her, we talk about news and rumors regarding a few spring 2016 video game release dates. Oculus Rift has also been dated and priced, so we discuss that briefly too. Without any listener email this week, we then move quickly into our What We're Playing segment. 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...
2016-01-1300 minVideo Game GenerationsEpisode 77: 2015 Top Games and 2016 PredictionsWith our year-end wrap-up, we bring you our biggest episode ever. This certainly isn't normal. Next week should see the return of our usual "about one hour" episodes, not this "more than two hours" beast of a show that took forever to edit and post. This was mostly due to combining our 2015 wrap-up with our 2016 predictions and game hype, plus the inevitable extra-long discussions that result from having my friend Bill sit in as a third chair host. Starting with our usual off-topic segment, Addie talks about her gaming-related Christmas gifts. Then Bill and I briefly discuss a...
2015-12-3000 minVideo Game GenerationsEpisode 76: Luke Warm / Deer AntlersOur spoiler-free thoughts on Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens start this episode's intro off-topic bit, followed by Rubik's Cube talk and Addie's speculation about the presents waiting for her to open on Christmas. We also talk more about our plans for next week's year-end episode, where we'll list our favorite games of 2015, tally the results of our 2015 predictions, and look ahead to 2016 with new predictions. Our Question of the Week is all about your gaming predictions for 2016. Write in and let us know, so we can include them in next week's show. Addie talks a little...
2015-12-2300 minVideo Game GenerationsEpisode 75: The Bee Gees Air RallyWith 2015 coming to a close soon, we have a special end-of-year episode planned, probably in two weeks. The plan is to have our occassional third chair host Bill join us to talk about our favorite games of 2015, our prediction results for this year, what we're looking forward to in 2016, and our predictions for next year. In anticipation for next week's episode, where our Question of the Week is going to invite listeners to submit your own 2016 gaming predictions (anything from wild speculation to the safe bets), go ahead and start sending those in. We'll collect them now, to read on...
2015-12-1600 minVideo Game GenerationsEpisode 74: Annagragenie is a Real CharacterIn news this week, we talk about the 2015 Game Awards nominees and winners, and several game announcements that happened as part of the PlayStation Experience (PSX). In listener email, we read another answer to our recent Question of the Week, the merits of Fallout 4 versus The Witcher 3, PSX thoughts and questions, and a new Question of the Week. This week, we want to know if you've ever played a game that seemed like a perfect experience. What does that mean to you? No bugs? Challenging but fair? Continuous progression? If you have an example, write in and let us know!
2015-12-0900 minVideo Game GenerationsEpisode 73: There Is No Perfect QuestionAddie's back and ready to quiz me in two rounds of video game character "Who Am I" this week. First, though, we have news (this month's free PlayStation and Xbox games, if you subscribe to their premium memberships), listener email and comments, and our usual What We're Playing segment. 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...
2015-12-0200 minVideo Game GenerationsEpisode 72: Really Weird, Dumb PoetryIt was bound to happen sooner or later, but Addie was too sick to record this episode. She's here for a brief, raspy-voiced hello at the start, after which it becomes a solo effort. A big portion of this episode is listener email. This includes more answers to our recent Questions of the Week, Bill's updated thoughts about the DualShock 4 controller (as a new PS4 owner), more feedback about Fallout 4, another set of possible questions for a future quiz, a new Star Wars Battlefront podcast hosted by friends of the show at TyeDyeSheepFilms, a question about The Legend of Zelda...
2015-11-2500 minVideo Game GenerationsEpisode 71: We Value Your OpinionA tired daughter (it's after bedtime). A busy dad (too much work). An excited friend (owner of a brand new PS4). That's the line-up for this week's episode of Video Game Generations, when Bill joins us to talk about his initial impressions of the Playstation 4 (as a long-time Xbox 360 user). 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...
2015-11-1800 minVideo Game GenerationsEpisode 69: A Vampire and a Naked GuyFor the first time in a 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...
2015-11-0400 minVideo Game GenerationsEpisode 68: Put a Head On DisplayHalloween is almost here, and to celebrate, how about playing a browser-based text adventure game I wrote a couple of years ago? It's called Hallowmoor, and can be found at the link below. 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...
2015-10-2800 minVideo Game GenerationsEpisode 67: The Three-Save PactSeveral listeners wrote in this week to answer our last two Questions of the Week. They also suggest new segments we might try on future episodes, so we're giving it all some thought. One includes an idea for a future quiz, which we might have done this week except that Addie came prepared with a "back-of-the-box challenge" for me. We do that late in the episode. 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...
2015-10-2100 minVideo Game GenerationsEpisode 66: Addie Knows EverythingThis week sees the one-time return of a previously-abandoned segment, after we fail to have a quiz prepared. Before that, it's news, listener feedback, and a new Question of the Week. If you had to live in the game world of the last game you played, would you survive? Would it be a nightmare? Just how doomed would you be? 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...
2015-10-1400 minVideo Game GenerationsEpisode 65: Drumming With ForksIt's time again for another episode of Videogame Generations. This week, after a little news (which includes the October free games lineup for PlayStation Plus and Xbox Games With Gold) and listener email, we turn our attention to what we're playing. For Addie, it's mostly Rock Band 2 (Xbox 360), but she also tried a new board game-like mode in the updated version of Castle Crashers (Xbox One). My pre-recorded segments include opening thoughts on Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair (Vita), a wrap-up on Resident Evil Remake HD (PS4), and quite a bit of detail on the gameplay in Resident Evil Revelations 2 (PS4), which...
2015-10-0700 minVideo Game GenerationsEpisode 64: Nooks, Books, Plants, ZombiesNot 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...
2015-09-3000 minVideo Game GenerationsEpisode 63: Fall 2015 Games PreviewOur feature this week is all about the games releasing in the final few months of 2015. Afterwards, we talk a little about which ones we're most excited for. Write in and let us know what game you're most looking forward to in the remainder of 2015, and why. 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...
2015-09-2300 minVideo Game GenerationsEpisode 62: A Skinny MushroomThis week's episode is a little on the shorter side at just over fifty minutes. We didn't have a news segment this week, and our only real tangent topic was about how to properly pronounce .GIF. We did get one response to last week's listener question -- tell us about your most recent gaming marathon -- so we're opting to leave that out there for one more week in case other listeners would like to write in about it. Late in the episode, Addie and I take the Ultimate PlayStation Quiz. I think we would have done much...
2015-09-1600 minVideo Game GenerationsEpisode 61: Elmer Fudd, Game DeveloperMetal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain (PS4) dominates this week's pre-recorded review segment. I still have many hours yet to play, but my opening thoughts are highly favorable. Before this, I give a brief wrap-up on Adventures of Pip (PS4) after earning all its trophies, and my brief opening thoughts on DanganRonpa: Trigger Happy Havoc (PlayStation Vita). Addie talks a bit about A World of Keflings (Xbox 360), and together we wrap up discussion on Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris (PS4), after finishing it this past weekend. Before all that, we have listener email and some...
2015-09-0900 minVideo Game GenerationsEpisode 59: Experiments in SoccerIt's a guest-filled episode this week, with returning guest Bill here with us to chat about several game topics. Mini-Gamers, Heath's mini-podcast, also makes a return for its fifth episode, with his friend Timothy sitting in to talk about games they've been playing together. Bill's daughter Natalie also visits the show briefly, to talk about her current favorite games. 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...
2015-08-2600 minVideo Game GenerationsEpisode 58: Let's-a-Go! This Is Fun!We start out, as always, with a bit of off-topic warm-up talk, mostly about Addie's efforts to choose an instrument to learn in band. In my pre-recorded game update, I have initial thoughts on the Rare Replay collection (Xbox One), and a wrap-up for Alien: Isolation (PS4) after finishing the main game on Hard. 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...
2015-08-1900 minVideo Game GenerationsEpisode 57: Scribblenauts Fever / Batman and RobinhoodEverybody's playing Scribblenauts Unlimited. Well, the kids are, at least. This comes up twice in this week's episode: once in Heath's Mini-Gamers segment and again in a discussion with Addie. They also played one of this month's free PlayStation Plus games, Sound Shapes (PS4). In my pre-recorded segments, it's my initial impressions of Odin Sphere (PS2) and Alien: Isolation (PS4). 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...
2015-08-1200 minVideo Game GenerationsEpisode 54: The New Games of Charm"Don't make me say it again. I'm a Cleaner." 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...
2015-07-2300 minVideo Game GenerationsEpisode 53: One-Year AnniversaryIt's an episode one year in the making! In addition to most of our usual segments, we look back at our first year of podcasting (flashback clips included). In a disappointing twist, none of our long-time listeners wrote in for this episode. It's never too early to email questions and feedback for our next episode, though. This week, we have two QotW's for listeners: what are your favorite quotes from video games, and do you have suggestions on things we should add, change, remove, or bring back as we continue into our show's second year? In our What...
2015-07-1600 minVideo Game GenerationsEpisode 52: What's This Corpse Doing Here?Game discussion this week includes my opening thoughts on Batman: Arkham Knight (PS4) in a pre-recorded segment, and we compare our ongoing experiences with Fallout Shelter (iOS). Addie's only other notable mention is triva game QuizUp (iOS), but I have a variety of 3DS games to talk about in another pre-recorded segment. These include Pushmo, Gunman Clive, and The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3D. 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...
2015-07-0900 minVideo Game GenerationsEpisode 50: More Vault DwellersIn the first half of this week's episode, we talk about our favorite announcements from this year's E3. Bill is here to share his thoughts on some of the highlights. We discuss XBox One backwards compatibility, Fallout 4, Star Wars: Battlefront, The Last Guardian, Dishonored 2, possible SKU revisions for XB1 and PS4, and more. 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...
2015-06-2500 minVideo Game GenerationsEpisode 48: Excited on the InsideAddie is back, but she fails to properly introduce herself this time (you'll see). She also isn't impressed by my enthusiasm over the recent reveal of Fallout 4. After that and a brief news segment, it's time for a long listener email segment. One of our listeners was a long-time player of my browser-based multiplayer RPG Lunatix Online (available from 1999 to 2010), and wants to know more about its history and the decision to shut it down in his response to a recent Question of the Week about your favorite developer behind-the-scenes stories. My answer, while not as in depth as it...
2015-06-1100 minVideo Game GenerationsEpisode 46: Alone and GamingAddie is on vacation this week, living it up at Disney World with her mom and her brother and sister. She wasn't able to be here for this week's episode, and even Plan B (calling in for it) didn't work out. She wasn't even able to call briefly just to say "hi" and introduce the show (Plan C), and since I was a little too tired to have Bill over later in the evening (Plan D) and Tracy didn't want to do it (Plan E), it's a one man show this time. This makes it a shorter-than-normal episode...
2015-05-2800 minVideo Game GenerationsEpisode 45: The Witching HourThe Witcher III: Wild Hunt is here, and it's sure to consume all of my free time. I haven't actually started it yet, but since the mere mention of it made Addie stray off topic, that's this week's show title. 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...
2015-05-2100 minVideo Game GenerationsEpisode 44: Your I'm Thinking FaceIt's the usual stuff this week: a little news, listener email (where two listeners submit game recommendations), and game talk in our "what we're playing" segment. I give a wrap-up on Wolfenstein: The Old Blood (PS4) and my initial impressions of Syndicate (Xbox 360). Addie and I also talk some about Broken Age (aka The Double Fine Adventure). 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...
2015-05-1400 minVideo Game GenerationsEpisode 43: Trophy Hunting With AddieWith no listener email or voicemail this week, we spend the episode talking about many different games. First, though, a new month means new free games with Xbox Gold and Playstation Plus, so those line-ups are covered early in the show. In game talk, Addie has been trophy hunting in Octodad: Dadliest Catch (PS4). In my pre-recorded segments, I give a (final) Bloodborne update (PS4), my first impressions of Wolfenstein: The Old Blood (PS4), and a wrap-up on fun Metroid-inspired indie game Axiom Verge (PS4). Heath, Addie's younger brother, is with us briefly to talk about some of...
2015-05-0700 minVideo Game GenerationsEpisode 42: The Mario Gamey ThingieBeing better prepared this week, we start out by talking about several recent bits of news and current events, including the Golden Week sale on PSN, and GameStop testing the waters of retro game sales. Then, in our listener feedback segment, we have one long email to read and discuss (thanks, Pawel!) 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...
2015-04-3000 minVideo Game GenerationsEpisode 41: A Grape VineThis week, we start off talking about magic tricks and Star Wars. After a little news, we read this episode's listener email, where last week's questions are answered and we find out some about PC adventure game Gemini Rue. 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...
2015-04-2300 minVideo Game GenerationsEpisode 37: Cave Johnson QuipsWe have plenty to discuss this week. More listeners write in about recent questions of the week, and later in the episode we introduce another one: do you think this will be the last console generation? Some people do, but it's hard to imagine a time when "set-top boxes" and alternative gaming devices have replaced the home console market. 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...
2015-03-2600 minVideo Game GenerationsEpisode 34: Lewis and ClankThis month's free game line-up for Xbox Games with Gold and Playstation Plus is a strong one, and we go over those lists near the top of the episode. Then, without any listener feedback this week, we get right into our What We're Playing segment. Among these, I finished Professor Layton vs. Phoenix Wright (3DS), The Order: 1886 (PS4), and Escape Trick: The Secret of Rock City Prison (DSi). I give a Suikoden update too, then Addie talks about playing Sports Friends (PS4) with younger brother Heath. Oh, and Heath started Lego Batman 3: Beyond Gotham (Xbox 360), which I played with him...
2015-03-0500 minVideo Game GenerationsEpisode 33: Kaitlyn / Not an ElfAddie's friend Kaitlyn joins us remotely for this episode. I predicted it wasn't going to work, but she ended up talking rather than texting, so it was fine. Episode 33 is chock-full of game talk, which includes several iPad games Kaitlyn has been enjoying. Addie tried out Kirby and the Rainbow Curse (Wii U), played more Alice: Madness Returns (Xbox 360), and together we played more of Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris (PS4). My multiplayer time with Heath and Hadleigh (Addie's younger brother and sister, twins) was spent on Super Smash Bros. (Wii U) and Disney Universe (Xbox 360), respectively.
2015-02-2600 minVideo Game GenerationsEpisode 32: Daddy DictionaryIn this episode, I give my initial hands-on impressions of Nintendo's "New 3DS", including a discussion about the many mistakes they've made with their product naming and their policies in general. I also talk about the problem with PlayStation's DualShock 4 triggers, with a tip on how to fix a broken one. Then we read listener email. One of those includes an answer to last week's question about games that disappointed you. 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...
2015-02-1900 minVideo Game GenerationsEpisode 29: It's The Hard Knock LifeThis week, we talk about the Xbox Games With Gold line-up for February. Then, it's a big bag of email in which several listeners ask really great questions. We want to open it up to discussion, so let us know if you have comments about or answers for any of these: 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...
2015-01-2800 minVideo Game GenerationsEpisode 28: Charlie Brown and LucyThe bulk of this episode is listener email and a quiz, but somewhere in the middle, we talk about what we've been playing. Addie made it to chapter 3 in Portal 2 (PC) and I'm about 62 hours into Dragon Age: Inquisition (PS4). 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...
2015-01-2100 minVideo Game GenerationsEpisode 25: Christmas 2014Our holiday episode ends with a trio of Christmas songs, karaoke-style by Addie. But before that, it's business as usual as we discuss the games we've played since the last episode. I finished Ultima 6 (SNES on Retron 5), and an awesome NES game called Clash at Demonhead (which, thanks to a faulty ROM load in the Retron 5, crashed on me near the end). Then, a little more Far Cry 4 (which I've almost finished), and my opening thoughts on another NES game, Nightshade. Addie and I started Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris (PS4), but we're still very early in.
2014-12-2400 minVideo Game GenerationsEpisode 24: That Game Is AbysmalThe year is coming to a close soon, so "game of the year" buzz is everywhere. We'll save our own favorites for later, but in case you missed it (like we did), we go over several of the nominees and winners of the 2014 Game Awards (which was held in Las Vegas earlier this month). Listener email is non-existent this week, although a Question of the Week from a listener (from last episode) was held back to include this time. First, we want to hear your picks for what kind of game is best suited to a mobile/tablet touch interface...
2014-12-1700 minVideo Game GenerationsEpisode 22: Argh Is For CriticismIt's another rushed episode after Addie gets home from rehearsal, but we manage to get through several games and topics, including this week's listener feedback. One listener wants to know how you got your gamer tag, and what it means, so that's our Question of the Week. 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...
2014-12-0300 minVideo Game GenerationsEpisode 19: Addie Interviews Jason ScottOur feature segment this week is an interview with Jason Scott of the Internet Arcade, which is something we talked about in last week's episode. Addie asks the tough questions, like "what's your favorite color," but before that, we hear about how this project came into existence, what they're hoping to accomplish, plus extra insight into some of Jason's other projects. He hasn't been interviewed about the Internet Arcade before now, so you're getting an exclusive here! Listeners write in to answer our recent Questions of the Week, and at one point, we both get confused on whether...
2014-11-1200 minVideo Game GenerationsEpisode 18: If You Don't, You're Just... What?In this episode, I list off the line-up of free November games for XBox Gold and PlayStation Plus subscribers, and then we read listener emails that answer our prior weeks' questions. Addie talks about the games she's playing (more Costume Quest 2, but also several little games from KetchApp on iOS) and I once again pre-recorded mine so that Addie wouldn't have to sit through twenty minutes of me-time (The Evil Within on PS4, a bit more Final Fantasy X, and Ultima VI: The False Prophet for SNES via the Retron5). Our big topic of the week is the...
2014-11-0500 minVideo Game GenerationsEpisode 17: Candy Corn Takes a RaincheckIt's almost Halloween, so today's episode explores a few spooky topics. Addie tries to guess whether several games on my hand-picked list are horror-themed or not, based soley on the title. But before that, we talk about the games we're playing. That's Costume Quest 2 (PS4) for Addie and Bayonetta 2 (WiiU) for me. I also talk briefly about The Evil Within (PS4) and Final Fantasy X (PS3), both of which I made a little more progress in since the last episode. With listener email and a little news too, this episode comes in right about an hour long. Oh, and this...
2014-10-2900 minVideo Game GenerationsEpisode 16: Never Ever Ever Bump Into the WallsIt's a big, big episode today, with Bill (from Episode 12) sitting in with us again to talk games and stuff. More listeners answer prior weeks' questions in our listener feedback segment, and Bill has a few answers of his own. For what I've been playing since the last episode, I once again use pre-recorded segments to keep the main recording at a reasonable length since, as always, it's a school night for Addie -- and for Bill's daughter Natalie, who joins us briefly to talk about scary movies and video games. My monologue includes my final thoughts on Middle Earth...
2014-10-2200 minVideo Game GenerationsEpisode 15: Whacking at the HeartlessAfter a little off-topic TV talk, we read and respond to listener feedback, which includes a few fun answers to last week's questions for our listeners. I give some recommendations for horror-themed Wii on-rails shooters, and then it's a pre-recorded bit where I talk about what I've been playing: Time Lord (NES), Little Nemo: The Dream Master (NES), 8 Eyes (NES), and Middle Earth: Shadow of Mordor (PS4). Somewhere in there, Addie and I confuse each other as to the plot and characters in Kingdom Hearts. After that, we introduce a new segment where Addie takes a game-related quiz...
2014-10-1500 minVideo Game GenerationsEpisode 14: The Answer Is No AnswerIn this episode, we list off this month's Playstation Plus free games, and then I launch into a rant about Amazon. We read listener feedback too, during which we discuss possible changes to our format in the effort to balance podcasting with Addie's school life. We still haven't made any solid decisions there. 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...
2014-10-0800 minVideo Game GenerationsEpisode 12: Not Nearly Enough AddieIt's a longer-than-usual episode when my friend Bill sits in to talk about games (with an emphasis on PC gaming). Games discussed include Rogue Legacy, the Fallout series, Nintendoland, Payday 2, Spelunky, and FTL (Faster Than Light). Other topics include Darkadia (a website to help manage and share your game inventory), the Oculus Rift, bad game endings, and the RetroN5. Future episodes may dig a little deeper into the back catalog of NES, SNES, Genesis, and GameBoy games, now that I have a great way to play them again. Addie is suspiciously quiet for much of this episode; the unfortunate side...
2014-09-2400 minVideo Game GenerationsEpisode 9: Favorite NES Fantasy GamesEpisode 9 is a bit on the shorter side this week, at just forty minutes long. Addie had her 9th birthday since the last episode, so we talk some about her mystery-themed party. After a bit more off-topic talk, we do "time travel" -- the segment where we revist topics from a prior episode or correct the mistakes we made -- and with so much forgetfulness last week, there's a fair bit to talk about. For news, we keep it short and simple as usual; we talk about the "New 3DS" announced by Nintendo. Then we go through the list of...
2014-09-0300 minVideo Game GenerationsEpisode 6: Strider Makes Me Want MetroidThis week, Addie talks more about Octodad (PS4) after recently beating it. I give a few more thoughts on Strider (PS4 version) since I beat that too. Other games discussed include Skyward Sword (yes, again -- I'm still playing it), Dance Dance Revolution Universe, Final Fantasy X HD Remake, The Secret of Monkey Island, and Ghostbusters: Sanctum of Slime. Our game of the week, Hohokum (PS4 version) gets the 15-minute treatment, and you can find that extra segment as a separate MP3 at our site or in the podcast feed this week. We talk about a few other off-topic things...
2014-08-1300 minVideo Game GenerationsEpisode 5: Guardians of the VideogamesSome highlights of this episode include more Zelda: Skyward Sword talk, the character/leveling system in Final Fantasy X, recommendations for good RPG's of the past couple of years (Xenoblade Chronicles, Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch, and Persona 4 Golden), videogame music compilations from the London Philharmonic, my opinion on the pricing of Playstation games in the Playstation Now beta, games we're looking forward to this fall (for Addie, that's LittleBigPlanet 3, but for me, there are too many must-play titles just around the corner). I talk for a while about the free games available this month with "premium"...
2014-08-0600 min