Shows
The Joy of Gaming PodcastEpisode Thirty - The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom - Early-Game ImpressionsThe (New) Joy of Gaming Podcast - Episode Thirty
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom - Early-Game Impressions
On this episode of The (New) Joy of Gaming Podcast, we are traveling to Post-Upheaval Hyrule to explore the surface, the sky and the unfathomable depths of what is quite possibly the most anticipated game release in recent memory. Because after 6 years of waiting, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is finally here, and we couldn’t be more excited to discuss our early-game impressions in this episode.
We start our discussion rel...
2023-05-232h 13The Joy of Gaming PodcastEpisode Twenty-Nine - The Top 10 Best Games for the Nintendo GameCubeThe (New) Joy of Gaming Podcast - Episode Twenty-Nine
The Top 10 Best Games for the Nintendo GameCube
On this episode of The Joy of Gaming Podcast, we continue our journey to select “The Top 10 Best Games (for Every Console)”. This time, we’re celebrating the Nintendo GameCube - a misunderstood masterpiece of a console that was once derided as a huge misstep for Nintendo, but has now become one of the most beloved and popular consoles to collect for (with sky-high software prices to prove it).
And while the console itself had a fun and chi...
2023-05-171h 50The Joy of Gaming PodcastEpisode Twenty-Eight - Xbox’s Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Week: Redfall, Phil Spencer Interview, CMA Blocks Acquisition & MoreThe (New) Joy of Gaming Podcast - Episode Twenty-Eight
Xbox’s Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Week - Redfall Impressions, Phil Spencer Interview, CMA Blocks Acquisition & More
On this episode of The (New) Joy of Gaming Podcast, we discuss the biggest news story in gaming: Xbox’s terrible, horrible, no good, very bad week. From the semi-disastrous release of Redfall on Game Pass and PC, to the CMA’s blocking of the Activision/Blizzard/King acquisition, to Phil “Cranky Phil” Spencer’s surprisingly candid interview on KindaFunny about the future of the Xbox brand - this is a we...
2023-05-092h 29The Joy of Gaming PodcastEpisode 27 - The Legend of Zelda: Retrospective and Complete Series Chronology (Preparing for Tears of the Kingdom)The (New) Joy of Gaming Podcast - Episode Twenty-Seven
The Legend of Zelda: Retrospective and Complete Series Chronology (Preparing for Tears of the Kingdom)
---
On this episode of The Joy of Gaming Podcast, we are getting ready for The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom in the most complete way we could think of: by looking back and tracing the entire chronology of The Legend of Zelda series. We track the series’ origins on the NES all the way through Breath of the Wild on Switch, discussing each game in release order an...
2023-05-022h 33The Joy of Gaming PodcastEpisode Twenty-Six - Final Fantasy XVI State of Play, Nintendo Indie World, Redfall Hype Check, RE4 Remake Final ThoughtsThe (New) Joy of Gaming Podcast - Episode Twenty-Six
Final Fantasy XVI State of Play, Nintendo Indie World, Redfall Hype Check, RE4 Remake Final Thoughts
On this episode of The (New) Joy of Gaming Podcast, we’re in that “in-between period” - just after Resident Evil 4 Remake, and just before Star Wars Jedi: Survivor and Tears of the Kingdom - but there is still a lot of exciting happenings in the gaming world. Case in point: Redfall is launching next week (though the pre-release hype is a bit underwhelming). We also got a brand new Sony State...
2023-04-252h 49The Joy of Gaming PodcastEpisode Twenty-Five - The Top 10 Best Games for the Nintendo 64The (New) Joy of Gaming Podcast - Episode Twenty-Five
The Top 10 Best Games for the Nintendo 64
On this episode of The (New) Joy of Gaming Podcast, we continue our journey to select “The Top 10 Best Games (for Every Console)”, and this time we’re turning our gaze to the Nintendo 64 - a beloved but also controversial console that revolutionized the gaming space and provided the definitive roadmap for what 3D gaming could be. But along with its bona fides as a groundbreaking piece of tech, the N64 was unfortunately held back by a weird controller, a lack of...
2023-04-181h 34The Joy of Gaming PodcastEpisode Twenty-Four - Resident Evil 4 Remake Review, Tears of the Kingdom Gameplay Reveal BreakdownThe (New) Joy of Gaming Podcast - Episode Twenty-Four
Resident Evil 4 Remake Review, Tears of the Kingdom Gameplay Reveal Breakdown
On this episode of The (New) Joy of Gaming Podcast, we review Capcom’s new reimagining of one of the greatest games ever made in any genre - Resident Evil 4 Remake. We wade deep into the Village, the Castle and the Island, discussing our overall thoughts on the game, talking about the new and returning game mechanics, breaking down the various differences from the original, and weighing in on whether or not this remake is now th...
2023-04-112h 29The Joy of Gaming PodcastEpisode Twenty-Three - The Top 10 Best Games for the SNESThe (New) Joy of Gaming Podcast - Episode Twenty-Three
The Top 10 Best Games for the SNES
On this episode of The (New) Joy of Gaming Podcast, we continue our journey to select “The Top 10 Best Games (for Every Console)”, and this time we’re turning our gaze to Nintendo’s sophomore release in the home console market, the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, or SNES. Our job as always is to create the ultimate list of games that we’d recommend to gamers new and old who want to experience the absolute best that the console has to offer, b...
2023-04-041h 45The Joy of Gaming PodcastEpisode Twenty-Two - Resident Evil Retrospective: Resident Evil (PS1) to Resident Evil 4 Remake (PS5/XSX)The (New) Joy of Gaming Podcast - Episode Twenty-Two
Resident Evil Retrospective: Resident Evil (PS1) to Resident Evil 4 Remake (PS5/XSX)
On this episode of The (New) Joy of Gaming Podcast, we prepare for Resident Evil 4 Remake in the only way that seemed fitting: by taking a look back at the entire Resident Evil franchise and celebrating the massive impact this game has had. After all, Capcom’s series brought the term “survival horror” into existence, creating a brand new game genre and then evolving their own formula with each and every subsequent entry. It’s quite...
2023-03-283h 04The Joy of Gaming PodcastEpisode Twenty-One - Sea of Stars Demo, Resident Evil 4 Remake Reviews, Preparing for the Nintendo eShop Closing, and Remembering Lance ReddickThe (New) Joy of Gaming Podcast - Episode Twenty-One
Sea of Stars Demo, Resident Evil 4 Remake Reviews, Preparing for the Nintendo eShop Closing, and Remembering Lance Reddick
On this episode of The (New) Joy of Gaming Podcast, we try to keep our anticipation for Resident Evil 4 Remake in check a bit longer as we discuss the latest gaming news, including RE4 reviews, our preparations for the closing of the Nintendo eShop for Wii U and 3DS, rumors of a potential new Castlevania game from Konami (thanks Dead Cells) and the incredibly sad passing of actor Lance...
2023-03-211h 46The Joy of Gaming PodcastEpisode Twenty - Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, Final Fantasy XVI, Resident Evil 4: Chainsaw Demo & moreThe (New) Joy of Gaming Podcast - Episode Twenty
Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, Final Fantasy XVI, Resident Evil 4: Chainsaw Demo & more
On this episode of The (New) Joy of Gaming Podcast, we discuss some of the biggest bombshells dropped on the gaming world in the past few weeks, including our insane disappointment in the live-service/looter-shooter nature of Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, the news that Final Fantasy XVI has dropped the series’ turn-based roots entirely in favor of Devil-May-Cry-5-esque action, the announcement of Elden Ring story DLC “Shadow of the Erdtree” and so...
2023-03-113h 53The Joy of Gaming PodcastEpisode Nineteen - The Top 10 Best Games for the NESThe (New) Joy of Gaming Podcast - Episode Nineteen
The Top 10 Best Games for the NES
On this episode of The (New) Joy of Gaming Podcast, we kick off a brand new series called “The Top 10 Best Games (for Every Console)” and the name kind of says it all. In each episode, we will pick a classic video game console and work together to assemble a definitive list of the 10 Best - and most essential - games that we think everyone should play in order to appreciate what that console was all about. And of course, we’r...
2023-03-041h 51The Joy of Gaming PodcastEpisode Eighteen - February Nintendo Direct and Hogwarts LegacyThe (New) Joy of Gaming Podcast - Episode Eighteen
February Nintendo Direct and Hogwarts Legacy
On this episode of The (New) Joy of Gaming Podcast, we take a swim through the ocean of gaming riches presented by Nintendo at this month’s February Nintendo Direct. From the announcement of Metroid Prime Remastered, to Pikmin 4, to the latest trailer for The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, and trailers for so many exciting indie games, there’s A LOT to talk about. We also discuss Rich’s early impressions of the gaming phenomenon that is Hogwarts Legacy...
2023-02-253h 06The Joy of Gaming PodcastEpisode Seventeen - Dead Space Remake, Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII Reunion, and The Last of Us: Part 1The (New) Joy of Gaming Podcast - Episode Seventeen
Dead Space Remake, Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII Reunion, and The Last of Us: Part 1
On this episode of The (New) Joy of Gaming Podcast, we’re back after the winter break and our GOTY episode, and a lot has happened in the game industry since our last regular episode. There’s been some interesting news about this year’s E3 Expo - as well as the Resident Evil 4 Remake and its lack of QTEs - but probably the biggest story of the past few weeks was the Xb...
2023-02-182h 13The Joy of Gaming PodcastEpisode Sixteen - The 2022 Game of the Year Awards (GOTY 2022)The (New) Joy of Gaming Podcast - Episode Sixteen
The 2022 Game of the Year Awards (GOTY 2022)
On this episode of The (New) Joy of Gaming Podcast, we celebrate the best video games of 2022 by sharing our individual favorite games of the year, as well as some honorable mentions, a few disappointments, and our overall thoughts on the year in gaming. We then combine our lists together like Voltron to create the definitive TJOG list of the Top Ten Best Games of 2022. And in the process, we take a few deep dives into games we both played...
2023-02-112h 15The Joy of Gaming PodcastEpisode Fifteen - The Callisto Protocol, Telling Lies and God of War: Ragnarök (Late-Game Impressions)The (New) Joy of Gaming Podcast - Episode Fifteen
The Callisto Protocol, Telling Lies and God of War: Ragnarök (Late-Game Impressions)
On this episode of The (New) Joy of Gaming Podcast, we discuss some of the biggest releases of the season, including one of the most anticipated new games of the year, The Callisto Protocol. As the early reviews have indicated, this is not a perfect game, but Rich has rolled credits and we have a discussion about what this game actually is - and what it’s not. Quick Spoiler: It’s not Dead Space...
2022-12-242h 04The Joy of Gaming PodcastEpisode Fourteen - The Game Awards 2022 Post-Show: Reactions to the Winners, World Premieres and AnnouncementsThe (New) Joy of Gaming Podcast - Episode Fourteen
The Game Awards 2022 Post-Show: Reactions to the Winners, World Premieres and Announcements
On this episode of The (New) Joy of Gaming Podcast, we recap gaming’s biggest night - The Game Awards 2022 - with a complete post-show wrap-up. We start by talking about our thoughts on the event in general, including the various game developers, actors, musicians and other awesome people from around the video games industry that were a part of the show. Next, we discuss the winners of the 25 biggest awards, and see who won ou...
2022-12-162h 09The Joy of Gaming PodcastEpisode Thirteen - The Game Awards 2022 Preview: Predicting the Winners and World PremieresThe (New) Joy of Gaming Podcast - Episode Thirteen
The Game Awards 2022 Preview - Predicting the Winners and World Premieres
On this episode of The (New) Joy of Gaming Podcast, we discuss gaming’s biggest night - The Game Awards 2022 - previewing each of the event’s major categories and nominees, and making predictions on who will win, who will lose, and what big surprises and upsets could be in store. We also talk about some of the notable snubs among this year’s categories, and lay odds on which big announcements and “World Premieres” we might see...
2022-12-082h 14The Joy of Gaming PodcastEpisode Twelve - God of War Franchise Retrospective (2005-2022)The (New) Joy of Gaming Podcast - Episode Twelve
God of War Franchise Retrospective (2005-2022)
On this episode of The (New) Joy of Gaming Podcast, we continue our God of War: Ragnarok Celebration, this time taking a trip down memory lane with Kratos as he murdered his way through hordes of Greek and Norse Gods, and somehow found his way into our hearts. From its introduction in 2005 with God of War on PS2, through three console generations (including PSP, PS3 and PS4), and up to the present day with God of War: Ragnarök on PS5, w...
2022-12-021h 34The Joy of Gaming PodcastGod of War: Ragnarok Celebration - Game Review, Part 1The (New) Joy of Gaming Podcast - Episode Eleven
God of War: Ragnarok Celebration - Game Review, Part 1
On this episode of the (New) Joy of Gaming Podcast, we kick off our God of War: Ragnarok Celebration, which will span three episodes and feature a multi-part review of the game, as well as a complete retrospective of the God of War franchise. For this first episode, we discuss the early sections of the game, and offer our impressions of what’s changed, what has stayed the same, and how it feels to re-join Kratos and Atreus in...
2022-11-242h 52The Joy of Gaming PodcastEpisode Ten - The Top 10 Best Open-World Video GamesThe (New) Joy of Gaming Podcast - Episode Ten
The Top 10 Best Open-World Video Games
On this episode of the (New) Joy of Gaming Podcast, we set out to create the next entry in our growing series of Top Ten lists, and this time we turn our attention to the most epic of all genres - Open-World Video Games. And the timing is certainly appropriate - this year, games like Elden Ring, Horizon: Forbidden West, Gotham Knights, and Sonic Frontiers have consumed much of the gaming discourse, and for good reason. Open-world games give players a...
2022-11-181h 57The Joy of Gaming PodcastEpisode Nine - God of War: Ragnarok Hype, PSVR 2, Gotham Knights Review, Silent Hill 2The (New) Joy of Gaming Podcast - Episode Nine
God of War: Ragnarok Hype, PSVR 2, Gotham Knights Review, Silent Hill 2
On this episode of the (New) Joy of Gaming Podcast, we discuss the latest news and game releases here at the start of November, including the incredible anticipation for God of War: Ragnarok’s release, the release date and games announcement for Playstation VR 2, rumors surrounding Hideo Kojima’s next few games, what’s next for The Witcher franchise and more. Meanwhile, Rich has finished Gotham Knights and has some harsh criticisms (but also some surprising praise...
2022-11-112h 22The Joy of Gaming PodcastEpisode Eight - Batman in Video Games Retrospective (Batman: The Video Game - Gotham Knights)The (New) Joy of Gaming Podcast - Episode Eight
Batman in Video Games Retrospective (Batman: The Video Game - Gotham Knights)
On this episode of the (New) Joy of Gaming Podcast, we look back at Batman’s history in video games, from the original NES game Batman: The Video Game (1989), up through the release of Gotham Knights this past month. To do this, we follow the dark knight through a wide array of gaming adventures, including some super-high highs and some crushingly-low lows, but most notably, we discuss the Rocksteady Games (Arkham Asylum, Arkham City and Ark...
2022-11-031h 20The Joy of Gaming PodcastEpisode Seven - Gotham Knights, Paradise Killer and Return to Monkey IslandThe (New) Joy of Gaming Podcast - Episode Seven
Gotham Knights, Paradise Killer and Return to Monkey Island
On this episode of the (New) Joy of Gaming Podcast, we discuss one of the biggest, most anticipated, and controversial game releases of the year - Gotham Knights - and give initial impressions after the first 6 hours. Is 30 FPS on consoles enough to ground this open-world action game to a halt? Will the just-announced 4-player mode make an impact post-launch? We bat-dive into the details and share some strong opinions. We also discuss Paradise Killer, the game that...
2022-10-283h 07The Joy of Gaming PodcastEpisode Six - The Top 10 Best Stories in Video GamesThe (New) Joy of Gaming Podcast - Episode Six
The Top 10 Best Stories in Video Games
On this episode of the (New) Joy of Gaming Podcast, we create our official TJOG Top 10 List of the best stories in video games, and along the way, explore the many unique ways that storytellers weave their tales of triumph, despair, joy and redemption through the games that we love to play. We also discuss recent video game news, the latest Physical Game releases from Limited Run, Special Reserve Games. Iam8bit, Super Rare Games and PlayAsia, all of...
2022-10-144h 16The Joy of Gaming PodcastEpisode Five - E3 in September (Nintendo Direct, State of Play, Ubisoft Forward, TGS, D&MGS)The (New) Joy of Gaming Podcast - Episode Five
E3 in September (Nintendo Direct, State of Play, Ubisoft Forward, TGS, DMGS)
On this episode of the (New) Joy of Gaming Podcast, we take on the challenge of discussing every big announcement from ALL FIVE of the major gaming events held this past month - Nintendo Direct, Playstation State of Play, Ubisoft Forward, the Disney and Marvel Games Showcase and the Tokyo Game Show. Together, this crazy concurrence of gaming events has been dubbed “E3 in September,” and we have a lot of opinions to share and fina...
2022-09-294h 09The Joy of Gaming PodcastEpisode Four - Xbox Live Summer of Arcade RetrospectiveThe (New) Joy of Gaming Podcast - Episode Four
Xbox Live Summer of Arcade Retrospective
On this episode of the (New) Joy of Gaming Podcast, we take a journey back to the halcyon days of Xbox Live’s Summer of Arcade, when indie games weren’t as plentiful, but you knew there were at least 4-5 titles you could count on for quality each summer. In a retrospective format, we discuss the numerous masterpiece-level games Summer of Arcade gave us, including Limbo, Braid, Castle Crashers, Shadow Complex, and so many more. We also cover some recent gami...
2022-09-153h 16The Joy of Gaming PodcastEpisode Three - The Top 10 2D Platformers of All-TimeThe (New) Joy of Gaming Podcast - Episode Three
The Top 10 2D Platformers of All-Time
On this mega-sized episode of the (New) Joy of Gaming Podcast, we celebrate one of the most classic and enjoyable video game genres - 2D Platformers - by constructing our definitive “The Joy of Gaming Top 10” list. We also discuss the recent Embracer Group acquisitions and Gamescom 2022 announcements in our gaming news segment, cover the latest releases in the worlds of Physical Media, Game Pass and PS Plus, and talk about the games we’ve been playing recently - including Cult of the...
2022-09-014h 06The Joy of Gaming PodcastEpisode Two - Narrative Adventure Games: A Brief History (from Point-and-Click to As Dusk Falls)The (New) Joy of Gaming Podcast - Episode Two
Narrative Adventure Games: A Brief History (from Point-and-Click to As Dusk Falls)
On this episode of the (New) Joy of Gaming Podcast, we discuss two recently-released Narrative Adventure Games - As Dusk Falls and The Quarry - and attempt to trace the origins of this relatively new genre, from its point-and-click adventure roots through to the modern day. We also discuss some recent gaming news, offer our thoughts on the best new physical media, Game Pass and PS Plus releases, and talk about the...
2022-08-183h 01The Joy of Gaming PodcastEpisode One - The Top 5 Gaming Franchises of All-TimeThe (New) Joy of Gaming Podcast - Episode One
The Top 5 Gaming Franchises of All-Time
On this episode of the (New) Joy of Gaming Podcast, we take on the formidable task of choosing our Top 5 Favorite Gaming Franchises - past and present. We also discuss recent gaming news, discuss some notable new releases in our #ForeverPhysical and Rich’s Digital Picks segments, and talk about some of the games we’ve been playing recently.
Run of Show:
00:06 - Introduction
04:03 - Recent Gaming News
Forspoken delayed
God of War: Ragna...
2022-08-043h 17The Joy of Gaming PodcastEpisode Zero: A New Start, SGF 2022 and Limited Physical Gaming MediaThe (New) Joy of Gaming Podcast - Episode Zero
A New Start, Summer Game Fest and a Primer on Limited Physical Gaming Media
On this episode of the (New) Joy of Gaming Podcast, we introduce the new show, welcome a new co-host, discuss the recent announcements and gameplay we saw at Geoff Keighley’s Summer Game Fest 2022, and celebrate the resurgence of physical gaming media with an in-depth primer on Limited Run Games, Special Reserve Games, Iam8Bit and some of the other biggest players.
Run of Show:
00:06 - Intro and...
2022-07-133h 32The Joy of Gaming PodcastThe Joy of Gaming Podcast, Episode 78 - Next-Gen Console Chat and The Game Awards 2020The Joy of Gaming Podcast, Episode 78:
Next-Gen Console Chat and The Game Awards 2020
On this episode of The Joy of Gaming Podcast, we (Rich and Jordan) emerge once more from the COVID void with a brand new episode and A LOT of great stuff to talk about. That's because 2020 has gifted us with brand new gaming consoles - Playstation 5 and Xbox Series X|S - and nothing will ever be the same again...or will it? Either way, we have played each of the new consoles, and have lots of opinions about their super fast load times, the...
2021-01-192h 32The Joy of Gaming PodcastThe Joy of Geek Podcast, Episode 79 -Best Indie Comics Adaptations, DC Fandome, Celebrating C.B.'s LifeThe Joy of Geek Podcast, Episode 79:
The Best Indie Comic Adaptations, DC Fandome, Celebrating C.B.’s Life
---
On this episode of The Joy of Geek Podcast, we (Rich, Jordan and Kevin) regroup in the midst of this crazy pandemic to discuss our favorite indie comic book adaptations. To qualify, the adaptation could NOT be based on a mainline Marvel/DC Superhero property (though sub-imprints like Vertigo and Icon were fair game), and the adaptations could be to any form of media, including film, television, video games, etc. With those parameters in mind, we...
2020-09-202h 06The Joy of Gaming PodcastThe Joy of Gaming Podcast, Episode 77 - GOTY: The Best Video Games of 2019The Joy of Gaming Podcast, Episode 77:
GOTY: The Best Video Games of 2019
On this episode of the Joy of Gaming Podcast, we (Rich and Jordan), return after a year-long hiatus to celebrate the best video games of 2019. It was a year that gave us so much to love - including Resident Evil 2, Untitled Goose Game, Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order and Control - as well as some mediocre titles like Crackdown 3, and some pretty astounding disappointments as well (of which Anthem and Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order spring quickly to mind). But when it’s time for ou...
2020-06-022h 23The Joy of Gaming PodcastThe Joy of Geek Podcast, Episode 78 - The Best in Film 2019The Joy of Geek Podcast, Episode 78:
The Best in Film 2019
On this episode of The Joy of Geek Podcast, we (Rich, Kevin and Jordan) return with our second episode recorded during the Covid-19 quarantine, and we’re making up for lost time and bringing you our “Best in Film 2019” episode. And although these “year in review” episodes are generally recorded in the December/January timeframe, the extra few months have given us all time to catch up on many of last year’s best movies. In other words, we’re ready to GO.
And what a year 20...
2020-04-202h 18The Joy of Gaming PodcastThe Joy of Geek Podcast, Episode 77 - Quarantine Reunion Special and Bloodshot ReviewThe Joy of Geek Podcast, Episode 77:
Reunion Special and Bloodshot Review
On this episode of The Joy of Geek Podcast, we (Rich, Kevin and Jordan) return for a reunion special, here in the midst of the Coronavirus pandemic. We’ll be discussing where we’ve been for the past year (or so), why the podcast has been on hiatus, and perhaps most importantly, what we’ve been watching, reading and playing over the past few months.
We also discuss Bloodshot, the new comic-book-inspired “Blockbuster” from Sony Pictures and Valiant Entertainment, starring Vin Diesel, Guy Pearce, Ei...
2020-04-061h 55
The Joy of Gaming PodcastThe Joy of Geek Podcast, Episode 76 - The Best TV of 2018The Joy of Geek Podcast, Episode 76:
The Best TV of 2018
On this episode of The Joy of Geek Podcast, we get the full band back together - Rich, Kevin and Jordan - for the first of our "Best of 2018" episodes. And where better to start than with Television, and our look at the very finest network, cable and streaming entertainment this past year had to offer.
From new shows like The Haunting at Hill House, Titans and Homecoming, to brilliant returning favorites like The Good Place, American Vandal and Westworld - we each watched over 500+ scripted s...
2019-01-183h 18The Joy of Gaming PodcastThe Joy of Geek Podcast, Episode 75 - Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald Review and SpoilerCastThe Joy of Geek Podcast, Episode 75:
Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald Review and SpoilerCast
On this episode of The Joy of Geek Podcast, we (Rich and Kevin) review one of the biggest, most anticipated films of the year, Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald. And to do so, we welcome Harry Potter expert / Pottermore scholar Jacob Deal, to help us discuss the film and explore all of its fascinating secrets. And since this is a SpoilerCast, Jacob also shares his stunning theory about the film’s ending and the true nature of Grindelwald’s plan, and...
2019-01-033h 13The Joy of Gaming PodcastThe Joy of Gaming Podcast, Episode 76 - Revisiting GOTY 2015, Diablo Immortal, Final Super Smash Bros. Ultimate DirectThe Joy of Gaming Podcast, Episode 76:
Revisiting GOTY 2015, Diablo Immortal, Final Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Direct
On this episode of The Joy of Gaming Podcast, we (Rich and Jordan) go back in time to 2015 to discuss our favorite games from year brought us The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, Fallout 4, Until Dawn, Life is Strange, Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 and so much more. We actually missed our chance to record this episode three years ago, but since then we've had a lot more time to play and reflect on 2015's crop of titles, and we're ready to fill in t...
2018-11-222h 11The Joy of Gaming PodcastThe Joy of Geek Podcast, Episode 74 - The Haunting of Hill House, Halloween (2018), Daredevil S3 and TitansThe Joy of Geek Podcast, Episode 74:
The Haunting of Hill House, Halloween (2018), Daredevil S3 and Titans
On this decidedly spooky episode of The Joy of Geek Podcast, we (Rich and Kevin) discuss two of the biggest hits of the Halloween season: Netflix’s The Haunting of Hill House and Blumhouse’s Halloween (2018). Aside from their genre, Hill House and Halloween have something else in common: they are both semi-reboots of classic properties, re-imagined to appeal to a new audience. We’ll weigh in on the success of each, and discuss their overall significance in the modern media landscape.
...
2018-11-072h 31The Joy of Gaming PodcastThe Joy of Gaming Podcast, Episode 75 - Assassin's Creed: Odyssey, Super Mario Party and Our Multiplayer Gaming HistoryThe Joy of Gaming Podcast, Episode 75:
Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey, Super Mario Party and Our Multiplayer Gaming History
On this episode of The Joy of Gaming Podcast, we (Rich and Jordan) discuss two of the most anticipated Fall gaming releases - Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey and Super Mario Party for Nintendo Switch - and take a nostalgia-fueled look back at the multiplayer games that had the greatest impact on us, from the NES/Genesis era until today.
We also discuss two of the biggest stories in gaming right now - the unfortunate and unexpected shuttering of Tell...
2018-10-292h 21The Joy of Gaming PodcastThe Joy of Geek Podcast, Episode 73 - Venom Review, Titans Episode 1 and a Tour of the DC Streaming AppThe Joy of Geek Podcast, Episode 73:
Venom Review, Titans Episode 1 and a Tour of the DC Universe Streaming App
On this episode of The Joy of Geek Podcast, we (Rich and Kevin) discuss two big new entries in the superhero media landscape - Marvel’s new film Venom starring Tom Hardy, and DC’s mature-rated take on Titans which just launched on their DC Universe streaming service.
Both Venom and Titans faced serious skepticism from critics and fans in the lead-up to release, and both have been performed far better than anyone expected. We offer our in-d...
2018-10-241h 31The Joy of Gaming PodcastThe Joy of Geek Podcast, Episode 72 - The Best of Spider-Man (in Movies, TV and Comics)The Joy of Geek Podcast, Episode 72:
The Best of Spider-Man (in Movies, TV and Comics)
On this episode of The Joy of Geek Podcast, we (Rich and Kevin) continue our celebration of the release of Insomniac’s Spider-Man for PS4 with a look back at the very best movies, TV shows and comics starring the famous web-slinger. From the Sam Raimi Trilogy to Homecoming, and from Spider-Man: The Animated Series to Spider-Island, we discuss the broader Spider-Man universe and choose our absolute favorites.
But first, we talk about what we’ve been watching and reading lately, inclu...
2018-10-082h 05The Joy of Gaming PodcastThe Joy of Geek Podcast, Special Edition - Frontier Interview with Filmmaker Elliot BradyThe Joy of Geek Podcast, Special Edition:
Frontier Interview with Filmmaker Elliot Brady
On this Special Edition episode of The Joy of Geek Podcast, we (Rich and Kevin) interview Elliot Brady, the screenwriter of a new short film premiering at the Charlotte Film Festival this weekend. Frontier is the story of a young girl, known only as little, who is inspired by her favorite comic book western to leave her home and family behind to seek adventure - and ultimately danger - in the wilderness. We discuss the 2+ year journey this film took from page to screen, and t...
2018-09-2754 minThe Joy of Gaming PodcastThe Joy of Gaming Podcast, Episode 74 - Insomniac's Spider-Man Review and Spoilercast and September Nintendo DirectThe Joy of Gaming Podcast, Episode 74:
Insomniac's Spider-Man Review and SpoilerCast and September Nintendo Direct
On this episode of The Joy of Gaming Podcast, we (Rich and Jordan) discuss one of the most anticipated PS4 games of the year, Insomniac's Spider-Man. With a story that picks up 8 years into the career of everybody's favorite web-slinger, Spider-Man is an epic, open-world adventure full of side quests, colorful characters, and satisfying combat, and it's already a massive hit with players and critics alike. We've both played the game from start to finish, and offer our SPOILER-FILLED thoughts on its overall...
2018-09-242h 30The Joy of Gaming PodcastThe Joy of Geek Podcast, Episode 71 - Fall Film Season 2018 PreviewThe Joy of Geek Podcast, Episode 71:
Fall Film Season 2018 Preview
On this episode of The Joy of Geek Podcast, we (Rich and Kevin) bring you our epic, 2018 Fall Film Season Preview. And although this fall’s lineup doesn’t include new releases from the MCU, Pixar or Star Wars universes, its still shaping up to be an awesome season for moviegoers. We’ll discuss the most exciting and significant films - from Mortal Engines and Bad Times a the El Royale, to Aquaman, Venom, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse and beyond - and offer our thoughts on which ones look most ja...
2018-09-091h 46The Joy of Gaming PodcastThe Joy of Gaming Podcast, Episode 73 - The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (Finally), Plagiarism at IGN, and Nintendo Smash DirectThe Joy of Gaming Podcast, Episode 73:
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (Finally), Plagiarism at IGN, and Nintendo Smash Direct
On this episode of The Joy of Gaming Podcast, we (Rich and Jordan) discuss the recent Nintendo Direct and all the exciting new Super Smash Bros. Ultimate news, before diving headlong into the crazy and unprecedented IGN plagiarism scandal involving Filip Miucin. We also finally get around to talking about one of the biggest and best games of this generation, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt.
And after some quality time chasing down the Wild Hunt, what better to cleanse...
2018-08-271h 35The Joy of Gaming PodcastThe Joy of Geek Podcast, Episode 70 - Mission: Impossible - Fallout Review and Franchise RetrospectiveThe Joy of Geek Podcast, Episode 70:
Mission: Impossible - Fallout Review and Series Retrospective
On this episode of The Joy of Geek Podcast, we (Rich, Kevin and Young) are geared-up and ready for action with a review of Mission: Impossible - Fallout, the latest in the sense-shattering spy-action franchise that somehow keeps raising the stakes with each new entry. Fallout is actually the sixth film in the series (and the second directed by Christopher McQuarrie) and it has proved to be an explosive hit with audiences and critics alike.
In our Joy of Geek Review, we lo...
2018-08-192h 50The Joy of Gaming PodcastThe Joy of Geek Podcast, Episode 69 - San Diego Comic-Con 2018 Featuring Aquaman, Shazam, Glass and TitansThe Joy of Geek Podcast, Episode 69:
San Diego Comic-Con 2018 - Featuring Aquaman, Shazam, Glass, and Titans
On this episode of The Joy of Geek Podcast, we (Rich and Kevin) discuss the largest and most important geek-culture convention of the year, San Diego Comic-Con 2018. And while this year’s SDCC was typically light on comic-book-specific news, it offered a cavalcade of new movie and TV trailers, and some really exciting announcements.
Our discussion includes: new trailers for Aquaman, Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, Glass, Godzilla: King of the Monsters, and Shazam!, some Star Wars Episode IX new...
2018-08-081h 41The Joy of Gaming PodcastThe Joy of Geek Podcast, Episode 68 - Ant-Man and the Wasp ReviewThe Joy of Geek Podcast, Episode 68:
Ant-Man and The Wasp Review
On this episode of The Joy of Geek Podcast, we (Rich and Kevin) review Ant-Man and The Wasp, the newest entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe starring Paul Rudd and Evangeline Lilly and directed by Peyton Reed. Ant-Man and the Wasp actually takes place before the events of this past summer’s Avengers: Infinity War, and its stylish brand of action-comedy offers a welcome reprieve from that film’s brutal intensity. We weigh in on all aspects of the film, including the cast of characters, overall narrative, acti...
2018-07-302h 08The Joy of Gaming PodcastThe Joy of Gaming Podcast, Episode 72 - E3 2018 Press Conference Round-Up and Hollow Knight ReviewThe Joy of Gaming Podcast, Episode 72:
E3 2018 Press Conference Round-up and Hollow Knight Review
On this episode of The Joy of Gaming Podcast, we (Rich and Jordan) dive headlong into E3 2018 to discuss all of the biggest games and announcements from this year’s convention - including Cyberpunk 2077, Resident Evil 2 Remake, Kingdom Hearts III, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and so much more. We also discuss each of the major E3 press conferences - from Microsoft, Sony, Bethesda, Ubisoft, Nintendo, EA and Square Enix - and offer our thoughts on who had the best showing this year.
An...
2018-07-232h 34The Joy of Gaming PodcastThe Joy of Geek Podcast, Episode 67 - Exploring the Halls of Junior High Horrors with Rob Potchak, Rob Retiano and Billy ParkerThe Joy of Geek Podcast, Episode 67:
Exploring the Halls of Junior High Horrors with Rob Potchak, Rob Retiano and Billy Parker
On this special episode of The Joy of Geek Podcast, we (Rich and Kevin) introduce you to the spooky world of Junior High Horrors: and all-ages Horror comic series launching later this year. We recently had an opportunity to interview the creative team - Writer Rob Potchak, and Artists Rob Retiano and Billy Parker - to discuss their individual origin stories, their introduction to comics, and the genesis of Junior High Horrors.
This episode was re...
2018-07-1556 minThe Joy of Gaming PodcastThe Joy of Geek Podcast, Episode 66 - Best Summer Blockbusters and Incredibles 2The Joy of Geek Podcast, Episode 66:
Best Summer Blockbusters and Incredibles 2
On this episode of The Joy of Geek Podcast, we (Rich and Kevin) celebrate the time-honored tradition of the Summer Blockbuster with a look back at our Top 3 favorites from the 21st Century, and a few subtle nods to the 80s and 90s for good measure. From trilogies to cinematic universes to stand-alone masterpieces, this was a tough list to make, with films like The Dark Knight, Bridesmaids, Mad Max: Fury Road and Pirates of the Caribbean all in contention.
And speaking of blockbusters, few...
2018-06-252h 12The Joy of Gaming PodcastThe Joy of Geek Podcast, Episode 65 - Solo: A Star Wars Story Review and Westworld Season 2 UpdateThe Joy of Geek Podcast, Episode 65:
Solo: A Star Wars Story Review and Westworld Season 2 Update
On this episode of The Joy of Geek Podcast, we (Rich and Kevin) review the new film Solo: A Star Wars Story, starring Alden Ehrenreich as a young Han Solo, and directed by Ron Howard. The film went through a famously troubled development cycle, including a change in director, last-minute acting lessons and drastic reshoots on its journey to the screen, but does the final product deliver on the promise of a fun, swashbuckling Star Wars adventure?
In our Spoilercast...
2018-06-041h 56The Joy of Gaming PodcastThe Joy of Geek Podcast, Episode 64 - Fall TV Upfronts 2018: Trailers, Renewals and CancellationsThe Joy of Geek Podcast, Episode 64:
Fall TV Upfronts 2018 - Trailers, Renewals and Cancellations
On this very special episode of The Joy of Geek Podcast, we dive headlong into the 2018 TV Season with a look at all of the newly-released trailers from ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX and The CW. From ABC’s Cop Drama The Rookie starring Nathan Fillion, to Fox’s Zombie-Pandemic sci-fi show The Passage, to the new reboot of Charmed on the CW and beyond, we watched the best and the worst that this year’s TV Upfronts had to offer, and we’re here to tell yo...
2018-05-292h 15The Joy of Gaming PodcastThe Joy of Gaming Podcast, Episode 71 - God of War Spoiler-Free Discussion, Resident Evil Zero and MoreThe Joy of Gaming Podcast, Episode 71:
God of War Spoiler-Free Discussion, Resident Evil Zero and More
On this episode of The Joy of Gaming, we (Rich and Jordan) discuss one of the biggest gaming releases of the year, God of War. The game’s creative director Cory Barlog has long been a subject of interest and speculation on the podcast, and now we finally know what he’s been doing for the past five years. This ambitious reinvention of the God of War franchise takes Kratos out of Ancient Greece and into the world of Norse mythology, and has...
2018-05-201h 50The Joy of Gaming PodcastThe Joy of Geek Podcast, Episode 63 - Avengers: Infinity War Review and Westworld Season 2 PremiereThe Joy of Geek Podcast, Episode 63:
Avengers: Infinity War Review and Westworld Season 2 Premiere
On this episode of The Joy of Geek Podcast, we (Rich, Jordan and Kevin) are here to discuss Avengers: Infinity War - one of the biggest and most anticipated films of our time. Infinity War is the 19th entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, serving as the culmination of more than 10 years of films and bringing together heroes from every corner of the galaxy for an epic confrontation with Thanos. In our Spoiler-Filled Review, we’ll cover all aspects of the film, including: the por...
2018-05-072h 08The Joy of Gaming PodcastThe Joy of Geek Podcast, Episode 62 - Ready Player One Review, A Quiet Place, Unforgotten and MoreThe Joy of Geek Podcast, Episode 62:
Ready Player One Review, A Quiet Place, Unforgotten and More
On this episode of The Joy of Geek Podcast, we (Rich and Kevin) review the film Ready Player One, directed by Steven Spielberg and based on the 2011 novel by Ernest Cline. The film is a celebration of 80’s pop culture and the history of video games, and is set in the year 2045 where the desolation of the real world leads most of humanity to escape to the OASIS - a virtual reality utopia where anything is possible. Ready Player One is one pa...
2018-04-281h 49The Joy of Gaming PodcastThe Joy of Geek Podcast, Episode 61 - YA Author Scott Reintgen on his Novel Nyxia and How To Get PublishedThe Joy of Geek Podcast, Episode 61:
YA Author Scott Reintgen on his novel Nyxia and "How To Get Published"
On this episode of The Joy of Geek Podcast, we (Rich and Kevin) interview Scott Reintgen, author of the new Young Adult Sci-Fi Novel series Nyxia (Crown). The interview is taken from a panel we hosted at Oak City Comic Con titled “How to get Published,” and Scott shares the story of how he turned his passion for writing into a career, including advice on: pitching to literary agents, how to handle rejection, and perhaps most importantly of all, how to...
2018-04-0654 minThe Joy of Gaming PodcastThe Joy of Gaming Podcast, Episode 70 - Monster Hunter World, Celeste and March 8th Nintendo DirectThe Joy of Gaming Podcast, Episode 70:
Monster Hunter World, Celeste and March 8th Nintendo Direct
On this episode of The Joy of Gaming Podcast, we (Rich and Jordan) are back and ready to talk about all of the games we’ve been playing recently. Leading the conversation are two games that couldn’t be more different, but have each won over fans and critics alike. First there’s Monster Hunter World, which marks the return of the series to home consoles, and has sold in excess of 6 million copies since its February launch. We’ve both been slaying our fair...
2018-03-242h 22The Joy of Gaming PodcastThe Joy of Geek Podcast, Episode 60 - Annihilation Review and Spoilercast, Lady Bird and MoreThe Joy of Geek Podcast, Episode 60:
Annihilation Review and Spoilercast, Lady Bird, and More
On this episode of The Joy of Geek Podcast, we (Rich and Kevin) dive headlong into the "shimmer” to discuss the new film Annihilation. This is director Alex Garland’s highly-anticipated follow-up to 2015’s Ex Machina, and it stars Natalie Portman as a former soldier turned biologist on a mission to save her husband - and possibly all of mankind - from a mysterious shimmering cloud that threatens to consume the earth. And if that brief synopsis sounds a bit hard to pin down, there’...
2018-03-132h 15The Joy of Gaming PodcastThe Joy of Geek Podcast, Episode 59: Black Panther Review and SPOILERCASTThe Joy of Geek Podcast, Episode 59:
Black Panther Review and Spoilercast
On this episode of The Joy of Geek Podcast, we (Rich and Kevin) discuss the biggest movie of 2018 thus far - Marvel’s Black Panther - which has made more than $700 Million to date and is showing no signs of slowing down. And to help us discuss director Brian Coogler’s unique vision of Wakanda, we welcome special guest / writer / comics afficianado, Quin Melvin. Quin will be hosting a panel later this month called “Writers of Wakanda,” and he shares with us his unique insights about the comics an...
2018-03-032h 19The Joy of Gaming PodcastThe Joy of Geek Podcast, Episode 58: The Best Movies of 2017 (The Year in Geek, Part 4)The Joy of Geek Podcast, Episode 58:
The Best Movies of 2017 (The Year in Geek, Part 4)
On this episode of The Joy of Geek Podcast, we (Rich, Jordan and Kevin) bring you the final installment in our “Year in Geek” celebration, with a discussion of The Best Movies of 2017. We start off the festivities with a look back at the year as a whole, discussing notable trends, highly-anticipated new entries in beloved franchises, and our thoughts on the overall quality of 2017’s filmic crop.
Next we shift into the awards portion of the evening, and get down to the...
2018-02-193h 05The Joy of Gaming PodcastThe Joy of Geek Podcast, Episode 57 - The Best TV Shows of 2017The Joy of Geek Podcast, Episode 57:
The Best of TV 2017 (The Year in Geek, Part 3)
On this episode of The Joy of Geek Podcast, we (Rich, Jordan and Kevin) continue our “Year in Geek” celebration with an epic discussion of The Best TV of 2017. We start by talking about the current (amazing) state of television, the insanely large number of scripted shows released each year, and the continued dominance of streaming giants Netflix, Hulu and Amazon. And of course, with great new shows from FX, AMC, Fox, NBC (and so many more), there’s plenty of love for traditio...
2018-02-062h 21The Joy of Gaming PodcastThe Joy of Geek Podcast, Episode 56 - The Best Comics of 2017The Joy of Geek Podcast, Episode 56:
The Best Comics of 2017 (The Year in Geek, Part 2)
On this episode of The Joy of Geek Podcast, we (Jordan and Kevin) dive into Part Two of our podcast-wide “The Year in Geek” celebration, with a look at the Best Comic Books and Graphic Novels of 2017. We start with a look back at some of the year’s most notable stories, including Tom King’s celebrated runs on Batman and Mister Miracle, Brian Michael Bendis’ defection from Marvel to DC, Dan Slott’s 10-year run on Amazing Spider-Man coming to a close, and of cours...
2018-01-291h 50The Joy of Gaming PodcastThe Joy of Gaming Podcast, Episode 69 - The Best Video Games of 2017The Joy of Gaming Podcast, Episode 69:
The Best Video Games of 2017 (The Year in Geek, Part 1)
On this episode of The Joy of Gaming Podcast, we (Rich and Jordan) kick off our podcast-wide “The Year in Geek” celebration with a look at The Best Video Games of 2017. And what an interesting year it’s been in gaming.
We start with a look at some of 2017's biggest stories and trends, most notably the launch of the Nintendo Switch, the meteoric rise of PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds, and the controversy surrounding two massive sequels - Star Wars Battlefront 2 and Desti...
2018-01-212h 39The Joy of Gaming PodcastThe Joy of Geek Podcast, Episode 55 - Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi Review and SpoilercastThe Joy of Geek Podcast, Episode 55:
Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi Review and Spoilercast
On this epic episode of The Joy of Geek Podcast, we (Rich and Kevin) review the most talked-about, highly-anticipated film of the year: Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi. And although critics have showered the film with near-unanimous praise, it currently holds a 51% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, demonstrating a clear disturbance in the force when it comes to fan opinion. Writer/Director Rian Johnson has clearly made a divisive film, and some of its biggest reveals and surprises - while...
2017-12-272h 13The Joy of Gaming PodcastThe Joy of Gaming Podcast, Episode 68 - Assassin's Creed Origins, Sonic Forces, Super Mario Odyssey and 2017 VGAsThe Joy of Gaming Podcast, Episode 68:
Assassin's Creed Origins, Sonic Forces, Super Mario Odyssey and 2017 VGAs
On this episode of The Joy of Gaming Podcast, we (Rich and Jordan) dive headlong into some of this Fall’s biggest gaming releases. Rich has been playing a lot of Assassin’s Creed Origins, and weighs in on whether or not taking a year off has allowed Ubisoft to reinvent the series in meaningful ways. He’s also been playing Nintendo’s big holiday release - Super Mario Odyssey - and has some thoughts on whether it lives up to the heaps of c...
2017-12-212h 20The Joy of Gaming PodcastThe Joy of Geek Podcast, Episode 54 - Netflix’s The Punisher & Alias Grace, Crisis on Earth-X, and X-O Manowar Vol. 1The Joy of Geek Podcast, Episode 54:
Netflix’s The Punisher and Alias Grace, Crisis on Earth-X, and GNBC on X-O Manowar Vol. 1
On this episode of the Joy of Geek Podcast, we (Rich and Kevin) try to retain our composure in the lead-up to the release of Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi, and talk about a variety of recent TV, Movies and Comics releases. Our conversation includes the new Doomsday Clock series from DC Comics (AKA the Watchmen sequel), a discussion of the 4-part Arrowverse crossover Crisis on Earth-X, our final thoughts on Netflix Original Series Th...
2017-12-161h 31The Joy of Gaming PodcastThe Joy of Geek Podcast, Episode 53 - Justice League Review and NC ComicCon RecapThe Joy of Geek Podcast, Episode 53:
Justice League Review and NC ComicCon Recap
On this episode, we (Rich and Kevin) are geared-up and ready to talk about the biggest make-or-break moment in Superhero movies this year. That’s right: after years of speculation, anticipation, cautious optimism, controversies, costume reveals, script re-writes, reshoots, director swaps, and even a digitally-deleted moustache, Justice League is finally here. And surprisingly enough (especially after the five-alarm dumpster fire that was Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice in 2016), this new take on DC Comics’ most famous superhero team has been relatively well-received by critics and a...
2017-12-031h 48The Joy of Gaming PodcastThe Joy of Geek Podcast, Episode 52 - Thor: Ragnarok Review, Arrowverse 2017 and Fall TV HighlightsThe Joy of Geek Podcast, Episode 52:
Thor: Ragnarok Review, Arrowverse 2017 and Fall TV Highlights
On this episode, it’s a reunion show of sorts, as the hosts of The Joy of Geek and The Joy of Gaming UNITE! for an epic, media-discussion-free-for-all. What’s the occasion? Well for one, Thor: Ragnarok was just released, and it’s quite possibly the funniest, most fun Marvel movie yet. But does the God of Thunder’s latest outing measure up to the rest of the Marvel Cinematic Universe films in other areas as well? We (Rich, Jordan and Kevin) all have slightly...
2017-11-112h 38The Joy of Gaming PodcastThe Joy of Gaming Podcast, Episode 67 - Fall Gaming is here (and we're playing catch-up)The Joy of Gaming Podcast, Episode 67:
Fall Gaming is Here (and we're playing catch-up)
On this episode of The Joy of Gaming Podcast, we (Rich and Jordan) discuss the variety of games we’ve been playing as a large number of Fall releases arrive on the scene. For Rich, that involves a lot more Destiny 2, with an update on the Leviathan Raid and endgame content, and the grudging realization that Destiny (much like World of Warcraft) is life-consuming. For Jordan, there’s a bit more variety, with a discussion of Metroid: Samus Returns, The Evil Within, Overwatch’s Halloween...
2017-11-051h 37The Joy of Gaming PodcastThe Joy of Geek Podcast, Episode 51 - Stranger Things 2, Mr. Robot S3 and Happy Death DayThe Joy of Geek Podcast, Episode 51:
Halloween Spectacular, Featuring Stranger Things 2, Mr. Robot S3 and Happy Death Day
On this very special episode of The Joy of Geek Podcast, we (Rich and Kevin) celebrate the Halloween season by discussing a spooky sampling of (mostly) seasonally-appropriate media. First and foremost, we discuss Season Two of Stranger Things: a nine-episode return to Netflix that fans have been eagerly anticipating almost since the moment season one dropped last year. Kevin has binged the entire second season already, and is ready to regale us with tales of its magnificence (in as “spoiler-free” a re...
2017-11-021h 45The Joy of Gaming PodcastThe Joy of Geek Podcast, Episode 50 - Nailbiter Volumes 1-6 - Graphic Novel Book ClubThe Joy of Geek Podcast, Episode 50:
Nailbiter Volumes 1-6 - Graphic Novel Book Club, Halloween Edition
On this requisitely creepy, Halloween Edition of the Graphic Novel Book Club, we (Rich and Kevin) discuss the complete Nailbiter comic series by writer Joshua Williamson (Flash, Birthright) and Artist Mike Henderson (Masks and Mobsters, TMNT). Nailbiter takes place in Buckaroo, Oregon - a town that has given birth an unnaturally large number of serial killers - and chronicles the adventures of NSA Agent Nicholas Finch as he attempts to unravel the mystery of the town and its most famous creation, Edward “Nai...
2017-10-231h 23The Joy of Gaming PodcastThe Joy of Geek Podcast, Episode 49 - Blade Runner 2049 Spoilercast and Kingsman: The Golden CircleThe Joy of Geek Podcast, Episode 49:
Blade Runner 2049 Spoilercast and Kingsman: The Golden Circle
On this episode of The Joy of Geek Podcast, we (Rich and Kevin) journey to the cyberpunk Los Angeles of the future to review this year’s biggest (and best) surprise, Blade Runner 2049. The film - starring Ryan Gosling and Harrison Ford and directed by Denis Villaneuve (Prisoners, Arrival) - serves as a sequel to the 1982 neo-noir masterpiece Blade Runner, and it has received near unanimous praise from critics and audiences alike. We discuss all aspects of the film - including the cast, story, di...
2017-10-092h 04The Joy of Gaming PodcastThe Joy of Geek Podcast, Episode 48 - Talking Star Trek, Defenders and Aceblade w/Danny J. QuickThe Joy of Geek Podcast, Episode 48:
Talking Star Trek, Defenders and Aceblade w/Danny J. Quick
On this episode of The Joy of Geek, we (Rich and Kevin) welcome a very special guest to the podcast - comic author Danny J. Quick. Danny is the co-creator and author of the new series Aceblade: Vegas Vigilante, which tells the story of protagonist Terrell Durham’s rise from MMA fighter to costumed hero Aceblade, driven to action by the corruption he sees all around him. The series has already had two successful kickstarters, and a third is currently underway for Ac...
2017-10-041h 18The Joy of Gaming PodcastThe Joy of Gaming Podcast, Episode 66 - Destiny 2 and Metroid: Samus Returns (Finally!)The Joy of Gaming Podcast, Episode 66:
Destiny 2 and Metroid: Samus Returns (Finally!)
On this episode of The Joy of Gaming Podcast, we (Rich and Jordan) talk about two of the biggest video game releases of the year - Destiny 2 and Metroid: Samus Returns. And although these games are nothing alike in genre - one is a cinematic shared-world shooter with a focus on grinding for loot, and the other is single-player exploration-based side-scroller - both are highly, highly anticipated and subject to massive expectations from series fans. We discuss both games in depth and offer our thoughts on...
2017-09-282h 27The Joy of Gaming PodcastThe Joy of Geek Podcast, Episode 47 - Review of "It" and Top 3 Horror FilmsThe Joy of Geek Podcast, Episode 47:
Review of "It" and Top 3 Horror Films
On this Horror-fueled episode of The Joy of Geek Podcast, we (Rich and Kevin) talk about the new film It, based on the novel by Stephen King, and starring Bill Skarsgard as the iconic Pennywise, The Dancing Clown. And although this version of It underwent some significant creative reshuffles during development (with changes made to the script and director, among other things) it has proved to be a massive hit with audiences and critics, and has broken the record for the highest-grossing opening week...
2017-09-181h 32The Joy of Gaming PodcastThe Joy of Geek Podcast, Episode 46 - Dunkirk Review and Christopher Nolan RetrospectiveThe Joy of Geek Podcast, Episode 46:
Dunkirk Review and Christopher Nolan Retrospective
On this episode of The Joy of Geek Podcast, we (Rich and Kevin) take a look back at the work of Christopher Nolan, a film director who has redefined the modern blockbuster and increased our capacity for wonder and awe with each of his ten films. His latest film is Dunkirk, which - through its use of three interwoven stories and a unique chronology - attempts to redefine the war movie genre in the same way Nolan redefined the Science Fiction and Superhero genres in years...
2017-09-062h 32The Joy of Gaming PodcastThe Joy of Gaming Podcast, Episode 65 - Kingdom Hearts Re:Everything and Persona 5The Joy of Gaming Podcast, Episode 65:
Kingdom Hearts Re:Everything and Persona 5
Update: We were having some issues with the incorrect episode loading...but all should be fixed now.
On this episode of The Joy of Gaming Podcast, we (Rich and Jordan) continue our deep dive into all things Kingdom Hearts, discussing KH 1.5 and 2.5 Final Mix, Re:Chain of Memories Final Mix, 358/2 Days and Re:coded, while also trying to put our finger on exactly what makes their unique mix of mechanics and lore so compelling. And now that we're both a lot further into the 100-hour...
2017-08-291h 41The Joy of Gaming PodcastThe Joy of Geek Podcast, Episode 45 - The State of Streaming & Our Top Five from Netflix, Amazon and HuluThe Joy of Geek Podcast, Episode 45:
The State of Streaming & Our Top Five from Netflix, Amazon and Hulu
On this episode of The Joy of Geek Podcast, we take a look at the current state of streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime and Hulu, and explore the incredible rise and recent explosion of this increasingly dominant way to enjoy television. This is a medium that is growing and evolving so quickly that we actually had to break out an iPhone to record an additional news segment (which you'll find at the end of the podcast) to discuss...
2017-08-152h 28The Joy of Gaming PodcastThe Joy of Gaming Podcast, Episode 64 - Nintendo 64 Retrospective and Kingdom HeartsThe Joy of Gaming Podcast, Episode 64:
Nintendo 64 Retrospective and Kingdom Hearts
On this, the 64th episode of The Joy of Gaming Podcast, we (Rich and Jordan) take this ideal opportunity to discuss the Nintendo 64 console in all of its glory (and infamy). From Nintendo's seemingly-stubborn decision to stick with game cartridges in the age of CD-ROM, to the controversial controller design, to the many groundbreaking and genre-defining titles that were released in its lifespan - we discuss all aspects of the platform that brought us Super Mario 64, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time...
2017-08-072h 51The Joy of Gaming PodcastThe Joy of Geek Podcast, Special Edition - 3rd Annual San Diego Comic-Con 2017 ExtravaganzaThe Joy of Geek Podcast, Special Edition:
3rd Annual San Diego Comic-Con 2017 Extravaganza
On this very special episode of The Joy of Geek Podcast, we (Rich and Kevin) take a whirlwind tour through this year's San Diego Comic-Con to discuss all the latest news, trailers and announcements from the convention. From the latest Justice League trailer and DC's ridiculously large slate of announced films, to the new trailers for Defenders and Inhumans over at Marvel, this year's SDCC provided us with a generous supply of pop-culture fodder to dive into and discuss.
2017-08-012h 05The Joy of Gaming PodcastThe Joy of Gaming Podcast, Episode 63 - E3 2017 Impressions and an Embarassment of Gaming RichesThe Joy of Gaming Podcast, Episode 63:
E3 2017 Impressions and an Embarassment of Gaming Riches
On this episode of The Joy of Gaming Podcast, we (Rich and Jordan) are back and armed with our impressions of the 2017 Electronic Entertainment Expo and a massive backlog of games to talk about. In other words, the Summer gaming season is upon us.
On the E3 2017 front, it's been a few weeks since the press conferences and wall-to-wall media coverage, and we've had some time to collect our thoughts about which announcements really stood out...
2017-07-242h 15The Joy of Gaming PodcastThe Joy of Film, Episode 15 - Summer Film Extravaganza Feat. Spider-Man: Homecoming, Wonder Woman and Alien: CovenantThe Joy of Film Podcast, Episode 15:
Summer Film Extravaganza, Featuring Spider-Man: Homecoming, Wonder Woman and Alien: Covenant
On this episode of The Joy of Film Podcast, we (Rich and Kevin) discuss some of the biggest summer movie releases, including: Marvel's Spider-Man: Homecoming, DC's Wonder Woman, Ridley Scott's Alien: Covenant, Edgar Wright's Baby Driver and more. It's been an amazing year so far for superhero and genre films, so expect a spirited conversation.
We also discuss the recent drama surrounding the thus-far-unnamed Star Wars Young Han Solo film - including the "firing" of...
2017-07-121h 47The Joy of Gaming PodcastThe Joy of Comics, Episode 17 - Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 2 and Runaways GN Book ClubThe Joy of Comics Podcast, Episode 17:
Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 2 and Runaways Graphic Novel Book Club
On this episode of The Joy of Comics Podcast, we (Rich, Jordan and Kevin) discuss the latest in the world of comics and comics-related media, and there's a lot to talk about. First, we dive into Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 2, the latest entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and discuss all aspects of the film - from the plot and structure, to the characters and performances, to the enigmatic new character EGO the Living Planet - and we...
2017-05-302h 09The Joy of Gaming PodcastThe Joy of Gaming Podcast, Episode 62 - Yooka-Laylee, Persona 5 and Breath of the WildThe Joy of Gaming Podcast, Episode 62:
Yooka-Laylee, Persona 5 and Breath of the Wild
On this games-centric episode of The Joy of Gaming Podcast, we (Rich and Jordan) discuss the games we've been playing over the past few weeks - among which are some of 2017's most anticipated titles. From Playtonic's retro-inspired 3D platformer Yooka-Laylee, to the stylistically-incredible first few hours of Persona 5, to a much deeper-dive into the incredible world of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, there's something here for fans of all genres, and a whole lot to discuss.
W...
2017-05-081h 57The Joy of Gaming PodcastThe Joy of Television, Episode 11 - Superhero TV Special: Iron Fist and LegionThe Joy of Television Podcast, Episode 11:
Superhero TV Special - Iron Fist and Legion
On this episode of The Joy of Television Podcast, we (Rich, Jordan and Kevin) discuss two very different takes on the modern Superhero TV show - The Marvel/Netflix Kung-Fu origin-story Iron Fist, and FX's "superhero-origin-story-meets-prestige-drama" Legion. These shows approach the comic book/superhero genre from wildly different perspectives, and have been met with a wide range of opinions from critics and fans.
We'll be offering our thoughts on all aspects of these drastically different shows - from characters, to p...
2017-04-171h 33The Joy of Gaming PodcastThe Joy of Film Podcast, Episode 14 - Power Rangers ReviewThe Joy of Film Podcast, Episode 14:
Power Rangers Review
On this episode of The Joy of Film Podcast, we (Jordan, Kevin and Kelsey) go galactic to review Power Rangers - Saban's new big-screen adaptation of the long-running franchise. This is a big deal for Power Rangers fans, and the first major film for the franchise in over 20 years. And while online anticipation for the film reached fever-pitch in the lead-up to its release, stalwart fans of the original series also voiced significant concerns over the film's tone, updated costumes, and the depiction of certain classic...
2017-04-091h 32The Joy of Gaming PodcastThe Joy of Gaming Podcast, Episode 61 - Nintendo Switch and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the WildThe Joy of Gaming Podcast, Episode 61:
Nintendo Switch and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
On this episode of The Joy of Gaming Podcast, we (Rich and Jordan) discuss Nintendo's highly-anticipated latest console, the Nintendo Switch. The Switch signals a bold new direction for Nintendo, as it incorporates the convenience of a portable gaming system with the power and potential of a home console. The idea is certainly novel, and if this new "hybrid system" can deliver console-quality gaming at home and on the go, it could signal a return to relevance for...
2017-04-041h 48The Joy of Gaming PodcastThe Joy of Comics Episode 16 - Interview with Dave Dwonch from Action Lab ComicsThe Joy of Comics Podcast, Episode 16:
Interview with Dave Dwonch from Action Lab Comics
On this very special episode of The Joy of Comics podcast, we (Rich, Jordan and Kevin) sit down with Dave Dwonch - a comics writer and executive who lives and works on the frontlines of the indpendent comics scene. As a founding member of Action Lab Comics - as well as its President of Marketing and Development - Dave has some fascinating insights to offer about the current state of indpendent publishing, and when we were offered the opportunity to interview...
2017-03-2753 minThe Joy of Gaming PodcastThe Joy of Film Podcast, Episode 12 - Logan ReviewThe Joy of Film Podcast, Episode 12:
Logan Review, The Oscars and Film News
On this episode of The Joy of Film podcast, we (Rich, Jordan and Kevin) take a cross-country trip through a post-apocalyptic wasteland to review one of the most anticipated superhero films of the past few years: Logan. This is director James Mangold's follow-up to 2013's The Wolverine, and it takes its inspiration from the comic series Old Man Logan which depicts the period near the end of Wolverine's life. As such, it affords an excellent opportunity for fans to bid a fond...
2017-03-202h 45The Joy of Gaming PodcastThe Year in Geek, Part 4 - Best Comic Books of 2016The Joy of Comics Podcast, Episode 14:
The Year in Geek, Part 4 - Best Comics of 2016
On this very special episode of the Joy of Comics Podcast, we (Rich, Jordan and Kevin) close out our "Year in Geek" celebration with a look back at the Best Comic Books of 2016. And although the impact of comics on popular culture has been growing steadily each year for the past decade or so, 2016 was quite possibly the biggest yet for comics and comics-related media - from TV to Film and beyond.
Here, however, our focus is squarely...
2017-03-061h 48The Joy of Gaming PodcastThe Year in Geek, Part 3 - Best TV Shows of 2016The Joy of Television, Episode 10:
The Year in Geek, Part 3 - Best TV of 2016
It's Part 3 of our annual "Year in Geek" celebration, and on this episode we (Rich, Jordan and Kevin) discuss the best that Television had to offer in 2016. Choosing favorites from this year's crop of top-quality TV shows was as difficult as it's ever been, thanks in part to the continued barrage of new shows from streaming sources like Netflix, Amazon and Hulu, and cable contenders FX, AMC, and The CW (to name only a few). The 2016 television landscape was unprecedented in...
2017-02-272h 20The Joy of Gaming PodcastThe Joy of Comics Episode 15 - Batman, Watchmen and the Art of Modern Comics w/ Gabriel DunstonThe Joy of Comics Podcast, Episode 15:
Batman, Watchmen and the Art of Modern Comics w/ Gabriel Dunston
On this episode of The Joy of Comics podcast, we (Rich, Jordan and Kevin) welcome local comics creator and friend of the show Gabriel Dunston - and although our original intention was to talk about his new Kickstarter project Stuff and Things, the conversation soon evolved into a wide-reaching discussion about the state of modern comics.
From assessing the quality of The Killing Joke and The Dark Knight Returns and their place in the overall Batman co...
2017-02-173h 04The Joy of Gaming PodcastThe Year in Geek, Part 2 - Best Video Games of 2016The Joy of Gaming Podcast, Episode 60:
The Year in Geek, Part 2 - Best Video Games of 2016
Our Annual "Year in Geek" festivities continue with a look back at the best (and worst) that the video games industry had to offer in 2016. We (Rich, Jordan and Kelsey) played a lot of games this past year, and it's always tough to crown the best and brightest of the genre that started it all for us here at TJOG. Somehow though, we manage, and this year's conversation covers a LOT of gaming ground - from Doom and World...
2017-02-122h 44The Joy of Gaming PodcastThe Year in Geek, Part 1 - Best Films of 2016The Joy of Film Podcast, Episode 11:
The Year in Geek, Part 1 - Best Films of 2016
Each year around this time, we here at The Joy of Geek Podcast get together for a series of "Best of the Year" episodes, celebrating our favorite Films, Video Games, TV Shows and Comics of the past year. This year, we (Rich, Jordan and Kevin) are kicking off the festivities with a look back at the Best Films of 2016, and simply put, it's been a roller-coaster ride of a year in cinema. We discuss the highest highs and lowest lows...
2017-01-301h 54The Joy of Gaming PodcastThe Joy of Gaming Podcast, Episode 59 - Winter Gaming Extravaganza, Feat. Pokemon Sun and Moon and Final Fantasy XVThe Joy of Gaming Podcast, Episode 59:
Winter Gaming Extravaganza, Featuring Pokemon Sun and Moon and Final Fantasy XV
The Joy of Gaming Podcast is back after a bit of a break, with an episode that's jam-packed with content and more than capable of making up for lost time. We (Rich and Jordan) are ready to let loose the gaming flood gates, and all the huge Winter game releases we've been playing over the past two months serve as fuel for a fantastic and frenetic, mano y mano conversation.
What games have we been pl...
2017-01-042h 31The Joy of Gaming PodcastThe Joy of Film Podcast, Episode 10 - Winter Film Season CelebrationThe Joy of Film Podcast, Episode 10:
Winter Film Season Celebration
On this episode of The Joy of Film Podcast, we (Rich, Jordan and Kevin) talk about all of the big movies we've seen recently. And because we're in the midst of the Winter Film Season, we'll be discussing some of the biggest films of the year, including: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Arrival, Edge of Seventeen, Moana, Final Fantasy XV: Kingsglaive, and more.
We also discuss some of the biggest recently-released trailers, trying our best to predict quality and figure out...
2017-01-012h 28The Joy of Gaming PodcastThe Joy of Television, Episode 9 - Westworld and the Best of Science Fiction on TVThe Joy of Television Podcast, Episode 9:
Westworld and the Best of Science Fiction on TV
On this episode, we (Rich, Jordan and Kevin) dive back into the world of TV in a big way, exploring the past and present of the Science Fiction genre on Television. Here in Science Fiction's present, Westworld has taken over a lion's share of the pop culture conversation, and we have some strong opinions of our own about HBO's groundbreaking, hugely popular and (mostly) critically-lauded show. But gatling guns and robot "reveries" aside, we also discuss some of the other s...
2016-12-212h 19