Tue, 22 May 2007 23:40:00 -0800 http://www.chatterboxgameshow.com/ The ONLY traditionally broadcast video game radio show on the planet... and now it's podCast. More info at http://www.chatterboxgameshow.com http://www.chatterboxgameshow.com/images/cover.jpg http://www.chatterboxgameshow.com/ en-us Alon Waisman alon@chatterboxgameshow.com alon@chatterboxgameshow.com No The ONLY traditionally broadcast video game radio (1100AM KFNX) show on the planet... and now it's podCast. We cover industry news, not just reviews. More info at http://www.chatterboxgameshow.com The ONLY traditionally broadcast video game radio (1100AM KFNX) show on the planet... and now it's podCast. We cover industry news, not just reviews. More info at http://www.chatterboxgameshow.com Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian alon@chatterboxgameshow.com Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian Video Games Copyright 2004-2008 ChatterBox Video Game Entertainment videogame, video, game, news, industry, radio, fun, technology, console, PC http://ripple.radiotail.com/1007/Show258_01-06-2009.mp3 After learning about a six year old in driver's ed, we discuss the maturity of gaming as an artistic medium. Some might argue the medium is immature, but Ara claims it's because you're immature. Tue, 06 January 2009 23:55:00 -0800 Video Games No Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian, Richard Crawford videogame, video, game, news, industry, radio, fun, technology, console, PC 47:08 47:08 http://ripple.radiotail.com/1007/Show257_12-30-2008.mp3 Back from another break, Alon publicly deals with his internal conflict over digitally distributed console games; it's a love/hate thing. Rich takes an unexpected phone call from Ron Workman, cofounder of Destructoid.com, to discuss plans for the upcoming CES. There's also a little discussion about Adam Sessler's recent Soapbox rant about complaints of violence in games. Tue, 30 December 2008 23:55:00 -0800 Video Games No Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian, Richard Crawford videogame, video, game, news, industry, radio, fun, technology, console, PC 46:40 46:40 http://ripple.radiotail.com/1007/Show255_12-16-2008.mp3 Got an iPhone? Like games? Too bad the games that sound good usually suck. You know what else is pretty lame? PlayStation Home and it's microtransaction economy. What else could we complain about this week? Well, to complete the trinity of lame, please enjoy our argument about narrative in games, based on a little commentary by Steven Spielberg. Tue, 16 December 2008 23:45:00 -0800 Video Games No Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian, Richard Crawford videogame, video, game, news, industry, radio, fun, technology, console, PC 46:56 46:56 http://ripple.radiotail.com/1007/Show254_12-09-2008.mp3 After a short hiatus, we're back in action. This week's discussion surrounds an article on Gamasutra that digs into the used games economy and the opposing viewpoints. Basically, it's GameStop vs Publishers, otherwise known as The Man vs The Man. Tue, 09 December 2008 23:30:00 -0800 Video Games No Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian, Richard Crawford videogame, video, game, news, industry, radio, fun, technology, console, PC 46:58 46:58 http://ripple.radiotail.com/1007/Show252_11-25-2008.mp3 This week, we brought in Chad from PlaySwitch.com to talk about the game trading market he helped to create. It's another site intended to bring together buyers and sellers of used games. You know, a way to take down the man, a man named GameStop. If you try it, let us know what you think. PS - some of the audio in this episode kind of sucks... won't happen again. For cereal. Thu, 27 November 2008 13:30:00 -0800 Video Games No Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian, Richard Crawford videogame, video, game, news, industry, radio, fun, technology, console, PC 46:52 46:52 http://ripple.radiotail.com/1007/Show250_11-11-2008.mp3 LittleBIGPlanet is still totally awesome, and you should be playing it right now. When you're not playing it, you can listen to our show. This week you'll hear us interview Jon Dean, Executive Producer at EA Salt Lake, who talks with us (and his Producer friend, Jeff) about the commonly negative stigma of licensed games. Tue, 11 November 2008 23:45:00 -0800 Video Games No Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian, Richard Crawford videogame, video, game, news, industry, radio, fun, technology, console, PC 41:26 41:26 http://ripple.radiotail.com/1007/Show249_11-04-2008.mp3 Alon finally got to enjoy LittleBIGPlanet, although he's missing out on the all-important online universe. Why can't Sony get its act together? Of course, Rich also got Fallout 3, but he didn't get to talk about it because callers, instead, wanted to discuss making it in the business as an artist and that gaming press like to pretend they know it all. Tue, 04 November 2008 23:15:00 -0800 Video Games No Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian, Richard Crawford videogame, video, game, news, industry, radio, fun, technology, console, PC 42:00 42:00 http://ripple.radiotail.com/1007/Show248_10-28-2008.mp3 Alon calls in while he's away on vacation. As usual, when Ara is left to run the show, it gets a lot better. This week, we question several things... if realism actually makes a game better, if Red Octane knows how to make gaming hardware, and if citizens have the right to be protected from being offended. Sun, 02 November 2008 10:50:00 -0800 Video Games No Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian, Richard Crawford videogame, video, game, news, industry, radio, fun, technology, console, PC 41:32 41:32 http://ripple.radiotail.com/1007/Show247_10-21-2008.mp3 This show is all about LittleBigPlanet and how useless Sony's "recall" really is. If Walmart can sell it, what good does it do to make everyone else wait? Ara also practices his skills reciting the Koran. We kinda beat up Dave Halverson a little bit too... but he deserved it. Tue, 21 October 2008 23:40:00 -0800 Video Games No Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian, Richard Crawford videogame, video, game, news, industry, radio, fun, technology, console, PC 41:35 41:35 http://ripple.radiotail.com/1007/Show246_10-14-2008.mp3 Ara somehow found Morrowind again, and Alon questions what a game like that does to reward the player and keep him interested in playing. We're also curious about video game marketing, given that we were supposed to have Tim Fitzrandolph on the show as part of his Radio Media Tour for Spectrobes: Beyond Portals. Finally, Ara wonders what DRM actually accomplishes in terms of protecting against piracy. Electrobes. Tue, 14 October 2008 23:30:00 -0800 Video Games No Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian, Richard Crawford videogame, video, game, news, industry, radio, fun, technology, console, PC 41:35 41:35 http://ripple.radiotail.com/1007/Show245_10-07-2008.mp3 E For All was absolutely horrible, although Alon did enjoy some Gamer Grub and get a cool new piece of furniture to hold his gaming guitars (dudethingcreations.com). The best part of the show was the Indiecade. Stay tuned to future shows to learn more about the independent games at the show, but take the time to learn more about Flywrench right now at messhof.com. Come on... you've got plenty of time to check it out - it's not like you're playing Fable II online. Tue, 07 October 2008 23:30:00 -0800 Video Games No Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian, Richard Crawford videogame, video, game, news, industry, radio, fun, technology, console, PC 41:58 41:58 http://ripple.radiotail.com/1007/Show244_09-30-2008.mp3 Matt Barton, author of Dungeons & Desktops: The History of Computer Role-playing Games, joins us to discuss role-playing games as they've existed in their various forms. It seems everyone has a strong opinion on the subject, even if they don't all play RPGs. Tue, 30 September 2008 23:30:00 -0800 Video Games No Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian, Richard Crawford videogame, video, game, news, industry, radio, fun, technology, console, PC 41:32 41:32 http://ripple.radiotail.com/1007/Show243_09-23-2008.mp3 Chris and Ken, of Big Bang Entertainment Studios, join us to discuss how they created their independent studio after leaving Rainbow Studios earlier this year. Tue, 23 September 2008 23:30:00 -0800 Video Games No Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian, Richard Crawford videogame, video, game, news, industry, radio, fun, technology, console, PC 41:32 41:32 http://ripple.radiotail.com/1007/Show242_09-16-2008.mp3 A listener loves the new game, Pure, and it makes him wonder why console-based racing games usually don't have track editors. Of course, Alon uses the opportunity to gush about how incredible the level editor is in Little Big Planet and suggests that it will mark a new era of user-generated content on consoles. Rich... unsurprisingly... disagrees. Tue, 16 September 2008 23:20:00 -0800 Video Games No Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian, Richard Crawford videogame, video, game, news, industry, radio, fun, technology, console, PC 41:07 41:07 http://ripple.radiotail.com/1007/Show241_09-09-2008.mp3 The $200 XBOX 360 is finally a reality, and some of us think it will have a significant impact on the gaming space. Ara also has some interesting stats about MMO gamers that surprise both Rich and Alon. Tue, 09 September 2008 23:45:00 -0800 Video Games No Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian, Richard Crawford videogame, video, game, news, industry, radio, fun, technology, console, PC 41:24 41:24 http://ripple.radiotail.com/1007/Show240_09-02-2008.mp3 Ripe from the recent trip to PAX, Alon quizzes Ara and Rich with the same questions from the Family Feud event that he ran in Seattle over the weekend. Ara questions the validity of complaints regarding the Invaders art installation at Leipzig. Tue, 02 September 2008 23:00:00 -0800 Video Games No Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian, Richard Crawford videogame, video, game, news, industry, radio, fun, technology, console, PC 42:20 42:20 http://ripple.radiotail.com/1007/Show239_08-26-2008.mp3 This week's show is all about Schizoid, a recently released XBOX Live Arcade game that we all think is worth your time. We have Jamie Fristom, the game's creator, on the show to talk about the process and answer our questions about the transition from AAA development to casual title. Check out gamedevblog.com if you want to know more about Jamie's brain. Wed, 26 August 2008 23:50:00 -0800 Video Games No Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian, Richard Crawford videogame, video, game, news, industry, radio, fun, technology, console, PC 42:03 42:03 http://ripple.radiotail.com/1007/Show238_08-19-2008.mp3 Once again, we talk a whole lot about Braid. Ara explains what makes it such a well designed game. Aside from the unique puzzle design, the icing is its focus on art, presentation, and subtlety. Wed, 20 August 2008 00:10:00 -0800 Video Games No Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian, Richard Crawford videogame, video, game, news, industry, radio, fun, technology, console, PC 41:31 41:31 http://ripple.radiotail.com/1007/Show237_08-12-2008.mp3 What makes a game good? Rich says it's awesome sauce, but we actually take some time to break it down into core elements. In the middle of all this, Alon manages to talk a whole lot about Braid, all the while struggling NOT to talk about it to avoid spoiling the experience for Rich and the ChatterBoxers. PS - Go play Braid. Tue, 12 August 2008 23:40:00 -0800 Video Games No Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian, Richard Crawford videogame, video, game, news, industry, radio, fun, technology, console, PC 41:34 41:34 http://ripple.radiotail.com/1007/Show236_08-05-2008.mp3 This week we actually spend the whole show investigating a single topic - should the player be given more control over the content he plays? This is a complex topic that has no clear answer, but we certainly do a good job of wasting time considering the options. Tue, 05 August 2008 23:40:00 -0800 Video Games No Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian, Richard Crawford videogame, video, game, news, industry, radio, fun, technology, console, PC 41:29 41:29 http://ripple.radiotail.com/1007/Show235_07-29-2008.mp3 This week we're joined by Scott Novis, founder of The Game Truck - gametruckparty.com. Ara knows Scott from when they both worked at Rainbow Studios. Scott regales us with stories of Rainbow Studios' history and explains how he managed to create a successful business from a bunch of video games and a trailer. Aside from that, we also take a few minutes to whine about how some of the more popular new iPhone games are also some of the worst. It's not that the iPhone isn't a viable gaming machine, but porting existing games doesn't capitalize on the features that the device offers. Tue, 29 July 2008 23:30:00 -0800 Video Games No Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian, Richard Crawford videogame, video, game, news, industry, radio, fun, technology, console, PC 41:39 41:39 http://ripple.radiotail.com/1007/Show234_07-22-2008.mp3 E3 was full of... apparently nothing. We school you on why a unified console will never come to be and why some games will always have dynamic difficulty adjustment, or "rubberbanding". We also go on about visibility in games and the importance of knowing what's going on. Seems obvious, huh? Not for everyone, it seems. Sat, 26 July 2008 12:10:00 -0800 Video Games No Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian, Richard Crawford videogame, video, game, news, industry, radio, fun, technology, console, PC 41:57 41:57 http://ripple.radiotail.com/1007/Show233_07-15-2008.mp3 Nintendo is finally releasing an accessory to make the Wii Remote work the way it should have originally. Microsoft is making a major change to the XBOX 360 dashboard - Rich and Ara have serious concerns about it. Wii Music is coming too, but it's apparently not much of a game, which is a bummer for us music game lovers. Sun, 20 July 2008 19:20:00 -0800 Video Games No Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian, Richard Crawford videogame, video, game, news, industry, radio, fun, technology, console, PC 41:35 41:35 http://ripple.radiotail.com/1007/Show232_07-08-2008.mp3 Alon just discovered Google's new Lively service (3D chatroom) and is curious if it could have any gaming applications. Ara has a lot to say about GRiD and the future of racing games. A listener decided to email us, but probably shouldn't have. Sun, 13 July 2008 23:20:00 -0800 Video Games No Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian, Richard Crawford videogame, video, game, news, industry, radio, fun, technology, console, PC 41:33 41:33 http://ripple.radiotail.com/1007/Show231_07-01-2008.mp3 Ara's been working as a summer professor for a game design program at ASU the last few weeks - Alon tries, fruitlessly, to get him to consider having all the dumb kids work together for their game project. Your fearless hosts also ponder whether or not gaming is moving towards simulation of real life rather than the traditional use of fantasy worlds and situations. Ara also attempts to close his discussion from last week about game flow. Tue, 8 July 2008 23:30:00 -0800 Video Games No Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian, Richard Crawford videogame, video, game, news, industry, radio, fun, technology, console, PC 41:32 41:32 http://ripple.radiotail.com/1007/Show230_06-24-2008.mp3 We interview Ashish Amresh, Lecturer at ASU, about his new game curriculum and CampGame08, which Ara just happens to also be teaching at. We also explore the true meaning of flow and how the game, flOw, compares to the psychological concept coined by our favorite smart guy with a long name, Mihaly Csikszentimihalyi. Tue, 1 July 2008 23:55:00 -0800 Video Games No Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian, Richard Crawford videogame, video, game, news, industry, radio, fun, technology, console, PC 44:02 44:02 http://ripple.radiotail.com/1007/Show229_06-17-2008.mp3 Metal Gear Solid 4 finally hit, and, as expected, it's not as good as everyone thinks. Strangely, though, we're unable to stop talking about it. It's as if we're IMMERSED in a world with nothing but Metal Gear and that sexy Snake character. Fancy that. Tue, 17 June 2008 23:30:00 -0800 Video Games No Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian, Richard Crawford videogame, video, game, news, industry, radio, fun, technology, console, PC 41:33 41:33 http://ripple.radiotail.com/1007/Show228_06-10-2008.mp3 Forbes writers are apparently idiots... although Alon loves his iPhone, there's no chance it could destroy the Nintendo DS' success. Ara tells us why he doesn't like Peter Molyneux, and Alon questions how expectations/hype help and hinder our impressions of the games we play. Finally, we somehow manage to reminisce about the brilliance that is Steel Battalion. Tue, 10 June 2008 23:30:00 -0800 Video Games No Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian, Richard Crawford videogame, video, game, news, industry, radio, fun, technology, console, PC 41:29 41:29 http://ripple.radiotail.com/1007/Show227_06-03-2008.mp3 Tomonobu Itagaki has a beautiful and giant set of balls... Marvel at them. Ara loves GRID almost as much as Alon loves Boom Blox. The new Bionic Commando game is a third person shooter, but we can't understand why. Tue, 03 June 2008 23:30:00 -0800 Video Games No Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian, Richard Crawford videogame, video, game, news, industry, radio, fun, technology, console, PC 41:27 41:27 http://ripple.radiotail.com/1007/Show226_05-27-2008.mp3 We return to the topic of social gaming and if it's a driver for game playing. Joining us this episode is Barry Dorf, Co-Founder of GameStrata.com, a social networking site focused on community gaming and stats tracking. Ara also whines a bit because Mr. Driller Online apparently looks like crap. Tue, 27 May 2008 23:30:00 -0800 Video Games No Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian, Richard Crawford videogame, video, game, news, industry, radio, fun, technology, console, PC 42:53 42:53 http://ripple.radiotail.com/1007/Show225_05-20-2008.mp3 Boom Blox isn't what was expected but still quite good. Burn the Rope is a simple game with a complex secret. Do you think training missions are good or bad? Ara doesn't like them, that's for sure. He also dislikes the recent NiGHTS game... a lot. Tue, 20 May 2008 23:40:00 -0800 Video Games No Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian, Richard Crawford videogame, video, game, news, industry, radio, fun, technology, console, PC 41:19 41:19 http://ripple.radiotail.com/1007/Show224_05-13-2008.mp3 Why is it that only Bungie knows how to organize matchmaking? How do you decide what development project to join and how to avoid working with losers? What ever happened to Rare? Also, congratulations to Jon for his audio creation which won the ChatterBox portion of the All Games audio contest. Wed, 14 May 2008 00:10:00 -0800 Video Games No Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian, Richard Crawford videogame, video, game, news, industry, radio, fun, technology, console, PC 41:31 41:31 http://ripple.radiotail.com/1007/Show223_05-06-2008.mp3 Rock Band song pricing has become a little easier to disect now that they plan to release inexpensive song packs on disc. Grand Theft Auto IV still seems to have our attention, especially when we whine about IGN getting exclusive rights to its early review. We also play the ChatterBox submissions for the All Games Grand Theft Auto IV audio clip contest which apparently brings Ara to tears. Wed, 07 May 2008 00:30:00 -0800 Video Games No Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian, Richard Crawford videogame, video, game, news, industry, radio, fun, technology, console, PC 43:30 43:30 http://ripple.radiotail.com/1007/Show222_04-29-2008.mp3 Grand Theft Auto IV came out this week, and apparently it's the only thing anyone is talking about. We do too, but we actually end up in more of a discussion about Japanese versus American game design. Reminder: Submit your contest entries for the AllGames contest currently running - see the website for details. Tue, 29 April 2008 23:55:00 -0800 Video Games No Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian, Richard Crawford videogame, video, game, news, industry, radio, fun, technology, console, PC 41:34 41:34 http://ripple.radiotail.com/1007/Show221_04-22-2008.mp3 The Metal Gear Solid 4 Online Beta shenanigans are proof positive that GameStop and downloadable content are actually destroying the world. Luckily, ChatterBox and other AllGames affiliates are putting on a killer contest for a GTA IV XBOX 360 Elite just to make you feel better. Check this episode for details and for the usual ChatterBox ranting. Tue, 22 April 2008 23:45:00 -0800 Video Games No Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian, Richard Crawford videogame, video, game, news, industry, radio, fun, technology, console, PC 41:43 41:43 http://ripple.radiotail.com/1007/Show220_04-15-2008.mp3 Ara announces that he's making his services as an elite senior game designer available immediately upon review of your salary and beneit provisions. We also argue about the quality and value of the word "fun" as it applies to video games and hear what a couple callers think about it. Also, we complain a bit about the current contraversy surrounding the Resident Evil 5 trailer and the idiots who are getting all upset about it. Tue, 15 April 2008 23:40:00 -0800 Video Games No Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian, Richard Crawford videogame, video, game, news, industry, radio, fun, technology, console, PC 41:31 41:31 http://ripple.radiotail.com/1007/Show219_04-08-2008.mp3 Alon's friend, J0hnnie5Alive, got screwed by MS/XBOX Live a second time. It seems Microsoft's customer service is good, but only when people are watching. EA's silly Battlefield microtransactions make us angry about digital content delivery. Ara is excited to learn that some game designers actually work to curb the problem of online stupidity from griefing gamers. Tue, 08 April 2008 23:40:00 -0800 Video Games No Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian, Richard Crawford videogame, video, game, news, industry, radio, fun, technology, console, PC 41:30 41:30 http://ripple.radiotail.com/1007/Show218_04-01-2008.mp3 April Fool's Day is the scurge of our real world existence... We do real news here at ChatterBox. Ara was happy to find that he likes Outrun 2006 - Someone please send him an old copy. There's a new game called Miss Bimbo which takes the cake for most hilarious and socially irresponsible game ever made. We also talk about XBOX Live Arcade and the confusingly poor job Microsoft does at selecting which games make the cut. Tue, 01 April 2008 23:30:00 -0800 Video Games No Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian, Richard Crawford videogame, video, game, news, industry, radio, fun, technology, console, PC 41:39 41:39 http://ripple.radiotail.com/1007/Show217_03-25-2008.mp3 Looks like the XBOX Live dungeon masters are laying the smack down on GamerScore cheaters, but how much do we actually care about GamerScore? Do you finish fewer games than you used to? If you're anything like us, we bet you do... and finally, how would you feel about paying half price for a game? If you could buy a level at a time or pay-per-minute, would you play more or less? Listen in to hear what we think. Wed, 26 March 2008 02:00:00 -0800 Video Games No Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian, Richard Crawford videogame, video, game, news, industry, radio, fun, technology, console, PC 40:29 40:29 http://ripple.radiotail.com/1007/Show216_03-18-2008.mp3 It seems EA and Take Two are bickering like school girls over this whole stock buyout thing. We're just wondering if a buyout would have any real affect on the games we play. In other boring adultish news, Gibson is suing Activision over its use of a guitar-shaped controller even though it worked with Activision to throw the Gibson logo all over Guitar Hero 3. Also, a quick discussion about why Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz is so horrible. Tue, 18 March 2008 23:05:00 -0800 Video Games No Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian, Richard Crawford videogame, video, game, news, industry, radio, fun, technology, console, PC 40:34 40:34 http://ripple.radiotail.com/1007/Show215_03-11-2008.mp3 Alon tries to defend the beauty of Echochrome from the scoffs of both Ara and Rich. Ara tells the detailed story of how he worked his way into the game design field. Finally, Alon and Rich describe how EA has produced another bad game, Army of Two, that the public will surely think is incredible. Sun, 16 March 2008 18:45:00 -0800 Video Games No Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian, Richard Crawford videogame, video, game, news, industry, radio, fun, technology, console, PC 41:46 41:46 http://ripple.radiotail.com/1007/Show214_03-04-2008.mp3 Ara tells us about Persona 3, his new favorite RPG about high school kids who take on the undead. He also tells us a bit about the nuts and bolts behind the design of The Red Star. Then we hear from Michaela who tells about some of the evil she conducted trying to recruit innocent students to a game design program that wasn't worth a damn. Mon, 10 March 2008 01:05:00 -0800 Video Games No Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian, Richard Crawford videogame, video, game, news, industry, radio, fun, technology, console, PC 41:02 41:02 http://ripple.radiotail.com/1007/Show213_02-26-2008.mp3 Fresh from the Game Developers Conference, we have an interview with James Silva, the sole developer of the upcoming XBOX LIVE Arcade game, The Dishwasher. Sat, 02 March 2008 21:55:00 -0700 Video Games No Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian, Richard Crawford videogame, video, game, news, industry, radio, fun, technology, console, PC 40:50 40:50 http://ripple.radiotail.com/1007/Show212_02-19-2008.mp3 Alon's off to the Game Developers Conference this week, so Ara and Rich run the show. Alon calls in from a party down at the GDC, but this is mostly an opportunity for Ara to shine like he always wants to. Tue, 26 February 2008 23:15:00 -0700 Video Games No Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian, Richard Crawford videogame, video, game, news, industry, radio, fun, technology, console, PC 40:16 40:16 http://ripple.radiotail.com/1007/Show211_02-12-2008.mp3 Priests on crack, Nintendo with crap, and superfans with emails full of sap. EA CEO, John Riccitiello, came out of the closet saying that EA totally screwed up for the last 15 years. We also pre-interview Michaela who will be our next video game playing experiment test subject. She doesn't know a damn thing about games right now. Tue, 12 February 2008 23:55:00 -0700 Video Games No Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian, Richard Crawford videogame, video, game, news, industry, radio, fun, technology, console, PC 40:26 40:26 http://ripple.radiotail.com/1007/Show210_02-05-2008.mp3 Ara is upset that militant femi-nazi writers put their thoughts on paper for him to see and talk about old men playing games like young boys. This leads nicely into discussion of the recent study that claims men are more naturally drawn to games due to an inherent difference in brain response. Although a listener then claims this is definitive proof that women are dumb, Rich proves he's the one behind the curve when he seems surprised that Nintendo creates artificial shortages. Tue, 05 February 2008 23:35:00 -0700 Video Games No Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian, Richard Crawford videogame, video, game, news, industry, radio, fun, technology, console, PC 41:58 41:58 http://ripple.radiotail.com/1007/Show209_01-29-2008.mp3 This week we bring in Val from the local Play 'N Trade and one of his most successful tournament players, Jared... but before that, we review the recent ramblings of that mentally retarded psychologist who Fox News put on the air last week to discuss Mass Effect. Val talks about his focus on local tournament gaming while Jarratt tells us about his experience as a professional gamer. As promised, though, we also get back to what Rich said about playing games on easy difficulty. You might say there's some disagreement as to the utility of his choice. Tue, 29 January 2008 23:50:00 -0700 Video Games No Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian, Richard Crawford videogame, video, game, news, industry, radio, fun, technology, console, PC 39:12 39:12 http://ripple.radiotail.com/1007/Show208_01-22-2008.mp3 A show full of contraversy. We play some bits from a Fox News clip full of stupidity and irony. They're talking about Mass Effect without bothering to know anything about it. Luckily, Geoff Keighley is there to make sure it doesn't fall completely off the tracks. After that, we talk about what drives us to play games - what motivates us, and how has that motivation changed over time? Tue, 22 January 2008 23:45:00 -0700 Video Games No Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian, Richard Crawford videogame, video, game, news, industry, radio, fun, technology, console, PC 40:10 40:10 http://ripple.radiotail.com/1007/Show207_01-15-2008.mp3 Ara finally found an XBOX Live Arcade game that he likes - Omega Five. Rich is upset that Soul Calibur IV will have Jedi, but that's only because he's secretly in love with Yoda and can't bear to see him hurt at the hands of Ivy and her whip-sword. We all talk about Dan Hsu and his ballsy editorial about publishers blackballing him because they have no balls. Also, Ara reads a bit of some wacko's review for Mass Effect. Tue, 15 January 2008 23:50:00 -0700 Video Games No Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian, Richard Crawford videogame, video, game, news, industry, radio, fun, technology, console, PC 40:17 40:17 http://ripple.radiotail.com/1007/Show206_01-08-2008.mp3 The whole crew seems to have been playing a bunch of Flash games - have you tried a free game lately? Pen15 calls in to ask about fighting game controls and whether or not simpler is better. Our decision? It's a dumb question. Then we talk about hype and let Rich prove that he walks around with sparkles in his eyes and fuzzies in his cockles. Alon lets it fly and tries to debunk the hype. Tue, 08 January 2008 23:10:00 -0700 Video Games No Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian, Richard Crawford videogame, video, game, news, industry, radio, fun, technology, console, PC 40:34 40:34 http://ripple.radiotail.com/1007/Show205_01-01-2008.mp3 Street Fighter IV's life in 3D has Ara scared that the developers won't be able to live up to the challenge. Ara also gives his new weekly PSA on how not to stalk someone over XBOX Live. Ken, past designer of children's games, tells us about his experience and Alon wonders why no one bothered to take into account what children actually like when making the games. Wed, 02 January 2008 00:15:00 -0700 Video Games No Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian, Richard Crawford videogame, video, game, news, industry, radio, fun, technology, console, PC 39:56 39:56 http://ripple.radiotail.com/1007/Show203_12-18-2007.mp3 Is Activision the playground bully of the video game industry? Well, we're not sure, but one thing we are sure of is that GameSpot is a house of lies. Ara and Rich confuse Alon by each having opposing opinions of two games they recently tried, Burnout Paradise and Culdcept Saga. We also wonder why it is that girls apparently prefer 2D games to the 3D variety. Apparently Yoshi has something to do with it. Tue, 18 December 2007 23:30:00 -0700 Video Games No Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian, Richard Crawford videogame, video, game, news, industry, radio, fun, technology, console, PC 40:31 40:31 http://ripple.radiotail.com/1007/Show202_12-11-2007.mp3 This week Alon gives his stock tips after working to award a company $185 million in a US Federal Court. He also tells a story about a friend's brain not being able to handle the complexity of the Wii Remote and relays some complaints about Trauma Center New Blood for the Wii (but only because it's such a fun game). Ara rejoins the topic of game reviews and provides evidence that they often aren't even written by their supposed authors. Rich, by the way, has abandoned us for the week. Tue, 11 December 2007 23:30:00 -0700 Video Games No Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian, Richard Crawford videogame, video, game, news, industry, radio, fun, technology, console, PC 40:33 40:33 http://ripple.radiotail.com/1007/Show201_12-04-2007.mp3 We're joined by the Executive Editor of The Escapist (escapistmagazine.com), Julianne Greer. Without much prodding at all, she readily agrees with our completely fact-based opinion that C|Net is the devil and fired Gerstmann because he overbaked the Thanksgiving turkey. This week's lesson - keep it at 325 degrees and baste often. She also gives her review of the PlayStation 2 game, The Red Star... "I give it five stars." Wed, 05 December 2007 00:05:00 -0700 Video Games No Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian, Richard Crawford videogame, video, game, news, industry, radio, fun, technology, console, PC 41:07 41:07 http://ripple.radiotail.com/1007/Show200_11-27-2007.mp3 In studio, we're joined by Floydd and the Krispie Pops - #1 band in all of Rock Band history. We discuss with the band the downsides of Rock Band's user interface and the upsides of the game's awesomeness. We also discuss the emotional response to violence in games and stupid people getting emotional about games that aren't even violent. Listener mail points out that we're misogynistic misanthropists... and, this just in... no one cares about IGN. Tue, 27 November 2007 23:55:00 -0700 Video Games No Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian, Richard Crawford videogame, video, game, news, industry, radio, fun, technology, console, PC 40:06 40:06 http://ripple.radiotail.com/1007/Show199_11-20-2007.mp3 First of all, you should totally go download and apply the ChatterBox Video Game Radio gamerpic to your Gamercard on XBOX Live. Why? Because you can, that's why (it's free). Also, we have to point out that Rock Band is a box full of rock, and there's nothing else you can say about it. Jade Raymond is apparently a total skank, or at least we found a cartoon that says so. Although Rock Band and Guitar Hero might make you feel like a rockstar, the truth is that you probably aren't, and we try to figure out why. Ara also takes a moment to tell us that the new Castlevania remake (The Dracula X Chronicles) is pretty good. Tue, 20 November 2007 23:30:00 -0700 Video Games No Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian, Richard Crawford videogame, video, game, news, industry, radio, fun, technology, console, PC 40:32 40:32 http://ripple.radiotail.com/1007/Show198_11-13-2007.mp3 The gang bonded over a special game of Mario and Sonic Olympics, and you get to hear about it. Call of Duty 4 is still broken, but at least the problem isn't universal. Ara wonders at what point you decide not to like a new game. Rich answers to some hatemail. Wed, 14 November 2007 01:35:00 -0700 Video Games No Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian, Richard Crawford videogame, video, game, news, industry, radio, fun, technology, console, PC 57:45 57:45 http://ripple.radiotail.com/1007/Show197_11-06-2007.mp3 This week we interview Tyrone Rodriguez, designer of the newest Konami Mobile game, Castlevania: Order of Shadows. We also discover that Rich is just as inept at some video games as people who've never picked up a controller. Finally, we offer our condolences to the large lot of EA Chicago employees who just got their pink slips. Tue, 06 November 2007 23:15:00 -0700 Video Games No Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian, Richard Crawford videogame, video, game, news, industry, radio, fun, technology, console, PC 40:34 40:34 http://ripple.radiotail.com/1007/Show196_10-30-2007.mp3 Guitar Hero 3 is good, but what about the new Hannah Montana? Is new intellectual property necessary for a good game experience? How does our guest, Dara, react to games she hasn't played before (and one she has)? Answers to these questions and more in this week's episode. Tue, 30 October 2007 23:05:00 -0800 Video Games No Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian, Richard Crawford videogame, video, game, news, industry, radio, fun, technology, console, PC 40:32 40:32 http://ripple.radiotail.com/1007/Show195_10-23-2007.mp3 Rich went to E For All but apparently didn't play anything there. Maybe he didn't play Super Smash Bros. Brawl because of the absurd control scheme used at the show... Ara takes a few minutes tonight to actually say good things about a game - Project Gotham Racing 4. We also take on some listener mail. Wed, 24 October 2007 00:50:00 -0800 Video Games No Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian, Richard Crawford videogame, video, game, news, industry, radio, fun, technology, console, PC 40:34 40:34 http://ripple.radiotail.com/1007/Show194_10-16-2007.mp3 Have you played Team Fortress 2 yet? Really? Yeah, neither have we... it played us. TF2 isn't the only thing broken around here, though. It seems Halo 3 is also unplayable without a system update that not all players have. Fortunately, it's not a big deal and people are liking the game. In fact, it's so good that the whole world seems to be playing it and doing nothing else. Luckily, we were able to pull ourselves away from Halo 3 and Portal to talk to Gil from Rainbow Studios about some technical details of game development. Wed, 17 October 2007 00:10:00 -0800 Video Games No Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian, Richard Crawford videogame, video, game, news, industry, radio, fun, technology, console, PC 40:28 40:28 http://ripple.radiotail.com/1007/Show193_10-09-2007.mp3 Ara was surprised to find a mosh pit at the Minibosses concert, Alon was NOT surprised to find Sony backtracking on their own marketing spin (again), Rich couldn't figure out why either of them cared about the girl who got fired from Nintendo for blogging, and listener, Pen-15, wondered what we all think game reviews are really all about. Tue, 09 October 2007 23:45:00 -0800 Video Games No Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian, Richard Crawford videogame, video, game, news, industry, radio, fun, technology, console, PC 40:28 40:28 http://ripple.radiotail.com/1007/Show192_10-02-2007.mp3 Is there any chance Bungie would actually leave Microsoft? Did Ara actually like a game (apparently Odin Sphere doesn't suck)? We learn from Ernie that talking about the Tokyo Game Show is actually pretty boring, although the idea of 200 booth babes in a line is kind of appealing. Tue, 02 October 2007 23:50:00 -0800 Video Games No Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian, Richard Crawford videogame, video, game, news, industry, radio, fun, technology, console, PC 40:28 40:28 http://ripple.radiotail.com/1007/Show191_09-25-2007.mp3 Alon, Ara, and Rich were all at the Play N Trade launch tournament/fiasco for Halo 3 last night. Scratched discs just weren't pretty. Rather than talk about the actual game, we choose to talk a bit about its aspect ratio in split screen. Listener and official ChatterBoxer eThug, PEN-15, gets his questions answered regarding how to go about entering the video game industry as a writer. Low and behold, Ara has some good things to say about a game - it's Kororinpa, and you might want to give it a try. Tue, 25 September 2007 23:50:00 -0800 Video Games No Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian, Richard Crawford videogame, video, game, news, industry, radio, fun, technology, console, PC 41:01 41:01 http://ripple.radiotail.com/1007/Show190_09-18-2007.mp3 In preparation of Halo 3's release next week, we play a song from SarcasticGamer.com and try not to discuss the game at all. We do, however, let Rich tell us about Manhunt 2, which kind of sucks. We also talk to Val, the owner of Play N Trade, a killer game store in Chandler, AZ. Alon has a hissy fit about experience leveling after watching people play the Call of Duty 4 beta. Also, Ara rants about the Chinese government setting some game design ground rules to curb game addiction. Tue, 18 September 2007 23:35:00 -0800 Video Games No Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian, Richard Crawford videogame, video, game, news, industry, radio, fun, technology, console, PC 41:03 41:03 http://ripple.radiotail.com/1007/Show189_09-11-2007.mp3 Ara reviews the game industry salary survey for your pleasure and explains why attempting to enter the industry as a tester is not necessarily a good idea anymore. We all explain why E for All will be a lame convention, reminisce about why everyone should read the book, The Game by Neil Strauss, and we even find time to talk about the ActionClix Scarab unit from the new Halo universe ActionClix game. Go buy a Prius. Wed, 12 September 2007 00:05:00 -0800 Video Games No Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian, Richard Crawford videogame, video, game, news, industry, radio, fun, technology, console, PC 40:31 40:31 http://ripple.radiotail.com/1007/Show188_09-04-2007.mp3 Alon relives Uwe Boll's visit to the Penny Arcade Expo, a caller queries the group on the value of game reviewers who hate on games, Alon and Rich duke it out over the control in Metroid Prime 3, and they all take interest in the plight of a total newb trying to figure out how to play Bioshock. Fri, 07 September 2007 23:30:00 -0800 Video Games No Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian, Richard Crawford videogame, video, game, news, industry, radio, fun, technology, console, PC 40:27 40:27 http://ripple.radiotail.com/1007/Show187_08-28-2007.mp3 Rich and Alon are back from the Penny Arcade Expo, and they quiz Ara with all the trivia from the ChatterBox TreasureBox gameshow. They also rave about how awesome the PAX Family Feud event was and how weird the new Space Giraffe game is. Tue, 28 August 2007 23:30:00 -0800 Video Games No Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian videogame, video, game, news, industry, radio, fun, technology, console, PC 40:35 40:35 http://ripple.radiotail.com/1007/Show186_08-21-2007.mp3 Our friend from Captive Motion, Adam Craver, joins Ara and Rich for a show while Alon is away getting ready for the Penny Arcade Expo. Mon, 10 September 2007 22:00:00 -0800 Video Games No Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian videogame, video, game, news, industry, radio, fun, technology, console, PC 40:41 40:41 http://ripple.radiotail.com/1007/Show185_08-14-2007.mp3 Alon and Ara wonder if there is a good reason that a PlayStation 3 game wouldn't be as good as its XBOX 360 counterpart. Alon gives his impressions of the game, Boogie, but Ara cares more about what everyone else thought and claims that IGN giving it a score of 30 is just as good as giving it a zero. Also, a caller is upset that games are shying away from offering local multiplayer and Ara whines about Wii's Metroid Prime 3 preview. Wed, 15 August 2007 00:15:00 -0800 Video Games No Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian videogame, video, game, news, industry, radio, fun, technology, console, PC 41:31 41:31 http://ripple.radiotail.com/1007/Show184_08-07-2007.mp3 Rich and Alon have discovered just how miserable the PlayStation Network is after learning that you can buy difficulty modes for a Sonic the Hedgehog game. Per request, Ara complains about Ninja Gaiden. They all debate whether or not black characters should be allowed in games for fear that the game will just be considered racist. Wed, 08 August 2007 00:25:00 -0800 Video Games No Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian videogame, video, game, news, industry, radio, fun, technology, console, PC 40:29 40:29 http://ripple.radiotail.com/1007/Show183_07-31-2007.mp3 Ara tells us that he likes the game, Dirt, but decides to complain about it anyway. Michael "Piano Squall" Gluck joins us for a segment to talk about his gaming music album, GAME - pianosquall.com. Also, Rich speaks up to question why Bizarre Creations has to have two totally different sets of textures for day and night in Project Gotham Racing 4 - Ara and Alon have to explain that it's not that crazy. Tue, 31 July 2007 23:55:00 -0800 Video Games No Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian videogame, video, game, news, industry, radio, fun, technology, console, PC 40:27 40:27 http://ripple.radiotail.com/1007/Show182_07-24-2007.mp3 This week we're joined by Adam Kraver, Founder and President of CaptiveMotion, Inc, who shares his passion for emotion in games and tells us about the proprietary facial motion capture system he's created. Alon also follows up last week's E3 content with an unexpectedly glowing review of Eye of Judgement for the PlayStation 3 (and cookies on sticks). For more info on CaptiveMotion, and to see it in action, visit captivemotion.com Tue, 24 July 2007 23:52:00 -0800 Video Games No Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian videogame, video, game, news, industry, radio, fun, technology, console, PC 40:09 40:09 http://ripple.radiotail.com/1007/Show181_07-17-2007.mp3 Back from E3, we've got a full house to talk about the show. What was lame and what was not, who gave bad speeches to the press and who was even worse... There's even a little discussion about the difficulty of demoing a game to press because often times they don't actually come together until the very last moments. We also want to remind everyone that the ChatterBox TreasureBox show is going to take place at PAX '07 and that we'll be e-mailing prospective contestants soon. Let us know if you're interested in trying out. Sat, 21 July 2007 17:35:00 -0800 Video Games No Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian videogame, video, game, news, industry, radio, fun, technology, console, PC 40:30 40:30 http://ripple.radiotail.com/1007/Show180_07-10-2007.mp3 Ara takes over the show while Alon is away at E3. He brings in some folks to talk about how the media is finally realizing that video game violence is actually not corrupting our youth en masse. Other highlights include how the video game press is influenced and subliminally bribed by video game publishers. Also, Ara's friends call up because our live listeners are all high on methamphetamine. Tue, 17 July 2007 23:58:00 -0800 Video Games No Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian videogame, video, game, news, industry, radio, fun, technology, console, PC 41:01 41:01 http://ripple.radiotail.com/1007/Show179_07-03-2007.mp3 Ever wonder why there are so many games that suck? This seemingly simple question sure takes a long time to answer. There's also a little discussion about the seedy underbelly of E3. Oh, and we find out that Alon is pro-abortion. Wed, 04 July 2007 00:10:00 -0800 Video Games No Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian videogame, video, game, news, industry, radio, fun, technology, console, PC 40:42 40:42 http://ripple.radiotail.com/1007/Show178_06-26-2007.mp3 ChatterBox will be at the Penny Arcade Expo, and we need to find a contestant to represent us; Tips and Tricks magazine takes a dive; and Manhunt 2 is getting the pimp hand laid down on it even though it couldn't possibly be more violent than the original. Wed, 27 June 2007 00:05:00 -0800 Video Games No Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian videogame, video, game, news, industry, radio, fun, technology, console, PC 40:02 40:02 http://ripple.radiotail.com/1007/Show177_06-19-2007.mp3 Is it OK to charge for an update that opens up on-line play? How about charging for downloadable content without really telling you what you're getting first? Alon and Rich complain that Ara perpetuates the very system about which he complains. We also talk about the Manhunt 2 "ban" which shows that a non-government agency gets to determine if a game can be sold - at least in the UK. We also determined the absolute best way to kill someone in a game. Finally, we talk a bit about Rock Band. Tue, 19 June 2007 23:55:00 -0800 Video Games No Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian videogame, video, game, news, industry, radio, fun, technology, console, PC 40:05 40:05 http://ripple.radiotail.com/1007/Show176_06-12-2007.mp3 Ara and Alon talk about post mortems, the game development roadmap, and some of the hidden truth behind a game's development; Alon complains to Ara that he made The Red Star too difficult; and Rich tells us about Nintendo's amazing shrinking family. Wed, 13 June 2007 00:02:00 -0800 Video Games No Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian videogame, video, game, news, industry, radio, fun, technology, console, PC 40:20 40:20 http://ripple.radiotail.com/1007/Show175_06-05-2007.mp3 Is it a bit crazy that selling a video game in New York is considered more dangerous than selling actual deadly weapons or drugs? Ara finally put some time into Oblivion and realizes that games that are too real provide a lot of opportunity to suck. Jack Thompson was going to participate in a debate at the Penny Arcade Expo, but he managed to be too much of a prick to make it happen - anyone surprised? Oh, and Rich tells us about Summa leaving Destructoid. Also, cocks. Tue, 05 June 2007 23:58:00 -0800 Video Games No Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian videogame, video, game, news, industry, radio, fun, technology, console, PC 40:04 40:04 http://ripple.radiotail.com/1007/Show174_05-29-2007.mp3 Metal Gear Solid 4 is coming to the XBOX 360, but why does anyone care? Should you buy a PlayStation 3 when your XBOX 360 dies? Nintendo, the only real innovator - why can't anyone else do it? Tue, 29 May 2007 23:57:00 -0800 Video Games No Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian videogame, video, game, news, industry, radio, fun, technology, console, PC 40:25 40:25 http://ripple.radiotail.com/1007/Show173_05-22-2007.mp3 Alon tells of his especially poor Halo 3 Beta experience, he and Ara discuss some elements of shooter game design and argue about whether Treasure makes any good games, they give their take on nerd culture as the gaming industry grows, and Ara talks about how he converted his XBOX Live account so Microsoft thinks he's Japanese. Oh, and please keep sending that hate mail. Tue, 22 May 2007 23:40:00 -0800 Video Games No Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian videogame, video, game, news, industry, radio, fun, technology, console, PC 45:22 45:22 http://ripple.radiotail.com/1007/Show172_05-15-2007.mp3 Alon and Ara reminisce about amazing gameplayers in their past, Ara explains how a game can be too realistic, and there's more discussion about microtransactions gone wrong when we consider that Halo 2 ranked matches will require the purchase of new maps. Wed, 16 May 2007 00:45:00 -0800 Video Games No Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian videogame, video, game, news, industry, radio, fun, technology, console, PC 44:15 44:15 http://ripple.radiotail.com/1007/Show171_05-08-2007.mp3 Super Rub a Dub leaves quite an impression; some kid got arrested for modeling his school into a video game; and with Catan, a board game, feeding Alon's gaming quota, they wonder what other real-world games would make a good transition to the flat screen. Wed, 09 May 2007 00:15:00 -0800 Video Games No Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian videogame, video, game, news, industry, radio, fun, technology, console, PC 42:58 42:58 http://ripple.radiotail.com/1007/Show170_05-01-2007.mp3 Lawrence from All Games Interactive joins us this week while we learn that Alon is excited about Settlers of Catan on XBOX Live Arcade, animal lovers are not very happy with Sony, you can finally buy a copy of The Red Star if you've got a credit card and a dream, how to use thoughts of video games to ease the pain of STDs, and why E3 died. Tue, 01 May 2007 23:50:00 -0800 Video Games No Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian videogame, video, game, news, industry, radio, fun, technology, console, PC 44:55 44:55 http://ripple.radiotail.com/1007/Show169_04-24-2007.mp3 It's still unknown whether or not Red Star is actually available for sale anywhere, Alon gives more proof that Ubisoft games are unplayable, Ara complains about Hollywood trying to make games, and Microsoft might just be screwing your roommates out of playing your XBOX Live Arcade games. Tue, 24 April 2007 23:58:00 -0800 Video Games No Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian videogame, video, game, news, industry, radio, fun, technology, console, PC 43:22 43:22 http://ripple.radiotail.com/1007/Show168_04-17-2007.mp3 Nerds with guns... it's time to go get laid. As nice as it would have been to avoid the topic, Alon and Ara both have some things to say about the recent shootings at Virginia Tech. According to Alon, only nerds, like himself, would massacre people in this fashion, and Ara, well, he wants to massacre Dr. Phil. Tue, 17 April 2007 23:59:00 -0800 Video Games No Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian videogame, video, game, news, industry, radio, fun, technology, console, PC 44:39 44:39 http://ripple.radiotail.com/1007/Show167_04-09-2007.mp3 Who's stopping you from getting free Gears of War maps? The man, that's who! And the man's name is Microsoft. We take on the man and his greedy game. We also take a call from someone who wants to get something off his chest about game designers mouthing off in public... We think... Well, whatever he was talking about, we're sorry. Tue, 10 April 2007 21:45:00 -0800 Video Games No Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian videogame, video, game, news, industry, radio, fun, technology, console, PC 43:48 43:48 http://ripple.radiotail.com/1007/Show166_04-02-2007.mp3 The Harmonix Rock Band announcement rocks our Casbah, we interview Mr. Billy Dee Williams, Ara talks more about why he doesn't like Boom Boom Rocket, and Alon reminds us all that he was right about the Wii... again. Tue, 03 April 2007 22:50:00 -0800 Video Games No Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian videogame, video, game, news, industry, radio, fun, technology, console, PC 41:47 41:47 http://ripple.radiotail.com/1007/Show165_03-26-2007.mp3 Alon finds some fun deep beneath the surface of flOw; David Silverman, Product Manager for Command and Conquer 3, tells us about the new game; some plans for this year's ChatterBox TreasureBox are divulged along with another possible Penny Arcade Expo event; and, of course, more idiotic quotes from a Sony executive. Tue, 27 March 2007 23:50:00 -0800 Video Games No Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian videogame, video, game, news, industry, radio, fun, technology, console, PC 43:34 43:34 http://ripple.radiotail.com/1007/Show164_03-19-2007.mp3 More on why Cliffy B is nothing special, what happens to our imaginations as we age beyond our prime teenage gaming years, and why a fanboy is the way he is Tue, 20 March 2007 22:40:00 -0800 Video Games No Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian videogame, video, game, news, industry, radio, fun, technology, console, PC 42:58 42:58 http://ripple.radiotail.com/1007/Show163_03-12-2007.mp3 Post GDC, Alon and Ara discuss some sessions they attended, the possibilities introduced by Sony's PlayStation Home and Little Big Planet announcements, and some dumbass girls who wanted to jump on Cliffy B's big D. Tue, 13 March 2007 22:30:00 -0800 Video Games No Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian videogame, video, game, news, industry, radio, fun, technology, console, PC 42:51 42:51 http://ripple.radiotail.com/1007/Show162_03-05-2007.mp3 It's time for the Game Developers Conference, and Alon's already in California. He checks in by phone so he and Ara can talk about the upcoming conference and what sessions might be interesting. This episode's delay was due to GDC partying... Sun, 11 March 2007 17:00:00 -0800 Video Games No Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian videogame, video, game, news, industry, radio, fun, technology, console, PC 42:10 42:10 http://ripple.radiotail.com/1007/Show161_02-26-2007.mp3 Alon's finally put in some quality time with Crackdown and is now curious about the time value of gaming. Ara wonders if grinding is a meaningless effort to add to this value, and they pose the essential question - Do you actually play games for the fun? As a bonus, Alon also provides some insight about why he hates RPGs so much. Tue, 27 February 2007 23:30:00 -0700 Video Games No Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian videogame, video, game, news, industry, radio, fun, technology, console, PC 43:12 43:12 http://ripple.radiotail.com/1007/Show160_02-19-2007.mp3 Do you get unsolicited calls from stores asking you to sell your games back to them? Do you get distracted by all the HUD information on your screen? Have you had a hard time canceling your XBOX Live subscription? Do you think Sony's full of crap all the time? Well, you're not alone. Listen in and join the club. Tue, 20 February 2007 23:30:00 -0700 Video Games No Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian videogame, video, game, news, industry, radio, fun, technology, console, PC 41:51 41:51 http://ripple.radiotail.com/1007/Show159_02-12-2007.mp3 Crackdown: How to properly copycat a good game... or three or four... Seriously... Usually the ones signing the checks just don't know what's going on. Crackdown got it right, and today we tell you what they did right. Tue, 13 February 2007 22:45:00 -0700 Video Games No Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian videogame, video, game, news, industry, radio, fun, technology, console, PC 42:05 42:05 http://ripple.radiotail.com/1007/Show158_02-05-2007.mp3 Alon tells the tale of his burgled home, Ara promotes the upcoming Castlevania: Rondo of Blood remake for the PSP, and Alon goes on and on (again) about the history of console modding and the utility of homebrew. Tue, 06 February 2007 22:30:00 -0700 Video Games No Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian videogame, video, game, news, industry, radio, fun, technology, console, PC 42:21 42:21 http://ripple.radiotail.com/1007/Show157_01-29-2007.mp3 Alon lays the smack down on Ubisoft's Splinter Cell: Double Agent because the system link apparently doesn't work, Ara talks about the fishy AIAS awards, and they both gush about The Red Star - the first commercial game Ara helped develop which is coincidentally arriving in stores next month even though he won't see a dime from it because Acclaim went under. Also, they talk about piracy - the good and the bad and a couple methods companies have found to avoid it. Wed, 31 January 2007 01:00:00 -0700 Video Games No Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian videogame, video, game, news, industry, radio, fun, technology, console, PC 42:54 42:54 http://ripple.radiotail.com/1007/Show156_01-22-2007.mp3 Ara and Alon discuss how to get into the games industry. Ara tells the story of how he made it without going to school for game design and Nate Cox makes another appearance on the show to tell his own story about how he landed a game design gig BECAUSE he went to school for it. Tue, 23 January 2007 23:30:00 -0700 Video Games No Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian videogame, video, game, news, industry, radio, fun, technology, console, PC 42:16 42:16 http://ripple.radiotail.com/1007/Show155_01-15-2007.mp3 Joe Bourrie, game developer and past Slamdance Festival award winner (for his game, RumbleBox), joins us in studio to talk about Super Columbine Massacre!, Slamdance, and the contraversy surrounding the festival after dropping the Columbine-inspired game from its list of finalists. Tue, 16 January 2007 23:30:00 -0700 Video Games No Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian videogame, video, game, news, industry, radio, fun, technology, console, PC 42:42 42:42 http://ripple.radiotail.com/1007/Show154_01-08-2007.mp3 Alon and Ara are both sick, but they still manage to argue about whether free demos help or hinder game sales. They also discuss the importance of Mario in training gamers how to properly use a controller and why Sony may not make it back to the top of the heap with the PlayStation 3. Tue, 09 January 2007 23:40:00 -0700 Video Games No Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian videogame, video, game, news, industry, radio, fun, technology, console, PC 42:42 42:42 http://ripple.radiotail.com/1007/Show153_01-01-2007.mp3 Vladimir Cole of Joystiq.com joins us to talk about the idea that removing the quarter from the quarter-muncher has made retro games inherently different in the modern world, removed from arcades. Tue, 02 January 2007 21:45:00 -0700 Video Games No Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian videogame, video, game, news, industry, radio, fun, technology, console, PC 42:50 42:50 http://ripple.radiotail.com/1007/Show152_12-25-2006.mp3 On this Christmas Day, we talked about what we play. We cover the Wii, XBOX 360... even Sony's PlayStation 3. Each byte and every little bit, Ara even accidentally said shit. It seems his favorite game ever is Nintendo's Excite Truck, so all rejoice with the fact that at least he didn't say fuck. Tue, 26 December 2006 18:50:00 -0700 Video Games No Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian videogame, video, game, news, industry, radio, fun, technology, console, PC 42:59 42:59 http://ripple.radiotail.com/1007/Show151_12-18-2006.mp3 Alon tells the story of how he managed to blame Microsoft for something they didn't do. He also covers a couple new Wii games, including Super Swing Golf; even sporting a sweet case of cameltoe, this game still isn't worth playing. Ara instigates some Wii injury discussion and asks if cross-console comparisons are really fair. Tue, 19 December 2006 20:10:00 -0700 Video Games No Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian, Nathan Smart videogame, video, game, news, industry, radio, fun, technology, console, PC 43:26 43:26 http://ripple.radiotail.com/1007/Show150_12-11-2006.mp3 Alon continues his tirade against microtransactions after seeing the option to pay for the Halo 3 teaser (read: advertising) on XBOX Live, Ara gives his insight on why the used game economy isn't as bad for the industry as many think, and everyone cringes at Sony's newest conniving PSP marketing effort. It was later discovered that Alon was completely wrong about the Halo 3 ad costing anything - stay tuned for next week's episode in which Alon will have to embarassingly retract his statements and apologize. Tue, 12 December 2006 18:15:00 -0700 Video Games No Alon Waisman, Ara Shirinian, Nathan Smart videogame, video, game, news, industry, radio, fun, technology, console, PC 43:32 43:32