Nation of Gamers

• [SITE] Need for Speed World

This week, we here on NoG talk about everything for which we are thankful. Well, everything we’re thankful about in games. That’s why there’s a picture of a headcrab. Actually, I think headcrabs kind of look like turkeys. Turkeys are related to Thanksgiving, therefore this image is not completely and totally random.

Man, now I’m hungry. Roasted headcrab and bullsquid dressing, all drenched in gravy made from that stuff barnacles puke after you kill them. Ooh, and mashed potatoes. Yum.

[MP3 AUDIO]

• Nog Blog: Happy Thanksgaming
  
• [IMG] The fabled Robotic Duck Gunner by Nastyman_N
• [IMG] Duck-shot by Keenan

Although it is one of our favorite game genres, rhythm games are in steady decline. Viacom’s announcement they were divesting Harmonix has been the talk of the industry, and we’re eager to delve into the subject of the future of the genre.

In fact, Wes seems very concerned that game sales numbers indicate the decline of all fun. But we’re quick to point out the weakness of pretty much any opinion he expresses.

In the process, we’ll debate where we think the industry is heading, and whether the growth of first-person shoots and sports games are a threat to the market.

Lest we forget… DUCKS!

• Nog Blog: Endangered Species
• Help John Mazz on his volunteer trip to Ghana!
• Episode Graphic by Joni Godoy

You’ll notice something a little different about this week’s episode. Instead of rambling on and on, we’re trying a more focused show. You won’t hear about our weeks or what games we’ve played. Instead, we’re jumping right to the topic. Hopefully it’ll make a show a little leaner and meaner. We’d love to hear what you think; feel free to let us know what you think of the change. We’re not sure it’s permanent as of yet, and we’ll continue to play with the format until it feels right.

This week we talk about cognitive dissonance, otherwise known as stuff just not making sense. Does the show make sense? I dunno, maybe there’s some cognitive dissonance at play there. Who knows? I don’t. Man, it’s hard to write funny copy for the new show format.

Instead… MORE DUCKS!

That duck was short, sweet, and to the point. Kind of like this episode!

• NoG BloG: Cognitive Dissonance

Really, what more needs to be said?

• [GAME] Super Meat Boy
• [GAME] Dream Chronicles
• [GAME] Castlevania Lords of Shadow

I know you’re all expecting some jokey post about games addiction, but we here at Nation of Gamers take it very seriously. For example, take the plight of our very own Wes Wilson.

You may notice that he’s missing from this week’s show. He’ll probably be gone for the next couple of weeks as well; it sort of depends on when the doctors release him. You see, Wes has been diagnosed with acute games addiction. He has been understandably reluctant to talk about his problem. In fact, the rest of us in the DWP had no idea there was a problem at all. In fact, we had no idea he even played the game he has become addicted to.

The game in question is Star Trek Voyager: Elite Force. Not even Elite Force 2… just Elite Force. Here’s a picture of Elite Force, just so you know what I’m talking about.

Weird, right? I don’t even think Wes likes Star Trek that much. And let’s face it; even Star Trek fans hate Voyager. Well, except for Seven of Nine. But I’m getting off track.

When asked about his addiction, all Wes can do is shout “I’M CUCKOO FOR STAR TREK VOYAGER: ELITE FORCE!” over and over and over again. It’s really annoying, and that’s the main reason we didn’t want him on the show this week. I know the show is pretty bad already, but that would make it so much worse.

Anyway, please keep Wes in your thoughts and prayers over the next couple of weeks. Also, the post image is totally not a bad ‘shop, but is an actual picture of Wes taken in the sanitarium.

This week we talk almost exclusively about games addiction. Spencer and Brent really got into it over this. Seriously, Eric threatened to spray them both down with the hose so they’d stop fighting. Enjoy!

• [ARTICLE] NoG BloG: Gaming Addiction
• [ARTICLE] Valve confirms DOTA 2