The Experience Points Podcast

Neither plague, nor fascism, nor new console scalpers could stop it: The Gameys have arrived. This week it's time for our annual game awards. Our yearly counter-programming/trolling of Geoff Keighley let's us blow off some steam while also recognizing the games and categories that truly matter. We got gear grinders, waifus/husbandus, baffling Nintendo moves and more. And of course we bestow the title of gamey-est game of the year to one special title. Thank you for attending and please do not take the gift baskets home; they are for decorative purposes only.

This week we played a game where you and a faithful animal side-kick traverse beautiful wind-swept valleys, navigate ancient ruins, and fight magnificent cursed beasts to free the spirits inside. But enough about Shadow of the Collosus! This week on the podcast we review The Pathless, the latest game from Giant Squid. This is a gorgeous game with an interesting lineage and well worth your attention.

Show Notes: - Runtime: 39 min 53 sec - Music from The Pathless OST

This week we open we bridge a temporal rift and debrief on Demon's Souls. With Jorge's knowledge of the 2020 incarnation and Scott's knowledge of the 2009 incarnation, we manage to assemble just enough knowledge to understand that some of Demon's Souls' mysteries will be forever shrouded in arcane lore and obscure flavor text. But seriously, if anyone tells you they understand World Tendency they're lying to you.

Bugsnax is probably the weirdest game of 2020. Part children's game, part adult body-horror, this game takes the saying "you are what you eat" to frightening conclusion. Join as we eat our way through Bugsnax.

This week, we (well, Jorge at least) put our money where are mouth is and talk about hands-on PS5 first impressions. Yes, it's big. Yes, it looks like a modernist art nightmare. But it's also the only place to play the Demon's Souls remake, so how could anyone resist?

The PS5 is officially release! Well, sort of. Most people couldn't pre-order one and stocks are still ludicrously low. Reviews are out, but are they selling systems or are we all just waiting? Oh, and if we keep giving rich Twitch streamers money, how are we going to afford a PS5 anyway!?

Show Notes:

Hey, it's a hectic week for those of us living in the US (and many would argue the world at large) so we're going to try to keep it light by talking about something so innocuous that only true monsters would object: petting virtual dogs. Sometimes you need to just focus on mechanics whose entire point is just to provide some small amount of joy. We expand into a few other completely optional world-building mechanics and enjoy a short vacation into a world of totally pleasant digital interactions.

This week on the EXP Podcast, we introduce Scott's eldest to the legendary gaming progenitor Super Mario himself. And of course we celebrate Halloween with a spoopy discussion of Phasmophobia, an early-access co-op horror game.

Show Notes:

Runtime: 35 mins 33 secs Music by Brad Sucks

Like Zagreus himself, we have risen and are ready to throw ourselves against Hades once again. This time, it's a full debrief with plenty of discussion about the late-game mechanics and the story. I'd say spoilers, but you should know by now that there is no escape. Crack open a pomegranate and take in all of the Underworld's delights.

Sonic in Fall Guys. Steve in Smash Bros. What's next, the car-insurance gecko in Spiderman? This week on the EXP Podcast, we tackle brand synergy and where it does (and doesn't) make sense to invade one world with the characters of another.

Show Notes:

- Runtime: 34 min 21 sec - Music by Brad Sucks