The Experience Points Podcast

I recently returned from the Magic Kingdom and I bring with me tales of whimsy, churros, and missed opportunities for gamification. Disneyland is all about fostering the illusion of fantastical, yet grounded environments. Because of this, I couldn't stop drawing parallels between world building in video games. So here it is: the definitive Disneyland review. For your safety, please keep your hands, arms, and legs inside the podcast at all times.

Halo 5: Guardians just release, and for the first time since the series began, the latest entry in the franchise does not feature split screen co-op. I only just learned of this travesty moments before recordings, so feast your eyes this week on some shock and anger as it happens. Of course we also discuss ways to bring the benefits of couch co-op to the online space, so maybe there's hope yet!

Probably not...

Show Notes:

- Runtime: 35 mins 02 secs

- Music by Brad Sucks

Hey, I'm not saying that I'd pay for the ability to do the Carlton dance. What I am saying is that maybe the fact that other people can pay for the ability to do the Carlton dance isn't all bad. After all, it brings me enjoyment. There's been lots of talk about microtransactions recently and not all of them have been as seemingly-benign as silly dances. In fact, by the end of the show, things escalate to the point where Jorge and I start talking about nuclear proliferation. Will we ever reach micro-transaction disarmament? Listen in to find out.

Console exclusive games are increasingly rare in our current console habitat, but this hasn't always been the case. How have our hardware limitations shaped our playing habitats and how we see entire genres? Will the future of VR look like older console generations? Most importantly, what does Mr. Businessman think of the console wars of yore? All this and more on the latest EXP Podcast!

Show Notes:

- Runtime: 33 mins- "That Time Final Fantasy Ditched Nintendo for Sony," by Patrick Klepek via Kotaku- Music by Brad Sucks

They say no news is good news and this week we can't really argue with that. It's been a little rough out there, but we can't use that as an excuse to turn a blind eye. Instead we wade into the mess and actually manage to find a few glimmers of hope here and there. In fact, you might say that we are the heroes Tony Hawk, Deus Ex, Batman all deserve.

The latest Destiny ads are using Led Zeppelin songs, but based on all the events of Destiny's first year, I think Katy Perry might fit better. The Taken King is out and with it come a slew of big changes. This week, we talk about what's new. Sick helmets, strange coins, and social faux pas: you can find it all in this big ol' universe.

brings Hideo Kojima parachuting in from the skies to wreak havoc on sheep and the like. This week on the EXP Podcast, knowing we have a massive game in front of us, Scott and I discuss our first impressions of The Phantom Pain, from the tutorial to the effect of horse poop on moving vehicles.

Show Notes:

- Runtime: 45 mins 11 sec

- Music by Brad Sucks

This week on the EXP Podcast, Scott and I bust out our huge collection of authentic Cool Spot merchandise and try to make our way into the Guinness Book of World Records. Did you know Mario was originally called Jumpman (of course you did), Skylanders is the best-selling videogame toyline (you could've guessed)? More importantly, can you figure out why anyone would still care about world records?

Show Notes:

- Runtime: 34 mins 04 sec

- Music by Brad Sucks

This week on the EXP Podcast, Scott and I bust out our huge collection of authentic Cool Spot merchandise and try to make our way into the Guinness Book of World Records. Did you know Mario was originally called Jumpman (of course you did), Skylanders is the best-selling videogame toyline (you could've guessed)? More importantly, can you figure out why anyone would still care about world records?

Show Notes:

- Runtime: 34 mins 04 sec

- Music by Brad Sucks

Remember this day everyone: today is the beginning of what will almost certainly be our decades-long feud with Jimmy Kimmel. Inspired by his spat with let's play fans, we're diving into how and why seemingly-random people on YouTube have more watchers than major network talk show hosts. We don't pretend to completely understand it, but we're happy that when we put stuff on YouTube there are at least a few of you who don't want us to die in a fire!