The Experience Points Podcast

Everyone has been sucked up into the big glowing pattern in the sky. This week on the EXP Podcast, Scott and I go with them. What do we find there? Why some balls of light, a pastoral British village, and some serious problems with alien life forms of course!

This is a lengthy podcast this week about an interesting and potentially divisive game, so of course we want to hear your thoughts. If you've got some time, send us an email or leave a comment. We'd love to hear your perspective on Everybody's Gone to the Rapture.

Show Notes:

- Runtime: 51 mins 54 sec

- Music by Brad Sucks

What keeps us out on the field? Is it sweet taste of victory? Is it the salty tears of our vanquished foes? Is it the idea that if we stop we will instantly become a sad has-been, unable to compete in all but the most casual public matches? This week we discuss what has been keeping us playing some of our current favorite competitive games. Rocket League, League of Legends, Splatoon, and Smash are all part of our training montage.

Far across the Atlantic ocean, in a land known but some as Germany, in a little village named Cologne, the games industry hold a convention so big it threatens to swallow us all. I have passed through this endless labyrinth of games, trekked through legions of gamers, and returned to the land of freedom alive. This week on the podcast, Scott and I explore the highlights of Gamescom, including survival techniques and hilariously bad cosplay.

Give it a listen, won't you?

Show Notes:

- Runtime: 46 mins 23 sec

- Music by Brad Sucks

A stiff drink is in your hip flask. Your gun sits in your pocket, cold but comforting. Your mindset is one that doesn't just accept trouble; you seek it. You have everything you need to solve a murder. Actually what you really need is a mid-90s era PC and the endurance to face not only the harsh fluorescent lights but also the long hours sitting in front of a screen. Don't worry though, Her Story makes even the mundane feel mysterious. Join us as we try to unravel Her Story's plot as well as its novel approach to storytelling.

Scott and I have spent weeks on a boat crossing the narrow sea to bring you our latest Debrief. This week on the podcast, we once again join House Forrester and drag ourselves through the painful, violent, wretched existence that is Game of Thrones. Who comes out alive!? Listen to find out!

Show Notes

Time: 55 mins 37 secs

Music by Brad Sucks

Gas up your tank folks, it's time to take a little joy ride around Gotham! This week, we soar over the city streets and dive head first into Batman: Arkham Knight. As with any debrief, we spend the first part of the show talking about the game's systems and then we dive into spoiler territory to talk about the plot. What is the true nature of fear? How does Batman balance vigilantism and justice? When did Riddler find the time to create a vast underground network of race tracks? If you have answers, let us hear them in the comments.

EVO has come and gone, but the ringing in my ears from the fanatical shouts from the commentators continues. Who are these people and how did they get this job? What makes a good shoutcaster? More importantly, who will shoutcast the Scott vs. Jorge cage match we have scheduled later this year! Join us this week on the EXP Podcast while we commentate the commentators.

We had some sad news this past week: long-time game developer and Nintendo CEO, Satoru Iwata, died. This week, we pay tribute to him by talking about his incredible career and accomplishments. He leaves us with a huge legacy of outstanding games, so please jump into the comments with your memories.

That's it. We've had enough! Not of podcasting, but of some video games that just overstay their welcome. We can pinpoint why we play certain games, but why do we stop? When do we know when to quit? And what game elements make is reach that tipping point sooner than others? This week on the EXP Podcast, Scott and I explore the outer limits of our patience, bite into UI frustrations, and make some predictions. Join us!

Show Notes:

- Runtime: 34 mins 35 sec

- Music by Brad Sucks

We've finally reached the end of Earthbound. There's nothing to do now but recap the final challenges and do what we always do when we finish a game: discuss the nature of human fear and love, meditate on the line between spirituality and organized religion, etc. You know: normal stuff. We really enjoyed doing these in-depth talks on a classic game and hopefully you liked them too! We're looking forward to hearing your thoughts in the comments. If you have any ideas or suggestions for a future debrief on a classic, let us know!