EXP Podcast #550: A Decade of Characters

Ah, simpler problems from a simpler decade.

As we continue our headlong sprint towards the decade's end, we pause to recognize some of the memorable characters of the past 10 years.  Using Polygon's list as a starting point, we discuss some standout examples and take stock of where games are in terms of character development.  After all, this might be the last decade where we can safely treat these things as fictional characters rather than sneaky AIs waiting for us to drop our guard long enough for them to launch their conquest of humanity.  You hear that, Shovel Knight?  I'm on to you.

- Here's the show's stand-alone feed
- Listen to the podcast in your browser by clicking here, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format, or click play below.



 - Runtime: 44 min 01 sec
- "The 70 best video game characters of the decade," by Polygon Staff, via Polygon
 - Music by Brad Sucks

EXP Podcast #548: Sonic, VR, and Tall Grass

War Machine himself, Don Chewtle

It's American Thanksgiving this week, and I know one thing that I'm thankful for: a new version of Sonic that doesn't look like the monkey-kid from Jumanji. This week on the EXP Podcast, we emerge from the uncanny valley unscathed and carrying a VR headset and some pokeballs!

- Here's the show's stand-alone feed
- Listen to the podcast in your browser by clicking here, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format, or click play below.



 - Runtime: 36 min 00 sec
 - Music by Brad Sucks

EXP Podcast #548: Strands, Gooigi, and Outer Worlds

Stay out of the November Rain, Gooigi.

All the sudden it's November and we find ourselves in the thick of release season.  This week we took a break from delivering packages long enough to do an in-progress check-ins on Luigi's Mansion 3, The Outer Worlds, and Death Stranding.  Now that I think of it, Gooigi seems like the sort of thing that would be right at home in a Kojima game. 

- Here's the show's stand-alone feed
- Listen to the podcast in your browser by clicking here, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format, or click play below.



 - Runtime: 42 min 16 sec
 - Music by Brad Sucks

EXP Podcast #547 - 21st Century Greats

The best game of the 19th Century

The decade is almost over and we've come a long way since Y2K crashed our computers and sent modern civilization spiralling towards a Mad Max Oblivion. This week on the EXP Pocast, we discuss the games that got us through the last 20 years and why picking our favorite or the most important games of the 21st century is so damn hard.

- Here's the show's stand-alone feed
- Listen to the podcast in your browser by clicking here, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format, or click play below.



 - Runtime: 36 min 16 sec
- "The 50 Best Games of the 21st Century," by Keith Stuart and Keza MacDonald, via The Guardian
- Music from the The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening soundtrack

EXP Podcast #546: The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening Debrief

Don't call me a funko pop.

Rise and shine, adventurers!  Your dream has come true: a debrief on this year's Link's Awakening remake.  We ask the hard-hitting questions: Who is this game for?  Has Breath of the Wild ruined everything?  Why would a banana man want dog food?  Don't worry about it too much; just enjoy the adorable tilt-shift goodness.


- Here's the show's stand-alone feed
- Listen to the podcast in your browser by clicking here, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format, or click play below.



 - Runtime: 48 min 02 sec
- Music from the The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening soundtrack

EXP Podcast #545: Sayonara Untitled Debrief

Become the Goose!

We are back after a brief work/life-induced hiatus! And we brought an obnoxious feathered friend with us and... uh... also a girl on a motorcycle.

This week on the EXP Podcast, we review Untitled Goose Game and Sayonara Wild Hearts in a double debrief! While very different, both games are well worth your attention. Especially if you're into either A) pop albums or B) being just a total asshole to strangers.


- Here's the show's stand-alone feed
- Listen to the podcast in your browser by clicking here, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format, or click play below.



 - Runtime: 38 min 57 sec
- Music from the Sayonara Wild Hearts OST and Untitled Goose Game Trailer

EXP Podcast #544: Control Debrief

"Mondays, am I right?"

If there is one thing I've learned from years working at a white-collar job, it's to never underestimate the destructive power of a thrown office chair. This week on the EXP Podcast, we toss around all kinds of office equipment using the telekinetic power in Control, the latest game from Remedy Entertainment.

For good and bad, this is an interesting game full of excellent ideas (some of which are readily available online via the SCP Foundation). Give the episode a listen and send us email with your thoughts on the game!


- Here's the show's stand-alone feed
- Listen to the podcast in your browser by clicking here, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format, or click play below.



 - Runtime: 46 min 45 sec
- Music from the Control OST