EXP Podcast #604: 2020 Leftovers

We all could use a magical deer hug this year.

2020 is almost behind us, but before we go, it's time to take another look back at some of the games that didn't make it to the very top of our lists.  Unlike almost everything else that happened this year, video games were pretty good, which means that we have some very tasty leftovers to sample.  Throw on those sweatpants, plant yourself on the couch, and let's run the clock down on this year and look forward to the next.

- 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.


 

Show Notes:

- Runtime: 44 min 26 sec

- Music by Brad Sucks

 

EXP Podcast #603: 2020 Games of the Year

At least the games were good.

It's time to run through our picks for the best games of 2020! This no-good, terrible, very bad year is coming to an end, but there are some things to celebrate before its over. Today, we discuss each of our top picks. 

We would love to hear from you as well! Send us an email with your favorite game of the year. And be sure to come back next week for our yearly leftover discussion!

- 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.

 

Show Notes:

- Runtime: 47 min 49 sec

- Music from Brad Sucks

EXP Podcast #602: The 2020 Gamey Awards

Whisk us away to Gamey-land, Flight Simulator.

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.

- 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.


 

Show Notes:

- Runtime: 1 hr 16 min 2 sec

- Music by Brad Sucks

 

Spoilers for Gamey category nominees and winners below!

 

EXP Podcast #601: The Pathless Debrief

Yes, you can pet the bird.

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.

If you give the game a shot and let us know what you think!

- 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.

 

Show Notes:

- Runtime: 39 min 53 sec

- Music from The Pathless OST

EXP Podcast #600: Demon's Souls Debrief

This is going to feel great.

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.

 

- 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.

 

Show Notes:

- Runtime: 45 min 25 sec

- Music from Demon's Souls OST

EXP Podcast #599: Bugsnax Debrief

The horror. The horror!

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 a strange meld of Pokemon and an All-You-Can-Eat Buffet.

 

- 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.

 

Show Notes:

- Runtime: 45 min 23 sec

- Music from Bugsnax OST

EXP Podcast #598: Playstation 5 First Impressions

Finally: A house big enough for my PS5

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?

- 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.


 

Show Notes:

- Runtime: 38 min 36 sec

- Music by Brad Sucks

EXP Podcast #597: The Console Wait

Like a weird plastic sandwich

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!?

- 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.


 

Show Notes:

- Runtime: 31 min 40 sec

- Music by Brad Sucks

EXP Podcast #596: Chekhov's Dog

One of them loves pets.  Choose wisely.

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.

- 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.


 

Show Notes:

- Runtime: 31 min 37 sec

- "Every game needs a pet the dog mechanic," by Jenna Stoeber, via Polygon
- Music by Brad Sucks

EXP Podcast #595: Ghosts & Goombas

School budget cuts are spooky, am I right?

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 that will make you and three friends scream in beautiful unison.

- 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.


 

Show Notes:

- Runtime: 40 min 51 sec
- Music from the Hades original soundtrack

EXP Podcast #594: Hades Debrief

"Go ask you mother."

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.

- 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.


 

Show Notes:

- Runtime: 40 min 51 sec
- Music from the Hades original soundtrack

EXP Podcast #563: A Crossover Episode

"Gotta go at a walking pace!"

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.

Got a favorite brand crossover or one you hate? Let us know!

- 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.


 

Show Notes:

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

EXP Podcast #592: Hades First Impressions

Trapped in the underworld, but looking stylish.

Ever get the feeling that you're endlessly pushing a boulder up a hill?  Or perhaps a self-important, washed up king won't stop blathering in your direction?  Or maybe a bone hydra keeps mauling you?  Well you're either in the year 2020 or in Hades (maybe both).  This week we dive into Supergiant's latest game to compare our load outs and our interactions with all those weirdo relatives from Olympus!

- 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.


 

Show Notes:

- Runtime: 40 min 14 sec
- Music from the Hades OST

EXP Podcast #591: Spelunky 2 Debrief

"One day, boy. I'll sacrifice you to Kali."

Get your bombs, ropes, and jetpacks ready folks; it's time for Spelunky 2! This week on the EXP Podcast, we debrief one of this year's most anticipated games, get into the philosophy of getting good, and hate on the mole rats with a fiery passion. This game, like it's predecessor, is nearly endless, so I full expect to come back to this game as the months (and years) continue.

Enjoying the game? Hating it? Sent us your own thoughts via email!

- 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.


 

Show Notes:

- Runtime: 34 min 37 sec
- Music by Brad Sucks

EXP Podcast #590: Spiritfarer and The Last Campfire First Impressions

On this river, do you catch fishstyx?

Look, let's be real: Jorge and I recorded this before Spelunky 2 came out because we knew we'd be doing nothing but playing Spelunky 2 by this point in the week.  Furthermore, I'm highly confident that you, dear listener, are playing Spelunky 2 as well.  In fact, at this point I just assume that everyone is playing it, so the best I can hope is that this show serves as a nice Spelunky 2 soundtrack.  List closely though: if you need a Spelunky 2 break, we give some positive recommendations on Spiritfarer and The Last Campfire.  Both games are quite charming and might be a good break from the adorable chaos in which we are all relishing.

- 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.


 

Show Notes:

- Runtime: 34 min 37 sec
- Music by Brad Sucks

EXP Podcast #589: Series S&M

"Yes, I would like all the games please."

This week on the EXP Podcast, we discuss the surprisingly affordable Xbox Series S ($299), just hours before Microsoft announced the price of the One X ($499). Both consoles are cheaper than expected! But if you want to be artificially gouged, there's also a Mario bundle coming out.

- 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.



 Show Notes:

- Runtime: 42 min 50 sec
- Music by Brad Sucks

EXP Podcast #588: Legends of the Fall Guys

"Why do we fall, sir?"

Hard to believe that September is here.  It's been a weird summer, probably because we haven't been able to go anywhere.  On the bright side, we've had plenty of time to dive into some pleasantly-surprising video games.  This week, we talk Fall Guys, If Found, and Paper Mario.  We also wonder if we should pursue a new angle in which all reviews are haiku.  The feasibility of that is to be determined.

- 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.



 Show Notes:

- Runtime: 35 min 19 sec
- Music by Brad Sucks

EXP Podcast #587: Ghost of Tsushima Debrief

The mask is actually for my allergies.

This week on the podcast, we finish what we started and give our full review of Ghost of Tsushima from Sucker Punch. There is a lot to discuss in this pollen-packed open-world game, some of it new and exciting and some of it aggressively familiar. But it this particular stack of bamboo worth slicing into? Give this episode a listen and find out!

- 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.



 Show Notes:

EXP Podcast #586: George Orwell's Six Rules for Video Games

Artist's rendition of the console wars.

You know what's hard?  Writing something about George Orwell.  There's so much pressure to do justice to the talent you're describing.  He'd probably advise getting straight to the point, so here it is: this week, we review Orwell's famous style rules put forth in his essay, "Politics and the English Language," and try to apply them to video games.  I'm pretty happy with the results, so feel free to scroll down if you want a recap of where we landed.

 

Orwell's rules for writing:

1. Never use a metaphor, simile, or other figure of speech which you are used to seeing in print.
2. Never use a long word where a short one will do.
3. If it is possible to cut a word out, always cut it out.
4. Never use the passive where you can use the active.
5. Never use a foreign phrase, a scientific word, or a jargon word if you can think of an everyday English equivalent.
6. Break any of these rules sooner than say anything outright barbarous.

 

Orwell's rules for games (as written by Jorge and Scott):

1. Do not use a secondary system, mechanic, or sequence simply because players will recognize it.
2. Never make a long game when a short game will do.
3. If it is possible to cut an interaction, cut it.
4. Never take control from the player when you can give control to the player.
5. When faced with a narrative, design, or linguistic decision, prioritize accessibility.
6. Break any of these rules in the pursuit of elegance.

- 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.



 Show Notes:

- Runtime: 40 min 54 sec
- Music by Brad Sucks

EXP Podcast #585: Sports in a Pandemic World

"Worst season ever"

This week on the EXP Podcast, we discuss the sometimes bizarre, sometimes optimistic, and very frequently disheartening realities of COVID-19 and how the pandemic impacts sports - both electronic and traditional.

What do you think the future of e/tSports looks like? Let us know by sending us an email!

- 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.



 Show Notes:

- Runtime: 42 min 23 sec
- "A Day Inside MLB's COVID Protocols," via ESPN
- Music by Brad Sucks

EXP Podcast #584: Live by the Sword, Play by the Sword

Now this guy knows his way around a sword.

A bright flash explodes in your eyes and the purified metal sings its deadly song as it tastes freedom.  Something moves past you with uncanny speed and the wind seems to be chasing it, hoping to keep up.  You look down and realize it's too late: this podcast has cut its way into your phone as if it were some sort of legendary blade forged from a comet.  This week: we come dangerously close to becoming "sword people."

- 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.



 Show Notes:

- Runtime: 41 min 09 sec
- Music by Brad Sucks

EXP Podcast #583: Ghosts of Tsushima First Impressions

"Alas, poor Yuriko."

We're back in Japan this week with nothing but a horse and a samurai sword to our names. It's time for the much-anticipated Ghosts of Tsushima. This is a dense game that opens up quickly and offers a lot to discuss, so we are sharing our first thoughts on the game before we get too heavy into spoiler territory.

If you've got thoughts to share or just some tips about how to wield a sword, send us an email!

- 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.



 Show Notes:

- Runtime: 39 min 22 sec

- Music from the Ghosts of Tsushima OST

EXP Podcast #582: Review Bombs Away

Action shot of a real review bomber

Duck and cover everybody: it's time to talk about video game reviews.  Reactionary hot takes have been around forever, but the concept of "review bombing" is a special, terrible twist on the all-too-common public vitriol towards a video game that dares do anything other than pander directly to the most vocal fanatics.  Metacritic (no stranger to controversy itself) recently introduced a short post-release moratorium on user reviews in an effort to blunt review bombing.  But will it work and what's truly at play here.  This week we put on our flak jackets and try to find out.

- 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.



 Show Notes:

- "Metacritic delays user reviews to ensure players "have time to play" before submitting their opinions," by Vikki Blake, via Eurogamer

- "Metacritic has a review bombing problem. Here are 6 ways to fix it," by Jen Glennon, via Inverse

- Runtime: 42 min 11 sec
- Music by Brad Sucks

EXP Podcast #581: Final Fantasy VII Remake Debrief

"What have I done?"

They did it. They did the impossible. The remade Final Fantasy VII. This week on the EXP Podcast, Scott and I follow up on our six-part FF7 review with a thorough review of the Final Fantasy VII Remake - which includes some HUGE surprises. If you were doubtful about this game like we were, definitely give this episode a listen!

- 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.



 Show Notes:


- Runtime: 1 hr 03 min 53 sec
- Music from Final Fantasy VII Remake original soundtrack
- Listen to our original Final Fantasy VII Debrief here.

EXP Podcast #580: The Last of Us Part II Debrief

Who knew so many guitars would survive the apocalypse?

Grab a brick and sharpen your shivs: This week, we do an in-depth debrief on The Last of us Part II.  It's strikes both of us as a bit odd that a game could simultaneously be so popular and so divisive, but at least it makes for some lively conversation.  As is always the case, we start off with general thoughts and purely mechanical analysis, but be warned that the back half of this show is all about the story in all it's violent detail.  Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go barricade my door and practice my guitar in preparation for society's collapse.

- 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.



 Show Notes:


- Runtime: 1 hr 00 min 36 sec
- Music from The Last of Us Part II original soundtrack

EXP Podcast #579: Destination Creation

"What do I put the snack compartment?"

What makes "Making" good? This week on the EXP Podcast, inspired by a Kotaku article by Ian Walker, we discuss the act of creation, what makes destruction is so easy and satisfying, and how we might elevate otherwise tedious in-game acts. We also chat a little about The Last of Us 2, a game all about destroying - both yourself and others.

- 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.



 Show Notes:

- "Games Should Make Creating Just As Satisfying As Destroying," by Ian Walker via Kotaku
- Runtime: 35min 25 sec
- Music by Brad Sucks

EXP Podcast #578: Mixer Migration, Sonic Swansong

A legendary meme lord rides off into the sunset.

It's a news-y sort of week around here, so let's dive right in.  Don't look for this podcast on Mixer: we've already made the jump to hyperspace and are on our way to reclaim our Guinness World Record for podcasting and share one last chili dog with our favorite influencer.

- 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.

 Show Notes:

- "Microsoft will shut down Mixer, transition users to Facebook Gaming," by Charlie Hall, via Polygon
- "The 4 biggest announcements and trailers from EA’s Play Live event," by Ben Kuchera, via Polygon
- "Guinness rolls over, says Billy Mitchell is still Donkey Kong and Pac-Man king," by Charlie Hall, via Polygon
- "The voice of Sonic the Hedgehog on Twitter is stepping down," by Charlie Hall, via Polygon
- Runtime: 35min 25 sec
- Music by Brad Sucks

EXP Podcast #577: PS5 Reveal Debrief

Router or YuGiOh collection?

We have seen the future and it looks like a binder full of Magic cards. This week on the EXP Podcast, we discuss the newly unveiled PlayStation 5 and some of the games coming to the console when it launches... when? For how much?

Leaning one way or the other on next-gen? Let us know your console of choice and why by shooting us an email!

 - 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.



 Show Notes:

- Runtime: 42 min 45 sec
- Music by Brad Sucks

EXP Podcast #576: The Alternate History of the Game Gear Micro

Careful, don't sneeze!

90s kids: get out your bifocals and strap on your sock garters: Sega has not one, but four new consoles for you!  Yes, this week we squint and discuss the Sega Game Gear Micro, muse about the alternate history where this made sense, and wrap up by thinking through other alternate video game realities.

 - 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.



 Show Notes:

- Runtime: 36 min 25 sec
- Music by Brad Sucks

EXP Podcast #575: A Conversation Only Somewhat About Games

This week on the EXP Podcast, we share a meandering conversation somewhat about games and somewhat about the ongoing racial injustices that are on everyone's mind. We encourage you to skip this episode if it's not what you need right now.

We also encourage you to stay educated, stay safe, and stay active via donations, direct action, or however you can.

We mention it in the episode, but we also want to shout out the Spawn On Me Podcast, especially the episode embedded below. Absolutely give this a watch.

 - 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.



 Show Notes:

- Runtime: 40 min 50 sec
- Music by Brad Sucks

EXP Podcast #574: Following Orders

Trust me, just jump it'll be fine.  Also: it's an order.

Sometimes, you just have to do your job.  Hopefully that job isn't storming the beaches at Normandy, but if it is, hopefully you can take solace in the fact that you're doing your commander proud.  This week, we use the WWII sim Post Scriptum as a starting point to talk about hierarchy in video games.  When do you follow orders and how is a chain of command set up in a medium that is usually obsessed with individual agency?  How will I get those sweet cheevos of my CO has be peeling potatoes? 

- 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.



 Show Notes:

- Runtime: 40 min 50 sec
- Music by Brad Sucks

EXP Podcast #573: Back on the Board with Tony Hawk

"Pass me that controller bro!"

Tony Hawk is back and gnarly as ever folks. Tony Hawk Pro Skater 1 & 2 is getting a gorgeous remaster and rerelease. This week on the EXP Podcast, Scott and I grind our way back to a simpler time and revisit this sports classic. Join us for laughs, a rundown of some other not-so-serious sports games, and at least one reference to the hit 1989 Christian Slater film Gleaming the Cube.

- 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.



 Show Notes:

- Runtime: 35 min 49 sec
- Music by Brad Sucks

EXP Podcast #572: A Series of Series X Games

"Bro, check out the HDR on this bat"

Knock knock: there's a delivery for you...a smart delivery!  Now that we've seen the recent announcement of the first batch of Xbox Series X games, it's time to take stock and partake in some recreational speculation.  Vikings, fancy cars, and grotesque body horror: There are more games than you can swing an enchanted barbed wire bat at.

- 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.



 Show Notes:

- Runtime: 43 min 37 sec
- Music by Brad Sucks

EXP Podcast #571: Leak Week

"Somebody got a leaky pipe!"

Once again we've sprung another leak, this time from Naughty Dog and Nintendo. Should we be surprised? The games industry is one of the leakiest ships at sea, right? This week on the EXP Podcast, we discuss these new leaks, some memorable old ones, and what information we would actually want to see in the future.

- 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.



 Show Notes:
- Runtime: 36 min 58 sec
- "The Last of Us Part 2 leaked by hackers, reports say," by Michael McWhertor, via Polygon
- "Massive Nintendo Leak Reportedly Includes Wii Source Code, Developer Materials, And N64 Test ROMs,"by Ethan Gach, via Kotaku
- Music by Brad Sucks

EXP Podcast #570: Alien Interactions

Are we alone in the universe?  Who knows, but one thing is for sure: virtual space is teeming with extraterrestrial life forms.  This week, inspired by recent video of declassified UFO footage, we turn our eyes to the sky and look for aliens and how they're represented in the games we play.

- 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.



 Show Notes:
- Runtime: 30 min 01 sec
- "Pentagon Officially Declassifies and Releases 3 Navy Videos Purportedly Showing UFOs," by Brian Barnett, via IGN
- Music by Brad Sucks

EXP Podcast #569: Midgar Maker

"Who you callin' angry!?"

All aboard the train to Midgar folks, Final Fantasy VII Remake has arrived! This week on the EXP Podcast, we discuss our first impressions on the game, the changes it's made to the originals, and the ways it remains the same. We also have an exciting new update out for Mario Maker and Scott is getting his Joy-Con suped-up!

- 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.



 Show Notes:

- Runtime: 36 min 01 sec
- Music by Brad Sucks

EXP Podcast #568: Animal Crossing: New Horizons Debrief

Just in case you needed a reminder to pay your rent.

Oh hey, it's your favorite neighbors!  You know: the two weirdos who stay inside and play video games all day and then talk about said video games.  After a small preview last week, we're returning to Animal Crossing: New Horizons for a formal debrief.  There's a surprising amount of analysis and design for a game about a quaint animal town, so we hope you give it a listen.  But if you get sick of us, just know that the ability to craft a good fence means you can craft a good neighbor.

- 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.



 Show Notes:

- Runtime: 41 min 19 sec
- Music from the Animal Crossing: New Horizons original soundtrack

EXP Podcast #567: Playing with Patience

"Keep your vegetables, you monster!"

Put those down those turnips and revolt against the tyranny of Tom Nook's exessive dialogue bubbles! Or maybe we need to relax and let the Turnips be? This week on the EXP Podcast, Animal Crossing has us asking big questions about patience, frustration, and why we can't just eat spaghetti with our hands.

- 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.



 Show Notes:
- Runtime: 40 min 11 sec
- Music by Brad Sucks

EXP Podcast #566: Hunkering Down With New Games

Just a normal day for the Doom guy.

We made it through March!  Hope everyone is still hanging in there.  We are still waiting out the global pandemic in our neck of the woods, so we're taking the opportunity to talk about how the social distancing rules are impacting some big games.  We've also had some time the play Animal Crossing and Doom Eternal during our stint in the great indoors.  Take a well deserved break and think about better things.  Like punching demons in the face!

- 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.



 Show Notes:
- Runtime: 31 min 20 sec
- "Pokémon Go Will Soon Let You Raid From Your Couch," by Ethan Gach, via Kotaku
- "Final Fantasy 7 Remake is shipping early, so Square Enix is asking fans not to spoil it," by Julia Lee, via Kotaku
- "Your landlord in Final Fantasy 14 won’t demolish your house during the pandemic," by Owen S. Good, via Polygon
- Music by Brad Sucks

EXP Podcast #565: Kentucky Route Zero Debrief

"This ditty's called 'Which Side Are You On?'"

This week on the EXP Podcast, we load up the truck and take a little ride on the Kentucky Route Zero. This is a game nearly a decade in the making. It's a surreal, folkloric exploration of a great many ideas and it transcends space and time. All that is to say, this little review of ours isn't easy - and hell, sometimes, neither is playing the game. We hope you at least enjoy the ride.

- 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.




 Show Notes
- Runtime: 46 min 08 sec
- Music from the Kentucky Route Zero OST

EXP Podcast #564: Bridging the Social Distance

If only it was this simple.

The world seems pretty wild right now, right?  The COVID-19 situation has escalated quite a bit in the recent weeks and we hope everyone is doing as well as can be expected.  We decided there's no way to do a normal show under the circumstances, so consider this podcast a virtual check in from us to you.  We're physically incapable of avoiding all video game talk, so you'll still get plenty of that; there's just some more real life stuff mixed in.  Pull up a virtual chair and hang out.  Stay safe out there!

- 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.




 Show Notes
- Runtime: 35 min 24 sec
- Music by Brad Sucks

EXP Podcast #563: Save Scumbags

The face of a "Save Scumbag"

This week on the EXP Podcast we get a fresh start! Inspired by an article from Polygon by Nicole Carpenter, we are talking about the age-old practice of save-scumming  - the practice of loading up an old save file to redo your actions and get the optimal (or at least different) outcome. Nicole uses it to save a horse - but we can think of many more malicious - and positive - ways to use such godly powers!

- 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.





 Show Notes
- Runtime: 33 min 24 sec
- "I'm Reckoning With My Save Scumming Ways by Nicole Carpenter via Polygon
- Music by Brad Sucks