The Insert Credit Show

Insert Credit Welcomes First Time Listeners.Questions this week:Did anything actually happen at TGS?What have you gained from this latest excursion to Japan?Who should be the most excited about the Steam controller?What adjustments should be made to the Legend of Zelda formula?How can smaller game companies fight back against the giants?IMPROV ZONE: Frank and Brandon are meeting for their first date. Tim, their guild leader, has invited himself and is oblivious to their relationship.Were there any promises you were amazed a game WAS able to keep?Who's the best king in a video game?What was Hiroshi Yamauchi's impact on video games?LIGHTNING ROUND: Title Design - Art as GamesEdited by Blaine Brown. Music 'Overworld Music' from Dragon Quest V for the SNES and 'Battle Theme' from Dragon Quest V for the DS.

We talk GTA V.Questions this week:What's the closest we've gotten to the Holodeck from Star Trek?Create a compelling narrative and background for a female protagonist in an add-on to GTA V.How would you compare the GTA franchise to the Yakuza franchise?What honest jobs would you like to see in the next GTA?If you and your friends were playing GTA in elementary school, what myths and exaggerations would you expect to hear about the games?Would you consider GTA to be a mature franchise?What other film genres can you see Rockstar taking on?If GTA V was the first game someone was playing in the series, what reasons would you give them to revisit previous games in the series?What's the difference between the violence in GTA IV and GTA V?LIGHTNING ROUND: Rockstar Report CardEdited by Blaine Brown. Music 'Loading Theme' from GTA IV for the Xbox 360 and 'Loading Theme' from GTA San Andreas for the PS2.

Building Staircases on Top of People's Heads.Questions this week:What are some defining moments in your game playing history that have stuck with you?What games apart from Animal Crossing and The Sims allow you the most freedom to express yourself through interior design, and how will this subgenre evolve?What's the best Twine game you've ever played, and what Twine game would you most like to make?On a scale of 1-100, how much more or less likely are you to play a game after the creator describes it as "erotic"?What's the best jetpack in video games?If you had to sink one billion dollars into a video game, what would it be like?What feature or features does a video game have to include for it to immediately register on your "to play" list?What games aren't annual franchises, but you wouldn't mind it if they were?What are the most vegetarian friendly video games?LIGHTNING ROUND: Pitch MeetingEdited by Blaine Brown. Music 'Message from Nightopia' from NiGHTS into Dreams for the Sega Saturn and 'Ally Attack' from Fire Emblem Seisen no Keifu for the Super Famicom.

Insert Credit Engineers Sex with a Robot Orb.Questions this week:How was your PAX Prime time?What happened to Penny Arcade?How has Miyazaki's influence affected video games?What's going on at Capcom right now with the Kickstarter success of Mighty No. 9?Is Saints Row 4 a subversive critique of what's wrong with AAA games, or is it just another example of what's wrong with AAA games?IMPROV ZONE: Brandon, you are the passionate screenwrite on the Sonic the Hedgehog movie who believes in the source material. You're meeting with the producer and the A-List actor playing Robotnik. Neither has ever played a game before.You're given the funding and crew to create a documentary about any subject related to video games. What is it about?LIGHTNING ROUND: Playing Favorites TV EditionEdited by Blaine Brown. Music 'Dr. Wily's Stage' from Megaman 2 for the NES performed by YouTube user DSCAccount and 'Corneria' from Star Fox for the SNES.

Insert Credit is Slick and Hand-Holdable.Questions this week:After Madden 25, other video game series could benefit from putting the number of games they made into the title? (01:30)What game has the best title music? (09:05)Will Unity's support of 2D mean more good 2D games? Should people outside of development care about this? (19:05)When is Nintendo going to give up on the second screen? (33:39)What retro game if brought back in 1080p would make you drop $300 for a Wii U? (53:44)Edited by Blaine Brown. Music 'Title Theme' from Valis III for the Sega Genesis.

You Can't Drink Coffee in the Lightning Round.Questions this week:How can someone most accurately assess whether a game will be worth playing during the first 5 minutes of booting it up?Are there any visual styles you can pinpoint between Saturday Morning Cartoon and hyper-realism that more video games should be using?What's the best thing you've seen from Gamescom, and what do you hope to see from it in the coming days?The premise of Batman: Arkham Origins is that 8 assassins have been hired to kill him. If you were hiring 8 video game assassins to kill Batman, who would they be?How will Gone Home impact the future of adventure games?Think about your favorite video game that proved to be a commercial failure mostly due to poor marketing. How would you have gone back in time and run it differently?What games were born out of jokes?Which fighting game features the most interesting super move mechanics?What is the Superman IV: The Quest for Peace of video games?LIGHTNING ROUND: Bottom Line ReviewEdited by Blaine Brown. Music 'Bloody Tears' from Castlevania Judgment and 'Bowser's Galaxy Generator' from Super Mario Galaxy 2.

Insert Credit loves arcade pizza.Questions this week:What's the saddest a video game ever made you?What are some notable attempts games have made to allow you to play multiple characters at once in the past?Conceptualize the Breast Game of All Time.What are some games that you're glad you've played, but wouldn't recommend to others?How can we use Twitch to set up a better and more popular 24 hour video game stream than Salty Bet?You've been sealed in an arcade in the year 1983 until you break the world record on any arcade game available. Which do you go for?Every prison inmate in the United States is issues a video game system with 3 games. Each of you gets to choose one of them.Should the Xbox One have stood their ground on any of their now retconned features?What is the actual deal of Candy Crush Saga? I thought it was social media trash but people have been playing it in earnest.LIGHTNING ROUND: Apps to ApplesEdited by Blaine Brown. Music 'Sewer Surfin'' and 'Big Apple 3am'by Mutsuhiko Izumi from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles IV: Turtles in Time for the Super Nintendo.

We Take You on a Tour of Bethesda Studios.Questions this week:What is the video game equivalent of a luxury car?Are we paying enough attention to GaymerX?Which often overlooked multiplayer game do you think deserves more of a following in the competitive community?What is the best use of rope in a video game?You have to rob a Las Vegas casino, using a crack team of 5 video game characters. But you can only afford characters who have been in fewer than two sequels. Who do you choose?What would it be like if films were reviewed as if they were video games?What new varieties of Pikmin should be in the next game in the series?Is EverQuest Next good enough to overcome a healthy bias against MMOs?What story would you tell kids who want to get into video games to scare them into a real job?LIGHTNING ROUND: Title DesignEdited by Blaine Brown. Music 'Treasure Hunter Lyle' by Motoaki Takenouchi from Landstalker for the Sega Genesis and 'Fighting Dancer' by Eri Sugai from Lady Stalker for the Super Famicom.

Insert Credit Tip: You Could Google That But Maybe You Don't Want To.Questions this week:What's your favorite browser flash game?What's your favorite implementation of a bow and arrow in a video game thus far?What tips can you give aspiring jerks to irritate game makers to their breaking point?Design an open world sandbox game based on the golden age of cartoons.Which video game sequels to the best job of revisiting the settings of previous entries?Is it time to buy a PlayStation Vita?What are some untapped ideas for marriage proposal rom hacks?In an alternate universe 2013 where Nintendo went bankrupt after the Wii failed, who would they sell their IPs to?On what occasions will you spend $50 or more on a single video game?What is the Happy Madison Studios of video games?LIGHTNING ROUND: Playing FavoritesEdited by Blaine Brown. Music 'Song of Storms' By Koji Kondo from Ocarina of Time N64 Jazz Version By SoundCloud user travislien and 'Gene's Rock-A-Bye' by Masafumi Takada & Jun Fukuda from God Hand PS2.

Insert Credit is the viscous syrup of reality.Questions this week:TIM: What would Yuji Hori's Sonic the Hedgehog be like? (04:33)What are the implications of Nintendo acquiring Atlus? (11:00)Design a video game for Google Glass. (18:07)What are the best multiplayer games for a person with one arm? (24:22)KYLE ROBINSON: What is the game you're most proud of beating without a strategy guide or walkthrough? (30:51)What is the difference between an artistic game, and a pretentious game? (38:27)What is the best 4th game in a series? (47:56)What would Disney Infinity have to announce to get you interested? (54:58)What are the worst games to play with the volume off? (01:01:15)LIGHTNING ROUND: Elevator Pitch (01:05:50)Edited by Blaine Brown. Music: 'Mass Destruction' From Persona 3 FES PS2 and 'Trainer Battle (Kanto)' from Pokemon HGSS DS.

PlayTastin' some Edward James Oatmeal.Questions this week:Which game from the video game title generator are we going to design?Which game do you feel you could write a book about?In an alternate timeline where 8 bit video games existed in the 1940s, what games would there be in America as propaganda for the war effort?What was the second-best year for video games?Other than yourselves, which fringe video game developers would you like to see at the helm of a AAA video game?What is the best defensive item in a video game?How would the game publishing industry be different if it were run like the recording industry?Design a video game to test the aptitude of government officials.Who is the Pete Best of video games?LIGHTNING ROUND: Apps to ApplesEdited by Blaine Brown. Music: 'To Make the End of Battle' and 'First Step Towards War' from Ys I and II Eternal Story PS2.

Insert Credit will immediately consume a chicken leg from a trash can.Questions this week:What was the best year for video games?If California were to sink into the ocean tomorrow, how would it affect video games?Which long-abandoned video game trope to you feel is long due for a comeback?How may the concept of bosses translate into nonviolent video games?IMPROV ZONE: Satoru Iwata answering shareholder questions.Rank these games from best to worst: Microsoft Flight Simulator, Rock Band, You Don't Know Jack.What is the best kitchen in a video game?What is the taking a picture in front of the Leaning Tower of Pisa so it looks like you're holding it up of video games?What was the highlight of Molyjam?Which video game character would you want to team up with Batman?LIGHTNING ROUND: Playing FavoritesEdited by Blaine Brown. Music: 'Pursuit ~ Cornered (Variation)' from Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney DS and 'Pursuit ~ Lying Coldly' from Ace Attorney Investigations: Miles Edgeworth DS.

Insert Credit is content with viewing a jpeg of the iceberg.Questions this week:How will Zynga evolve under the man behind the Xbox One?Which Nintendo 64 game best utilized the Z trigger?Which pre-existing IP would be the best fit for an adaptation by the Civilization team?Would you rather play 1,000 hours of Fire Emblem or 1,000 hours of Advance Wars?How would you run an ARG to promote the actual release of Half-Life 3?What makes Cavia so great?Which video game best captures each decade of the 20th century?What is the Muhammad Ali vs. Joe Frazier of video games?On which topics would you trust Mario for advice?LIGHTNING ROUND: Design by TitleEdited by Blaine Brown. Music: 'The Vanishing Sky' from Bullet Witch Xbox 360 and 'Metallic Mario' from Super Mario 64 composed by Koji Kondo.

All things Insert Credit.Questions this week:For the listeners who missed its glory days, tell us more about the original Insert Credit.Introduce a new acronym-based term into the video game lexicon.What games have impacted you the most?What would the Insert Credit dating sim be like?IMPROV ZONE: You're a couples counselor, the couple is fighting about their video game preferences.If you were all permanently exiled from the video game industry, what would you do with your lives?Design a video game about writing about video games.Where do you see yourself in 5 years?What are your favorite moments of the show?Let's decide our next ranking episode on air right now.LIGHTNING ROUND: Bottom Line Review: Developer Edition (01:06:08)Edited by Blaine Brown. Music: 'Rydeen' by YMO and 'Bout Theme' from Mike Tyson's Punch-Out!! NES.

Insert Credit ranks the most exciting games from E3 with guest Christian Nutt. The List:Super Mario WorldTitanfallD4Mad Max1001 SpikesSuper Smash Bros.KnackYs: Memories of CelcetaThe Wonderful 101DestinyThe Legend of Zelda: The Wind WakerRyse: Son of RomeOctodad: Dadliest CatchMetal Gear Solid V: The Phantom PainThe Witcher 3Final Fantasy XVBattlefield IVMirror's Edge CatalystKiller InstinctWatch DogsEdited by Blaine Brown. Music: 'Aban Hawkins Theme' from Aban Hawkins and the 1000 Spikes XBLIG.

What's the best Sega Genesis game of all time?The List:Sonic the Hedgehog 2LandstalkerGunstar HeroesShining Force IIBare Knuckle 3Thunder Force IVSonic 3 & KnucklesRanger XCastlevania: BloodlinesContra: Hard CorpsPhantasy Star IVRoad Rash IIMonster World 4Rocket Knight AdventuresAlien SoldierShinobi III: Return of the Ninja MasterGain GroundShining in the DarknessShadowrunVectormanEdited by Blaine Brown. Music: 'Bare Knuckle Blitz' from the Streets of Rage Series remixed by WillRock from OCRemix, 'Emerald Hill Zone' and 'Chemical Plant Zone' from Sonic the Hedgehog 2 Genesis.

Consolation Prize: Buzzword Hand Grenade.Questions this week:Is the Xbox One a video game console?Is this thing huge?Is it just me or is the Xbox One controller pretty great?Let's address the name.Can the Xbox One see into your dreams?How many Emmys will Steven Spielberg win in his first of what is sure to be many seasons of his Halo show?Will the Xbox One change the way we play with dogs in video games forever?What notes did Satoru Iwata take on the Xbox One presentation?Complete this sentence: the Xbox One will be the ___ of video games.Edited by Blaine Brown. Music is from the official Xbox One Unveil Video.

No Lightning Round Because Frank Doesn't Feel Like It.Questions this week:With the original Wii, Nintendo got the family together in the living room. How does Nintendo get the whole family into the bathroom?Brandon Boyer announced a conference called "Horizon" to highlight beautiful games. What alternative conference will we need in 2 years once it becomes as big as E3?Google.IO has new features -- geofencing, sensors for how you're traveling, and customized Google Maps. Can we use these features to make a fun game?Let's talk about our favorite speedruns.Syfy is released a TV/MMO hybrid called Defiance. How would you go about creating consistency between these?What's the future of selling games to hotel guests?Let's design games that would actually be fun to play on an ariplane system.Namco just announced a Pac-Man game based on a show based on the video game. What other franchises should come full circle that way?Come up with a serious game educating people on misophonia.Edited by Blaine Brown. Music: 'The Moon' from Duck Tales NES remastered by My New Soundtrack and 'White Castle Town' from The Secret of Evermore SNES.

Insert Credit is a class of characters with character classes.Questions this week:With the release of the new GTAV trailers, let's talk about what games feature the abilities to switch on-the-fly between playable characters.The new Xbox is rumored to feature linked achievements that can be rewarded across several titles. How do you foresee this being utilized?Disney gave EA exclusive rights to Star Wars game production. Which studio under EA's auspices should make them?How can The Sims 4 improve upon previous entries in the series?IMPROV ZONE: Brandon, you work at the game retail section of a department store in 2003. Tim, you're a nervous 14 year old, trying to purchase DOA XBV while your mom, Frank, is distracted but periodically keeps checking on you.Craft a themed Humble Bundle for Steam.What the hell is a MOBA and why should I care?Does Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon possess our particular brand of preferred hotness?Sony has hired you to design the competitor to Itadaki Street for the PS4. You can use any characters you want, but must use every feature of the controller.LIGHTNING ROUND: Apps to Apples (01:02:48)Edited by Blaine Brown. Music: 'MGS3 Theme' performed by YouTube user DSCAccount and 'Hidden Village' from the Twilight Princess OST.

Higher number of trucks than your average show.Questions this week:What game would you most like to play exclusively while getting your hair cut?What video game adaptation of a film being released this summer would you most like to work on?What would be the ideal premise for a video game set in Oakland, California?Which game studio has the healthiest social conscience?What would we end up with if we fused a western RPG franchise to Studio Ghibli for a reverse Kingdom Hearts?The Nintendo DS features a game called My Stop Smoking Coach. What should be happening in this game?After objectivism and patriotism, what will be the next easy low hanging target for the BioShock series?Which Belmont is best?What categories would you add to the GamePro formula of rating by graphics, sound, control, and Fun Factor?LIGHTNING ROUND: Mascot Pitch (01:02:00)Edited by Blaine Brown. Music: 'Realm Overworld' performed by YouTube user DSCAccount and 'Run' by Danny Baronowsky.

Suplexing the Biggest Willy and Getting the Most Dew Done.Questions this week:Extoll the virtues of vehicle-based deathmatch multiplayer.Name a few categories you would add to the Guinness Book of World Records: Gamer's EditionIn Final Fantasy VI, Sabin is famously capable of suplexing a train. Enumerate some of the greatest feats of human strength in game characters.If not a game developer, what do you suppose Tomonobu Itagaki wanted to be when he grew up?What would be the best game to set in a 1:1 replica of our solar system?What is the 7 Year Itch of video games?Choose 4 video game symbols to appear on your Insert Credit coat of arms.If there was a King of Video Games, what would their duties be?According to the Kubler-Ross model, the 5 stages of grief, are denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Which games best embody each of them?LIGHTNING ROUND: LP 2 VG (01:09:30)

Questions this week:Which developer would you like to see get their hands on Star Wars video games?What's the difference between a fun video game and an entertaining one?Which number game in a series is usually the best one?How would you fix Dynasty Warriors?Design a video game that you can safely play while driving.Can you guys talk about the Wii, now that it's at the end of its life cycle?Which video game features the best leveling up system?Venusaur, Charizard, Charizard, Pikachu: KMF/Employ?Who is the unluckiest video game character?The year is 199X. The console wars are in full flame. Nintendo has hired you to offer a rebuttal campaign to "Sega Does what Nintendon't"LIGHTNING ROUND: The Jestons Meets The Flintstones Bowling. (01:00:30)

Insert Credit talks about games with guest Patrick Miller.Questions this week:What is the no-fly underwear of video games?What are the implications of Microsoft going to the Always Online business model?Each of you gets a song in a Parappa the Rapper video game. What is it about?EA was recently voted the worst company in America. Is it even the worst video game company in America?Which video game premise features the highest stakes?What would Keita Takahashi do with 90 billion dollars?Slippy Toad, Peppy Hare, Falco Lombardi: KMF?Who would be the first 5 inductees into a video game music hall of fame?LIGHTNING ROUND: Would You Rather (53:17)

Questions this week:What are the highlights of GDC that aren't covered by mainstream game media?Who would you like to hear in David Hayter's place to play Solid Snake in Metal Gear Solid V?What are the worst things you can do when remaking a classic video game?Try to make it on TV by writing a video game themed spec script of a currently airing TV show.IMPROV ZONE: GameStop manager interviewing Brandon and Duke Nukem.If Electronic Arts did April Fool's publicity stunts, what would they be like?Review BioShock infinite as if you were bribed just the right amount above your dignity threshold to do so.How would Nintendo be different if Gunpei Yokoi were alive and with us today?LIGHTNING ROUND: Apps to Apples (55:45)

Insert Credit talks about games with guest Mike MikaQuestions this week:What's the best fishing minigame?Which FEMALE video game characters make the best role models?Other than Donkey Kong, what games feature the best single screen level design?How does one enter the world of rom hacking?How would you adapt the works of HG Wells into video games?What would be GOD HAND's equivalent to Final Fight's Street Fighter II?What is the mustache finger tattoo of video games?If you could only play Capcom games or Sega games for the rest of your life, which would it be?If Hell is personalized for each of its denizens, what would it be like for game developers?Who is the best video game dad?LIGHTNING ROUND: Elevator Pitch (01:10:25)

Questions this week:What do you expect for Drakengard 3? (01:10)Do the benefits of EA's Always Online model outweigh the risks? (07:35)In many games, after you defeat an enemy, it disappears. Where does it go? (13:55)If you could eliminate one common lazy game critique from reviewers at large, what would it be? (20:10)Who would win in an actual fight among the Super Smash Bros. cast? (26:45)Assume video game music cover bands are awesome. The three of you start a videogame music cover band. Which songs do you cover, and what instruments do you play? (33:35)Best dog? (39:45)Describe Tetsuya Nomura's ideal date. (46:05)How real is video game addiction? (52:45)Which video games provide the best role models? (01:00:13)LIGHTNING ROUND: Bottom Line Review (01:06:50)

Questions this week:Do you forgive games for being wacky because they're video games?What video game music would you put in a wedding playlist?Who's the best narrator in a video game?What is the mark of a video game that lends itself best to fanfiction?What video game ad campaign do you personally find the most offensive?What's the best level in a Mario game?Who would win in a fight: Raiden from Metal Gear or Raiden from Mortal Kombat?I've never played a Tomb Raider game. Is there any reason to start now?If you ever have kids, what boundaries would you draw for their video game playing?LIGHTNING ROUND: Elevator Pitches (01:01:00)

Guest Host Frank Cifaldi. Regular members Tim Rogers, and Brandon Sheffield (also Jaffe in the end).Questions this week:Design a game to save the Atari Jaguar.Which video game features the best item shop?What needs to happen for game quality to start correlating directly with game sales?If you could get away with stealing one hardly noticeable animation from a game of your choice, what would it be?If you could only play one genre or format of games for the rest of your life, what would it be?Design an iOS game where the central mechanic is your remaining battery life.Which video game character would be the ideal roommate?Diversify the catalog of purchasable items with Microsoft points.What kind of Tycoon games haven't been made?Who is the Larry the Cable Guy of video games?LIGHTNING ROUND: Reimagine Shovelware (01:13:55)Edited by Andrew Toups.

Just finished watching the PS4 press conference? We can tell you what to think of it!Questions this week:Which Sony executives were the coolest, and which were the creepiest?What does one wear to a video game press conference?How many polygons are in a soul?Why would anyone ever use any of these PS4 social features?Do people still care about controller rumble?Is the PS4 truly "by game creators, for game creators"?Can Watch Dogs do big good game tape?How do you get someone excited about an FPS?Was it a mistake to call it the PlayStation 4? Edited by Andrew Toups.

3D printing peripherals, Final Boss analysis, and Jerry Lewis analogies await you in this episode.Questions this week:What was the most painful hour of a video game you've ever played? (02:49)PK MOMS: Design an educational game for 5th graders that teaches them not to be assholes on the internet. (09:03)Is game criticism becoming more daring? (15:33)How would you run your video game convention differently than others? (21:54)What makes one Roguelike better or worse than another? (28:19)Which video game character would have your highest Enemy rating on OK Cupid? (34:00)What separates a final boss fight from a regular boss fight? (40:35)How would you make a game with a worse metascore than 8/100? (46:55)How might future games use a 3D printer? (53:31)What is the The Day The Clown Cried of Video Games? (57:55)LIGHTNING ROUND: Elevator Pitch (01:03:35)Edited by Andrew Toups.

Avast! Romantic subplots, machinima, and fantasy character classes off the port bow!Questions this week:FRANK: What are the categories for the Insert Credit Awards? (01:11)RONALD WU: What is the best love story or subplot in a video game? (07:46)If American football is the best designed professional sport, what is the most poorly designed professional sport? (14:16)If you were to make a machinima series today, what game would you use? (22:56)What secret powers might video game hobbyists possess? (28:25)How would the Persona series be different if it was set in college instead of high school? (34:55)What is the absolute best character class in fantasy games? (41:12)What would you do with several million dollars to develop a game to promote scientology? (47:52)Which studios are the best at game localization? (54:20)What game has the best voice acting? (01:00:25)What would you do with a Being John Malkovich doorway into the head of Shinji Mikami? (01:01:32)LIGHTNING ROUND: Magnum Opus (01:08:00)Edited by Andrew Toups.

Crossovers! Halo skulls! The definition of genre! All and more are discussed on this week's episode of the Insert Credit Show!Questions this week:FRANK: What would it take for you to buy a new console? (01:50)How do video games affect people worse than guns? (09:39)Where is the synergy between Shin Megami Tensei and Fire Emblem? (16:19)Who is the Ozzy Osbourne of video games? (23:03)IMPROV ZONE: It's E3, and you're talking Shigeru Miyamoto out of his room. (29:22)Is the word "Genre" used appropriately in video games? (36:01)JOHN SIMPSON: Design a game for the Star Trek holodeck. (45:40)Which games do the best job of justifying character death? (51:48)What kind of skulls would you implement in the next Halo? (58:11)What game was the most difficult for QA testers? (01:04:37)LIGHTNING ROUND: Present Your Concept (01:10:55)Edited by Andrew Toups.

This week on the Insert Credit Show, I come one step closer to realizing my destiny as the Drew Carey of Video Games. Join us on our bold attempt to add story to our show’s gameplay as we tackle the following topics.Questions this week:Deleting one video game from your memory (02:08)A Club Nintendo Makeover (10:45)Ralph Nader vs. Video Games (17:18)The deal with Team Fortress 2 and hats (23:42)Improv Zone: Two doting parents (Rogers, Cifaldi) support their nationally ranked teenage Call of Duty player (Sheffield). (29:57)Pinball Wizardry (37:12)First Person Non-Shooters (46:32)Game wiki management (53:02)Pulling game villains from the public domain (59:22)Manipulating the touch-screen interface without your fingers (01:05:42)LIGHTNING ROUND: Directors Breaking Into Video Games (01:12:35)Edited by Andrew Toups.

Kotaku Features editor Kirk Hamilton joins us to talk about the definition of a power-up, video game hairstyles for your girlfriend, and why Capcom hates Mega Man.Questions this week:BioWare’s Gay Planet (02:50)Super Mario World as a Modding Community Playground (09:38)Electronic Arts president John Riccitiello vs. United States vice president Joe Biden (15:56)Modern pop artists in game music composition (22:51)Game-Inspired Hairstyles for your Girl/Boyfriend (29:10)Title schema for future Pokémon games (35:46)A report card for Platinum Games (42:20)The best power-up in a video game (and what constitutes a power-up) (52:12)Why Capcom hates Mega Man (58:33)How to inflate your game’s metascore (01:05:01)LIGHTNING ROUND: Elevator Pitch (01:11:27)Edited by Andrew Toups. Music for this episode includes Sleater Kinney’s “Oh!” and Pizzicato Five’s “Trailer Music” and “It’s a Beautiful Day”.

The insert credit crew eulogizes the Sony PlayStation 2 Computer Entertainment system. Also my dad interrupts.Questions this week:TIM: Which PlayStation 2 games did you first get? (01:39)Other than the obvious increase in hardware capability, how did the PS2 era compare to the PS1? (08:20)If you were 10 years younger, would you have bought a PS2 over the GameCube, Xbox, and Dreamcast? (14:36)How did GTA San Andreas become the best-selling PS2 game? (21:06)What functions can Sony build into the PS4? (27:26)What was the weirdest game on the PS2? (33:49)Is there no room for improvement over the DualShock? (40:02)What will finally doom the PlayStation? (46:53)Has the PlayStation 3 lived up to the PlayStation 2's legacy? (53:18)What epitaph would you write for the PlayStation 2? (59:35)LIGHTNING ROUND: Bottom Line Review (01:05:55)Edited by Andrew Toups.

The first installment of an annual series wherein we determine, at least for this year, what may be empirically be considered the Best Game of All Time.Final List:Super Mario Bros. 3 (NES)Chrono Trigger (SNES)Tetris (Various)OutRun 2 (Arcade)Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike (Arcade)EarthBound (SNES)Mother 3 (GBA)God Hand (PS2)The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening (GB)The Secret of Monkey Island (DOS)Half-Life 2 (PC)Another World (Amiga)Sid Meier’s Civilization (PC)Bonk’s Revenge (TurboGrafx-16)Shadow of the Colossus (PS2)Minecraft (PC)Cave Story (PC)Super Metroid (SNES)Final Fantasy Tactics (PS)PONG (PONG)Edited by Andrew Toups.

Frank looks back on the defining moment of 2012, Tim tells us about things he would rather eat than play video games, and Brandon is there too.Questions this week:What's your favorite snow level in a video game? (00:55)What was the most memorable moment in video games this year? (07:43)What was the greatest disappointment in video games this year? (14:01)Who won 2012? (20:19)Who was Video Games' Person of the Year? (26:33)Complete this sentence: 2012 was the year of the ___. (32:55)Does the Vita or the Wii U show greater promise? (39:26)What should video games make their New Year's Resolution? (45:52)What will be the game of the year next year? (50:02)Was this a good year? (01:02:30)LIGHTNING ROUND: Bottom Line Review (01:09:10)Edited by Andrew Toups. Music from The Zombies (“This Will Be Our Year”) and Neu! (Fur Immer).

Jordan, Jesse GO! cohost Jordan Morris joins us to talk about Chun-Li, side question, and Adrien Brody.Questions this week:Video games of Christmas Past (02:27)Fighting games as an Olympic event (09:14)Comedy in Japanese games vs. comedy in American games (15:39)Adrien Brody’s Predators: The Official Game of the Movie (22:06)Santa Games (27:05)What defines a good side quest (33:16)Chun-Li as a sex icon (33:16)Mid-nineties mascot design (46:09)The Grateful Dead of video games? (55:50)A GOD HAND Christmas Miracle (01:00:43)LIGHTNING ROUND (01:04:55)Edited by Andrew Toups. Music: Lemon Demon – BRODYQUEST, Add N to (X) – Metal Fingers In My Body, Add N to (X) – Revenge Of The Black Regent

We asked you for your nominations for the Game of the Year. Now let us tell you why those are all terrible.The List:XCOM: Enemy UnknownJourneyThe Walking DeadDishonoredMax Payne 3Tokyo JungleFar Cry 3Borderlands 2Halo 4Hotline MiamiFire Emblem AwakeningGuild Wars 2Dragon Quest XGunlordFaster Than LightMass Effect 3Tales of Graces ƒClash of ClansEdited by Andrew Toups. Music: “Somebody That I Used To Know”, Gotye

Another live show means discussion abounds regarding the new SimCity, the Spike VGAs, and the most pretentious video game ever made.Questions this week:Q*Bert, narrated (02:06)Anatomy of a Fake Gamer (05:35)What video games feature the most interesting internal economy? (11:27)What would you like to be able to do in the new SimCity? (17:54)What categories would you add to the Spike TV Game Awards? (24:18)What music would you license for the next GTA? (31:00)Design Wikipedia: The Game. (35:09)How did video games come to be stereotyped as a male activity? (40:26)Which character archetypes could afford to disappear from games for a while? (47:06)What's the most pretentious video game ever made? (53:32)LIGHTNING ROUND: Famous Historical Figure (01:01:28)Edited by Andrew Toups. Music: Francoise Hardy – “Le Temps d’Amour”, Jacques Dutronc – “Les Playboys”, France Gall – “Teeny Weeny Boppie”, and Francoise Hardy – “Ce Petit Coeur”

The Four Guys get together to livestream some real talk about fighting game spinoffs, rail shooters, and the Mayan apocalypse.Questions this week:Brandon’s homework assignment. Which RPG puzzles have you particularly actually enjoyed? (01:20)Why don't fighting game spin-offs work out? (06:00)What are the best ways to implement your phone's GPS into a mobile game? (12:23)Is there any good reason to keep making rail shooters? (17:40)How would you redraft ESRB policy? (24:02)In the context of video games, when is it okay to use the word "epic"? (30:17)What non-video game jobs would prepare you most to work in video games? (36:55)How will the impending Mayan apocalypse affect the video game industry? (44:54)Has there ever been a minigame better than the game it was in? (51:17)Redesign Minesweeper as a Tetsuya Nomura RPG. (57:52)LIGHTNING ROUND: Sacred Cow Barbecue (01:04:10)Edited by Andrew Toups.

Tim, Frank, Brandon and Patrick Miller discuss Skyrim with guns, Tim Schafer's fanbase, and the Fender Stratocaster.Questions this week:What is your favorite game where mistakes are as important as what you do on purpose? (01:50)What will the hallmarks be of the Wii U console generation? (08:07)What games would be better with guns in them? (14:38)How would you design a Capcom franchise restaurant? (20:59)Who would win in a fight between Kratos and Bayonetta? (27:25)When was the exact point in time that talking about video games in public became socially acceptable? (33:20)Which artists would you put on the soundtrack for a Metroid movie? (39:48)DANIEL CLELLAND: What is the Fender Stratocaster of video games? (46:09)What would a game entirely solicited by Tim Schafer's fanbase be like? (52:25)How can we make visual novels more popular in America? (59:00)LIGHTNING ROUND: I'm going to name 12 Japanese pornographic games, and you have to reimagine them as non-pornographic games. (01:08:00)Edited by Andrew Toups. Music, Brainlord: “Natural Cave”, Shuggie Otis: “Purple”, “Sparkle City”.

Brandon's adventures in the Far East can only mean the return of Patrick Miller! Level editors, the Duckiverse, and swimsuit design are discussed.Questions this week:What exactly defines a roleplaying game? (02:03)JASON YOUNG: Which video games should be used as recruiting devices in the tradition of The Last Starfighter? (08:30)What would Warren Spector's DuckTales be like? (14:46)Which video game features the best built-in level editor? (22:55)You encounter someone who "plays video games for the story." What games can you assume they own? (29:09)What would happen if a pinball table and a jazz band had a million weird babies? (34:17)There has not been a female protagonist in a Rockstar game since GTA 1. Can Rockstar make a game within their wheelhouse with a female lead? (39:48)What would you include in the next Dead or Alive swimsuit pack? (46:15)What is the most difficult type of video game to review? (51:48)LIGHTNING ROUND: Bottom Line Reviews: Console Edition (57:10)Edited by Andrew Toups.

The Core Three give us the scoop on Polygon, the LucasArts buyout, and preorder bonuses.Questions this week:FRANK: Adapt Sanford and Son into a video game. (01:52)Are we in the Golden Age of video game journalism? (08:55)How effective are preorder bonuses as a marketing strategy? (15:10)What is the best Atlus game? (21:19)Explaining Dishonored to your mom. (27:30)What does Disney buying out LucasArts mean for videogames? (34:51)What expectations can we extrapolate for Portal 3? (41:08)Why the hell are Square Enix mobile games like 15 bucks? (47:25)Who is the PT Barnum of video games? (53:51)What was the deal with that handle on the back of the GameCube? (01:00:19)LIGHTNING ROUND: MathM: Pitch me some games to relay to my dad, David Jaffe. (01:06:44)Edited by Andrew Toups.

Vito Ghostualdi joins Frankenstein Cifaldi, The Grim Rogers, and that other guy to share spooky stories.Questions this week:Which video game franchises could benefit from a Halloween-themed entry? (04:38)Explain the relationship between Count Dracula and Death in the Castlevania series. (10:34)What are some easy video game costume ideas? (17:05)How do you make zombie games interesting again? (23:23)Why is Pac-Man chased by ghosts? (30:37)Come up with a better localized name for the Biohazard series than Resident Evil. (36:55)What would the Insert Credit DOOM .wad be? (43:26)Nemesis, Pyramid Head, Scissor Man: KMF? (49:43)What's the scariest video game ever made? (55:20)LIGHTNING ROUND: Frightening Round (01:02:17)Edited by Andrew Toups. Art and Story by Gilbert Smith.

Gamasutra Editor in Chief Kris Graft shares his opinions on region locking, naming your characters, and the battle capabilities of Fat Princess.Questions this week:Christian Nutt’s homework (01:10)What is the deal with regional lockout? (09:53)How may video game enthusiasts tastefully decorate their living spaces to reflect their hobby? (16:11)Let's ruin Halo 4 for our listeners. (22:38)Which games should come pre-installed with the next version of Windows? (29:08)What would video games be like if Dead or Alive fans got everything they wanted? (35:31)XCOM 2012 is to XCOM 1994 as... (43:06)DANIEL CLELLAND: What's the best mounted weapon in a video game? (49:28)Who would win in a fight: Sweet Tooth or Fat Princess? (55:46)Which fictional video game character would you write into the presidential ballot? (01:02:09)LIGHTNING ROUND: Bottom Line Review (01:08:34) Edited by Andrew Toups.

Christian Nutt returns by popular demand for discussion of up and coming game developers, the next career move for CliffyB, and promotional t-shirts.Questions this week:Think of a popular video game from the past 6 years that you really dislike, and say something nice about it. (07:39)If you were the curators of The Smithsonian's "The Art of Video Games," what would you put on display? (14:08)Which up-and-coming rookie game developers show the most promise in their future careers? (20)Devise Waluigi's solo video game debut. (26:56)THIS MACHINE KILLS FASCISTS: Design the ideal games for the other panelists, but they can only comment with colder and hotter. (33:24)What's next for CliffyB? (40:40)Which video game would be best adapted into an HBO miniseries? (47:00)What messages would you send back in time to video game companies in 2006? (52:04)When is it okay and when is it not okay to wear a video game t-shirt? (59:08)LIGHTNING ROUND: Name the Review (01:04:37)Edited by Andrew Toups.

QWOP creator Bennett Foddy joins us to talk about stuff. Stuff like Alan Moore, air dropping video games, and an actual Nintendo theme park.Questions this week:How do we get people back into arcades? (02:32)We know what a AAA video game is, but what's an A, AA, or AAAA video game? (08:53)When is DLC worth buying? (15:17)What are the best underwater segments in video games? (21:49)Who is the Alan Moore of video games? (28:07)If you could send 3 portable games on one device to everybody in the world, what would they be? (35:55)What would be the attractions of a real Nintendoland? (42:28)What company should Capcom fight next? (48:51)How would you explain QWOP/Noby Noby Boy to your mom? (55:17)My sister asks: Which video game character would have the most trolls on Twitter? (01:02:20)Edited by Andrew Toups.

Jaffe tries his best not to sound like a psychopath while the host of My Brother My Brother and Me podcast Justin McElroy chats with us about Sony's trophy system, games we got as gifts, and speed running.Questions this week:You've been evicted from your home and are being relocated to a city or town from a video game of your choice. Where do you go? (03:26)What is the philosophical difference between Microsoft's Gamerscore system and Sony's trophy system? (09:38)Who would win in a fight: Sid Meier or American McGee? (15:40)LEONARDO: Do you remember any game you got as a gift that you thought would suck, but was actually pretty neat? (22:00)You have to make a game to appeal to the Brony subculture, but do not have the My Little Pony license. (28:27)Write instructions to Final Fantasy: The Board Game. (36:20)What should our cubicle-bound listeners be playing in their browsers at work while the boss isn't looking? (40:18)Rank these games from best to worst: Mass Effect 3, Borderlands 2, Xenoblade Chronicles, Journey. (46:53)Yahoo Answers question: PlayStation account hacking addiction? I want to stop but I'm too addicted. (52:56)What are the hallmarks of a video game ideal for speedrunning? (59:33)LIGHTNING ROUND: Video Game Name (01:05:50)Edited by Andrew Toups.

Action Button Dot Net columnist and Music of the Spheres developer Hamish Todd makes a special appearance to discuss cosplay, surprise sequels, and high luncheon.Questions this week:What do we have to look forward to if the Wii U builds itself as a home for potentially dead franchises? (03:42)If you were judging a cosplay competition, which costumes would be most likely to win? (10:07)Which console featured the absolute best launch library? (16:17)What is one video game that you will never, ever play, and why? (22:33)Who would win in a fight: Doctor Wily or Doctor Robotnik? (28:50)Do you feel your work is appreciated? (36:30)What would a Mario game be like where you played as a Goomba? (43:03)If you could grab the novelization rights to any video game, which would you get, and how would you use it? (49:12)Which video game soundtracks are most notable for their use of uncommonly heard instruments? (55:36)What is the worst idea for a game that has never been released that you've ever heard? (01:01:50)LIGHTNING ROUND: Bottom Line Review (01:08:17)Edited by Andrew Toups.