Season 4 | dlcpodcast

Season 4 (2014)

Episode 1: State of the 8th Generation 2.0

We begin Season 4 with a glimpse into the 8th Generation: the newly-launched PS4 and Xbox One. How are they doing, 2 months after their release? What games are we looking forward to in order to justify those expensive toys? And what is up with Nintendo and its Wii U? Panel: Brian, Reid, Ryan W.

Episode 2: Bigger, Stronger, Faster

In the 40+ years since the first video game console, these devices have gone from a living room accessory to multi-functional, all-in-one machines capable of doing far more than simply play video games. We take a look at the evolution of consoles and wonder just how far we can go. Panel: Brian, Ben, Reid

Episode 3: Flight of the Developers

In light of the recent announcement of Irrational Games shutting down, the reaction has run the gamut. Yet, he's not the first big-name developer who's left behind their AAA franchises to pursue other games (usually indie). What effects does this have on video game industry? Panel: Brian, Ron, Ronald, Ben

Episode 4: Steam-Powered Machines

Joshie joins DLC for the first time this season, and brings with him his two cents on the currently-being-developed Steam Machines. With Valve wanting to get in on the console and PC market, we talk about the devices themselves and speculate on how successful we think Valve might be. Panel: Brian, Joshua

Episode 5: An Artistic Identity Crisis

In an effort to try to gain legitimacy, mainstream recognition, and not be seen as simply a kid's toy, some games take on the look and feel of Hollywood-style movies. Others argue that video games should stand on its own merits and not try to be something else. Agree or disagree? Panel: Brian, Ron, Reid, Doug

Episode 6: The Original Gray Brick

While the Game Boy wasn't the first handheld, it was the first to receive massive acclaim and appeal. 25 years later, Nintendo is still the runaway leader in the handheld market. We look back at some of our memories of the original gray brick. Panel: Brian, Reid, Doug, Tanya, Lynn Moynahan-Carrig

Episode 7: PAX East 2014

It's our annual PAX East recap episode! We bring to you our experiences from the 3-day gaming convention, from the games we played, panels we saw, concerts we experienced, and more. Listen to our stories from a fun-filled weekend. Panel: Brian, Shanna, Ben, Wyatt, Doug, Jon

Episode 8: Sega Does What NintenDON'T

In 1989, a new challenger appeared: a blue hedgehog sought to do battle with a mustachioed plumber. So began the console wars of the 1990s. While Nintendo eventually won the war, the Sega Genesis left a profound mark on video gaming. Panel: Brian, Shanna

Episode 9: From Platform to Platform

It's a love letter to platformers, a genre that has fallen out of favor in recent console generations as gamers prefer much more nuanced, story-driven, feature-loaded experiences. Yet it's this style of game, where you grind level by level, is largely to thank for what we play today. Panel: Brian, Ronald

Episode 10: To Be A Gamer

What does it mean to be a "gamer"? We take a look at the definition, and debate as to whether we should retire the term or figure out ways to give the label a more positive, all-inclusive attachment. Apologies for the drop in audio quality in the 2nd half. Panel: Brian, Ron, Ronald, Shanna, Ben, Wyatt

Episode 11: E3 2014

It's our annual E3 recap episode. We give you our take on the highlights, games, and controversies surrounding this year's event. Panel: Brian, Ron, Ben, Joshua, Catherine

Episode 12: Free Play 5.0

It's the first of the Free Play episodes for Season 4. Even though summertime is usually the quiet period of the video gaming year, there's still plenty to talk about. What news and opinions from the gaming world have we thoughts on? Listen and find out. Panel: Brian, Ron, Ryan W.

Episode 13: Welcome to Silent Hill

Fifteen years ago, Konami gave us their answer to Capcom's Resident Evil. Rather than zombies and viruses, Silent Hill gave us satanic cults, drugs, inner demons, and Pyramid Head. We celebrate and reminisce this classic survival horror franchise on this episode. Panel: Brian, Michael Jones

Episode 14: The Elder Scrolls of Tamriel

Twenty years ago Bethesda introduced us to the massively open-world RPG series, The Elder Scrolls. From its beginnings as a PC staple to a global phenomenon available on consoles as well, gamers have sunk millions of hours into each game, eager to do everything. Panel: Brian, Ron, Michael, Maggie Cann

Episode 15: Say Fuzzy Pickles!

It didn't go over well when it was released 20 years ago, but since then, EarthBound has become a cult classic. What's the appeal of this weird, quirky, odd, yet hilarious game? It's another nostalgia-fueled episode as they discuss the Super Nintendo game that gave us Ness. Panel: Brian, Doug

Episode 16: Free Play 6.0

It's another Free Play episode, and another set of interesting topics are up for debate--in this episode, we discuss the rampant sexism and harassment in the gaming community, the merits of physical vs. digital distribution, an indie game renaissance, and plenty more. Panel: Brian, Ronald, Catherine

Episode 17: Gaming's Greatest Villains

Villains of video games are often times just as memorable, if not more so, than a game's hero. They have their unique personality traits that give them a lasting impression in a gamer's memory. On this episode, we give our thoughts on gaming's greatest villains and give them some love. Panel: Brian, Ben, Tanya

Episode 18: Free Play 7.0

It's just Ron and Brian as they give you the third and final Free Play episode of this season. They talk about Twitch's acquisition, what's going on in e-sports, and more. Panel: Brian, Ron

Episode 19: Why Video Games Need Feminism

In light of GamerGate, we talk on this episode why video games need feminism. The terrible threats and vitriol spewed at critics like Anita Sarkeesian, Zoe Quinn, and others, are unacceptable. We must get rid of this idea that video games are a "guys-only" club. Panel: Brian, Shanna, Catherine, Ryan W., Tanya

Episode 20: Western RPGs & JRPGs

What makes western RPGs so different from JRPGs? Why are JRPGs no longer the big console sellers they once were? Western RPGs seem to have filled the void left by JRPGs, but what is it about them that keep us coming back to them time and time again? Panel: Brian, Ron, Tanya, Michelle, Jeremiah Stewart

Episode 21: A Little Humoresque

We take a look at the funny in this episode, examining the role of humor in video games. Is it needed? What's the purpose? What are some games that are noted for their humor? Panel: Brian, Ben, Doug

Episode 22: R.I.P. Single-Player?!

Online multiplayer is on the rise. Yet, developers are putting more of their resources into multiplayer experiences. As a result, less time is devoted to the single-player experience, or dropped completely. Is this the beginning of the end for single-player games? Panel: Brian, Ron, Reid, Michael, Kasey Cockrell

Episode 23: Level 4 Cleared

It's the season finale! We round up 2014 in video gaming, give you our thoughts on the most memorable games and events of the year, and also give you what we're looking forward to in 2015. Panel: Brian, Ron