Video Game Hangover

In his Mini Hangover, Randy dives into his backlog for Shadows of the Damned, ventures into the 3DS' eShop wasteland for Pushmo, and then... counts down his favorite electro-industrial albums of 2011? Randy doesn't understand the meaning of "Mini".

Direct download: Mini_Hangover_-_Shadows_of_the_Damned.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:36am PDT

Matt was supposed to talk about Assassin's Creed: Revelations, and he does, but since he's vacationing, he also had a chat with his wife and her siblings about the PS Move game Carnival Island. Also: Portable games that he played on his road trip!

Episode Timeline

Intro: 0:00
Carnival Island Chat: 4:48
Assassin's Creed Revelations: 13:55
Outro: 22:50

Direct download: Mini_Hangover_-_Carnival_Island_and_Assassins_Creed_Revelations.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:29pm PDT

D.J's finally made it through the first dungeon in the new Zelda and he's here to tell you what he thinks of it so far. Or, at least that's what he's supposed to do.

Direct download: Mini_Hangover_-_Zelda.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:56pm PDT

In this special Mini Hangover Episode, Paul and Matt spend the first half of the show playing PAYDAY: The Heist. We then take a quick break and give you our impressions immediately after finishing our first session with the game!

Episode Timeline

Live PAYDAY: 0:00
After Session Impressions: 11:08
Outro: 19:16 

Direct download: Mini_Hangover_-_PAYDAY_The_Heist.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00am PDT

This is it, our final show of 2011! In this week's episode, The Whole Crew get together with drinks, and frame the entire show around your incredible feedback! Thank you so much for the support and we'll see you in Season 2 in 2012!

Episode Timeline

Intro: 0:00
Tomorrow's Hangover: 2:30
Listener Feedback: 6:55
Outro: 81:00 

Direct download: VGH_34_-_Dont_Buy_the_Blue_Stuff.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:09pm PDT

Stuff this down your chimney! This week, we've assembled the Ultimate VGH Holiday Shopping List for the obsessive gamers and pop-culture geeks on your list. We've also got Viewer Mail, our weekly Hangovers, and we'll wrap things up with Last Call!

Episode Timeline

Intro: 0:00
Viewer Mail: 2:40
Hangover: 8:20
All I Want: 25:00
Last Call: 58:45
Outro: 64:20 

Direct download: VGH_33_-_The_Hardened_Edition.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:56am PDT

The Crew discuss the new Zelda, waggle, and other unusual control schemes that they've both loved and hated. Paul goes the entire episode without hating on the Wii. We've also got your Viewer Mail, Saints Row: The Third, and yes, more Skyrim.

Episode Timeline

Intro: 0:00
Viewer Mail: 2:20
Special Announcement: 6:08
Hangover: 8:58
Unusual Controls: 32:04
Last Call: 68:58
Outro: 74:28 

Direct download: VGH_32_-_Done_Busy_Being_Dead.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:33am PDT

Thanks but no thanks? This week, we're talking about the things that make us thankful to be gamers. This is also the episode where it sounds like Randy could drop dead at any moment. Sorry 'bout that. Plus: Mario, Saints, Skyrim, Queen and Muppets!

Episode Timeline

Intro: 0:00
Viewer Mail: 1:35
Hangover: 6:45
We Give Thanks: 34:00
Last Call: 66:10
Outro: 72:45 

Direct download: VGH_31_-_Warm_Fuzzies.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:58am PDT

Gaming is awesome, except when it isn't. In this week's show, we're talking about some of our least favorite things in the world of video games. Also: Mario rescues Peach, Paul goes full Skyrim, and someone's growing a glorious moustache. It's itchy!

Episode Timeline

Intro: 0:00
Viewer Mail: 2:03
Hangover: 7:30
Gaming Shitlist: 35:40
Last Call: 68:50 
Outro: 74:25 

Direct download: VGH_30_-_I_Luv_Food.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:22am PDT

In this week's episode we chat about Uncharted 3! Spoiler alert, we chat about Uncharted 3, and only Uncharted 3.

Episode Timeline

Intro: 0:00
Uncharted 3 Chat: 2:12
Outro:65:40 

Direct download: VGH_29_-_Recharted.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:39pm PDT

The first official trailer for Grand Theft Auto V prompts a conversation about our hopes, dreams and fears for the next installment in one of our favorite gaming series.

Episode Timeline

Intro: 0:00
Viewer Mail: 2:05
Hangover: 11:30
GTA 5 is Coming: 31:00
Last Call: 66:00
Outro: 72:50 

Direct download: VGH_28_-_Layton-Assisted_Suicide.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:11pm PDT

Everyone is a little bat-curious, right? In this week's show, we're talking about the Uncharted 3 theater events, our favorite scary games, and Batman: Arkham City. We've also got Aliens, Creepers, psychics, headcrabs and a Last Call that goes OONTZ.

Episode Timeline

Intro: 0:00
Uncharted 3 Events: 2:50
Hangover: 19:30
Scary Games: 38:46
Last Call: 72:50
Outro: 77:42 

Direct download: VGH_27_-_Bat-curious.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:52am PDT

Level up! RPG-like progression systems are creeping their way into all sorts of games these days. This week, the VGH Crew weigh in on the growing trend. Plus: D.J's playing Bastion, Randy's had RAGE all along, and Paul's putting on his Heisenberg hat.

Episode Timeline

Intro: 0:00
Viewer Mail: 2:48
Hangover: 8:12
Level Up: 34:00
Last Call: 67:00
Outro: 73:09 

Direct download: VGH_26_-_The_Post-Asteroid_World.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:38pm PDT

VGH #25: A Number of Defense Options at Your Disposal

How hard is too hard? The recent release of Dark Souls has us talking about insanely difficult games. In The Hangover, we're shocked to hear which game Randy is actually enjoying. We've also got a contest winner, Viewer Mail, and a zombie-fied Last Call.

Episode Timeline

Intro: 0:00
Viewer Mail: 1:44
Hangover: 7:55
Game Difficulty: 29:50
Last Call: 71:05
Outro: 75:20 

Direct download: VGH_25_-_A_Number_of_Defense_Options_at_Your_Disposal.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:16am PDT

In this week's show: a new member approaches! The Crew talk about what makes a game "Timeless", and we chat a little about Gears of War 3, Rusty Hearts, and Cubixx HD. Also: earn more entries for our Ico HD contest!

Episode Timeline

Intro: 0:00
Housekeeping: 1:49
Hangover: 5:30
Timeless Classics: 30:30
Last Call: 68:45
Outro: 77:30
 

Direct download: VGH_24_-_25_Hours_of_Failure.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:09am PDT

In this week's episode: the crew discuss some of the news that came out of the recent Tokyo Game Show. We've got Viewer Mail, musings about the new Ace Combat, and Alice: Madness Returns!

Episode Timeline

Intro: 0:00
Viewer Mail: 2:35
Hangover: 8:50
Tokyo Game Show: 32:56
Last Call: 73:30
Outro: 77:50

Direct download: VGH_23_-_War_Is_So_Horrible.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:15am PDT

VGH #22: Destroy Him, My Robots!

The recent PSN update of Elevator Action prompts the VGH crew to discuss rules and regulations for remaking classic games. We've also got sexy poutine, Deus Ex memes, the obligatory Monster Hunter segment and some amazing new music by DJ FINISH HIM!

Episode Timeline

Intro: 0:00
Viewer Mail:  2:16
Hangover: 5:50
Rules for Remakes: 27:00
Last Call: 62:40
Outro: 70:29
 

Direct download: VGH_22_-_Destroy_Him_My_Robots.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:12am PDT

In this week's show, Deus Ex star Adam Jensen infiltrates VGH Industries! D.J. revisits the original Legend of Zelda and Randy muses about de Blob 2. The Crew also discuss some long running series that they feel need to be given The Old Yeller treatment.

Episode Timeline

Intro: 0:00
Hangover: 2:35
Out to Pasture: 37:00
Hangover: 62:00
Outro: 74:00 

Direct download: VGH_21_-_Cant_Stop_Putting_It_Down.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:36am PDT

D.J. has returned from PAX Prime in Seattle with a cornucopia of new and exciting games to share (as well as a virulent new strain of the PAX pox). We also discuss Deus Ex, Xenoblade Chronicles, fine Canadian comedy and football games that nobody buys.

Episode Timeline

Intro: 0:00
Viewer Mail: 2:40
Hangover: 5:05
PAX Chat: 28:40
Last Call: 65:40
Outro: 70:55

Direct download: VGH_20_-_I_Want_Your_PAX.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:50am PDT

Crossovers! The VGH crew stitch together elements from some of their favorite games into a twisted new batch of franken-games. Developers: are you listening? Plus: D.J. gets bionic, Paul finds a sneaker sleeper, and Randy looks for the fun button.

Episode Timeline

Intro: 0:00
Viewer Mail: 2:00
Hangover: 6:58
Crossovers: 31:50
Last Call: 66:58 
Outro: 74:00 

Direct download: VGH_19_-_The_Line_Piece_Is_for_Noobs.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:06am PDT

GET HYPE! As the summer drought comes to an end, the VGH crew looks into the back half of 2011 for that one game (or two, or three) that seems most worthy of our hard-earned burrito money.

Episode Timeline

Intro: 0:00
Hangover: 2:20
Get Hype: 21:20
Last Call: 57:28
Outro: 64:00
???:??? 

 

Direct download: VGH_18_-_Attack_on_Your_Wallet.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:48am PDT

A huge enemy is approaching fast! This week, the VGH crew takes on boss battles: Do they still have a place in modern gaming or are they relics of an almost forgotten age? We've also got groovy coasters and secondhand shooters. I hit it with my axe!

Episode Timeline

Intro: 0:00
Viewer Mail: 1:40
Hangover: 4:57
Boss Battles: 24:50
Outro: 66:10
???:??? 

Direct download: VGH_17_-_A_Giant_Bottle.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:01am PDT

With only 10 minutes on the clock, the VGH team will weigh in on two recent gaming headlines: the demise of the Red Faction series and the big Nintendo 3DS price drop. We've also got Viewer Mail, the Hangover, Last Call, and lightsabers. Time's up!

Episode Timeline:

Intro: 0:00
Viewer Mail:  1:15
Hangover: 4:35
Death of Red Faction: 21:50
3DS Price Drop: 36:50
Last Call:  51:10
Outro: 60:20
???:??? 

Direct download: VGH_16_-_A_Hard_Road_to_Hoe.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am PDT

Ding! Achievement unlocked! In this week's show, we discuss the allure of trophies and achievements in video games. Feedback is read, "retractments" are issued, and the Last Call offers some sage advice for managing your backlogs.

Episode Timeline

Intro & Listener Feedback: 1:07
Hangover: 9:45
Achievements & Trophies: 29:45
Last Call: 68:48
Outro: 75:45
???:??? 

Direct download: VGH_15_Very_Menu_Heavy.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am PDT

Why can't we have nice things? Critics loved some of June's big new releases but gamers were mostly indifferent. In this week's show, the VGH crew weigh in on this disturbing--but not terribly surprising--trend.

Episode Timeline

Intro: 0:47
Hangover: 3:15 
Great games, poor sales: 28:02
Last Call: 65:00
Outro: 71:00
???: ???

Direct download: VGH_14_-_Top_Shelf_Very_Classy.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:47am PDT

On this week's show: Gaming in the Digital Age! The crew wax poetic about how evolution in the gaming distribution landscape is a total GAME CHANGER. Guest stars this week include: Vegan Nuclear Bombs, Uncharted 3, Navi and someone named Steve???

Episode Timeline

Intro: 0:50
Hangover: 4:15
Gaming in the Digital Age: 35:28 

Direct download: VGH_13_The_Nuclear_Option.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:24am PDT

On this week's show: games! Specifically, the guilty pleasures and bargain-bin treasures that keep us entertained between all of those Big Important Games we play. We've scoured our collections for the titles that we'd categorize as "so bad it's good" or "too cheap to suck" and included our favorites here. We've also got sweat, dude-bros, James Bond and swanky new music by Brother Android. So good it burns!

Episode Timeline:

Intro: 0:56
Hangover:  4:14
Guilty Pleasures: 31:55

Direct download: VGH_12_-_Flong.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:32am PDT

We're back and dreaming of a world where a Scrubs-inspired Kinect game is Microsoft's next big triple-A title. It could happen, right? In this episode, we obsess over great movies, TV shows and books that beg to be turned into video games.

Episode Timeline

Intro: 0:43
Hangover: 3:28
Dream Games Part 1: 25:10
VGCT Sam & Max: 46:35
Dream Games Part 2: 47:22 

Direct download: VGH_11_Cartoon_Animal_Abuse.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:30pm PDT

The VGH crew offer their fascinating insight and biting commentary on the big announcements from E3 2011.

Episode Timeline

Intro: 1:05
Microsoft Conference: 3:05
Sony Conference: 24:55
Nintendo Conference: 43:09 

Direct download: VGH_Bonus_Round_-_E3_2011.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:45pm PDT

M-M-Multikill! The crew discuss their unhealthy obsession with multiplayer gaming, including a certain game starring ostriches on Mars. Also: We put on our robes and wizard hats, Randy says something inappropriate, and VGCT bids farewell to an old friend.

Episode Timeline

Intro: 0:00
Hangover: 2:15
Multiplayer and Red Faction Guerrilla: 22:10
VGCT - Resident Evil: 39:45
Favorite Multiplayer Games: 41:02 

Direct download: VGH_10_Honk_the_Horn.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:51pm PDT

Here there be spoilers! In this bite-sized episode of Video Game Hangover, the hosts discuss only one game: Portal 2.

Direct download: VGH_9.5_Portalable.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:28pm PDT

Modern Warfare 9?! We love our gaming sequels... or do we? In this week's episode the VGH crew talk about what they think makes a great sequel. In our Hangover Segment, D.J. impresses with his encyclopedic knowledge of the Godfather films. We also dive into a discussion on some of our personal favourite, and not so favourite gaming sequels.

In this episode's installment of Video Game Community Theatre, we try our hand at Uncharted: Drake's Fortune. The results? Well, listen for yourself! In the second part of our show, we play "The Sequel Game" which we blatantly stole from Kotaku. Thanks Kotaku! Also, one lucky listener wins the AWARD OF THE WEEK!

Episode Timeline:

Intro: 0:00
Hangover: 5:15
Game Sequels: 20:20
VGCT - Uncharted: 57:55
The Sequel Game: 59:05 

Direct download: VGH_9_Big_Revelations_or_Whatever.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:16pm PDT

Toe tappin' and neck snappin'! While the PlayStation Network is down, the hosts find time to indulge one of their second-favorite loves: video game music. Rather than just about their faves, you'll hear excerpts from classic scores and modern tracks with color commentary from the VGH crew.

In the final moments of the show, listen closely for directions on how you can enter our newest contest and win a copy of the Video Games Live DVD. It's "nuawesome"!

Episode Timeline:
Intro: 0:00
Hangover: 2:15
Game Music, Part 1: 20:30
VGCT - Dead Rising: 49:30
Game Music, Part 2: 51:00
 

Direct download: VGH_8_Blips_and_Bloops.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:14pm PDT

Backloggery! A less-than-inspiring collection of recent releases has given the VGH hosts an opportunity to dig into their gaming backlogs a bit, which inspires a conversation about memorable moments in games and the crew gets a bit worked up about morality as a gameplay device. Plus: We've picked a winner our "Free Ramen" PAX/Amazon contest.

Episode Timeline:
Intro: 0:00
Hangover: 5:15
Memorable Moments: 33:15
VGCT - Psychonauts: 56:15
Tough Decisions: 59:00 

Direct download: VGH_7_The_Bad_Ending.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:49am PDT

Metacritic: Is it the devil? Probably not, but on this week’s show we talk about that and the world of video game criticism, in general. We also weigh in with our early impressions of the Nintendo 3DS and our 3D gaming wishlists, the new leaderboard-centric Need for Speed, and an inaccurately named not-quite-sequel to Contra. Plus, we announce our next big contest and there's yet another installment of Community Theater. Finish him!

Episode Timeline:

Intro: 0:00
3DS Chat: 4:30
What We've Been Playing: 16:15
3DS Games We'd Like to See: 29:45
VGCT - Castlevania: Symphony of the Night: 37:00
Reviewing Game Reviews: 38:45

Direct download: VGH_6_Freakzeeky_Is_Better_than_You.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:30pm PDT

An outbreak of the T-virus (or something) at VGH headquarters delayed production of the new episode for over a week! We're back now, in better health and clamoring to share our thoughts on Dragon Age 2, Bulletstorm, Pixeljunk Shooter and more. Randy's experiences at Volition Community Day and PAX East lead to a discussion about our favorite video game developers, past and present. Paul's love for Bioware and D.J.'s love for fine Mexican cuisine all factor in, somehow. Put it in your ears!

Direct download: VGH_5_You_Dont_Know_Zangief.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:49pm PDT

The VGH crew discusses the unofficially unannounced state of video game DLC and a conversation about the Xperia Play phone turns into something else entirely. Also, our listeners weigh in on their earliest gaming memories and Paul dreams of a world that more closely resembles Canada. Lastly, a new installment of Video Game Community Theater gets all "Buster Wolf" on your ass.

Direct download: VGH_4_Zeds_Dead_Baby.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:43pm PDT

The VGH crew reflect on tales from their gaming "careers," Randy wins a contest, and the Video Game Community Theater gets bionic. Warning: This podcast contains multiple references to male tumescence, illegal narcotics and the 3DO. Also, games!

Direct download: VGH_3_Ive_Got_a_History_with_Milk_Crates.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:00pm PDT

In this "emergency" episode, the crew discuss the recently announced Sony NGP (aka, "not the PSP2"), PlayStation Suite. Also: An ERROR.

Direct download: VGH_2.5_Weve_Got_a_PlayStation_Emergency.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:00pm PDT

The VGH crew chat about the games they're looking forward to in 2011. Plus, D.J. probably doesn't have world exclusive news about the next Soulcalibur. Addictive substances and legendary 80's frontmen both somehow play a part. Also, the 3DS!

Direct download: VGH_Episode_2_Martha_Washington_Was_My_Prom_Date.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:45pm PDT

In their first episode, the VGH crew discuss their favorite games from 2010.  Plus:  Tom Clancy, peanut butter, and Paul really really likes Mass Effect.  Really.  Also: the premiere of Video Game Community Theater.


In this short introductory episode we say hello, talk about the future of the VGH podcast, and address one of the great gaming questions of all time. Put it in your ears!

Direct download: VGH_Episode_Zero.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am PDT

1