Episode 12: Social Networking (2/20/2011 - click to play/download)

Mike and Chad have finally returned from a 2-year hiatus. Social networking sites seem to have come out of nowhere in the last few years, but sites like Facebook and Twitter continue a 20+ year history of  people coming together through online services like AOL, CompuServe and the modern Internet.  In this episode, Mike and Chad give a brief overview of the social networking sites they grew up with. Click below to play (YouTube). Links The History of Social Networking by Christopher Nickson Wikipedia: BBS Wikipedia: CompuServe Wikipedia: AOL Wikipedia: Facebook Wikipedia: Twitter

Episode 11: The Console War Revisited and E3 Talk (7/21/2008)

In episode 11, Mike and Chad discussed the Xbox 360, Wii and PS3.  Almost 2 full years later, a lot has changed.  Nintendo has taken the top spot, and it looks like the PS3 is gaining ground fast.  In this episode, Mike and Chad revisit the console wars and discuss announcements from E3. Links Chad's blog on his problems with games today. E3: Sony PS3 Home preview. E3: Xbox 360 Dashboard update. E3: Wii MotionPlus. E3: Street Fighter IV. E3: Resident Evil 5. E3: Killzone 2. E3: Final Fantasy XIII. E3: Sony going to 80GB PS3. E3: Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe. E3: Star Wars: The Force Unleashed.

Episode 10: Casual vs. Hardcore Gamers (12/9/2007)

The terms "casual" and "hardcore" gamers have been used a lot lately in the last year. Nintendo has found success with their easy to pick up and play Wii system.  Players don't have to invest hours of time building their skills.  However, this has gamers wanting their 70-hour RPGs and insane first-person shooters a little nervous.  Are casual games too simple?  Are hardcore gamers true gamers?  Does it matter? Casual Gamers -Don't invest a lot of time in games either by choice or because of their schedule. -Use video games to fill in free time. -Like games that are easy to pick up and don't require a big time investment. Hardcore Gamers -Schedule their time around video games. -Interested in longer and more complex games. Nintendo Wii -Easy to pick up and play. -People that don't usually play games are buying the system. -When the newness wears off, will it be just a gimick? Xbox 360 -Has casual games in the Xbox Live Arcade. -Hardcore games include Mass Effect, Assassin's Creed and BioShock.                      360 is the Now, PS3 is the Future

Episode 9: Tech Gadgets (Part 1) (8/4/2007)

It's hard to keep up with all the new tech gadgets coming out every week.  In this episode, Mike and Chad take a break from video games and talk about some of their favorite pieces of technology like portable MP3 players and Windows Vista.  What should you look for when buying the latest gadgets? iPod -Has Apple's stylish design. -Easy to use iTunes software. -Simple user interface. -Different models to pick from depending on what you want to do. Zune -Screen size and aspect ratio more suited to video. -FM radio tuner. -Built-in Wi-Fi allows sharing of music. -Integration with Xbox 360 for media sharing. Windows Vista -Works fine but might orphan some of your older hardware and software. -New menu search makes it easy to find programs and files. -Aero interface with Flip 3D adds a cool look to your desktop. -It is recommended you backup your data and erase your hard drive before installation. -You can do a full-install  from an upgrade version of Vista.  (Click here to see how.) -Windows DreamScene will allow video wallpaper if the full version is ever released. -Chad recommends most people wait until they buy a new computer to move to Vista. HDTV -Samsung and Sony seem to look the best. -There are many factors to consider: resolution, screen type, contrast ratio, inputs... -1080P is the highest resolution available, but 720P still looks great. -Most important tip: Go to the store and see which HDTVs looks good to you.

Episode 8: A Look Back at Dreamcast (6/11/2007)

Dreamcast was Sega's last shot at reliving the success of the Sega Genesis.  With lukewarm responses to Sega CD, 32X and Saturn, Sega seemed to have things on the right track with Dreamcast.  With a successful launch and an all-out media blitz, things were looking good on 9/9/99.  However, things came to an end in early 2001.  What made the Dreamcast great? Why did it fail?  In this episode, Mike and Chad take a look back at Dreamcast. What made Dreamcast great? Great games-Shenmue, Crazy Taxi, Marvel vs. Capcom, Resident Evil: Code Veronica. Innovating operating system design. Built-in modem for online gaming and web browsing in the year 1999. Huge jump over PlayStation in terms of graphics. Why did Dreamcast fail? Lack of support from EA Sports. Lack of consumer/developer confidence. Hype of upcoming PlayStation 2 with built-in DVD playback. Links IGN Dreamcast Dreamcast at Wikipedia Dreamcast Emulation                      Dreamcast Launch Commercial

Episode 7: A Console History of Nintendo (5/26/2007)

With the recent success of the Wii, Nintendo is back in the spotlight.  This could be a case of history repeating itself, since Nintendo was the company you thought of when you thought about video games from the mid-80s through the mid 90s.  In this episode, Mike and Chad discuss the console history of Nintendo. Nintendo Entertainment System Launched in 1985 - $199 ($372 inflation) for the core or $250 ($468) for the deluxe. Helped bring the industry back from the great video game crash. Only real current-generation competition was the Sega Master System. Winner: Nintendo Entertainment System Sales Figures (Link-Wikipedia) Nintendo Entertainment System - 61.9 million units Sega Master System - 13 million units                                  NES Commercial Super Nintendo Entertainment System Launched in 1990 - $199 ($312 inflation) Nintendo's response to the 16-bit Sega Genesis. Enhanced 2-D graphics and sound. Introduced new controller layout that would become the standard for future consoles. Winner: Super Nintendo Entertainment System Sales Figures (Link-Wikipedia) Super Nintendo Entertainment System - 49.1 million units Sega Genesis - 29 million units NEC TurboGrafx-16 - 10 million units                                    SNES Commercial Nintendo Virtual Boy Launched in 1995 - $180 ($236 inflation) Nintendo's attempt at 3-D virtual reality. Pushed to market before it was ready. Nintendo's only complete flop.                                 Virtual Boy Commercial Nintendo 64 Launched in 1996 - $199 ($255 inflation) Introduced free-roaming 3-D, rumble controllers and analog control. Nintendo continued with cartridges while the competition chose discs. -Lack of space a problem and also made games expensive to manufacture. Nintendo's strict licensing scares off some third-party developers. Winner: Sony PlayStation Sales Figures (Link-Wikipedia) Sony PlayStation - 102 million units Nintendo 64 - 32.93 million units. Sega Saturn - 10 million units.                               Nintendo 64 Commercial Nintendo GameCube Launched in 2001 - $199 ($225 inflation) Between PlayStation 2 and Xbox in terms of power. Good first-party support but still a problem with third-parties. System was labeled as "family friendly" by gamers. No solid online strategy. Winner: Sony PlayStation 2 Sales Figures (Link-Wikipedia) Sony PlayStation 2- 111 million units Microsoft Xbox - 24 million units Nintendo GameCube - 21.59 million units Sega Dreamcast - 10 million units                                 GameCube Commercial Nintendo Wii Launched in 2006 - $250 Least technologically advanced with no HDTV support. Innovative motion-sensing controller. Hottest selling console of the current generation. Winner: Undecided Sales Figures (Link-Wikipedia) Microsoft Xbox 360- 10.4 million units Nintendo Wii - 6 million units Sony PlayStation 3 - 3.28 million units                                      Wii Commercial

Episode 6: A Positive PS3 Podcast (3/31/2007)

The PlayStation 3 has taken a beating in the press the last few months.  Technical problems, a weak online service, the loss of several exclusive games and a $600 price tag for the deluxe model.  However, things have changed over the last few weeks.   With Sony officials releasing some concrete information on the future of the online service and added functionality, things are looking up for the PS3.  Mike and Chad finally do a positive PS3 podcast. Next-Generation Sales Figures (Link-Wikipedia) Xbox 360 - 10 million units Wii - 4.6 million units PlayStation 3 - 1 million units PlayStation 3 Positives Most technologically advanced system. Removal of Emotion Engine Chip & 65 nm manufacturing suggests a price drop. Lawsuit settled with Immersion - rumble controllers coming soon. (Link-Ars Technica) Version 1.60 Firmware (Link-Ars Technica)  -Background downloading.  -Stream audio and video from PS3 to your PSP wirelessly. Playstation Home - The Possible Killer App (Link-Wikipedia)  -Create virtual avatars.  -Personal apartments you can decorate with lots of micro transactions.  -Other users can stream audio and video from your PS3 over the Internet. Other Links PS3 - Xbox 360 - Nintendo Wii group on MySpace Mike's Blog Chad's Blog                             PlayStation Home Trailer

Episode 5: Video Games That Need Sequels (3/26/2007)

There are always games from the past that need another chapter.  In this episode, Mike and Chad each list games they believe deserve sequels. Chad's List of Games That Need Sequels Parasite Eve (PlayStation) Shenmue (Dreamcast) WCW vs. NWO World Tour - WWF No Mercy (Nintendo 64) Seaman (Dreamcast) Streets of Rage (Genesis) Mutant League Football (Genesis) Dino Crisis (PlayStation) Mad Dog McCree (Multiple Systems)                              Shenmue Online Trailer Mike's List of Games That Need Sequels Ninja Gaiden (Multiple Systems) Resident Evil (PlayStation) Max Payne (Multiple Systems) Final Fantasy VII (PlayStation) Philosoma (PlayStation) Mike Tyson's Punch-Out (Nintendo Entertainment System) Golden Axe (Genesis)                       Philosoma Trailer - PlayStation

Episode 4:  Top 10 Most Memorable Games (1/28/2007)

Mike and Chad have played tons of games over the last 20 years.  In this show, they each list their top 10 most memorable games.  The PlayStation and Super Nintendo are well represented. Mike's Top 10  Most Memorable Games Parappa the Rapper (PlayStation) Chrono Trigger (Super Nintendo) Final Fantasy VII  (PlayStation) Guitar Hero (PlayStation) Mortal Kombat (Multiple Systems) Goldeneye (Nintendo 64) Gears of War (Xbox 360) Mario/Zelda/Metroid Series (Multiple Nintendo Systems) Metal Gear Solid (PlayStation) Resident Evil (PlayStation) Chad's Top 10 Most Memorable Games Silent Hill (PlayStation) Parasite Eve (PlayStation) Gears of War (Xbox 360) Castlevania: Symphony of the Night (PlayStation) Shenmue (Dreamcast) Super Mario World (Super Nintendo) Metal Gear Solid (PlayStation) The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (Super Nintendo) Snatcher (Sega CD) Resident Evil (PlayStation)                      Snatcher Intro - Sega CD

Episode 3:  The PS3 and Wii Have Landed (12/17/2006)

The PlayStation 3 and Wii have finally been released.  Mike and Chad discuss their opinions on both launches.  The also spend time discussing their opinions on one of the biggest names in the video game industry: EA Sports.  Is the lack of competition hurting the company?  Mike and Chad also take time to discuss why they both love Gears of War on Xbox 360. Links EA Brand Tarnished According to Analyst (Ars Technica)

Episode 2:  Violence in Video Games (8/25/2006)

Violence in video games has been a hot topic since the early 1990s.  The publicity started with Night Trap and Mortal Kombat and continues today with games like Grand Theft Auto.  Are video games to blame for violent and aggressive behavior in kids?  What role do parents play?  Mike and Chad discuss their opinions on this controversial topic.

Episode 1:  Xbox 360 vs. PS3 vs. Wii (8/13/2006)

In this first episode, Mike and Chad discuss the upcoming battle between the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and the Nintendo Wii.  Sony is the reigning champion, Microsoft is new but making some noise in the industry with their online service and Nintendo is a former champion trying to fight their way back.  Microsoft was first out of the gate, but  they have some serious competition coming.

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