Co-op Mode Reviews

“A benchmark in Bioware’s History” – Jade Empire is the game that the general community has largely forgotten unlike their other properties: Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic and the Mass Effect Trilogy. With this listener’s choice, Michael Shanabarger, the guys delve back into what they believe to be the precursor of Bioware’s ever evolving confidence in creating their own IP, moral system, combat, etc. Sit back and enjoy this lengthy episode as the gentlemen talk about this overlooked game. Enjoy!Support the show

“Goddess of War” – Coming off the God of War “high”, Mike and Ben embark on another hack ‘n slash adventure with the stoic heroine, Nariko.  Heavenly Sword came out roughly a year after the initial launch of the PS3 (2007).  The 2007 release came right after the first God of War entry.  (Starting to understand why we chose this game?)  *Nudge* *Nudge*.  The guys draw comparisons, emphasize and admire the visuals, and believe the ambition from Ninja Theory is endearing.  Prior to the review, Mike and Ben discuss the immaturely titled game, Hatred, which has garnered copious amounts of unwelcoming reactions.  Enjoy!Support the show

“Blow more loads” – The God of War franchise spawned right on the brink of the now previous gen console, Playstation 3.  It wasn’t until 2010 when the concluding chapter in the God of War saga came to fruition.  The new “face lift”, tight gameplay, and epic set pieces made the third installment thee all to be all.  However, some of its demons, so-to-speak, still managed to find a way to affect certain gameplay mechanics that caused a bit of frustration for the guys.  Prior to the main feature Josh briefly reviews the previous game, FEZ.  It’s time to get bloody and seek revenge on the Gods!  Enjoy!Support the show

At face value FEZ comes off as what seems to be a simple 8-bit side-scrolling puzzle platform game that has a few tricks up its “sleeve”. Little did the guys know that the game is significantly much more in depth than they perceived it to be. The guys touch upon how the game harnesses familiar retro like mechanics, its wonderful aesthetics, and how it possibly may be one of the most challenging games discussed on the podcast. Enjoy the episode!Support the show

Naughty Dog is a prominent developer within the gaming community. The company has evolved since their Crash Bandicoot days venturing into new territories with Jak and Dexter, Uncharted (the modern day Indiana Jones), to the post apocalyptic world of The Last of Us. The Last of Us has garnered critical fame not only for the PS3, but also for its re-release on the PS4. The guys discuss this critical darling and found themselves to be in the same “camp” as everyone else.Support the show

In this “unique” episode the guys touch upon the most recent installment in the Hitman franchise, Hitman: Absolution (you’ll understand why it’s “unique”). After the review they discuss about E3 and their impressions of the conference.  Enjoy!Support the show

In what would appear to be a bizarre cross-over between two companies – Square Enix and Disney – has widely become a fan favorite amongst the gaming community. It’s even to the point that it’s getting an “official” third title since E3’s 2013 announcement. Kingdom Hearts takes Disney and Final Fantasy characters while putting its own spin on it. In their second “side-quest” discussion, Ben and Mike who are polar opposites in this review, go in depth as to why one has such affinity for it and why the other didn’t enjoy himself while playing the game. In addition to the review, the guys give a big shout out to a friend of theirs who acquired a job at Telltale Games. Enjoy the episode!Support the show

A city underwater and that floats in the air. Irrational Games, has the ability to captivate its audience with their sense of atmosphere, alternate realities of historical events and or figures, and musical score. The guys are back to talk about Irrational Games last entry in the world of video games and the Bioshock universe. As the guys praise the world building, one in particular has a lot issues with the game claiming it’s not all the “rage” that most people claim to say. Prior to the feature the gents catch up and talk about one of the most hyped games of 2014, Titanfall. Kick back and enjoy this lengthy episode!Support the show

The Walking Dead has become a major sensation in other mediums such as comics and television. Telltale Games’ has become a developer to be reckoned with. Their point and click adventures have tackled big franchises such as Jurassic Park and Back to the Future. In this lengthy episode with special guest and friend, Ben Kuzmicz, the guys discuss one of Telltale Games’ biggest successors and whether if it captures the intensity like the other mediums if not better. Before the feature, the guys catch up talking about their other gaming adventures and news that have struck their fancy. Grab a drink, crank up the dial, and listen to the guys talk about this “walker” filled adventure.  Enjoy!Support the show

2013 was a great year for the gentlemen. In this unorthodox of an episode, the guys recall some of their key moments that stood out ranging from certain events, announcements, and most talked about, etc. It’s not the “standard” list of the best and worst. It’s anything and everything. On behalf of Co-Op Mode Reviews, the guys express their gratitude for the amount of support they received from you, their listeners. They look forward to another awesome year of gaming and can’t wait to share their thoughts on up and coming games. Enjoy!  Running Length - 1:49:11Support the show

Running and jumping rooftop to rooftop, adrenaline kicks in, feeling light on your feet is Mirror’s Edge shining factor. This first-person anti-shooter created by DICE (known for their Battlefield installments and gaming engine, ‘Frostbite’) gave players the feeling of what it’s like ‘walking on air’. As the guys traversed across the cosmopolitan city they were abruptly halted with the game’s flaws. As the guys sift through various pros and cons of Mirror’s Edge, they also touch upon the portrayal of ethnicity and the sex of characters. Thanks for listening and enjoy!Support the show

Sadly CE Lowe did not join the guys for this episode. Although, they are graced by another man: Malcolm Rodgers. Meticulous is a word that can be described about Dust: An Elysian Tail. The history behind this game has quite the struggle and not to mention the heart behind it. Back in 2009, Dean DoDrill set out to create a “metroidvania” game with anthropomorphic characters that have a Don Bluth appeal to them. This game proves one does not need a corporation to produce a memorable game. In short:the guys agree.  On top of the featured discussion, Josh advances into the next generation with his trusty PS4. He briefly talks about his experience with the new console. Enjoy the episode!Support the show

When it comes to the Resistance franchise it comes off as a “hit or miss” situation especially with the narrative. Resistance 3 is in every sense of the word a shooter. In this discussion, as revealed, the guys highlight that the “bread and butter” of the third installment is the weapons/gameplay. Ben and Chris shed some insight as to why the first two installments didn’t capture their attention whereas Resistance 3 found a balance taking elements that worked in the first two games and placing them in the third entry. Listen as to whether this game made a lasting impression on the gentlemen and whether or not it’s essential to play if one owns a Playstation 3. Enjoy!Support the show

L.A. Madness! Listen all about it! Four guys travel back into the 1940’s, the “golden age” of Hollywood, as Cole Phelps, WWII war veteran. The guys get right to the chase and discuss about Team Bondi’s ambitious project. As you get into the thick of the conversation, you’ll find out that it’s not a “love fest” for some of these noir lovers. Kick back, take your fedora off, adjust the suspenders, and put your “bean shooter” away. Plus, grab your dame or man while you’re at it too! Enjoy the episode!Support the show

New IP’s are a gamble especially when the gaming market is littered with sequels.  Sequels typically bring familiarity to the player almost assuring that they’re in for a similar experience, but with a little bit of freshness. In late 2012, Arkane Studios released Dishonored. Dishonored was critically well received and financially succeeded with what could be considered “triple A” sales so-to-speak. The gentlemen praise the game play mechanics as it was the “bread and butter” of their experience while the narrative wasn’t captivating when it should have been. Prior to the review of Dishonored, the guys discuss about Valve’s first announcement:  SteamOS. Following the SteamOS discussion is CE Lowe’s quick review of Hotline Miami. Enjoy!Support the show

In this 80’s, 8-bit, psychedelic, and neon of an episode; Mike, Josh, and Ben discuss about this indie “powerhouse” developed by Dennation Games. Hotline Miami has garnered a massive fan base earning various nominations and awards. During Chris’ unfortunate absence, the guys talk about specifically how they became desensitized to the amount of violence and how other elements in the game (music and setting) contributed to their experience. Enjoy!Support the show

Quantic Dream, in 2005 broke away from “traditional” video games by developing a cinematic interactive experience known as Indigo Prophecy aka Fahrenheit (over seas). Fast forward five years later. The same type of immersing experience is released exclusively on the PS3 known as Heavy Rain. Heavy Rain for lack of a better word is different than most video games that are on the store shelves. One would argue that it isn’t even a video game. However, that conversation did not take place during the review since that alone can be discussed at another day and time. The guys welcome Ryan Pickard, who is one-half of Welp, That Sucked, to the show since it was his pick. Sit back and listen to the guys discuss about how their experience felt foreign than most video games now a days. Enjoy!!Support the show

After digesting the E3 Conference, the guys return with Chris’ pick for the show. Not many have heard of this game, but it critically did receive positive reviews. Chris had a lot of enthusiasm when he initially picked the game due its “Metroid” like nature, but he expresses a slightly different “tune” when it comes to this game. Plus, Mike and Ben (the polarity bros) “tackled” Outland in co-op mode (no pun intended). Prior to the main feature, Josh talks about his experience at E3. It’s the big year for next gen consoles and games! Can you feel the excitement?! We hope so!  Enjoy!Support the show

Chris is back! Lets rejoice and drink in his name! AMEN! The amount of hype that Amnesia: The Dark Descent received piqued one of the co-host’s interest making it his pick for the group to play. From now on, Mike is most likely banned from choosing a game for the podcast. In this episode, you’ll quickly learn that Frictional Games created a tense atmosphere keeping the co-hosts in a constant state of dread during their play through. Along with the main feature, Chris discusses his thoughts on Dead Space 2. Ladies and gents, sit back and listen to the amount of suffering that your heroes endured. Enjoy!Support the show

"What even is...?" This game sucks to play...at night.Support the show