Co-op Mode Reviews

The guys had a foursome! Not really. In this episode of Co-Op Mode Reviews: Chris is MIA, Microsoft “Always On” rumor, Tomb Raider is pretty “Raidin”, Ben addresses an audience member’s question, and there is a Humble Bundle giveaway! Seems a lot, huh? That’s just the news portion! Yeesh! There was a lot to say in the episode.  The return of Isaac only means one thing: trouble. That’s an understatement. In this second installment, the guys (Isaac) encounter a storm of relentless necromorphs as they make their way off the Sprawl and destroy the marker that has been besieged upon them. Tag along with the gentlemen as they talk about this critically acclaimed sequel from Visceral Games! Enjoy!Support the show

In this Zelda like entry, only TWO members of Co-Op Mode played the game, Ben and Mike. Why? According to Ben, they are the “hardcore” gamers of the group. He is only kidding. But, seriously. All joking aside, Ben and Mike praise the art direction and lament the length of the game. Before conversing about Okami, Mike talks about his first time playing through Mirror’s Edge and Ben touches upon his experience with the PS3 exclusive, Resistance: Fall of Man. Take part and listen to these gentlemen discuss about this critically acclaimed game and see if the lengthy trip through futile Japan was worth the time. Enjoy!!Support the show

In what appears to be another Call of Duty clone, Spec Ops: The Line, is a shooter that most people have overlooked. Grant it on the surface, it may not appear to be much, but given the chance, the game has the confidence to push itself into a dark territory which beckons the question, do you feel like a hero yet? On this audience choice episode the guys welcome back Michael Shanabarger to the show. He suggested the game and of course the gentlemen obliged. In this review, the listeners will learn that the gameplay mechanics are not the highlight of the game, but that the narrative is the hero (pun intended). Folks, welcome to Dubai.Support the show

This game developed by Sucker Punch Productions who are “infamous” for their PS2 franchise, Sly Cooper. They gave birth to lightning wielder, PS3 exclusive, Cole MacGrath. During the review, the guys agree upon that the narrative isn’t the strong suit. However, that’s where the agreement ends. One particular member is not too fond of the game, at all. In fact, it’s the lowest score he has given on the podcast.  Two other members feel the game is just fine and the fourth professes how much he loves the game. No internal dialog is needed to explain the divisiveness amongst these four gentlemen. Sit back and listen to the verbal fists fly and blood spew! I’m kidding. The guys still love each other. Enjoy!Support the show

Shadow of the Colossus, was a game in 2005 that took people by surprise. This ‘sister’ installment to ICO, provided the players a non-traditional story format allowing the gamers to focus the task at hand: defeat sixteen colossi. Like ICO, it was ported to the Playstation 3 with it’s ‘brother’ as an all inclusive package back in 2011. Two of the guys believe their revisit to this ‘PS2 darling’ still has the “magic” that they experienced on the PS2 years ago while the other two members are distracted how the game hasn’t graphically or mechanically aged well. Prior to the main feature, Mike talks about his first-time experience with Dead Space, Nvidia goes mobile, and the possibility of getting a movie adaptation of this episode’s topic of discussion. Enjoy!Support the show

In 2001, Bungie Studios created a benchmark in the gaming franchise.  Halo took the gaming community by storm. It’s popularity piqued in the early 2000’s sparking competitive multi-player and LAN parties amongst gamers. In 2010, Halo: Reach, came out marking what would soon to be Bungie’s last Halo installment. As Bungie Studios ventures on a different path, 343 Industries takes the ‘torch’ and continues to expand the franchise. Josh, Ben, and Chris are the ‘veterans’ of the group whereas Mike is the newbie to the Halo universe. Prior to the main feature, Josh discusses his thoughts on Team Japan’s game, ICO. In addition to that, the gentlemen talk about the Grammy nomination Austin Wintory received for his musical talent on the Journey soundtrack. Sit back and listen to the guys discuss about the highly anticipated installment and whether or not it’s a worthy entry to be part of the Halo family that Bungie created over a decade ago. Enjoy!Support the show

Josh is MIA! No worries! He will be back for the Halo 4 review and share his thoughts on the “sleeper hit”, ICO. Prior to the main feature, Mike discusses about how he has been playing Mega Man 9 and Chris discusses his thoughts on the most recent Call of Duty entry, Black Ops 2. Take a listen as these gentlemen share their thoughts on this 2001, PS2 darling that was re-released with its sister, Shadow of the Colossus, for the PS3.Support the show

For this episode, we decided to play and discuss the listener’s choice. Speaking of him, Brandon Peat, joins in on the conversation about Capcom’s 2010 release. Prior to the review we get to learn about Brandon’s background in gaming and have Josh give us his quick review of Shadow Complex. This marks the fifth entry that we had Nolan North as one of the voices in a video game (Batman: Arkham City, Uncharted 2, Uncharted 3, Shadow Complex). Again, we just love him. The guys think conceptually the game is great on paper! Who doesn’t love jet-packs? However, one reviewer had his first rage quit for the show! Fun times! Sit back and listen to the men of Co-Op Mode and their guest converse about this pulpy sci-fi adventure that had its “heart” in the right place, but never fully took “flight”.Support the show

I think we have a crush on Nolan North. So far, we have reviewed three games in a row with Nolan North as the main protagonist. What can we say? We like the guy. In this side-scroller, shoot ’em up – Shadow Complex, harkens back to the golden 16-bit era. Its primarily influences are Super Metroid and Castlevania: Symphony of The Night. One member has never played this type of game, the other absolutely loves it, and the other feels a bit underwhelmed with his experience of the game.  Unfortunately, the fourth member was MIA. *sad face* However, we will make sure to get his input in the next episode. Listen and enjoy as we talk about Epic Games’ entry within the XBLA market.Support the show

Oh crap! Uncharted, again!? Yes! In this final installment of Nathan Drake and Co. we embark on a journey for “Atlantis of the Sands.” Naughty Dog shows that they are studio to be reckoned with. With each new entry they progress with their technicalities and narrative. This is another “gem” that PS3 owners should have in their collection. But, like all games they have their issues. A few members of Co-Op Mode believe that there are a couple of misused/missed opportunities the game could have capitalized on. One of them even goes further expressing that third installment didn’t come full circle with the Uncharted series as a whole and the game itself. Also, we summarize our thoughts on the Uncharted trilogy and whether people who own a PS3 should play them. I think we all know the answer to that one. Enjoy!Support the show

Oh crap! This is our first PS3 exclusive on the podcast! The Uncharted series has become the “staple” for the PS3 and the new mascot for developer, Naughty Dog.  This second installment is a critical darling amongst critics and the gaming community. It’s essentially the game to have if you own a PS3. With all that hype in mind going into the second game, two members have their fair share of nit-picking surrounding this “masterful” game. Join us in the discussion as we talk about this modern day “Indiana Jones” serial and how it compares to its predecessor, Uncharted 1. Enjoy!!Support the show

We collectively decided to revisit this cult classic from Ubisoft. It was originially released in 2003 on Xbox, PS2, GC, and eventually ported to the PC. It combined stealth, action, and puzzle solving all in one to give the gamer a variety of gameplay.  It’s colorful and stylized world is still inviting for new and veteran gamers. The HD port was released back in early 2011 on the PSN and XBL. While two members rejoiced and basked in the world of Hillys, the other half did not welcome it at all. Sit back and listen as we discuss about our adventures with Jade and the mystery that shrouds her home world along with our polarizing take on this game. This is NOT a spoiler free episode.Support the show

SHIT YEAH! We started as four. We finished as four. After declaring Gears of War 3 our next game to review in episode six; we have finally completed our quest defeating the Lambent and Queen Myrrah. Ironically, this is Co-Op Mode’s first game where all four guys have actually, well, cooperated. Prior to the Gears of War 3 discussion, Josh embarked in one of the hottest media convention’s that takes place every summer in San Diego, CA. Tune in as he talks about his San Diego Comic Con experience and our adventure putting an end to Queen Myrrah and the Lambent’s tyranny. You betta’ watch out for the Cole train, baby! WOOH! This is NOT a spoiler free episode. You have been warned. Enjoy!!!Support the show

WHOOPSIE!! This isn't Gears of Wars 3. In fact, it has been rather difficult to get four guys to play one game that is essentially a ten to twelve hour campaign. What can we say? Our lives outside of video games is getting the best of us. HOWEVER, even though we haven't Co-Oped that much; we have indulged in other games as well.  Despite that this isn't what we promised, it is information we wanted to share with each other and to our listeners as well. Sit back and listen to our Catching Up segment of Co-Op Mode. Enjoy!Support the show

I reckon y'all probably never heard of Caelondia? That's quite all right. Fightin' the Calamity ain't no walk in the park. In the lush colorful world of Bastion, first time developers, SuperGiant Games, gives the gamers a unique world to explore, encounter variety of weapons to use at your disposal, along with a bare-bone narration. We took notice of this game based upon its visual aesthetic and decided to give it a try. It's time to dig your hole, build a wall, and enjoy this discussion!Support the show

"I'm Batman!" Back in 2009, Rocksteady Studios released Batman: Arkham Asylum re-engrossing players back into the Batman universe. Batman: Arkham Asylum received numerous amounts of critical and commercial acclaim. Two years later, Rocksteady Studios presents their sophomore installment, Batman: Arkham City.  Now, with a bigger setting, more villains, familiar combat, does Batman: Arkham City live up to the hype? Check out our episode!  Enjoy!Support the show

We wanted to take a break from the RPG world and dive right into something different. Crysis 2 seemed like a perfect choice. It received an incredible amount of attention for its technical achievements. In fact, it was one of the highlights at E3 in 2010. It's a shooter with "sandbox" like qualities. The game offers the player to approach a scenario in whatever way he or she desires. Do you want to be a stealthy predator? Perhaps you want to be a "tank"? How about both? The choice is yours.  Amongst our conversation one could say there is a bit of crisis with the scoring system that hasn't been fully established. It's a two for one deal! What more could a person ask for? Sit back and listen to the varying opinions flood your cerebellum. Enjoy!Support the show

In this second half of our discussion for ME3, you may have guessed that it's primarily dedicated to the most controversial topic on the internet amongst gamers: The ending. Did BioWare "fumble the ball" in the "11th hour" of the last installment? Take a listen as we conclude our final thoughts of Shepard and crew's last journey in this trilogy.Support the show

Mass Effect 3 is one of thee most anticipated games of 2012. It's the final installment of Shepard and Co. We not only discuss about our experience with ME3, but also our adventure through the previous installments and how the franchise significantly improved over time. This Western RPG has made a huge impact in the gaming community and it would be unjustified not to talk about it. Sit back and join us in this lengthy conversation as we dive into the Mass Effect universe. Enjoy!  P.S. This is NOT a spoiler free review. Music used from the Mass Effect and Mass Effect 3 Soundtrack. We do NOT own the rights to the music.Support the show

We hope this is a beginning of a long running and prosperous video game podcast.  Video game enthusiasts, Ben Tiede, Christopher Lowe, Josh Ackerman, and Mike Espy reminisce in this episode about our experience with this beloved medium.  Amongst our discussion we talk about the transition from console to the big screen and what games we would like to see as a feature film.Support the show