I strive to review these shows based primarily on their latest episode. Sometimes though, if a show is completely new to my ears I’ll listen to past episodes to get a feel for the rhythm of the series as a whole. There are some shows that change format or cast members over a period of time that can drastically alter the show’s quality and thereby our review. The classic example of a show that fell apart due to changes in cast was the 1UP Yours! show.
The crew of Garnett, Shane, John and Luke was a major factor in getting me hooked on gaming podcasting. The whole thing started to fall apart when Luke Smith left to work at Bungie and from then on the show began its downward spiral. With each change in cast 1UP Yours! became a pale shadow of its former glory. Sometimes though, a fresh format can revitalize a ‘cast. The Videogamer.com podcast was reformatted recently and this week we’re reviewing their spin-off podcast this week Back on Topic.
How does their new show stack up? Read below to find out!
Pondercast – Episode 13: This…means…WAR!
The name tells you much of what you can expect here. There’s lots of ponderous talk on the latest releases along with some industry developments thrown in for good measure. The logic train came off the tracks at about 55 minutes in when it was suggested that Battlefield 1942 contained criticism of war and its ill effects. The wreck was complicated by a suggestion that Battlefield 1943 seemed “cartoonish” by comparison. Someone’s clearly wearing very thick and foggy nostalgia goggles. Achtung!: Spoiler tags are mentioned, but the show’s so filled with them I don’t see why they bother.
There’s lots of discussion to be had here, although most of it’s very slow paced and a little too naval-gazing for my tastes. If you’re playing the month’s new releases, this show will help you scratch the itch for more opinions about and around the games you’re playing. Also, NG contributor surplusgamer is a member of the cast. Maybe that’s why he seems like the only sane one there.
This week the crew takes the piss out of the Zelda franchise and gets all wet and mushy for Quantic Dream’s Heavy Rain. If you were wondering, “How heavy is the rain?” this is the show that will give you the answer you desire. The only disappointing element to this week’s show is the on-air admission that there’s no podcast plans for the Christmas holiday. If you find you enjoy BoT, now’s a good time to get caught up. At 30-40 minutes a show, it should be an easy task for any podcast addict.
We’ve reviewed the “official” Videogamer.com podcast. Since then, they’ve changed the format to include a new spin-off show Back on Topic where the crew (mostly) discusses video games. The resulting product of this focus is a short, tight podcast that gives you lots of details about upcoming games and new releases. I thoroughly enjoy their new show, since it gives three distinct viewpoints on new games without some of the extreme tangents (that I’ve come to appreciate) featured in the main show. There’s still humor to be had here, just minus wang and fanny jokes.
If the show’s topics have ranged from the specific (“The Death of EGM”) to the broad (“Why Game?”), “Help” lands squarely on the broad side of the spectrum. One of the guests has taken up a mantle I’ve pondered several times as a person who’s passionate about games, but sometimes has too much life going on to get any enjoyment out of the hobby: a year without gaming (shudders). There’s a fascinating interview with Steve Ritchie, creator of some of the most popular pinball tables of all time. Finally, the show does have one weak spot; the Desert Bus for Hope piece is well-trod territory. Though, if this is the first time you’re hearing about it, Ashley’s told their story in a concise and entertaining fashion.
Robert Ashley is starting to look like gaming culture’s Ira Glass. The musical elements of the show blend in beautifully with the interviews and transitions. This is gaming podcasting at its current best. If you’re remotely interested in topics that extend past the week’s releases or Xbox Live ‘chevoz, A Life Well Wasted will make you smile. I’d go so far as to recommend you purchase one of their limited print posters, if you find one that catches your fancy. Enjoy!
Gamewank – Unheard Shenanigans and Episode 11: Metacrisis Prologue
I started at the top with the latest episode, which was a mistake, albeit a hilarious one. For fairness to the show and to provide a balanced review, I’ve combined the latest two shows in their feed. “Unheard Shenanigans” as the name suggests is all of the out-takes from the show that were too off topic or vulgar to be included. Going back to review “Metacrisis Prologue” shocked me when the show featured good pacing and a well-shaped format. There are great audio clips and well produced, humorous segments.
You can thank Halfleft for this review. Although we’re all connected through this global network of computers, wires and audio gear, Gamewank was entirely fresh to me. Getting a taste of this show via its cutting room floor was a fantastic introduction to the show proper. Similar to my initial reaction to the Videogamer.com podcast, I was surprised by the volume of crude jokes and wild (this time Scottish) accents. Give ‘em a chance unless you’re xenophobic prude. Although, I doubt you’d be reading NG if either of those traits applied.
iTunes
I quite like the Pondercast, quite nice to have a slower paced gaming podcast that is a bit more philosophical than “a game was released this week it’s good/shit”.
A life Well Wasted is a rare treat when it pops up on my i-tunes, like a shooting star or a 3-0 defeat for Manchester United.
I can’t recommend GameWank enough.
I’ve got more podcast to lsten to yay. Brillient since I gave up reading. Brett is there a chance you could have a listen to Active Time Babble. its by 1up and if your into RPG’s then its a really well put together show.
@James_El: I’ll add this to my queue. For now, the plan is the next iCringe will feature a round up of all the shows that have been reviewed thus far.
I’ll be posting a new review for each, albeit in a much shorter form.
I’ll add Active Time Babble to the following week’s group. Thanks for the suggestion! Keep ‘em coming!
@Brett I will, i’m finding I’ve because a bit of a podcast whore.
:$I mean become, of course.
I didn’t think I had said 1942 was a criticism of war, I was asking if it matters that 1943 was cartoonish by comparison. Although with the MW2/war stuff I suppose it kind of ran together. But yes, Peter is the only sane person on the show.
@Ok_Abacus I love Peter he’s got the name of a true broadcaster, can you get me his autograph :) Oh and keep up the good work on das Pondercast its a bloody good listen.