Brett "player66"
Editorial, Column, iCringe Sunday, January 24th 2010

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Please forgive a tired audiophile and this metaphor infused survey of the last few months of podcast reviews. I’ve been taken prisoner by some amazing podcasts lately, some of which haven’t been featured on iCringe yet. Suffice it to say, when a show is fantastic and has a 30+ episode backlog, iCringe ain’t ah gettin’ done on-time.

I’ll be sure to review my new fine friends, but make sure to help me by sending in some of your suggestions (even the stinkers). If I skewer any of your favorites, please remember the one your dad (or uncle) always told you about opinions and how they are sometimes similar to oft used and maligned parts of your and others’ anatomy.

Thanks for your patience and your time. Without further adieu, here’s the first iCRINGE PODCAST ROUND-UP!

Kotaku Talk Radio – Chatting with Todd Howard (Jan. 06, 2010)
Previous Score: UNSUBSCRIBED!
I muscled through three more episodes of this show. For me, the audio quality is so appalling and the callers’ questions so annoying, even the mighty power of the Totilo can’t win me over. They’ve added in some amazing guests over the past month. Although hearing Randy Pitchford yap for an hour doesn’t improve my already low opinion of the man, so that’s hardly a bonus. I’ve elevated the score because some weeks it is entertaining in the same way some folks take an interest in horrible rush hour highway accidents and train wrecks. If that is you, KTR may be right up your alley. Since The Tak was purchased by CBS they should be switching to a new infrastructure, so maybe the audio quality will improve some.

CAGcast – #185: Less Yakity Yakity, More Shooty Shooty
Previous Score: STILL SUBSCRIBED!
Rarely is the CAGcast a knee-slapping ride of comedy, but there’s something endearing about this show that has kept me as a loyal listener for years. Recently, they’ve added Shipwreck, a site contributor and co-host of the CAG Fourplay show. The trio works out nicely, especially since Ship’ buys almost every game released each week and has some great insights about games you’ll never play. Cheapy’s whining still gets on my nerves, but sometimes he knocks one of the park and when that happens all is forgiven.

Drunk Tank – #45
Previous Score: STILL SUBSCRIBED!
There are a few shows where I will be willing to hedge my bets. This isn’t one of them. I think Drunk Tank is a love it or leave it kind of show. I happen to be in the third category: I f***ing LOVE this show past any reasonable degree. There are times where the show goes completely off the rails (20 minute conversations about College football teams anyone?) but the guys at Rooster Teeth sound like a wildly fun group of guys to work and hang out with. Give the show a listen for at least one episode and either call me crazy or absolutely 100% correct.

EpicBattleCry – Skirmish 060 Grab and Pull
Previous Score: STILL SUBSCRIBED!
While still suffering the annoying quality of sounding like a macho American morning radio show, EBC is starting to grow on me. The video feed is nice, but I’d stick to the audio version for your iPod’s sake. The show seems to run 30 minutes, which is great for the format they’re trying: a weekly gaming news discussion show. Give it a listen and see if you can muscle past the annoying, forced laughter and dude-ness that abounds.

Invisible Walls – Episode 91
Previous Score: UNSUBSCRIBED!
Shane the Troll strikes again. If this guy doesn’t get on your nerves, you’re a more tolerant person than I. This show doesn’t give me a good reason to want to listen let alone enjoy the half hour it takes to listen to them all moan. Tune in if you’re desperate for video podcast content, just don’t expect to be entertained.

GameWank – Metacrisis: ENDGAME
Previous Score: STILL SUBSCRIBED!
This show is great, but not as a “gaming” podcast. It’s really more of an amateur comedy podcast. As the title suggests, most of the jokes featured here are about the male reproductive organ. Lately though, they’ve had two monster shows where you can tell they’ve put weeks into producing numerous skits for the show filled with Dr. Who references. They do offer reviews of games which get the show back on track and are also well produced, but the humor may be too blue for some audiences.

Hey Ash, Whatcha Podcast – Why Did You Show Me That?
Previous Score: Salvageable
Imagine you have a funny gamer sister that also is a total wacko perv. In this example you’d be Anthony Burch. The “show” consists of a long, relaxed, seemingly free form conversation about games, new and old. There have been less gross out moments lately and being a fan of Hey Ash,  Whatcha Playin’ will make this a nice companion listen. Just don’t get all stalker-creepy about it, please.

The JPAG Show – Episode the Fifty-Eighthe: Dark Lords of the Smith
Previous Score: UNSUBSCRIBED!
In an attempt to give this show a second chance, I went into this listen promising to make it through the 1 hour and 47 minute latest episode. By the 15 minute mark I was clawing at my earbuds, begging for them to, “make it stop!” We hear all about the host’s brother and his interests in two wheeled power sports. There’s a bit where we listen to cast members reading Wikipedia in an attempt to dredge up a release date for Street Fighter. In other words, I wouldn’t wish this show on my worst enemy. Avoid the JPAG show at all costs.

A Life Well Wasted – N/A
Previous Score: STILL SUBSCRIBED!
It’s been two whole months since ALWW’s last episode, “Help”. And thus is my only significant complaint about the show. Robert Ashley’s commitment to making a quality podcast, every time means that there are huge gaps between episodes. Here’s hoping he gets some inspiration and the money to fund a more frequent release. In the meantime give the past episodes a listen and buy a poster.

Electronic Dream Machine – Episode 31: A Very Special Episode
Previous Score: Salvageable
Let’s face it, EDM was looking up lately due to some new, fresh talent, but those days are long gone now. I’m kidding folks. Brandon suffered through a couple episodes of offering me a guest mic before coming to his senses. Also, I ran out of crisp $100 bills to sweeten the pot. EDM is still EDM, which means it may rub you the wrong way with crass humor and lovely inside jokes (Mark “junglist” being known as Blooble: Prince of the North for e.g.). If you listen regularly the show is sure to grow on you. Just keep Erik away from the small children, he’s a biter. EDM’s on hiatus, but if it comes back it will be a welcome listen on my iPod.

Official Playstation Magazine UK Podcast – Episode 7
Previous Score: Salvageable
This show keeps releasing episodes on a monthly basis as a companion to the UK magazine. Their recent preview of MAG was scant on the criticism, but they seem to dole out their fair share to other games like Modern Warfare 2 for its broken matchmaking functionality on the PS3. They do a lot of things right with this show, there’s a decent amount of humor, levity and each episode is short and to the point. I still recommend giving this show a listen. The link goes to iTunes, BTW. If you’re an Apple-hater, blame them, not me.

Pondercast – Episode 15: Uncharted 2 Stars Han Solo
Previous Score: Salvageable
I just can’t get into this show, but I will give them some props for their latest episode. It was genuinely interesting to hear an opposing opinion to the overwhelming hype (even post-release, who’d a thunk it?) surrounding Uncharted 2. I’m going to single out Peter Silk’s contribution here (*cough* NG contributor *cough*), since he was offering the counter-point. Give this week’s episode a listen and see if the show is for you. Again, this may be a subtle difference in taste and my ‘buds may be otherwise teh bias.

Scrambled Pixel Podcast – Episode 15: Copy-Cats and Award Shows
Previous Score: Salvageable
This show surprised me. Of all of the shows I re-reviewed here Scrambled Pixel’s latest episode turned things around in a great way. My only major quibble is another technical one: separated audio feeds in stereo. The co-hosts’ feeds end up in opposite ears. I tend to listen to my podcasts in one ear (while making din-din for the kids, at work, driving, etc.) and that made me a little annoyed at first. Thankfully the show made up for the annoyance and then some. The music was spot on and tastefully edited into the show. The discussion was interesting and left me looking forward to the next show. Sadly, their last episode was posted mid-December.

Back on Topic – Episode 10
Previous Score: STILL SUBSCRIBED!
BoT is the sensible older sibling to Videogamer.com’s original podcast. The hilarious part is most of the time the cast is identical, so only the format is different. They focus on discussing relevant gaming news, previews and reviews in a concise fashion, keeping the tangents to a minimum. The show is short and sweet and one I highly recommend. Now onto their “quiz” show…

Videogamer.com Podcast – Episode 53
Previous Score: Salvageable
This show has abandoned any pretense of being a videogame show and instead fully embraced the raunchy humor, wild antics and running gags. Just like Rooster Teeth’s Drunk Tank, your mileage may vary, but for me this show is one of the top videogame/comedy shows out there. Who am I kidding: I’m only plugging their shows because they’ve read my reviews on air (wink). These guys sound like a great bunch to work with and the show captures the fun of hanging out with (filthy) like-minded adult gamers. As a father of two with almost no free time this is something I’m starved for…man-love.

L33T Rainbow ROFLCOPTER – N/A
Previous Score: Salvageable
Not much to say here. I wasn’t thrilled with the “Thriller” episode before. Since then there’s not been a new episode released. We wish the show’s crew the best and hope for something new to listen to in the future.

EA Podcast – Episode 15
Previous Score: Salvageable
Jeff Green and Samantha LaPerre keep this show from sounding like a constant company pitch. EA intern Daniel “Husky Hog” Lingen is a major improvement over John Long’s dour ‘tude, but this week was probably his last on the show. Check it out if you’re interested in a particular EA title or if you have fond memories of Greanspeak, The Brodeo and Computer Gaming World. The rest of you go ask your mothers to change your nappies, you’re beginning to smell ripe.

One Life Left – s05e22 #118 Framing It
Previous Score: Salvageable
When first reviewing OLL, I had the unenviable task of criticizing an “off brand” episode of the show: one where Ann was left to fend for herself. While being more than capable as a newsie, her hosting skill and videogame knowledge was stretched a bit thin. One Life Left is typically a fantastic show that offers unique (often jarring) features, UK industry guests and what has been described as others as a “wacky” sense of humor. This year they came home with a Games Media Award, so who am I not to offer them my highest praise. My verdict…Drum roll, please! SEVEN-OUT-OF-TEN!