PixlCasts

PixlTalk Episode 85 - Rogue-no-like

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 16:15:00 GMT

Welcome to another episode of PixlTalk! This week is another solocast featuring Nick and in a similar format to the last couple weeks. Nick chats about some of the site upgrades and demonstrates how to use a couple different features. He also enumerates exactly what features are coming next to keep an eye out for. He also talks a bit about his time with Penny's Big Breakaway and Agent 64. Finally, the podcast's main topic covers trends in gaming, both from the AAA and indie space.

Check out the YouTube video below, or subscribe using the feed below or search wherever you consume podcasts by looking up PixlCasts. See you next week!

PixlTalk Episode 84 - Engineering the Fun Out

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 14:27:09 GMT

This week, Nick returns for another solo cast of PixlTalk! Starting with site updates, Nick details what changes he's been making and the progress on some new features that are coming soon. Next he goes through some of his Pseudoregalia and Super Kiwi 64 thoughts, as those are the games he's been playing lately, followed by what he'll be playing next. Finally, the main topic - Engineering the Fun Out. Nick talks about his experience with the new 3D Zelda games and how he manages to completely ruin the experience for himself, despite not really wanting to.

Also new this week - the unified podcast feed, featuring all of the podcasts in the PixlBit archive. You should see a Subscribe button below that will copy the feed link to your clipboard so that you can register it with your favorite podcast app. With the new feed ready, submissions to Spotify and Apple Music will be happening soon - so keep an eye out for PixlCasts in your favorite podcast storefronts so you can subscribe and listen there. And, just as last week, below you will find a YouTube video as well, this time with some background video to make it, hopefully, more interesting for a viewer. See you next week!

PixlTalk Episode 83: Reboot

Sat, 11 Jul 2026 01:23:43 GMT

After a very long hiatus, PixlTalk is back for Episode 83. For now, you'll only be able to watch this episode on YouTube, but soon the RSS feed will be updated appropriately in order to bring all of the PixlBit podcasts together into a single feed. In this episode, Nick discusses the state of the industry after both Sony's digital-only announcement and Microsoft's huge layoffs, the games he's been playing recently, and a little bit of site information and where things are going next. Tune in to hear more in this reboot of PixlBit's original podcast!

Nerds Without Pants Announcement: Introducing The Stage Select

Sat, 30 Dec 2023 20:00:00 GMT

All good things come to and end, and by now you know that Nerds Without Pants has ended after over 11 years of pantsless podcasting. But that doesn’t mean Julian and Justin are done. Far from it! Introducing The Stage Select, a video game variety podcast launching in 2024. What we have for you here is a repost of the pilot episode, in case you don’t follow us on social media and didn’t know the show has had its soft launch. We hope you enjoy this little taste, and find The Stage Select on your podcatcher of choice and subscribe. In the meantime, reach out! And thank you once again for the years of support. It means the world to us! Twitter: @StageSelectPod Email: thestageselectpod@gmail.com

Nerds Without Pants Episode 282: State of the Generation 2023

Thu, 28 Dec 2023 00:00:00 GMT

Welcome to the final Nerds Without Pants of 2023! It’s that time again, time to talk about the state of the generation! This is a really great episode that has some deep discussion on where the games industry is at the end of an amazing and terrible year for it at the same time. We start with how we feel about the generation as a whole, and Justin’s ascension to the PC snob class. Then we talk about what games we’re looking forward to next year, a quick rumor rodeo (yee ha), and then cover some of the big news stories of the year. We close out with something really special, so be sure to listen all the way to the end! FEATURED MUSIC: Goodbye to the Circus- Aqua YouTube Archive: https://www.youtube.com/@NWPcast Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 281: I Learned Who Duo Lipa Is; That’s Enough For Me

Tue, 19 Dec 2023 14:00:00 GMT

Welcome to the penultimate episode of Nerds Without Pants for 2023! It’s a pretty chill and low-key show, as we talk about a small handful of games and then hop on the Email Banana Boat one more time before the end of the year. Enjoy! Twitter: @NWPcast Email: NWPcast@gmail.com YouTube Archive: https://www.youtube.com/@NWPcast Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Nerds Without Pants Special: We Sing

Mon, 18 Dec 2023 16:00:00 GMT

Welcome to the annual Nerds Without Pants music special, which is also the LONGEST EPISODE OF NWP EVER. Sorry (not sorry). Yeah…nothing else to say; but please enjoy some fantastic music! FEATURED MUSIC: Theatrhythm fanfare- Nobuo Uematsu (Theatrhythm: Final Bar Line); The Child You Were- Frances Aravel (I Was a Teenage Exocolonist); Evil West credits- Antonia Bernath (Evil West); A Flower Blooming in the Slums- Takeharu Ishimoto (Final Fantasy Crisis Core Reunion); Passing on Feelings- Takeharu Ishimoto (Final Fantasy Crisis Core Reunion); FIRE EMBLEM ENGAGE BLOCK- Yasuhisa Baba: Late Night Stroll; Divine One; Tear Streaked (Ice); Trial of the Genealogy; Trial of the Genealogy (Free Us); Trial of Emblems; Trial of Emblems (Shine On); Emblems at the Dinner Table; STREET FIGHTER 6 BLOCK- Yasumasa Kitagawa and Yoshiya Terayama: Battle Hub Lobby Theme; The Meaning of Strength; Not on the Sidelines; Viator; Mr. Top Player; Through the Halls of History- Rea Uratani (Hi-Fi Rush); Whirring- The Joy Formidable (Hi-Fi Rush); Singing Piranha Plants- Koji Kondo (Super Mario Bros. Wonder); Another Life (Cooking)- Hidenori Shoji (Like a Dragon: Ishin!); For Your Sake- Hidenori Shoji (Like a Dragon: Ishin!); Katatoki- Yojiro Noda and J.I.D. (Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name); Trigger of Fate- Yasunori Nishiki (Sin Chronicle); The One- Jonathan Geer (Cook Serve Forever); Happy With Myself- Jonathan Geer (Cook Serve Forever); ATOMIC HEART BLOCK- Geoffrey Day: Trava U Doma; Arlekino; PT-1X12; Feel- unknown artist (Lies of P); CASSETTE BEASTS BLOCK- Joel Baylis: Wherever We Are Now; Your Inception; Look at the Sun; Like Chimeras; The Whisper- Beicoli (Laika: Aged Through Blood); Fighting Back- John Paesano (Spider-Man 2); FINAL FANTASY XVI BLOCK- Masayoshi Soken and Takafumi Imamura: Away; Lovely, Dark, and Deep; Hide, Hideaway; The Founder’s Footsteps; Catacecaumene; Beyond the Heavens; Ascension; Find the Flame; Final Farewells; This Road- Poe (Alan Wake II); Choke Hold- Idris Elba (Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty); A Like Supreme- SAMURAI (Cyberpunk 2077); Never Looking Back- P.T. Adamczyk (Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty); Wires and Chains- Dawid Podsiadlo (Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty); BALDUR’S GATE 3 BLOCK- Boris Slavov: Weeping Dawn; Twisted Force; Nine Blades; Bard Dance; Raphael’s Final Act; OCTOPATH TRAVELER II BLOCK- Yasunori Nishiki: The Wildlands; The Wildlands (Night); A Sensational City; A Sensational City (Night); A Verdant Wind Blows; Normal Battle III; Battle on the Sea; Critical Clash II; Dark Night; Vide, the Wicked; Those Who Deny the Dawn; Agnea, the Dancer; Song of Hope; Throne, the Thief; Paritio, the Merchant; Herald of Darkness- The Old Gods of Asgard (Alan Wake II)

Nerds Without Pants Episode 280: Geoff Only Likes Products

Wed, 13 Dec 2023 15:00:00 GMT

Welcome to the final Headlines Edition of Nerds Without Pants for 2023! This was a fun experiment, going weekly and getting to talk about news every other week, but we’ll probably do something different for 2024. This time it’s all about that Grand Theft Auto VI reveal and everything Game Awards related, so sit back and enjoy! 00:00 – 9:09 Justin wants you to stop this 9:45- 1:42:11 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Baldur’s Gate 3, Class of ’09, Julian is impressed with 80s X-Men 1:42:56 – 2:46:31 HEADLINES! The Grand Theft Auto VI reveal trailer The Game Awards and announcements NEXT WEEK: Send emails for the final Email Banana Boat of the year! IN TWO WEEKS: The State of the Generation 2023! Twitter: @NWPcast Email: NWPcast@gmail.com YouTube Archive: https://www.youtube.com/@NWPcast Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 279: We Been Grippin' Since 2008

Wed, 06 Dec 2023 16:00:00 GMT

Welcome to the final listener interactive episode of Nerds Without Pants of 2023! It’s a fun discussion about our favorite third party accessories. This is a wild ride you’re about to embark on. We also have an NWP Video Game Cage Match Championship bout between Winter Heat and Elden Ring. Elden Ring has been a strong champ. Can it retain as we go into the new year? Listen and find out! 00:00 – 13:32 Friar Jaques and having a GED in Faerun 13:51 – 1:49:20 STAGE SELECT: Favorite third party accessories 1:49:27 – 2:51:03 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Julian’s new dumb toy, A Space For the Unbound, Baldur’s Gate 3, Elden Ring randomizer mod, Sifu 2:51:42 – 3:10:03 VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH CHAMPIONSHIP: Winter Heat (challenger) vs Elden Ring (champion) 3:10:12 – 3:16:58 Outro and outtakes You MUST visit the AlphaGrip website: https://www.alphagrips.com/ NEXT EPISODE: HEADLINES! IN TWO WEEKS: The Email Banana Boat makes its last stop of 2023! Be sure you’re on it! Twitter: @NWPcast Email: NWPcast@gmail.com YouTube Archive: https://www.youtube.com/@NWPcast Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 278: BIGGER!!

Wed, 29 Nov 2023 15:00:00 GMT

Oh no, it’s a news edition of Nerds Without Pants with not a lot of news! Whatever shall we do? Er, talk about games, I guess. And Justin READ A BOOK. 00:00- 11:57 Introducing the Locomotivation Podcast 12:29- 1:13:23 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Julian went BIGGER, mopping up Spider-Man 2, some final Alan Wake II complaints, A Space for the Unbound, Justin read a book! 1:13:37- 2:39:57 HEADLINES! Baldur’s Gate 3 gets a physical release alongside the Xbox version Rocksteady shows off more Suicide Squad The 2023 Video Game Awards nominations NEXT WEEK: STAGE SELECT: What are some of your favorite third party accessories? VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH CHAMPIONSHIP! Winter Heat (challenger) vs Elden Ring (champion) SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS BY 7:30 CENTRAL ON 12/1! Twitter: @NWPcast Email: NWPcast@gmail.com YouTube Archive: https://www.youtube.com/@NWPcast Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 277: Be Like Detlef Schrempf

Wed, 22 Nov 2023 16:00:00 GMT

Wow, we’re really coasting into hiatus without a care, aren’t we? We didn’t even realize that this is the penultimate listener interactive episode of the year, but here we are! At least it’s a fun little discussion, plus lots of games, including a dedicated spoiler conversation about Spider-Man 2 (check the show notes if you need to skip that). Enjoy! 00:00 – 18:54 Detlef Schrempf and the Quad City DJs 19:04 – 1:43:31 STAGE SELECT: Our best video game “finds” 1:43:41 – 2:54:00 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Super Woden GP 2, Super Mario RPG, Super Mario Wonder, Like a Dragon Gaiden, Spider-Man 2, Alan Wake II 2:54:35 – 3:26:13 Spider-Man 2 spoiler discussion 3:26:52 – 3:38:06 VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Super Meat Boy vs I Am Bread 3:38:14 – 3:43:41 Outro NEXT WEEK: HEADLINES! IN TWO WEEKS: THE FINAL STAGE SELECT AND CAGE MATCH OF 2023! STAGE SELECT: What are some of your favorite third party video game accessories? VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH! Winter Heat (challenger) vs Elden Ring (champion) SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS BY 7:30 CENTRAL ON 12/1 TO BE ON THE SHOW! Also don’t forget to submit emails for the Email Banana Boat Palooza by 7:30 Central on 12/15! Twitter: @NWPcast Email: NWPcast@gmail.com YouTube Archive: https://www.youtube.com/@NWPcast Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 276:Kiryu Would Never Hit It

Wed, 15 Nov 2023 15:00:00 GMT

Welcome back to a games-packed edition of Nerds Without Pants! We have most of the big recent releases to talk about, some smaller ones that may or may not be up your alley, and even a little movie talk. Plus, headlines and your emails! Well, email, singular. Should the Banana Boat be drydocked? 00:00 – 11:45 Transhumanism 12:20 – 2:02:18 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Slay the Princess, Thirsty Suitors, Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name, Final Fantasy Distant Worlds, Spider-Man 2, Alan Wake II, The Marvels 2:02:38 – 3:13:00 HEADLINES! BlizzCon 2023 announcements, and the future of Blizzard PlayStation loses Twitter functionality N7 Day 2023 and the “reveal” of the next Mass Effect Steam Deck OLED announced WB doubles down on service games 3:13:26 – 3:19:37 EMAIL BANANA BOAT and outro NEXT EPISODE: STAGE SELECT: Tell us some of your best video game “finds” (bargain bins, used game stores, rare arcade experiences, merch, etc.) VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Super Meat Boy vs I Am Bread SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS BY 7:30 CENTRAL ON 11/17! Twitter: @NWPcast Email: NWPcast@gmail.com YouTube Archive: https://www.youtube.com/@NWPcast Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 275: It's a Pizza, AND a Bagel

Wed, 08 Nov 2023 16:00:00 GMT

Welcome back to Nerds Without Pants! Julian is in a weird place with time, since he has continued to upload our old episodes to YouTube, so it’s hard to even say what we did this week. Pretty sure we talked about stuff, though! 00:00 – 17:43 They have pizza bagels now 17:54 – 1:15:15 STAGE SELECT: Locations and settings we want to see more of in games 1:15:26 – 2:22:33 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Alan Wake II, UFC 5, Spider-Man 2 2:23:10 – 2:32:21 VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Heretic vs Blasphemous 2:32:30 – 2:37:40 Outro NEXT WEEK: HEADLINES! IN TWO WEEKS: STAGE SELECT: Tell us your stories of cool gaming finds (bargain bin treasures, rare arcade experiences, cool merch, etc.) VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Super Meat Boy vs I Am Bread SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS BY 7:30 CENTRAL ON 11/17! Twitter: @NWPcast Email: NWPcast@gmail.com YouTube Archive: https://www.youtube.com/@NWPcast Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 274: Conversations Flowers Have

Wed, 01 Nov 2023 14:00:00 GMT

Welcome back to Nerds Without Pants! Julian has a big announcement this week: the beginning of a project to upload and archive the entirety of NWP’s 11 year history on our channel! Then we talk about a ton of games before getting into some light headlines. 00:00 – 18:39 Nerds Without Pants: Now on YouTube 19:15 – 2:32:44 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Cyberpunk 2077 closing thoughts, Love is All Around, Super Mario Wonder, Cities Skylines 2, Metal Gear Solid Collection Vol. 1, Spider-Man 2, Videoverse, Alan Wake II 2:33:01 – 3:24:01 HEADLINES! Star Citizen’s single player campaign “feature complete” after 11 years Capcom working on a next-gen update to their RE Engine Ex-Skyrim designer discusses the differences in design philosophy between Bethesda and Larian More info on Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail 3:24:27 – 3:36:20 EMAIL BANANA BOAT and outro NEXT WEEK: STAGE SELECT: What are some settings (areas, time periods, level types) that you wish we saw more of in video games? VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Heretic vs Blasphemous SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS BY 7:30 CENTRAL ON 11/3! Twitter: @NWPcast Email: NWPcast@gmail.com YouTube Archive: https://www.youtube.com/@NWPcast Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 273: Halloween Havoc: Deadly Alliance

Wed, 25 Oct 2023 15:00:00 GMT

And lo, a Deadly Alliance formed in the background of Nerds Without Pants. Could Julian withstand a dual assault from Rob Ottone and Mike Fallek? Tune in to find out! It’s not quite a Halloween Havoc, but it’s certainly scary! We recorded this at an odd time, so Justin couldn’t make it, and the discussion is shorter than usual, but it’s still pretty fun, probably. Julian has one burning question: how did Rob and Mike end up getting together? Does he get that answer? You decide! We talk a little about Rob’s writing, Poultrygeist, and…an oddly large amount of time spent on the work of Hideo Kojima. I dunno…it’s an episode. NEXT WEEK: HEADLINES! IN TWO WEEKS: STAGE SELECT: What are some settings (areas, locations, time periods, etc) you would like to see more in video games? VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Heretic vs Blasphemous SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS BY 7:30 CENTRAL ON 11/3 TO BE ON THE SHOW! Twitter: @NWPcast Email: NWPcast@gmail.com Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 272: Taco Truck Business

Fri, 20 Oct 2023 15:00:00 GMT

Nerds Without Pants is back a wee bit late with some of the biggest news of the year. What a whopper! Can you tell I don’t remember what we talked about? Shh! It’s a secret to everybody. 00:00 - 13:18 Food trucks 13:51 – 1:41:31 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Forza Motorsport 5, Cyberpunk 2077, Mass Effect, Eternights 1:41:38 – 3:23:10 HEADLINES! 3:23:35 – 3:30:55 EMAIL BANANA BOAT and outro NEXT WEEK: HALLOWEEN HAVOC! Twitter: @NWPcast Email: NWPcast@gmail.com Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 271: Headpunk

Wed, 11 Oct 2023 15:00:00 GMT

It’s yet another episode of Nerds Without Pants! Is anyone even reading this? I doubt it. Purple monkey dishwasher. 00:00- 23:08 Snacks 23:16 – 1:21:57 STAGE SELECT: Our least favorite tasks and quests in video games 1:22:06 – 2:43:17 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Cyberpunk. Just Cyberpunk. 2:43:56 – 2:59:24 VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH CHAMPIONSHIP: Sonic and the Secret Rings (challenger) vs Elden Ring (champion) 2:59:54 – 3:08:14 Outro and outtakes NEXT WEEK: HEADLINES! IN TWO WEEKS: Something special! Wishlist The Santa Strike, by Shana Hammaker: https://a.co/d/44sTYy4 Twitter: @NWPcast Email: NWPcast@gmail.com Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 270: Hideki Kamiya is the CM Punk of Video Games.

Wed, 04 Oct 2023 14:00:00 GMT

It’s another newsie edition of Nerds Without Pants! You know the drill by now. 00:00 -10:17 The Roman Empire 10:52 – 1:14:02 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Closing thoughts on Starfield, Cyberpunk 2077 1:14:21 – 2:59:59 HEADLINES! Hideki Kamiya leaves Platinum Games: https://www.polygon.com/23888882/hideki-kamiya-bayonetta-leaves-platinum Epic lays off 16% of staff: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-09-28/epic-games-is-cutting-about-900-jobs-or-16-of-staff Epic raises the price of V Bucks in Fortnite: https://www.forbes.com/sites/paultassi/2023/10/01/heres-how-much-fortnite-v-bucks-prices-will-increase-in-october/?sh=7da80bd86e5d Jim Ryan leaves Sony: https://www.businessinsider.com/playstation-ceo-jim-ryan-resigns-says-travelling-for-work-tiring-2023-9 FTC error leads to a massive Xbox strategy leak: https://www.engadget.com/everything-we-learned-from-the-biggest-leak-in-xbox-history-161027198.html NEXT EPISODE: STAGE SELECT: What are some of your LEAST favorite activities or quests in video games? VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH CHAMPIONSHIP BOUT! Sonic and the Rings vs Elden Ring SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS BY 7:30 CENTRAL ON 10/6! Twitter: @NWPcast Email: NWPcast@gmail.com Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 269: The Genesis Order is Better Than MK1.

Wed, 27 Sep 2023 15:00:00 GMT

Well lookie here: it’s another episode of that there Nerds Without Pants podcast, y’all! I recon we should have a listen and see what them boys have to say about that there new Mortal Kombat game. You know, the first one! 00:00 – 14:48 Flags are boring 14:57 – 1:43:33 STAGE SELECT: Video game mind goblins 1:43:46 – 3:05:57 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Mortal Kombat 1, Starfield 3:06:37 – 3:19:26 VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Neverwinter Nights vs Beatdown: Fists of Vengeance 3:19:35 – 3:29:36 Outro NEXT EPISODE: HEADLINES! (We want emails!) IN TWO WEEKS: STAGE SELECT: What are some of your LEAST favorite tasks or quests in video games? VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH! Sonic and the Secret rings (challenger) vs Elden Ring (champion) SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS BY 7:30 CENTRAL ON 10/6! Twitter: @NWPcast Email: NWPcast@gmail.com Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 268: Nobody Thinks About Damocles

Wed, 20 Sep 2023 14:00:00 GMT

Julian’s exhausted, so there’s not a lot of time to welcome you to this episode of Nerds Without Pants. We talk some more Starfield and a ton of news, plus your emails. It’s fun! 00:00 – 14:33 Asking the important questions about Damocles 15:09 – 1:02:31 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Starfield. Just Starfield. 1:02:48 – 3:03:14 HEADLINES: Unity done effed up! https://www.theverge.com/2023/9/12/23870547/unit-price-change-game-development Square Enix loses 2 billion in market value: Going over the Nintendo Direct and Sony State of Play: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfYfuAOKTxA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmY1bJQy9sY Starfield gives Xbox sales a huge boost in the UK: https://gamerant.com/starfield-xbox-series-xs-sales-boost/ Ubisoft Montreal forces employees back into the office: https://www.ign.com/articles/ubisoft-montreal-in-turmoil-amid-what-developers-are-calling-broken-promises 3:03:40 – 3:23:05 EMAIL BANANA BOAT AND OUTRO NEXT EPISODE: STAGE SELECT: What are some of your video game compulsions, AKA “mind goblins”? VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Neverwinter Nights vs Beatdown: Fists of Vengeance SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS BY 7:30 CENTRAL ON 7/22! Twitter: @NWPcast Email: NWPcast@gmail.com Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 267: Critical Miss!

Wed, 13 Sep 2023 15:00:00 GMT

Welcome back! On this episode of Nerds Without Pants we are joined by Xavier Kreiger and we talk about SO MUCH BALDUR’S GATE. Also, game characters we love to hate, and some Starfield for good measure. Enjoy! 00:00 – 20:22 Workshopping Justin’s stand-up act 20:32 – 1:20:21 STAGE SELECT: Video game characters we love to hate 1:20:32 – 4:01:53 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Julian’s Baldur’s Gate 3 woes, Sea of Stars, Starfield 4:02:30 – 4:17:39 VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: James Pond 3: Operation Starfish vs Jerry Rice and Nitus’ Dog Football 4:17:39 – 4:27:02 Outro and outtakes NEXT WEEK: HEADLINES! (send us emails!) IN TWO WEEKS: STAGE SELECT: What are some of your video game “mind goblins”, AKA your weird compulsions with games? VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Neverwinter Nights vs Beatdown: Fists of Vengeance SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS BY 7:30 CENTRAL ON 9/22! Twitter: @NWPcast Email: NWPcast@gmail.com Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 266: Skin is Just Clothes For Robots

Wed, 06 Sep 2023 15:00:00 GMT

Welcome to Nerds Without Pants! No time for a lengthy intro, because Julian got carried away playing games on the holiday weekend. Enjoy some really fantastic discussions around the news! 00:00 – 11:54 Guys. Not Five Guys, Just Guys. 12:27 – 1:34:03 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Julian does not recommend Analogue as a company, a little more about Baldur’s Gate 3 and Elden Ring, Starfield 1:34:19 – 3:38:49 HEADLINES! Square Enix says that Final Fantasy XVI hit the lower end of expectations: https://www.pushsquare.com/news/2023/08/square-enix-bafflingly-backtracks-on-final-fantasy-16-sales-blames-slow-ps5-adoption Square Enix focusing on AAA game development: https://tech4gamers.com/square-enix-more-focus-on-aaa-titles/ Rumor: Baldur’s Gate 3 may have sold over 5 million copies already: https://gameworldobserver.com/2023/08/18/baldurs-gate-3-sales-5-million-copies-rumor-belgian-embassy Larian makes a deal with Xbox to release Baldur’s Gate 3 on the Series consoles: https://kotaku.com/baldurs-gate-3-xbox-series-x-s-split-screen-co-op-rpg-1850770513 BioWare lays off staff to be a “more agile studio”: https://www.theverge.com/2023/8/23/23843096/bioware-layoffs-dragon-age-dreadwolf-mass-effect Charles Martinet retires as Mario: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/voice-of-mario-charles-martinet-retires-1235571415/ Suikoden I&II HD remaster delayed to 2024: https://www.ign.com/articles/suikoden-i-ii-hd-remaster-gate-rune-and-dunan-unification-wars-delayed Volition shut down by the Embracer Group: https://www.polygon.com/23853963/saints-row-volition-closure-layoffs SAG-AFTRA calls for a strike against video game companies: https://variety.com/2023/biz/news/sag-aftra-seeks-video-game-strike-approval-1235711251/ 3:38 – 4:11:05 EMAIL BANANA BOAT and outro NEXT WEEK: STAGE SELECT: What are some video game characters you love to hate? VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: James Pond 3: Operation Starfish vs Jerry Rice and Nitus’ Dog Football SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS BY 7:30 CENTRAL ON 9/8! Twitter: @NWPcast Email: NWPcast@gmail.com Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 265: I am Julian, Slayer of Malenia

Wed, 30 Aug 2023 15:00:00 GMT

Welcome back to Nerds Without Pants! Julian totally forgot to come up with a Stage Select this week, so we just have a beefy Consumption Junction for you, and another Video Game Cage Match that rhymes. We hope you enjoy it! 00:00 – 17:42 Saying goodbye to wrestlers 18:16 – 2:44:14 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Baldur’s Gate 3, Julian’s Elden Ring platinum trophy, Armored Core VI, Stray Gods, Barbie, House of Leaves, Immortals of Aveum 2:44:53 – 2:58:15 VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Astral Chain vs Code Vein 2:58:24 – 3:08:28 Outro and Outtakes NEXT WEEK: Headlines! (send us emails!) IN TWO WEEKS: STAGE SELECT: What are some video game characters you love to hate? VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Jerry Rice and Nitus’ Dog Football vs James Pond 3: Operation Starfish SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS BY 7:30 CENTRAL ON 9/8! FEATURED SONG: Hey Pretty (2002 Drive By Remix), by Poe Twitter: @NWPcast Email: NWPcast@gmail.com Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Nerds Without Pants Spoils Final Fantasy XVI

Wed, 23 Aug 2023 15:00:00 GMT

Well, here we are at last! It’s the special episode of Nerds Without Pants that no one asked for, but Julian and Justin needed to record. We’re joined by special guest Xavier Kreiger to talk all about Final Fantasy XVI from beginning to end. This is a spoilercast that reveals the ending in the first ten seconds of the show. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED. We begin by asking Xavier about his overall thoughts about the game, especially the mechanics since we already covered our thoughts about that at length in the main show over the past few weeks. After that we go through the story point by point. While we’re all pretty down on the story overall we definitely take the time to highlight the moments and characters that really work for us. This is all punctuated with a myriad of clips and songs from the game to drive the bigger points home. We hope you enjoy, because this was a ton of work to put together! Twitter: @NWPcast Email: NWPcast@gmail.com Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 264: A Long Road to a Bad Joke

Wed, 16 Aug 2023 15:00:00 GMT

Well hi there! Friend of the Show John Gholson returns to Nerds Without Pants for a meaty discussion about side quests that hearkens back to the old days of NWP. It’s weird to think about this podcast having “old days”, but when you’ve been doing it for a decade it’s bound to happen. We also talk about SO MANY GAMES (And Baldur’s Gate 3, natch). 00:00 – 24:27 Talkin’ comics with John Gholson 24:38 – 1:45:23 STAGE SELECT: What makes a side quest worth doing? 1:45:33 – 3:08:10 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: John has played too many games to list here, Elden Ring, Baldur’s Gate 3 is pretty ok 3:08:49 – 3:30:09 VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Castlevania vs Mickey Mania 3:30:19 – 3:39:06 Outro NEXT WEEK: NERDS WITHOUT PANTS SPOILS FINAL FANTASY XIV IN TWO WEEKS: NO STAGE SELECT! VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Code Vein vs Astral Chain SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS BY 7:30 CENTRAL ON 8/25! Twitter: @NWPcast Email: NWPcast@gmail.com Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 263: The Elden Ring Was the Friends We Made Along the Way

Wed, 09 Aug 2023 14:00:00 GMT

Welcome to the next Headlines edition of Nerds Without Pants! Julian and Justin are both in holding patterns waiting on bigger games, so this episode has us checking out some different stuff in the meantime, as well as some eclectic news stories that we hope you’ll enjoy. All that, and your emails! 00:00 – 20:57 Parental words of wisdom? 21:29 – 1:32:51 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Justin’s new rig, Divinity: Original Sin 2, Double Dragon Gaiden, Final Fantasy IV, Sea of Stars, returning to The Lands Between 1:33:06 – 3:14:43 HEADLINES 3:15:09 – 3:56:57 EMAIL BANANA BOAT and outro Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail announced at the 2023 Fan Fest: https://www.ign.com/articles/dawntrail-officially-announced-as-final-fantasy-14s-fifth-major-expansion Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes delayed to 2024: https://www.gematsu.com/2023/07/eiyuden-chronicle-hundred-heroes-delayed-to-q2-2024 Sunsoft returns, plans to revisit older titles: https://www.ign.com/articles/sunsoft-is-back-to-remind-fans-of-its-nes-glory-days Indie dev says that Baldur’s Gate 3 should not be the new bar for quality, sparks debate: https://gameworldobserver.com/2023/07/12/baldurs-gate-3-new-standard-for-rpg-genre-opinions NEXT EPISODE: STAGE SELECT: Tell us what makes a side quest worth doing in your opinion! VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Castlevania vs Mickey Mania SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS BY 7:30 CENTRAL ON 8/11! Twitter: @NWPcast Email: NWPcast@gmail.com Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 262: Christmas Time For Space Whales

Wed, 02 Aug 2023 15:00:00 GMT

Welcome to a Nerds Without Pants episode that’s actually a reasonable length for once! We know our listeners are a bunch of size queens, but you’ll just have to make do as we talk about the games we’re looking forward to the most between now and the end of the year. And some other stuff. 00:00 – 11:54 Shout out to some returning podcast friends 12:24 – 1:03:46 STAGE SELECT: Our top 3 most anticipated games for the rest of 2023 1:05:04 – 1:58:00 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Oxenfree II, closing thoughts on Final Fantasy XVI, Punch Club 2, Divinity: Original Sin 2, Arcade Paradise 1:58:36 – 2:11:41 VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Grandia vs Star Ocean Second Story 2:11:50 – 2:21:11 Outro NEXT WEEK: HEADLINES! (Send us some emails!) IN TWO WEEKS: STAGE SELECT: Tell us what makes a side quest worth completing in your opinion VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Castlevania vs Mickey Mania SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS BY 7:30 CENTRAL ON 8/11 TO BE ON THE SHOW FEATURED MUSIC: Theme From Jurassic Park- John Williams In the Mood- Glenn Miller and the Glenn Miller Band Mama Said- The Shirelles Fly Me to the Moon- Tony Bennett Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again- Emmy Rossum Twitter: @NWPcast Email: NWPcast@gmail.com Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 261: The NPC Stream

Wed, 26 Jul 2023 17:20:00 GMT

It's a Headlines edition of Nerds Without Pants, coming in hot, because Julian feels like death warmed over. Enjoy! 00:00 – 13:07 Ice cream so good! 13:42 – 1:31:30 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Final Fantasy XVI, Oxenfree II, Harmony: The Fall of Reverie, Justin pulling the trigger, Hajime no Ippo, Mel Brooks, Danganronpa V3 (MAJOR DANGANRONPA SERIES SPOILERS FROM 1:12:47 to 1:31:30!) 1:31:43 – 2:45:59 HEADLINES! 87% Missing: The Disappearance of Classic Video Games https://gamehistory.org/87percent/ Antstream Arcade announced and released for Xbox: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wz7dF1dGakY Major Nelson leaves Xbox after 20 years: https://www.gamesindustry.biz/xboxs-major-nelson-leaves-after-20-years YouTuber Yong Yea cast as Kiryu in upcoming Like a Dragon games: https://gamingbolt.com/like-a-dragon-gaiden-and-infinite-wealth-star-youtuber-yong-yea-as-the-english-voice-of-kazuma-kiryu 2:46:25 – 3:03:13 EMAIL BANANA BOAT and outro NEXT EPISODE STAGE SELECT: What are the top 3 games you’re most excited for between now and the end of the year? VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Grandia vs Star Ocean Second Story SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS BY 7:30 CENTRAL ON 7:28 TO BE ON THE SHOW! Twitter: @NWPcast Email: NWPcast@gmail.com Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 260: The Man From East Texas

Wed, 19 Jul 2023 15:00:00 GMT

Hey, welcome back to Nerds Without Pants! Not a lot of time for show notes this time, so please enjoy the show! We, uh, talk about some video games and such. 00:00 – 16:14 AITA? 16:26 – 1:37:17 STAGE SELECT: Tell us something you’re excited about. Now tell us how it will be ruined. 1:37:27 – 2:42:40 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Street Fighter 6 for kids, Ghost Trick, Final Fantasy XVI, Danganronpa V3, Baldur’s Gate III 2:43:17 – 2:59:20 VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Blades of Steel vs Eggs of Steel: Charlie’s Eggcellent Adventure 2:59:20 – 3:08:30 Outro NEXT EPISODE: HEADLINES! (SEND US EMAILS) IN TWO WEEKS: STAGE SELECT: What are the three games you’re most excited for between now and the end of the year? VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Star Ocean: Second Story vs Grandia SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS BY 7:30 CENTRAL ON 7/28!

Nerds Without Pants Episode 259: AEW Talk Forever

Wed, 05 Jul 2023 15:00:00 GMT

Welcome to another jam-packed edition of Nerds Without Pants! This week, we sweat the small stuff and talk about our favorite little details in video games, as well as a lot of AEW Fight Forever and Final Fantasy XVI. Yep, MORE Final Fantasy XVI. 00:00 – 16:47 The Grimace shake 16:56 – 1:50:08 STAGE SELECT: Our favorite little details in video games 1:50:19 – 3:22:29 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: AEW Fight Forever, Final Fantasy XVI 3:23:05 – 3:45:08 VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Elite Dangerous vs No Man’s Sky 3:45:18 – 3:50:36 Outro NEXT WEEK: NOTHING! We’re taking a week off. IN TWO WEEKS: STAGE SELECT: Tell us something in video games you’re really excited about…and then tell us how they could screw it up. Cynical hats on! VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Blades of Steel vs Eggs of Steel: Charlie’s Eggcellent Adventure SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS BY 7:30 CENTRAL ON 7/14 TO BE ON THE SHOW! Twitter: @NWPcast Email: NWPcast@gmail.com Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 258: The One With Final Fantasy XVI

Wed, 28 Jun 2023 13:40:00 GMT

Welcome to a big edition of Nerds Without Pants! It’s a slow news week, but that’s okay, because we have a lot to say about Final Fantasy XVI, and a good amount of emails. Enjoy! CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Final Fantasy XVI (no spoilers), F1 23, Street Fighter 6, Exo Primal HEADLINES: Microsoft says that we need to accept 5 year dev cycles/Sony skipping Gamescom, Nintendo Direct June 2023 NEXT EPISODE: STAGE SELECT: What are some of your favorite little details in video games? VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Elite Dangerous vs No Man’s Sky SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS BY 7:30 ON 6/30! Twitter: @NWPcast Email: NWPcast@gmail.com Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 257: Everything Sucks, And It's Justin's Fault

Wed, 21 Jun 2023 15:00:00 GMT

Nerds Without Pants is back, and we brought a guest! Matt Jorgenson, long-time listener, joins us for the first time to talk about his video game origin story, some board games, and some of his gaming sense-memory. All that and much, much more await you! 00:00 – 10:44 Getting to know Matt 10:55 – 1:06:46 STAGE SELECT: What are some gaming things that live in your head rent-free? 1:06:57 – 3:08:19 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Matt’s video game secret origin, some of his recent game completions, board games, Justin falling off of Diablo IV, Street Fighter 6, and Tears of the Kingdom in one week, Julian quitting Final Fantasy XIV, Final Fantasy XVI demo 3:08:59 – 3:38:57 VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Monster Rancher vs Pokemon Yellow 3:39:06 – 3:52:48 Outro and Outtakes NEXT EPISODE: HEADLINES! IN TWO WEEKS: STAGE SELECT: What are some of your favorite little details in video games? VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Elite Dangerous vs No Man’s Sky SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS BY 7:30 ON 6/30! Listen to Matt on Bookclub no Kiseki! https://rpgbookclub.libsyn.com/category/Bookclub+no+Kiseki Twitter: @NWPcast Email: NWPcast@gmail.com Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 256: Time For Video Games

Wed, 14 Jun 2023 13:56:20 GMT

Welcome to a jam-packed Headlines edition of Nerds Without Pants! It’s Not-E3 season, and we have a lot to say about the Summer Games Fest, as well as some other news stories and quite a bit more about Street Fighter 6. CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Super Mega Baseball 4, To Hell With the Ugly, Shadowrun Returns, Alone in the Dark, Street Fighter 6, Fortnite (yes, Fortnite!) HEADLINES: Lord of the Rings: Gollum dev issues apology after disastrous launch: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/the-lord-of-the-rings-gollum-dev-apologizes-for-games-poor-launch-promises-fixes/1100-6514602/ Redfall had so many problems the team hoped that Xbox would cancel it: https://www.ign.com/articles/redfalls-development-was-reportedly-so-troubled-that-devs-hoped-microsoft-would-cancel-it Square Enix panicking over Final Fantasy XVI preorder numbers: https://gamerant.com/final-fantasy-16-pre-orders-bad-square-enix-panic-ff15-ff7-rebirth/ Persona 3 remake and Persona 5 Tactics leak ahead of the Xbox presentation: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/persona-3-reload-and-persona-5-tactica-leaked-launching-on-xbox-game-pass/1100-6514996/ Final Fantasy IX: Memoria Project completed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BaMiPb6KiWo NEXT EPISODE: STAGE SELECT: What are some gaming phrases or things that you do in real life? VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Monster Rancher vs Pokemon Yellow SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS BY 7:30 CENTRAL ON 6/16! Twitter: @NWPcast Email: NWPcast@gmail.com Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 255: Fightin' Fools

Wed, 07 Jun 2023 15:00:00 GMT

Welcome to a victorious edition of Nerds Without Pants! JD returns after many, MANY years away to hit the streets for the launch of Street Fighter 6. But before that we brainstorm some video game sequels and spinoffs. Enjoy! 00:00 – 10:57 Spelling bee 11:09 – 1:32:17 STAGE SELECT: Dreaming up sequels and spinoffs 1:32:26 – 3:23:41 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Catching up with JD, the trials and tribulations of video game QA, STREET FIGHTER 6 3:24:18 – 3:37:31 VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: NASCAR Heat vs Winter Heat 3:37:40 – 3:49:40 Outro and outtakes NEXT EPISODE: HEADLINES! IN TWO WEEKS: STAGE SELECT: What are some gaming phrases or thoughts that always pop into your head? VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Monster Rancher vs Pokemon Yellow SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS BY 7:30 CENTRAL ON 6/16! Check out JD on Power Rangers Academia! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMLb0WN2Y1RnEh_vNcSAPrg Twitter: @NWPcast Email: NWPcast@gmail.com Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 254: NOT ACTUAL GAMEPLAY.

Wed, 31 May 2023 14:00:00 GMT

Welcome to a jam-packed Headlines edition of Nerds Without Pants! It’s time to kick off “The-Artist-Formerly-Known-as-E3” season, starting with Sony’s big PlayStation Showcase! It sure was…something. Something that we’ll talk about. Please be excited for it. PLEASE. In Consumption Junction we have more Tears of the Kingdom, a little of the Street Fighter 6 open beta, and Shadowrun Returns. See below for the stories we covered: The announcement and reveal of Mortal Kombat 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIzef_9kk4A Overwatch 2 cancels a big part of their PVE content: https://www.theverge.com/2023/5/19/23730369/overwatch-2-pve-hero-mode-cancellation Sony PlayStation Showcase 2023: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D4EKydVVvHk Naughty Dog delays Last of Us multiplayer game, teases new single player title: https://www.theverge.com/23735862/naughty-dog-new-single-player-game-multiplayer NEXT EPISODE: STAGE SELECT: Come up with your idea for a sequel or spinoff to an existing franchise VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: NASCAR Heat vs Winter Heat SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS BY 7:30 CENTRAL ON 6/2! Twitter: @NWPcast Email: NWPcast@gmail.com Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 253: Shaq Owns Some Weird S---!

Wed, 24 May 2023 15:00:00 GMT

Welcome to a wacky episode of Nerds Without Pants! In this episode, we decide the 1998 GotY list because, well…why not? Then we talk a whole mess of games before pitting Shaq vs Kobe in the steel cage! 00:00 – 15:20 Fast food 15:32 – 2:49:17 STAGE SELECT: 1998 Game of the Year Deliberations 2:49:28 – 4:02:58 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Tears of the Kingdom, Diablo IV Server Slam, Age of Wonders IV, Binary Domain, SF 6 beta 4:03:37 – 4:18:50 VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Shaq Fu vs Kobe Bryant in NBA Courtside 4:18:58 – 4:28:06 Outro and outtakes NEXT EPISODE: Headlines! IN TWO WEEKS: STAGE SELECT: Give us your idea for a sequel or a spinoff to an existing game series VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: NASCAR Heat vs Winter Heat SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS BY 7:30 CENTRAL ON 6/2! Giant Bomb GotY 2013 Theme by Andrew Allen Twitter: @NWPcast Email: NWPcast@gmail.com Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 252: We Need to Talk About Xbox.

Thu, 18 May 2023 00:40:00 GMT

This episode of Nerds Without Pants is coming in a wee late, but we think you’ll dig it! We start with Headlines, and close the segment with a beefy discussion about Xbox: where it’s been, where it’s at, and where it’s going. Headlines: Street Fighter 6 open beta from May 19-21: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BjsAsj1IPcM Rumors of a remake announcement for Metal Gear Solid 3 persist: https://gameranx.com/updates/id/465854/article/metal-gear-solid-3-remake-could-be-multiplatform/ 70 dollar pricepoint resulting in fewer game sales??!! https://www.tweaktown.com/news/91257/new-69-99-price-may-negatively-impact-ps5-game-unit-sales-data-suggests/index.html Phil Spencer on Kinda Funny Games and the big Xbox talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_Kbi4ZIIxg Twitter: @NWPcast Email: NWPcast@gmail.com Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 251: In Samus We Trust...I Guess.

Wed, 10 May 2023 15:00:00 GMT

Welcome back to Nerds Without Pants! This week, we shout out some of our favorite women in games, be they characters, developers, content creators, and more. Then we talk about a couple bad games and a couple better games before pitting Zelda against Dragon Quest in a cage match. 00:00 – 07:46 Julian’s bad mood 07:56 – 2:04:01 STAGE SELECT: Favorite women in video games 2:04:10 – 3:10:39 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: The Last Case of Benedict Fox, not playing Redfall, LARPing in Vampire: The Masquerade, Final Fantasy II Pixel Remaster, Final Fantasy III Pixel Remaster 3:11:16 – 3:31:27 VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild vs Dragon Quest XI 3:31:36 – 3:41:13 Outro and outtakes NEXT EPISODE: HEADLINES! IN TWO WEEKS: STAGE SELECT: We’re deliberating Game of the Year for 1998! Give us your nominations and let us know why you think they belong in the discussion. We will whittle down the nominations to 5 games, and then put them in an ordered list based on your input and our bias. VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Shaq Fu vs Kobe Bryant in NBA Courtside SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS BY 7:30 CENTRAL ON 5/19 TO BE ON THE SHOW! Twitter: @NWPcast Email: NWPcast@gmail.com Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 250: This One Isn't Special

Wed, 03 May 2023 14:00:00 GMT

Welcome to a decidedly NOT special episode of Nerds Without Pants, despite what the episode number may tell you. We’ve got some fun headlines and some deep discussion about a couple of games, so we hope you enjoy! 00:00 – 07:00 Being in a good mood feels bad 07:36 – 1:33:49 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Coffee Talk Episode 2, Final Fantasy (pixel remaster), closing thoughts on Octopath Traveler II 1:34:04 – 3:00:26 HEADLINES: Inside a massive Eve Online heist: https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2023/04/when-a-plan-comes-together-inside-a-massive-eve-online-corporate-heist/ Interview with Shuhei Yoshida: “We cancel so many games”: https://www.theguardian.com/games/2023/apr/24/shuhei-yoshida-playstation-video-games-sony-bafta-fellowship-award?CMP=share_btn_tw The trailer for Unrecord goes viral: https://www.axios.com/2023/04/25/unrecord-trailer-bodycam-studio-drama-columbine Remedy investor call says Alan Wake 2 is on track for 2023: https://www.gameshub.com/news/news/alan-wake-2-final-production-phase-2023-release-2614519/#:~:text=Alan%20Wake%202%20is%20reportedly%20on%20track%20for%20its%20planned%202023%20release.&text=In%20its%20latest%20financial%20update,final%20stage%20of%20full%20production' NEXT WEEK: STAGE SELECT: Who are some of your favorite women in gaming? VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Dragon Quest XI vs The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS BY 7:30 CENTRAL ON 5/5 TO BE ON THE SHOW! Twitter: @NWPcast Email: NWPcast@gmail.com Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 249: Let's Call It a Synth

Wed, 26 Apr 2023 15:00:00 GMT

Welcome to a special Nerds Without Pants! Eric Peacock from the Soundtracker Podcast joins us for the first time to talk about pretty video game music, his video game origin story, and much, much more! 00:00 – 26:35 Pabloism, the Soundtracker Podcast 26:47 – 3:33:50 STAGE SELECT: Songs from video games you think are pretty 3:34:01 – 4:43:06 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Eric’s secret origin, Resident Evil 4 remake, Hitman’s Freelancer mode, Forspoken, Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster, Street Fighter 6 demo 4:43:45 – 5:08:54 VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Kartia: World of Fate vs Rhapsody: A Musical Adventure (and outro) NEXT WEEK: HEADLINES! IN TWO WEEKS: STAGE SELECT: Who are some of your favorite women in video games? Can be characters, developers, writers, content creators, go nuts! VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Dragon Quest XI vs The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS BY 7:30 CENTRAL ON 5/5 TO BE ON THE SHOW! Find Soundtracker here: https://open.spotify.com/show/4C8paGqzKMklecf9qJ6DIR Twitter: @NWPcast Email: NWPcast@gmail.com Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee. TRACK LIST: Reset (Thank You)- Hiroshi Yamaguchi (Okami), Eternity- Noriko Matsueda and Takahito Eguchi (Final Fantasy X-2), Main Theme- Nobuo Uematsu (The Last Story), Sacrifices- Yuzo Koshiro (ActRaiser), Ding Dong Dell Theme- Joe Hisaishi (Ni No Kuni), To Zanarkand (Distant Worlds version)-Nobuo Uematsu (Final Fantasy X), Harmonious- Cassie Wei (Ender Lilies), Vows Between Man and Star- Go Shiina (Harvestella), Wailers and Waterwheels- Masayoshi Soken (Final Fantasy XIV), Aloy’s Theme- Joris de Man and Niels van der Leest (Horzon: Zero Dawn), The Harborlands (Night)- Yasunori Nishiki (Octopath Traveler II), Aethervox- Emi Evans (Drakengard 3), Agnus Castle- Yasunori Mitsuda (Xenoblade Chronicles 3), The Scent of the Sea- Tomoki Miyoshi (I Am Setsuna), Madeline and Theo- Lena Raine (Celeste), Mallard’s Tomb- Alec Holowka (Night in the Woods), Prisoner’s Awakening- Yoann Laulan (Dead Cells), Century of the Patriarch- Yuko Takehara (Breath of Fire II), Serenity- Shusaku Uchiyama and Misao Senbongi (Resident Evil 4-2005)

Nerds Without Pants Episode 248: Poop Ducks

Wed, 19 Apr 2023 14:00:00 GMT

Welcome to a (relatively) short news edition of Nerds Without Pants! Julian was on vacation when we recorded this, and is still in “away” mode as this goes up, so please excuse the brief show notes this week HEADLINES: PSVR 2 sales are way lower than Sony projected: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-03-30/sony-psvr2-headset-off-to-slow-start-as-metaverse-push-sputters#xj4y7vzkg?leadSource=uverify%20wall Super Mario Bros. shatters box office records: https://variety.com/2023/film/news/super-mario-bros-movie-box-office-biggest-video-game-adaptation-ever-1235583559/ The Final Fantasy XVI State of Play: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfP_3UD5qF8 Suicide Squad Kills the Justice League delayed (again): https://www.gameinformer.com/2023/04/13/suicide-squad-kill-the-justice-league-delayed-to-february Twitter: @NWPcast Email: NWPcast@gmail.com Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 247: Just Do a Little Trick!

Wed, 12 Apr 2023 15:00:00 GMT

I know what you’re thinking: Why is this episode of Nerds Without Pants over 5 hours long? Well, we had Mike Fallek on, so you do the math. 00:00 – 14:32 Typhoid Mary 14:40 – 3:01:33 STAGE SELECT: What are some of your favorite video game demos? 3:01:42 – 4:40:25 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Progress on Poultrygeist, darn near every video game Mike has played since the last time he was on, including (but not limited to): Heavy Rain, Mortal Shell, Metal Hellsinger, and Death Stranding. Julian saw the Super Mario Bros. Movie and has things to say about it. 4:41:04 – 5:07:21 VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Super Mario Sunshine vs Dead or Alive Xtreme Beach Volleyball 5:07:30 – 5:19:39 Outro and outtakes NEXT EPISODE: HEADLINES! IN TWO WEEKS: STAGE SELECT: Give us a video game song that you think is pretty VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Kartia: The Word of Fate (PSX) vs Rhapsody: A Musical Adventure (PSX) SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS BY 7:30 CENTRAL ON 4/21 TO BE ON THE SHOW! Twitter: @NWPcast Email: NWPcast@gmail.com Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 246: It's a Bold Strategy, Cotton!

Wed, 05 Apr 2023 14:00:00 GMT

Welcome to the next news edition of Nerds Without Pants! This week, we say a LOT about very little, hit some headlines that you may have missed on other shows, and close things out with email! 00:00 – 15:20 Boats 15:20 – 1:45:23 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: TMNT: The Cowabunga Collection, final thoughts on the Diablo IV open beta, Octopath Traveller II, Resident Evil 4 remake 1:45:36 – 3:11:59 HEADLINES A game based on The Last Ronin is announced: https://www.polygon.com/23645176/tmnt-last-ronin-video-game-graphic-novel-ninja-turtles Lego 2K Drive announced: https://www.theverge.com/2023/3/23/23653017/lego-2k-drive-open-world-racing-game-release-date-news-features-price State of Unreal 2023 GDC presentation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akIqVM0gh4w Ubisoft announces that they will implement an AI “ghostwriter” : https://techcrunch.com/2023/03/22/ubisofts-new-ai-tool-automatically-generates-dialogue-for-non-playable-game-characters/ And more! 3:12:25 – 3:42:17 Email banana boat and outro NEXT WEEK: STAGE SELECT: What are some of your favorite game demos? VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Super Mario Sunshine vs Dead or Alive Xtreme Beach Volleyball SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS BY 7:30 CENTRAL ON 4/7! Twitter: @NWPcast Email: NWPcast@gmail.com Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 245: Justin's Stream of Consciousness

Wed, 29 Mar 2023 13:00:00 GMT

Fantastic guests make for fantastic shows, so for this episode of Nerds Without Pants we are joined once again by Bill Tucker of A Gamer Looks at 40. He’s here to not judge as we let our vicious side out and talk about video game baddies we LOVE killing. Over. And over. And over again. Oh, and Justin gets very creative in Video Game Cage Match. Enjoy! 00:00 – 13:27 Poetry 13:37 – 1:44:34 STAGE SELECT: What video game baddies do you love killing again and again? 1:44:43 – 3:02:30 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Making A Gamer Looks at 40, Doom 2016, Cocaine Bear, Justin’s dark path in WWE 2K23, Drums Rock, Kayak VR Mirage, Diablo IV’s open beta 3:03:08 – 3:23:18 VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Punky Skunk vs Easter Bunny’s Big Day 3:23:28 – 3:34:00 Outro A Gamer Looks at 40: https://linktr.ee/agamerlooksat40 NEXT WEEK: HEADLINES! IN TWO WEEKS: STAGE SELECT: What are some of your favorite video game demos? VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Super Mario Sunshine vs Dead or Alive Xtreme Beach Volleyball SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS BY 7:30 CENTRAL ON 4/7 TO BE ON THE SHOW! Twitter: @NWPcast Email: NWPcast@gmail.com Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 244: This One's For the Sickos

Wed, 22 Mar 2023 13:00:00 GMT

Welcome to the first news edition of Nerds Without Pants, as we go weekly for the first time since our beginning way back in 2012! Join us for a second helping of Consumption Junction, followed by Headlines, and then we close out by hopping on the Email Banana Boat. Get into it! 00:00 – 09:39 Intro 09:39 – 1:34:58 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Octopath Traveler II, WWE 2K23, Drums Rock 1:35:25 – 2:31:54 HEADLINES: Suicide Squad Kills the Justice League delayed: https://www.theverge.com/2022/3/23/22992865/suicide-squad-kill-the-justice-league-delay-spring-2023-announcement-ps5-xsx-pc Starfield delayed: https://www.polygon.com/23630506/starfield-release-date-delayed-bethesda IO Interactive opens new studio: https://www.gamesindustry.biz/io-interactive-opens-new-studio-in-istanbul Lance Reddick, from Destiny 2 and Horizon series passes away at age 60 Diablo IV is kinda scuffed 2:32:19 – 2:57:25 EMAIL BANANA BOAT and outro NEXT EPISODE: STAGE SELECT: What video game baddies do you love to kill the most? VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Punky Skunk (PSX) vs Easter Bunny’s Big Day (PSX) SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS BY 7:30 CENTRAL ON 3/24 TO BE ON THE SHOW! IN TWO WEEKS: More news, and your emails! Twitter: @NWPcast Email: NWPcast@gmail.com Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 243: I Love It When A Plan Comes Together!

Wed, 15 Mar 2023 23:25:00 GMT

Welcome back to another Nerds Without Pants, where we kick things off with a special announcement: NWP is going weekly! Sort of! You’ll see. Anyhoo, this episode is a chance for Julian to right a great wrong as we talk about good ideas in games that didn’t quite land the first time. Then we have a handful of games to go through before having the first-ever Fatal 4 Way in Video Game Cage Match! Sort of! This episode is going up late, so apologies for the lack of time stamps. NEXT EPISODE: THE NEWS! IN TWO WEEKS: STAGE SELECT: What are some video game baddies you love to kill again and again? VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Punky Skunk vs Easter Bunny’s Big Day SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS BY 7:30 CENTRAL ON 3/24 TO BE ON THE SHOW! Twitter: @NWPcast Email: NWPcast@gmail.com Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 242: To Build a Bear

Wed, 01 Mar 2023 16:00:00 GMT

Welcome back to Nerds Without Pants! Friend of the show John Gholson returns after a very long absence to talk about games we wish we could play again for the first time. It’s a fun topic with lots of asides and trips down memory lane. We also talk some Fire Emblem, Like a Dragon, and PSVR 2, plus much more! 00:00 – 10:57 Girls on Film 11:06 – 1:43:40 STAGE SELECT: Games we wish we could play again for the first time 1:43:53 – 3:52:30 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: John’s making movies, Midnight Suns, Fire Emblem Awakening, Fire Emblem Engage, Like a Dragon Ishin!, Theatrhythm Final Bar Line, PSVR 2 3:53:07 – 4:05:44 VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Dr. Muto vs Vexx 4:05:53 – 4:14:26 Outro If you have money to spare, please consider pitching in to Megan McDuffee’s Gofundme for her next music video here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-with-a-pole-dance-music-video-dream?qid=ff36a8c52d790d4e6c5dda0781ff6fc7 NEXT EPISODE: STAGE SELECT: What are some good ideas in video games that went wrong and should be tried again? VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Plants vs Zombies VS Scott Pilgrim vs The World SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS BY 7:30 CENTRAL ON 3/10 TO BE ON THE SHOW! Twitter: @NWPcast Email: NWPcast@gmail.com Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 241: Ladies and Gentlemen, Mr. Burt Bacharach

Wed, 15 Feb 2023 16:00:00 GMT

Heya! I bet you weren’t expecting this episode of Nerds Without Pants so soon! Well, since we got delayed a week with our first episode back from hiatus we decided to record this one a week later to stay on the schedule we had planned. It’s an all-Consumption Junction edition of NWP because we…had a ton of games to talk about! In a surprise twist Justin played The Sims 4. He also checked out Chained Echoes. Julian finished Crisis Core and has some thoughts about the Compilation of Final Fantasy VII, and tries to explain some thoughts he’s been having about RPGs. Then it’s a quick mention of Theatrhythm Final Bar Line before an EXTENSIVE discussion of Fire Emblem Engage. We have a couple quick hits before ending with some bigger games like Hi-Fi Rush and God of War: Ragnarok! NEXT EPISODE: STAGE SELECT: What are some games you wish you could play again for the very first time? VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Dr. Muto vs Vexx SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS BY 7:30 CENTRAL ON FEBRUARY 24 TO BE ON THE SHOW! FEATURED MUSIC: Selections from Burt Bacharach (A House is Not a Home, I Say a Little Prayer, Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head, What the World Needs Now is Love, Make it Easy on Yourself) For mom.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 240: 2020: Tokyo Drift

Wed, 08 Feb 2023 16:00:00 GMT

NERDS WIITHOUT PANTS IS BACK! Technical issues kept us away for an extra week, but we’re joined once again by Xavier Krieger to talk about our favorite games that we played in 2022. It’s a really fun discussion, and unlike nearly every GotY podcast you’ve heard for the year. Also, Elden Ring challenges Chrono Cross for the NWPWF Heavyweight Championship in a steel cage match. Please enjoy! Twitter: @NWPcast Email: NWPcast@gmail.com Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Nerds Without Pants Special: Music and Lyrics

Wed, 18 Jan 2023 16:00:00 GMT

Welcome back! We’re still on hiatus, but it’s time for our annual music special, and we have a jam-packed edition this year. We’ve gone back to our older format of getting together and talking about our music selections and what they mean to us. In traditional Nerds Without Pants fashion we overshare, things get heavy, and then there’s probably a joke about boobs or something. You know how it goes by now. NEXT EPISODE: VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH CHAMPIONSHIP BOUT: Elden Ring (challenger) vs Chrono Cross (champion) SUBMIT YOUR WINNER BY 7:30 CENTRAL ON 1/27! FEATURED MUSIC: Art-Nainita Desai (Immortality), Masquerade Nights-Masaki Nagata and Hami (Idol Manager), Ashita he no Kodou-Falcom Sound Team JDK (Trails of Cold Steel), Wushu Dolls-Marcin Przybylowicz (Cyberpunk 2077), The Rebel Path-P.T. Adamczyk (Cyberpunk 2077), Valentinos Combat-P.T. Adamczyk (Cyberpunk 2077), Title Sequence-Omniboi (We Are OFK), Infuriata-OFK (We Are OFK), Red & Blue-Daniele Zandara (Vampire Survivors), Forest Night Fever-Filippo Vicarelli (Vampire Survivors), Song of Mana-Daniele Zandara (Vampire Survivors), Hearthward-Masayoshi Soken (Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers), Shade’s Delight-Masayoshi Soken (Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker), Those That We May Yet Save-Masayoshi Soken (Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker), Punk Rock Flu- The Friday Prophets (Being a DIK), Don’t Count on Me-Melodic in Fusion (Being a DIK), Just Peachy-Bellsmarie (Being a DIK), All of the Pieces-Emily Ventre (Being a DIK), Medicate Me-The Night (Being a DIK), Frantic Wiggling-Megan McDuffee (Atari Recharged), Bugs and Basslines-Megan McDuffee (Atari Recharged), Feel the Heat- Megan McDuffee (River City Girls 2), I’m Better Than You-Megan McDuffee (River City Girls 2), Is it Cold?-Joel Corelitz, E. Hillman, and IMOGEN (A Memoir Blue), Wanderer-Yoko Shimomura (Live a Live), Under the Fake-Yoko Shimomura (Live a Live ), Sound of Shinobi-Yoko Shimomura (Live a Live), Secret Mission-Yoko Shimomura (Live a Live), Kiss of Jealousy-Yoko Shimomura (Live a Live), MEGALOMANIA-Yoko Shimomura (Live a Live), GIGALOMANIA-Yoko Shimomura (Live a Live), The Glint of Steel-Falcom Sound Team JDK (Trails of Cold Steel), Mall Meltdown-Tee Lopes (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge), We Ain’t Came to Lose-Ghostface Killah and Raekwon (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge), Song of Lament- Tsukasa Saitoh (Elden Ring), syuurAI-Keisuke Ito (AI: The Somnium Files), Mohg, Lord of Blood-Shoi Miyazawa (Elden Ring), Armed Insurgents-Keisuke Ito (AI: The Somnium Files), Lichdragon Fortissax-Yoshimi Kudo (Elden Ring), Ambidextrous Identiy-Keisuke Ito (AI: The Somnium Files), Godskin Apostles-Tai Tomisawa (Elden Ring), Grand Finale-A-Set and Her Fantastic Friends (AI: The Somnium Files ) Twitter: @NWPcast Email: NWPcast@gmail.com Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 239: State of the Generation 2022

Wed, 21 Dec 2022 16:00:00 GMT

Well, here we are. It’s the final episode of Nerds Without Pants for 2022. It sure has been a year that happened, with things and events and…I’m already pretty checked out, to be honest. This is our annual State of the Generation episode, which begins as always with us talking about how we feel about the current console generation and our machines in general. Then we discuss some of the biggest news stories of the year before wrapping up with a look at the games we’re most excited to play in 2023. Also, Super Mario Odyssey challenges Chrono Cross for the NWPWF Heavyweight Championship in a steel cage match! See you on the other side, listeners. We love and appreciate you all! Twitter: @NWPcast Email: NWPcast@gmail.com Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Nerds Without Pants Special: NWP vs The Game Awards 2022

Fri, 09 Dec 2022 21:45:00 GMT

Welcome to a really special edition of Nerds Without Pants! We watch The Game Awards together every year, but this year we decided to record ourselves, and it ended up working out as a pretty fun commentary track! Enjoy our live reacts to some big announcements, dunk on fashion, and listen to Justin totally fracture when one of his least favorite games of 2022 wins an award. There are instructions on how to sync up the audio with the video archive in the intro to the show, and we have included a link to the official video archive below. I mean, I guess you could listen to this along with someone else's stream, but that would be kinda weird. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vl9yakt_5tc

Nerds Without Pants Episode 238: 2006 Was a Dark Time

Wed, 07 Dec 2022 16:00:00 GMT

Welcome to the penultimate episode of Nerds Without Pants! It’s a shorter show this time around, as we take your super hero video game pitches, talk about a small handful of games, and find out who comes out on top between Spider-Man 2 (2004) and Spider-Man (2018). 00:00 – 01:53 Intro 01:53 – 51:03 STAGE SELECT: We hear your pitches for a super hero game! 51:35 – 2:00:36 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Pentiment, Tactics Ogre Reborn, Final Fantasy Tactics, Spy x Family 2:01:14 – 2:11:32 VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Spider-Man 2 (2004) vs Spider-Man (2018) 2:11:41 – 2:29:36 Outro and outtakes NEXT EPISODE: It’s our annual state of the generation episode! Give us some of your thoughts on the current generation of gaming, or talking points around the year in gaming news you’d like us to talk about. VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: END OF THE YEAR TITLE BOUT: Super Mario Odyssey (challenger) vs Chrono Cross (champion) for the NWPWF World Heavyweight Title SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS BY 7:30 CENTRAL ON 12/16 TO BE ON THE SHOW! Twitter: @NWPcast Email: NWPcast@gmail.com Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 237: Hot Reccs!

Wed, 23 Nov 2022 16:00:00 GMT

We’re rapidly running out of stock of Nerds Without Pants, so get yours now! This episode has our lovely listeners turning the tables on us and doing the game recommendations for once! Then we talk a few games, and even some comic books! 00:00 – 08:21 Words and Batman 08:31 – 1:11:57 STAGE SELECT: Listeners give their game recommendations 1:12:40 – 2:25:09 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Vampire Survivors, Pentiment, God of War Ragnarok, Julian can’t stop reading Uncanny X-Men 2:25:46 – 2:35:49 VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Superman 64 vs Cyberpunk 2077 2:35:58 – 2:43:52 Outro and outtakes NEXT EPISODE: LAST STAGE SELECT OF 2022! Pitch us your most awesome superhero video game idea. You only get one, so make it special and cool! VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Spider-Man 2 (2004) vs Spider-Man (2018) SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS BY 7:30 CENTRAL ON 12/2 TO BE ON THE SHOW! Twitter: @NWPcast Email: NWPcast@gmail.com Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Nerds Without Pants Spoils Horizon: Forbidden West

Wed, 16 Nov 2022 16:00:00 GMT

Welcome to our long-anticipated spoilercast for Horizon: Forbidden West! We are joined by Brock Sager of the Comic Conspiracy podcast. Turns out that Brock is an Aloy super fan, and we end up having a...really thoughtful discussion on a game that didn't deserve to be instantly forgotten. MAJOR spoilers for the entire game, in case the title wasn't clear. So skip this unless you aren't planning on playing this one. Twitter: @NWPcast Email: NWPcast@gmail.com Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 236: Low Hanging Marshmallow

Wed, 09 Nov 2022 16:00:00 GMT

You know, in hindsight, it was probably a poor idea to have the bombastic Mike Fallek guest on this episode of Nerds Without Pants, considering we were doing a listener AMA. Oh well, just consider this a learning experience. And even though this is the LONGEST EPISODE OF NWP EVER in a year where we’ve already broken the record twice this year it’s also a banger. Enjoy! 00:00 – 12:06 Good Mood Marshmallow 12:13 –4:14:51 STAGE SELECT: Listener AMA! 4:15:01 – 5:56:52 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Mike Fallek’s exciting new project, Being a DIK, Gotham Knights, Bayonetta 3, Signalis 5:56:39 – 6:14:02 VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Street Fighter 2 (1992) vs Metroid Prime 2 6:14:11 – 6:25:32 Outro and outtakes NEXT EPISODE: STAGE SELECT: Give out your game recommendations! They can be to the hosts, other listeners, or just games you want to recommend in general. VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Superman 64 vs Cyberpunk 2077 SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS BY 7:30 CENTRAL ON 11/18 TO BE ON THE SHOW! Twitter: @NWPcast Follow Mike Fallek: @BigLilWeasel Email: NWPcast@gmail.com Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 235: These Greens Ain't Gonna Putt Themselves!

Wed, 26 Oct 2022 15:00:00 GMT

Welcome back to Nerds Without Pants! This episode is a pseudo-sequel to the last one, as we discuss levels and areas in games that we find spooooky. Then it’s a lot of games talk before the War of the Roses in Video Game Cage Match. Enjoy! 00:00 – 15:50 Child With a Knife 16:00 – 1:32:57 STAGE SELECT: Scary levels/areas in games 1:33:17 – 1:48:00 EMAIL BANANA BOAT 1:48:00 – 3:41:55 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Read Dead Redemption 2, PGA Tour Golf, Gotham Knights, Final Fantasy XIV, Final Fantasy XVI, Silent Hill 2 remake, Resident Evil 4 remake, Dead Space remake 3:42:35 – 3:54:54 VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Rule of Rose vs Rumble Roses 3:55:03 – 4:00:08 Outro NEXT EPISODE: STAGE SELECT: LISTENER AMA! What advice would you give your younger self if you could go back in time? What is your comfort movie or TV show? Who would play you in a movie? What’s a word that should come back? What food is too much work for you to bother with? How big of a difference has corn made in YOUR life? Are gift certificates actually gifts? Should I (Justin Hamm) spend an exorbitant amount money for a new PC? VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Street Fighter 2 (1992) vs Metroid Prime 2 SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS BY 7:30 CENTRAL ON 11/4/22 TO BE ON THE SHOW! Twitter: @NWPcast Email: NWPcast@gmail.com Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 234: That's the Way of Things

Wed, 12 Oct 2022 15:00:00 GMT

Hey folks! This episode of Nerds Without Pants was recorded while Julian was on vacation, so this is a very mediocre endeavor. Anyway, on to the show! No time for timestamps this week, but we talked about our least favorite areas and levels in games, Read Dead Redemption 2, some more Elden Ring, and a little bit of Trails From Zero. Then, Grand Theft Auto V takes on Read Dead Redemption 2 in the cage! NEXT EPISODE: STAGE SELECT: What are some levels or areas in video games that scare you the most? VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Rule of Rose vs Rumble Roses SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS BY 7:30 CENTRAL ON 8/21 TO BE ON THE SHOW!

Nerds Without Pants Episode 233: Big Talk About Little Games

Wed, 28 Sep 2022 15:00:00 GMT

Howdy, folks! No time for a belabored intro this week. It’s another episode of Nerds Without Pants that cannot hope to compete with the previous episode of Nerds Without Pants. Enjoy! 00:00 – 20:51 Sports? 21:02 – 1:33:40 STAGE SELECT: Our favorite mini games 1:33:51 – 3:07:09 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: The making of NWP radio, Horizon: Forbidden West, Elden Ring 3:07:44 – 3:19:06 VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Dr. Mario vs Dr. Robotnik’s Mean Bean Machine 3:19:14 – 3:25:03 Outro NEXT EPISODE: STAGE SELECT: What are your LEAST favorite levels/areas in games? VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Grand Theft Auto V vs Red Dead Redemption 2 SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS BY 7:30 CENTRAL ON 10/7 TO BE ON THE SHOW!

Nerds Without Pants Episode 232: Radio NWP

Wed, 14 Sep 2022 15:00:00 GMT

Hey there! This is the craziest Nerds Without Pants EVER! We only got a handful of songs for Stage Select, so instead of talking about 7 or 8 songs and calling it a day we decided to create an entire two hour block of radio programming that approaches UHF levels of insanity. Yep, this is happening. Check it out! 00:00 – 14:27 Go fish 14:27 – 2:40:10 STAGE SELECT: Radio NWP 2:40:21 – 5:40:39 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Saints Row, Ghostwire Tokyo, Immortality, Inscryption, Horizon: Forbidden West, Elden Ring 5:41:17 – 5:56:49 VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Dynasty Warriors 9 vs Earth Defense Force 4 5:56:58 – 6:05:47 Outro and outtakes NEXT EPISODE: STAGE SELECT: What are some of your favorite mini games? VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Dr. Mario vs Dr. Robotnik’s Mean Bean Machine SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS BY 7:30 ON 9/23 TO BE ON THE SHOW! FEATURED MUSIC: Reiwa Labyrinth- Hidenori Shoji (Yakuza: Like a Dragon), Axe to Grind- Lyn (Persona 5 Strikers), Theme of M. Bison- Yoko Shimomura (Super Street Fighter IV), The Final Battle- Tsukasa Saito (Elden Ring), Dead of Night- Daniel Olsen (Sayonara Wild Hearts), Your Love is Like a Drug- Garoad (VA-11 HALL-A), City Streets 2 (Mango Tango)- Jake Kaufman (Double Dragon Neon), Right There, Ride On- Hideki Naganuma (Sonic Rush), Let’s Go Away- Takenobu Mitsuyoshi (Daytona USA), Burning Hearts Burning ANGEL- Naofumi Hataya (Burning Rangers), Donden- Yoshino Aoki (Breath of Fire III), What’s Pink and Sucks?- TrashCanEagle (Kirby’s Adventure 2), Baka Mitai- Mitsuharu Fukuyama (Yakuza series), Donkey Kong Rap- Grant Kirkhope (Donkey Kong 64), Rules of Nature- Jamie Christopherson (Metal Gear Rising Revengeance), Follow/Unfollow- OFK (We Are OFK), Savage of the Ancient Forest- Yuko Komiyama (Monster Hunter World), Where We Belong- Yasunori Mitsuda (Xenoblade Chronicles 3), One Last You- Yasunori Mitsuda (Xenoblade Chronicles 2), One More Win- Kimara Lovelace (R4/Ridge Racer), The Last Lord- David Fenn (Death’s Door), Path to Glory- Darren Korb (Pyre), It’s Dangerous to Go Alone- Jonathan Geer (Cook, Serve, Delicious 3), Roll Me In- Yui Asaka (Katamari Damacy), I Am the Chowder Man- Hot Dad (Hypnospace Outlaw), Real Emotion- Kumi Koda (Final Fantasy X-2), I Am the Wind- Cynthia Harrell (Castlevania: Symphony of the Night), Deep Sea Bass- Danny Baranowski (Crypt of the Necrodancer), Katana ZERO- LudoWic (Katana Zero), Sandstorm- Mick Gordon (Killer Instinct), Fleeting Worlds/Outsider- Keiichi Okabe (Nier Replicant), The Natural Playboy- Hideyuki Tanaka (Bust a Groove), Theme of X-23- Hideyuki Fukasawa (Marvel vs Capcom 3) Twitter: @NWPcast Email: NWPcast@gmail.com Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 231: Game Shark...Tank

Wed, 31 Aug 2022 15:00:00 GMT

Well hello there! I don’t like to toot our own horn too often, but this may be the best episode of Nerds Without Pants of the year. Is Stage Select a banger? Not even close. Is Video Game Cage Match one for the record books? Fraid not. But Consumption Junction is a blast, and hopefully you think so, too! 00:00 – 12:57 Justin’s OC 13:08 – 1:36:25 STAGE SELECT: Game Shark…Tank 1:36:35 – 3:51:02 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Live A Live, Wasteland 3, Shadowrun, Midnight Fight Express, Cursed to Golf, Cult of the Lamb, We Are OFK, Saints Row, Ghostwire Tokyo 3:51:40 – 4:05:27 VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: The Colonel’s Bequest vs I Love You, Colonel Sanders! 4:05:36 – 4:13:25 Outro NEXT EPISODE: STAGE SELECT: “Call in” with your video game song dedication! (No licensed music, please) VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Dynasty Warriors 9 vs Earth Defense Force 4 SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS BY 7:30 CENTRAL ON 9/9 TO BE ON THE SHOW! Twitter: @NWPcast Email: NWPcast@gmail.com Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 230: Lothar of the Hill People

Wed, 17 Aug 2022 15:00:00 GMT

Oh, hi! Xavier joins us for another rip-roarin’ episode of Nerds Without Pants. This week, our listeners throw the Stage Select concept in the trash and opt instead for personal attacks on Julian and Justin. Also, is Digimon Survive the game of the year??? And, listen to Justin somehow not understand the concept of JRPGs. 00:00 – 05:14 Crystals 05:26 – 2:57:25 STAGE SELECT: What are some hills you would die on in video games? 2:57:35 – 4:14:38 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Digimon Survive, Xenoblade Chronicles 3, Final Fantasy XIV’s dungeon redesigns, DioField Chronicle, Live A Live 4:15:17 – 4:31:46 VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Plumbers Don’t Wear Ties vs Quest 64 4:31:55 – 4:42:56 Outro and outtakes NEXT EPISODE: STAGE SELECT: Julian and Justin are wealthy investors. Pitch your video game ideas to us and see if we’re in or out! VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: The Colonel’s Bequest vs I Love You, Colonel Sanders! A Finger Lickin’ Good Dating Simulator SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS BY 7:30 CENTRAL ON 8/26 TO BE ON THE SHOW! Twitter: @NWPcast Email: NWPcast@gmail.com Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 229: Little Idiots

Wed, 03 Aug 2022 16:02:00 GMT

Hey there! It’s another episode of Nerds Without Pants. Like ten of you are really happy. This one is coming in hot because Julian is a lazy piece of crap, so no time for detailed notes. We talk about our favorite cameos in video games, Stray, Titanfall 2, and more. STAGE SELECT: Favorite cameos and guest spots in games CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: As Dusk Falls, Stray, Titanfall 2, Danganronpa 2, we look at what (if anything) is coming out for the rest of the year VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Syphon Filter vs Driver 2 NEXT EPISODE: STAGE SELECT: What are some video game hills you would die on? VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Plumbers Wear Ties vs Quest 64 SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS BY 7:30 CENTRAL ON 8/12 TO BE ON THE SHOW! Twitter: @NWPcast Email: NWPcast@gmail.com Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 228: 40 Going on 16

Wed, 20 Jul 2022 15:00:00 GMT

Welcome to another excellent edition of Nerds Without Pants! This week we are joined by Bill Tucker of the podcast A Gamer Looks at 40. We’ll learn all about him as we discuss podcasting, gaming, and bringing back dead franchises! 00:00 – 11:40 Trash 11:51 – 2:13:51 STAGE SELECT: Name three “Missing in Action” series you want to see return 2:14:03 – 3:23:49 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Bill Tucker’s gaming origins, starting a podcast, Old World, Cook, Serve, Delicious 3, Urbek City Builder, Trails of Cold Steel, Horizon: Forbidden West, The Dark Pictures Anthology: Little Hope 3:24:28 – 3:46:37 VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: TAG BATTLE! The Old Republic (Star Wars KotOR 1&2 vs Massive Effect (Mass Effect 1&2) 3:46:46 – 3:55:57 Outro NEXT EPISODE: STAGE SELECT: What are some of your favorite “guest spots” in video games? VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Syphon Filter vs Driver 2 SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS BY 7:30 CENTRAL ON 7/29 TO BE ON THE SHOW! Check out A Gamer Looks at 40 here: https://linktr.ee/agamerlooksat40 Twitter: @NWPcast Email: NWPcast@gmail.com Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee. FEATURED MUSIC: What the World Needs Now- Burt Bacharach Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini- Brian Hyland Operator- Jim Croce Runaround Sue- Dion DiMucci Running Bear, Little White Dove- Johnny Preston

Nerds Without Pants Special: 10 Years Without Pants

Tue, 12 Jul 2022 15:00:00 GMT

Ten years. Ten. YEARS. It’s hard to believe that Nerds Without Pants has been around for an entire decade, but here we are. NWP co-founder Rob Ottone joins us for a trip down memory lane that makes ever so many pit stops along the way. There isn’t a lot of gaming talk here, as we focus on the humble beginnings of Nerds Without Pants, the history of the show, and how Justin came to be here. We also spend a goodly amount of time talking about Rob’s writing career, various YouTube stuff, and the mess we all live in now. We do manage to get a little gaming in, of course, with some Overwatch talk, the cost of video games, falling out of gaming (and hopping back in), and lots of other things. And Street Sharks, for some reason. Twitter: @NWPcast Email: NWPcast@gmail.com Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 227: Summon the Air Horn!

Wed, 06 Jul 2022 15:00:00 GMT

Hey folks, welcome back to Nerds Without Pants! Julian is on vacation, so these show notes are gonna be super basic. Xavier Kreiger joins us again to talk about our favorite summons in video games, and lots of other things. Also, Justin got a soundboard. Be afraid. Be very afraid. STAGE SELECT: Favorite video game summons CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Trails of Cold Steel, Fire Emblem Three Hopes, Ms Marvel, AI: Somnium Files VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Fatal Fury vs Evil Zone NEXT EPISODE: STAGE SELECT: What are 3 “missing in action” franchises that you would like to see come back? (They should be series that didn’t get a game in the PS4 generation and have not had anything announced for this generation) VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: OUR FIRST TAG TEAM MATCH! Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic 1&2 vs Mass Effect 1&2 SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS BY 8:30 CENTRAL ON 7/15 TO BE ON THE SHOW! Twitter: @NWPcast Email: NWPcast@gmail.com Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 226: Full Baddie

Wed, 22 Jun 2022 15:00:00 GMT

Welcome to another lengthy episode of Nerds Without Pants! Come let us keep you company for half the workday as we talk about bad video game endings, “Not E3”, and witness a Tetsuya Nomura mirror match! 00:00 – 09-06 Fish 09:14 – 2:15:27 STAGE SELECT: Top 3 Least Favorite Game Endings 2:15:38 – 3:33:48 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Saints Row character creation, Astria Ascending, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge, Not E3 3:34:27 – 3:52:45 VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Final Fantasy VII Remake vs Kingdom Hearts 3 3:52:54 – 4:01:57 Outro NEXT EPISODE: STAGE SELECT: What are your three favorite summons in video games? VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Fatal Fury vs Evil Zone SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS BY 8:30 CENTRAL ON 7/1 TO BE ON THE SHOW! Twitter: @NWPcast Email: NWPcast@gmail.com Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 225: Headbanger's Ball

Wed, 08 Jun 2022 14:00:00 GMT

Welcome to the first music edition of Nerds Without Pants of the year! It’s been a long time, so we are here to rock your face off. We also have a lot to say about something topical for once. Enjoy! 00:00 – 09:43 Animal style 09:55 – 2:21:54 STAGE SELECT: Music that ROCKS 2:22:07 – 3:51:44 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Trails of Cold Steel, AI: Somnium Files, Sony’s Summer State of Play 3:52:22 – 4:09:21 VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Okage: Shadow King vs Unlimited SaGa 4:09:32 – 4:16:17 Outro NEXT EPISODE: STAGE SELECT: What are your three least favorite video game endings? VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Kingdom Hearts 3 vs Final Fantasy VII Remake SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS BY 8:30 CENTRAL ON 6/17 TO BE ON THE SHOW! Twitter: @NWPcast Email: NWPcast@gmail.com Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 224: Maximum Feet

Wed, 25 May 2022 15:00:00 GMT

Welcome to the return of Stage Select on Nerds Without Pants! After the dust has settled on the Video Game Cage Match Championship Tournament it’s time to get back to the old show format with a new focus on our lovely listeners. To that end we are joined by long time listener, first time guest Xavier Kreiger to talk about all sorts of dumb stuff. Let’s go! 00:00 – 05:24 Inventions 05:40 – 3:07:42 STAGE SELECT: Listener AMA 3:07:54 – 4:36:34 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Trails of Cold Steel, Kirby and the Forgotten World, Something is Killing the Children, Danganronpa 2, AI: The Somnium Files, Eiyuden Chronicles: Rising, Citizen Sleeper 4:37:14 – 4:50:48 VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH: Quest 64 (challenger) Chrono Cross (champion) 4:50:57 – 4:57:53 Outro and outtakes NEXT EPISODE: STAGE SELECT: Tell us a piece of video game music that ROCKS (bonus if you can headbang to it). Note: You can submit more than one song, but we’ll only be playing the first one. VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Okage: Shadow King vs Unlimited SaGa SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS BY 8:30 CENTRAL ON 6/3 TO BE ON THE SHOW! Twitter: @NWPcast Email: NWPcast@gmail.com Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 223: The Champ is Here!

Wed, 11 May 2022 15:00:00 GMT

THE TIME HAS COME AT LAST! Chex Quest. Chrono Cross. A 16-foot-tall steel cage. Who will emerge as the first ever Nerds Without Pants Video Game Cage Match champion? The listeners decided. Now you need to listen to find out. We’re joined by Mike Fallek and John Gholson in their first ever meeting on NWP to help with the proceedings! 00:00 – 4:16:12 Intro: Are you the cops? CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Chinatown Detective Agency, The Batman, Cyberpunk 2077, Judgment, Mass Effect 2, problems with Gamepass, and much, much more! 4:16:48 – 5:03:45 VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH TITLE BOUT: Chex Quest vs Chrono Cross 5:03:53 – 5:17:22 Outro NEXT EPISODE: STAGE SELECT RETURNS WITH A LISTENER AMA! Please answer the following questions: How are you doing? What are some YouTube recommendations? In a fight to the death with someone your size and build you have the choice of a 6 inch knife or an aluminum bat. Which weapon do you choose, knowing that the one you don’t pick goes to your opponent? What do you smell like (or think you smell like)? We’re going to McDonald’s; what do ya want? What’s YOUR idea for a Stage Select? What video game fan fiction would you write (if you did)? VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH TITLE BOUT: Quest 64 vs (REDACTED) SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS BY 8:30 CENTRAL ON 5/20! Twitter: @NWPcast Email: NWPcast@gmail.com Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 222: It's a Great Lake, But it Ain't a GREAT Lake

Wed, 27 Apr 2022 15:00:00 GMT

Welcome back to a really fun episode of Nerds Without Pants! We have lots of games to talk about, terrible jokes, smooth segue ways, and find out the games that will square off in our first Video Game Cage Match championship match next episode! 00:00 – 11:22 There’s a storm comin’ 11:22 – 28:39 VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH CHAMPIONSHIP TOURNAMENT MATCH: Chrono Cross vs Super Mario Odyssey 30:26 – 59:23 Trigger Happy Havoc: Danganronpa 59:55 – 1:47:24 Justin finished Elden Ring! 1:47:24 – 2:01:18 Norco 2:04:09 – 2:13:16 Chinatown Detective Agency 2:13:16 – 2:31:24 Final Fantasy XIV’s new PvP 2:31:24 – 2:46:56 NWPerdy (I don’t have a better name for this) 2:47:08 – 2:55:35 VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH CHAMPIONSHIP TOURNAMENT MATCH: Tetris vs Chex Quest 2:59:21 – 3:15:30 When Justin was a boy, outro NEXT EPISODE: IT’S THE CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH BETWEEN {REDACTED} AND {CLASSIFIED} (listen to the episode) Who wins? YOU DECIDE! SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS BY 8:30 CENTRAL ON 5/6! Twitter: @NWPcast Email: NWPcast@gmail.com Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee

Nerds Without Pants Episode 221: We Don't Talk About SOPFFO

Fri, 15 Apr 2022 21:45:00 GMT

Welcome back to Nerds Without Pants! We’re coming in a bit late this, time, because Julian got real dang sick after we recorded. Thankfully you won’t notice that in the episode, and it’s a pretty good one, even if we didn’t have much new to say this week. No time for the usual show notes, but we complete the semifinals of the Nerds Without Pants Video Game Cage Match championship tournament, get some more Elden Ring, talk some new games in Norco and A Memoir Blue, and then we talk some SOPFFO (Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin). If you want to hear even more on that, check out Julian on the latest episode of the Mage Cast! NEXT EPISODE: THE VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH CHAMPIONSHIP TOURNAMENT FINALS COMMENCE! Opening match: Chrono Cross vs Super Mario Odyssey Closing match: Tetris vs Chex Quest SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS BY 8:30 CENTRAL ON 4/22 TO BE ON THE SHOW! Mage Cast episode 76: Ted Sephiroth: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/mage-cast-715050/episodes/076-ted-sephiroth-stranger-of-133406074 Twitter: @NWPcast Email: NWPcast@gmail.com Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 220: We Don't Have a Good Name For This

Wed, 30 Mar 2022 12:00:00 GMT

Welcome back to Nerds Without Pants! We don’t have anything new to talk about when it comes to what we’ve played, but Justin rises to the challenge by debuting not one, but two new segments. We also begin the semi-finals of the Video Game Cage Match championship tournament. Spread it on! 00:00 – 11:54 The McDonald’s moon man 11:54 – 20:36 Video Game Cage Match Tournament Bout: Chrono Cross vs Dead Space 2 20:36 – 42:51 Elden Ring 42:51 – 1:01:33 WWE 2K22 1:01:33 – 1:14:05 NWPerdy (I don’t have a good name for this) 1:14:05 – 1:51:27 Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin, what even is an RPG?, what FF VII Remake 2 SHOULD be 1:51:27 – 1:57:53 Julian recommends Neebs Gaming Subnautica series, watching let’s plays 1:57:53 – 2:25:48 Video games are too damn long, Horizon: Forbidden West 2:25:48 – 2:32:37 When Justin was a young boy 2:33:17 – 2:41:21 Video Game Cage Match Tournament Bout: Area 51 vs Super Mario Odyssey 2:41:30 – 2:48:22 Outro NEXT EPISODE: The Video Game Cage Match Championship Tournament continues: Opening match: Super Mario Bros. vs Tetris Closing match: Chex Quest vs Mario Golf SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS BY 8:30 CENTRAL ON 4/8 TO BE ON THE SHOW! Twitter: @NWPcast Email: NWPcast@gmail.com Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 219: We're Comin' At Ya!

Wed, 16 Mar 2022 15:00:00 GMT

Well howdy, partner! Nerds Without Pants is back, and Mike Fallek as back. So you know what that means: a massively meandering show that loses control almost immediately. Enjoy! Also, why did I start this by typing “howdy, partner”? 00:00 – 11:25 Stamps 12:04 – 53:21 VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH TOURNAMENT BOUT: Super Mario Bros. vs Crusader: No Remorse 59:33 – 1:35:59 Horizon: Forbidden West, modern sci-fi 1:35:59 – 2:32:11 Cyberpunk 2077, Justin is a Time Lord confirmed, the pros and cons of early console adoption 2:32:43 – 3:08:27 Elden Ring 3:08:27 – 3:43:10 WWE 2K22, wrestlers are the worst actors, or are they the BEST actors? 3:43:55 – 4:10:01 The pitfalls of current day collecting and “always online” games when they go offline 4:10:01 – 4:51:11 Mike Fallek has some…opinions on Mass Effect 2 4:51:47 – 5:00:57 VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH TOURNAMENT BOUT: Chex Quest vs Castlevania 64 5:01:05 – 5:11:15 Outro and outtakes NEXT EPISODE: The Video Game Cage Match Championship Tournament continues! Opening match: Chrono Cross vs Dead Space Closing match: Area 51 vs Super Mario Odyssey SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS BY 8:30 CENTRAL ON 3/25 TO BE ON THE SHOW! Twitter: @NWPcast Email: NWPcast@gmail.com Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 218: Fair and Biased: The Justin Hamm Story

Wed, 02 Mar 2022 16:00:00 GMT

Welcome back to Nerds Without Pants! This week, we hop onto our Email Banana Boat and read your emails! We also talk a lot about games! It’s…you know…a podcast. 00:00 – 12:47 Birthstone Talk, with NBA all-star Carmelo Anthony 15:04 – 32:38 VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH CHAMPIONSHIP TOURNAMENT: Area 51 vs Dragon Quest XI 35:39 – 2:31:27 EMAIL BANANA BOAT: We answer your emails! 2:31:53 - 3:59:00 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Closing thoughts on Persona 5 Royal, worries about Triangle Strategy, Sifu, Horizon: Forbidden West, Cyberpunk 2077, Phantom Train! 3:59:36 – 4:09:05 VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH CHAMPIONSHIP TOURNAMENT: Primal Rage vs Super Mario Odyssey 4:14:21 – 4:47:25 SPOILER CHAT: Persona 5 Royal NEXT EPISODE: The NWP Video Game Cage Match Championship Tournament continues: Opening match: Super Mario Bros. vs Crusader: No Remorse Closing match: Chex Quest vs Castlevania 64 SUBMIT YOUR CAGE MATCH PICKS BY 8:30 CENTRAL ON 3/11 TO BE ON THE SHOW! Twitter: @NWPcast Email: NWPcast@gmail.com Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 217: BIGGER.

Wed, 16 Feb 2022 16:00:00 GMT

Welcome back to Nerds Without Pants! Hiatus is behind us, and we’ve revealed our favorite games of last year. Now, it’s time to catch up and see just what we got up to during the break. This episode covers a lot, while baring it all! 00:00 – 15:47 Scuba 15:47 – 20:04 Announcements 20:04 – 22:18 Black Friday deals, Persona 5 Royal’s last dungeon sucks 22:18 – 39:19 Death Stranding: Director’s Cut 39:19 – 55:13 Magic the Gathering: Arena, our bleak NFT future, Justin’s pyrrhic victory 55:46 – 1:25:07 Sifu, our muted enthusiasm for Horizon: Forbidden West 1:27:07 – 1:42:25 Deathloop *SPOILERS AT 1:39:03* 1:42:25 – 1:55:39 Justin is defeated by a character creation screen, Pathfinder 1:55:39 – 2:05:10 Cloud gaming on Xbox, Nobody Saves the World 2:05:10 – 2:20:47 Idol Manager (?!) 2:21:18 – 2:45:06 Buying Final Fantasy Tactics is even harder than playing Final Fantasy Tactics, Triangle Strategy 2:45:06 – 3:19:05 Dragon Age: Inquisition 3:19:05 – 3:29:41 Treasure of Nadia 3:30:27 – 3:49:38 VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Chrono Cross vs Devil May Cry 2 3:49:46 – 3:56:59 Outro and outtakes NEXT EPISODE: THE EMAIL BANANA BOAT ARRIVES! Send us more emails if you want them read on the show! VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH CHAMPIONSHIP TOURNAMENT DOUBLE HEADER! Area 51 vs Dragon Quest XI Primal Rage vs Super Mario Odyssey SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS BY 8:30 CENTRAL ON 2/25! Twitter: @NWPcast Email: NWPcast@gmail.com Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 216: 2 2020, 2 Furious

Wed, 02 Feb 2022 16:00:00 GMT

It’s the first episode of Nerds Without Pants recorded in the new year, and that only means one thing: Game of the Year, baby! We shake things up just a bit this year, listing our top ten games that we played in 2021, as opposed to the usual top five. There are some big surprises in there, for sure! 00:00 - 10:24 Sarah Michelle Gellar 10:24- 41:42 Game of the Year 2021: the bottom 5 42:13 – 1:57:03 Our top 5 games of the year, up to 2 1:57:03 – 2:21:51 Honorable mentions 2:21:58 – 2:49:48 Our number 1 games of the year 2:49:48 – 3:02:59 Our next big game, outro, outtakes NEXT EPISODE: WE KICK OFF THE NWP VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH CHAMPIONSHIP TOURNAMENT! Chrono Cross vs Devil May Cry 2: Who wins? You decide! Submit your comments by 8:30 Central on 2/11/22!

Nerds Without Pants Special: The List 2, Part 4

Sat, 29 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMT

No, I didn’t forget that we have this last part of the Nerds Without Pants PS2 list special to release! I’m just…really lazy, y’all. But here it is! Not sure if we’ll ever do another one of these, but there’s something kinda fun about just going through an entire console library, so never say never. Also, the PS2 had some weird, cool games.

Nerds Without Pants Special: Samm Listens to Things

Wed, 19 Jan 2022 23:40:00 GMT

Well hello there! Are you missing the Nerds Without Pants? Well…we miss you. Why you gotta waste our flavor? Damn! Aaaanyway, it’s our annual music special, so feast your ears, and we’ll be back with live episodes soon! TRACK LIST: V3- Masafumi Takada (Danganronpa V3), A Long Fall- Masayoshi Soken (Final Fantasy XIV), Niez- Motoi Sakuraba (Tales of Arise), CPU Plaza- Kenneth CM Young (Astro’s Playroom), Shadowlord- Keiichi Okabe (Nier Replicant), Cold Blooded- Hidenori Shoji (Yakuza: Like a Dragon), Counterstrike- Shoji Meguro (Persona 5: Strikers), Zero to Hero- “Starlord” (Guardians of the Galaxy), Love the Subhuman Self- Daisuke Ishiwatari (Guilty Gear Strive), Rasen- jon-YAKITORY feat. Ado (Lost Judgment), Disaster of Passion- Daisuke Ishiwatari (Guilty Gear Strive), Footfalls- Masayoshi Soken (Final Fantasy XIV) Reminder that we are asking for emails and voice memos for a possible mailbag episode! Twitter: @NWPcast Email: NWPcast@gmail.com Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 215: State of the Generation 2021

Wed, 22 Dec 2021 16:00:00 GMT

The last Nerds Without Pants of the year is our annual State of the Generation episode, and we have a lot to say about the new consoles, where they may be going, and also highlight a ton of the biggest stories in gaming from 2021. Check the timestamps to skip ahead if we are covering a story you don’t care about. We’ll see you in 2022! 09:41 Being early console adopters 29:43 Unreal 5 and the Matrix experience 45:55 Should you buy a PS5 or Xbox Series console right now? 52:36 The terrible interfaces on both consoles 58:08 News of the year: Covid delays 1:11:16 The supply chain issues and the effect on this generation 1:17:04 No one cares about the Switch OLED version 1:21:08 A surprisingly long VR discussion 1:35:26 The continued fall of Activision Blizzard 1:52:27 The rise of Final Fantasy XIV 2:05:39 The NFTs are coming! The NFTs are coming! 2:18:49 Character likeness rights and the future of games 2:34:07 The art of creating remastered games 2:47:06 The games we’re looking forward to in 2022 NEXT EPISODE: NOTHING! But if you want us to do a mailbag special during our hiatus feel free to send your emails and voicemails to NWPcast@gmail.com. If we get enough we’ll do a thingy. Twitter: @NWPcast Email: NWPcast@gmail.com Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 214: Take Off Your Pants, Relax

Wed, 08 Dec 2021 16:00:00 GMT

Well hello there! This is the final standard format episode of Nerds Without Pants of 2021, so we decided to bring Mike Fallek on and recorded an episode so long that you won’t finish it until 2022. Yep, totally meant to do that. Wasn’t an off-the-rails affair from minute one. Nope. 00:00 – 14:41 Time ghosts 15:00 – 3:04:18 STAGE SELECT: The games that relax us. Sort of. 3:04:25 – 4:37:29 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Xbox Gamepass, The Evil Within, Call of the Sea, Wild Guns, Subnautica, Ace Attorney Trilogy, L.A. Noire, Hades, Forza Horizon 5, Overboard!, Guardians of the Galaxy 4:38:06 – 5:05:46 VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Super Metroid vs Castlevania: Symphony of the Night 5:05:54 – 5:12:46 Outro NEXT EPISODE: THE FINAL EPISODE OF NWP FOR 2021! Twitter: @NWPcast Email: NWPcast@gmail.com Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 213: Secret Jedi

Wed, 24 Nov 2021 23:55:00 GMT

This episode is late and I’m in so much pain writing this that I can’t think straight. You know the drill: we talked about stuff. For a long time. About video games. 00:00 – 14:17 Doves 14:25 – 01:40:52 STAGE SELECT: What video game worlds would you like to live in? 01:41:01 – 03:00:45 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Unpacking, Forza Horizon 5, Halo Infinite, Gears of War 4, Rise of the Tomb Raider 03:01:22 – 03:20:21 VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Final Fantasy XV vs Dragon Quest XI 03:20:30 – 03:26:43 Outro NEXT EPISODE: STAGE SELECT: What are the games that relax you the most? VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Super Metroid vs Castlevania: Symphony of the Night SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS BY 8:30 CENTRAL ON DECEMBER 3 TO BE ON THE SHOW! Twitter: @NWPcast Email: NWPcast@gmail.com Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 212: The Coolest Buttons to Button

Wed, 10 Nov 2021 16:00:00 GMT

Welcome to another banger of an episode of Nerds Without Pants! We hope this episode pushes all of your buttons, because that’s the topic of the day: BUTTONS! It will make sense when you listen to it, we promise. We also cover a handful of recent releases, and Serious Sam steps into the cage with Turok Evolution! 00:00 - 07:06 Introduction 07:16 – 01:25:13 STAGE SELECT: What are some of your favorite buttons in gaming? 01:25:22 - 03:08:32 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Tales of Arise, Inscryption, Wilder Myth, Alan Wake Remastered, Corpse Party (PS4), Guardians of the Galaxy, Julian’s Persona 5 Royal check-in 03:09:08 – 03:26:08 VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Serious Sam vs Turok Evolution 03:26:17 – 03:37:59 Outro NEXT EPISODE: STAGE SELECT: What are the video game worlds you would like to live in the most, and where would your home be? VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Final Fantasy XV vs Dragon Quest XI SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS BY 8:30 CENTRAL ON 11/19 TO BE ON THE SHOW! Twitter: @NWPcast Email: NWPcast@gmail.com Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 211: Halloween Havoc: Cool Ghouls

Wed, 27 Oct 2021 19:20:37 GMT

It’s the spoopy time of year, which means it’s time for Halloween Havoc on Nerds Without Pants! We are once again joined by show co-founder and horror writer Rob Ottone to talk about game characters and creatures that scare us. Also: Resident Evil 4 takes on Dead Space 2 in the steel cage! 00:00 - 09:26 Introduction 09:37 – 02:33:51 STAGE SELECT: Video game characters and creatures that scare us 02:34:00 – 03:31:28 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Rob’s big news, Alan Wake Remastered, Only Murders in the Building, Tales of Arise, Haunted Chocolatier 03:32:05 – 03:51:50 VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Resident Evil 4 vs Dead Space 2 03:52:02 – 04:00:38 Outro NEXT EPISODE: STAGE SELECT: What are some of your favorite video game “buttons”? (Can be a particular in-game action or a physical hardware button) VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Serious Sam vs Turok: Evolution SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS BY 8:30 CENTRAL ON 11/5 TO BE ON THE SHOW! Twitter: @NWPcast Email: NWPcast@gmail.com Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 210: Parakeet Prison

Tue, 19 Oct 2021 15:00:00 GMT

Welcome back to a very chill episode of Nerds Without Pants! As we gear up for our annual Halloween Havoc episode, we got together for an all Consumption-Junction edition of the show. Even though we didn’t cover very many games we still had plenty to talk about, but you probably could have guessed that already. There really isn’t a lot to write about in these show notes. Justin is in love with Tales of Arise and falling out of love with Lost Judgment. Julian came to an epiphany regarding something he really didn’t want to talk about. And of course we somehow end up talking about a terrible piece of shovelware longer than anything else in the episode. Enjoy? NEXT EPISODE: STAGE SELECT: What video game characters or creatures scare you the most? NOTE: They don’t have to come from horror games! VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Resident Evil 4 vs Dead Space 2 SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS BY 8:30 CENTRAL ON 10/22 TO BE ON THE SHOW! Twitter: @NWPcast Email: NWPcast@gmail.com Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 209: Nerd Saturday Morning

Wed, 06 Oct 2021 13:00:00 GMT

Put on your footie pajamas and pour a bowl of your favorite sugary cereal, because this week the Nerds Without Pants are turning their favorite games into imaginary Saturday morning cartoons! Don’t worry, we’ll explain what that is if you’re a young’un. Angelo joins us for this super fun show, so let’s get to it! 00:00 – 00:10:41 Introduction 00:10:51 – 02:10:08 STAGE SELECT: What games would you want to see turned into Saturday morning cartoons? 02:10:19 - 03:28:48 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Halo Master Chief Collection, toxic multiplayer people, Minecraft, game music playlists, artbooks, Lost Judgment, Lost Words, The Avengers 03:29:25 – 03:47:58 VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Primal Rage vs Bloody Roar 03:48:07 – 03:53:33 Outro NEXT EPISODE: STAGE SELECT: What video game characters or creatures scare you the most? NOTE: They don’t have to come from horror games! VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Resident Evil 4 vs Dead Space 2 SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS BY 8:30 CENTRAL ON 10/22 TO BE ON THE SHOW! Twitter: @NWPcast Email: NWPcast@gmail.com Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 208: We Sank Your Battleship

Wed, 22 Sep 2021 15:00:00 GMT

Welcome to another edition of Nerds Without Pants! Well, we asked for you guys to send us questions, and you did not disappoint. Enjoy this jam-packed deep dive into the Pantsless Ones, with some fun asides and some behind the scenes tea. 00:00 - 08:58: Introduction 09:09 – 02:43:59 STAGE SELECT: It’s an NWP AMA! 02:44:09 – 03:40:22 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Deathloop, The Artful Escape, Life is Strange: True Colors, Myst (remake) 03:41:00 – 03:57:36 VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Tetris vs The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim 03:57:45 – 04:02:11 Outro NEXT EPISODE: STAGE SELECT: What games would you like to see turned into Saturday morning cartoons? VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Primal Rage vs Bloody Roar SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS BY 8:30 CENTRAL ON 10/1 TO BE ON THE SHOW! Twitter: @NWPcast Email: NWPcast@gmail.com Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 207: This Episode Needs No Introduction

Wed, 08 Sep 2021 15:00:00 GMT

Welcome back to Nerds Without Pants! This week we go over what ended up being a really tricky Stage Select, spoil the hell out of Twelve Minutes (check the timestamps in the notes), and have a battle of Odysseys in a steel cage match. Enjoy! 00:00-07:20 Introduction 07:32-1:49:42 STAGE SELECT: What are some of your favorite character introductions? 1:49:53-3:08:12 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Twelve Minutes (full spoilers, skip to 2:09:34 if you really don’t want us to save you from playing a terrible game), Justin is still on his Sims bullshit, Guilty Gear Strive, Saints Row (2022), Halo, Gears of War 4, Julian’s back on his FF XIV bullshit 3:08:50-3:26:06 VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Super Mario Odyssey vs Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey 3:26:15-3:34:15 Outro NEXT EPISODE: STAGE SELECT: Ask us anything! You have three questions; make ‘em good! VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Tetris vs The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS BY 8:30 CENTRAL ON 9/17 TO BE ON THE SHOW! Twitter: @NWPcast Email: NWPcast@gmail.com Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Nerds Without Pants Special: The List 2- Part Three

Mon, 06 Sep 2021 21:00:00 GMT

Hey, folks! No, we haven't forgotten about this Nerds Without Pants series where we go over every PS2 North American release one by one. I just...forgot to edit it. So enjoy this, as it's the next to last episode of this series, and I know all four of you will dig it. There's also a bonus from the cutting room floor at the end. FEATURED MUSIC: Legaia 2: Duel Saga- battle theme Radiata Stories- battle theme

Nerds Without Pants Episode 206: Gaming is FUNdamental

Wed, 25 Aug 2021 15:00:00 GMT

Welcome, to another Nerds Without Pants that, despite hardly having any listener interaction, still snuck past the three-hour mark. I don’t know, y’all. This is the reality you have created for yourselves. We won’t be held responsible. You fell in love in the first place. 00:00-08:35 Introduction 08:49-1:41:49 STAGE SELECT: We turn our favorite (?) books into video games, with…results. 1:42:00-3:09:30 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Yakuza: Like a Dragon closing thoughts, Tomb Raider (2013), Julian’s Series X, Road 96, Twelve Minutes, Hades, Tales of Arise 3:10:07-3:27:05 VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Loaded vs Crusader: No Remorse 3:27:45-3:35:11 Outro NEXT EPISODE STAGE SELECT: What are some of your favorite character introductions? VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Super Mario Odyssey vs Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS BY 8:30 CENTRAL ON 9/3 TO BE ON THE SHOW! Twitter: @NWPcast Email: NWPcast@gmail.com Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 205: NWP TRL

Wed, 11 Aug 2021 15:00:00 GMT

It’s another massive episode of Nerds Without Pants. Don’t blame me, this is all Justin’s fault. No time to get pithy, here we go! 00:00-6:33 Introduction 6:44-4:04:54 STAGE SELECT: NWP Total Request Live(ish) 4:05:05-4:54:36 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: The Ascent, Yakuza: Like a Dragon, Nightbook, Julian got an Evercade 4:55:14-5:13:47 VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Final Fantasy VIII vs Chrono Cross 5:13:56-5:23:18 Outro and outtakes NEXT EPISODE: STAGE SELECT: What book(s) would you like to see adapted into a video game? Get creative! VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Loaded vs Crusader: No Remorse SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS BY 8:30 CENTRAL ON 8/20 TO BE ON THE SHOW! Twitter: @NWPcast Email: NWPcast@gmail.com Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee. TRACKLIST: Philistine (No More Heroes 2), Intro Theme (Starsky and Hutch: The Video Game), The Runaround Pt II & III (Final Fantasy VII Remake Intermission), Overworld- Ragtime Mix (Super Mario Bros 2), Edge of Time (13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim), Seaside Vacation (13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim), The Moon-80s Synthwave Remix (DuckTales), Nocturne in Blood (Killer Instinct), White Requiem II (BlazBlue), Title Music (Xenon: Fantasy Body), Lead the Van (Dragon Knight 4), BGM 3 (Hole Chaser), K.I. Feeling (Killer Instinct), We’re the River City Girls (River City Girls), Anxious Heart (Final Fantasy VII Remake), Main Theme (Batman: Arkham City), Total Head Control (DreamWeb), Menu and King Theme (Ultima: Exodus), It’s Time to Make History (Persona 4: Golden), Eternal Wind (Final Fantasy III), Mirror B’s Retro Groove (Pokemon Colosseum), The Rebuilt Jedi Enclave (Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic 2), Doll Graveyard (Forever Kingdom), Mysterious (Mario Paint), To the Future (Trails of Cold Steel IV), Overdose (Blue Reflection), Rivellon (Divinity: Original Sin 2), Bokurano Network-Off Vocal (Dragalia Lost), Snake Eating Ground (Bravely Default), Break the Targets (Super Smash Bros. Melee), Adventure, Puzzle (Fez), Small Two of Pieces Screeching Shards (Xenogears), Final Fantasy XIV medley by 40 artists (Final Fantasy XIV), Main Theme (Xenoblade Chronicles), Mind Game (Prey), Song of the Ancients-Hollow Dreams (Nier), Estel-Round 1 (Streets of Rage 4)

Nerds Without Pants Episode 204: Everyone Should Know About This

Wed, 28 Jul 2021 15:00:00 GMT

Welcome to a very special Nerds Without Pants! After two years of Julian CONSTANTLY singing the praises of the No One Can Know About This podcast we are joined by the hosts of that very show: Jeff and Ryan! It’s a short but sweet visit with these awesome dudes, and then Julian and Justin talk about a bunch of fun stuff after the break. Enjoy! In the opening hour, we find out what Jeff and Ryan get up to when they aren’t spending copious amounts of time playing and talking about Final Fantasy games. Then Justin has some Burning Questions, and we close out things with our guests by talking about the creative process of NOCKAT, which we hope is as fascinating to listeners as it is to a couple guys who get really nerdy about podcast producing. After the break, we have a bunch of stuff, including Last Stop, Julian can’t go back, podcast ads, Justin really can’t stop playing Animal Doctor, some closing thoughts on Mass Effect, a check in on Julian’s monthly Persona 5 Royal playthrough, Bravely Default 2, Project Triangle Strategy, and Yakuza: Like a Dragon. So many RPGs! NEXT EPISODE: STAGE SELECT: NWP Total Request Live(ish)! Give us any two pieces of video game music you want to, as long as they are not licensed tracks, and we’ll play ‘em! VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Final Fantasy VIII vs Chrono Cross: Who wins? YOU DECIDE! SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS BY 8:30 CENTRAL ON 8/6/2021 TO BE ON THE SHOW! Twitter: @NWPcast Email: NWPcast@gmail.com Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 203: Impossible Segway

Wed, 14 Jul 2021 15:00:00 GMT

On this episode of Nerds Without Pants it’s all about family, for reasons. Turns out there are some really interesting examples of family dynamics in video games, so this is a pretty good episode I think. Tell the people you love that you love them. 00:00-04:46 Introduction 5:00-1:48:48 STAGE SELECT: Video Game Families 1:50:12-3:12:59 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: More Sims 4 mods, DokiDoki Literature Club, Mass Effect 3’s DLC 3:13:36-3:29:04 VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Quest 64 vs Castlevania 64 NEXT EPISODE: STAGE SELECT: Listener Total Request Live! Give us any two video game songs you want us to play. No licensed tracks! VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Final Fantasy VIII vs Chrono Cross SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS BY 8:30 CENTRAL ON 7/23 TO BE ON THE SHOW! FEATURED MUSIC: Theme from The Golden Girls Theme from Who’s The Boss? Theme from Perfect Strangers Theme from The Nanny

Nerds Without Pants Episode 202: Chicken Diarrhea

Wed, 30 Jun 2021 15:00:00 GMT

After over a month of not recording, the Nerds Without Pants are back with a new episode! Unfortunately, this episode was cursed, and there are a lot of technical issues that we tried our best to fix in post. Also, this one goes off the rails and stays that way the entire time thanks to Friend Of The Show and Podcast Saboteur Mike Fallek. Strap in, because...dang. There's a lot of stuff in here, and at this point it's all a blur. We kick things off talking about This is Video Games. Once we've scared off 80% of the audience with hardcore porn talk we get into E3 discussion, the longest talk of the Intellivision Amico that has ever been done, and also some games. How does that fill over four hours? Even I don't know. It's a secret to everybody. No one is going to listen to all of this. Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Nerds Without Pants Special: The List 2- Part Two

Wed, 16 Jun 2021 15:00:00 GMT

Hey hey! It's weird typing this a month before this episode drops, but here we are. Nerds Without Pants continues its deep dive into the PlayStation 2. I'll be honest, I don't remember what ground we cover here, but I know we hit Final Fantasy, so that's cool. Does anyone enjoy these, really? I guess we'll find out.

Nerds Without Pants Special: The List 2- Part One

Wed, 02 Jun 2021 15:00:00 GMT

Welcome to a special edition of Nerds Without Pants! The guys are having to take a break from regular recordings, so we got together a few months ago to do another of these silly list things, because you all seemed to like it the first time around. This time, it's the PlayStation 2! Join us for a walk down memory lane. You can play along with the list by clicking this link: https://www.listchallenges.com/all-north-american-release-playstation-2-games

Nerds Without Pants Episode 201: Hammering on the Taunt Button

Wed, 19 May 2021 15:00:00 GMT

Welcome to another episode of Nerds Without Pants! Wait, that sounds like a hackey YouTube intro. Hey, welcome back here with another video! Like, what else would it be? It’s a video platform, you don’t need to point out it’s a video. Also, take it down like, 8 notches. You’re talking about video games, not the second coming. Anyway, it doesn’t matter what I put here because no one reads the show notes. VIDEO GAMES! 00:00-27:20 Introduction, the end of Giant Bomb as we know it 27:35-1:27:48 STAGE SELECT: Best video game taunts, quips, and burns 1:29:00-2:47:26 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Nier Replicant, Resident Evil VII, Resident Evil Village, Persona 5 Royal, Mass Effect: Legendary Edition 2:48:03-3:06:54 VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Sonic Adventure 2 vs Mario Golf Toadstool Tour 3:06:54-3:16:06 Outro and outtakes Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 200: Faygo Taste Testers

Wed, 05 May 2021 15:00:00 GMT

It's the 200th episode of Nerds Without Pants! We're asking for your help with donating to a special cause: Special Effect. They help get video games into the hands of kids with disabilities, and we'd love to break past the $500 mark. There will be some prizes to the top contributers, so please listen to the details in the show and give generously if you are able and so inclined. Man, this episode is going to be the make it or break it one. Y'all are either going to love this, or this is the last episode of NWP you'll ever listen to. Because in a four hour podcast we don't even touch video game discussion until, like, almost three hours in. But we have some amazing voice mails from you lovely listeners, so it's not all bad, right? Hoo, boy. NEXT EPISODE: STAGE SELECT: What are your favorite taunts, burns, or quips in video games? VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Sonic Adventure 2 vs Mario Golf Toadstool Tour Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 199: The Night Before the Night

Wed, 21 Apr 2021 15:00:00 GMT

As Nerds Without Pants stands on the precipice of its 200th episode, Justin and Julian get together to rank their top five games of all time. We both branched out to play some games we probably never would have before, and we witness one of the most contentious cage matches in the history of the NWPWF! 00:00-08:55 Introduction 09:08-2:34:33 STAGE SELECT: Our Top 5 Games OF ALL TIME 2:34:43-3:26:49 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Justin’s PS5 journey, Astro’s Playroom, Demon’s Souls, Disco Elysium, Summertime Saga 3:27:26-3:51:41 VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Chex Quest vs Quest 64 NEXT EPISODE: It’s episode 200! Don’t forget that we want some lovely audio messages from you guys. You can email them to NWPcast@gmail.com by 8:30 Central on 4/30 Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 198: Game Over, Man! Game Over!

Wed, 07 Apr 2021 15:00:00 GMT

Welcome back to Nerds Without Pants! This week, we explore our favorite "game over" screens in video games. Justin has joined the next generation, Julian loses himself inside his head because of Disco Elysium, and it's a battle of mediocre sequels in Video Game Cage Match! NEXT EPISODE: STAGE SELECT: What are your top 3 games OF ALL TIME? No runners up, no honorable mentions. Favorte games, 3-1. VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Quest 64 vs Chex Quest SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS BY 8:30 CENTRAL ON 4/16 TO BE ON THE SHOW! Also, submit audio greetings to NWP by 8:30 Central on 4/30 to NWPcast@gmail.com. Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 197: Never Split the Party

Wed, 24 Mar 2021 15:00:00 GMT

Hey, there. It's another episode of Nerds Without Pants. I'd go into the whole spiel and show notes and what-not, but to be honest does it matter? it's a long podcast. We talk about video games. And milk, for some reason. NEXT EPISODE: STAGE SELECT: What are your favorite "game over" screens? VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Devil May Cry 2 vs Blood Omen 2: Legacy of Kain SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS BY 8:30 CENTRAL ON 4/2/21 TO BE ON THE SHOW! We are also looking for audio greetings to splice into episode 200, so you can email those to NWPcast@gmail.com if you like. Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 196: Snow Bros

Wed, 10 Mar 2021 16:00:00 GMT

Nerds Without Pants is back with a mostly tranquil episode about snowy video game locations. Then Julian goes off on some personal strife, so check the time stamps below if you don’t want to hear 30 minutes of whining. We close things out with a battle between two light gun arcade games that feature bad digitized graphics! 00:00-02:30 Introduction 02:45-1:18:59 STAGE SELECT: Our favorite snowy places in video games 1:19:09-1:50:30 Julian’s pity party (skip to Consumption Junction if you just want to hear about video games) 1:51:04-2:26:25 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Persona 5 Strikers, Danganronpa 2 and 3, Project Triangle Strategy 2:27:01-2:57:27 VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Area 51 vs Revolution X NEXT EPISODE: STAGE SELECT: What are your top 3 RPG party members? VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Super Mario Bros. vs Tetris SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS BY 8:30 CENTRAL ON 3/19 TO BE ON THE SHOW! We are also looking for audio greetings to splice into episode 200, so you can email those to NWPcast@gmail.com if you like. Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee. FEATURED SONG: "Army" by Boy

Nerds Without Pants Episode 195: The Battle for the Soul of Justin Hamm

Wed, 17 Feb 2021 14:40:00 GMT

We’re still getting things off the ground for 2021 here at Nerds Without Pants, so this is an all Consumption Junction episode of the show. Mike Fallek joins us for a show that goes off the rails almost immediately and never recovers. So if that sounds like your bag, here we go! I don’t even know where to start. There’s some Cyberpunk 2077 talk, Mike is thinking about getting a current gen system for the first time in…ever. We get deep into Hitman 3, and delve into Justin’s addiction to bad video games. We close things out with a very spoilery discussion about 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim. It’s the last thing in the show, so if you don’t want spoilers YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED. NEXT EPISODE: STAGE SELECT: What are some of your favorite snowy/wintery places in video games? VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Area 51 vs Revolution X SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS BY 8:30 CENTRAL ON 2/26 TO BE ON THE SHOW!

Nerds Without Pants Episode 194: How We Survived 2020 With Video Games

Wed, 03 Feb 2021 16:00:00 GMT

Welcome to the first episode of Nerds Without Pants! It’s our annual Game of the Year episode, and we are happy to be joined by Johnny Brandon from the Square Roots podcast. It’s a fun discussion of our top five games that we played in 2020. Since last year was a great year to play some older games our lists don’t exclusively come from 2020. We wrap up with listener top 3s and an impromptu Video Game Cage Match between Final Fantasy VII Remake and Yakuza: Like a Dragon. Let’s jump right in! Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 193: The Music of the 8th Generation

Thu, 28 Jan 2021 00:55:00 GMT

We’re kicking off the 2021 season of Nerds Without Pants with a comprehensive celebration of the music from the 8th console generation! This is our most ambitious music special to date, featuring 50 incredible tracks along with thoughtful commentary from the Pantsless Ones. Enjoy; this is a labor of love. TRACK LIST: Carnival Kerfluffle-Evan Skolnick (Cuphead), Rain on Brick-Bill Kiley (Katana Zero), Chinatown-Bill Kiley (Katana Zero), Necrogenic Bloom-Monomer (The Mummy Demastered), Every Day is Night (VA-11-HALL-A), Skyline (VA-11-HALL-A), Area 1: Perimeter-Savaged Regime (Xeno Crisis), Bullet Dance II-Daisuke Ishiwatari (BlazBlue), In the Shadows- Daisuke Ishiwatari (BlazBlue), Marionette- Daisuke Ishiwatari (Guilty Gear Xrd Sign), The Brume [Ishgard Night Theme]-Masayoshi Soken (Final Fantasy XIV), Fallen Angel [Garuda’s Theme]- Masayoshi Soken (Final Fantasy XIV), Revenge Twofold, Sands of Amber, Stormblood chorus [medley]- Masayoshi Soken (Final Fantasy XIV), Imagination [Aetherochemical Research Facility]- Masayoshi Soken (Final Fantasy XIV), Emil [Despair]-Keiichi Okabe (Nier Automata), Amusement Park-Keiichi Okabe (Nier Automata), The Only Thing They Fear is You-Mick Gordon (Doom Eternal), They Who Govern Reason-Yasunori Nishiki (Octopath Traveler), Primrose, The Dancer- Yasunori Nishiki (Octopath Traveler), Alfyn, The Apothecary- Yasunori Nishiki (Octopath Traveler), Battle at Journey’s End- Yasunori Nishiki (Octopath Traveler), Goin’ Down the Fast Way [Official remix]-Andrew Hulshult (Rise of the Triad), Steel for Humans-Percival & Marcin Przybylowicz (The Witcher 3), The Slopes of the Blessure-Piotr Musial (The Witcher 3), Wine Wars-Piotr Musial (The Witcher 3), Commanding the Fury-Mikolai Stroinski (The Witcher 3), Steam Gardens [8-Bit Version]-Koji Kondo (Super Mario Odyssey), New Donk City [Day]-Naoto Kubo (Super Mario Odyssey), Apocalypsis Noctis-Yoko Shimomura (Final Fantasy XV), Liyue Battle Theme 3-Yu-Peng Chen (Genshin Impact), Wolf of the North Andrius, Dominator of Wolves- Yu-Peng Chen (Genshin Impact), Stormterror’s Lair A Storm, A Spire, and A Sanctum- Yu-Peng Chen (Genshin Impact), Outlaw’s Lullaby-Hidenori Shoji (Yakuza Kiwami 2), Try To Have Some Fun For Me!- Hidenori Shoji (Yakuza 0), Light and Darkness- Hidenori Shoji (Yakuza: Like a Dragon), Sea Shanties (Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag), The Spine (feat. Ashley Barrett)-Darren Korb (Transistor), Good Riddance-Darren Korb (Hades), BB’s Theme-Ludvig Forssell feat. Jenny Plant (Death Stranding), This World Is Not My Home-Ben Babbitt (Kentucky Route Zero), I’m Going That Way-Ben Babbitt feat, Emily Cross (Kentucky Route Zero), The Whims of Fate-Shoji Meguro (Persona 5), Last Surprise-Shoji Meguro (Persona 5), Rich-Megan McDuffee (River City Girls), No Care-Daughter (Life is Strange: Before the Storm), I’m Leaving-Low Roar (Death Stranding), Take On Me-A-Ha (performed by Ashley Johnson) (The Last of Us Part II), Take Control-Old Gods of Asgard (Control) Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Nerds Without Pants Special: The List Part 5

Sat, 23 Jan 2021 03:35:00 GMT

Oh hey, we finally got to the end of the Nerds Without Pants reading a list of every PlayStation game. In hindsight...this was a poor decision. But you guys seem to dig it, so much so that we'll be releasing a supercut of all five parts in a single episode later on. But we should really never do this again. You're going to make us do this again, aren't you? Shit.

Nerds Without Pants Special: The List Part 4

Thu, 14 Jan 2021 02:00:00 GMT

Nerds Without Pants is still on hiatus, but in the meantime, perhaps you would enjoy part 4 of us going through all the North American (ish) PlayStation 1 releases? Yeah, it's super late. We recorded this way back in July and I think I edited this around October, so I'm not even sure what's in this one. Executive dysfunction sucks.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 192: Looking Back at the 8th Generation

Wed, 30 Dec 2020 15:00:00 GMT

Welcome, welcome, welcome, to the last Nerds Without Pants of 2020! It's been a brutal year, and the Pantsless Ones will be taking some time off to recharge, relax, and of course play a ton of games. Don't worry though; we have some surprises for you during our break, as well as our big music special! In this episode we look back at the console generation that was, in a way that only NWP can: a top 5 list! Nobody does those! Ahem. Anyway, while we've talked a lot about these games in the past it's still cool and interesting to see what games made the cut, what games only got an honorable mention, and the many games that were left out of the discussion completely. What were your favorite games of last gen? Did we surprise you with any of our picks? NWP wants to know! See you in 2021...assuming we make it that far. Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 191: Listener AMA!

Thu, 17 Dec 2020 04:05:00 GMT

It’s the final regular-format episode of Nerds Without Pants for 2020, and we go out with a bang. A massive bang! A four-hour bang! Um…wait. Anyway, this is a very special listener AMA show, and we talk about a ton of games before pitting two beloved 16-bit RPGs against each other in a steel cage match. Enjoy! 00:00-06:16 Introduction 06:28-2:14:11 STAGE SELECT: It’s an NWP Listener AMA! 2:14:17-3:38:36 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Astro’s Playroom, Spider-Man: Miles Morales, Bugsnax, Katana Zero, Yakuza 6, Haven, Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla, Dragon Quest XI, Cyberpunk 2077 3:39:13-4:06:31 VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Final Fantasy VI vs Chrono Trigger! WHAAAAT?! Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 190: Xbox Series S and the Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants

Wed, 25 Nov 2020 16:00:00 GMT

We’re back with an early, all-Consumption Junction edition of Nerds Without Pants. Just in time for you to hide from your family during Thanksgiving! It’s a really casual episode, but we hope you enjoy it! In this one, we cover Julian rage-quitting Persona 5 forever (maybe not forever), Katana Zero, Yakuza: Like A Dragon, Hot Video Game Tips, video game localization, the Game Awards, Julian’s first PS5 impressions, Astro’s Playroom, Spider-Man: Miles Morales, Julian doesn’t like 60fps, and more! NEXT EPISODE: STAGE SELECT: It’s a listener AMA! We want answers to the following: What is something you’ve been missing the most in this pandemic life? What is a movie or book you can’t live without? What got you into video games? What is your favorite album? What would your Transformers name be, and what would you transform into? How often do you buy shoes? VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Final Fantasy VI vs Chrono Trigger SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS BY 8:30 CENTRAL TIME ON 12/11 TO BE ON THE SHOW! Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 189: EMERGENCY FEELGOOD DOGS

Tue, 17 Nov 2020 16:00:00 GMT

Ohai! This werk on the Nerds Without Pants Borkcast we have a heckin’ gud tym giving treats to the goodest bois, the bestest puppers, and the frendist doggos. Then we get sum chikem nuggs. 00:00-08:01 Introduction 08:14-1:48:47 STAGE SELECT: We pick the best video game doggos! 1:48:53-3:43:36 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Mike Fallek is really good at video games, speed run culture, Cuphead, all things Steamworld, Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure, Firewatch (SPOILERS UNTIL 2:30:02), Genshin Impact, Justin Hamm is a Time Lord, Watch Dogs: Legion, Yakuza: Like a Dragon 3:44:12-4:08:55 VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Final Fantasy X vs Persona 5 4:08:55-4:17:32 Outro and outtakes NEXT EPISODE: Take a break! We’re doing an early all Consumption Junction episode for turkey day. Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 188: By Grabthar's Hammer, What a Podcast

Wed, 04 Nov 2020 16:00:00 GMT

Well hello there! In this episode of Nerds Without Pants we put on our creative caps and brainstorm what we’d like to see in the next Mass Effect game. Fair warning: Julian and Justin are fresh off of recent Mass Effect playthroughs, so the amount of nerdy lore being thrown around is HUGE. 00:00-05:41 Introduction 05:54-1:58:12 STAGE SELECT: We build the next Mass Effect game! 1:58:18-2:44:48 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Mass Effect 2, Hades, Watchdogs Legion, Persona 5, Final Fantasy XIV 2:45:24-3:06:48 VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Luigi’s Mansion vs Eternal Darkness: Sanity’s Requiem NEXT EPISODE: STAGE SELECT: What are your favorite dogs in video games? VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Final Fantasy X vs Persona 5 SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS BY 8:30 CENTRAL TIME ON NOVEMBER 13TH TO BE ON THE SHOW! Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 187: Son of Halloween Havoc

Wed, 21 Oct 2020 15:00:00 GMT

Another year, another Halloween Havoc edition of Nerds Without Pants. I’ll be honest, I’m not feeling very spoopy this year. Thankfully, we have NWP co-founder, friend-of-the-show, and author Rob here to get us in the scary spirit! 00:00-05:32 Introduction 05:44-1:58:27 STAGE SELECT: Our favorite “haunted houses” in video games 1:58:33-3:17:31 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Her Infernal Name & Other Nightmares, Rob’s writing process, Stardew Valley, Ghost Recon: Breakpoint, Destiny 2, Rob’s upcoming projects, Overcrowd: A Commute ‘Em Up, Baldur’s Gate 3, Hades, Final Fantasy XIV: Stormblood 3:18:08-3:45:02 VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Left 4 Dead vs State of Decay 2 Rob's book, Her Infernal Name & Other Nightmares can be found where fine books are sold. NEXT EPISODE: STAGE SELECT: You’re in charge of making the next Mass Effect. What would you do? VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Luigi’s Mansion vs Eternal Darkness: Sanity’s Requiem SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS BY 8:30 CENTRAL ON 10/30 TO BE ON THE SHOW! Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 186: Nerds Without Therapists

Fri, 09 Oct 2020 15:00:00 GMT

Welcome to Nerds Without Pants, a podcast where we start talking about video games we love, and then go super dark as we face some very uncomfortable truths about ourselves. Thankfully we have Friend of the Show John Gholson on board to keep things from descending into the true depths. This is a very raw episode, but a great listen, as well. 00:00-7:35 Introduction 7:48-1:30:48 STAGE SELECT: What video game characters do you relate to the most? 1:30:54-2:49:14 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Fallout 76, Fallout 3, Fallout 4, moral choice in games, Greedfall, Strange Brigade, John’s horror movie recs, Persona 5, 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim 2:49:51-3:16:44 VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Fallout 4 vs The Outer Worlds NEXT EPISODE: STAGE SELECT: What are your favorite “haunted houses” in video games? VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Left 4 Dead vs State of Decay 2 SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS BY 8:30 CENTRAL ON OCTOBER 16 TO BE ON THE SHOW! Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 185: Epic Lute

Wed, 23 Sep 2020 15:00:00 GMT

Welcome to Nerds Without Pants! Well, we asked for epic video game music, and y’all did NOT disappoint. Let’s get right to it! 00:00-02:13 Introduction 02:29-3:03:40 STAGE SELECT: We listen to video game music that is MOST EPIC 3:03:40-4:07:07 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: FINAL FANTASY XVI, MAN! PS5 preordering adventures, real talk, Persona 5, Justin’s Tony Hawk skate park levels, Tell Me Why, Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning 4:07:43-4:27:08 VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: The Avengers vs Cyberpunk 2077 NEXT EPISODE: STAGE SELECT: What are the video game characters you most identify with? VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Fallout 4 vs The Outer Worlds SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS BY 8:30 CENTRAL ON OCTOBER 2 TO BE ON THE SHOW! Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee. TRACK LIST: BlazBlue Central Fiction- Bloodline Suikoden II- Opening Halo 2 Anniversary- Follow in Flight Metal Gear Solid 3- Main Theme Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers- The Puppet’s Bunker Final Boss Final Fantasy XIV: Stormblood- Triumph Octopath Traveler- Galdera Boss (full version) Final Fantasy VII- Those Who Fight Further Metal Gear Solid 2- Yell Dead Cell Super Metroid- Theme of Samus Aran, Galactic Warrior Final Fantasy XII- Fight to the Death Halo 3- Finish the Fight Pokemon XD Gale of Darkness- Mirror B Theme Deus EX- Theme Song (orchestral version) Gimmick!- Strange Memories of Death Xenoblade Chronicles Definitive Edition- You Will Know Our Names Lords of Thunder- Dezant stage music The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim- Song of the Dragonborn Borderlands- Ain’t No Rest For the Wicked F-Zero- Big Blue Final Fantasy IX- Final Battle The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker- Molgera Ace Combat 4- Megalith (Agnus Dei) Mega Man X- Spark Mandrill (Stone McKnuckle remix) Final Fantasy VI-Dancing Mad (GaMetal remix)

Nerds Without Pants Episode 184: The Mod Squad

Wed, 09 Sep 2020 15:00:00 GMT

Hey, it’s another episode of Nerds Without Pants! It’s a pretty good one, I think. This post is lackluster at best because I got two hours of sleep last night, which is not even long enough to sleep through this episode. That makes sense, right? Cool. 00:00-05:30 Introduction 05:47-1:38:34 STAGE SELECT: We invent wacky video game mods! 1:38:40-2:28:35 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Cross Code, AO Tennis 2, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2, Spiritfarer, Kentucky Route Zero, Bill and Ted Face the Music 2:29:11-2:51:21 VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Mr. Do! vs Dig-Dug NEXT EPISODE: STAGE SELECT: Give us the two most epic pieces of video game music you can think of! VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Cyberpunk 2077 vs The Avengers SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS BY 8:30 CENTRAL ON 9/18 TO BE ON THE SHOW! Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 183: These Challenging Times

Wed, 26 Aug 2020 15:00:00 GMT

Welcome back to a very different episode of Nerds Without Pants! Why different? Because this time we’re turning the camera onto our lovely listeners to learn how they have been coping during the Backstreet Boys Reunion Tour. We also get a lot of game talk in before having a Star Wars mirror match in the cage. 00:00-3:22 Introduction 3:35-1:43:27 STAGE SELECT: What games are you playing in these Challenging Times? 1:43:33-2:49:31 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Thronebreaker, UFC 4, Crosscode, Resident Evil 3 Remake, Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection, Xeno Crisis, Kentucky Route Zero 2:50:08-3:07:43 VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Star Wars Battlefront 2 (2005) vs Star Wars Battlefront 2 (2017) 3:07:43-3:15:22 Outro and outtakes NEXT EPISODE: STAGE SELECT: Give us your coolest and wackiest dream mods for your favorite games! VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Mr. Do! vs Dig-Dug SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS BY 8:30 CENTRAL ON 9/4 TO BE ON THE SHOW! Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Nerds Without Pants Special: The List Part 3

Sat, 22 Aug 2020 16:00:00 GMT

Nerds Without Pants is back with part three of this weird PlayStation list thingy that we did. At this point it’s starting to feel like a mistake, but people seem to enjoy it, so who are we to judge? We are our harshest critics, after all. There’s still a couple more hours left of this crap, so…yay? FEATURED MUSIC: Fantastic Four- Fruity Pooty Final Fantasy Tactics- Character Introduction

Nerds Without Pants Episode 182: El Generico

Wed, 12 Aug 2020 15:00:00 GMT

Welcome to an episode of Nerds Without Pants that comes in at an actual respectable hour count! It’s a lean and mean episode as Julian and Justin use science to determine the most generic video game characters, while Breath of the Wild takes on The Witcher 3 in an epic Video Game Cage Match! 00:00-03:34 Introduction 3:48-1:08:55 STAGE SELECT: The most generic video game characters ever, as supported by science 1:09:00-1:58:02 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Skyrim, Monster Train, Let’s Listen, Othercide, Ghost of Tsushima closing thoughts, The Eiyuden Chronicles Kickstarter campaign, Carrion, Resident Evil 3 remake 1:58:38-2:12:42 VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild vs The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt 2:12:42-2:20:05 Outro and outtakes NEXT EPISODE: STAGE SELECT: What games or geeky things are you using to help you through the pandemic? THIS ONE IS ALL ABOUT YOU, LISTENERS. VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Star Wars: Battlefront 2 (2005) vs Star Wars: Battlefront 2 (2017) SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS BY 8:30 CENTRAL ON AUGUST 21 TO BE ON THE SHOW! Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Nerds Without Pants Special: The List Part 2

Thu, 06 Aug 2020 03:30:00 GMT

Welcome to part two of this dumb PlayStation list…thing that we did! This is only the second hour, so we’re still pretty fresh, but rest assured, we slowly descend into exhaustion and madness as the night wears on. Oh, now that the cat is out of the bag for this special, you can play along with the list that we used: https://www.listchallenges.com/all-north-american-release-playstation-games FEATURED MUSIC: Castlevania: Symphony of the Night- Prologue Chrono Cross- Time’s Scar

Nerds Without Pants Episode 181: Memories are the Greatest Gift

Thu, 30 Jul 2020 04:00:00 GMT

This episode of Nerds Without Pants is coming in late, and I don’t have the energy to do a clever show post or time stamps. I’m sorry; I’ll do better next time. In this episode we talk about some of our favorite memories of game related gifts. We go heavy on Ghost of Tsushima, and we squash the PixlBit beef over Donkey Kong Country 2 and Donkey Kong Tropical Freeze. My mom had great taste in music. NEXT EPISODE: STAGE SELECT: What are your favorite (or least favorite?) generic video game characters? VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild vs The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS BY 8:30 CENTRAL ON 8/7 TO BE ON THE SHOW! FEATURED MUSIC: The Seekers- Georgy Girl Doris Day- Que Sera, Sera The Crystals- He’s a Rebel Gary Lewis & The Playboys- Everybody Loves a Clown The Royal Guardsmen- Snoopy vs The Red Baron

Nerds Without Pants Spoils The Last of Us Part II

Sat, 25 Jul 2020 18:39:58 GMT

The Last of Us Part II has become one of the most divisive games of this console generation, so much so that we weren’t quite sure if we should do a full spoiler-cast, a quickie discussion during a Consumption Junction segment, or just skip it entirely. But it turns out that we have a lot to say about this game, so come join us to hear from the perspective of someone who played the entire game, and someone who watched a playthrough as we spoil the crap out of this game. No, really, if you are thinking of playing this game and want to stay in the dark, skip this episode and come back to it. Unless you don’t care about spoilers. I’m not going to tell you how to live. I don’t know your life and your struggles.

Nerds Without Pants Special: The List

Tue, 21 Jul 2020 23:32:00 GMT

Hey, so Justin and I did a thing. It's a thing that took us almost 5 hours to record, and we don't know if it's even entertaining. So I'm releasing the first hour. I'm not telling you what it is, because finding out is part of the fun, maybe? Anyway, if you guys like this let us know, and we'll release the rest in a couple more pieces. But if this is totally boring we understand! FEATURED MUSIC: Apocalypse- Prison Black Bass With Blue Marlin- Intro

Nerds Without Pants Episode 180: Failure to Launch

Tue, 14 Jul 2020 00:05:00 GMT

Somehow, Nerds Without Pants has been podcasting pantsless for 8 years straight! Angelo joins us for a celebration, lots of reminiscing about console launches, and a good amount of video game talk. This is one of our most fun episodes so far this year, so don’t miss it! 00:00-06:54 Introduction 07:09-2:06:13 STAGE SELECT: Our Top 3 console launch games 2:06:53-3:10:27 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: The Messenger, Phantasy Star Online 2, Total War: Warhammer, Civilization VI, Gloomwood, Batman: Arkham Asylum Remastered, The Last of Us Part 2 (gameplay discussion, no story spoilers), Justin actually playing Skyrim for once, Halo: Combat Evolved 3:11:02-3:38:06 VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic vs Tales of Vesperia 3:38:06-3:46:26 Outro and outtakes NEXT EPISODE: STAGE SELECT: What are some of your favorite video game related gift stories? VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Donkey Kong Country 2 vs Donkey Kong Tropical Freeze SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS BY 8:30 CENTRAL ON 7/24 TO BE ON THE SHOW! Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 179: Happy Days

Wed, 01 Jul 2020 15:00:00 GMT

And lo, the final seal was broken, and Nerds Without Pants exceeded their previous limits and stepped into the world of four-hour podcasts. Yep, strap in, because this is a beefy boy podcast. We’re joined once again by Mike Fallek of the Hackthought Podcast to talk about our favorite things from gaming’s yesteryears, along with a whole lot more. Hey, it’ll get you through half the workday, so that’s pretty cool, right? 00:00-07:23 Introduction 08:07-3:26:30 STAGE SELECT: What are your favorite things from the “good ‘ol days” of gaming? 2:51:20-3:26:30 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Saints Row the Third Remastered, Skyrim: Special Edition (guess who played that?), Slay the Spire, Grift Lands, Night Call 3:27:06-4:02:24 VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Silent Hill Homecoming vs Silent Hill: Downpour NEXT EPISODE: STAGE SELECT: What are your three favorite console launch games? VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic vs Tales of Vesperia SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS BY 8:30 CENTRAL ON 7/10 TO BE ON THE SHOW! Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 178: In Spoon We Trust

Thu, 18 Jun 2020 04:55:00 GMT

On this edition of Nerds Without Pants we pretend to be pious by talking about our favorite video game religions. Also, we get down with the PS5 reveal, and things get heated with one of the most contentious Video Game Cage Matches so far! This one is a doozy! 00:00-4:40 Introduction 4:53-1:44:22 STAGE SELECT: What are your favorite video game religions? 1:44:29-3:08:19 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Final Fantasy IX, Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen, Pillars of Eternity and the plight of CRPGs in modern day, Monster Train, THAT PS5 THOUGH 3:08:55-3:31:29 VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Super Mario Bros. 3 vs Super Mario World 3:31:29-3:35:06 Outro and outtakes NEXT EPISODE: STAGE SELECT: What are some of your favorite things lost from the “good ol’ days” of gaming? VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Silent Hill: Homecoming vs Silent Hill: Downpour in a battle of the Western developed sequels! SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS BY 8:30 CENTRAL ON 6/26 TO BE ON THE SHOW! Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 177: Spin Me Right Off

Thu, 04 Jun 2020 01:00:00 GMT

The world is on fire and it’s getting harder to carry on, but Nerds Without Pants is here to hopefully inject a little levity into your day. It’s not much, but it’s all we can do. 00:00-06:38 Introduction 6:53-1:33:41 STAGE SELECT: Let’s make some fun video game spinoffs! 1:33:47-2:33:27 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Ganbare Super Strikers, Super Mega Baseball 3, If Found, You and Me and Her: A Love Story, Final Fantasy IX, Saints Row The Third: Remastered 2:34:03-2:50:41 VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Journey to Silius vs Crystalis 2:50:42-3:00:26 Outro NEXT EPISODE: STAGE SELECT: What are your favorite video game religions? Or cults. Cults work, too. VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Super Mario Bros. 3 vs Super Mario World in a battle for plumbing supremacy! SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS BY 8:30 CENTRAL ON 6/12 TO BE ON THE SHOW Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” are written and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 176: Streets of Apathy

Wed, 20 May 2020 15:00:00 GMT

Welcome to another all-Consumption Junction edition of Nerds Without Pants, which means that Justin has once again punished himself by playing a terrible game for your pleasure. But before that we are joined by former cohost Angelo for a quarantine catch up. And so very many games. We’re really all over the place this episode, and we cover a ton of games, including Doom: Eternal, Red Dead Redemption 2, Streets of Rage 4, a little more on Final Fantasy VII Remake (sorry), Candlebox facts, X-COM: Chimera Squad, some TV talk, the return of Angelo’s Board Game Corner, and more! NEXT EPISODE: STAGE SELECT: You are creating a spin off to a popular video game series. What is it, and what kind of game is it? GET CREATIVE! VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Journey to Silius vs Crystalis: who wins? You decide! SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS BY 8:30 CENTRAL ON MAY 29 TO BE ON THE SHOW! Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” written and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 175: The Pursuit of Musical Happyness

Wed, 06 May 2020 17:45:00 GMT

Are you feeling more stressed than normal? Anxious? Are the walls closing in on you? We feel that, too, so this episode of Nerds Without Pants is designed to throw those feelings right out the window. Yep, it’s another musical edition of Stage Select, but this time we go through video game songs that make us happy. It’s an eclectic mix, so let’s just dive right in! Oh, also Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Arcade Game takes on The Simpsons: The Arcade Game in Video Game Cage Match. Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” written and performed by Megan McDuffee. And now you can download our theme song as a full single here: https://meganmcduffee.bandcamp.com/track/relax

Nerds Without Pants Spoils Final Fantasy VII: Remake

Tue, 28 Apr 2020 03:00:00 GMT

Well, here we go: it’s the Nerds Without Pants spoilercast for Final Fantasy VII Remake. Justin and Julian don’t agree with the majority of reviewers when it comes to this game, but hopefully you will enjoy this different take on one of the biggest games of the year. Keep in mind that, in order for us to talk about what rubbed us wrong about Remake we also need to spoil the original Final Fantasy VII. So if you were thinking of going back and playing that after playing this, you may want to wait before diving into this episode. With that said, enjoy this very raw, very unedited special edition of NWP!

Nerds Without Pants Episode 174: We Regret Everything

Wed, 22 Apr 2020 15:00:00 GMT

Welcome to what’s sure to be one of the most divisive episodes of Nerds Without Pants since, like, The Last of Us came out. We’re here to talk to you about some of our greatest video game regrets, which ends up being a very healing and cathartic Stage Select topic. Then, Julian and Justin are against the world when it comes to Final Fantasy VII Remake, and in Video Game Cage Match we have Horizon: Zero Dawn taking on X-Com: Enemy Unknown. Let’s goooo! 00:00-03:25 Introduction 03:40-1:55:57 STAGE SELECT: Our greatest gaming regrets 1:56:37-2:52:18 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Um, pretty much just Final Fantasy VII Remake, so strap in. 2:52:54-3:15:20 VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Horizon: Zero Dawn vs X-Com: Enemy Unknown NEXT EPISODE: STAGE SELECT: Give us 2 video game songs that make you HAPPY! (You can list more, but we’re only playing 2 per person) VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: The Simpsons: The Arcade Game vs Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Arcade Game (original arcade releases) SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS BY 8:30 CENTRAL ON MAY 1 TO BE ON THE SHOW! Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” written and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 173: Become Cow

Thu, 09 Apr 2020 04:00:00 GMT

Ok, I won’t lie; I’ve been editing this episode for almost an entire week, and I just don’t have the mental bandwidth left to write a pithy, entertaining show post. Y’all don’t read this stuff anyway, amirite? Yeah, so here we go. We talk about video games, namely, games that we have never played, but we love anyway. It’s a really fun Stage Select section, but I don’t have time to give you the time stamps. It’s about a two-hour segment, if you’re one of those people who skip segments. In Consumption Junction, we don’t really have anything to talk about, but we still manage to go on for almost an hour? I don’t know how that happened? Finally, Galaga takes on Centipede in Video Game Cage Match NEXT EPISODE: STAGE SELECT: What are some of your greatest gaming regrets? VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Horizon: Zero Dawn vs X-Com: Enemy Unknown. Who wins? You decide! SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS BY 8:30 CENTRAL ON 4/17 TO BE ON THE SHOW! Our theme song “Relax” and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” written and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 172: Wrestling with Covid-19

Thu, 26 Mar 2020 02:15:38 GMT

Well, with the world shut in and working from home (if you have to still go out to go to work, we salute you), maybe people will have more time to listen to podcasts. If so you’re in luck, because we have a MASSIVE episode of Nerds Without Pants lined up for you, including the triumphant return of Video Game Cage Match! 00:00-08:33 Intro 08:54-2:06:40 STAGE SELECT: We make the next WWE video game (sort of) 2:06:47-3:12:24 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Max Gentleman: Sexy Business (yes, you read that right), Yes, Your Grace, Nioh 2, Rune Factory 4, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Diablo 3 season 20, Ori and the Will of the Wisps, Doom 64 HD, Doom: Eternal 3:13:03-3:38:13 VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Doom: Eternal vs Animal Crossing: New Horizons 3:38:40-3:43:10 Outro and outtakes NEXT EPISODE STAGE SELECT: What are 3 games you love, but have never played? VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Centipede vs Galaga SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS BY 8:30 CENTRAL ON APRIL 3 TO BE ON THE SHOW! Our theme song, “Relax”, and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” written, composed, and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Nerds Without Pants Special: The End of E3?!

Thu, 12 Mar 2020 03:00:00 GMT

In a very rare moment for Nerds Without Pants, we’re coming at you with some breaking news! Well, we didn’t break it, but we’re gonna talk about it, because we wanted to! Well, Julian wanted to; Justin is just along for the ride. Aaaanways, E3 2020 is cancelled due to everyone pulling ou…er, I mean, because of the Covid-19 virus. Yep, that’s the reason. And nothing else. So we talk about it! For…about 30 minutes of this meandering hour long special. Enjoy! Our theme song, “Relax” written, composed, and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 171: Leap Year Business

Wed, 11 Mar 2020 15:00:00 GMT

Hey, folks! Welcome back to Nerds Without Pants. This week, we get all corporate on your asses as we talk about our favorite (?) businesses in video games. We’ve also got a game to give away this week, and lots of fun stuff to talk about in Consumption Junction, so strap in for a fun ride! 00:00-05:30 Intro, Great Game Giveaway winner announced 05:44-1:28:20 STAGE SELECT: Top 3 Video Game Businesses/Corporations 1:28:42-2:41:46 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Julian’s second 10th birthday, introducing a newbie to video games, Diablo 3, Julian’s first tattoo, the Final Fantasy VII Remake demo, Gran Blue Fantasy Versus, Stardew Valley NEXT EPISODE: STAGE SELECT: Describe the wrestling game of your dreams. If you hate wrestling, tell us what would get you interested in playing a wrestling game for the first time. VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Doom: Eternal vs Animal Crossing: New Horizons SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS BY 8:30 CENTRAL ON MARCH 20 TO BE ON THE SHOW! Our theme song, “Relax”, and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” written, composed, and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 170: Decades in the Sun

Wed, 26 Feb 2020 16:00:00 GMT

Welcome to an awesome new episode of Nerds Without Pants! It’s our first Stage Select of 2020, and we have an awesome announcement at the top of the show. It’s a long one, but that’s only because you lovely listeners had such fun comments for this episode. Let’s get to it! 00:00-04:53 Intro 05:05-2:29:22 STAGE SELECT: Top 3 Games of the Decade 2:29:29-3:20:15 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Yakuza Remastered Collection, Saints Row IV, an embarrassing amount of The Witcher 3, hella anime NEXT EPISODE: STAGE SELECT: What are your top 3 in-game corporations? SUBMIT YOUR STAGE SELECT COMMENTS AND GREAT GAME GIVEAWAY ENTRIES BY 8:30 CENTRAL ON MARCH 6 TO BE ON THE SHOW! Our theme song, “Relax”, and interstitial tracks “To the Maxx” and “Moody Grooves” written, composed, and performed by Megan McDuffee.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 169: Coffee Talkin' About Robot Dinos

Wed, 12 Feb 2020 16:00:00 GMT

Nerds Without Pants is back again, but we’re still getting back into the swing of things. Since we were on a six week hiatus it’s time to catch up on a ton of games that we’ve played since the last time we recorded before break. That’s right, folks, it’s time for an all Consumption Junction edition of NWP! But be sure to get the Stage Select topic and the announcement of the first Great Game Giveaway of 2020 at the top of the show. Man, we talk about a lot of games this episode! From Frost Punk to Coffee Talk, Afterparty to Devil May Cry V, there’s probably something for everyone to love in this show. Friendly note to listeners: we end the show with a nearly hour-long spoiler discussion on Horizon: Zero Dawn, so if you’re planning on playing that game maybe save that part of the show for later. Oh, and Julian forgot to throw the Secret Code Phrase in during the episode, so it shows up in the outro (hint: around the 3 hour mark), just in case you are skipping the Horizon section. NEXT EPISODE: STAGE SELECT: What are your top 3 games of the past decade? (Ranked 3-1, no honorable mentions) SUBMIT YOUR STAGE SELECT COMMENTS BY 8:30 Central Time on February 21 to be on the show! FEATURED MUSIC Ninja Sex Party- 6969 VA-11 HALL-A- Neon District Devil May Cry V- Pull My Devil Trigger Horizon: Zero Dawn- Main Theme Judgment- Your Song

Nerds Without Pants Episode 168: 2019- At Least the Games Didn't Suck

Wed, 29 Jan 2020 16:00:00 GMT

Welcome to the first episode of Nerds Without Pants recorded in 2020! That’s right, we’re back from hiatus and we have a ton of things to say about our favorite games that we played in 2019. There are some obvious games, some shockers, and some games that definitely didn’t come out last year. So, pretty par for the NWP course, eh? I won’t lie, this is a beefy episode, even by our standards, but it’s a fun discussion, with some deep dives on a few games that we’d been dying to talk about. We’re also joined by an old friend partway into the episode, and there’s even time for an impromptu 2019 Video Game Cage Match exhibition, as Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice takes on Fire Emblem: Three Houses. We’re back, baby! FEATURED MUSIC: Control -Take Control Hypnospace Outlaw- Granny Cream’s Hot Butter Ice Cream Nier Automata- City Ruins Final Fantasy VII- Underneath the Rotting Pizza Life is Strange 2- A long Road Ahead Barry Manilow- Made it Through the Rain

Nerds Without Pants Special: Makin' Music With Megan McDuffee

Wed, 15 Jan 2020 16:00:00 GMT

Welcome, welcome, welcome, to the annual Nerds Without Pants music special! We’re coming back from hiatus very soon, but before that we have an AMAZING guest to talk about some of our favorite video game music with: none other than Megan McDuffee, the composer and singer of the River City Girls soundtrack! Be sure to find Megan at pretty much every social media outlet you can think of and tell her how awesome she was on this episode, and be sure to grab a copy of her new EP, Barely Covered: https://meganmcduffee.bandcamp.com/ THE TRACK LIST Into the Unknown from Subnautica - Simon Chylinski Daredevil from Ace Combat 7- Keiki Kobayashi Mules from Death Stranding – Ludwig Fossell Dawn from Skyrim – Jeremy Soule Ready to Shave from Hypnospace Outlaw – Hot Dad (featuring Dave Pino) Inception from Valfaris - Curt Vicor Bryant Maze Forest from The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild - Manaka Kataoka, Yasuaki Iwata, and Hajime Wakai God Shattering Star from Fire Emblem: Three Houses - Takeru Kanazaki, Hiroki Morishita, and Rei Kondo Edgewater (Night) from The Outer Worlds – Justin Bell Boss Boss Boss from Katana Zero – Bill Kiley Theme of Bloodstained (piano version with vocals) from Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night – Michiru Yamane Medley: Eye of Death/Wild Hearts Never Die/Dragon Heart/Clair De Lune/A Place I Don't Know from Sayonara Wild Hearts – Daniel Olsen Between Heaven and Earth from Fire Emblem: Three Houses – Rei Kondo Boss: Noize from River City Girls – Megan McDuffee The Hunt from River City Girls – Megan McDuffee

Nerds Without Pants Special: NWP Presents The Kissed by the Baddest Bidder Experience

Sun, 05 Jan 2020 16:00:00 GMT

Welcome to a special Nerds Without Pants…thing? Ok, I’ll be honest. This is being written by Julian, but I have no earthly idea what you’re in store for here. Justin played another bad game, I think? And he narrated it? This is the first episode of NWP that I’m not involved with, and it feels…really wrong, actually. Anyway, let’s all enjoy this together, shall we? Or possibly suffer together? With Justin’s taste in visual novels this could go either way, to be perfectly honest. So, strap in, and let’s go on a journey!

Nerds Without Pants Episode 167: State of the Generation 2019

Wed, 18 Dec 2019 16:00:00 GMT

It’s the final Nerds Without Pants of the year, and that means it’s time to take a look back at 2019, a look back at the 8th generation, and a look forward to the 9th generation. It’s a short episode that quickly balloons into a normal sized episode for…reasons! We have a bunch of fun talking points for this episode, including Anthem, working conditions in game development, the ascension of crossplay, that Blizzard/China debacle, our scary digital future, Google Stadia, and the future of E3. Then we close things out with our hopes for next gen and our most anticipated games of 2020. Oh, there’s also some more stuff after the show “ends”, so stay tuned! We love you all. Have a safe holiday season, and we’ll see you in 2020! FEATURED MUSIC: Motorhead- The Game Frozen Crown- Neverending Kino- Gruppa Krovi Battle Beast- The Golden Horde Ranetki Girls- O Tebe

Nerds Without Pants Episode 166: We Stran.

Tue, 03 Dec 2019 16:00:00 GMT

Welcome, friends, to the next episode of Nerds Without Pants that was actually recorded before the PREVIOUS episode of Nerds Without Pants! Come join us on a time travelling romp with Mike Fallek. We have no topic, no agenda, so that means this is pure, unfiltered Fallek. Um, strap in. Included in this episode: The flying car, Mike’s journey with retro games, the heyday of video game magazines, the early days of the internet, Warhammer: Space Marine, story in video games, Star Wars, Julian betting on the next generation, Batman: White Knight (spoilers), Dante’s Inferno, pachinko for some reason, a whole lot about a small amount of Death Stranding, Justin’s bad game corner, and much, MUCH more! FEATURED MUSIC CHVRCHES- Death Stranding Low Roar- Don’t Be So Serious Major Lazer and Khalid- Trigger Silent Poets- Asylums for the Feeling Eminem- Stan

Nerds Without Pants Episode 165: Video Game Trash Pandas

Wed, 20 Nov 2019 16:00:00 GMT

It’s the last standard episode of Nerds Without Pants for 2019, and boy do we have a hum dinger for you? Wait, “hum dinger”? Why am I typing like a kid growing up in 1947? Gee, willikers, this show sure is swell! Golly, it’s just the bee’s knees! Yeah, ok boomer. 00:00-7:08 Introduction 7:31-1:56:38 STAGE SELECT: Games you love that most people hate 1:57:31-2:58:53 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: What Angelo did to his hand, the return of Angelo’s board game corner, Ring Fit Adventure, Red Dead Redemption 2, The Outer Worlds, Horrified, Death Stranding 2:59:30-3:20:17 VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Silent Hill 3 vs Fatal Frame 2 3:20:17-3:24:25 Outro and outtakes NEXT EPISODE: BE SURE TO GET YOUR ENTRIES IN FOR THE LAST GREAT GAME GIVEAWAY OF THE YEAR BY 8:30 CENTRAL ON 11/26! We’re picking two winners, and EVERYONE is eligible, even if you won a contest in the past 3 months! FEATURED MUSIC: Valfaris- Torture March Haddaway- What is Love Mass Effect Andromeda- A Better Beginning Fable 3- Brightwall Kill Bill Vol. 2- Urami Bushi Styx- Mr. Robato

Nerds Without Pants Spoils The Outer Worlds

Wed, 13 Nov 2019 03:00:00 GMT

Welcome to a special edition of Nerds Without Pants! Justin and Julian loved The Outer Worlds so much that they had to devote an entire episode to it! Yeah...there's not really much more to say about it than that! We start off with talking about our expectations of the game, and go into detail on the characters we created. Then we do a broad walkthrough of the game, which is pretty great considering neither of us took any notes. Ok, yeah, we get some stuff wrong, but the point is, we played the game in very different ways and it was fun comparing notes. We hope you enjoy it!

Nerds Without Pants Episode 164: Creationists

Wed, 06 Nov 2019 16:00:00 GMT

Welcome to a creative edition of Nerds Without Pants! This week, we’re joined by Mike, the host of Games My Mom Found. We talk about our favorite created characters, a ton of games, and decide who wins when Resident Evil 2 takes on…Resident Evil 2?! I dunno, man, the listeners book these cage matches. 00:00-5:58 Intro, Great Game Giveaway winner picked, the next giveaway announced 6:20-1:02:33 STAGE SELECT: Favorite created video game characters 1:03:30-2:07:54 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Catbird, Dandy Dungeon: Legend of Brave Yamada, mobile games, Telltale’s Batman: The Enemy Within, silver age comics, Blair Witch, Julian’s gaming woes, WWE 2K20, The Outer Worlds, Disco Elysium, After Party 2:08:31-2:25:45 VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Resident Evil 2 (1998) vs Resident Evil 2 (2019) 2:25:40-2:27:27 Outro and outtakes NEXT EPISODE: STAGE SELECT: What are your favorite games that most people hate? VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Fatal Frame 2 vs Silent Hill 3 SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS BY 8:30 CENTRAL ON 11/13/19 TO BE INCLUDED IN THE SHOW! FEATURED MUSIC The Police- Roxanne WWE- Gangrel’s Theme Starbomb- Donkey Kong Joonyer Taylor Swift- Shake It Off DMX- X Gon’ Give It To Ya

Nerds Without Pants Episode 163: Halloween Havoc: Rob's Revenge

Wed, 23 Oct 2019 15:00:00 GMT

Welcome to a very special edition of Nerds Without Pants! Not only is it our annual Halloween Havoc episode, but we are joined by NWP co-founder and former co-host Rob Ottone, on his first full show since 2013! Aaaaah, I’m so excited, just press play! 00:00-5:31 Introduction 5:53-1:38:07 STAGE SELECT: Justin Hamm’s horror intervention 1:39:15-2:25:45 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: What Rob has been up to since episode 75, Rob’s book and writing process, Friday the 13th: The Game, One Cut of the Dead, Knife + Heart, The Last Door, Battleship (no, really), social awkwardness, Rob’s next book, Indivisible, Neo Cab, One Night Stand, Disco Elysium 2:26:21-2:43:29 VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver vs MediEvil 2:44:21-2:47:21 Outro and outtakes You can purchase Rob’s book here: https://www.amazon.com/People-Horror-Anthology-about-Things/dp/1734044500/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=robert+ottone&qid=1571611572&sr=8-1 NEXT EPISODE: STAGE SELECT: What are your favorite created characters in video games you’ve played? VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Resident Evil 2 (1998) vs Resident Evil 2 (2019) GREAT GAME GIVEAWAY: We reveal the winner of The Outer Worlds and Luigi’s Mansion 3 contest! SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS AND SECRET CODE PHRASES BY 8:30 CENTRAL ON 10/29! FEATURED MUSIC: Silent Hill- Silent Hill 1 Theme of Laura- Silent Hill 2 You’re Not Here- Silent Hill 3 Room of Angel- Silent Hill 4 Waiting For You- Silent Hill 3 Hometown- Silent Hill 4

Nerds Without Pants Episode 162: Edgy Nerds

Wed, 09 Oct 2019 15:00:00 GMT

Welcome to another episode of Nerds Without Pants! This week, we talk about our favorite edgelords in video games! I don’t know about you, but I’ve been edging for the past two weeks and I’m about to pop. Wait…that’s not what edgelord means? Oh. Oh no. Um, we also have Joey aka Superstep on and determine who wins when Mystical Ninja Starring Goemon takes on Brave Fencer Musashi in the steel cage. 00:00-08:18 Introduction, winner of the Great Game Giveaway announced, new contest announced 08:39-1:18:26 STAGE SELECT: Our favorite video game edgelords 1:19:26-2:19:43 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Yakuza 3, Judgment, Yakuza 7, Julian being a complete hypocrite, Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening, Borderlands 3, River City Girls, Untitled Goose Game, Justin’s Texas odyssey, Sayonara Wild Hearts 2:20:18-2:43:45 VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Mystical Ninja Starring Goemon vs Brave Fencer Musashi 2:43:45-2:46:41 Outro and outtakes NEXT EPISODE: STAGE SELECT: Justin’s Horror Intervention: suggest scary games and other things for our cowardly cohost! VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver vs MediEvil SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS BY 8:30 CENTRAL ON 10/16 TO BE ON THE SHOW! FEATURED MUSIC: Disturbed- Sound of Silence The Pretty Reckless- Make Me Wanna Die Linkin Park- Crawling Slipknot- People=Shit Midgar- Vincent’s Masquerade

Nerds Without Pants Episode 161: Holy...stuff!

Wed, 25 Sep 2019 15:00:00 GMT

Welcome to an episode of Nerds Without Pants so exciting, so exhilarating, that you’ll…well, you sure will think it’s pretty good, we think. Probably. Ok, I’m not doing a good job of selling you on this episode, I know, but trust me, you’ll like it. 00:00-05:26 Intro 05:48-1:19:40 STAGE SELECT: Top “Oh shit!” moments in gaming 1:20:50-2:28:45 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Wreckfest, Fire Pro Wrestling World, River City Girls, Borderlands 3, The Dark Pictures: Man of Medan, Control, Tokyo Game Show 2:29:21-2:51:03 VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Powerstone vs Ehrgeiz: God Bless the Ring 2:51:03-2:52:34 Outro and outtakes NEXT EPISODE STAGE SELECT: Who are your top video game edgelords? VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Mystical Ninja Starring Goemon vs Brave Fencer Musashi GREAT GAME GIVEAWAY: Be sure to get all your entries in! SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS AND GREAT GAME GIVEAWAY ENTRIES BY 8:30 CENTRAL TIME ON 10/2/19! FEATURED MUSIC: Gunship- Art3mis and Parzival TWRP featuring Dan Avidan- Starlight Brigade The Black Mages- Dancing Mad River City Girls- Knock Out Metal Gear Solid- The Best is Yet to Come

Nerds Without Pants Episode 160: Notice Me, Senpai!

Wed, 11 Sep 2019 15:00:00 GMT

Welcome back to Nerds Without Pants! I’m gonna level with you, I don’t even know what the actual heck happened in this episode. Blame Justin and his dating sim shenanigans, I guess. Anyway, Friend of the Show John Gholson™ joins us for a really fun episode, so let’s jump in! 00:00-08:40 Intro, Great Game Giveaway winner crowned, new giveaway announced 09:02-1:09:40 STAGE SELECT: What game franchise would you turn into a dating sim, and how? 1:11:32-2:19:11 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: John Gholson’s comedy shows, Red Dead Redemption 2, Subnautica, Vampyr, Call of Cthulu, The Sinking City, Telling Lies, The Gardens Between, Astral Chain, Julian’s trip to Boston, Mario and Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story, Control, The Dark Pictures Anthology: Man of Medan 2:19:48-2:47:39 VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Quest 64 vs Final Fantasy VII 2:47:39-2:49:37 Outro and outtakes NEXT EPISODE: STAGE SELECT: What are some of your biggest “OH SHIT!” moments in video games? VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Power Stone vs Ehrgeiz: God Bless the Ring SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS BY 8:30 CENTRAL ON 9/18 TO BE ON THE SHOW! FEATURED MUSIC Chicago- You’re the Inspiration Dan Fogelburg- Longer Starbomb- Dream Daddy: A Daddy Dating Sketch Air Supply- Even the Nights Are Better Barry Manilow- Can’t Smile Without You Peter Cetera and Amy Grant- The Next Time I Fall in Love

Nerds Without Pants Episode 159: Nemesis

Wed, 28 Aug 2019 01:00:00 GMT

Welcome to a combative episode of Nerds Without Pants! This time, we are joined by Gabe, the host of the Arcade Memories podcast, and co-host of the Inter Party Conflict podcast. We get all warm and fuzzy about memories of our greatest video game foes…and then we annihilate them! Also, Clayfighter 63 1/3 takes on Killer Instinct Gold in the steel cage, so, you know, that should be an interesting match… 00:00-1:53 Intro 2:14-1:25:29 STAGE SELECT: Who are your greatest video game nemeses? 1:26:17-2:22:59 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: The Arcade Memories Podcast, arcade nostalgia, 1up Arcade machines, Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3, P.T. remake, Inter Party Conflict, Fire Emblem: Three Houses, Slay the Spire, Julian’s Switch woes (revisited) 2:23:35-2:45:25 VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Clayfighter 63 1/3 vs Killer Instinct Gold NEXT EPISODE: STAGE SELECT: What game franchise would you turn into a dating sim, and how? VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Quest 64 vs Final Fantasy VII (Yes, really!) SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS AS WELL AS YOUR SECRET CODE PHRASE FOR THE GREAT GAME GIVEAWAY BY 8:30 CENTRAL ON 9/4! Send Gabe some arcade memories, or let him know what you thought of the show by emailing him at arcadememoriespodcast@gmail.com! Check out Inter Party Conflict! http://interpartyconflict.blogspot.com/ FEATURED MUSIC Theme from Pole Position Theme from Thundercats Theme from M.A.S.K. Theme from The Mighty Orbots Theme from Silverhawks

Nerds Without Pants Episode 158: Conspiracy Nerds

Wed, 14 Aug 2019 16:00:00 GMT

Break out the tin-foil hats and buckle up, kids, because Nerds Without Pants is taking you on the conspiracy theory train! That’s right, we delve into all manner of rumors, speculations, and outright lies regarding video games. We hope you’ll join us for this jam-packed Stage Select topic, and then stick around to see who comes out on top in the steel cage when Half-Life 2 goes toe to toe with Halo 2! 00:00-04:59 Intro, the next Great Game Giveaway winner. Next contest announced! 05:21-1:46:47 STAGE SELECT: Video Game Conspiracy Theories 1:48:15-2:23:12 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Julian’s Nintendo Switch takedown, Fire Emblem: Three Houses 2:23:47-2:46:20 VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Halo 2 vs Half-Life 2 2:47:20-2:49:33 Outro and outtakes NEXT EPISODE: STAGE SELECT: Who (or what) is your greatest video game nemesis? VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Clayfighter 63 1/3 vs Killer Instinct Gold GREAT GAME GIVEAWAY: Listen for your chance to win a copy of Control or Astral Chain! SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS BY 8:30 CENTRAL ON AUGUST 21 TO BE ON THE SHOW! FEATURED MUSIC Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night- Luxurious Overture Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night- Bibliotheca Ex Machina Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night- Theme From Bloodstained (Piano) Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night- Theme of OD The HU- Yuve Yuve Yu

Nerds Without Pants Episode 157: Tech Jacket

Tue, 30 Jul 2019 16:00:00 GMT

Welcome back to Nerds Without Pants! Julian and Justin look to the future in this episode, as we list our favorite bits of tech in video games. Also, Okami takes on Shadow of the Colossus in the steel cage. Join us, will you? 00:00-04:57 Intro 05:21-1:26:57 STAGE SELECT: Top 3 Pieces of Tech in Video Games 1:28:08-2:21:08 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: ReCore, Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night, Blazing Chrome, Samurai Shodown (2019), Black Desert Online (?!), Final Fantasy VII, Life is Strange 2 episode 3, Assassin’s Creed Odyssey 2:21:44-2:40:37 VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Shadow of the Colossus vs Okami NEXT EPISODE: STAGE SELECT: What are your favorite video game conspiracy theories? VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Halo 2 vs Half Life 2: The battle of the faceless vs the voiceless! SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS AND ENTRIES FOR THE GREAT GAME GIVEAWAY BY 8:30 CENTRAL ON AUGUST 7 TO BE ON THE SHOW! FEATURED MUSIC: Selections from The Carpenters: Yesterday Once More, Superstar, Rainy Days and Mondays, (They Long to Be) Close to You, I Won’t Last Day Without You

Nerds Without Pants Episode 156: Driving With the Top Down

Wed, 17 Jul 2019 15:00:00 GMT

Welcome back to Nerds Without Pants! It’s just Julian and Justin this week, and we THOUGHT it was a short episode. But then Julian realized that Justin picked a music topic for Stage Select, which tacked on 45 minutes of music into this bad boy. But hey, at least it’s GOOD music, right? Right?! 00:00-11:20 Intro and Great Game Giveaway winner announced 11:42-1:57:02 STAGE SELECT: What is your favorite video game road trip song? 1:57:50-2:35:55 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Judgment, Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night, Quantum Break, Justin Hamm Dinner Theater 2:36:31-2:53:44 VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Space Invaders (1979) vs Gradius (1985) 2:53:44-3:04:41 Outro and outtakes NEXT EPISODE: STAGE SELECT: What are your top three bits of future tech found in video games? VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Shadow of the Colossus vs Okami GREAT GAME GIVEAWAY: Send the secret code phrase from this episode for your chance to win a copy of Wolfenstein: Youngblood or Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night FEATURED MUSIC: Theme to Space Ghost: Coast to Coast Theme to Harvey Birdman: Attorney at Law Theme to Aqua Teen Hunger Force Theme to Sealab 2021

Nerds Without Pants Episode 155: And now, magic rats.

Wed, 03 Jul 2019 15:00:00 GMT

Welcome to a jam-packed edition of Nerds Without Pants! Things go off the rails…well, almost immediately, because we are joined once again by Mike Fallek of the Hackthought Podcast. Since last episode was full of E3 Hype™ we decided to just get together and catch up in an entirely Consumption Junction-focused show. Enjoy! Not even gonna try to recap what’s in this bad boy. Look forward to talk about Final Fantasy III, what RPGs mean, the finer points of dodge-rolling, “get good o’clock”, Judgment, Sekrio, what even is a game console anymore, and much more. Oh, and does Justin have his Culdcept Saga moment? Only time will tell… NEXT EPISODE: STAGE SELECT: What piece of video game music is the one you’d jam out to in the car? VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Space Invaders (1978) vs Gradius (1985) GREAT GAME GIVEAWAY: We announce the winner in the Super Mario Maker 2/Fire Emblem: Three Houses contest, and kick off the next one! SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS AND ENTRIES FOR THE CONTEST BY 8:30 CENTRAL ON JULY 10! FEATURED MUSIC: (AROUND THE WORLD!) Del Castillo- Dame Un Momento (America) Vusi featuring JB Ntuli- Umalume (South Africa) Power Wolf- Stossgebet (Germany) Karen Matheson- Rithill Aill (Ireland) Marko Hietala- Isani aani (Finland)

Nerds Without Pants Episode 154: Imagine Dinosaurs

Wed, 19 Jun 2019 15:00:00 GMT

Welcome to one of the beefiest episodes of Nerds Without Pants this year, and there were only two of us on this episode! Must be all the E3 hype. Or maybe it was your AWESOME questions for our second AMA edition of Stage Select. It might have even been a hellacious Video Game Cage Match! Regardless of the reasoning, please enjoy this super-sized edition of NWP! 00:00-08:09 Introduction and Great Game Giveaway 08:34-2:01:44 STAGE SELECT: Nerds Without Pants AMA 2 2:03:01-2:56:21 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: All the E3 hype we could cram into the segment 2:57:00-3:18:59 VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Goldeneye 007 vs Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3:19:00-3:21:27 Outro and outtakes NEXT EPISODE: It’s an all Consumption Junction edition of the show, but we still want to hear from you! Let us know what games or other media you’re consuming. Keep it brief, but we’ll work as many comments into the discussion as we can! SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS BY 8:30 CENTRAL ON JUNE 26! FEATURED MUSIC Katie Costello- Here & Now Euringer- Fuck Everything Gunship- The Drone Racing League Europe- The Final Countdown Final Fantasy VII Remake- Intro Theme Davie Bowie and Queen- Under Pressure

Nerds Without Pants Special: Wherein We Vamp For About 45 Minutes Before the Show

Sat, 15 Jun 2019 23:00:00 GMT

Welcome to a shadow drop! Yes, friends, this is a special edition of Nerds Without Pants hitting a few days before episode 154 releases. Because we love you. And Julian is an editing masochist. Anyway, enjoy this meandering talk between Julian and Justin before the show as they wait for Patrick to show up. There's some E3 talk that didn't make it into the main show, a little bit of Consumption Junction, and even some behind the scenes talk. Maybe not the most riveting content, but we like seeing when podcasts pull the curtain back, so maybe you will too! Enjoy, and please look forward to episode 154, coming soon!

Nerds Without Pants Episode 153: Squinting Through Rose-Colored Glasses

Wed, 05 Jun 2019 16:00:00 GMT

Welcome to another stellar edition of Nerds Without Pants! Gonna be some abridged show notes this week, as typing this is literally causing Julian physical pain, so let’s hop right in! In Stage Select we talk about what era of gaming is our favorite. Not many listeners chimed in, but we get some great stories and tangents from them. Consumption Junction is a whole lotta Nier and Rage 2, and Video Game Cage Match pits Asura’s Wrath against Until Dawn in a battle of the cinematic adventure games! NEXT EPISODE: STAGE SELECT: NWP AMA Part 2! ASK US ANYTHING. WE MEAN IT. VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Goldeneye: 007 vs Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 GREAT GAME GIVEAWAY: We announce the winner of this month’s contest and kick off the next one! SUBMIT YOUR STAGE SELECT AND CAGE MATCH COMMENTS AS WELL AS GAME GIVEAWAY ENTRIES BY 8:30 CENTRAL ON JUNE 12! FEATURED MUSIC Lisa Loeb and Nine Stories - Rose Colored Times Fighting Vipers – Theme of Bahn The Shield- Special Op Mad Max Fury Road- Spikey Cars Apocalypta- PATH

Nerds Without Pants Episode 152: Digital Erasers

Wed, 22 May 2019 16:00:00 GMT

Welcome to an…interesting episode of Nerds Without Pants. It’s Justin’s first time in the hot seat, as he’s on Stage Select and Video Game Cage Match duty. Things get a little spicy! Also, we announce our third winner of the Great Game Giveaway and kick off the next contest, and get into it with Nier: Automata. Give it a listen, will ya? 00:00-04:55 Intro and Great Game Giveaway 05:18-1:17:00 STAGE SELECT: What game would you erase from history, and why? 1:18:01-2:12:46 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Nier: Automata, Mortal Kombat 11, Suikoden 2, Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney, Justin’s Fire Pro Wrestling marathon, No One Can Know About This, Final Fantasy VII, expectations for the Final Fantasy VII Remake 2:13:22-2:36:40 VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Final Fight 1 vs Streets of Rage 1 NEXT EPISODE: STAGE SELECT: What era of gaming is your favorite, and why? VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Until Dawn vs Asura’s Wrath SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS FOR STAGE SELECT AND CAGE MATCH BY 8:30 CENTRAL TIME ON MAY 29! FEATURED MUSIC Game of Thrones- Main Theme Starbomb- The Simple Plot of Kingdom Hearts Battle Beast- Eden Nier Automata- A Beautiful Song “Weird Al” Yankovic- Amish Paradise

Nerds Without Pants Episode 151: Final Fantasy Builders

Wed, 08 May 2019 16:00:00 GMT

Welcome to a creative edition of Nerds Without Pants! Patrick is out battling Thanos this week, but Julian and new third chair Justin get together and think up a concept for Final Fantasy XVI, along with our lovely listeners. The result is…a pretty cool game, actually! Also, Mortal Kombat 11 gets a Brutality, and Bloodborne takes on The Witcher 3 in Video Game Cage Match. Enjoy! 00:00-06:21 Intro 06:45-1:23:11 STAGE SELECT: Making Final Fantasy XVI 1:24:13-2:13:36 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, Mortal Kombat 11, Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Collection, Katana Zero 2:14:11-2:31:53 VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Bloodborne vs The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt NEXT EPISODE: STAGE SELECT: What game would you erase from history, and why? Think of what effect this will have on the entire video game industry! VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Final Fight 1 vs Streets of Rage 1 GREAT GAME GIVEAWAY: Like and retweet the episode post on twitter and submit the Secret Code Phrase from this episode for a chance to win a copy of Mortal Kombat 11 or Rage 2! SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS AND CONTEST ENTRIES BY 8:30 CENTRAL ON MAY 15! FEATURED MUSIC Sarah McLachlin- Building a Mystery Starship- We Built This City Starbomb- Hardest Fucking Game in the World Smooth McGroove- The Man With the Machine Gun

Nerds Without Pants Episode 150: Here Comes A New Challenger!

Wed, 24 Apr 2019 16:00:00 GMT

Welcome, welcome, welcome, to the 150th episode of Nerds Without Pants! We have an amazing show for you this week. So amazing, telling you about what’s in this episode would spoil everything! Okay, you twisted my arm. We’re joined by {REDACTED}, who surprises us all by announcing {REDACTED}. After that, we spend some time talking about {REDACTED} and announcing the winner of the second Great Game Giveaway: {REDACTED}! Then, we jump into the meat of the show. 00:00-26:56: Introduction, the winner of the Great Game Giveaway, {REDACTED} 27:19-1:12:49: STAGE SELECT: What is your favorite video game puzzle? 1:13:39-2:16:33: CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Magic: The Gathering, The Sims 4, Dead or Alive 6, Hypnospace Outlaw, Devil May Cry 5, Julian’s DMC rant, Rocksmith, Hearthstone, Detective Comics #1000, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice 2:17:09-2:46:54: VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Yakuza vs The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim 2:46:54-2:51:38: Outtro and outtakes NEXT EPISODE: STAGE SELECT: How would you make Final Fantasy XVI if you were in charge? VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Bloodborne vs The Witcher 3: The Wild Hunt SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS AND ENTRIES FOR THE GREAT GAME GIVEAWAY BY 8:30 CENTRAL ON MAY 1! FEATURED MUSIC: Super Street Fighter 2 Turbo- Chun-Li Street Fighter 2 Nessho- Chun-Li Super Street Fighter IV- Chun-Li Street Fighter 3: Third Strike- Chun-Li Street Fighter V- Chun-Li

Nerds Without Pants Episode 149: Remaking the Remaster

Wed, 10 Apr 2019 16:00:00 GMT

Welcome to another jam-packed edition of Nerds Without Pants! This week, we’re joined by Friend of the Show John Gholson to talk about remaking some of our favorite games. We have a lengthy Consumption Junction segment, and finish things off with the most bombastic Video Game Cage Match so far! 00:00-08:30 Introduction 08:53-1:06:45 STAGE SELECT: What game would you remake, and how would you do it? 1:07:43-1:58:59 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Where John has been, Shazam!, the future of the MCU, Walt Simonsen’s Thor, Transmetropolitan, Far Cry 5 and Far Cry: New Dawn, MLB The Show (no, really), Battle Chasers, C2E2, TMNT, the great audio book debate, Suikoden 1:59:35-2:30:07 VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Street Fighter V vs Mortal Kombat XL NEXT EPISODE: STAGE SELECT: What is your favorite video game puzzle? VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Yakuza vs The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim GREAT GAME GIVEAWAY: Submit the secret code phrase found in this episode for a chance to win a copy of Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice or Devil May Cry V. SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS AND CONTEST ENTRIES BY 8:30 CENTRAL ON APRIL 17! FEATURED MUSIC Men at Work- Who Can it Be Now Cyndi Lauper- Time After Time The Police- I’ll Be Watching You

Nerds Without Pants Episode 148: Higher. Further. Faster.

Wed, 13 Mar 2019 16:00:00 GMT

Hey folks! This episode of Nerds Without Pants is lean, mean, and ready to give away a video game! There’s a lot to cover, but since Julian is writing this post from an IHOP with a waiter giving him the “wrap it up” look, it’s time to keep things short. This week, we announce the first winner of The Great Game Giveaway, and we announce the next contest: listen and share the show for your chance to win a copy of either Devil May Cry V or Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice! Now, on to the show! Nerds Without Pants has a Discord server now! Julian still doesn't know what Discord is or how it works, but if you guys ever wanted to talk about how bad the show is without Julian hearing about it, now's your chance! STAGE SELECT: What would your perfect super hero video game be? CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Ark: Survival Evolved, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Game of Thrones, unboxing a new PlayStation VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Kingdom Hearts versus Earthbound NEXT EPISODE: STAGE SELECT: If you could remake one game from scratch, which one would it be, and how would you do it? VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Mortal Kombat XL versus Street Fighter V SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS BY 8:30 CENTRAL ON MARCH 21! DM THE SECRET CODE PHRASE FOR A CHANCE TO WIN YOUR CHOICE OF DEVIL MAY CRY V OR SEKIRO: SHADOWS DIE TWICE! FEATURED MUSIC Can You Dig It- Iron Man 3 end credits Superman Theme- 1987 Arcade Version Spider-Man Theme- Spider-Man: Homecoming End Theme- The Avengers

Nerds Without Pants Episode 147: Video Game Cage Match Beyond Thunderdome

Wed, 27 Feb 2019 16:00:00 GMT

Welcome, to a very special episode of Nerds Without Pants! Wait, wasn’t last episode special because we began the Great Game Giveaway? Yes, yes it was, but this time we’re unveiling our new third segment: Video Game Cage Match! We have a banger of an opening bout for you, too, as Sonic 2 squares off against Mega Man 2 in the Battle of the Blue Boys! 00:00-04:12 Intro 04:26-1:06:56 STAGE SELECT: What do you want from the next generation of consoles? 1:07:51-1:57-47 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Resident Evil 2, Crackdown 3, the failings of Microsoft, Alita: Battle Angel and The Matrix, Return of the Obra Dinn, Ace Combat 7’s Strange Reel, Wagroove, Tetris 99, Ark 1:57:47-2:32:01 VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Sonic the Hedgehog 2 vs. Mega Man 2 NEXT EPISODE: STAGE SELECT: What would be your definitive super hero video game? Go deep, select a character and tell us what kind of game you’d want. VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH: Kingdom Hearts vs. Earthbound GREAT GAME GIVEAWAY: Don’t forget to submit the secret code phrases from this episode and episode 146 for a chance to win a copy of Kingdom Hearts 3 or Resident Evil 2 remake. The winner will be selected next episode! SUBMIT YOUR STAGE SELECT, VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH, AND GREAT GAME GIVEAWAY ENTRIES BY 8:30 CENTRAL ON MARCH 7. FEATURED MUSIC: Tina Turner- We Don’t Need Another Hero Street Fighter 2- Zangief (Remix) Street Fighter IV- El Fuerte Street Fighter Alpha 3- R. Mika Starbomb- Mega Marital Problems

Nerds Without Pants Episode 146: The Great Game Giveaway

Thu, 14 Feb 2019 03:45:00 GMT

Welcome, friends and lovers, to the next episode of Nerds Without Pants! This week, we are very excited to kick off the Great Game Giveaway! Somewhere in this episode is a secret code phrase. Listen for it, and DM Julian (don’t expose it publicly please) for a chance to win a digital copy of Kingdom Hearts 3 or Resident Evil 2 remake! Follow us on Twitter and retweet the episode post for another entry, and you can share the show on Facebook for yet another chance to win! Good luck, and now, on to the show! 00:00-06:44: INTRO 06:58-54:21: STAGE SELECT: If you were making a new indie retro-style game, what would you make? 55:39- 1:41:53: CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Ark: Survival Evolved, Resident Evil 2 Remake, Onimusha HD Remaster, Pillars of Eternity, crowdfunding games, The Orville, Tetris Effect, Super Monkey Ball for some reason NEXT EPISODE: STAGE SELECT: What features/improvements do you want to see in the next generation of video game consoles? THE DEBUT OF VIDEO GAME CAGE MATCH! The first bout: Mega Man 2 vs Sonic the Hedgehog 2 in a battle of the blue! SUBMIT YOUR STAGE SELECT COMMENTS BY 8:30 CENTRAL ON 2/21/19! DM THE GREAT GAME GIVEAWAY CODE PHRASE BY 3:30 CENTRAL ON 3/7/19! FEATURED MUSIC Frozen Crown- I Am the Tyrant Battle Beast- No More Hollywood Endings Shivaree- I Close My Eyes

Nerds Without Pants Episode 145: The Best of the Longest Year Ever

Wed, 30 Jan 2019 17:00:00 GMT

So, 2018 was like eleventy billion years long, but at least we got a lot of great games to play. And the Nerds Without Pants even played some great games last year that didn’t come out in 2018. So, seeing as how this is a podcast and all, we decided to sit down and talk about our favorite games that we played. Julian dropped the ball on booking a guest for this one, but thankfully Justin Hamm of the Clickbait Update podcast was nice enough to pitch in again, and at the last minute, no less! We run down our top five games that we played in 2018, along with some honorable mentions, and y’know what? It ends up being a pretty cool and eclectic list of games. NEXT EPISODE: THE RETURN OF STAGE SELECT! Patrick wants to know what retro-style indie game would you design? You only get one, so make it interesting! THE BEGINNING OF THE GREAT GAME GIVEAWAY! Listen for details on how you can enter to win your choice of Kingdom Hearts 3 or Resident Evil 2 Remake! Submit your Stage Select comments by 8:30 Central on February 7! FEATURED MUSIC: The Orville- Main Theme Joe Esposito- You’re the Best Fire Pro Wrestling- Main Menu Theme Monster Hunter World- Jagras Dragon Quest XI- Overture Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom- Intro

Nerds Without Pants Special: Music That Makes You Go Hmmm

Wed, 16 Jan 2019 17:00:00 GMT

Welcome, at last, to the annual Nerds Without Pants music special! Yeah, it's waaaay later than intended, but we promise you it was worth the wait. If you don't like it, you can file your complaints to Julian. Find him on twitter @Tyrone_Swift. Oh, did we just spoil one of the surprises? Don't worry, there's more to come, so please enjoy this huge labor of love, preferably without pants on.

Nerds Without Pants Special: Little Gaming Buyer's Guide

Wed, 02 Jan 2019 17:00:00 GMT

Welcome to one of the specials we have planned during our annual hiatus! It's just not the special we had planned to release first, but we'll cross that bridge later. Join Julian as he does a solo show about some of the smaller game's he's played recently. Maybe you'll hear about something you never heard about before, or maybe you'll come away from this episode with some new games you want to try. Or, you'll just roll your eyes because Julian doesn't like Celeste. Either way, enjoy this bite-sized special edition of Nerds Without Pants, and keep an eye out for our big music special!

Nerds Without Pants Episode 144: State of the Generation 2018

Wed, 19 Dec 2018 17:00:00 GMT

Welcome to the last episode of Nerds Without Pants for 2018! It’s been a heck of a year, and we’re closing things out with our biggest guest to date: none other than Ryan Scott of The Geekbox and The Comedy Button! So strap in, because it’s time for our annual breakdown of the video game industry that we like to call the State of the Generation podcast. We kick things off by talking broadly about this generation as we take full advantage of Ryan’s vast knowledge and experience covering the games industry. Then we tackle Microsoft, Nintendo, and Sony and discuss what they have done right and wrong this year. In the back half of the show, Ryan hits us with some awesome talking points that revolve around various news stories and trends from the year. We cover everything from Diablo Immortal’s poor reception to the opening of real competition for Steam, and much, much more! We’ll be taking our yearly break to play tons of games in preparation for our top games of 2018 episode, but in the meantime, look forward to our music special, and perhaps something else in the feed… Be safe this holiday, folks! See you in 2019!

Nerds Without Pants Episode 143: Accomplished Nerds

Wed, 05 Dec 2018 16:00:00 GMT

Welcome to a bacteria-filled edition of Nerds Without Pants! Julian and Patrick were both sick for this episode and definitely don’t sound 100% but leave it to Julian to eliminate 99.9% of all the coughs, sniffles, and sneezes to bring you yet another quality podcast. It’s our last standard format show of 2018, so let’s get to it! 00:00-02:05 Intro 02:17-1:18:19 STAGE SELECT: Top 3 Gaming Related Accomplishments 1:19:24-2:06:34 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Black Friday gaming hauls, The Forest, God of War, Patrick’s masochism, Forgotten Anne, Spider-Man, The Witcher 3 (sorry!) NEXT EPISODE: It’s time for our annual State of the Generation episode! Leave your thoughts about the games industry in the comments and we’ll try to get to them as we talk, for a more free-form edition of NWP. PixlBit has a Discord, whatever that is. You can join it, if you can figure out what the heck it is? FEATURED MUSIC Donald O’Connor- Make ‘Em Laugh Gene Kelly and Donald O’Connor- Fit as a Fiddle Gene Kelly and Donald O’Connor- Moses Gene Kelly, Donald O’Connor, and Debbie Reynolds- Good Mornin’

Nerds Without Pants Episode 142: NWP AMA

Wed, 21 Nov 2018 16:45:00 GMT

If you thought the last episode of Nerds Without Pants was super-sized, you have another think coming! This is our longest show so far, but every minute of it is pure gold. We have the host of the Clickbait Update podcast (and NWP super contributor) to tackle a massive AMA for Stage Select. So go do a bunch of chores and let us entertain you! 00:00-09:43 Intro 09:59-3:13:09 (!!!) STAGE SELECT: NWP AMA 3:14:10-3:50:45 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: The Quiet Man, Hitman 2, Roundabout, Bohemian Rhapsody, Attack of the Killer Donuts, Halloween, Jason in Mortal Kombat X, Astro City 3:50:45-3:52:08 Outro and outtakes NEXT EPISODE: STAGE SELECT: What are your top 3 gaming related accomplishments? From achievements to beating your older brother on Street Fighter, we want to know! SUBMIT YOUR STAGE SELECT COMMENTS BY 8:30 CENTRAL ON 11/29 TO HAVE THEM READ ON AIR! FEATURED MUSIC: Queen- Assorted music tracks

Nerds Without Pants Episode 141: My Gamer Academia

Wed, 07 Nov 2018 16:00:00 GMT

Welcome back to a thoughtful Nerds Without Pants! Patrick had a smarty pants Stage Select topic, so we enlisted the smartiest pants person we know: Mike Fallek of the Hackthought Podcast. What follows is comedy, heated debates, and the debut of the Patrick Leap? Listen and find out, Pantsless people! 00:00-09:10 Intro 09:25-1:24:48 STAGE SELECT: How to gameify academics. 1:25:38-2:49:38 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Mike’s retro game journey, SNES Classic, Halo, Mega Man 2, playing from save states and “Nintendo Hard”, Earthbound, Julian’s Resident Evil remake triumph, speed running, PlayStation Classic, Mike giving Julian a heart attack, Red Dead Redemption 2 2:49:38-2:53:14 Outro NEXT EPISODE: STAGE SELECT: NWP AMA! Ask us anything! What do you want to know? What games do you want our opinions of? What other things are on your mind that you’d like us to address? This is your chance to find out! SUBMIT YOUR STAGE SELECT QUESTIONS BY 8:30 CENTRAL ON NOVEMBER 15! FEATURED MUSIC Van Halen- Hot For Teacher Read or Die- Those Who Insanely Love Books Say, “Paper Is Always With Us” The Beach Boys- Be True to Your School Smooth Mcgroove- Dr. Wily Stage from Mega Man 2 Alice Cooper- School’s Out

Nerds Without Pants Episode 140: The Curse of The Halloween Havoc

Wed, 24 Oct 2018 16:00:00 GMT

Hello, boys and ghouls! It’s nearing the end of October, which means it’s time for the annual Halloween Havoc edition of Nerds Without Pants! We have some fun discussions in store for you, so let’s get right to it. 00:00-04:12 Intro 04:27-1:06:06 STAGE SELECT: Top 3 scariest moments when you were in control of your character 1:07:13-1:45:25 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Patrick’s come to Jesus moment with The Witcher 3, Hearthstone, Marvel STRIKE Force, Resident Evil HD Remake, scary movie suggestions NEXT EPISODE STAGE SELECT: Patrick wants to know some ways that you would “gameify” academia. Hit us with your best ideas! SUBMIT YOUR STAGE SELECT COMMENTS BY 8:30 CENTRAL ON 11/4 TO BE ON THE SHOW! FEATURED MUSIC: Killer Instinct- Ya Ha Haaa Powerwolf- Demons Are A Girl’s Best Friend Theme song from Elvira: Mistress of the Dark Resident Evil (original)- Cast

Nerds Without Pants Episode 139: Missing in Action

Fri, 12 Oct 2018 03:00:00 GMT

Gah! What the hell happened? Well, Julian will explain, but basically, this edition of Nerds Without Pants is problematic. Wait, that’s not the right phrase. It’s plagued with problems. Lots of problems! To quote The Doctor: “I’m sorry. I’m so, so sorry.” Hopefully you power through the audio issues, because we have former PixlBit Features Editor Jesse Miller to talk about missing in action games. Please be gentle in the comments; Julian agonized over this one. 00:00-06:59: Intro 06:56-1:16:52: STAGE SELECT: Top 3 “Missing in Action” games 1:18:03-1:57:56: CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Hollow Knight, board games, Splatoon 2, Nintendo’s DLC approach, The Witcher 3, Capcom Beat ‘Em Up Bundle, MORE Witcher 3 1:57:56-2:00:56: Outtro and outtakes NEXT EPISODE STAGE SELECT: Tell us your top 3 scariest moments when you had control of your character. NO CUTSCENES OR CINEMATICS! SUBMIT YOUR STAGE SELECT PICKS BY 8:30 CENTRAL ON 10/18! FEATURED MUSIC: Gunship- When You Grow Up, Your Heart Dies Powerwolf- Fire and Forgive Exit Eden- Total Eclipse of the Heart Blake Turner- Existentialism

Nerds Without Pants Episode 138: Check Out Our Huge Sacks

Wed, 26 Sep 2018 16:00:00 GMT

Welcome back to a regular episode of Nerds Without Pants! That’s right, we’re here with Stage Select, Consumption Junction, AND special guest Joey, AKA Superstep. Oh, you lucky people! No time for time stamps, so Julian sends his apologies. Next time, baby! STAGE SELECT: What 5 items from video games would go into your bag for a quest? CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Spider-Man, The Simpsons, Netflix Originals, SNES Classic, SO MUCH FIGHTING GAMES, The Witcher 3 (and a new segment), Valkyria Chronicles 4 NEXT EPISODE: STAGE SELECT: What are your top 3 “Missing in Action” games? These need to be dormant franchises with at least one sequel, but hasn’t had a game made or announced for this generation. Check out PixlBit’s dormant feature for more details! SUBMIT YOUR STAGE SELECT PICKS BY 8:30 CENTRAL ON OCTOBER 4! FEATURED MUSIC: Planet Booty- Take Off Your Pants TWRP- Rock n’ Roll Best Friends Ninja Sex Party- First Date Ninja Sex Party- Danny Don’t You Know

Nerds Without Pants Special: The Dragons of Dojima

Wed, 12 Sep 2018 16:00:00 GMT

Wait, what's this? Two special episodes of Nerds Without Pants in a row? Yes, friends, it's true! Our...modified recording schedule led to some, er, confusion. Luckily, we had special guest and long time NWP commenter SuperStep on hand to pick up the slack. So buckle up for a non-spoiler, deep dive discussion about Yakuza Kiwami 2 and the Yakuza series as a whole. Oh,you're still here? Just listen to the episode. I basically explained what we do in the first paragraph. Enjoy!

Nerds Without Pants Special: Julian's Digital Mystery Tour

Mon, 03 Sep 2018 21:00:00 GMT

Welcome to a slapdash special edition of Nerds Without Pants! Scheduling and tech woes have kept us from recording a proper episode, but instead of leaving our wonderful audience high and dry, Julian has cobbled together this impromptu resurrection of Digital Mystery Tour, our failed video game music podcast from...4 years ago? Sheesh. Anyway, we hope you enjoy! FEATURED MUSIC: Yakuza Kiwami 2: The End of the Dogma Oxenfree: Beacon Beach God of War: The Dragon Octopath Traveler: Decisive Battle II The Witcher 3: Steel for Humans

Nerds Without Pants Episode 137: Feelin' a Might Peevish

Thu, 16 Aug 2018 13:00:00 GMT

Welcome back to Nerds Without Pants, dear listeners! And welcome back Stage Select to our normal format! We thought it would be a few more episodes before we’d be able to bring it back, but phase two of the NWP 3.0 beta is in full swing. As such, it’s a lengthy Stage Select, followed by a tiny bit of Consumption Junction. Hey, baby steps. 00:00-07:40 Introduction 07:57-1:51:09 STAGE SELECT: Top 3 Gaming Pet Peeves 1:52:06-2:20:37 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: NioH, The Witcher 3 NEXT EPISODE: STAGE SELECT: What five items would you put into your inventory for a long quest? SUBMIT YOUR STAGE SELECT COMMENTS BY 8:30 CENTRAL ON AUGUST 23 TO BE ON THE SHOW! FEATURED MUSIC: Miami Nights 1984- Ocean Drive Perturbator- Brain Damage The Witcher 3- Steel for Humans NioH- Main Theme Battle Beast- Dancing With the Beast

Nerds Without Pants Episode 136: Ye Olde Englishe

Wed, 01 Aug 2018 15:45:00 GMT

Hey, we’re back right away, so I guess the hiatus is really over. Huzzah! On this episode of Nerds Without Pants, it’s another all Consumption Junction edition with Julian and Patrick. But tune in next time for the return of Stage Select, as well as a special guest! We kick things off with Julian making the podcast rounds. Be sure to check out The Shaded Pixels Podcast and The Arcade Memories Podcast, and let them know NWP sent ya! That leads into another lengthy discussion about arcades, and Julian’s dream business. After that, Julian likes but not loves Octopath Traveler, Patrick has a special deal for NWP listeners interested in blockchain development, and Julian is disappointed in his Nintendo Switch. Patrick bought some stuff on the PlayStation Summer Sale, which leads to a talk about the devaluation of video games. We round things out with some comic book talk, and Julian’s trip to the Distant Worlds: Final Fantasy concert. NEXT EPISODE: THE RETURN OF STAGE SELECT! What are your top 3 biggest pet peeves in video games? Submit your comments by 8:30 Central time on August 9th to have them read on air! FEATURED MUSIC: Octopath Traveler- Main Theme Final Fantasy XIV- Torn From the Heavens Final Fantasy IV- Battle With the Four Fiends Final Fantasy XV- Apocalypsis Noctis

Nerds Without Pants Episode 135: Kept You Waiting, Huh?

Fri, 20 Jul 2018 12:15:00 GMT

After a longer than intended hiatus, the Nerds Without Pants are BACK! A lot has happened since the last episode of the show two months ago. New jobs, new adventures, and the announcement of the beta phase for NWP version 3.0. Enough with the preamble; let’s get to it! We kick things off with why we were gone, some minor E3 talk (we know it’s way late, so we don’t dwell on it), and Patrick’s favorite arcade spot. Julian finished God of War and is amazed that he liked Detroit: Become Human more. On top of that, there’s also talk of Yakuza 0, Patrick’s new endeavors, the return of Patrick’s Poetry Corner, and more! We’re happy to be back, and we appreciate your love and patience with us during our hiatus and this upcoming transitional phase. We look forward to getting back to full power and being better than ever; just give us time! We love you all. FEATURED MUSIC Backstreet Boys- Backstreet’s Back The Ultimate Showdown of Ultimate Destiny Slayers Next- No One Shall Get in My Way Mortal Kombat theme (remix)

Nerds Without Pants Episode 134: NWP Royal Rumble

Wed, 23 May 2018 16:00:00 GMT

Welcome to a bittersweet episode of Nerds Without Pants! It may be one of our best episodes of the year, but we’re missing Patrick as we discuss what music the Pantsless Ones would strut out to the wrestling ring with. We also have a couple somber announcements, so this is certainly an episode you should not miss. We love you all! 00:00-09:13: Introduction 09:28-1:40:48: STAGE SELECT: Wrestling entrance music for NWP 1:41:39-2:28:16: CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Warhammer 40K Inquisitor, Abyss Odyssey, Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon, Castles of Burgundy, Conan: The Barbarian board game, Julian’s first cruise, God of War 2:28:54-3:00:01: PAK WATCH: Final Fight (1989) 3:00:01-3:08:39: Outro and outtakes That rockin’ Castlevania remix we talk about is here! FEATURED MUSIC Celine Dion- My Heart Will Go On The Lonely Island f/T Pain- I’m on a Boat Auli’I Cravalho- How Far I’ll Go The Lonely Island f/Michael Bolton- Jack Sparrow Lin Manuel Miranda- Opetaia Foai (We Know the Way)

Nerds Without Pants Special: Thanos Quest

Fri, 04 May 2018 16:00:00 GMT

Welcome, True Believers! If you’re reading this when it goes live, it’s been a full week since Avengers: Infinity War came out in theaters. Plenty of time for you to have seen it by now. Or, if you’re Julian, three times! So, it’s time for a special spoilery discussion all about the movie with Friend of the Show John Gholson! Let’s jump in! We start things off by talking about our personal rankings of the 18 MCU films that precede Infinity War. Our lists may surprise, even startle you! Then, we talk about the original Infinity Gauntlet story from 1992 and how it related to our expectations of the movie. After that, we take you to spoiler country, so you have been warned! We go deep on [REDACTED] and how it relates to [REDACTED]. And of course, that leads into a heated debate over the relation between the [REDACTED] and what it could mean to [REDACTED]. THEN we talk about how shocked we were when [REDACTED]! We end our discussion with some predictions of where we go from here, and what we are hoping to see in the Marvel Cinematic Universe moving forward. Enjoy the show! EXCELSIOR!

Nerds Without Pants Episode 133: The Greatest Show on Earth

Wed, 25 Apr 2018 16:00:00 GMT

The Nerds Without Pants are back with an episode full of quick time events, animated blood and gore, and tales of medical woe. We won’t be back for a little bit in our standard format, but fear not, as Julian has a special in the works to tide you lovely people over until we’re back. Enjoy! 00:00-08:48: Intro 09:03-00:53:38: STAGE SELECT- What is your video game spirit animal? 00:54:36-1:58:13: CONSUMPTION JUNCTION- Path of Exile, Warhammer 40K: Inquisition: Martyr, Hearthstone, Blizzard aesthetic, “the meta”, the end of Invincible, Ready Player One, Julian’s Nightwish emergency 1:58:50-2:35:07: PAK WATCH- God of War (2005) 2:35:22-2:38:44 Outro NEXT EPISODE STAGE SELECT: Pick entrance music for the hosts if they were in the WWE (preferably video game songs) PAK WATCH: Final Fight (1989) SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS FOR STAGE SELECT AND/OR PAK WATCH BY 7:30 CENTRAL ON MAY 17! FEATURED MUSIC Nightwish- The Greatest Show on Earth Nightwish- The Poem and the Pendulum Nightwish- Wish I had an Angel Nightwish- The Eyes of Sharbat Gula Battle Beast- God of War

Nerds Without Pants Episode 132: NWP 2: Electric Boogaloo

Wed, 11 Apr 2018 16:00:00 GMT

It’s another hefty episode of Nerds Without Pants this week that flirts with the 3-hour barrier. Hey, let it never be said that NWP is a poor value proposition! 00:00-04:44: Introduction 04:44-1:31:16: STAGE SELECT: Games that never got a sequel and should have 1:32:37-2:11:03: CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Patrick’s LAN party-not party, Tekken 7, Mortal Kombat X, Detective Pikachu, Marvel STRIKE Force, Fortnite, Torchlight 2 versus Borderlands 2, Mario Odyssey, Resistance (board game) 2:11:45-2:53:12: PAK WATCH: Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty (2001) Check out the Digital Foundry video here! 2:53:27-2:56:56 Outro and outtakes NEXT EPISODE STAGE SELECT: What is your video game spirit animal? PAK WATCH: God of War (2005) SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS FOR STAGE SELECT AND/OR PAK WATCH BY 7:30 CENTRAL ON APRIL 19 FEATURED MUSIC Selections from the Project A-Ko original soundtrack: Morning Light, Spaceship in the Dark, Follow Your Dreams, Explosion Metal Gear Solid 2- Theme of MGS 2

Nerds Without Pants Episode 131: An Acquired Taste

Wed, 28 Mar 2018 16:00:00 GMT

Welcome back to a Nerds Without Pants, edited on the fly! Julian cut this together between moving, so if it’s a little rough around the edges we apologize. We have a great show in store for you though, so let’s get to it! 00:00-03:52: Intro 04:08-1:29:00: STAGE SELECT: Games that you didn’t like, but came around on 1:30:20-2:07:15: CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Resident Evil VII, Veronica, Black Panther, Borderlands 2, game loot, Tekken, Warhammer: Vermintide 2 2:08:07-2:39:20: PAK WATCH: Dishonored (2012) 2:39:20-2:42:27: Outro NEXT EPISODE STAGE SELECT: What game or games (limit 3) that have NEVER had a sequel would you like to see get one? PAK WATCH: Metal Gear Solid 2 SUBMIT YOUR STAGE SELECT AND/OR PAK WATCH COMMENTS BY 7:30 CENTRAL ON APRIL 5! FEATURED MUSIC Ramin Djawadi- Pacific Rim Theme Lost Years- West Side Lane (Kung Fury soundtrack) The Pretty Reckless- House on a Hill Suikoden II- La Mia Tristezza Scandroid- Neo Tokyo Dance With the Dead

Nerds Without Pants Episode 130: Fedorasaurus Rex

Wed, 14 Mar 2018 16:00:00 GMT

Welcome back to another jam-packed edition of Nerds Without Pants! Technical difficulties can’t keep us down, and we’ve got a lot of fun shenanigans all set up for you, including the introduction of the Mega Buster of Destiny ™, some of Patrick’s worst jokes ever, and more! 00:00-04:08: Introduction 04:22-45:29: STAGE SELECT: What piece of video game related art would you like to own? 46:36-1:32:28: CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Super Mario Odyssey, Life is Strange: Before the Storm bonus episode, “Farewell”, Mortal Kombat XL, fighting game animation, Sugar Punch Design Works, Final Fantasy XIV 1:33:03-2:09:30: PAK WATCH: Megaman 4 2:09:45-2:13:54: Outro NEXT EPISODE STAGE SELECT: What games did you initially not like, but eventually came around on? PAK WATCH: Give us your comments, memories, and anecdotes for Dishonored (2012) SUBMIT YOUR STAGE SELECT AND/OR PAK WATCH COMMENTS BY 7:30 CENTRAL ON MARCH 22! FEATURED MUSIC Castlevania: Symphony of the Night- Wood Carved Partita Secret of Mana- Fear of the Heavens Ninja Sex Party- Orgy for One Final Fantasy XIV- Calcabrina

Nerds Without Pants Episode 129: Pak Watch

Thu, 01 Mar 2018 17:00:00 GMT

Welcome back to Nerds Without Pants! We are very excited to bring you the first show of our new format for 2018, including the debut of our latest closing segment: Pak Watch! We hope you enjoy it as much as we do, and let us know in the comments or on twitter what you think of the new segment. Comments and criticisms are always welcome! 00:00-01:25: Intro 01:39-1:06:02: STAGE SELECT: Top 3 favorite gaming Easter eggs 1:07:08-1:59:19: CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Skyforce Anniversary, external drives for consoles, comic book roundup, VGA art gallery, Formula D, Star Wars: Rebellion, Hand of Fate, Yakuza 0, Julian’s Final Fantasy collection 2:00:45-2:30:35: PAK WATCH: Metroid (1987) 2:30:36-2:37:13: Outro and outtakes NEXT EPISODE: STAGE SELECT: Describe your ideal piece of video game related artwork that you’d like to see on your wall. PAK WATCH: Give us your thoughts and memories on Mega Man 4 (1992) SUBMIT YOUR STAGE SELECT AND/OR PAK WATCH COMMENTS BY 8:30 CENTRAL TIME ON MARCH 8! FEATURED MUSIC Yakuza 0- Intro Beast in Black- Blind and Frozen Battle Beast- Let it Roar Yakuza 0- 24 Hour Cinderella Final Fantasy XIV- Matoya’s Cave

Nerds Without Pants Episode 128: Nerds in Space

Wed, 14 Feb 2018 17:00:00 GMT

Welcome back to Nerds Without Pants! We’re a nerd down, but that doesn’t stop Julian and Angelo from getting together to talk some Consumption Junction stuff. So join us for a meandering and random edition that’s…quite a lot of fun, actually! 00:00-28:11- Introduction, the next Stage Select topic, Angelo’s Christmas haul, Nier: Automata hot takes, Monster Hunter World, Dragon Ball FighterZ, the fighting game aptitude wall, Altered Carbon 29:03-56:21- Stranger Things 2 (MILD SPOILERS), the original Ninja Turtles movie for some reason, Julian’s Black Friday haul, Gears of War 3, story feels 57:11-1:28:40- Star Wars: The Last Jedi (MILD SPOILERS?), Snopes versus Snoak, THAT scene, Clank In Space, Julian’s crippling social anxiety, What Do You Meme, young people slang, Dragon Quest 1:29:17-2:05:09- Ticket to Ride, Warhammer Quest, the correct pronunciation of Ys, Ys I and II, Japanese PC games and soundtracks, the very first Pak Watch subject, outro and outtakes NEXT EPISODE: STAGE SELECT: We want your three favorite gaming Easter eggs! PAK WATCH: Give us your memories and thoughts on Metroid (1987)! SUBMIT YOUR ENTRIES FOR STAGE SELECT AND/OR PAK WATCH BY 8:30 CENTRAL ON FEB. 22 FEATURED MUSIC Peter Dinklage- Space Pants Miami Nights 1984- Acceleration Ys I and II Chronicles- Tower of the Shadow of Death Dragon Quest VI- Flying Bed Music Ys I Complete- First Step Towards War

Nerds Without Pants Episode 127: 2017>1998?

Wed, 24 Jan 2018 17:00:00 GMT

The Nerds Without Pants are back and starting 2018 off strong! We are joined by Ryan Higgins from The Geekbox and The Comic Conspiracy to talk about our top 5 games we played in 2017, and we’re pretty sure you’re going to be surprised at the selections, so let’s get started! From hat possession to Nazi killing to angry teenage girls, our lists run the gamut for what was a monumental year for video games. Let us know in the comments or on twitter what you thought of our choices, and be sure to give The Geekbox and The Comic Conspiracy a listen if you haven’t already. But, like, you probably have. They’re, like, way, way bigger than us. But still! Check ‘em out and tell ‘em the Pantsless Ones sent you. Next episode, we finally get together to talk some much-needed Consumption Junction items, but after that we will return to our normal show format: Stage Select, Consumption Junction, and the debut of our new segment, The Pak Watch! Please look forward to it! FEATURED MUSIC Splender- Good Evening Doom- Ultra Violence Mario Kart 8- Main Theme Daughter- No Care (from Life is Strange: Before the Storm) Super Mario Odyssey- Fossil Falls Jets ‘n Guns- Fire of Flames

Nerds Without Pants Special: Musically Inclined

Thu, 04 Jan 2018 17:00:00 GMT

Welcome, lovely listeners! The Nerds Without Pants are taking a break to play some more of the excellent games released in 2017, but that doesn't mean we are leaving you in the lurch. Far from it! Before break we each recorded a little something to highlight some of our favorite music from the year in games. So sit back and enjoy an eclectic mix of gaming tunes as unique as our three hosts. We'll be back with our top games of the year discussion at the end of the month. Cheers!

Nerds Without Pants Episode 126: The State of the Generation 2017

Sat, 23 Dec 2017 03:22:00 GMT

Welcome, welcome, welcome, to the final Nerds Without Pants of 2017! We’re coming at you a bit late, but hopefully early enough for us to accompany you on any holiday traveling you’re about to do. So grab some nog and take your pants off, because it’s time for our annual look at the state of the gaming generation! We kick things off by talking about our feelings on the generation as a whole, before delving into discussions on Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo. Fear not, we get derailed often, as we chat about lower difficulty settings, the sweet spot for shooters, and various asides on current games we’re playing. Next, we go deep on some of the big stories of this year in gaming, namely the loot box controversy and the predicted “death” of single player games. We will be taking a hiatus from recording until the end of next month, but we will have some goodies for you while we catch up on some gaming. The next numbered episode will see us talking about our favorite games of the year. Have a great holiday season, and thank you for listening to Nerds Without Pants! FEATURED MUSIC TWRP feat. Ninja Sex Party- The Hit Zero 7-In the Waiting Line The Pretty Reckless- Heaven Knows The Darkness- Is It Just Me

Nerds Without Pants Special: Nierly There

Mon, 11 Dec 2017 04:12:10 GMT

Welcome to a quick and dirty special edition of Nerds Without Pants! Episode 125 was going long, so this bonus episode contains the true ending to that episode, plus another 40-50 minutes of cutting room floor stuff. We talk mostly about Nier: Automata, but there is plenty of other stuff in there, as well. Hope you enjoy! Send your hate mail for Julian to twitter. FEATURED MUSIC Pikotaro- Pen Pineapple Apple Pen The Gregory Brothers- Chicken Attack (feat. Takeo Ischi) Pikotaro- I Like OJ

Nerds Without Pants Episode 125: Shopping Tunes

Wed, 06 Dec 2017 17:00:00 GMT

Welcome to the final standard format episode of Nerds Without Pants of the year! Angelo has the Stage Select, and Julian forgot to write show notes, so let's just get into it! STAGE SELECT: Top video game shopping themes CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Black Friday deals, Steam sale, board games, other stuff? FEATURED MUSIC "Weird" Al Yankovic- eBay The Beatles- Hey Jude He-Man, Beast Man, and Skeletor- What's Goin' On

Nerds Without Pants Episode 124: 1985

Wed, 22 Nov 2017 17:00:00 GMT

Welcome, one and all, to the end of the line. For Chrono Crossing, that is. Yes, it’s the final installment of Nerds Without Pants’ first listener interactive segment, and what a ride it’s been! Join us for a look back across thirty years of gaming, and a look forward for the next year of NWP. We kick things off with a lengthy discussion on the Chrono Crossing picks that have come before. Interesting patterns emerge once you see every selection side by side, and the Pantsless Ones can’t help but get sidetracked…almost constantly. After that, we are Chrono Crossing for the last time, all the way to 1985. While the game selections won’t shock you, it’s still a fun discussion with some big revelations. Be sure to stick around after the TARDIS takes off to find out about the new segment that will be replacing Chrono Crossing in 2018. Enjoy! FEATURED MUSIC: Bowling for Soup- 1985 Wham!- Careless Whisper Starship- We Built This City Ah-Ha- Take on Me Simple Minds- Don’t You (Forget About Me) Foreigner- I Want to Know What Love Is

Nerds Without Pants Episode 123: Eat It

Wed, 08 Nov 2017 17:00:00 GMT

After a monumentally long episode of Nerds Without Pants, the Pantsless Ones bring things down to normal show length. Which is to say, still pretty damn long. Maybe Julian should host up and reign these guys in, eh? 00:00-02:44: Intro 02:56-38:19: STAGE SELECT- What video game characters would you eat, and what would they taste like? 39:20-1:53:16: CONSUMPTION JUNCTION- IDW’s Transformers comics, Funko Pops, Super Mario Odyssey, Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island, Donkey Kong Country, Elder Sign, Khemet, Patrick’s hackathon, cryptocurrency 1:53:38-2:26:32: CHRONO CROSSING- 1986 2:26:43-2:29:58: Outro NEXT EPISODE: We wrap up Chrono Crossing! Send us your favorite game of 1985, and any comments or thoughts you have on the end of this, the first interactive segment of NWP. SUBMIT THOSE COMMENTS BY 8:30 CENTRAL ON NOVEMBER 2. FEATURED MUSIC: “Weird” Al Yankovic- Eat It Starbomb- Kirby’s Adventure in Reamland “Weird” Al Yankovic- Livin’ in the Fridge Andrew Gold- Spooky, Scary Skeletons

Nerds Without Pants Episode 122: Return of the Halloween Havoc

Fri, 27 Oct 2017 00:21:15 GMT

Egad, hope you’re ready for this hellacious edition of Nerds Without Pants: Halloween Havoc style! We are joined by Blake to talk about characters that spook us, movies that chill us, and podcast lengths that make us quake with fear. If you all get to the end of this, well…you’ll see. 00:00-05:03- Intro 05:19-1:43:48- STAGE SELECT: Top 3 Most Terrifying Video Game Characters 1:44:40-2:53:56- CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: The Evil Within 2, Capcom, Martyrs, Inside, Last Shift, The Void, Stranger Things: The Game, Lights Out, They Look Like People, It, Bravely Default, Metroid: Samus Returns, DinoGenics, SNES Mini hot takes 2:53:29-3:20:57- CHRONO CROSSING: 1987 3:21:11-3:27:08- Outro and outtakes NEXT EPISODE: STAGE SELECT: Patrick wants to know what video game characters you would eat, and what you think they taste like. CHRONO CROSSING: What is your favorite game of 1986? Be sure to double check those release dates. SUBMIT YOUR ENTRIES FOR STAGE SELECT AND/OR CHRONO CROSSING BY 8:30 CENTRAL ON NOV. 2! FEATURED MUSIC: The Pretty Reckless- Make Me Wanna Die Silent Hill 3- Lost Carol Stranger Things game outside theme Whatsacow- Prepare to Die

Nerds Without Pants Episode 121: This One Gets a Bit (Digital) and Dicey

Wed, 11 Oct 2017 16:00:00 GMT

Welcome, welcome, to the biggest episode of Nerds Without Pants…EVER. No, really, we have all three of the guys from the Digital and Dice podcast, resulting in chaos, hilarity, and tons of conversation derailments as we talk about the most overrated games of all time. Look forward to Angelo’s number one…it’s a doozy! In Chrono Crossing, we go back to 1988 for an eclectic set of picks. 00:00-05:42: Introduction 06:02-2:11:19: STAGE SELECT: Top 3 Most Overrated Games 2:13:52-2:35:09: CHRONO CROSSING: 1988 2:35:24-2:41:31: Outro and outtakes NEXT EPISODE: STAGE SELECT: What are the top three video game characters that terrify you? (Doesn’t have to be a horror title) CHRONO CROSSING: What is your favorite game released in the US in 1987? SUBMIT YOUR STAGE SELECT AND/OR CHRONO CROSSING PICKS BY 8:30 CENTRAL ON OCTOBER 19! FEATURED MUSIC: Nightwish- Yours is an Empty Hope TWRP- Groove Crusaders Super Metroid- Brinstar Overgrown Sonata Arctica- Shitload of Money Smooth Mcgroove- Super Mario Bros. 2 Overworld Acapella

Nerds Without Pants Special: Swedish Meatballs

Mon, 02 Oct 2017 16:00:00 GMT

Angelo and Julian felt bad about being gone so long, so they got together to talk about a bunch of stuff that wouldn’t have fit into episode 120. Enjoy this bite-sized (I guess??) episode of Nerds Without Pants! This episode includes: Lamenting the lack of pinball machines in the wild, newfangled Galaga, classic Galaga, Battle on the Big Bridge, Final Fantasy V, an update on Final Fantasy XIV, the weird new policy of triple A games from Square Enix, Dad of Light, Angelo’s board game corner (Great Western Trail, Lords of Waterdeep), wishing we could play D&D, fat chocobos, Metroid: Samus Returns, Dragon’s Crown, and a couple listener questions! If you would like to buy Hammersong, the comic that Julian edited, please check out its Big Cartel shop! FEATURED MUSIC: Månegarm- Hemfärd Thunder Zone- Leave it to Me Metroid- Norfair theme

Nerds Without Pants Episode 120: Monumental

Wed, 27 Sep 2017 16:00:00 GMT

After an unintended break, The Nerds Without Pants return! We were gone almost a month, and we’ve been dying to talk about your excellent Stage Select and Chrono Crossing picks, so let’s get right to it, shall we? 00:00-03:15 Intro 03:33-1:04:18 STAGE SELECT: Who would be on video gaming’s Mount Rushmore? 1:05:06-2:18:55 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Julian’s video game hardware addiction, Nintendo Switch impressions, Dragon Quest IV, Super Mario 3D World, Patrick v Julian: Emulation, Cross platform play, AM2R, thoughts on fan remakes, Doom (again!), Hearthstone league 2:19:18-2:45:09 CHRONO CROSSING: 1989 2:45:26-2:48:10 Outro NEXT EPISODE: STAGE SELECT: What are the top 3 games you feel are overrated, and why? CHRONO CROSSING: What is your favorite game from 1988? SUBMIT YOUR SELECTIONS BY 8:30 CENTRAL TIME ON OCTOBER 5! FEATURED MUSIC TWRP feat. Ninja Sex Party- The No Pants Dance Super Mario Bros. 3- Grass Lands Dragon Quest IV- Battle Theme Metroid- Title Theme Smooth McGroove- Dr. Wily Stage Acapella (from Megaman 2) Special thanks to Bardic Broadcasts for the dwarf audio drop. Check him out on YouTube!

Nerds Without Pants Episode 119: Anime was a mistake.

Wed, 23 Aug 2017 16:00:00 GMT

Welcome to a beefy episode of Nerds Without Pants! This episode is chock full of anime games, references, and silliness. So, grab your waifu, your adorable animal companion, and perhaps senpai will notice you. Ikuzo! 00:00-01:44: Intro 02:00-1:31:34: STAGE SELECT- Top 3 anime style games 1:33:05-2:24:31: CONSUMPTION JUNCTION- Fortnite, Hearthstone, Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice, Horizon: Zero Dawn, The Vanishing of Ethan Carter, Warframe 2:24:53-2:54:35: CHRONO CROSSING- 1990 2:56:45-3:01:37: Outro and outtakes NEXT EPISODE: STAGE SELECT: What four people would you put on gaming’s Mt. Rushmore? CHRONO CROSSING: What is your favorite game of 1989? SUBMIT YOUR STAGE SELECT AND CHRONO CROSSING PICKS BY 8:30 CENTRAL TIME ON AUGUST 31! FEATURED MUSIC: Naruto- Seishun Kyosokyoku Ranma ½ OAV- Red Shoe Sunday The Slayers Next- Give a Reason for Life Rurouni Kenshin- It’s Gonna Rain! Cowboy Bebop- The Real Folk Blues

Nerds Without Pants Episode 118: Heartstrings

Wed, 09 Aug 2017 16:00:00 GMT

Welcome to an epic episode of Nerds Without Pants that’s sure to hit you square in the feels. Seriously, this one gets heavy, but thankfully there is plenty of fantastic music to see us through thanks to you, our lovely listeners! 00:00- 03:29: Intro 03:45-2:06:22: STAGE SELECT: What are your top 3 sad video game songs? 2:07:13-2:28:16: CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Final Fantasy XIV, The Vanishing of Ethan Carter, Clank 2:28:40-2:45:56: CHRONO CROSSING: 1991 2:46:15-2:53:50: Outro and bonus track NEXT EPISODE: STAGE SELECT: What are your top 3 “Anime” style games? CHRONO CROSSING: What is your favorite game of 1990? SUBMIT YOUR STAGE SELECT AND/OR CHRONO CROSSING PICKS BY 8:30 CENTRAL ON AUGUST 17! FEATURED MUSIC: Frankie Valli and the 4 Seasons- Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You The Foundations- Build Me Up Buttercup Jay & the Americans- Come a Little Bit Closer Bobby Darin- Beyond the Sea Dean Martin- Everybody Loves Somebody Sometime BONUS TRACK: Final Fantasy XIV- A Light in the Storm

Nerds Without Pants Episode 117: Toilet Humor

Wed, 26 Jul 2017 16:00:00 GMT

Welcome back to a traditional episode of Nerds Without Pants…FINALLY! We’re back at it this week, with all your favorite segments: Stage Select, Consumption Junction, and Chrono Crossing. We even have all three Pantsless Ones on this show, so let’s get into it, shall we? 00:00-07:12 Intro 07:27-53:06- STAGE SELECT: What video game characters are on your novelty toilet paper? 54:11-1:53:47- CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Angelo visits Pandora (the planet, not the stripper), Terraforming Mars, We Didn’t Playtest This at All, Crimzon Clover, Mega Man 2, the correct order for taking on bosses, Final Fantasy XII 1:54:11-2:23:23- CHRONO CROSSING: 1992 2:23:39-2:26:13- Outro NEXT EPISODE: STAGE SELECT: Angelo wants your top three sad and tragic music from video games. Make him cry! CHRONO CROSSING: What is your favorite game of 1991? SUBMIT YOUR STAGE SELECT AND/OR CHRONO CROSSING PICKS BY 8:30 CENTRAL TIME ON AUGUST 3! FEATURED MUSIC: South Park: Mr. Hankey Final Fight- Abigail Theme Abstract Hope- Bubble Man remix Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age- Sky City of Bhujerba Streets of Rage 2- Slow Moon

Nerds Without Pants Episode 116: Varsity Blues

Wed, 12 Jul 2017 16:07:06 GMT

And we’re back! The E3 schedule has really thrown off the Nerds Without Pants, and this isn’t a normal show format. No, this is an all Consumption Junction edition of the podcast. We’re a man (bot?) down, since Angelo isn’t here, so Julian and Patrick get together to talk about…a lot of old games, actually. No, really. We’re talking about games that we’ve been talking about for years. Rocksmith. Final Fantasy XIV. Hearthstone. Oh, Julian did play the latest Fire Emblem game, so there’s that. But then we talk about Diablo III, so IDK. We end things with some talk on the futility of learning how to play fighting games, and Patrick’s workout corner. Next time, we return to our classic show format! You still have time to submit your picks for Stage Select and Chrono Crossing if you haven’t already. If you have, no need to resubmit. STAGE SELECT: What character (or characters) would you want on a novelty roll of toilet paper? CHRONO CROSSING: What is your favorite game of 1992? SUBMIT YOUR SELECTIONS BY 8:30 CENTRAL TIME ON JULY 20. FEATURED MUSIC: Foo Fighters- My Hero Final Fantasy XIV- Terra’s Theme (remix) Janus Stark- Every Little Thing Counts Caroline’s Spine- Varsity Blues

Nerds Without Pants NWP Spoils The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Wed, 28 Jun 2017 16:00:00 GMT

Hey, it’s a Nerds Without Pants spoiler cast! We’ve only done two of these before (for The Last of Us and Batman: Arkham Knight if you’re wondering), but The Legend of Zelda: The Breath of the Wild is certainly deserving of its own episode. So that’s what we did. This is less a story spoiler podcast and more just Julian, Angelo, and special guest Casey sitting around telling fun stories of discovery, triumph, and, in some cases, frustration. So if you haven’t played the game or are on the fence about it, this episode may sway you into trying it out. But if you’re planning on playing Breath of the Wild and don’t want to know anything about secrets, strategy, or story elements, pass this episode up and wait until you’ve played the game. We hope you enjoy this Zelda special. Check out Casey’s review if you haven’t read it already, and tell us your favorite Breath of the Wild stories and discoveries in the comments section. FEATURED MUSIC: Selections from The Legend of Zelda: The Breath of the Wild- Main Theme, Dragon, Hyrule Castle

Nerds Without Pants Special: E3 2017: The Hottest Takes

Wed, 14 Jun 2017 05:55:00 GMT

Welcome to our next (an likely final) special from E3 2017! Angelo steps out of the woods and hasn't heard a speck of E3 news, so the bulk of the show is Julian filling him in on everything he's missed. Enjoy the hilarity as Angelo reacts in real time to the Xbox One X, that odd Shadow of the Colossus remake, and the announcement of not one, but two new Metroid games. We then talk about Julian's terrible time at E3. On the first day of the show, he is none too happy with what has become of the biggest event of the year for gaming, and he minces no words. Patrick pops in at the tail end to give his thoughts on Sony and Nintendo.

Nerds Without Pants Special: E3 2017: X Goin' Give it to Ya

Mon, 12 Jun 2017 06:24:00 GMT

Welcome to the first Nerds Without Pants E3 special of the year! It's just Julian and Patrick tonight, and we've got a lot to say about the EA, Microsoft, and Bethesda press conferences! Really, that's all we talked about. It's 1:30AM and I have to be at the airport at 6. WHAT DO YOU WANT FROM ME?!

Nerds Without Pants Episode 115: Nerdy Dialogue

Wed, 07 Jun 2017 16:00:00 GMT

In the final Nerds Without Pants before E3, the Pantsless Ones get together for a slightly modified episode. We’ve still got our Stage Select and Chrono Crossing segments, but Consumption Junction is replaced with our E3 hopes and predictions. This is a fun episode with lots of surprises, so let’s get to it! 00:00-03:21: Intro 03:37-1:22:41 STAGE SELECT: Top 3 Lines of Dialogue in Video Games 1:23:38-2:05:03: NWP Presents E3 2017 Predictions 2:05:27-2:35:26: CHRONO CROSSING: 1993 2:35:42-2:38:43: Outro and outtakes NEXT EPISODE: With Julian going to E3 expect a couple special episodes during the show. When we get back, it will be an all catch up/Consumption Junction edition of NWP. You can start thinking about your picks for the next Stage Select and Chrono Crossing, but there’s no need to put them in the comments just yet. STAGE SELECT: Patrick wants to know what video game character (or characters) would be on your novelty toilet paper. CHRONO CROSSING: What is your favorite game of 1992? FEATURED MUSIC Final Fantasy XIV- Weight of a Whisper Starbomb- It’s Dangerous to Go Alone Jonathan Coulton and GLaDOS- Still Alive DJ Cummerbund- Earth, Wind, and Ozzy Doom- E1M1

Nerds Without Pants Episode 114: Tropes vs NWP in Video Games

Wed, 24 May 2017 18:05:00 GMT

It’s time for another episode of Nerds Without Pants, and for some reason Julian just can’t be bothered. Maybe it’s because he edited so hard for you last time. Maybe it’s because he’s getting ready for E3. Whatever the case, Angelo is there to take the lead for Stage Select, so let’s go! 00:00-03:10: Intro 0:3:25-1:30:47: STAGE SELECT: Top 3 Gaming Tropes 1:31:56-1:49:24: CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Final Fantasy XIV, Stormblood, Zelda: Breath of the Wild 1:49:48-2:30:19: CHRONO CROSSING: 1994 2:30:35-2:33:35: Outro NEXT EPISODE: STAGE SELECT: What are your top 3 lines of dialogue or writing in games? CHRONO CROSSING: What is your favorite game of 1993: SUBMIT YOUR STAGE SELECT AND/OR CHRONO CROSSING PICKS BY 8:30 CENTRAL ON JUNE 1! FEATURED MUSIC Sarah Michelle Gellar- Going Through the Motions Super Street Fighter 2 Turbo (MS-DOS CD-ROM Version)- World Warrior Super Street Fighter 2 Turbo (MS-DOS CD-ROM Version)- Guile Legend of Xanadu- Four Wind Gods

Nerds Without Pants Episode 113: The Fourth is With Us

Wed, 10 May 2017 16:00:00 GMT

Welcome to another episode of Nerds Without Pants! I’m gonna level with you: this is either going to be your favorite episode of the year, or the thing that makes you yell at Julian, who has clearly gone mad with editing power. With that warning out of the way, let’s get to it! 00:00-05:34: Intro 05:50-1:01:47: Stage Select- Who is the team you would put together to make one last game for your studio? 1:02:58-2:03:49: Consumption Junction- The NWP wish list for the rumored Super Nintendo Classic, Prey demo, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Angelo on VR, Julian’s collecting woes, NieR Automata 2:04:12-2:26:44: Chrono Crossing- 1995 2:26:59-2:33:51: Outro and outtakes NEXT EPISODE STAGE SELECT: What are your top three favorite “tropes” in video games? CHRONO CROSSING: What is your favorite game of 1994? SUBMIT YOUR STAGE SELECT AND CHRONO CROSSING ANSWERS BY 8:30 CENTRAL TIME ON MAY 18! FEATURED MUSIC John Williams- Star Wars Theme Brenden Small- Starboy Splender- Spaceboy Bill Murray- Star Wars Super Star Wars- Luke Skywalker’s Theme “Weird” Al Yankovic- The Saga Begins

Nerds Without Pants Episode 112: The Fate of the Pantsless

Mon, 01 May 2017 22:40:00 GMT

Hey, it’s a bonus episode of Nerds Without Pants! Oh, you lucky people. Basically, we’ve fallen behind on Consumption Junction stuff, so we got together to catch up on a bunch of games, media, and crazy tangents. Enjoy! Patrick is still going strong with Rocksmith. Julian dips his toes into game speculation, and we complain about the woes of having multiple consoles. We talk hella anime, and Angelo reviews the Terra Mystica phone app. All of this, plus Murlock gangbangs, meta gaming, Patrick’s breakup with Overwatch, the return of Statham Sightings ™, and more! So much more, including listener questions! Don’t forget to submit your Stage Select and Chrono Crossing picks for episode 113! Stage Select: You are in charge of a game studio and are making one final game. What team of developers do you put together? You can pick up to five. Chrono Crossing: What is your favorite game of 1995? Submit your picks by 8:30 Central time on May 4! FEATURED MUSIC Theme from Californication The Pretty Reckless- Oh My God New Radicals- Gotta Stay High The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds- Hyrule Castle Abandoned Pools- Flourescein

Nerds Without Pants Episode 111: My Face is Tired

Wed, 26 Apr 2017 16:00:00 GMT

Hey friends! Nerds Without Pants is back with another fun episode. This week, Casey joins us to talk about game developers, disappointing games, 1996, and Crash Bandicoot. A lot of Crash Bandicoot. 00:00-6:44 Intro 7:03-1:33:41 STAGE SELECT: Top Three Game Developers 1:34:26-2:09:02 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Kingsport Festival, Mass Effect: Andromeda, Persona 5 2:09:26-2:32:32 CHRONO CROSSING: 1996 2:32:46-2:35:48 Outro NEXT EPISODE: Stage Select: You are in charge of a game studio and are making one last game. Who is the team you put together for this project? You can name up to five game dev personalities. Chrono Crossing: What is your favorite game of 1995? SUBMIT YOUR STAGE SELECT AND CHRONO CROSSING PICKS BY 8:30 CENTRAL TIME ON MAY 4! FEATURED MUSIC: Mitch Murder- Face Puncher Kavinsky- 1986 Nightforce- Power Glove Vince DiCola- Escape Bag Raiders- Shooting Stars

Nerds Without Pants Episode 110.5: Gamer Group Think

Wed, 12 Apr 2017 17:00:00 GMT

Hey there! No, your eyes do not deceive you; this is the second episode of Nerds Without Pants to be released today. Welcome to part two of episode 110, where we are still joined by John Brandon of the Square Roots Podcast to talk some Consumption Junction and Chrono Crossing. 00:00-02:10 Introduction 02:12-29:53 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION Gamer group think, Mass Effect: Andromeda, Nier Automata, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, reviews 30:13-46:34 CHRONO CROSSING 1997 46:49-49:42 Outro NEXT EPISODE: Stage Select: What are your top 3 video game developers of all time? Chrono Crossing: 1996 Be sure to submit your entries for Stage Select and Chrono Crossing by 8:30 Central time on April 20! FEATURED MUSIC One Punch Man- Opening Theme Florence + the Machine- Delilah

Nerds Without Pants Episode 110: It Takes a Village (Theme)

Wed, 12 Apr 2017 16:00:00 GMT

Welcome to a musical masterpiece edition of Nerds Without Pants! We are joined by John Brandon of the Square Roots Podcast, and this episode is so epic we had to split it into two parts. Let’s jump into this one, shall we? This first part of the episode is devoted to Angelo’s Stage Select topic. We pick our top three town themes, complete with musical tracks and discussion. We have time to reminisce, tell funny anecdotes, and generally bask in the glory of video game soundtracks. It’s a wonderful Stage Select segment that became an entire episode once the music was added, so check back for episode 110.5, where we handle Consumption Junction and Chrono Crossing for 1997. FEATURED MUSIC Delain featuring Marco Hietala- Sing to Me Duncan Sheik- Mr. Chess TRACK LIST Phantasy Star- Town Theme Fable 2- Bowerstone Market Stalker: Shadow of Chernobyl- Dirge for the Planet Suikoden 3- Farm Village Actraiser- Birth of the People Wild Arms- Town The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time- Kokiri Forest Lufia: The Legend Returns- Town of Albano Sword of Vermilion- Statts Final Fantasy IV- Mystic Mysidia The Witcher 3- Fields of Ard Skellig Nora to Toki no Koubou- Everyday Lifestyle Dark Souls 2- Majula Theme Mass Effect- The Normandy Chrono Cross- Guldove (Another World) Chrono Cross- Marbule (Another World) Okami- Wep’Keer Village Pokemon Leaf Green/Fire Red- Lavender Town The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker- Dragon Roost Island Jade Empire- Metropolis I and II The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time- Gerudo Valley The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask- Clock Town Final Fantasy V- Home Sweet Home (vocal version) Final Fantasy VI- Kids Run Through the City (piano version) Kingdom Hearts- Traverse Town

Nerds Without Pants Episode 109: Can't Hardly Wait For '98

Wed, 29 Mar 2017 16:00:00 GMT

Welcome to a very special edition of Nerds Without Pants! We are joined by PixlBit Site Director Nick as we spend the entire episode on Chrono Crossing. That’s because we’re looking back at 1998. Is this really the greatest year for gaming? The Pantsless Ones hash it out. Spoiler alert: it totally is! We cover pretty much every notable release of this year, as we count down our top 5 games of ’98. We have plenty of time for some silly tangents. Why does Julian always confuse Blast Corps and Body Harvest? What is Nick’s secret wrestling shame? Do we need to sit Patrick down and teach him about paleontology? How does Angelo work Nier into this conversation? Who actually put Pokemon on their list? FEATURED MUSIC: Eve 6- Open Road Song Smash Mouth- Walkin’ On the Sun Sneaker Pimps- 6 Underground Third Eye Blind- Graduate The Replacements- Can’t Hardly Wait

Nerds Without Pants Episode 108: California Dreamin'

Wed, 15 Mar 2017 16:00:00 GMT

Welcome to a new episode of the Dumpster Fire, er, I mean, Nerds Without Pants! Yes, we had some serious issues getting this episode to you, but it should be somewhat entertaining. We’ve got the best of the games that never were, epic road trips, questionable MMO addictions, and an eclectic mix of games for Chrono Crossing. Let’s jump in! 00:00-03:31: Introduction 03:47-1:00:39: STAGE SELECT- Top 3 Cancelled Games 1:01:27-1:29:06: CONSUMPTION JUNCTION- Julian’s trip to the Bay Area, Patrick’s pining for Breath of the Wild, Angelo’s descent into Tera 1:29:29-1:55:08: CHRONO CROSSING- 1999 1:55:24-2:01:33: Outro and outtakes NEXT EPISODE: We are Chrono Crossing back to 1998, widely considered the greatest year for video games to date. As such, the entire episode is dedicated to this monumental year. Instead of selecting only one game, we want your top five games of 1998. Be sure to submit your picks by March 23 at 9pm Central time. Julian promises not to leave out comments by accident this time! As always, your input makes NWP great! FEATURED MUSIC The Mamas and the Papas- California Dreamin’ Vanessa Carlton- San Francisco Dionne Warwick- Do You Know the Way to San Jose The Red Hot Chili Peppers- Californication

Nerds Without Pants Episode 107: Beginner's Guide to Console Wars

Wed, 01 Mar 2017 17:00:00 GMT

Welcome to one of the best damn episodes of Nerds Without Pants ever! Yeah, it’s a long one, but that’s only because we packed it with so much goodness. Let’s dig in! 00:00-01:16 Introduction 01:31-1:22:45 Stage Select: Top 3 Home Consoles 1:23:17-2:03:27 Consumption Junction: Patrick’s Switch woes, Tera, Mass Effect, For Honor, River City Tokyo Rumble 2:04:03-2:38:11 Chrono Crossing: The Year 2000 2:40:41-2:42:53 Outro and outtakes Be sure to submit for Stage Select and Chrono Crossing for the next episode! The deadline for submissions is March 9 at 9pm Central time. Stag Select: Give us your top 3 cancelled games Chrono Crossing: Give us your favorite game of 1999 FEATURED MUSIC Britney Spears- Oops!...I Did it Again N*Sync- It’s Gonna Be Me Creed- Higher Will Smith- Will 2K

Nerds Without Pants Special: Switched On

Tue, 21 Feb 2017 00:45:00 GMT

With the Nintendo Switch right around the corner, the Nerds Without Pants bring you hands on impressions of the next big thing from the house of Mario! JD sits in with us, and we are joined by David Welch from Experimental Gamer. He is the man behind the Western-themed RPG Boot Hill Heroes, so go check them out! Patrick and David worked the recent Nintendo Switch event in Chicago, and JD attended a similar show in New York, so the three of them answer Julian’s questions about the new Nintendo console. We discuss what it’s like to demo games for Nintendo, the event as a whole, the feel of the JoyCon, a brief look at some of the games, and more. Marvel at how deep into the Nintendo well that Patrick has delved! We close with some more talk about David’s upcoming sequel to Boot Hill Heroes. You can follow him on twitter @boothillheroes, so let him know what you think, and look forward to him being on a regular edition of the show.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 106: Allow Myself to Introduce...Myself

Wed, 15 Feb 2017 17:00:00 GMT

We hope you had a nice Valentine’s Day, because we have a lot of love to give you with this new episode of Nerds Without Pants. It’s the return to our standard show format, which means we’ve got Stage Select, Consumption Junction, and Chrono Crossing all set up for you. Enjoy! 00:00-03:39 Introduction 03:56-1:33:22 Stage Select: Best Game Intros 1:34:10-2:07:42 Consumption Junction: Hitman, Angelo’s plumbing adventure, Overwatch, the new public face of E3. 2:08:07-2:34:06 Chrono Crossing: 2001 2:34:23-2:38:31 Outro Don’t forget to chime in for our next episode! For Stage Select, Julian want to know your top three home consoles of all time. Handhelds and PC doesn’t count! We’re also Chrono Crossing back to 2000, so let us know your favorite game of that year. FEATURED MUSIC The Darkness- One Way Ticket The Darkness- Bald The Darkness- Nothin’s Gonna Stop Us The Darkness- English Country Garden

Nerds Without Pants Episode 105: The Best of the Worst Year

Wed, 01 Feb 2017 17:00:00 GMT

The Nerds Without Pants return from their (overlong) holiday break to talk about a lot of damn games! No Stage Select or Chrono Crossing this time, because we’re about Consumption Junction and our favorite games of 2016. Let’s get to it! Angelo has rediscovered shoot ‘em ups, and Patrick is over the moon for Abzu. Julian mourns his latest Diablo III failure. The Nintendo Switch comes up, and the Pantsless Ones discuss the presentation, the console, and the games that have been shown so far. Also, anime! We wrap with our top three games of 2016. See if you can guess our games and rankings based on listening to us last year. There may be some surprises (but probably not) Next time, we return to our normal format. For Stage Select, Angelo wants to know your top 3 video game intros. Take that how you will: it can be a cutscene, a level, a cool bit that happens before the game proper starts. For Chrono Crossing, we’re going back to 2001, so let us know your favorite game of that year that isn’t a re-release or a port. FEATURED MUSIC: MS MR- Criminals Super Mario Odyssey- Trailer theme Dragon Ball- Makafushigi Adventure! Splender- Yeah Whatever

Nerds Without Pants Special: The Cutting Room Floor

Sun, 15 Jan 2017 17:00:00 GMT

Welcome to a special edition of Nerds Without Pants almost a year in the making! Julian has been saving bits and pieces from the last year's worth of episodes that you've never heard before, and cobbled them together into something halfway decent! In all seriousness, we talk about a lot of fun stuff before and after we hit the record button, and fortunately that stuff gets saved in our backup recordings, and that's what we have for you here. It's a lot of interesting discussions, blue humor, and behind the scenes shenanigans! FEATURED MUSIC: Final Fantasy XI- Mog House The Fellowship of the Ring- Concerning Hobbits BJ Thomas- Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head Overwatch- Hollywood Weird Al Yankovic- Livin’ in the Fridge Street Fighter V- Nash’s Theme Gary Wright- Dream Weaver Unknown- The Boob Song Weird Al Yankovic- Don’t Download That Song Killer Instinct- Sabrewulf’s Theme Chrono Cross- Times Scar Final Fantasy XI- Ronfaure

Nerds Without Pants Episode 104: The State of the Generation 2016

Tue, 27 Dec 2016 22:35:00 GMT

It’s the last Nerds Without Pants of the year, and in one last screw you from 2016, we’re a man down. Worry not, because we recruited Mike Fallek from the Go to Hell Podcast to chime in on the state of the gaming generation for 2016. So let’s jump right in! We talk about the Nintendo Switch: is it the final nail in the coffin, or the salvation of Nintendo? We also talk about issues with cable TV, 4K televisions, the jump to PlayStation 4 Pro, and more. Finally, we close with a healthy debate regarding VR, and what its future (if there is one) could be. And that’s a year! We have a couple specials coming out, and will return to our regular schedule in mid-January. Thanks to every listener! We love you all. FEATURED MUSIC: Sing Street- The Riddle of the Model Sing Street- Up Sing Street- Drive It Like You Stole It VR Troopers- Theme Song

Nerds Without Pants Episode 103: Road Trippin'

Mon, 12 Dec 2016 19:08:00 GMT

It’s a jam-packed edition of Nerds Without Pants this time. We have Stage Select, we’re Chrono Crossing to 2002, and Patrick and Julian bring out every weapon of kings they can bear to do battle over the quality of Final Fantasy XV. So let’s jump right in! 00:00-01:21 Introduction 01:35-49:36 STAGE SELECT: East Meets West 50:36-01:59:00 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Grand Kingdom, board games, TV, Final Fantasy XV 02:04:00-02:27:57 CHRONO CROSSING: 2002 02:30:13-02:31:52 Outro and outtakes FEATURED MUSIC Red Hot Chili Peppers- Road Trippin’ Final Fantasy XV- Somnus Final Fantasy XV- Noctis’ Theme Final Fantasy XV- Valse di Fantistica Final Fantasy XV- Stand Your Ground Gitaroo Man- Tainted Lovers Final Fantasy XV- The Hydrean’s Wrath

Nerds Without Pants Episode 102: Level Lords

Sun, 27 Nov 2016 17:00:00 GMT

We hope you’re not too full of turkey and shopping deals, because we have a full plate of Nerds Without Pants for you this week! It’s just Julian and Patrick this time, but that doesn’t stop us from delivering a delicious meal of podcasting goodness. So dig in! 00:00-07:30 Intro 07:44-45:42 STAGE SELECT: Create a new level idea for a game you love 46:33-1:40:19 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Final Fantasy XIV, Tower of Deadly Monsters, Overwatch, Overwatch League, Doctor Strange, 100 Bullets 1:40:42-2:12:05 CHRONO CROSSING: 2003 2:12:18-2:15:31 Outro and outtakes FEATURED MUSIC “Weird” Al Yankovic- Eat It The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time- Shadow Temple Shadow of the Colossus- A Violent Encounter Rebecca Black- Friday Halo 2- Ghosts of Reach Beyond Good & Evil- Mammago’s

Nerds Without Pants Episode 101: Switching Things Up

Sun, 13 Nov 2016 19:45:00 GMT

Welcome back to Nerds Without Pants! This week, we are joined by Danny, a former Gamefellas coworker of Julian’s, and a very knowledgeable classic game collector. We have a packed show for you this time, so let’s get to it! 00:00-02:52 Introduction 03:07-51:47 STAGE SELECT: What is One Thing You Want From the Nintendo Switch? 52:22-2:05:21 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Classic game collecting, Halloween, Dragon Quest Builders, Grand Kingdom, Stranger Things, Overwatch, Battlefield 1, Until Dawn, World of Final Fantasy 2:05:44 CHRONO CROSSING: 2004 2:37:48 Outro and end music Be sure and let us know your contributions to our next episode! Stage Select: Give us an idea for a new level for one of your favorite games Chrono Crossing: Tell us your favorite game of 2003 FEATURED MUSIC: REM- The End of the World White Denim- Ha Ha Ha Ha (Yeah) New Super Mario Bros. Wii- Title Theme Burning Rangers- Burning Hearts Burning Angel Final Fantasy XI- The Republic of Bastok

Backloggers Anonymous Super Castlevania 4

Mon, 31 Oct 2016 13:00:00 GMT

Backloggers Anonymous returns for a special Halloween episode featuring Super Castlevania IV. Join us as Casey and Catherine create a theory tying everything to wall meat, while Blake explains his beef with this game.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 100: The Halloween Havoc

Sun, 30 Oct 2016 16:00:00 GMT

Holy pumpkins, Batman! It’s the 100th episode of Nerds Without Pants! How the hell did that happen? How are we still doing this? How are people still listening to us? That is one of those unanswered questions, like how candy corn is still a thing. Join us for…well, a pretty standard edition of Nerds Without Pants, if we’re being honest! 00:00-02:20- Introduction 02:39-44:50- STAGE SELECT: What Cutscene Scared You the Most? 45:51-1:54:40- CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: World of Final Fantasy, manga, comics, Grand Kingdom, anime, Dragon Quest Builders, PlayStation VR 1:55:32-2:30:49- CHRONO CROSSING: 2005 2:31:07-2:34:35- Outro and outtakes Join us next time, and don’t forget to participate in Stage Select and Chrono Crossing! Our next Stage Select topic: What is the one thing you want to see most from the Nintendo Switch? And for Chrono Crossing: what is your favorite game of 2004? FEATURED MUSIC Silent Hill 2- Theme of Laura Dead Space 2- Isaac, Are You There Until Dawn- O Death Indigo Prophesy- Under Control Ozzy Osborne- Bark at the Moon

Nerds Without Pants Special: Night Time Nerds

Mon, 24 Oct 2016 19:15:00 GMT

Welcome to a spooooky special edition of Nerds Without Pants! Okay, actually not that spooky, but Julian is joined by Jordan Bonaparte, the creator and host of The Night Time Podcast. Jordan produces an incredible show that deals with the fringe, the weird, true crime, and more, and Julian has a great time talking to him about a ton of different topics. Jordan tells a little about himself before the two podcasters talk about horror movies and give a few recommendations. After that, Jordan discusses how he got into podcasting, and there is some great talk about the medium in addition to why he does what he does. Julian reveals why these topics are of interest to him now, and we close the show with some other strange and fringe podcasts that you should check out if you enjoy The Night Time Podcast. That’s about it! Be sure to check out The Night Time Podcast, and stay tuned for the momentous 100th episode of Nerds Without Pants, along with another special coming soon! FEATURED MUSIC: Theme From the X-Files The Thing- Theme Song Stranger Things- Hazmat Suits

Nerds Without Pants Episode 99: The Return of Angelo Grant

Sun, 16 Oct 2016 16:00:00 GMT

Hey folks, it’s Julian. Man, it really sucks that Angelo has been out and we didn’t have Patrick on our last episode. We’re about to hit episode 100, but where is—OH DAMN, SON! ALL THE NERDS WITHOUT PANTS ARE HERE! That’s right! We’re finally all back together for a short and sweet Consumption Junction edition of NWP. Angelo talks about the misery of tonsil surgery, and trying to play Grand Kingdom while on pain meds. He has a bone to pick with Mighty No. 9, as well. Patrick is still on that Overwatch train, but took some time to play Alien Nation and preorder Final Fantasy XV. Julian still loves BioShock, and can’t get enough of Dragon Quest Builders. We talk a little about the state of Square Enix, and if you stick around after the outro you will hear some thoughts about the No Man’s Sky debacle. We aren’t recording again until October 25, but that will be our grand episode 100 as well as the return of Halloween Havoc! Don’t forget to chime in with your submissions for Stage Select and Chrono Crossing. Stage Select: What is the cutscene that scared you the most the first time you saw it? Chrono Crossing: What was your favorite game of 2005? FEATURED MUSIC: John Williams- Yoda and the Force Mighty No. 9- Ray Theme Dragon Quest Builders- Cantlin Resonance of Fate- The Beginning of Eternity

Nerds Without Pants Episode 98: Sentient Carpets From Outer Space

Sun, 09 Oct 2016 16:00:00 GMT

We’re two men down this time, but luckily we have a very special guest in the form of one Mike Fallek. He is the host of 30 Podcasts I’m Not Doing, along with a bunch of other projects, and he’s a super funny and passionate dude. So even though it’s only a two-man show, Julian and Mike end up talking for a very long time about a lot of interesting things. Let’s get to it! 00:00-8:42 INTRODUCTION 09:01-1:10:58 STAGE SELECT: What Video Game World Would You Live In? 1:11:43-2:00:41 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Comic book talk, general nerddom, Luke Cage, Darkman 2:01:04-2:29:34 CHRONO CROSSING: 2006 2:29:53-2:34:30 OUTTRO FEATURED MUSIC Luke Cage- Theme Song The Legend of Zelda Skyward Sword- Ballad of the Goddess Street Fighter 2: Guile’s Theme (acoustic) Starbomb- I Choose You to Die Luke Cage- Final Battle Part 1

Backloggers Anonymous Castlevania

Tue, 04 Oct 2016 13:00:00 GMT

After almost a year long hiatus Backloggers Anonymous returns with a game to get you back into the Halloween spirit: Castlevania. Casey, Catherine, and Blake all tried to finish off Dracula before they got 25 Game Overs. Did they succeed? Did they fail? Check in to find out then try the challenge yourself! Then give Super Castlevania 4 a try for when the three of them return next time! Opening Song: Terror Time Again (Skycycle) Closing Song: Stage 1 of the Castlevania 1 OST

Nerds Without Pants Episode 97: NWP x TnB

Sun, 25 Sep 2016 16:00:00 GMT

Welcome to what is easily the craziest episode of Nerds Without Pants of ALL TIME. That’s because we have Tyler and Bob from the TnB Podcast on this week, and Patrick is running the Stage Select segment. Seriously, you don’t stand a chance against this episode. Just surrender now. All your attention is belong to us. 00:00-05:00 Introduction 05:20-1:14:27 STAGE SELECT: The top 3 games that never existed 1:15:12-1:45:21 CONSUMPTION JUNCTION: Overwatch, Mount and Blade, audiobooks, Deus Ex: Mankind Divided 1:45:44-2:06:40 CHRONO CROSSING: 2007 2:06:56-2:13:12 Outtro and ending music Next time, we are Chrono Crossing back to 2006, so let us know your favorite game of that year. For Stage Select, you need to select one video game universe that you would like to live in, keeping in mind that you have to live there as you, not as the game’s hero. See you soon! FEATURED MUSIC Bloodhound Gang- We Are the Knuckleheads Ninja Sex Party- The Ultimate Sandwich South Park: The Stick of Truth- The Ballad of Lemmiwinks Simon and Garfunkel- The Boxer

Nerds Without Pants Episode 96: PlayStation Pub Crawl

Fri, 09 Sep 2016 16:00:00 GMT

Welcome to a very special and exciting episode of Nerds Without Pants! Today is September 9, 2016, which marks the 21st birthday of the PlayStation. So we’re celebrating by taking the good old PSX drinking, and telling a lot of fun PlayStation memories while we do so! Friend of the Show John Gholson joins us for this episode. John worked for years with Julian in the video game retail trenches, and as such, the two of them have a vast well of PlayStation game knowledge to share. We talk about what our excitement level was before the system came out, when we jumped on the Sony bandwagon, and assorted PSX memories. Some of our lovely listeners chime in, and we close out with some obvious and some obscure PlayStation recommendations. UR NOT e. FEATURED MUSIC: Crash Bandicoot- Main Theme Suikoden II- Opening Theme Final Fantasy VII- Cosmo Canyon Final Fantasy VII- Aerith’s Theme Bust a Groove- Natural Playboy Marvin Gaye- Let’s Get It On Rising Zan: Samurai Gunman- Johnny No More Resident Evil- Second Floor Mansion Castlevania: Symphony of the Night- Lost Painting Parappa the Rapper- I Gotta Believe

Nerds Without Pants Episode 95: Life is Overwatch

Sun, 28 Aug 2016 19:48:00 GMT

Welcome to another fantastic episode of Nerds Without Pants! This week, we are joined by Casey as we contemplate our dream video game company acquisitions, Pokemon stat balancing, even more Overwatch, and Chrono Cross back to 2008. Do join us, won’t you? 00:00- 05:13- Introduction 05:37-46:54- Stage Select: What video game company would you take control of? 47:22-1:53:13- Consumption Junction: Pokemon, Mass Effect Trilogy, Life is Strange, Titanfall 2, Overwatch, Angelo’s birthday haul 1:53:37-2:15:20- Chrono Crossing: 2008 2:15:36-2:22:18- Outtro and ending music SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Next episode will be a different format, as we spend the entire show talking about the PlayStation in honor of its 21st birthday. So, no Stage Select or Chrono Crossing segments next time, but feel free to give us your favorite PSX memories and we'll read them on the show! FEATURED MUSIC: Ducktales Remastered- The Moon Fable 2- Bowerstone Market Metal Gear Solid- The Best is Yet to Come

Nerds Without Pants Episode 94: Task Force NWP

Sun, 14 Aug 2016 16:00:00 GMT

Welcome to the first “normal” edition of Nerds Without Pants in our new format! No guests this time, as the three Pantsless Ones try on the new segment flow for the first time. NWP is now broken up into three segments: Stage Select, Consumption Junction, and Chrono Crossing. You’ll see a change to our show notes as well, to make things easier for listeners to find. It’s all happening! 0:00-3:45 Introduction 4:10-44:28 Stage Select: Top 3 Weapons in Video Games 45:15-1:34:49 Consumption Junction: Julian’s classic game room, Pirate Doom, Overwatch, Suicide Squad 1:35:12-2:00:13 Chrono Crossing: 2009 2:00:29-2:04:17 Outtro and outtakes FEATURED MUSIC Kyle Dixon and Michael Stein- Stranger Things Ratchet and Clank- On Novalis Lesley Gore- You Don’t Own Me Contra- Jungle (twin guitar remix)

Nerds Without Pants Episode 93: Classic Game Consumption

Sun, 07 Aug 2016 16:00:00 GMT

Welcome to a surprise edition of Nerds Without Pants! After our nearly three-hour kickoff for our new Stage Select feature, we decided to get together for a good old fashioned “all Consumption Junction” episode. Strap in for a couple hours of media consumption! Patrick had a magical moment at Lollapalooza. Angelo went hard into Doom 2016 (we promise this is the last time we talk about it in depth!). Julian is lukewarm on We Happy Few, but can’t stop his masochistic relationship with Divinity: Original Sin. Angelo has some complicated board games to talk about, and Patrick might be done with Pokemon Go. We finish things out with some talk about Batman: The Killing Joke, and Julian’s first time at a classic games show. We hope you enjoy this impromptu episode! Next week, we’re discussing our top 3 video game weapons during Stage Select, and in Chrono Crossing we’re looking back at 2009. If you haven’t contributed to those segments you still have a couple days before we record. FEATURED MUSIC: Schoolhouse Rock- Conjunction Junction Jane’s Addiction- Jane Says Divinity: Original Sin- Dance of Death Ninja Sex Party- Next to You Final Fantasy- Matoya’s Cave

Nerds Without Pants Episode 92: The EVOlution of NWP

Mon, 01 Aug 2016 16:00:00 GMT

Welcome to a new era of Nerds Without Pants! This week, we roll out our latest segment: Stage Select! This is intended to be a special talking point segment to kick off each episode that should last about 20 to 30 minutes, but our inaugural edition clocks in at almost 2 hours. Wait, come back! We’re joined by JD, and the very first Stage Select tackles our top 5 games of All Time, which is why it becomes such an epic conversation. This is by design, as we hope it will give new listeners and old a great barometer for our gaming tastes. If you know the Pantsless Ones well you may still be surprised at some of the selections! After that, JD tells us about his first trip to the legendary Evo fighting game tournament. From his training regimen to his feelings about the tournament proper and some cool celebrity sightings, JD’s trip to Vegas was one for the ages. We wrap things up with Chrono Crossing. This episode we’re tackling 2010, which was a phenomenal year for video games. Next episode we will be talking about our top 3 video game weapons of all time during Stage Select, and Chrono Crossing back to 2009. If you want to contribute to these segments, leave a comment below! FEATURED MUSIC: Super Street Fighter 2 Turbo (MS-DOS CD ROM)- Balrog Mass Effect- Title screen Chrono Cross- Home Voyage Super Street Fighter IV- The Juri Han song

Nerds Without Pants Episode 91: Pokemon Go on Vacation

Sun, 17 Jul 2016 16:00:00 GMT

Welcome to another exciting episode of Nerds Without Pants! This week, Angelo and Julian kick things off with some photography talk and wax nostalgic about dark rooms. Then it’s straight into Consumption Junction before Patrick joins us and we wrap up with Chrono Crossing. Do join us! In Consumption Junction, Julian finally finished a game this year, Angelo is on the Doom train, and Patrick wants to be the very best Pokemon Go trainer. Julian went to comic con for vacation and has stories to tell, while Angelo and Patrick get down with some board games. Then, we go Chrono Crossing back to 2011, which has some surprises and not so surprises from the Pantsless Ones, while our lovely listeners come up with some awesome and varied picks. What can we say? 2011 was a killer year for video games. Next time, we unveil a new segment: Stage Select! This will be a different talking point to kick off every episode, and we’re starting things off with our top five games of ALL TIME. We’ll be Chrono Crossing back to 2010, so if you want to contribute to either (or both!) segment just throw down a comment below! FEATURED MUSIC Zeale- Summer Time Starbomb- New Pokemon Rap

Nerds Without Pants Episode 90: Tasty Board Game Buffet

Sun, 03 Jul 2016 16:00:00 GMT

Welcome to a very different edition of Nerds Without Pants! This time we are joined by Lance from Tasty Minstrel Games. You may know him as Undead Viking on YouTube, and he's here to educate us on some board games. Before that though, we talk some video games! We kick things off with some Game of Thrones talk (no spoilers!), and discover that Julian is done with the series. Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE is so Japanese that Julian's girlfriend can't handle it, and Angelo and Julian spend some time giving Lance some video game recommendations. After that, we go deep, and we mean DEEP into board games. Angelo and Lance get into a bunch of different titles, and Lance gives some interesting insight into the board game industry. Julian can just sit and listen because he doesn't have friends to play games with, but hopefully you all find some things to try out at home! We wrap things up by talking about Yokohama, the new game being published on Kickstarter. You still have a little bit of time to donate as of this recording, and you'll want to do that if you want the fancy deluxe edition! We hope you like this departure from our normal format, and we'll be Chrono Crossing to 2011 next episode, we promise! FEATURED MUSIC: Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE- Reincarnation Game of Thrones theme Final Fantasy Mystic Quest- Battle Theme Emerald Rose- Never Split the Party The Double Clicks- Table Top Games

Nerds Without Pants Episode 89: Wibbly-Wobbly, Timey-Wimey

Sun, 19 Jun 2016 16:00:00 GMT

Welcome to a weird episode of Nerds Without Pants! Due to scheduling issues, this episode was recorded a week before E3 2016, but you are listening to it after that event has taken place. Don’t think about it too hard; time is wibbly-wobbly, as the Doctor would say. We start off with Consumption Junction this week. The Pantsless Ones talk about how underwhelming Mirror’s Edge: Catalyst looks, worry about Mighty No. 9, and ponder why game developers seem to forget how to make the games they are known for. Julian has some interesting retro pick-ups, and Patrick got sweet retribution with that Ninja Turtles game. Then we do some E3 speculation, which is totally pointless at this junction. For Chrono Crossing we are looking at the year 2012, which has some obvious (and not so obvious) picks from the crew, and an almost unanimous selection from the listeners that none of us played. That’s why we love hearing from you all! Be sure to give us your 2011 Chrono Crossing picks in the comments below. FEATURED MUSIC Theme from Doctor Who Britney Spears- Stronger Doom- Semper Fi Final Fantasy Mystic Quest- Battle Theme Borderlands 2- Glacial

Nerds Without Pants Special: Microsoft vs Sony: Round 3, Fight!

Tue, 14 Jun 2016 04:18:00 GMT

Hey folks! Patrick and Julian are coming at you hot, with a special E3 edition right on the heels of the Microsoft and Sony press conferences! This one is lean and mean, so let's get right to it! We are so excited that we end up jumping back and forth between subjects with no discernible rhyme or reason to any of it! Games are discussed! Things are argued! Julian spends money on stupid things! It's all fun and games until someone gets hurt. (Note: nobody got hurt). This may be NWP's only E3 special for this year, but check back just in case, as Angelo and Patrick could surprise us all!

Nerds Without Pants Episode 88: We're Overwatching You

Sun, 05 Jun 2016 16:00:00 GMT

Welcome back to Nerds Without Pants! This week, the Pantsless Ones talk about some Twisted Metal before Chrono Crossing into 2013. We are recording our next episode early, so if you want to participate in the segment for 2012, please comment quickly! In Consumption Junction, Patrick rips Platinum Games a new one. Apparently, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutants in Manhattan is so bad that it makes Metal Gear Rising bad by association. Patrick is over the moon for Overwatch though, and the new Doom is just what Julian always wanted. Angelo has a really great card game to recommend, and reminds us why he's the platformer master. Remember, we will be recording our next episode a few days after this episode goes live, so give us your 2012 Chrono Crossing games in the comments ASAP, or on twitter @NWPcast. FEATURED MUSIC: Alan Silvestri- Theme from Back to the Future The Rolling Stones- Paint it Black Overwatch- Intro The B-52's- Love Shack

Nerds Without Pants Episode 87: Uncharted Retro Rabbit Hole

Sun, 22 May 2016 16:00:00 GMT

Welcome to another episode of Nerds Without Pants! This week, the Pantsless Ones jump right into Chrono Crossing. This time, the year is 2014, and the selections may surprise you! We continue to get great participation from our listeners for this, so keep it up! In Consumption Junction, Julian is embarking on a lengthy and exciting quest to get the best picture out of his older consoles. See what he’s talking about with the My Life in Gaming channel on YouTube. Patrick is head over heels for Uncharted 4. Will he Patrick it, or finish it? Only time will tell. Angelo scratched a game off of his infamous backlog but added two more. We go deep on his love for Warhammer 40k: Space Marine, and are salivating over the thought of getting to play that new Doom game. Next episode we will be Chrono Crossing to 2013, so let us know your favorite game of that year, either in the comments section, or on Twitter @NWPcast! FEATURED MUSIC Nier- Cold Steel Coffin The Smashing Pumpkins- Bullet With Butterfly Wings Shovel Knight- Intro South Park- Let’s Fighting Love

Nerds Without Pants Episode 86: Chrono Crossing

Sun, 08 May 2016 16:00:00 GMT

Welcome welcome, to the first episode of a new era for Nerds Without Pants! We are launching a new segment this episode: Chrono Crossing, wherein we take a look back at our favorite games of each year, beginning with 2015. We kick off this episode with this new feature, and have some great input from our lovely listeners! In Consumption Junction, Julian's Final Fantasy addiction reaches a new high, while Patrick is becoming quite the rocksmith. Julian gushes over his awesome Ikea adventure, and Angelo is just one step away from working at a tabletop gaming store. It's a light episode of NWP this week, but a very fun one. Next time, we will be Chrono Crossing to 2014, so let us know your favorite game that was released that year, and we will read it on the show! It's a New Day for NWP, so raise up your unicorn horns!

Nerds Without Pants Episode 85: Our Souls are Doomed

Sun, 24 Apr 2016 17:10:00 GMT

Hey folks! Welcome to another technical issue-laded episode of Nerds Without Pants. Apoligies, but once again the internet has conspired against us, and this episode is not up to our normal standard of quality. Hopefully you stick around though, because there is some good stuff in this episode! PixlBit site director Nick joins us this week to talk about a thing that unfortunately got lost to the hungry gods of Skype. Patrick actually finished an RPG instead of "Patricking" it. Julian is getting his ass kicked by Doom on a regular basis, while Nick is mastering Dark Souls 3. Angelo went down a weird and wacky YouTube rabbit hole that somehow involves Blue Stinger and Hybrid Heaven. Julian has finally experience the Fast and the Furious, and there may be multiple Statham Sightings (TM) in your future. We are introducing a new feature to Nerds Without Pants on our next show: Chrono Crossing. Let us know your favorite game that was released in 2015, and we will read your selections on this new interactive section of NWP. Please look forward to it!

Nerds Without Pants Special: Leaving Las Vana'diel

Tue, 19 Apr 2016 02:50:00 GMT

Hey, all. Julian here with a short special to tide you over until our next big show. I'm joined by my best friend Shanna (who you may have heard in the special episode Love and the MMORPG) to talk about the last days of the Final Fantasy XI console servers. I've already written a piece about it which you can find here, but I still wanted to do some sort of special recording about this very important topic of mine. Unfortunately, we had a terrible connection on the call, and two attempts to record a proper special proved to be fruitless. Hopefully you enjoy what I have cobbled together here, and don't mind my solo rambling at the end. Any memories of Final Fantasy XI? Leave them in the comments below, and thanks for listening!

Nerds Without Pants Episode 84: Nerds on the Short Bus

Sun, 27 Mar 2016 20:15:00 GMT

Welcome to another episode of Nerds Without Pants as we get back on track with our normal release schedule. This week, we are joined by Jeremy Crockett of Buddy Cop Games, the makers of the soon to be cult classic Omnibus. Before we get the low down on Jeremy's passion project, we do some Consumption Junction. Jeremy is a man that enjoys some terrible horror movies, and may put Friend of the Show John Gholson to shame with his Z grade horror knowledge. Angelo just saw Evil Dead for the first time, and Patrick turns his Vita back on. Julian has a serious Clash Royale addiction. Before you listen to Jeremy talk about Omnibus, watch this trailer: Got it? Good! Jeremy talks about how Omnibus came to be, wonders how the hell PewDiePie got his hands on an early build (catapulting the game into the limelight), and explains the origins of the game's PSX-inspired graphics. It's an interesting discussion on a game that could become a really big deal, so check it out now so you can be a hipster about it later. FEATURED MUSIC: The Hollies- Bus Stop "Weird" Al Yankovic- Another One Rides the Bus The Magic School Bus

Nerds Without Pants Episode 83: Saturday Morning Cartoons

Sun, 20 Mar 2016 16:00:00 GMT

Welcome to another fantastic episode of Nerds Without Pants! We're a little late, and a man down(sort of), but we make it up to you with a fun discussion about what we've been doing, and go in depth on the documentary Atari: Game Over. Julian parties like it's 1989 with a Saturday morning cartoonapalooza. Patrick didn't like that new Ghostbusters trailer. Julian's been consumed by Fire Emblem Fates: Birthright. Both men have been digging more of Street Fighter V, and Patrick can't keep his hands off of his stick. In our main topic we discuss Atari: Game Over, which chronicles the search for the infamous "Atari landfill", as well as gives an overview on the video game crash of '83. Angelo pops in to give his thoughts on the movie, and Julian and Patrick wrap things up. It's a great talk about a great video game related movie, and we hope you get a chance to watch it before joining us for this episode! FEATURED MUSIC: Theme from Beetlejuice (cartoon) Ray Parker, Jr.: Ghostbusters Theme from Captain N: The Game Master Theme from Alvin and the Chipmunks

Nerds Without Pants Episode 82: Fighting Street

Sun, 28 Feb 2016 17:00:00 GMT

Welcome back to another edition of Nerds Without Pants! We are joined by JD this time to get into some deep talk about Street Fighter V, but we save that for the end of the show in case fighting games aren't your thing (like Angelo). JD has fallen head over heels for Xenoblade Chronicles X. Angelo can't get Etrian Odyssey out of his head, just like Patrick sees Persona everywhere. We slip into some discussion about the idea of Assassin's Creed taking a year off, waiting for the Final Fantasy VII remake, and Julian goes on a rant about the cost of video games today. We close out the first part of the show by talking about that there Deadpool movie and what our thoughts are about the upcoming Batman v Superman flick. After that, it's all Street Fighter V. Hopefully, we don't put you to sleep the way we did Angelo (true story!), as JD and Patrick do their best to defend the game from Julian's righteous indignation. Things get heated, but only because all three remaining Pantsless Ones are passionate about this topic. We hope you'll chime in with your thoughts in the comments below! Next episode we will be doing a "movie club" style discussion about Atari: Game Over. Check out the movie and come back in two weeks for our discussion! FEATURED MUSIC: World Warrior and Intro from Super Street Fighter 2 Turbo (MS DOS CD-ROM version) Zangief's theme (Nessho! Street Fighter 2 Vocal Track version) Starbomb- Rap Battle: Ryu vs Ken

Nerds Without Pants Episode 81: Significant Others

Sun, 14 Feb 2016 17:00:00 GMT

Welcome back to Nerds Without Pants! On this episode, Friend of the Show John Gholson joins us to discuss how gaming works with romantic relationships. Before that, we have some Consumption Junction fun. John has been playing a ton of Fallout 4, and also extols the virtues of the Jack Box. We end up getting into a nice conversation regarding Silent Hill and anxiety. Angelo went on vacation and once again got bitten by the Etrian Odyssey bug, while Julian explores Final Fantasy Explorers. Patrick had a weird moment with The Vanishing of Ethan Carter. Our topic has to do with being in a relationship while remaining gamers. For the first time, all three Pantsless Nerds are in relationships, so we talk about how we share our hobby with the women we care about, and successes in getting them involved. John has a much different perspective, and this conversation is deep and informative while still being funny and juvenile. So, it's an episode of NWP. Happy Valentine's Day! Or, if you're single, happy Singles Awareness Day! FEATURED MUSIC: Spandau Ballet- True Chris de Burgh- Lady in Red Ninja Sex Party- Why I Cry Wham!- Careless Whisper

Nerds Without Pants Special: 1994 Video Game Buyer's Guide

Tue, 09 Feb 2016 01:45:00 GMT

Hey folks, lookie here! It's a bonus episode of Nerds Without Pants! This was actually part of our pre-show conversation from episode 80, but it ended up being a pretty fun talk about classic RPGs and other things. Basically, Patrick asks Julian and Angelo for some video game purchasing advice, which turns into this whole thing. Yeah, we end up talking a lot about Final Fantasy as is our way, but it's short, sweet, and you just might learn a thing or two. Or not; we're not professors. Please let us know what you think of the games Patrick ended up with, and if you agree with Julian and Angelo's assessments, or totally want to call them out. Either way, we always want to hear from you!

Nerds Without Pants Episode 80: It's Like GTA Meets...

Sun, 31 Jan 2016 17:00:00 GMT

Welcome to another episode of Nerds Without Pants! We have our first topic episode in ages, thanks to a thought-provoking blog from regular listener transmet2033. Before that, we of course have Consumption Junction. Patrick and Julian no longer see eye to eye on Scott Snyder's Batman, while Angelo dives deep into Megaman Legends. Julian finshed Undertale and wishes he hadn't. We're a little light on games this week, but we make up for it in the topic. And that topic is open world games. After spending some time talking about the genesis of this genre, the Pantsless Ones discuss where they first encountered the open world game, lay out some of their grievances, and make a case for the return of level-based gameplay. We close things out by trying to come up with some ways to move the genre forward. FEATURED MUSIC Guns 'N Roses- Welcome to the Jungle See Saw- To Nowhere (.Hack//Sign) Paul Engemann- Push it to the Limit See Saw- Key of the Twilight (.Hack//Sign)

Nerds Without Pants Special: The Force is With Us

Wed, 20 Jan 2016 05:10:00 GMT

Episode S15: The Saga of the Pants It is a time of galactic turmoil. The NERDS WITHOUT PANTS meet to discuss all things involving THE FORCE AWAKENS. Special guest JENNY WELCH joins the resistance as they talk about the divisive nature of KYLO REN, the awesomeness of REY, the infectious charm of FINN, and much, much more. Enjoy this SPOILER FILLED special edition of NWP.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 79: What a Haul! What a Haul!

Sun, 17 Jan 2016 17:00:00 GMT

Welcome to 2016, and welcome to the first Nerds Without Pants of that year that I just mentioned! The Pantsless Ones come back from break with all sorts of goodies and games to talk about, so let's just jump into it. Angelo details his epic Christmas haul, per the usual. Patrick has put an ungodly amount of time into Persona 4 Golden, and has questions about some PlayStation classics. Julian muses about the aging of RPGs, and what that could mean for that Final Fantasy VII remake. There is also plenty of deep talk about Undertale, Tomb Raider, Until Dawn, and more! Also, hipster nonsense. FEATURED MUSIC: J.G. Thirlwell- The Venture Bros. Theme Michiko Naruke- Lone Bird in the Shire (Wild Arms) Shoji Meguro- Pursuing My True Self (Persona 4 Golden) Toby Fox- Into the Ruins (Undertale) David Bowie- Ziggy Stardust

Nerds Without Pants Episode 78: State of the Generation 2015

Thu, 24 Dec 2015 05:00:00 GMT

Welcome to the last Nerds Without Pants of the year! Hopefully you are getting to listen to this on your way to some holiday destination, or as you set up your shiny new PS4, Xbox One, or Wii U. Enjoy as the Pantsless Ones talk candidly about their feelings on the current generation of consoles. Now that the crew has access to all three machines we can finally evaluate the generation as a whole. While Patrick is still super stoked about his PS4 the bloom has started to come off of the rose a bit for Julian and Angelo. We keep the discussion tight this time, and give some nods to the PS Vita and 3DS. Then we close things out with some talk about the VR future and some of the games we are most looking forward to in 2016. Also, please let us know if you notice an improvement in the audio quality, as we tried something new during the recording and editing process this time. 2015 was rough. Here's to a much better 2016! FEATURED MUSIC: Ninja Sex Party- Everybody Shut Up! David Hasselhoff- True Survivor Ninja Sex Party- NSP Theme Song

Nerds Without Pants Episode 77: Fantasy Gear

Sun, 13 Dec 2015 18:00:00 GMT

Hey, we're back! I told you we would get back on schedule, and this episode of Nerds Without Pants is packed to the gills with video game discussion. This one is coming in hot, so let's get to it, shall we? Angelo kicks off the show with the magic that is Super Mario Maker. Patrick gushes about Metal Gear Solid V, a game that Julian would rather never play again. Whose side are you on in the great Metal Gear debate? Everyone has a PS Vita now, and Angelo and Patrick enjoy having their freedom restricted in video game form. Julian is playing Final Fantasy IX, which kicks off a lengthy discussion about that Final Fantasy VII remake, as well as another sci-fi/fantasy thing that has a VII in its title. We land the plane with some super quick comic book hits. Don't forget to follow the new Nerds Without Pants twitter feed @NWPcast! FEATURED MUSIC: Harry Gregson Williams- Metal Gear Solid 2 intro Shoji Meguro- Shadow World Starbomb- The Book of Nook Nobuo Uematsu- Aeris' Theme John Williams- Star Wars theme (disco version)

Nerds Without Pants Episode 76: Mother's Day

Wed, 25 Nov 2015 17:00:00 GMT

And the Nerds Without Pants make their triumphant return! After four long months, the Pantsless Ones are back together. Come join us as Julian talks about why the show went on hiatus, Patrick's enlightening trip to Ireland, Until Dawn, Tomb Raider, Fallout 4, Star Wars Battlefront, and more! No time to do a normal time stamp blow by blow, but we hope you enjoy this episode as you travel for the Thanksgiving holiday, or are waiting in line for Black Friday deals. We are back for real, and we aren't going anywhere! Also, please follow Nerds Without Pants on our new twitter profile: @NWPcast! FEATURED MUSIC: Spiral Starecase- More Today Than Yesterday Gene Kelly- Singin' in the Rain Dionne Warwick- Promises Promises Judy Garland- Somewhere Over the Rainbow Henry Mancini- Moon River

Nerds Without Pants Special: Digital Mystery Tour

Mon, 16 Nov 2015 05:00:00 GMT

It's been a while, hasn't it? Nerds Without Pants isn't back, but it will be, and soon. Until then, Julian does a one man show as an homage to the failed music podcast experiment Digital Mystery Tour. Enjoy this trip down memory lane, and please look forward to a traditional episode of NWP shortly. FEATURED MUSIC Final Fantasy VI- Celes Secret of Mana- Fear the Heavens Super Metroid- Theme of Super Metroid Demon's Crest- Beyond the Colosseum Symphony of the Night- Woodcarved Palteeta

Backloggers Anonymous Tomb Raider: Legend: Part 2

Tue, 10 Nov 2015 13:00:00 GMT

Casey, Jamie, and Blake are back from Tomb Raider: Legend. Join our level by level breakdown of the experience while Casey gives his thoughts on Lara's character, Jamie expresses his love of the swan dive and Blake rants on why he hates London.

Backloggers Anonymous Tomb Raider: Legend

Fri, 30 Oct 2015 12:00:00 GMT

Just in time for anyone anticipating the new Rise of the Tomb Raider, here comes Backloggers Anonymous with one of Lara Croft's older adventures: Tomb Raider: Legend. Before her franchise was rebooted in 2013, it was rebooted in 2006 as Lara traveled around the world in search of artifacts. Join us as Casey laments for past days of the franchise, Blake trashes the 2013 reboot, and Jamie gets excited over grappling hooks! Tomb Raider: Legend is available on the Playstation 2, Xbox, Gamecube, PC, Xbox 360, and PSP. It is also on the Playstation 3 as a part of the Tomb Raider Trilogy. Intro Music: I've Been Everywhere (Johnny Cash, 1996) Outro Music: Figther (Christina Aguilera, 2002)

Backloggers Anonymous Prince of Persia: Warrior Within Part 2

Sat, 24 Oct 2015 15:00:00 GMT

Casey, JD, and Joaquim are back after playing Prince of Persia: Warrior Within. Join us as Casey rants on the combat, JD raves on the platforming, and Joaquim makes smart ass quips for a discussion with lots and lots of sidetracking. Intro Music: One Way or Another (Blondie, 1978) Outro Music: Back in Time (Huey Lewis and The News, 1984)

Backloggers Anonymous Prince of Persia: Warrior Within

Tue, 08 Sep 2015 01:16:12 GMT

Backloggers Anonymous is back with the most controversial of the Prince of Persia titles. Join us as JD explains why he loves this series and game in particular while perparing himself for future backlash, where we also discuss The Sands of Time, Ubisoft abandoning the series for Assassin's Creed, and the future of the cinematic platformer genre. Intro Music: Time in a Bottle by Jim Croce Outro Music: Untitled Self Portrait by Will Arnett (from The Lego Movie)

Backloggers Anonymous Dead Space 2 Part 2

Sun, 23 Aug 2015 15:00:00 GMT

Casey, JD, and Joaquim are finally back with their thoughts on Dead Space 2. Come as they give their thoughts on the scares, standout moments, story, characters, multiplayer, series as a whole, and....well...let's just say things get kind of weird.

Nerds Without Pants Spoils Batman: Arkham Knight

Sun, 02 Aug 2015 15:30:00 GMT

Welcome to the second ever spoiler cast from Nerds Without Pants! JD and John "Friend of the Show" Gholson join Julian to spoil the ever-loving crap out of Arkham Knight. While all three participants agree that they love this game, there are some criticisms, from story choices to character designs and of course that controversial Batmobile implementation. The coversation closes out with conjecture on what Rocksteady's next game could be. If you haven't finished Arkham Knight yet you'll want to skip this episode. But come back once you do, because it's a great discussion. And now for a very important announcement. Nerds Without Pants will be taking an indefinite hiatus due to personal reasons. Please know that we WILL be back. I just can't say when that will be. We love you all, and be sure to keep it pantsless...always.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 75: Leather-Clad Nerds

Sun, 19 Jul 2015 16:57:00 GMT

Welcome, welcome, to the 75th episode of Nerds Without Pants! It's a monumental occasion, as we are also celebrating our third year anniversary. We celebrate in bombastic fashion, with an epic episode full of surprises and hilarity. If you can make it to the end of this three and a half hour monster we love you. 3:00 Patrick's live reading; a lengthy talk about Metal Gear Solid 28:30 The Last of Us multiplayer; Star Wars Battlefront 35:24 Jurassic World; Patrick gets a lesson in biology; why Ant-Man is so hyped 53:55 Archie #1 is fantastic; Julian's vacation gaming 1:05:00 Devil Survivor; all the talk about Batman 1:36:00 Patrick's triumph over Bloodborne 1:50:00 Angelo's board game corner; "quick" comic book hits; Lady Thor 2:15:00 A nice chat with an old friend 2:51:15 Breaking down the stats of Nerds Without Pants; a farewell to Satoru Iwata FEATURED MUSIC The Lonely Island- D*ck in a Box Cynthia Harrell- Snake Eater Third Eye Blind- Deep Inside of You Danny Elfman- Batman: The Animated Series Theme Starbomb- Luigi's Ballad Koji Kondo- Super Mario World ending theme

Nerds Without Pants Special: The Best of Nerds Without Pants

Mon, 13 Jul 2015 04:00:00 GMT

Howdy, folks! This very special edition is coming to you on the third anniversary of Nerds Without Pants! With our 75th episode fast approaching, we thought it would be fun to take a look back at where we came from and who we were. Enjoy this meaty collection of some of our best bits, from expletive-laden tirades to intimate talks about dude crushes to multiple stories of personal failure. There is something for everybody in this very special NWP. Also: Statham Sightings(tm)! FEATURED MUSIC: Joe Esposito- You're The Best Boyz II Men- I'll Make Love to You Stone Temple Pilots- Sex Type Thing Michael and Jeff Danna- The Blood of Cuchuclainn Tom Jones- She's a Lady Unknown- Overly Manly Man Theme Unknown- Sonic the Hedgehog Theme A Simple Plan- How Could This Happen to Me Gary Garcia and Jerry Buckner- Pac Man Fever Nobuo Uematsu- Mog House

Nerds Without Pants Episode 74: Symphony of the Pantsless Nerds

Sun, 28 Jun 2015 16:00:00 GMT

No time for a long post, folks. Julian is on vacation. We hope you like this abbreviated episode of Nerds Without Pants, because episode 75 is gonna be EPIC. Enjoy this short but sweet episode of NWP as we talk about a cool new game that Angelo is interested in Kickstarting, a whole bunch of comics, Julian's trip to see Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses, and a little bit of Splatoon and Firewatch. We're still waiting to get some audio greetings from listeners for episode 75. You don't have to do anything elaborate. Even just making a recording into your phone will do! Just send them to julian@pixlbit.com with the subject line NWP 75. FEATURED MUSIC: Overture (The Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses) Starbomb- God of No More Ninja Sex Party- Unicorn Wizard

Nerds Without Pants Special: E3 2015: The Phantom Hololens

Fri, 19 Jun 2015 04:25:00 GMT

Well, we didn't think we had anything more to say, but here we are with the third Nerds Without Pants E3 special in a row. You lucky people! Patrick and Julian spend the time hitting some games that we forgot about, like Metal Gear Solid V, For Honor, and that pirate game from Rare that I can't remember the name of because I'm exhausted. We also talk about the potential for VR, and the sorcery that was that Hololens Minecraft demo. Enjoy!

Nerds Without Pants Special: E3 2015: Salty Morph Balls

Thu, 18 Jun 2015 04:21:00 GMT

The Nerds Without Pants are back for more E3 discussion, and we brought some friends! We are joined by JD and Pixlbit site director-turned-game-programmer Nick to talk about all sorts of fun things! We get Nick and JD's impressions of the press conferences and some of their highlights before getting into some lengthy talk about the additions to Super Smash Bros. Wii U. JD vents about that somewhat dreadful-looking Metroid Prime game, and we have some nice things to say about Call of Duty. We close out by picking our number one most anticipated games for 2015 and 2016. Enjoy!

Nerds Without Pants Special: E3 2015: Exploding Pants

Wed, 17 Jun 2015 04:45:00 GMT

Hey guys an gals! No time for talking in this post, because this E3 special of Nerds Without Pants is coming in hot. The Pantsless Ones talk about the major press conferences and are amazed at how excited they are for this year's show (and next year's games!). There was no time for Julian to work his usual editing magic so we hope you all enjoy anyway. E3!!! We discuss Bethesda, Microsoft, EA, Sony, Nintendo, and close out with Square Enix. We have a lot of great games to talk about and I know we missed out on a ton, but we'll be back tomorrow with more impressions. Let us know what you think in the comments section!

Nerds Without Pants Episode 73: All Aboard the E3 Hype Train

Sun, 14 Jun 2015 17:00:00 GMT

Welcome to the last Nerds Without Pants before E3 2015! Angelo and Julian get together to catch up on a bunch of Consumption Junction (and anime, apparently), as well as talk about their hopes and dreams for the Electronic Entertainment Expo. Enjoy! 3:13 A lengthy anime discussion 26:40 Dawn of War; Angelo finally succumbs to Steam; Julian retiring from gaming 40:40 Julian REALLY sucks at Hearthstone; The Slam Masters podcast 53:15 Julian’s farewell tour of Final Fantasy XI 1:01:24 Angelo and Julian have some issues with this console generation; cautious E3 hype FEATURED MUSIC: Quad City DJs- Come on and Ride It (The Train) Ranma ½ Season 1 Opener Final Fantasy XI- Voyager Brentalfloss- Wii Shop Music With Lyrics

Nerds Without Pants Episode 72: Endless Forms Most Beautiful

Sun, 31 May 2015 16:00:00 GMT

Welcome to a rocking episode of Nerds Without Pants! It’s an all Consumption Junction edition, because the Pantsless Ones have lots to say about futuristic cruise ships, goth metal concerts, virtual card obsessions, and much, much more! 3:20 Angelo’s Summer Vacation; pyromaniac bride; the cruise ship of the future 22:30 Patrick lives to rock; Hearthstone real talk 39:17 Julian has his face melted off by Nightwish 51:55 Angelo’s Board Game Corner; Patrick reads Saga; The epic new game store in Angelo’s hood 1:16:07 Julian spent a lot of money backing Bloodstained and needs to say why 1:29:00 Patrick’s new TV; Mad Max: Fury Road; Avengers: Age of Ultron; Julian’s movie debut FEATURED MUSIC: Nightwish- Shudder Before the Beautiful Delain- Army of Dolls Sabaton- The Art of War Xandria- Nightfall Nightwish- Endless Forms Most Beautiful

Nerds Without Pants Episode 71: B Sides

Sun, 17 May 2015 17:00:00 GMT

Welcome to a fun-filled episode of Nerds Without Pants! We are joined once again by Friend Of The Show John Gholson to talk all about B movies and B games. What exactly do those entail? I'm glad you asked. Fortunately, we have John's incredible knowledge of film to lead the way. We skip the Consumption Junction portion of the show and instead split it into a section on movies and a section on video games. Enjoy! In the movie portion of the show, John gives us a working definition of B movie. It's more complex than you might think! We talk about some of our earliest experiences with B movies, why we actively seek them out, and the sweet, sweet pain of Santa Claus Meets The Ice Cream Bunny. Yup. Julian takes the reins of the video game section, where he lays out what he means by B games. It turns out that it is an even tougher thing to pin down than B movies. Basically, we know them when we see them. We talk about guilty pleasures, good games that time forgot, and finish things off with the most embarrassing game in our personal collections.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 70: Eternal Nerds

Sun, 03 May 2015 16:00:00 GMT

Welcome back! Angelo is on vacation this week, so Patrick and Julian take some time to catch up on some Consumption Junction and a bunch of comic book talk. 2:20 Game of Thrones; Powers 21:45 Julian is better at Rogue Legacy than Patrick; Bloodborne is pretty okay 41:56 Patrick is still way too lucky at Hearthstone; Mortal Kombat X 1:06:00 Massive comic book roundup 1:47:28 Patrick and Julian weigh in on Jared Leto’s Joker 1:56:20 BONUS: Batman Eternal spoiler conversation FEATURED MUSIC Theme song from The Tick Craig Armstrong- Favela Escape (The Incredible Hulk) Starbomb- Mortal Kombat High Ramin Djawadi- Gulmira (Iron Man) Neil Hefti- Batman Theme

Nerds Without Pants Episode 69: Subcon

Sun, 19 Apr 2015 16:00:00 GMT

Hello, friends! Grab some warm milk, position your sleep mask, and allow the Nerds Without Pants to escort you into the world of dreams. Video game dreams, that is! After a lengthy Consumption Junction section, the Pantsless Ones talk all about the use of dreams in gaming. We may deviate from the plan a couple of times, as is our way. CONSUMPTION JUNCTION 2:40 Angelo’s PS4 impressions; Final Fantasy XV 30:40 Final Fantasy Record Keepers; free to play games; NWP shill for Blizzard 44:50 Patrick’s love/hate/love relationship with Bloodborne; Lewis Black is awesome; boss battles are an art 58:30 The Order 1886; Axiom Verge; Valiant Hearts TOPIC: VIDEO GAME DREAMSCAPES 1:24:08 Super Mario Bros. 2 is the third best Mario Game; pizza dreams 1:30:45 The dreamy backstory of Shadow; Link’s Awakening is amazing and depressing 1:48:00 Chopin’s deathbed; Donkey Kong is tripping balls; Patrick’s comic book death rant 1:58:00 Angelo has permission to talk about Nier; Dreamfall returns; our video game related dreams FEATURED MUSIC The Ataris- San Dimas High School Football Rules Gary Wright- The Dream Weaver P!nk- Catch Me While I’m Sleeping Cranberries- Dreams Axiom Verge- Inexorable Robbi Rob- In Time

Nerds Without Pants Episode 68: Foolish Nerds

Sun, 05 Apr 2015 18:00:00 GMT

Welcome to a special April Fool’s edition of Nerds Without Pants! Sure, it’s not April 1 anymore, but we recorded this on April 1, so it counts. No, really. CONSUMPTION JUNCTION 3:22 Final Fantasy XV; Final Fantasy Record Keeper 15:00 The delay of Zelda Wii U; Majora’s Mask; what we want from the next Zelda 26:40 Bloodborne; game delays; the future of Metal Gear and Hideo Kojima 38:33 The latest mega gift from Angelo’s wife; Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze 51:50 Disney’s Cinderella; pinball; Angelo’s table top gaming store pickups 1:11:57 Angelo is an Inspire Pro Wrestling fan; Julian talks about Inspire Pro Phenomenon TOPIC: Video Game April Fool’s 1:35:15 The history of the EGM April Fool’s gags 1:50:37 The huge amount of disinformation in the arcades; Krazy Mortal Kombat legends 2:30:58 The best April Fool’s gags; avoiding the internet on April 1 3:10:05 Patrick’s Poetry Corner returns 3:40:10 The purpose of being; philosophic nerds 4:01:15 The final episode of Nerds Without Pants FEATURED MUSIC: Ninja Sex Party- Dinosaur Laser Fight Starbomb- It’s Dangerous to Go Alone

Nerds Without Pants Episode 67: The Best Laid Plans

Sun, 22 Mar 2015 16:30:00 GMT

Welcome to Nerds Without Pants, new listeners and old! We’re missing Angelo this week, but we have a huge special guest named Patrick Klepek. You’ve heard of him, maybe? He’s here to talk about interesting game mechanics that we’d like to see exploited more often, and it’s sure to be an interesting episode. Enjoy! TOPIC: THE BEST LAID PLANS We talk about bringing urban traversal into horror games, the somewhat stressful but satisfying time rewinding mechanic of Majora’s Mask, making tough decisions in video games, the trend towards more challenging titles, value proposition, and more. CONSUMPTION JUNCTION It’s a light edition of Consumption Junction since we are a man down and it had only been a week between recording. Julian and Patrick talk about the first episode of Powers (spoiler alert: Julian is not pleased). Julian has turned the corner on Rogue Legacy, and he and Patrick compare strategies and war stories. And that’s about it! It’s a shorter episode, but we hope you enjoy. Patrick Klepek is just the beginning, folks. Nerds Without Pants is on the rise, and it’s thanks to you. Keep it pantsless, internet! FEATURED MUSIC Paul Kandel-Topsy Turvy Dark Souls- Gaping Dragon Starbomb- The Hero of Rhyme Jane Pinckard and Eric Haller- The 1up Show

Nerds Without Pants Episode 66: The Great White Buffalo

Sun, 08 Mar 2015 16:00:00 GMT

Welcome back to Nerds Without Pants! It’s been almost a full month since the Pantsless Ones got together to record, and after the heavy topic of episode 65 they decide to keep things light. So that means two hours of meandering talk about video games, comics, blasphemy, and indie pro wrestling, among other things. Enjoy! 2:45 PS Plus Roundup: Valiant Hearts; Ollie Ollie 2; Oddworld New and Tasty 14:25 Patrick and Angelo go deep into Hearthstone talk; Angelo is a cheapskate; platforming skills 40:10 Comic book roundup: Saga; Thor; Batman Year One; Bedlam; Ready Player One 1:11:00 Angelo falls back into Magic; Code Combat; DuckTales 1:33:30 Julian’s hate/love for Rogue Legacy; Game of Thrones episode 2 1:43:40 The unadulterated awesomeness that is Inspire Pro Wrestling FEATURED MUSIC Double Dragon Neon- City Streets 2 (Neon Neon) Rogue Legacy- Trilobyte (Castle) Strawberry Alarm Clock- Incense and Peppermints DuckTales- Moon Craig Robinson- Stay

Nerds Without Pants Episode 65.5: Catharsis

Sun, 22 Feb 2015 17:00:00 GMT

Well hello again. It’s time for part two of Nerds Without Pants episode 65: the show so nice we named it twice. This is a continuation of our lengthy discussion with Liana Kerzer, and this entire episode is about mental health and how video games can tie into that and even help. This ends up being a very personal episode of Nerds Without Pants, and you are about to see a different side of Angelo, Patrick, and Julian. So enjoy, and we hope that this topic begins some open discussion. Keep in mind that there are spoilers for the Gears of War and God of War series throughout. TOPIC: MENTAL HEALTH AND VIDEO GAMES 6:20 The surprising emotional resonance of Gears of War; the introspective marketing of the game; working through pain internally 15:30 How Angelo’s past affected his relationships; seeking help through support groups 22:20 Patrick’s experience having ADHD; getting along having autism and aspergers 34:35 The humanization of mentally ill characters in video games 39:00 Liana coming out as having Post Traumatic Stress Disorder; dealing with triggers; Kratos is a checklist for PTSD 54:40 The responsibility of video game marketing to address triggers in trailers; Liana’s terrifying E3 experience 1:09:03 Julian’s very personal account of his recent traumas; healing with video games; the need to talk through problems 1:25:00 How video games can help give a new thing to focus on; changing the stoic male role model; using RPGs to learn about yourself 1:36:00 Using video games to heal physical pain and keep the mind sharp RELATED ARTICLES The Healing Power of Video Games Some of Gaming’s Greatest Heroes Are Mentally Ill, and That’s a Good Thing Why We Game FEATURED MUSIC Katie Costello- The Weirds Michael Andrews & Gary Jules- Mad World Damien Rice- It Takes a Lot to Know a Man Ingrid Michaelson- Be OK

Nerds Without Pants Episode 65: Chatting With Liana K

Sun, 15 Feb 2015 17:00:00 GMT

Welcome to an unintentionally bonus edition of Nerds Without Pants! Angelo hosts this episode, featuring special guest Liana Kerzer. Liana is a TV and internet personality who also writes about video games for Metaleater. The reason for Liana’s visit was to talk about mental health in relation to video games, but we had such a great time talking to her that the episode went beyond 3 hours. So we’ve decided to split the Consumption Junction and topic portions of the show into two. Please enjoy a lengthy Consumption Junction this week, and come back for our regular time next week as we discuss mental health and the healing power of video games. 4:05 A little bit about Liana; talking about her new book Wrestling With Gods: Tesseracts 18 11:45 Evolve; some of those issues with DLC 26:45 Game of Thrones beer (not really); Rogue Legacy; getting into Roguelikes 38:00 Patrick’s complicated relationship with Destiny; Fifty Shades of Grey is terrible 52:14 An update on Patrick’s Rocksmith journey; Thief; Hitman Absolution is better than you think 1:08:45 Julian’s epic first comic con experience; cosplay is awesome 1:24:52 Mighty Dungeons; Megaman X 2; Angelo introduces his boy to Metroid Prime FEATURED MUSIC: Katie Costello- Cassette Tape The Rolling Stones- Under My Thumb Nightwish- The Crow, The Owl and the Dove

Nerds Without Pants Episode 64: NINTENDO SIXTY FOUR

Sun, 08 Feb 2015 17:00:00 GMT

Welcome to the 64th episode of Nerds Without Pants! As you may have guessed (because Julian is a lazy dude that loves easy topics), this episode is all about the Nintendo 64. Come join the Pantsless Ones as we discuss the mouthwatering anticipation for Project Reality, some of our favorite and obscure games for the platform, and where it sits in video game history. It’s a fun and free-flowing conversation that may be a little different than the usual retrospective type podcasts. Stay tuned after the final song for Julian's mini rant about the Royal Rumble. Enjoy! FEATURED MUSIC: Super Mario 64- Main Theme The Legend of Zelda: The Ocarina of Time- Title Screen Buck Bumble- Title Screen

Nerds Without Pants Episode 63: Killer Community Cuts

Fri, 23 Jan 2015 19:25:00 GMT

Well hello there! It’s time for another excellent community-driven episode of Nerds Without Pants. What does that mean, exactly? It means a bunch of fun, random, bite-sized topics. We are joined by Casey to talk about Pokemon, Drakengard 3, a look at some of our favorite consoles, piracy, and more! CONSUMPTION JUNCTION 2:25 Wolfenstein: The New Order; Beyond Good & Evil is meh; the woes of Assassin’s Creed 14:55 The dark rabbit hole of competitive Pokemon 29:10 Patrick is part of the cool Destiny kids; Boyhood; more pinball talk; 44:15 Comic book rundown: Modern Wolverine sucks; Drifter; Invincible Volume 19 and 20; The Walking Dead 55:50 The dark rabbit hole of speed runs; Ace Combat 6; Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1989); Kingdom Hearts 2 COMMUNITY TOPICS 1:18:30 Drakengard 3 and Bayonetta 2 1:28:34 Nintendo had a pretty good 2014; Julian wants a Little Mac Amiibo 1:45:00 The best console to buy this year 1:57:22 The huge backlog shame of the Nerds Without Pants 2:11:35 Should certain subjects be taboo for video games?; the ethics of piracy when games aren’t available (and you can listen to our entire piracy episode here) FEATURED MUSIC Selections from Killer Cuts: The Instinct Freeze! Do it Now Controlling Transmission K.I. Feeling Starbomb- Toad Joins the Band

Nerds Without Pants Episode 62: Rolling Into the New Year

Sun, 11 Jan 2015 17:00:00 GMT

It’s a new year, and the nerds without pants are back with an epic, 3 hour extravaganza! Wait, come back, because you’re gonna want to listen to all of this. Not only do we have a great discussion about Christmas loot, Dragon Age, Game of Thrones, and Destiny, but we also have a very special interview with David Evans and Jamie Roboz, who worked on NWP indie favorite Rollers of the Realm. Enjoy! CONSUMPTION JUNCTION 3:35 Angelo’s Christmas haul; Amazon shipping woes; PS2 collections; Mario 64 memories 29:10 Patrick is a rock god; Destiny finally becomes great; epic loot; PS Plus games for January 45:36 SPECIAL: An Interview With David Evans and Jamie Roboz of Phantom Compass, Developers of Rollers of the Realm; moving from triple A development to indie games; the origins of Phantom Compass; translating pinball into an RPG; dream arcade setups; voice direction and casting; Rollers of the Realm Easter eggs and super tips; Torchy’s Tacos 1:45:50 Dragon Age Inquisition is Julian’s biggest letdown of 2014; Julian’s thesis for why current open world games are overdone 2:01:20 Game of Thrones: the video game and the TV show; Julian’s amended freebee five list; the problem with Telltale games 2:15:00 Comic book roundup: Sex Criminals; Batman issue 37 (spoilers from 2:18:40-2:27:24); Mono; Cap Stone; Rumble 2:39:20 Julian’s humbling 100 Match Melee with JD on Street Fighter IV; looking forward to Street Fighter V FEATURED MUSIC Starbomb- Smash! The Wonderful 101- Victory Mark Hamill- Only You Exile- Indestructible

Nerds Without Pants Episode 61: The Music of a Generation

Wed, 24 Dec 2014 15:00:00 GMT

By now you have probably opened all of your presents and are wondering what else to do with your day. Since you can’t go to the theater to watch The Interview (topical!), why not kick back with some eggnog and listen to the Nerds Without Pants have an exhaustive discussion about some of our favorite music from the seventh console generation? And yes, I realize that I blundered when I brought up BioShock Infinite. We were almost 4 hours into recording, so cut me some slack! Happy Festivus! EDIT: You can thank Angelo for pushing to get this episode out early for you Christmas Eve travelers. Enjoy! FEATURED MUSIC: The Who: My Generation Super Mario Galaxy—Gusty Garden Galaxy Mass Effect 2—Suicide Mission Mass Effect—The Normandy Final Fantasy XIII—Blinded by Light Heavy Rain— Ethan Mars theme Ace Combat 6—Liberation of Gracemaria Spec Ops—The 33rd Batman: Arkham City—Wham, Gotcha! Skyrim—Streets of Whiterun Fable 2—Bowerstone Market Scott Pilgrim—Another Winter Double Dragon Neon –Final Palace Shatter—Neon Mines Emil Chronicle Online—Under the Pressure Little Big Planet 2—Batteroo Diablo 3—New Tristram Shadow Warrior—Risen From the Ashes Corpse Party—Chapter 5 Main Theme Portal—Still Alive Metal Gear Rising—It Has to Be This Way Nier—Song of the Ancients Alan Wake—The Poet and the Muse FIFA ’14—Hit It (American Authors) BioShock Infinite—God only Knows (Barbershop Quartet) Fallout 3—I Don’t Want to Set the World on Fire (The Ink Spots) Gran Turismo 5—Piano Sonata No. 17 in D Minor (Ludwig van Beethoven) Saints Row 3—What I Got (female voice 2) Cave Story—On to Grass Town Red Dead Redemption—Far Away (Jose Gonzales)

Nerds Without Pants Episode 60: Risky Business

Sun, 14 Dec 2014 17:00:00 GMT

Welcome to the last regular episode of Nerds Without Pants of 2014! Since it is our last opportunity to talk about what media we’ve been consuming until January, we get together and…not really talk much about video games. Huh. Well, it’s a show, anyway. 2:23 Julian’s black Friday adventure; again with the free to play; Knights & Dragons; Clash of Clans; Angelo is an elitist gamer 17:50 Escape Plan; The Binding of Isaac; Julian questions buying discs 27:50 Injustice: Gods Among Us; Fighting games, Metal Warriors 36:00 Angelo + Rollers of the Realm devs = BFFs?; XCOM is really hard 46:00 Angelo’s Risky holiday tradition, The Neverending Story, Children observations about gaming 1:12:40 Patrick’s problem with Outlast FEATURED MUSIC: Jo Li- Everything is Awesome Will Arnette- Batman

Nerds Without Pants Episode 59: Nobody Expects the Pokeapocalypse

Sun, 30 Nov 2014 23:00:00 GMT

Welcome back to Nerds Without Pants! Casey joins us for the first time to talk a lot about Dragon Age Inquisition. Come for the video game discussion. Stay for the talk about furries and sexual puns. No time for a blow by blow recap this time folks. It's been a crazy holiday week, but we hope you enjoy lots of talk about Dragon Age Inquisition, Rollers of the Realm, Enslaved, Pokemon, Super Smash Bros. Wii U, and assorted random craziness. FEATURED MUSIC: Mel Brooks- The Inquisition Alice Cooper- No More Mister Nice Guy Stan Bush- The Touch

Nerds Without Pants Episode 58: Free to Play

Sun, 16 Nov 2014 17:00:00 GMT

Well hello, there! Unfortunately it’s a two man band again this time, as Patrick was out for work reasons. Angelo and Julian hold down the fort by talking for FAR TOO LONG about mobile games, free to play philosophy, and Christmas shopping. 1:55 Julian likes his monster phone; Julian doesn’t know what Tera Battle is 1:15 Hearthstone; Spider-Man Unlimited 21:25 Dealing with free to play economy; Heroes of Dragon Age 40:43 Monster Strike; Rollers of the Realm anticipation 50:55 Christmas shopping at the Grant household; Olive Garden is fine dining for Julian 1:06:45 Julian’s epic weekend roadtrip; Julian is still a young and virile man; Angelo vs. The Tick FEATURED MUSIC: Brendan Small- Alone Brendan Small- Livin’ Like a Bug Ain’t Easy Brendan Small- Mr. Pants

Nerds Without Pants Episode 57: Hallow3en Havoc

Fri, 31 Oct 2014 10:06:06 GMT

Hey all! Happy Halloween Havoc part tres! No time to go into detail on this one unfortunately. I had to shotgun it to get it ready for release on the big day. Listen to us talk about not scary things that scare us as you get ready to paint the town (blood) red. Also, the honeymoon is over for Destiny and Patrick, Angelo and Julian get down with Bayonetta, and when we bring up Batman # 35 it's spoiler country, so you have been warned!

Nerds Without Pants Episode 56: An Arrow Flashes in Mordor

Sun, 19 Oct 2014 16:00:00 GMT

Welcome back to Nerds Without Pants! Angelo is out this week, which means Patrick and Julian talk way too long about comic books and TV. But at least we bookend it with some Destiny and Shadow of Mordor. 0:00 Intro; Patrick’s experience with Destiny’s endgame 12:00 Comics Roundup: God is Dead; Powers TV trailer; Gotham; Thor 35:19 Selling Patrick on Arrow and The Flash TV shows 41:17 The end of the New 52? 45:28 Spelunky; a little more Diablo 3 50:38 Halloween Havoc 3; The creepy lady from PT 55:10 Julian’s epic Shadow of Mordor nemesis FEATURED MUSIC: Vince DiCola- Escape “Lorde”- Push (Feeling Good on a Wednesday)

Nerds Without Pants Episode 55: Stop Playing With Yourself...

Fri, 03 Oct 2014 16:00:00 GMT

This week, on a very special Nerds Without Pants: JD joins the crew and puts Julian on the therapist’s couch to try to get to the bottom of his deep-rooted issues with multiplayer. Spoiler alert: there’s more going on here than not wanting to be called names by a 14 year old. CONSUMPTION JUNCTION 3:15 Tales of Xillia 2; annoying release schedules; Destiny; Super Smash Bros. 3DS 15:12 Hyrule Warriors; manic chickens; 25:40 Patrick’s throat disease; more Destiny; Fez 37:50 Shadow of Mordor; DuckTales Remastered 50:40 Julian’s tales of Diablo 3 triumph and tribulation 59:45 Comic roundup: Future’s End; Amazing Spider-Man; Trees TOPIC: Play With Me 1:09:00 Julian’s anxiety; everyone’s intro into multiplayer; MOAR Destiny 1:31:00 The difference between FPS and fighting game skills; that stress of competitive multiplayer 1:47:45 Meeting cool people online; early MMO memories 1:57:20 Favorite multiplayer moments FEATURED MUSIC Sammy Hagar- I Can’t Drive 55 Palette Swap Ninja-Halo (This is all I Play Oh) Aimee Mann- One Lene- Play With Me

Nerds Without Pants Episode 54: You, Me, and the ESRB

Fri, 19 Sep 2014 16:00:00 GMT

Hello there! This week we are once again joined by the talented John Gholson to talk about some games, comics, and absolutely nothing controversial at all. Except for Gamer Gate. And the ESRB. Yeah, this one is gonna be divisive… CONSUMPTION JUNCTION 2:15 John’s recent doings; Spider-Man Unlimited iOS; free-to-play games 12:02 Digital comics; the future of digital readers; John’s choice words for Patrick about Aqua Man 28:42 Patrick plays Sports Friends; Riot Fest; Patrick asks for purchasing advice for Destiny 40:20 John talks about growing up geek in East Texas 46:48 All about the dreaded #GamerGate 1:22:08 TOPIC: The ESRB 1:29:38 Is the ratings system effective; the difference in descriptors between games and movies 1:33:35 The lack of education for game ratings; finding the right compromise for young gamers 1:43:30 Some of the flaws in the ESRB 1:50:45 Remembering GTA San Andreas Hot Coffee 2:01:10 Looking into possible improvements in parental controls FEATURED MUSIC: The Pretty Reckless- Heaven Knows Danny Elfman- The Little Things Poets of the Fall- War Poe- Not a Virgin

Backloggers Anonymous Final Fantasy X Finale

Fri, 12 Sep 2014 16:00:00 GMT

No... Not fans of Backloggers (although that would be nice) I decided since the FFX soundtrack is already world famous, I'd throw in some fan made versions of some of the music. If you like what you hear, they're all from YouTube. I'll post the links so you can hear the songs in their entirety. Sadly, Jamie couldn't make the recording and, although I said in the show he would contribute something in writing, he hasn't had time to do that either. That's the thing about being an adult, sometimes you just can't make all the time you'd like for your hobbies. Anyway, check out our final thoughts, and here's the links for the music used in the show in the order they appear. Enjoy! TPR - Yuna's Theme (Piano Version) Family Jules - To Zanarkand TPR - Servants of the Mountain (FFX Mt. Gagazet Theme) Frank Hamilton - Final Fantasy X Battle Theme

Nerds Without Pants Episode 53: NWP's Summer Vacation

Sun, 07 Sep 2014 20:30:00 GMT

We’re a couple days late, but it’s never truly too late to enjoy a new episode of Nerds Without Pants. This week, Angelo and Julian are recovering from vacation, Patrick convinces a non-gamer friend why games are cool, Disney world is awesome, and more! 2:45 Patrick’s movie binge; pouring one out for Robin Williams; Julian buys amazing art prints 19:30 Man of Steel; Patrick hates The Flash; the sad fate of Aquaman 27:45 Comic book round up; Julian wants a She-Hulk TV show; Batman Eternal 35:30 What to do when you finish a long game; Doom 3 BFG; Azure Striker GunVolt 48:45 The strange origin of Stardust 53:26 Julian is still in love with Diablo 3 1:02:25 Angelo talks about his Epic Disney Odyssey…at LENGTH FEATURED MUSIC: The Go Gos- Vacation Weird Al Yankovic- Skipper Dan Kenny Loggins- Return to Pooh Corner

Nerds Without Pants Episode 52: Not So New

Fri, 22 Aug 2014 16:00:00 GMT

It’s a random episode of Nerds Without Pants! Command? (Hopefully you selected “listen”). Angelo isn’t here this time, what with him going on Space Mountains and Splash Mountains and all sorts of Disney Mountains, so Patrick and Julian hold down the fort with some fun Consumption Junction topics. Enjoy! 3:00 Fez, Road Not Taken, childhood PC games 10:51 PT (that Silent Hill sorta-but-not-really-a-demo), 23:35 Patrick’s roundabout assessment of Tomb Raider, the “wisdom” of exclusivity, Julian loves norse mythology more than Patrick 35:10 Julian’s new Hearthstone addiction, Blizzard is genius/evil 43:25 The lack of community in recent MMORPGs 48:30 Julian is sucked back in to Diablo 3 58:00 Some new PS4 games announced at Gamescom 1:05:30 Movie roundup: Expendables 3, Lucy, Ninja Turtles 1:22:05 Comic roundup: Deadpool, Batman: Zero Year, the problem with repeated relaunches FEATURED MUSIC: The Blast Processors- Genesis Does Akira Yamaoka- Rain of Brass Petals Nobuo Uematsu- Recollection Poe- Wild Partners in Kryme- Turtle Power

Nerds Without Pants Episode 51: Community Chest

Fri, 08 Aug 2014 16:00:00 GMT

I'm up against a deadline folks, so I will have to keep this description of Nerds Without Pants brief. See what I did there? Ahem. It's a show brought to you by...you! The listeners and bloggers at PixlBit keep the Pantsless Ones hopping with a plethora of varied topics. From Power Rangers to a trio of horrorific talking points to the state of Sonic the Hedgehog, this episode has plenty to please you. Regular listeners: let us know how this episode sounds, as it's our first time using our webcams while we record, which I feel made for a much more natural conversational flow. Also: actual outtakes! Thanks for all your submissions, and keep 'em coming! FEATURED MUSIC: Theme to the '80s X-Men cartoon pilot Killer Instinct- The Way U Move Silent Hill 4- Fortunate Sleep Contra- Jungle Punch Out!!- Little Mac's Confession

Nerds Without Pants Episode 50: Holofoil Covers

Fri, 25 Jul 2014 16:00:00 GMT

They said we’d never make it! They said we’d fail after a couple episodes! They said we wouldn’t survive, and yet here we stand, defiant! Okay, maybe nobody ever said that, but I sure as shootin’ didn’t expect to be posting the 50th episode of Nerds Without Pants! We do things in style with the biggest assembly of pantsless nerds yet. Fan favorites Erika Szabo and John Gholson join us to celebrate this huge milestone. 1:34 Quarter bins and John’s insanely huge comic collection 5:30 Erika talks her new day job; John and Julian wax nostalgic about indie video game retail 18:80 Erika updates us on the amazing things she’s been up to since her last appearance 25:00 Convention virgin Julian consults Erika, John, and Patrick about what to expect at PAX South 40:45 Patrick actually hasn’t played FIFA this time, and talks about “books” 46:30 Julian has hope that his crazy Final Fight movie could actually be made. Statham Sighting™! 48: 50 Angelo finally saw The Lego Movie and is getting some surprising swag from his wife 1:05:00 Julian’s retro dive into the PS One; Angelo watches bad games on YouTube; that MK remake; Johns N64 wrestling habit 1:18:00 That Destiny beta, tho 1:39:00 The myth of the 17th Colossus; John’s comic book-style movie reviews FEATURED MUSIC Stan Bush- Dare Mega Man 2- Dr. Wily’s Castle (melancholy mix) Tenacious D- Tribute The Blast Processors f/Erika Szabo- The Cool Spot

Nerds Without Pants Episode 49: Who Watches the Watch Dogs?

Fri, 11 Jul 2014 16:00:00 GMT

It’s an episode of Nerds Without Pants 8 months in the making! Watch Dogs is the impetus for this very thoughtful discussion about our addiction to technology, the insidious way that we are expected to share everything about our lives, the intrusive NSA, and more. But first, Consumption Junction! CONSUMPTION JUNCTION 2:20 Shovel Knight, Julian’s problem with retro-style indie games 20:30 Angelo watches an entire let’s play of Shadow Warrior 29:11 Patrick’s FIFA corner, Patrick’s comic book picks, Julian exposes fresh minds to comics, Patrick’s adventures in babysitting 55:10 Julian’s recent trips to Pinballz Arcade, that Hercules table, the weird feel of modern pinball 1:06:30-1:22:20 WARP ZONE (behind the scenes cutting room floor stuff that you might want to skip) TOPIC: THE CHILLING WORLD OF WATCH DOGS 1:25:37 Angelo weighs in on raising kids in an environment full of tech. 1:33:05 Patrick talks about how uncomfortable things can be for kids that aren’t allowed to have devices. 1:39:00 Julian’s distrust of smart phones and social media. 1:54:00 The creepy Minority Report-style advertising that is popping up. 2:08:05 The future fate of people living online when they reach middle age FEATURED MUSIC John Williams- Imperial March Daft Punk- Recognizer Weird Al Yankovic- All About the Pentiums Rockwell- Somebody’s Watching Me

Backloggers Anonymous Final Fantasy X Part 2

Thu, 03 Jul 2014 16:00:00 GMT

This time on Backloggers: Julian knows everything about this game, Jamie is fed up with Blitzball (Julian too I guess), and Angelo can't remember any character's name! Bad voice acting is good! Chirpy young characters aren't obnoxious! FF XIII might not be as bad as I thought! (OK, wait, yes it is, anyway) CHAOS! CHAOS! Speaking of chaos, we had some serious issues recording this. I had to do a ton of editing to get the podcast to sound decent, but there's going to be some skips, choppy speech, and robot voice happening. Anyway, enjoy the show, share some more comments we can discuss on the next show, and we hope you're enjoying this as much as we are.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 48: Back in the Saddle

Fri, 27 Jun 2014 16:00:00 GMT

Sorry folks, but this one is coming in hot! As in, recorded less than twelve hours ago hot. So apologies for another rough episode. We almost didn't record this week, but life, ah, ah, finds a way. Lots of stuff is touched upon this time, with a little E3 mop up, Angelo's beef with Fable, Julian's apathy towards video games, and ABSOLUTELY NO WORLD CUP TALK. Oh, we probably talk about Maleficent for a long time, but not nearly as long as Angelo talks about board games or Patrick talks about comics. So yay? I don't know. We'll do better next time. I promise. FEATURED MUSIC Aqua- My Oh My Aqua- Freaky Friday

Nerds Without Pants Special:E3 2014:The Epilogue:For Real

Sat, 14 Jun 2014 04:15:00 GMT

Man, that E3 was a bummer, wasn't it? Or..not? I don't even know anymore. I had a rough week at work and I've spent most of my freetime podcasting, but it sure feels to me like this was one boring show with little to be excited for. Fortunately, I have Jesse and Nick to tell my why I'm wrong! It's a well-rounded look back at E3 2014. I could tell you what we talked about, but it's late and I'm tired. I know there's a lot of Nintendo in there. And Rainbow Six. And social disease. You'll see. Oh, and apologies once again for the slipshod production values. We'll be back to normal in two weeks. E3, Y'ALL!

Nerds Without Pants Special: E3 2014: The Nintendoing

Thu, 12 Jun 2014 04:33:00 GMT

Hello again! It's the second Nerds Without Pants E3 special, and we're joined by our resident Rockstar (tm), JD to talk about...well, pretty much just Nintendo. Even Julian has to admit that Nintendo did a lot of things right, and their E3 lineup is pretty killer. Angelo couldn't make it to this recording but he's with the Pantsless Ones in spirit (via email). We run down basically the entire digital event game by game, and spend waaaay too much time talking Smash Bros. Enjoy!

Nerds Without Pants Special: E3 2014 - Part One: The Beginning

Wed, 11 Jun 2014 04:26:00 GMT

Well hello there! I have no time to talk, because we recorded this just now and had terrible technical difficulties and I didn't have time to do my normal editing magic so unfortunately you'll have to take a page from Adam Orth's book and deal with it which is why I am doing this massive run-on. Whew! This is the first of our E3 specials, and like I said, it's a little rough. But since we're under a time crunch I hope you understand. We came away from the first day of press conferences with a collective "meh". Well, except for Patrick, who is so in love with Sony's showing that he can't contain his excitement. We hope you enjoy this episode, and let us know what you think of the convention so far in the comments below!

Nerds Without Pants Episode 47: We Have Crystal Balls

Fri, 30 May 2014 16:00:00 GMT

Come look into our crystal balls as we attempt to look into the future and predict E3. No, wait, come back! I promise you that this is an entertaining pre-E3 edition of Nerds Without Pants. We decided to dream up some wild (but plausible) wishes for the Big Three, and then do a reality check and talk about what we think will actually happen. Before that, Consumption Junction! CONSUMPTION JUNCTION 2:50 Conception 2 9:55 PAX Talk 16:00 Angelo does yard work; Patrick and Julian fight the fat 23:00 Final Fantasy XIV 32:30 Fond memories of plastic music instruments 38:00 Mercenary Kings, “Nintendo Hard” is a myth, more of the great Megaman debate 53:40 Watch_Dogs 59:05 Godzilla (minor spoilers) 1:06:40 Teach us how to blitz! TOPIC: E3 PREDICTIONS 1:21:44 Nintendo 1:45:00 Microsoft 2:03:50 Sony 2:20:37 Third Party FEATURED MUSIC The Rolling Stones- Fortune Teller Keane- Crystal Ball Boy Hits Car- LoveFuryPassionEnergy

Nerds Without Pants Episode 46: Community Planning

Fri, 16 May 2014 16:00:00 GMT

Well, look who decided to show up! Angelo is back, and he’s here just in time for an awesome edition of Nerds Without Pants brought to you by…you! Yep, this episode was orchestrated by the awesome PixlBit community, and it’s kind of special. CONSUMPTION JUNCTION 1:55 Where Angelo has been, the weird NSFW nature of R-Type, anesthetic is awesome 22:05 Comics: Batman Eternal, Future’s End, the end of Superior Spider-Man (no spoilers), Winter Soldier, Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within 34:37 The Amazing Spider-Man 2 43:40 Final Fantasy XIV, Patrick has trouble “raising” 48:08 Julian still hates blitzball, Bravely Default is kind of strange 1:07:40 TOPIC: Community Smorgasbord 1:08:22 A “friendly” Megaman debate 1:22:40 Nintendo’s dire situation, question mark? 1:42:00 STATHAM! 1:50:20 Doing bad things with Nintendo plushies, Metal Gear mood lighting, Akira Yamaoka makes Julian squee FEATURED MUSIC: The Pretty Reckless- My Medicine Super Smash Bros. Brawl- Intro Tommy Tallarico- Megaman 2

Backloggers Anonymous Final Fantasy X Part 1

Sat, 10 May 2014 02:00:00 GMT

It's time for another three parter here at Backloggers Anonymous! Angelo is joined by Jaime and Julian to talk about a pretty big game that two thirds of the cast have never played: Final Fantasy X. Now, after a three hour FF episode of Nerds Without Pants you might think that Julian doesn't have much more to say about fantasies that are final, but you would be wrong. Seriously, we can't get this guy to shut up! If you haven't played Final Fantasy X before, this is the episode that will (hopefully) get you playing along with us. Julian puts some perspective on where the franchise was at the time, and how fan reaction to this particular game has changed over the years. We talk about the battle system, some eerie similarities to Final Fantasy XIII, and digress all over the place. We hope you enjoy the show, and if you're playing along, we'll be talking about the start of the game all the way up to the Macalania Cloister of Trials. Join us, won't you? And if you recently played through, please comment, but try to keep spoilers to a minimum, at least until we get to the next episode.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 45: Two Nerds, No Topic

Fri, 02 May 2014 16:00:00 GMT

We're a man down this time, so listen to Julian and Patrick talk about a bunch of stuff that nerds who do not wear pants would talk about. What are those things? Good question? How does Star Wars strike you? Maybe some Captain America 2? No? Well, there's bound to be something in here for everyone, from Patrick's new love for MMORPGs, Julian street passing with everyone in creation, and a strange relic of early '90s arcades. We've also got Bravely Default, FTL Advanced Edition, and plenty of comic book talk for you. Then we close things out with some talk about re-releasing 7th generation games on 8th generation hardware, PAX South, and Julian's Final Fantasy collecting sickness. So you don't like any of those topics? Well help us make the next episode of NWP, tough guy (or girl)! Listen to the episode to find out how, and stay tuned to PixlBit for more information. FEATURED MUSIC: Hayes Carll- Down the Road Tonight Citizen Cope- Son's Gonna Rise

Nerds Without Pants Episode 44: Turnbuckle Talk

Fri, 18 Apr 2014 16:00:00 GMT

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls. ARE YOU READY TO PODCAAAAAAST? Well, good, because Patrick and Julian are joined by JD and fan favorite John Gholson to talk about some rasslin'. It might not be everyone's cup of tea, but if you aren't a wrestling fan this episode of Nerds Without Pants just might help you understand why some of us are. We open with some brief talk about how we got into this silly show, but the first segment is pretty much dedicated to Wrestlemania XXX, which everyone agrees was a pretty fantastic event. Hear about Stone Cold Steve Austin's problems with Trader Joe's. Decide for yourself if Antonio Cesaro is a human or a Super Saiyan. Find out the shocking truth about what the Undertaker does when he's not in the ring! We wrap up with some discussion on wrestling video games because, hey, we're a video game podcast! John has a soft spot for WWF No Mercy, Julian defends WWF Attitude, and JD has fun with his create a wrestler modes. Patrick is too much of a poet to get down and dirty in the squared circle, but he's had his moments with wrestling, as well. We hope you enjoy this episode, and don't forget that you can purchase Zero Charisma, a film featuring the one and only Mr. Gholson, on DVD now. (Seriously, go and buy that. It's really good!) FEATURED MUSIC: Whatever (Chris Benoit) Live in Fear (Bray Wyatt) Rest in Peace (The Undertaker) Unstable (The Ultimate Warrior)

Backloggers Anonymous Alundra Part 2

Fri, 11 Apr 2014 19:00:00 GMT

You know who deserves respect? Anybody who finishes this game. Seriously. While we generally came away from Alundra with really positive feedback, some of those puzzles were either frustratingly difficult to the point of seeming almost unfair, or just trite and boring. Untangling word puzzles to talk to dead saints in a particular order isn't really anybody's idea of a good time, neither are some of those pillar-pushing puzzles. But hey, if you pulled it off and wanted to hear what we thought (or even if you gave up), click on the play button and find out. For our next show, we're going to be tackling our first really huge game: Final Fantasy X. Yeah, I know I said we won't do AAA games, but considering the recent re-release and the fact that there's actually quite a few of us (myself included) that haven't played the game, I decided to make an exception. It also sounds like the game isn't exactly a flawless gem (that voice acting.... ugh....), which always makes for some great discussion. Hopefully you're all on board for that. Well, since Alundra is finished, let us know what you thought in the comments. Even if I don't always reply, I do read over every comment on this show, and we love hearing your thoughts. You can also message me using the site's system if you want. I'm always open to ideas, suggestions, and game recommendations. Enjoy!

Nerds Without Pants Episode 43: Respect Our Authoritah!

Fri, 04 Apr 2014 16:00:00 GMT

Hello again! After that jam-packed 3 hour long Final Fantasy episode, it's time for the Pantsless Ones to get back to talking about games. As is NWP tradtion, we get sidetracked. A lot. We open up with some talk about the future of VR thanks to the Oculus Rift and Sony's Project Morpheus. Patrick and Julian are back on the Diablo train, and Angelo has found an unholy melding of RPG and pinball that will surely be the end of him. Oh, and f--- blitzball. Beyond that, Julian loves South Park: The Stick of Truth and doesn't care much for Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes, Patrick continues to dominate at FIFA, and Angelo really loves R-Type. All this and more await you in another exciting edition of Nerds Without Pants! FEATURED MUSIC: Music from South Park: The Stick of Truth

PixlTalk Episode 82: The Return of Nate

Tue, 25 Mar 2014 19:11:00 GMT

We all know that death and taxes are inevitable, but we might want to add PixlTalk taking at least a few months to produce a new episode to that list. In any event, it's given us plenty of time to build up some energy for a lively discussion with returned staff member, Nate Hascup! After short introductions, we dive right in with discussion of the status of the big three companies. Furthermore, we talk shop on the Wii U and if Nintendo can unsink the ship at this point. Sony's VR head set also comes into focus as we crack jokes about how they'll have to sell another building just to keep things in the black. Some other stuff gets discussed, like what we're playing and some random cosplay tangents, but like any good(?) PixlTalk, things are all over the place. Enjoy the episode and be sure to say hi to Nate!

Nerds Without Pants Episode 42: Crystals

Sat, 22 Mar 2014 18:00:00 GMT

Here it is! The moment that (some) of you have been waiting for! This is the big Nerds Without Pants love letter to Final Fantasy. Special guest Erika Szabo joins us once again to talk about a series that is near and dear to the hearts of everyone on the show. A word of warning: NWP busted out its super awesome Limit Break ability, and this show is a hefty 3 hour journey. I could tell you everything we talked about to entice you to listen, but I would end up writing a novel. From our origins to the series to what it means to each of us on a personal level to a huge discussion on the music, this episode has got you covered if you like (or used to like) Final Fantasy. You won't find much of the typical negativity that other shows usually heap on this series, but we do take some time to brainstorm on how to get the franchise back on track. Oh, and if you missed it, check out PixlBit's epic Final Fantasy Retrospective from last year. Hope you enjoy! Share with your friends that have fond memories of the series, and give us your thoughts on the show and the games in the comments below.

Backloggers Anonymous Alundra Part 1

Fri, 14 Mar 2014 13:00:00 GMT

This time on Backloggers, I'm joined by two new guests, Chris and Jamie, to discuss our second retro game, the Playstation classic Alundra. On the block for discussion are some of the other games in the "Stalker" franchise (it's not what you think!) Working Designs legacy and our relative histories with their titles, and our familiarity with similar games, like the Zelda franchise. So, not gonna lie, this game doesn't always play fair like we discuss on the show, so if you've decided to play along, be prepared. We've decided this will be a two part show, so we'll see you in a few weeks. Have fun!

Nerds Without Pants Episode 41: Pirates

Fri, 07 Mar 2014 17:00:00 GMT

Yaaaar! Welcome to another adventure on the high seas of the internet, ya landlubbers! This week, the crew of the S.S. NWP take a stab at the dreaded topic of piracy. No, not that piracy, the kind where people steal games and other media because they can. First off is a modified Consumption Junction. Even though it's only been a week since the last episode, Angelo has gone further down the pinball abyss, Patrick has played his first ever Lego game, and Julian had time to play 30 minutes of Remember Me. Okay, so not much has happened in a week, but the guys also spend some time doing a next gen check in. How do Julian and Patrick feel about their launch PS4s now? Is Angelo scared about the future of his shiny new Wii U? The answers may surprise you! (Probably not) Then it's on to the task at hand: piracy in video games and other forms of media. The crew confesses to their past transgressions and have varying levels of opinions about the core concept of pirating games. This leads into a discussion of emulation and the used games market. It's a looser, more freeform type of main topic, as the guys don't try to argue for or against the ethics of piracy, but it's an interesting discussion nonetheless. FEATURED MUSIC: Klaus Badelt- He's a Pirate Nightwish- The Islander Alestorm- Keelhauled Assassin's Creed IV- Drunken Sailor

Nerds Without Pants Episode 40: Irrational Pinball Fantasies

Fri, 28 Feb 2014 17:00:00 GMT

A wild bonus Nerds Without Pants appears! Command? It's a free-flowing episode of NWP that is all about games, games, and more games! Patrick finds a new way to play FIFA and wasn't very impressed with Titanfall. He's been playing The Elder Scrolls Online, and the guys have a fun conversation about the future of the MMORPG. Angelo went down a crazy pinball machine rabbit hole, and Julian has a lot of words for Lightning Returns. (Spoiler alert: none of them are good!) We wrap up with some talk about the PS4 digital release Outlast, Patrick's first PS4 platinum trophy, and delve deep into the recent closure of BioShock developer Irrational Games. Things get a little businessy, but we hope you enjoy it! FEATURED MUSIC: The Cast of The 40 Year Old Virgin- Age of Aquarius .Hack//Sign- The World The Who- Pinball Wizard BioShock Infinite- God Only Knows

Backloggers Anonymous Asura's Wrath Part 3

Sun, 23 Feb 2014 21:00:00 GMT

Here it is at last, folks: the conclusion of the Backlogger's journey into Asura's Wrath! Julian and Angelo are once again joined by internet gamer sensation and all around pleasant person Erika Szabo. There's lots to talk about, so let's jump right in. Things kick off with the one-two punch of the dumbest episode in the game and the most epic episode in the game. The crew talks at length on the hilarity of a hot spring scene and the insane and awesome implications of battling on the moon. Yes, the freaking moon! The episode by episode recap focuses on how super cool (and dreamy) Yasha is, Julian's new-found frustrations with the one on one battle mechanics, and the incredibly interesting Buddhist elements that infuse this over the top action game. The conversation gets deep at times, something nobody on the show was expecting. Things wrap up with a spirited debate over the "true" ending to the game. Is it ethical? Does it really ruin the accomplishment of finishing the game when there's a hidden cliffhanger that leads into DLC? And how is that DLC, exactly? Julian gives it an assessment, and both he and Erika try to convince the (very) grumpy Angelo of its merits. We hope you enjoyed this series of Backloggers! Come back next time as Angelo and some fresh faces discuss Alundra for PSX.

Nerds Without Pants Special: All About Bravely Default

Fri, 21 Feb 2014 17:00:00 GMT

Well, we're a man down this week, but instead of leaving you lovely listeners hanging, Julian and Angelo have a special edition of Nerds Without Pants just for you. Yes, you! Come back next week for a bonus episode of NWP, followed by your regularly scheduled Panstless Ones. It's three weeks of rambling! The topic of this special is the highly regarded Square Enix RPG: Bravely Default. Julian hasn't had a chance to play the game proper, so he spends some time asking Angelo about the details. Don't worry, though--this episode is pretty much spoiler free. Angelo gets into the nuts and bolts of the game mechanics, Julian rants about his mangled Collector's Edition (thanks, Obama Amazon!), and there's plenty of Final Fantasy sidebars. The duo closes things out by talking about Angelo's sneaky project to turn his wife into a hardcore JRPG fanatic. Of course, it wouldn't be an RPG podcast without some gushing over the game's soundtrack. That's about it! Be sure to check out Erika Szabo's video review, and come back next week for the assembled trio.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 39: The Mushy Stuff

Sun, 09 Feb 2014 05:00:00 GMT

Howdy folks! Julian here again. It's close to Valentine's Day, or Single Awareness Day as I like to call it. Last year, Patrick came up with a very smart, high-brow topic, but this year I decided to be super uninspired and talk about romance in vidya games. Join us, will you? We have JD as a special guest to talk about his recent game jam, but Angelo kicks things off with his hate/less hate relationship with Kingdom Hearts. It's a good intro, because it turns out that Angelo has a block of ice where normal people keep their hearts! Patrick joined a LAN (or is that land?) party, and I've been cuddling up with my 3DS lately. We then move on to the subject of love, romance, and all of that mushy stuff in games. We bring up some of the power couples such as Eddie Riggs and Ophelia, Tidus and Yuna, and The Prince and Elika. Angelo has some choice words for BioWare games, but he's entitled to his wrong opinion. I kid! I kid! JD talks about how Mass Effect helped him through some personal romantic issues he had, and Patrick holds a special place in his heart (container) for Link and Zelda. We wrap things up by talking about our most epic fails with romance, as well as getting a little bit creepy by coming up with the virtual characters we'd like to date if they were real. Is this episode in desperate need of a woman's touch? Absolutely! FEATURED MUSIC: Nightwish: Slow, Love, Slow The New York Dolls: We're All in Love Garth Brooks: The Red Strokes The Pretty Reckless: Make Me Wanna Die The Darkness: I Believe in a Thing Called Love

PB & Jason Issue 132: FLUFF Edition One!

Fri, 07 Feb 2014 17:30:00 GMT

Chris Iozzi here, while Jason was at work I snuck into PBJ Headquarters and did a little podcast of my own! Don't tell him, he's kinda funny about people touching his stuff. So anyway, just like a Fluffernutter, this podcast is just like a Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwich, but...wrong. So take a listen while I ramble on about not Pokémon, bore you to death with my thoughts on the Call of Duty: Ghosts campaign. Swoon over Bravely Default, and ponder the future of Nintendo. Leave your comments below, I'll comment back! For real.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 38: Jaded

Fri, 24 Jan 2014 17:30:00 GMT

Hey there, folks. Julian here. So, I've been going through a lot of personal stuff for the past, oh, year or so, and it's starting to come to a head. What that means for you is we don't have a topic this week because I was too frazzled to come up with one. However, my pain may become your pleasure, because somehow we managed to have a two hour show with a ton of different little discussions that turned out pretty well. There's absolutely no structure to this edition of Nerds Without Pants. Heck, we're even wearing pants this time. We talk about our dream home arcades, answer some burning questions, play around with the Zelda formula, and wonder if Lunar's story can hold up to modern RPGs. I'm conflicted about A Link Between Worlds, Patrick's been watching a lot of TV, and Angelo has an axe to grind against Aerosmith (and the fact that I'm classic rock illiterate). That's only the tip of the iceberg. Maybe I should go through personal turmoil more often. What say you? FEATURED MUSIC: New Radicals: I Don't Wanna Die Anymore Nightwish: I Want My Tears Back Jeff Danna and Mychel Danna: Two Trees Jason Segel: See a Psychiatrist Aerosmith: Jaded

Backloggers Anonymous Asura's Wrath Part 2

Sat, 18 Jan 2014 19:00:00 GMT

Welcome back to Backloggers! We're waist deep in Asura's wrath in this episode. Before listening you should have played up to the end of episode 9. Come join Julian, Angelo, and special guest Erika Szabo as we talk all about Asura. We start out by getting Angelo and Erika's initial impressions on this very divisive game. Angelo is pleasantly surprised at how much he likes it, but at the same time is frustrated by its shortcomings. Erika is 100% on board with what Capcom and Cyber Connect 2 pulled off, and both agree that they can't wait to finish the game. Even Angelo's wife has been enjoying it! We close out with an episode by episode breakdown of the story. As the discussion flows, we end up finding some more depth to the character of Asura than what's explicitly depicted on screen. Like any great anime, there are plenty of talking points and elements to disect, and that's exactly what we do. Next episode, we finish the game! If you're playing along with us (or played the game in the past) , throw some comments our way and we'll try to work them in to our closing discussion. Until then, enjoy Asura's Wrath, and check out Erika's impressions of Bravely Default. Not really related, but it comes from Japan as well, so, yeah!

PB & Jason Issue 131: Barbecue Sauce, Pickle Slices, and Slivered Onions

Thu, 16 Jan 2014 02:00:05 GMT

Happy New Year! I suppose that's a little late of a thing to say, but it's been a while, hasn't it? PB & Jason returns today with a bonus-length episode to make up for time lost. This week's PB & Jason covers Pokémon, Super Mario 3D World, the newer video game consoles, and asrealasitgets's blog post. When will the next PB & Jason be? No one knows for sure... Tune in! Leave a comment! Send an email! Suggest more ways to end sentences with exclamation points! Listen! Click through!

Nerds Without Pants Episode 37: 2013: It Happened

Fri, 10 Jan 2014 17:00:00 GMT

It's 2014, and the Pantsless Ones are back! Well, Angelo and Patrick had to wear layers for this recording, as they were smack dab in the middle of BLIZZARD 2014(tm)! Strap in for a long edition of Consumption Junction this week. After taking an episode off and everyone having some free time to play some games, everybody has a lot to say. Angelo poop-socked Zelda, got a motherlode of gaming loot from friends and family, and even a lump of coal. Er, you'll see what I mean. Patrick is a Resogun master, Game of Thrones is quite popular in the Kijek household, and comics were read. Julian finished Beyond: Two Souls, is the best Bravely Default player on the PixlBit staff, and can't understand how Assassin's Creed is the massive success that it is. The show wraps up with the fastest year in review ever, because screw 2013. The crew discuss their favorite games of the year, whip up a gamer new year's resolution, and other assorted bollocks. FEATURED MUSIC: Homeward Bound (theme from Monty Python and the Quest for the Holy Grail) Hyrule Field (The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds) Title Screen (Resogun) Cave of Darkness (Bravely Default) Title Screen (Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag) Let it Go (Frozen)

Backloggers Anonymous Asura's Wrath Part 1

Fri, 03 Jan 2014 17:00:00 GMT

Hey there, Julian here. Yeah, I'm not your usual Backloggers Anonymous host, but we're tackling a game that I have a really huge soft spot for: Asura's Wrath. We are joined by Nerds Without Pants fan favorite Erika Szabo who takes her place as our resident anime expert. This is important, because Asura's Wrath is a huge, mushy love letter to Japanese animation, which you can read all about in my review. We spend the first part of the show talking about our personal history with anime, as well as some of our all-time favorite shows. After that, we delve into the topic of the dreaded Quick Time Event (or QTE if you're funky). This is also a big deal, as Asura's Wrath is almost entirely QTE based. Opinions vary among the three of us, but I do a pretty good job of getting Angelo and Erika excited for this play through. Finally, we wrap up with some talk on DLC (this game had a "huge" controversy concerning its DLC), and some favorite anime recommendations. This game is quite a trip, and I hope you'll join us. If you do, play through the first 9 episodes. That should take you about 2-3 hours, and then get ready for part 2 of the show, where we talk about the insanity thus far!

Backloggers Anonymous Castlevania: Lords of Shadow Part 2

Fri, 20 Dec 2013 19:00:00 GMT

First off, I'm sorry about the audio. Technical issues caused my feed to sound a little on the distorted side. It's not horrible, but it's noticeable. I believe I've found the cause of the problem and fixed it, but unfortunately this recording is what it is. We talk about, well, a lot of stuff. The game has its highs and lows, but for me one of the lowest points was the music. We get into it for a few minutes on the show, but it's a real shame to see a franchise that lodged so may amazing tunes in gamers' heads take a departure into the bland. In a world where Dark Souls has a dark fantasy theme and had an orchestrated, ambient score that showed no fear of melody, I expected much more from this game. It's not all doom and gloom though, like most of the games we tackle, the game has its quality elements. On the whole, I enjoyed my time with Lords of Shadow. Let us know what you thought of the game in the comments below! Next time, Julian snatches the show away from me and brings frequent NWP guest Erika Szabo on to discuss Asura's Wrath. Be sure to check it out!

Nerds Without Pants Episode 36: Black and Blue Friday

Fri, 13 Dec 2013 17:00:00 GMT

After not one, but two special format shows with guests, it's high time for the main NWP crew to get together and talk some games. Like, a lot of games. Like, too many games. Since we haven't done Consumption Junction in over six weeks, we all have a lot to talk about. Of course, we can't help but kick things off with PS4 talk, as both Patrick and Julian have been playing the new Sony box since launch day. They highlight some of their favorite interface features and talk about FIFA, Assassin's Creed IV, Knack, and Killzone: Shadowfall. Angelo has been enjoying his PS3, Julian misses his Pooh bear, and Final Fantasy IX looks like garbage on an HD display. Julian has some choice words for Batman: Arkham Origins, and Patrick is neck deep in comic books.We all spent money we didn't need to at Black Friday. Beyond that, we have a lot of general geekery for you this week. Let your mouth water as we talk sushi, be amazed at Angelo's train adventures, and weigh in on which Paranormal Activity movie is your favorite. All this and more await you in the latest Nerds Without Pants! Featured Music: "Weird" Al Yankovic- Lasagne Batman Theme Song ('66) Kenny Loggins- Return to Pooh Corner

Backloggers Anonymous Castlevania Lords of Shadow Part 1

Mon, 25 Nov 2013 17:00:00 GMT

So, this was supposed to be a Halloween special, but clearly we're a little bit late for that. Oh well. This time we're tackling Castlevania: Lords of Shadow, which is a game both Julian and I have meant to get around to playing, but never got around to for one reason or another. Unlike most of our podcasts, we don't really have anybody on board who has played this game before, so we spent most of the 'cast talking about our history with Castlevania titles, some Konami titles, and Tiger handheld LCD games. Yeah, I know. But it's related, trust me. In the course of the podcast, we referenced a re-release of this title that included the DLC and Mirror of Fate. That's out now and priced very well at $39.99, so if you want to play along with us, picking the game up this way isn't a bad option. As usual, we'd love to get some feedback from the community, so let us know what you think and if you'll be playing along with us. If you've got some great talking points or stir up some good discussion, we'll try and work it into the next recording as well.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 35: Comic Book Men

Sun, 17 Nov 2013 20:00:00 GMT

Well, we're a bit late thanks to technical difficulties and busy schedules, but the Nerds Without Pants are back with another special format. Once again there is no time for the media we've been consuming, as we are joined by fan favorite John Gholson to talk all things comic books. We begin by talking about the actual printed editions themselves. Everyone has their tale to tell about how they caught the comic book bug, with the exception of Angelo who explains how comics were just never his bag. We talk about first issues, traumatic content, the healing powers of comic books, and more before giving Angelo (and you listeners) a few recommendations. In the second half of the show, we talk about some of the best and worst games that are based on comic books. We take things by time periods: The Golden Age (1977-1994), The Silver Age (1995-2004) and The Modern Age (2005-2013). John has a triumphant story about The Silver Surver for NES, Julian waxes nostalgic for the arcade brawlers, Angelo has a little bit of trivia about Spider-Man: Maximum Carnage, and Patrick has a crush on Oracle. Next time, it's all Consumption Junction and plenty of PS4 talk. We hope you enjoy, and give us comic book suggestions in the comments! FEATURED MUSIC: Hans Zimmer- Aggressive Expansion (The Dark Knight) Sparks- This Town Ain't Big Enough For The Both Of Us (Kick Ass) Alan Silvestri- The Avengers (The Avengers)

Backloggers Anonymous El Shaddai Part 2

Fri, 08 Nov 2013 20:29:07 GMT

So, we wrapped up El Shaddai, and, for better and for worse, our expectations were pretty spot on. As you might imagine considering our previous podcast, stuff got deep again. We also had some theories and conjecture about a lot of the messages and artistic choices present in the game. Even if El Shaddai ended up not being for you, we hope you'll listen anyway to see what we took away from it. Enoch As usual on our follow up podcasts, be aware that this is loaded with spoilers. We assume that, by this point, you've either played the game or given up on it, so if that's not the case, finish up first (it's only about 10 hours tops) then give it a listen. Ishtar. Interesting resemblance right? It's also a good time to remind our listeners that Richard did some great (although also spoiler filled) write-ups on El Shaddai. You can find them in the show notes on our first podcast discussing this game, and don't forget to check out Richard Clark's work over at Christ and Pop Culture and Game Church. Thanks again for joining us Richard!

Nerds Without Pants Episode 34: NWP: The Next Generation

Fri, 01 Nov 2013 16:00:00 GMT

Let's get right to it, people. There's no time to talk about current media we've been consuming, because this episode of NWP is an epic look back at the seventh console generation and a bit of a look forward at the eighth generation. So sit back, strap in, and get comfy, folks! We kick things off by looking way back into 2005 and explaining who we were and what we were doing. It's been almost a decade since this console cycle began, and we tell some interesting stories about ourselves and the launches of the big three machines. Then we bring up how these launch things typically go, and what people should expect in case they've forgotten or just plain have never had to upgrade their consoles before. Angelo returns to the Sony fold after a twelve year absence and is itching to experience an entirely new backlog (which, if you follow Angelo on PixlBit you know is a very good thing). We close things out by musing over what we believe to be some of the most important games of this generation, either on a personal level or to the industry as a whole. Let us know in the comments what games you would add to the discussion, and give Angelo suggestions for PS2 and PS3 games. Oh, did you know The Transporter 2 came out in 2005? Statham Sighting (tm)! FEATURED MUSIC: The Black Eyed Peas- Don't Phunk With My Heart The Gorrillaz- Feel Good, Inc. Green Day- Boulevard of Broken Dreams

PB & Jason Issue 130: In Which There is Absolutely No Mention of Disney Epic Mickey or Scribblenauts

Thu, 24 Oct 2013 01:19:14 GMT

This week's PB & Jason will probably lie to you. Don't believe what I say in the show's intro, as there isn't really anything about Pokémon in the podcast at all! If I were a betting man, I would also wager that somehow both Epic Mickey and Scribblenauts are discussed. Surprise! Tune in! Leave a comment! Send an email! Suggest more ways to end sentences with exclamation points! Listen! Click through! As mentioned in the podcast, here is a link to the article by Tevis Thompson discussing Bioshock Infinite and reviews in general.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 33: Halloween Havoc II: The Startling

Fri, 18 Oct 2013 16:00:00 GMT

Trick or treat, smell my feet, give me something good to listen to. Something like this extra-large edition of Nerds Without Pants, Halloween-style! We kick things off with Consumption Junction. In this episode, Julian spends some quality time with his 3DS and tries to overcome his PTSD (Pokemon Traumatic Stress Disorder). Patrick joins the PC master race and attempts to enjoy Tolkien. Angelo gushes over Aliens and gets yet another awesome gift from his wife. In the main topic, the Pantsless Ones discuss their first experiences with horror, try to understand why certain types of scary work on some people while failing with others, and answer a question from NWP superfan Michael117. Then they sign off by brainstorming some cool new horror video game ideas. FEATURED MUSIC: Killer Instinct- Tooth & Claw Danny Elfman- Theme from Tales From the Crypt Michael Jackson- Thriller Aqua- Halloween

PB & Jason Issue 129: [Citation Needed]

Fri, 18 Oct 2013 00:42:41 GMT

In this issue of PB & Jason, we have Pokémon X & Y, a weirdly-worded Joystiq story, potentially low Xbox One and PS4 console pre-order sales, and an inferred reason for the delay of Ubisoft's Watch_Dogs. Tune in! Leave a comment! Send an email! Suggest more ways to end sentences with exclamation points! Listen! Click through!

PixlTalk Special: Dark Souls II Beta Discussion

Mon, 14 Oct 2013 16:00:00 GMT

Though we all know the next holiday approaching is Halloween, for Nick and Chris, Saturday night was more like Christmas Eve. Starting at midnight Sunday morning, Namco Bandai opened up the first play session for the Dark Souls II beta and the duo got a chance to check out a portion of the game for 3 full hours. While there's quite a bit of coverage from the event forthcoming, this first tidbit is a discussion between the two about their time in the game and the things that they observed and experienced. If you too are a Dark Souls fanatic, be sure to check this special episode out and hear about all of the changes that were made for this new addition to the brutal franchise. Of course, if you have any questions or comments, be sure to leave a message below and we'll give you the scoop. Furthermore, be sure to check out Chris' videos of the first 50 minutes of his play time with the beta below!

Backloggers Anonymous El Shaddai Part 1

Fri, 11 Oct 2013 19:30:00 GMT

Yes, that's right, we brought in a special guest for this one: Richard Clark of, well, half the internet really. Mostly he's known for his work at Christ and Pop Culture and Game Church. For our intentions however, it's his work covering our next game, El Shaddai, that got my attention. He's written pretty extensively on the game, and we're very happy to have him on board for these next two podcasts. I'll be honest, this is probably one of the best recordings we've done so far. What started off as pretty standard fare conversational topics ended up getting deep. Really deep. I'm not going to spoil it for you, but make sure to give this one a listen. Also, be sure to check out Richard's work on the game: Review for Killscreen.comEditorial for Paste And then a four-part series for GameRanx. WARNING! THESE CONTAIN SPOILERS! El Shaddai as a Roadmap to a Religious Game El Shaddai and the Importance of Choice El Shaddai: Choice Made Flesh in Lucifel and Enoch A Game about Faith on a Personal Scale

PB & Jason Issue 128: Rise of the Death of the Shadow of the Eternals, Vol. CXXVIII

Thu, 10 Oct 2013 01:58:31 GMT

Do you have money? If so, please send it to Precursor Games. They're probably going to develop a video game with it. Maybe. Maybe not. They've totally been working on it for the past year! Scout's honor! They'd show you proof, but where's the fun in that? Oh, right, also on the podcast is some Dungeon Defenders II news, some Pokémon X & Y hype, and some Nintendo Direct reactions. Tune in! Leave a comment! Send an email! Suggest more ways to end sentences with exclamation points! Listen! Click through!

Nerds Without Pants Episode 32: The Pantsless and the Damned

Fri, 04 Oct 2013 16:00:00 GMT

It's a shorter episode of Nerds Without Pants this week. That's either a blessing or a curse depending on your feelings on the Pantsless Ones. Life got in the way of our normal show format, but that's probably a good thing since you're all playing Grand Theft Auto V right now anyway. We go all over the place, with talk of classic GameBoy games, the boycotting of Waluigi, cloning Angelo's awesome wife, and other things. This leads into Julian talking for far too long about his abject hatred of GTA V. Patrick tries to sway Julian's opinion, but Julian cannot be swayed. If you find it boring and heavy handed, congratulations! You know how Julian felt playing GTA V. We close things out with some comics, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Angelo's failure with the Marvel Studios movies, and some love for Mel Brooks. See you in two weeks for our spooky Halloween extravaganza! FEATURED MUSIC: Mel Brooks- The Inquisition Ranetki- O Tebe The Pillows- Ride on Shooting Star

PixlTalk Episode 81: We're Probably Going to Offend You

Wed, 02 Oct 2013 03:20:38 GMT

Yes, it's true. PixlTalk is still alive despite an almost year long hiatus. Between moves and children being born and a slew of other excuses events, we haven't had an opportunity to get together to do one of these in a very long time. Like most episodes of the show we're all over the place, but the unique dynamic between all participants makes it something worth tuning in for. The whole crew steps through what they've been playing and that list includes the likes of The Wonderful 101, SteamWorld Dig, Animal Crossing: New Leaf, Sweet Fuse, Rayman Legends, and Killer is Dead. This of course spawns a conversation about gaming "misogyny" and the critic reaction to many Japanese games as of late. Chessa lends her views on the gender topic and doesn't beat around the bush. For those just tuning in, there's a healthy helping of questionable language (Translation: we curse like sailors, or at least Chessa does) and we make plenty of extremely inappropriate jokes. Hopefully you're not offended too much, it's all in good fun. Let us know what you think in the comments below and we hope to keep these up every other week, but we make no promises!

PB & Jason Issue 127: The Wonderful 127!

Thu, 26 Sep 2013 02:42:29 GMT

This week's PB & Jason still has a bit about GTA V. Nothing disparaging, mind you, rather, GTA V is used to point out trouble with the ESRB, the (non-gaming) media, and the Molyneux. After that? Expect to hear my opinion on Square-Enix's disappointing Theatrhythm: Final Fantasy as well as some initial impressions on the enjoyable The Wonderful 101. Tune in! Leave a comment! Send an email! Suggest more ways to end sentences with exclamation points! Listen! Click through!

Digital Mystery Tour Episode 18: What, you want MORE Rock?

Sun, 22 Sep 2013 16:00:42 GMT

It's more rock music. Shut up and listen. Tracklist: 00:00 Guilty Gear: Suck a Sage (from Guilty Gear×BlazBlue Music Live 2011) - Daisuke Ishiwatari 06:06 Shin Megami Tensei: Ginza (from Chaotic Labyrinth) - Tsukasa Masuko 09:59 Doom 3: Main theme - Chris Vrenna 12:46 Doom: At Doom's Gate - Robert Prince 14:53 Lords of Thunder: Bosque - T-Music (possibly Satoshi Miyashita) 19:22 Lords of Thunder: Shadow Realm - T-Music (possibly Satoshi Miyashita) 24:43 Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children: Those who fight further - Tsuyoshi Sekito, Nobuo Uematsu, Kenichiro Fukui, Kenichiro Fukui 29:07 Final Fantasy V:Clash on the Big Bridge (from The Black Mages) - Nobuo Uematsu

Nerds Without Pants Episode 31: Soapbox Derby

Sat, 21 Sep 2013 19:45:00 GMT

This week, the Pantsless Ones are joined by video games writer and rising YouTube star Erika Szabo. We each brought a topic to talk/preach/rant about from our soapboxes, but before that we of course have Consumption Junction. Erika catches us up on the huge changes in her career since her first appearance on NWP. Then there's Tales of Xillia, the Biggest Sneeze Ever, Angelo's fear of extraterrestrials, and Patrick's love of evil. Julian shakes his head at Wal Mart's poor purchasing skills and rallies back from a week of little to no sleep. Then the group takes to the soapbox. Julian has a lot to say about what a review should be, and urges readers to do their part to understand that reviews are a two way street. Patrick is fearful that bloated triple-A game budgets are stifling developer creativity. Angelo wants to be able to talk to people on the internet in a level headed and mature manner. Lastly, Erika tackles the dreaded "M" word (that's "misogyny" if you haven't been paying attention), and being a feminist that somehow ends up on the wrong side of both sexes. Enjoy, comment, and share! FEATURED MUSIC: Madonna- Express Yourself Gruppa Kino- Gruppa Krovi Home Movies- Franz Kafka! Michael Jackson- Man in the Mirror Sarah Michelle Gellar- Going Through the Motions The Avett Brothers- Head Full of Doubt/Road Full of Promise

Backloggers Anonymous Mirror's Edge Part 2

Thu, 19 Sep 2013 17:32:38 GMT

Well, we finished Mirror's Edge, and like most titles we play on Backloggers, it has its flaws to be sure, but it's a fantastic game. Make sure to listen to this 'cast once you've finished playing through since we spoil the ending about 5 seconds into the show, and thanks again for picking this game for us to play and for the feedback if you left us comments. I hope to do another community pick again sometime soon, so be on the lookout for another Backloggers poll. Our next selection is El Shaddai, and we've got a special guest joining us for this one: Richard Clark of Christ and Pop Culture. Aside from the obvious familiarity with the source material, he's also a huge fan of the game and has written several pieces on it (which I won't link at this time due to spoilers.) So be looking forward to that one, and maybe hunt down a copy of El Shaddai if you're interested in playing along with us (it's not that expensive!) Thanks for listening!

PB & Jason Issue 126: Boxy Moron

Thu, 19 Sep 2013 02:45:31 GMT

For the second week in a row, PB & Jason is here! Issue 126 starts with a rant against the upcoming cloud-based Pokémon Box subscription service and follows with a very long-winded rant about the direction Gearbox Software is headed. Mix in a dash of insight for Nintendo's new sales strategy for Wii Sports Club and a bit of GTA V and CoD:BlOps2, and you've got yourself a podcast! Tune in! Leave a comment! Send an email! Suggest more ways to end sentences with exclamation points! Listen! Click through!

Digital Mystery Tour Episode 17: Distant Worlds

Sun, 15 Sep 2013 16:00:00 GMT

Welcome back to Digital Mystery Tour. With the recent release of Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn, it seemed like a perfect time to look back at some of my favorite songs from the previous online Fantasy: XI. I'm a little under the weather, so I let the music do the talking for me, and close things out with a couple tracks from A Realm Reborn. If you have fond memories of FF XI, you may want to check out the Nerds Without Special I did earlier in the year, which features a ton more of the game's soundtrack, as well as some fun and touching stories. Enjoy, and I realize the bagpipes in the San d'Oria theme can be a tad grating on the ears, but what can I say? It's home to me. THIS WEEK'S MUSIC: 00:00: Memoro de la Stono 05:07: The Kingdom of San d'Oria 09:43: The Sanctuary of Zi'tah 13:57: Selbina 16:14: Distant Worlds 22:47: Gridania 26:36: Battle Theme (FF XIV: A Realm Reborn)

PB & Jason Issue 125: Jason New 125 #1...25

Thu, 12 Sep 2013 01:28:25 GMT

PB & Jason is back! This week's issue covers some of the bigger news between the last PB & Jason up until now. I'm not going to go into many details, but the focus is on new handheld consoles (and TV counterparts) and old subscription fee woes. Tune in! Leave a comment! Send an email! Suggest more ways to end sentences with exclamation points! Listen! Click through!

Digital Mystery Tour Episode 16: Guitar Heroes

Sun, 08 Sep 2013 16:00:00 GMT

I said, ARE YOU READY TO ROCK?! Boy, I sure hope so, because I've got some video game tracks that will melt your face off! I'll admit that I'm relatively new to rock music, as I was raised on the music of the '40s, '50s, and '60s, but in recent years I've really learned to rock out. So I wanted to share some of that love to you, the listeners. Unfortunately, I couldn't fill a brandy glass with nothing but brown M&Ms, so Ozzy didn't go on. Sorry about that. Oh, and here's that amazing music video by Tomoyasu Hotei. Enjoy! THIS WEEK'S MUSIC: 00:04 Final Fantasy X- Otherworld 05:30 Super Street Fighter 2 Turbo (MS DOS)- Ken 08:43 Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance- It Has to be This Way 14:37 Chrono Cross- Magical Dreamers 18:48 UmJammer Lammy- Fright Flight 23:22 Onimusha 2- Russian Roulette 28:05 Alan Wake- Children of the Elder God 32:55 Gitaroo Man- Overpass 34:42 Gitaroo Man- The Legendary Theme (Album version)

Nerds Without Pants Episode 30: Growing up Geek

Fri, 06 Sep 2013 16:00:00 GMT

Wow, Nerds Without Pants turns 30! Funny, the show doesn't seem a day over 22. Aging is the topic of the day this time around, as Julian wonders what changes are in store for the modern geek. Before that, it's Consumption Junction time once again. Angelo is positively beaming after his conquering of Etrian Odyssey IV. Patrick has moved out of the parental domain, and he feels right. Julian Kickstarted a game he doesn't want, and he and Angelo have an almost civilized debate over the merits of Mighty No. 9. In the main topic, Angelo and Patrick shake their heads in consternation at Julian's decent into self reflection. This is a weird one, folks. If you've ever been passionate about any aspect of geek culture (and you probably have if you're visiting this website) then getting older and still geeking out over things is something you should think about. Julian realizes that he's now in a situation where he has to keep his hobbies close to his vest, while Angelo has the luxury of geeking out with his kids. Patrick doesn't bother with this stuff, because he's SO MUCH YOUNGER THAN THE REST OF THE CREW. FEATURED MUSIC: Supertramp- Logical Song Poe- Haunted The Servant- Cells Shaun Barrowes- Light of the Day/Dark of the Night

Digital Mystery Tour Episode 15: Balance and Ruin

Sun, 01 Sep 2013 22:00:00 GMT

Recently I heard a new fan project by the fine folks over at OverClocked Remix. it's a 4 disk set of music inspired by (read: covers of music from) Final Fantasy VI. If you've got any nostalgia for the game, any love for the series, if you're a fan of Uemastu or if you even like good music in general, you really owe it to yourself to check it out. Now, of course, I've got a 30 minute show here, so you're not going to hear the entire album. What I've done instead is try to give you a pretty good sample of what to expect. Naturally, there's much much more on the actual product, including work from many more artists reflecting quite a few different styles of music. You can grab it for free from their site, and again, I highly recommend it. Tracklist: 00:13 - Prologue - Bustatunez 06:35 - A Fistfull of Nickles - zircon, XPRTNovice, Jillian Aversa, Jeff Ball 10:48 - Gobble, Snarf, Snap - XPRTNovice 14:57 - A Simple Coin Flip Can Change Fate - Level 99 20:44 - The Impresario - Jake Kaufman, Tommy Pedrini 29:31 - Till We Meet Again - zircon, Jillian Aversa, AeroZ

Digital Mystery Tour Episode 14: Community Battle LP

Sun, 25 Aug 2013 16:00:00 GMT

Well, we asked for some battle themes from the PixlBit community, and they responded with some amazing selections! Enjoy these ten scorching tracks that come from a myriad of different types of games, from cinematic action to RPG to platforming. Thanks to everyone that contributed to this eclectic mix tape, and for making Battle Themes Month a huge success! THIS WEEK'S MUSIC: 00:00 Final Fantasy Mystic Quest: Battle Theme 03:31 Viewtiful Joe 2: True Heroes 05:26 Persona 4:Backside of the TV 09:06 Dragon Quest IX: Battle Theme 11:24 Super Metroid: Mother Brain Boss Battle 14:19 Super Street Fighter 2 Turbo (MS-DOS CD ROM):Guile's Theme 17:19 Persona 4: Reach out to the Truth 20:17 Phantasy Star IV: Zio 23:50 Mega Man X: Chill Penguin 26:25 The Magic of Scheherazade: Battle Theme

Nerds Without Pants Episode 29: Ethical Nerds

Fri, 23 Aug 2013 16:00:00 GMT

It's Friday, which means it's time to take your pants off and listen to another wonderful episode of NWP! The guys run the gamut of geekdom this week, with talk about anime, art books, Shin Megami Tensei IV, and the greatest Jason Statham move ever made: Saints Row IV. After that, Patrick takes over to discuss ethics in the video game industry. How underhanded is it to lay off people right after a project is done? What about the unfortunately necessary evil that is the PR and game writer relationship? All of these topics and more are discussed at length in a rather thoughtful episode of Nerds Without Pants! FEATURED MUSIC: blur- Song 2 The Romantics- Talking in Your Sleep Paula Abdul- Opposites Attract Haddaway- What is Love "Oy! I've got a Statham Sighting for ya!"

Backloggers Anonymous Mirror's Edge Part 1

Mon, 19 Aug 2013 19:00:00 GMT

Yeah, that's right, we went there. It's hard not to, really, what with the current drama unfolding around Dragon's Crown, the Tropes Vs. Women videos, and what's in Lightning's bra. We handled it as well as 3 dudes on a video game podcast could, I think, but it would be fantastic if we could get some civil discussion going in the comments. We could have a great follow up when we get to our conclusion episode. Also, thanks to the PixlBit community for picking this one. It's certainly going to be a fun game to discuss, and with the recent announcement of a reboot / sequel, it's a very relevant subject too. Like I said in the show, we really want to hear your feedback, and since you've selected it, I'm expecting a lot of comments - so have at it! Chris won't be looking at them so feel free to spoil stuff, just put an appropriate warning up for others who haven't played the game yet. And for those who are curious, the blog Chris references can be found here.

Digital Mystery Tour Episode 13: Round 3...FIGHT!

Sun, 18 Aug 2013 16:00:00 GMT

For my contribution to Battle Month, I decided to focus on some of the more obscure stuff out there. There's music from portable games, RPG's and even some retro stuff. Check it out! I do have a couple of things I want to let you know about; First, my headset is still messy from when Shodan broke it during Backloggers Anonymous: System Shock 2. I was able to soldier on, but after 4 attempts to record one section, I was forced to leave in some microphone popping. I'm very sorry about this, but I do have a replacement already on it's way, so hopefully this will be the last time you have to deal with it. Second, I tried to explain how the last 4 musical tracks work as best I could in the podcast, but if you need more, here's a video of a random encounter from Resonance of Fate / End of Eternity. Notice how the music switches back and forth between the heavier, more complex stuff and the simpler, low quality sounding music (yes, the low fidelity sound is intentional. I own the game. I thought it was a nice touch.) Anyway, check it out! This week's music 00:06 Radiant Historia: The Edge of Green - Yoko Shimomura. 03:55 Code of Princess: Holy Princess (Solange’s theme) ACE. 07:33 Bravely Default Flying Fairy: Bell of Battle - Revo. 11:07 Koudelka: Waterfall - Hiroki Kikuta. 16:55 Etrian Odyssey III: Battlefield: The First Campaign - Yuzo Koshiro. 21:54 Etrian Odyssey III: Battlefield: Those That Slay and Fall - Yuzo Koshiro. 26:38 Resonance of Fate / End of Eternity: Warehouse District A (B begins at 29:40) Motoi Sakuraba and Kohei Tanaka. 33:32 NieR: The Incomplete Stone (acapella. Full begins at 34:58) - Keiichi Okabe, Kakeru Ishihama, Keigo Hoashi, Takafumi Nishimura.

Digital Mystery Tour Episode 12: Fight On

Sun, 11 Aug 2013 16:00:00 GMT

It's week two of Battle Themes Month here on Digital Mystery Tour! JD opened things up with some great tracks from modern JRPGs. I decided to widen the range a bit, and have some excellent fight music that spans multiple generations and genres. Tune in next week to see what Angelo has come up with, and be sure to comment on my blog post to get some of your choices in the final week of Battle Themes! THIS WEEK'S MUSIC: 00:00 Beyond Good & Evil- First Encounter 06:33 Street Fighter IV- Volcanic Rim 08:58 Punch-Out!! (2009)- Theme Song 12:01 Mega Man 2- Dr. Wiley's Castle Level 1 14:40 Streets of Rage 2- Never Return Alive 18:56 Devil May Cry- Lock & Load 20:40 Bayonetta- Climactic Battle 22:56 Final Fantasy XIII- Blinded By Light 25:44 Too Human- Grendel's Lair

Nerds Without Pants Episode 28: What's the Deal With JRPGs?

Fri, 09 Aug 2013 16:00:00 GMT

It's time for another excellent episode of Nerds Without Pants! Oh, you lucky, lucky people. This week, it's all about JRPGs for the main topic, but as always we begin with Consumption Junction. Since Julian and Angelo bored the pants off of everyone last time, the lion's share of the opening segment is spent on Patrick's vacation to New York City. Museums were visited! Broadway shows were watched! Miis were Street Passed! After that, Patrick talks about how easily he breezed through the ending of Fire Emblem, much to Julian's chagrin. This leads nicely into the topic de jour: JRPGs. The crew talks briefly about their origins with the genre, and then try to put their fingers on where they each started to diverge from this type of game. Julian is the most negative, but that may come from the burnout of playing over a hundred RPGs before reaching the current generation. The guys debate the idea that voice acting may have ruined the genre, discuss Lightning's boob job, and more. It's a discussion that's sure to leave you wanting to either high five or punch certain members of the podcast. Oh, and here's the article by Ethan Gach that Julian was quoted in. THIS WEEK'S MUSIC: Wild Arms- Lone Bird in the Shire The Phantom of the Opera- Music of the Night Secret of Mana- Kind Memories Suikoden 2- A Peaceful Mountain Village Bonus- White Rabbit

Digital Mystery Tour Episode 11: Prepare For Battle

Sun, 04 Aug 2013 16:00:00 GMT

Welcome to Battle Theme month at Digital Mystery Tour! JD kicks things off with a selection of modern JRPG battle music that's sure to get your blood pumping. Be warned: this episode of DMT features so much butt rock. So very much butt rock. Fighting Vipers fans should be right at home. THIS WEEK'S MUSIC: 00:00 Baten Kaitos- Rumbling of the Earth 03:47 Baten Kaitos- The True Mirror 07:18 Eternal Sonata- Leap the Precipice 10:53 Tales of Symphonia- The End of Thought 13:40 Tales of the Abyss- The Everlasting Fight 21:49 Tales of Xillia- Clenching the Fists 23:52 Radiant Historia- Blue Radiance 27:09 Final Fantasy XIII- Eidolons 30:43 Final Fantasy XIII- Saber's Edge

Backloggers Anonymous System Shock 2 Part 2

Thu, 01 Aug 2013 16:30:02 GMT

So you may be wondering why it's been two months since you last heard from us, and I'd be happy to tell you, but first, go ahead and play this YouTube video. Trust me. So, remember on the last episode when I discussed the shock curse? Well, over the course of playing this game we all had a ton of technical and scheduling difficulties which we discuss briefly in the show. Unfortunatly, one became apparent only after I recorded this episode; My headset broke while we were recording. What this means for you guys, and I'm horribly sorry about this, is that I've had to edit this episode rather heavily. There's gonna be some popping and cutting in and out from my microphone, and sometimes a conversation may sound kind of awkward due to having to edit out a portion of it, but hopefully you guys still enjoy it, and hopefully I won't have to do another Shock game for a while. Oh, something else I forgot, my first Xbox 360 went red ring on me while playing Bioshock for the first time, so yeah, I'm probably going to avoid these games in the future. They're starting to cost me a small fortune. At least it gave me an excuse to listen to this Stevie Wonder song again though. That's some seriously sweet bass. So our next show will be our listener's choice episode covering Mirrors Edge! Be looking for that in a couple of weeks or so, and as always, feel free to post some questions or suggestions in the comments below.

Digital Mystery Tour Episode 10: Sing For Me

Sun, 28 Jul 2013 16:00:00 GMT

It's an all-vocal episode of Digital Mystery Tour this week! Julian brings you seven songs composed and performed exclusively for video games. From the burning spirit of some special rangers to the sour grapes of an evil AI and an opera that will take your breath away, this collection of music really shows the incredible range that can be found in video games. Enjoy, and come back next week when we kick off Battle Themes month. You won't want to miss it! THIS WEEK'S MUSIC: 00:00 Burning Rangers- Angels With Burning Hearts 05:19 Silent Hill 3- Letters From the Lost Days 09:48 Warioware Touched!- Ashley's Song 12:40 Alan Wake- The Poet and the Muse 17:35 Portal- Still Alive 21:37 Final Fantasy VI- Aria di Mezzo Carattere 28:30 Double Dragon Neon- Dared to Dream

Nerds Without Pants Episode 27: Summer Jams

Fri, 26 Jul 2013 18:00:00 GMT

Hello again! Patrick is on vacation in New York City this week, so it's up to Julian and new third chair Angelo to hold down the fort. Somehow, they manage to ramble on for two hours about this, that, and the other thing. What was supposed to be the shortest edition of Consumption Junction ever turns into a lengthy, meandering discussion. Angelo has a problem with huffing, and Julian has an aversion to the first person perspective. The guys talk about parental Final Fantasy bans, Treasure games, eradicating the word "shmup" from the gamer lexicon, and close out the section with Julian's best WWE Raw moment ever, Comic Con, and Pacific Rim. Whew! Then the topic moves into summertime. The guys talk about favorite childhood summer memories, their favorite games to play on summer vacation, and roadtrip shenanigans. They also tackle the subject of game publishers missing out on the possible sales goldmine by not releasing mid-tier games in the summer. They wrap things out by highlighting some of their favorite summer jams. FEATURED MUSIC: The Lovin' Spoonful- Summer in the City Seals and Croft- Summer Breeze Zeale Rapz- Summer Time No Doubt- Spiderwebs Aqua- Good Morning, Sunshine Will Smith- Summertime Tiny Toon Adventures: How I Spent My Summer Vacation opening theme

Digital Mystery Tour Episode 9: The Theater of the Weird

Sun, 21 Jul 2013 16:00:00 GMT

This week, Julian takes you on a strange trip, highlighting some of the most bizarre games to ever grace home consoles. These games often break with conventions and defy description, and they have little in common apart from making people scratch their heads. And that's what makes them great. So buckle up, Dorothy, because Kansas is going bye-bye! THIS WEEK'S MUSIC: 00:00 Catherine- It's a Golden Show 05:24 PaRappa the Rapper- Intro/The Jet Baby/All Masters RAP 09:53 Zombies Ate My Neighbors- Zombie Panic 13:32 Katamari Damacy- Que Sera Sera 20:01 Incredible Crisis- Main Title 23:51 Half-Minute Hero- Main Theme 26:04Billy Hatcher and the Giant Egg- Bang! Bang! Bang! Big Horns Explosion 32:02 Catherine- Lost

Push Start to Continue Episode 11: Fresh Meat

Thu, 18 Jul 2013 16:00:00 GMT

Unfortunately Jesse was unable to join us this week, but the show must go on. In his place PSTC welcomes Backloggers Anonymous host Angelo Grant and staff newcomer Justin Matkowski. Justin gets a chance to introduce himself to the community while the cast takes a look at a smorgasbord of topics including Nintendo’s recent actions, the insane success of EVO and summer gaming. Music Courtesy of … Intro: Densmore by Anamanaguchi Outro: Archer and the Arrow by Lindsey Pavao Got questions or comments for the crew? Hit us up on Twitter! Mike: @Off_The_Wally Angleo: @PixlAJ Justin: @Justinterpret Also don’t forget to check us out, subscribe and rate us on iTunes!

Nerds Without Pants Spoils The Last of Us

Wed, 17 Jul 2013 19:00:00 GMT

Welcome to the first ever Nerds Without Pants spoilercast. We've picked a doozy of a game to cover, too! Julian, Patrick, and special guest JD come together to talk about all things The Last of Us. No stone is unturned, as the Pantsless Ones take you through the entire story. Join the NWP crew as they tackle The Last of Us, from summer to fall to winter to spring. The guys make no bones about their love for this game, although Julian takes some of the gameplay to task, and explains what he wishes the game's actual mechanics were. They discuss the strong female characters that buck video game norms, and praise the subtlety of the storytelling. Then, of course is that ending. We hope you enjoy this special edition of Nerds Without Pants. Let us know your thoughts on the game (and the podcast) in the comments below.

Digital Mystery Tour Episode 8: Atmospheric

Sun, 14 Jul 2013 16:00:00 GMT

Sometimes, amazing graphics and great gameplay just aren't enough. You need to be able to set the scene just right, and a lot of times the perfect piece of music will do just that. This week on Digital Mystery Tour, Julian brings you some songs that excel at setting the mood for the moment or level that the appear in. From ethereal trance music to something that will run a chill up your spine, these songs are all about ambiance. THIS WEEK'S MUSIC: 00:00 Phantasy Star Online- A Song For Eternal Story 03:21 .Hack//Infection- Cultural City Carmina Gadelica 05:58 Castlevania: Symphony of the Night- Crystal Drops 08:50 Silent Hill 3- Breeze in Monochrome Night 13:20 Mass Effect- The Wards 17:13 FTL- Milky Way/Colonial 24:34 Secret of Mana- What the Forest Taught Me/A Wish

Nerds Without Pants Episode 26: The Hard Goodbye

Fri, 12 Jul 2013 16:00:00 GMT

It's a somber week for video games, as we have lost a titan. Ryan Davis, host of the Giant Bombcast has passed away, and Julian and Patrick start this episode of Nerds Without Pants by talking about how important Ryan was, and how much he's influenced NWP. After that, it's nearly an hour and a half of media consumption. Things go all over the place, as the guys talk about Dragon Age: Inquisition, Mondo Gecko, that Grand Theft Auto V trailer, and Saints Row the Third and the Fourth. Then there's some stuff with The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, comic book woes, Patrick's Rage Against Square Enix, and the realization that Blitzball sucks. But that's not all! What does the Big Bang Theory and porn have in common? Does the geek movie Zero Charisma roll a natural 20? What happens when Julian gets sweet, sweet revenge in Pathfinder? Oh, there's also some talk about Time and Eternity. All this and more can be found in this episode of Nerds Without Pants. FEATURED MUSIC: Theme from The Giant Bombcast Boy- Army The Lonely Island- I'm on a Boat Stephen Lynch- D&D Kanye West- Power

Digital Mystery Tour Episode 7: Don't Press Start

Sun, 07 Jul 2013 16:00:26 GMT

It's happened to all of us, well the music lovers anyway. We boot up a game we're excited to play, settle in for the opening few moments, and at some point the game asks us to do one of the easiest things in the world: Press Start. And the music is so good, we just can't do it. Plenty of games have done this to me over the hears, some new, and some old, so I figured I'd just share those with you guys on this week's Digital Mystery Tour... Dude wait, what? Yes, I said Digital Mystery tour. We had to change our name. It's nothing serious, but I'll discuss it on the show, so if you haven't already, press play! Track list: 00:05 The Last Story from The Last Story, Nobuo Uematsu 02:10 Call of Magic from The Elder Scrolls: Morrowind, Jeremy Soule 04:04 Theme from The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker (various artists) 06:41 Angel's Fear from Secret of Mana: Hiroki Kikuta 08:13 Prayer from Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, Michiru Yamane 10:18 The Edge of the World from Grandia, Noriyuki Iwadare 12:23 Dearly Beloved from Kingdom Hearts, Yoko Shimomura 15:39 Theme from Xenoblade Chronicles, Yoko Shimomura 21:26 The Arrival from Ninety-Nine Nights: Pinar Toprak 26:00 Halo Theme and Unforgotten from Halo 2, Martin O'Donnell

Push Start to Continue Episode 1: PSTC The Reboot

Fri, 05 Jul 2013 16:00:00 GMT

A great tragedy has befallen PixlBit. Through the instability and craziness that is technology, all previous episodes of Push Start to Continue have been lost. This calamity not only affects the denizens of PixlBit, but is considered a great loss to humanity as a whole. We are all a little worse off because of it. But through this tragedy we must persevere, and Jesse and Mike are moving forward. They may be back to ground zero, but sometimes starting over can be a good thing. So take a listen to the new beginning of PStC – the Reboot Edition. Music Courtesy of…. Intro: America, Fuck Yeah from the Team America soundtrack Outro: Without Me by Eminem Got questions or comments for the crew? Hit us up on Twitter! Jesse: @Id10t_Savant Mike: @Off_The_Wally Also don’t forget to check us out, subscribe and rate us on iTunes!

Digital Mystery Tour Episode 6: Home Sweet Home

Sun, 30 Jun 2013 16:00:00 GMT

Welcome! Please come in and make yourselves comfortable. It's all about that down home feeling this week, and Julian has a wonderful selection of songs that should make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. THIS WEEK'S MUSIC 00:00 Mass Effect- The Normandy 03:19 Chrono Trigger- Yearnings of the Wind 07:45 Final Fantasy V- My Home Sweet Home 12:23 Fable 2- Bowerstone Market 17:28 Suikoden II- Homesickness 21:40 Recettear- Open Shop/ Closed Shop 25:06 Final Fantasy XI- Ronfaure

Nerds Without Pants Episode 25: One Box to Rule Them All

Fri, 28 Jun 2013 16:00:00 GMT

Hi, we’re Nerds Without Pants, and we would like to bring you this podcast that you can never share with anyone you know, and for the low, low price of 499.99. If you don’t like that, you can listen to the radio. Actually, never mind. Feel free to share this with anyone and everyone. We’re sorry. (In case you didn’t figure it out, this week is all about the Xbox One.) We kick things off with the most random edition of Consumption Junction ever. Angelo joins us this week, and we have some Statham Sightings ™, discuss the size of Liam Neeson’s package, Wikipedia insecurities, The Last of Us, Project x Zone, anime love pillows, and more. Patrick has an Animal Crossing addiction, and Julian makes awkward segways. Then, it’s all Xbox, all the time, and you don’t even have to check in every 24 hours to enjoy this podcast! We go in chronological order: from the initial reveal to all of the gaffes surrounding E3 and the flip flop heard ‘round the world. The Nerds take Microsoft’s PR campaign to task, hitting home the point that, while the Xbox One could have had some interesting and futuristic benefits to players, nothing was done to educate people on that potential. Don’t count the XBO out just yet, though. With the recent backing off of their DRM policy the winds could shift in their favor. Of course, there’s still that 499 price point to deal with… FEATURED MUSIC: Theme From The A-Team Theme From Night Court Theme From Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Digital Mystery Tour Episode 5: The Class of 1998

Sun, 23 Jun 2013 16:00:00 GMT

They say that 1998 was the greatest year for gaming, and it's hard to argue that point! Julian certainly doesn't try, as he highlights some music from some of the biggest games of that fabled year. Enjoy this episode of Sound in Action, and let us know some of the songs and games you think of from 1998. THIS WEEK'S MUSIC: 00:00 Resident Evil 2- The First Floor 05:11 Panzer Dragoon Saga- Premonitions of War 11:14 Xenogears-Light From the Netherworld 17:05 Tenchu- Punish the Evil Merchant 22:37 Metal Gear Solid- Warhead Storage 27:15 Half-Life- Drums and Riffs 30:24 The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time- Title Theme 34:24 Suikoden II- Opening

Digital Mystery Tour Episode 4: Car Combat!

Sun, 16 Jun 2013 16:00:51 GMT

Ok, I didn't exactly follow the typical SIA format, but if you're gonna kick off a podcast with Bad to the Bone, you better be the kind of guy that writes his own rules. This weeks feature? Music to blow up your fellow racers by, because any competition is so much better when things can explode. Seriously Nascar, pay attention here. I'd be fine with the endless series of left turns if someone shot somebody with a rocket every once in a while and your announcers were more like this guy: Ok, well maybe not that last one so much... Also, here's some bonus content for those of you sweet people that actually read the show notes: Blizzard has a long history of referencing one of their earliest titles, The Lost Vikings, in their games, and Rock and Roll Racing was no exception. In this case, one of the characters Olaf, is actually an unlockable racer, and he's easily the best of the bunch: Furthermore, when the game was ported to the Sega Genesis, the designers didn't have the luxury of Sony's amazing SNES sound chip to play with, so they compensated by offering the Genesis players an exclusive track: Radar Love by Golden Earring: This week's music: 00:10 Bad to the Bone (George Thorogood) - Rock N' Roll Racing: Tim and Geoff Follin 01:56 Highway Star (Deep Purple) - Rock N' Roll Racing: Tim and Geoff Follin 04:47 Born to be Wild (Steppenwolf) - Rock N' Roll Racing: Tim and Geoff Follin 07:39 Paranoid (Black Sabbath) - Rock N' Roll Racing: Tim and Geoff Follin 09:57 Peter Gunn (Henry Mancini) - Spy Hunter, arcade version (no composer found) 13:06 Race 1 - LED Storm, Amiga version (no composer found. Possibly Tim Follin) 14:53 Race 2 - LED Storm, Amiga version (no composer found. Possibly Tim Follin) 18:42 New San - MegaRace: Stéphane Picq 21:39 Maeva - MegaRace: Stéphane Picq 24:14 Factory Land - MegaRace: Stéphane Picq 28:11 Intro - Twisted Metal 2: Joel Rakins 29:08 Los Angeles - Twisted Metal 2: Joel Rakins 33:01 New Riot - Battle Cars (no composer found) 35:14 Peter Gunn (Henry Mancini) - Rock N' Roll Racing: Tim and Geoff Follin

Nerds Without Pants Episode 24: E3 Time Capsule

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 16:00:00 GMT

After some serious technical difficulties and scheduling problems, the Nerds are back! We had all sorts of well-laid plans for this episode but they never came together. Instead, Patrick and Julian got together the day before E3 to record a predictions podcast that wouldn't be released until after the show was over. Enjoy this E3 time capsule! We hit up Consumption Junction and talk about Fire Emblem for way too long, as well as Star Trek Into Darkness and some comic book talk. Julian loves Dodgeball, and Satoru Iwata makes an appearance. Then the Nerds tackle what they expect to see at E3. How accurate were they? Did they get anything right at all? Only you can say for sure, dear listeners! FEATURED MUSIC: M83- Midnight City Fire Emblem: Awakening- Destiny Boy- Drive, Darling, Drive

Nerds Without Pants Special: NWP XIII vs Nomura

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 04:15:00 GMT

What? Another special edition of Nerds Without Pants? You lucky ducks! This time, Angelo joins Julian for a look at what Nintendo had to show off, as well as a bunch of other stuff that you'll want to hear. Angelo gives his thoughts on what was shown yesterday, and voices his caution and concerns for both the Xbox One and the PS4. He brings up some great points, but Julian is still gung ho on his PS4 preorder, but admits that Nintendo showed off some amazing games at their Nintendo Direct. Both of the guys think Mega Man is cute, secretly want to be Cat Mario, and fantasize about owning a Kuribo's Shoe. Then Angelo stirs the pot by bringing up Final Fantasy XV nee Versus XIII. He didn't listen to yesterday's special, which means you get to listen to Julian rant once again about his issues with the newly christened FF game and his hatred for Tetsuya Nomura's designs. To quote the tenth Doctor: "I'm sorry. I'm so, so sorry."

Nerds Without Pants Special: PS4>Xbox One

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 05:13:00 GMT

Hello there! The Pantsless Ones simply couldn't stay silent after the Sony press conference. Here is an hour of unfiltered, unedited NWP, with the guys high off of video game announcements. Julian goes over the Microsoft and EA press conferences, and gives the Xbox One a lot of props. But it simply can't compete with the PS4,and both Julian and Patrick had to preorder the sleek Sony console immediately following the press conference. The guys go over some of the bigger games, and they take some time out so that Julian can rant about Final Fantasy: The Vaporware, AKA Final Fantasy XV. That's about it! Sorry, Microsoft. You had some good stuff to show, but Sony was hungrier. Like a lethal Tombstone Piledriver, you're out for the count, and it's time to REST...IN...PEACE.

Digital Mystery Tour Episode 3: Relaxation Mode

Sun, 09 Jun 2013 16:00:00 GMT

JD takes the helm for Sound and Action this week. Let his soothing voice and mellow soundtrack selections calm and relax you after a long day of blasting space pirates and traversing desert landscapes. This week's music: 00:00 Ragnarok Online- Ethnica 03:53 Super Metroid- Lower Brinstar 07:23 Metroid Prime- Phendrana Drifts 11:47 Prince of Persia (2008)- Healing Ground 14:49 Journey- Nascence 17:33 Baten Kaitos- House of Cards 24:18 Rayman Legends- Toad Story

Digital Mystery Tour Episode 2: Dance Party

Sun, 02 Jun 2013 16:00:00 GMT

It's time to hit the dance floor! Let Julian be your DJ as he takes you through an audio journey of thumping base and funky beats. If you can't dance don't worry--just find an abandoned warehouse and dance your frustrations away, Footloose-style! This week's music: 00:00 Toe Jam & Earl-Theme Song 02:02 Bust a Groove- Flyin' to Your Soul 08:18 Final Fantasy X-2- Spherehunter-Gullwing Group 11:40 Pac Man CE DX- Pac Avenue 17:30 X-Men vs. Street Fighter- Sabretooth 22:15 Buck Bumble- Theme Song

PB & Jason Issue 124 Part Two: Boomstick Edition

Thu, 30 May 2013 06:36:33 GMT

Before you sit down to devour your weekly PB & Jason, make sure you have an hour and fourty minutes on your plate! PB & Jason 124 part two tackles all the topics left after last Thursday's first part: The various game ideas based on somewhat random audience suggestions; the aftermath of the Xbox One unveil, specifically the console's somewhat confusing used games policy; the Nintendo Direct from the middle of May; and the confusing situation behind Precursor Games kickstarter projects, including their relationship with Silicon Knights and Denis Dyack. Also, click this sentence for the NeoGAF thread I mention in the latter half of the podcast. Enjoy!

Digital Mystery Tour Episode 1: Attract Mode

Sun, 26 May 2013 16:00:00 GMT

Welcome to another excellent podcast from PixlBit! I guess once you've been bitten by the podcasting bug you feel this need to create interesting and entertaining shows, and with that in mind, I decided to spearhead Sound in Action: PixlBit's gaming music podcast! We plan to bring this show to you every Sunday, with a rotating cast of hosts. The show will usually be built around a theme, with around 5 or so excellent musical pieces from the world of video games. For this first episode, I chose games that I loved to have running in the background at my independent video game store, Gamefellas. Enjoy this first episode, and you can contact myself or Angelo, my co-editor for requests and theme ideas. I can be reached at julian@pixlbit.com and Angelo at angelo@pixlbit.com. This week's music: 00:00 Super Metroid-Samus Story Music 05:53 Wild Arms-Into the Wilderness 08:45 Final Fantasy Tactics-Bland Logo/Unit Introduction 14:06 Soul Edge-The Edge of Soul 19:07 Ico-Castle in the Mist 23:07 Rising Zan: Samurai Gunman-Johnny No More

PB & Jason Issue 124 Part One: Not Easy as 1, 2, 3...

Fri, 24 May 2013 04:18:39 GMT

This week's PB & Jason is split into two parts. Why? There's just too much to talk about. The Xbox One alone takes up more than an entire issue! That means today, you'll get some perspective on the entire Xbox One reveal press conference. PB & Jason covers the entire stage reveal: The TV parts, the all-in-one parts, Kinect, the gameplay footage that lacked gameplay, and the cross-generation and multiplatform games shown. The verdict? Things aren't looking so good. Tune into tomorrow for the second part, featuring discussion about the news revealed after the press conference on the Xbox One, Denis Dyack, the most recent Nintendo Direct, and those game ideas I've been promising for a little while now!

Nerds Without Pants Episode 23: Don't Worry, Be Nerdy

Fri, 17 May 2013 16:00:00 GMT

Hi there. We're all nerds and geeks here, right? We're passionate about our hobbies, but why does that passion so often turn to rage and complaining? Can't we all just have fun and enjoy each other's thoughts and company? Well, this week on Nerds Without Pants we're joined by a couple excellent guests to talk about just that. Enjoy the beautiful voices and even-handed opinions of Erika Szabo and John Gholson! We kick things off with introductions. Erika is becoming a force to be reckoned with in the realm of games and tech writing. John has started a new comics blog, acted in a movie, and been on VH1 since last we heard from him. After that we move into Consumption Junction. We talk about Iron Man 3, comic book back issues, Fire Emblem, anime, and the proper language needed when reviewing vibrators. Yes, you read that right. Then, we go deep on the echo chamber of nerd rage that can be found on the internet. Sexism comes up a lot, as it's been a hot button issue in the games sector recently. From the Dragon's Crown art kerfluffle to Iron Man 3 ruining people's lives, the crew tries to preach a message of tolerance and positivity. Simply put, why so serious, gamers? This is a very different episode of Nerds Without Pants, and you're really in for a treat. Let us know your feelings on nerd rage in the comments below. Also, give some love to Erika, who we would really like to have back on the show very soon. Possibly forever. And ever. And ever. FEATURED MUSIC: Bobby McFerrin- Don't Worry, Be Happy Brian Tyler-Can You Dig It (Iron Man 3 Main Titles) Matthew Wilder- Break My Stride Robbie Rob- In Time (Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure soundtrack)

PB & Jason Issue 123: PixlBite Engine 3

Fri, 10 May 2013 01:33:28 GMT

That's right, this week's PB & Jason is mostly about people NOT developing things for the Wii U. It isn't a big surprise, since that seems to have taken up most of this week's headlines. It's also about hopes that EA's Star Wars exclusivity license is more limited than we believe it is. Interspersed throughout the discussion of games that aren't for the Wii U are a few thoughts about the trouble ahead for the PS4 and the next XBox, as well. Follow all of this with some discussion about the relationship between US gun violence and video games, and we've got ourselves a delicious PB & Jason. A reminder: If listeners submit TV shows, movies, books, or virtually anything else, I will likely brainstorm a way to turn said subject into a video game in the next PB & Jason. Leave suggestions in the comments, private message me on PixlBit, or email jason@pixlbit.com to make sure I get them!

Nerds Without Pants Episode 22: Nintendo Propaganda

Fri, 03 May 2013 16:00:00 GMT

Hey! Listen! We have a big show for you this week, and we kick things off by talking about how awesome Felicia Day is before Patrick gives us the lowdown on the c2e2 convention. Is that Jeff Green guesting on our show? Not quite, but Angelo sounds a little bit like him, and he drops by to talk about Nintendo and other fun things! In Consumption Junction, Angelo brings up some great conversation about video game soundtracks. Patrick's been playing Phantasy Star IV, and the guys talk about gaming "then" and gaming "now". Julian watched Twilight: Breaking Dawn and recoils in terror from CG BABY. He's also jumped onto the 3DS bandwagon, thanks to peer pressure from people like our own Jesse Miller. That leads the crew into a lengthy discussion about Nintendo. Julian's been a vocal "jilted Nintendo lover" for a long time, and talks about his love and breakup with the company. Angelo tells his odd beginnings with the Big N, and Patrick reminisces about his "gaming All-Mother". Julian calls out the hysterical, rabid Nintendo fans, likening them to Alex Jones listeners. Controversial? Probably... After some talk about the state of the Wii U, the guys put on their thinking caps and each reinvent the Nintendo Holy Trinity: Mario, Metroid, and Zelda. As always, their ideas will most likely surprise, entice, and anger you! Let us know how you would reinvent popular Nintendo franchises, and any other comments and feedback on the show.

PB & Jason Issue 122: Is a Kinect Worth Over $2,000 and Your Dignity?

Thu, 02 May 2013 05:34:07 GMT

This week's PB & Jason was recorded in front of a live studio audience. Or it wasn't. I can say this: No one's ever lost money playing a carnival game to listen to PB & Jason. I'm not sure if I should be proud or saddened by that fact. To know what I'm talking about, you'll have to click through to listen to the podcast. Also in this issue: The potential upside to avoiding an E3 press conference, Virtual Console blues, and Luigi's Mansion 2.

Backloggers Anonymous System Shock 2 Part 1

Wed, 01 May 2013 20:57:56 GMT

So, funny story, I think Backloggers Anonymous is cursed when it comes to handling games designed by Irrational. The reason? Well, this is actually our second first recording for System Shock 2. The first one somehow disappeared from my computer after we recorded it, and the backup is gone too. I half expected SHODAN to email me something like I'VE DELETED YOUR PODCAST, INSECT, but that didn't happen, so I'm gonna chalk it up to the curse. What curse you may ask? Well here's a little trivia for you. Originally, I wasn't the guy in charge of Backloggers. This was actually JD's idea, and he had the helm for our first series of podcasts. The topic? BioShock. Guess what, those are gone too. Weird stuff. Anyway, curse or no curse, we're soldiering on. This time I'm joined by Julian and our site director, Nick. We talk about the game's historical relevance, how it's aged, and why you should never trust someone with a face like this guy. Seriously, what is it with future people? If you create a super powerful AI, give it a name like Xerxes, and a face like that, you're just asking for trouble. Anyway, we'll do our best to defy the curse and bring you another podcast in a few weeks where we'll discuss everything there is to discuss about this game. If you're playing along with us, or just have some questions you'd like us to address, sound off below unless it's got spoilers. If it does, send me an email at Angelo@pixlbit.com. See you next time.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 21: Sick, Sad World

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 18:00:00 GMT

Hello, and *cough cough* welcome to *hack* another episode of *wheeze* Nerds Without Pants! Our last episode was so freaking epic that Julian fell ill. Well, not really, but he's rather under the weather this week, so hopefully you enjoy this shorter show as Patrick takes up the slack. It's pretty much all Consumption Junction this time, folks. Patrick's been playing The Walking Dead, catching up on TV shows, and reading copious amounts of comics. Julian conquered a game from his past that has haunted him for years, shares his fear of bug eyed people, and has a vastly different definition for large breasts than Patrick. Things wrap up with some talk of game collecting before Patrick chimes in with a PSA on insomnia, something that Julian and many of the PixlBit community suffer from. And that's it! What, you want more? You got almost three hours of us last time! WHAT MUST WE DO TO APPEASE YOU??!! FEATURED MUSIC: Bad Religion- Infected Paula Cole- Hush, Hush, Hush

PB & Jason Issue 121: The Third Strongest PB & Jason

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 05:41:46 GMT

Earthbound is on the way to the Virtual Console! I thought it would never happen. Other good news from today's Nintendo Direct includes a new Zelda title, a new Yoshi's Island game, and some release dates. However, all of this information is sombered by a shocking realization: With the exception of SiNG Party and debatably Kirby's Dream Collection: Special Edition, Nintendo hasn't released a single console game that was announced after E3 2011. Mystifying! Oh, and the podcast actually starts up with some talk about EA's latest "de"-ward followed by the continuing Amazon/Nintendo mystery. Click through to listen! PB & Jason can not be heard unless one first connects to the internet. That is the way of the future!

Backloggers Anonymous Enslaved Part 2

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 22:00:00 GMT

Final thoughts: Pigsy is a pig, Monkey is kinda like a monkey, and Trip is... kinda hot. What, you want to know more? Well listen to the 'cast! The play button is over there -----> What I did want to do is let you know about an upcoming poll we'll be hosting here where you, the listeners will be determining what games we play next. I've posted a blog about it, and quite a few of you have already sounded off on what games you'd like us to play. We have plenty to choose from, but the nominations aren't closed yet! If there's a game you'd like us to play, be it current gen or retro, let me know either there or in the comments below and, if it's possible for us to play it, I'll put it in the upcoming poll. Contributers for this cast: Angelo @pixlaj, JD @AMythKnownAsJD, and Julian @Julian_Titus

Nerds Without Pants Episode 20: Ten

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 16:00:00 GMT

It's time again for Nerds Without Pants! This week, JD joins us for a very special look at growing up in the '90s, and all the great games we experienced back then. So lace up your army boots, tie a flannel around your waist, and chug some Crystal Pepsi folks, because this episode of NWP is full of attitude and is so effing XTREME! First though, we head over to Consumption Junction, where quite a bit of games are talked about. Enjoy plenty of discussion about God of War: Ascension, Gears of War: Judgment, BioShock Infinite, The Cave, and Star Craft II: Heart of the Swarm. Julian brings up Metal Gear Solid V and the danger of "prequel fatigue". We also talk about comics for a reeeally long time, as well as a bit of TV. Then we hop into the Wayback Machine for a trip through 1990-1999. There's as much as a ten year gap between the oldest and youngest members of this show, so memories and experiences vary wildly. From the heyday of the arcade to the launch of the SNES, N64, PSX, and more, the Pantsless Ones have a lot to say. Pokemon addiction! Fear of Ecco the Dolphin! Dreams of living on Dawson's Creek! All this and more await you in a most excellent episode of Nerds Without Pants! Seriously, you Ninten-don't want to miss this one. FEATURED MUSIC: Way too many to name!

PB & Jason Issue 120: Lasers and Toilets and Blogs!

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 02:49:55 GMT

In this week's PB & Jason, a few blogs are invaded, specifically Nick's "Ask Me Anything -- Volume #2" and GirlGamerBritt's "Replay Hell: Final Fantasy XIII (Yes, I'm going there)." Beyond those blogs, talk continues about Square-Enix's problems, courtesy of Coolsetzer's comment last issue, along with discussion about why LucasArts may have closed, Gearbox's Borderlands 2, and a little bit of Luigi's Mansion 2. Click through to listen to the podcast! PB & Jason is recorded in front of a live studio audience every Wednesday, weather permitting. As always, you can email me with jason@pixlbit.com or send me a private message to be featured in an upcoming issue of PB & Jason!

PB & Jason Issue 119: Life is Like a Hurricane! I-in E-A!

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 03:14:07 GMT

They failed SimCity, caused gamers mis'ry! EA Fails! Woo ooh! Every day they're out not making game sales! Woo ooh! Sales not faring, do-bad, and they suck-sales! Ok, that's enough of that for now. This week's PB & Jason is sponsored by issues EA and Square-Enix have been having. Both CEOs resigned, both are great at pouring money down the drain, and the former of the two currently has an image problem. Of course, there are other gaming things to mention. A little bit of news out of PAX gets mentioned. Most people should be able to guess I talk about the upcoming DuckTales Remastered game being published by Capcom. Alongside all of this, PB & Jason 119 hints at a possible future of live broadcasts, based on listener feedback. Remember, PB & Jason is recorded in front of a live studio audience (almost) every Wednesday. For ticket and show time information, please email jason@pixlbit.com.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 19: Patrick's Day

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 16:00:00 GMT

Hello, and welcome to a very special edition of Nerds Without Pants! Patrick takes the helm this week for the holiday that was named after him. That...may not be an accurate statement, but the name of the game is all sorts of clever tricks and cons in the world of video games. Before that, we introduce a new opening segment to the show: Consumption Junction. This is where we talk about all the different forms of media we've consumed since last time, and this week we discuss Julian's new Disgaea obsession, Wreck-It Ralph, inFAMOUS 2, Joe Danger: The Movie, and more. Then, Patrick dips into his pot 'o gold to talk about some tricky games and even trickier game companies. We bring up all the dastardly deeds we can ken, from deceptive console launches to video game hero switcheroos. Plenty of tangents and asides abound, thanks to input from Joe Step, leeradical42, and angelfaceband42. We've got crotch-shattering combos! Telekinetic babies! Ken Griffey Jr.!Patrick talking in Irish brogue! Don't miss it! FEATURED MUSIC Jeff and Mychael Danna (Blood of Cu Chulainn) Connie Dover (Laddie, Lie Near Me) Orealis (L'Hiver Sur Richelieu) Dropkick Murphys (I'm Shipping Up to Boston)

Backloggers Anonymous Enslaved Part 1

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 16:00:00 GMT

We're digging into another game from our backlog: Ninja Theory's Enslaved. We start by getting Julian's take on backlogged games from 2012, then we talk about what kind of a game Enslaved is. Rather than bog you down with what we discuss in the podcast (which you're gonna listen to anyway right? right?) I figured I'd show you some of the stuff we talked about on the podcast. So here's a video of Super Monkey Daibouken: Here are the bonus bosses from Mega Man: The Wily Wars along with the characters they parallel in the Chinese epic: Buster Rod. G (Sun Wukong, the monkey king) Mega Water. S (Sha Wujing, the water buffalo) Hyper Storm. H (Zhu Bajie, the pig guy) While I'm at it, here's Infernape, the pokemon JD brought up in the 'cast: Also, there's this, just for fun: Feel free to hit us up on Twitter or just reply in the comments below. We really want your feedback on stuff like this, and we're always looking for input about what games you want us to cover on Backloggers. I'm Angelo Grant (@pixlaj), and I'm joined this time by Julian Titus (@Julian_Titus), and JD (@AMythKnownAsJD).

PB & Jason Issue 118: SimFantaCity

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 03:35:05 GMT

You may have heard the news that F-Zero AX was discovered inside F-Zero GX. That news inspired a brief bit of talk about other places where things were hidden pretty deep inside a few games from the past, mostly on the N64. Naturally, SimCity took up a lot of time, too, and Issue 118 closes with some of Julian's Final Fantasy piece. Be sure to listen to the beginning to catch a few more details about the Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate Community week! Click through for listening and download links! PB & Jason is recorded in front of a live studio audience every Wednesday, weather permitting. As always, you can email me with jason@pixlbit.com to be featured in an upcoming issue of PB & Jason!

Backloggers Anonymous Darksiders Part 3

Fri, 08 Mar 2013 19:00:00 GMT

I'm gonna keep this brief because frankly, I'm not feeling so great. We finished Darksiders. We had more fun talking about it than we did with the back half of the game. We get into some pretty weird things to talk about like sound effects and... horse physics. Maybe my fever started earlier than I thought. Oh, I did manage to find a monkey that pulled off the tough guy thing better than War, so there's that... Anyway, as we've already discussed, this is an out and out spolier 'cast, so make sure you've finished the game or given up on it before you listen to it. We pick up at the Ash Lands (the desert section) and play all the way through to the end. You have been warned! One thing I fogot to mention and I feel horrible about, there's a zombie Mr. Peanut hidden in the game. I found him in two places, but apparently he has a few more appearances. He's actually pretty fun to fight as well, so hunt him down if you want to, and feel free to discuss him in the comments! Also, suggestions! We do have the next two podcasts already planned out and will be playing Enslaved next, but we want to know what you want us to play. If you have any ideas, let us know, and if we think it's a good fit, will add it to our ever growing list of considerations for this podcast.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 18: Sony's World

Fri, 08 Mar 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Hello again! This week on Nerds Without Pants Julian and Patrick give all of their love to the PlayStation 4. There’s been a ton of negative talk swirling around the new Sony console, and the Pantsless Ones bring a refreshing amount of positive vibes to the discussion. But before that—games! Both of the guys finished Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance, and they rant about the criminal difficulty of the final boss while raving about the rest of the game. Patrick’s been enjoying his first taste of Suckerpunch’s superhero saga with inFAMOUS 2, and a lot of time is spent dreaming up what their dream God of War game would be like. Regular contributor Michael117 has a question about video game advertising, leading to one of the best drops in the history of NWP. After that, it’s a veritable Sony love-in. Well, after Julian takes jaded gamers to task for being so blasé about a NEW CONSOLE REVEAL. The guys talk about the new controller, Julian’s antisocial stance on all that social media stuff, and the solutions to first world problems that the PS4 presents. Then the guys move on to the games. Patrick and Julian are high on Knack, think Killzone and inFAMOUS look pretty but expected, and go gaga over Media Molecule’s virtual sculpting demonstration. Julian wags his finger at Square Enix and Quantic Dream for their lackluster presentations, and the nerds agree that Blizzard+console=give us a new Lost Vikings. The discussion wraps up with baseless speculation on price, as well as those rumors of Sony trying to remove used games from the equation. Oh, and Julian says “fantastic” more in two hours than the 9th Doctor did in an entire season, so get your shot glasses ready for a drinking game that will have you falling down drunk by the end of the show. FEATURED MUSIC: It Has to Be This Way (Metal Gear Rising-Platinum Remix) Black Sheep (Brie Larson-Scott Pilgrim vs. the World) Games People Play (The Spinners) Monzter Hozpital (Zeale Rapz-Metric Remix)

PB & Jason Issue 117: Dead Space City 13

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 03:35:49 GMT

That's right, EA gets a lot of attention in this week's PB & Jason. Why? Well, for starters, SimCity has always-on DRM that's preventing a lot of people from playing the game. Beyond that, rumors of an unsuccessful Dead Space 3 & the cancellation of a Dead Space 4 has drawn ire, whether these rumors are true or not! On top of all this, we've got a couple user blogs focused, some discussion on in-game promotions of some video game media outlets, a special mention of Epic Mickey for some of my favorite listeners, Japanese eShop rules, and a lot of talk about the upcoming Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate community event. PB & Jason is recorded in front of a live studio audience every Wednesday, weather permitting. Click through for listening and download links! As always, you can email me with jason@pixlbit.com to be featured in an upcoming issue of PB & Jason!

Nerds Without Pants Episode 17: The All-Japan Pro Podcast

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Welcome to another edition of Nerds Without Pants! No, this show isn't about an epic wrestling match between Antonio Inoki and Great Baba.This time, we revisit a topic that we talked about when we were still the Tri-Force crew on PixlTalk: Japanese games. Instead of rehashing material we take advantage of the fact that we’re nearing the end of the console cycle and grade major Japanese developers on their performance. Before that, we talk about what games we’ve been playing. Rob tried his best to like Aliens: Colonial Marines, but the game failed him, and he had to break up with it. As a result, he’s done with Gearbox as well, and we talk a little about that entire debacle. Rob’s also been playing The Sims 3 (I know, right?), and has a special announcement on a new project. Patrick and Julian tag team the Platinum craziness that is Metal Gear Rising. Julian played the indie game Depression Quest, a text-based narrative that has him wondering if he needs professional help. After that, the Pantsless Ones crack open the grade books and give report cards to Capcom, Konami, Sega, Square Enix, Sony, Nintendo, and Platinum Games. If you’ve been following the show at all you’ll probably be surprised at some of the scores. We wrap things up by putting on our designer hats. It’s East meets West, and we select a favorite Japanese game property and pair it with a Western developer. We’re sad to say that this is Rob’s final episode as a regular member of NWP. It’s been a hell of a run, but he’s had a lot of life changes that prevent him from continuing, which he talks about. It’s kind of like when Son Goku was killed by Cell and didn’t want to be resurrected by the Dragon Balls. Actually yeah, it’s exactly like that. Stay tuned after the show for a very special set of outtakes. Featured Music: Jungle and Hangar (Contra) Ryu’s Theme (Super Street Fighter 2-MS DOS remix) Little Mac’s Lament (Punch Out!! OC remix) Theme of Laura (Silent Hill 2) Sarah McLachlan (I Will Remember You)

PB & Jason Issue 116: Phoning It In

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 01:13:26 GMT

Hello and welcome to PB & Jason! If you're a first-time listener, you'll be in for a treat. In the first part of the issue, I talk a bit about myself and my history with video games. For the second half, I literally just rely a bit too heavily on blogs. Why would I come up with compelling content if I can just take others', after all? PB & Jason is recorded in front of a live studio audience every Wednesday, weather permitting. Click through for listening and download links! As always, you can email me with jason@pixlbit.com to be featured in an upcoming issue of PB & Jason!

PB & Jason Issue 115: In Real Time

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 03:22:19 GMT

The key phrase at the PlayStation 4 announcement event was "...in real time." A point this PB & Jason tries to make is that real-time, scripted footage produces visuals that are often of higher quality than actual gameplay footage, and unfortunately, developers and publishers take advantage of that fact. Regardless, this week's PB & Jason covers last week's Nintendo Direct in brief, and then tackles the announcements of the PlayStation2013 event. Impressions of the reveals are mixed: Most of the actual features included in the PS4, like trying games instantly and streaming your game feed from the console, sound very interesting. The game announcements and trailers, however, seemed disappointing at the same time. PB & Jason is recorded in front of a live studio audience every Wednesday, weather permitting. Click through for listening and download links! As always, you can email me with jason@pixlbit.com to be featured in an upcoming issue of PB & Jason!

Backloggers Anonymous The Soundtrack Special

Sun, 17 Feb 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Great news! Well, for me anyway - I’m on vacation. What this means is we won’t be talking about Darksiders this week. Instead, I’ve decided to solo this podcast and talk about one of my favorite things about modern gaming: the music. We’ll get started talking about the awesomeness that is Capcom, whose 8 bit chiptunes are in an elite class with the likes of Konami and Nintendo themselves. There’s a big reason why they were my favorite developer as a child, and a lot of that had to do with their music. We won’t be stopping there though. What do Link and Gene Wilder have in common? What was the one redeeming quality about some of utter garbage Ocean crapped out on the SNES? It’s all here, so put on your headphones and start listening, because those lousy PC speakers aren’t gonna cut it this time! I do have one bit of bad news. At the end of the podcast I promised a link, however, the creator's site is apparently down as none of the links to their MP3s currently work. Instead, here's a link to a YouTube video of another song from that album. From there, you can find out more about the author and listen to some more of their music, as well as see his channel and website.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 16: The Romantic Babies

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Hey folks, Julian here. I hope you had a great Valentine's Day (or Single Awareness Day if you're like the Pantsless Ones). I wanted to do something special for this episode, but my original idea was love stories in video games. Yawn. Instead, I asked Patrick to come up with an off the wall and eclectic idea, in the way that Patrick does. He did not disappoint, and it's a shame that Rob wasn't able to join us because of BLIZZARD 2013!!! We talk about what we've been playing. It's slim pickings, but Patrick's been powering through Simpsons: Tapped Out and FIFA 13, which leads to a nice discussion about "in-app" purchases. I'm working on Corpse Party: Book of Shadows (review coming soon!), but the big thing for me was playing an upcoming indie game: Pimps vs. Vampires. Pixel artist Thomas Noppers was nice enough to let me participate in a recent weapons test and I liked what I played. Go give him some love on Twitter.We also speculate on what could come out of the upcoming Sony PS4 announcement. Patrick takes the lead for romance, focusing on the countries that spawned the romantic languages: France, Italy, Spain, and Romania. This leads us to a lengthy talk about game design in Europe. Not quite flowers and chocolates, but I think you'll find it interesting. We digress into other regions as well, highlighting the potential for game design in Saudi Arabia and Ireland. Patrick brings up an interesting article about Spanish game design, which you can read here. Part two of the discussion brings in the Romantic movement. We wax philosophical about games that could be considered a part of this period in history, as well as pontificate about what impact video games could have had if they had existed back then. It's something different than you're used to from Nerds Without Pants, and I hope you enjoy it.So put on your smoking jacket and adjust your horn-rimmed glasses, because we get academic on your ass this week. Featured Music: Damien Rice- The Blower's Daughter Dan Fogelburg- Longer Mychael and Jeff Danna- The Child Deirdre Karen Matheson- Mi Le M' Ulinn Air Mo Ghluin Adam Sandler- Love Stinks

PB & Jason Issue 114: Legends of the Hidden Rayman

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 04:03:27 GMT

Before you lies a podcast of epic recordings and thoughts suspended by a lifetime gamer's knowledge and insight. When listeners hit the play button, one topic from the show will begin being discussed. This time, it's the disappointment found in Aliens: Colonial Marines. Once the listener has completed that segment of the show, expect to come face-to-face with the Legend of Rayman, himself, as well as his delay on the Wii U. By now, podcast fans should have obtained at least a piece of a pendant of life, and shall continue forth to hear virtually zero speculation about the Nintendo Direct happening tomorrow. Then, venture through the Shrine of the Sony Monkey to learn possibilities of the PlayStation 2013 event on February 20th. Once there, the listener must race back, to the Durango Xbox Rumored Gates. Or something. PB & Jason is recorded in front of a live studio audience every Wednesday, weather permitting. Click through for listening and download links! As always, you can email me with jason@pixlbit.com to be featured in an upcoming issue of PB & Jason!

Nerds Without Pants Episode 15: Potpourri

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Hello again! Julian here, joined as always by Patrick and Rob for another episode of Nerds Without Pants. No topic this time...we decided to just wing it with some random discussion. Yes, a hodge podge of talking points brought together to form a pleasant bouquet. Some potpourri, if you will. We can all enjoy a little P O T. And if you got that obscure Laugh In joke, congratulations! I love you. I didn't think we had a lot of games to talk about, but actually we had a frakton of games to talk about. Patrick is still preaching the gospel of PS Plus, with beta access to Dust 514 and God of War: Ascension some good reasons to join. Rob's knee-deep in his second Fallout: New Vegas run through, and he confesses his undying love for Felicia Day at last. Okay, not really, but his opinion has changed a little. I try to convince him for the billionth time to finish Alan Wake, and I'm met with his love for Max Payne 3's multiplayer. I give Final Fantasy ATB a thumbs up while taking Dead Space 3 and EA to task. Patrick's not enamored with Darksiders (being played right now on Backloggers Anonymous!), but he loved The Unfinished Swan so much that he wrote a poem about it. I reveal my own quest to eliminate my backlog, lottery style. Then we go to crazy town. Rob has turned me on to Tommy Wiseau, who brings his own brand of insanity to this podcast. We all rage about the crappy non-ending to The Devil Inside before Rob and Patrick nearly bring the fun to a screeching halt. Fear not, listeners! We bring things back to life with copious amounts of comic book talk, as well as Amazing Spider-Man 2 casting news, and I talk about some awesome documentaries I watched recently, with 6 Days to Air: The Making of South Park at the top of the list. There are plenty more shenanigans in this episode, including Rob's proclivity for sitting in a rocking chair wearing a Batman snuggie...and nothing else. Come for the gaming talk. Stay for the crazy. Featured Music Abandoned Pools- Clone High theme song Total Recallin' - Spoof of Free Fallin' by Tom Petty Normand Cobeil- Theme of Ethan Mars (Heavy Rain) Abandoned Pools- The Remedy YOU'RE TEARING ME APART, LISA!

PB & Jason Issue 113: War on Spector

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 00:24:16 GMT

Disney has shuttered Junction Point Studios. While it's good news for Disney's bottom line (and for people who don't enjoy games of low quality,) it makes one wonder who is at fault in a time like this. PB & Jason 113 explores that question a little bit, but in the end, the obvious conclusion, Warren Spector, is reached. Aside from that, issue 113 follows-up last week's Wired's Chris Kohler "Nintendo Direct Vaporware" article taking Kohler's follow-up article into consideration. PB & Jason also includes more Ni no Kuni, which admittedly, is shaping up not quite be the game expected, for better and for worse. All this and more in this week's PB & Jason! Click through for the listening and download links! Make sure you tune into this week's PB & Jason! You may just have a lot of fun! Tune in next Wednesday for the more PB & J goodness!

Backloggers Anonymous Darksiders Part 2

Tue, 29 Jan 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Angst! Rage! Epic House Cleaning! It's all on this week's Backloggers Anonymous! THQ is in the news yet again, and this time it seems like it's over for those guys. Jesse give us the lowdown, including who owns what properties after the auction, and we discuss this a bit before digging into the game proper. We talk a little bit about the story, the combat, the soundtrack, and of course the dungeons. Believe it or not, as lacking as we found some of the story elements, we did find ourselves enjoying the characters a bit, and even finding some humor in how over-the-top War can be. Natrually, the star here is the gameplay, and it is solid, so if anybody out there was holding out, just know that after a slow start, the game does get fun once you get into that first dungeon. Also, this is how I picture Jesse cleaning his house now: We had some interesting things happen around this podcast, so make sure you stick around after the music for some outtakes, unless you hate fun or something.

PB & Jason Issue 112: Direct Feedback

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 02:56:58 GMT

This week's PB & Jason focuses on two things: Ni no Kuni and Wednesday's Nintendo Direct. Expect to hear my evolving viewpoint on Level 5 and Studio Ghibli's hotly anticipated RPG in the next few weeks. Before I get ahead of myself, plan for an episode where I mostly rant about the media's editorials in response to yesterday's Nintendo Direct. Click through for the listening and download links! Make sure you tune into this week's PB & Jason! You may just have a lot of fun! Tune in next Wednesday for the more PB & J goodness!

Nerds Without Pants Episode 14: Inspired Discourse

Fri, 18 Jan 2013 17:00:00 GMT

The band is back together for another exciting edition of Nerds Without Pants! This time, the Pantsless Ones talk about the people in the video game industry that inspire them, and why. Inspiration is the topic of the day, but before that, the guys catch up on what they’ve been up to. It’s a little light in the games department this week, as Rob’s been busy and Julian was laid up in bed. Patrick’s been busy, though, and he brings the games with Assassin’s Creed 3, NiGHTS, and Retro City Rampage. He’s also really digging PlayStation Plus, leading to a discussion about what Sony and Microsoft need to do to impress us in the online space next generation. Julian is neck deep into his Doctor Who obsession while also jumping down the Lost rabbit hole. Rob interviewed a film hero of his, Tommy Wiseau, and you should totally read his piece at Just Press Play. The guys brought three people from the game industry that inspire them , and they go around the room trading influences. If you’ve been following along you can probably guess a few of them, but some of the answers may surprise you. The show wraps up with a single non-gaming personality. Who inspires you? Let us know in the comments section, and come back in two weeks for another excellent episode of Nerds Without Pants. Featured Music: Vangelis- Chariots of Fire Spectre General- Nothin’s Gonna Stand In Our Way Chicago- You’re the Inspiration

PB & Jason Issue 111: The Emperor's New Game of the Year

Fri, 18 Jan 2013 02:45:45 GMT

PB & Jason is back in style for the new year! PB & Jason's first 2013 podcast is just fantastic. How fantastic? So much so, that I feel a need to post a list of types of people who would likely become offended if they were to listen: Pokémon Fans Journey Fans Capcom Fans Tekken Fans Dead Island Fans Disney Fans Playstation Fans Xbox Fans Skylanders Fans Entertainment Weekly Fans Racists Make sure you tune into this week's PB & Jason! You'll either get angry or have a lot of fun! Tune in next Wednesday for the same PB & J goodness! Click me for a bonus Dead Island Riptide image!

Backloggers Anonymous Darksiders Part 1

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 15:00:00 GMT

Welcome to our little group. This time on Backloggers, I'm joined by Jesse and JD as we discuss Darksiders, and it's publisher THQ. Before that though, JD tells us about his journey through Journey. We then discuss the videos he recorded and narrated for PIxlbit which I would encourage anyone who can't experience the game for themselves to check out. We then move on to the topic at hand. Like Silicon Knights, the developers of Too Human, THQ has been in the news recently as well, and for all the wrong reasons to boot. Jesse has been watching this from the sidelines, and and explains what's going on in the confusing world of bankruptcy, asset acquisition, and sale of intellectual property. (Jesse's article, entitled THQ is not having a fire sale, can be found here.) We also speculate a little on what may become of THQ in the future. Finally, we talk about the game itself. What do we expect from it, what kind of game it is, stuff like that. And these bad boys are darkSLIDERS. Get it? Remember, the whole point of all this is for our listeners to give us feedback. We'd love to use some of your comments in our next episode, so tell us your thoughts in the comments. For you PS+ members out there, apparently you can get the original Darsiders for free this week, so now even if this game wasn't in your backlog, you have no excuse not to play along with us!

Nerds Without Pants Special Edition: Love and the MMORPG

Fri, 11 Jan 2013 17:00:40 GMT

Welcome to a very special edition of Nerds Without Pants. Julian is joined by a couple of lovely ladies—Shanna and Allison—who are experts on the topic of the day: massively multiplayer online role playing games. That’s MMORPGs for you savvy ones. With Star Wars: The Old Republic doing well below expectations and Final Fantasy XIV needing a complete redesign this episode of NWP asks what’s so special about these types of games, and why do people still play them? Final Fantasy XI is the gateway drug for this conversation. Julian has played this game for nearly ten years, and his guest Shanna has spent nearly that long wandering the lands of Vana’diel. We talk about how we each got into this notoriously difficult game, and why we’ve played it for so damn long. Allison has moved on to Final Fantasy XIV, so she tells us why she left. Community plays a big role in these games, and that’s the core theme that the panel keeps coming back to. With all the drama, naughty talk, and serious conversations there’s just something about bonding with fellow adventurers in a virtual world that’s very appealing. We take some time to remember a fallen friend, and talk briefly about other MMOs we’ve played, and why they didn’t stick with us. Allison got a chance to participate in the FF XIV:A Realm Reborn alpha test, and she’s all too happy to give us the dirt on that. But she goes one step beyond, and lets us know what improvements were made to the embattled game over the past couple of years since its launch. We go into some deep “inside baseball” talk at times, but if you’re not an MMO fan hopefully you find this discussion informative. And if you’re well versed in these types of games, we hope this podcast gives you a chance to think about all the fond memories and friendships you’ve made along the way. And if you’re a big fan of Final Fantasy, please check out our Final Fantasy retrospective. Comment and let us know your favorite MMO moments, or why you avoid them. Featured Music: Selected music from Final Fantasy XI (Main Theme to Final Fantasy XI, Vana’diel March, The Kingdom of San d’Oria, The Federation of Windurst, The Republic of Bastok, Recollection, The Sanctuary of Zi’Tah, Ronfaure-vocal version) Jace Hall-I Play WoW Selected music from Final Fantasy XIV (The Hall of Flames, Good King Moggle Mog XII)

Nerds Without Pants Episode 13: 2012: The Year in Podcast

Fri, 04 Jan 2013 17:00:00 GMT

It’s 2013 and somehow we survived the apocalypse! Time to ring in the new year in style, with a new episode of Nerds Without Pants. This week we’re a nerd down, as Patrick is convalescing after minor surgery. Filling in is the one and only Ty “Fighter”, who long time listeners will know as Rob’s oft-mentioned buddy. Since every podcast is doing their game of the year lists we decided to buck that trend and instead take a look back at the year that was. Before that, we talk about stuff that we’ve been up to, including Hitman: Absolution, FTL, and Theatrhythm: Final Fantasy. Ty has gone down the JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure rabbit hole, and Rob has a walk of shame. Oh, and Julian went streaking on New Year’s Eve! After that we discuss some of the biggest things to hit the video game industry in 2012. We take a look at the implications of Kickstarter on indie game development, explore why we aren’t all that excited over the PS Vita and Wii U, and try to get to the bottom of so many major game designers leaving their companies. Julian takes the BioWare fans to task over their ridiculous demands over the ending to Mass Effect 3. We close things out with our favorite games of 2012, as well as our favorite gaming experiences of 2012. We have big plans in store for NWP this year, and we hope you continue to listen and support us. Please comment with your favorite game and experience of 2012 in the comments. You can check out Rob’s entire top five here, and you can follow Ty on Tumblr. Visit our Facebook fanpage, and come back in two weeks for the triumphant return of The Ginger Devil! Featured Music: Damien Rice- Cheers Darlin’ Save Ferris- Under 21 Sugarcult- [Untitled] Dan Fogelburg- Same Old Lang Syne

Backloggers Anonymous Too Human Part 3

Tue, 25 Dec 2012 17:00:00 GMT

On this, the final episode of Backloggers Anonymous covering Too Human, we discuss the final two missions, the overall plot and story, and dig a little deeper into the issues we had with some of the choices the game designers made. Joaquim gives up on his quest for dragon armor, Julian explains his love/hate relationship with Denis Dyack, and I, now free from pain meds, discusses my difficulty understanding Baldur as a character. Finally, we say our goodbyes and offer our final opinions of our journey though Too Human. A few ideas were discussed in this podcast that turned out to have pretty solid evidence behind them. Joaquim restates his theory that ODIN may not be an actual person, but something digital. Angelo supports this theory with some information he found in the game. Turns out, all we had to actually do was look in the instruction manual (remember those?) We found out that ODIN stands for Organically Distributed Intelligence Network. He is, in fact, a digital construct and not flesh and bone, and those mechanical ravens that show up from time to time are his eyes and ears. Julian also states that he believes Too Human was conceived originally as a single game, and that it was broken up into three pieces to make it into a trilogy instead of a single multi-disk game, which contributed to the overall shortness of the title, and it's sudden, blunt ending. Distructoid posted a quote (and this great picture I stole for this article) from Dyack that doesn't outright confirm this suspicion, but does add a little fuel to it: "The story was done a long time ago," [Dyack] said. "The theme of the first game is discovery, the theme of the second game is revenge, and the third game, enlightenment." As for myself, those who follow me on Twitter (@pixlaj) know that I've been quite taken with the Too Human soundtrack. I've included my personal favorite selection from the score at the end of the soundtrack in it's entirety. There's no outtakes after it or anything, so if Norse inspired metal isn't your thing, feel free to skip it. I won't be hurt. Promise. And with that, fellow Backloggers, we have officially recovered Too Human from our backlog. We'll be playing through Darksiders next, so grab a copy and get ready to play along!

Nerds Without Pants Episode 12: Apocalypse...Now?

Fri, 21 Dec 2012 18:00:00 GMT

Happy end of the world, everyone! With today being the supposed end of times according to the Mayans, the Nerds Without Pants thought it would be a great time to talk about apocalyptic games and media. Before that, we catch up on what we’ve been up to lately. Rob is back after recovering from a terrible bout of throat AIDS (don’t ask). He talks about Far Cry 3 and The Hobbit. We also talk some comic books, have a heated debate about the difference between graphics and art design, and more. Julian rants about his bug infested experience with The Walking Dead which leads us to ponder the nature of giving popular games a pass when they have serious technical issues. He also sends a love letter to David Tennant, the tenth Doctor. Who? Exactly. The topic of the day is the end of the world, and we talk about our favorite depictions of the apocalypse in video games and film. We discuss what type of post apocalypse we’d most like to live in, and then finish things off with a doomsday scenario wherein we can only play one game for the rest of our lives, and reveal what that game would be for each of us. Thanks for listening to us! If the world hasn’t descended into chaos after this, join us again in two weeks for another exciting edition of Nerds Without Pants! Oh, and check out the apocalyptic web comic Weapon Brown, which we bring up during the show. Featured Music: Johnny Cash- Ring of Fire Doctor Who theme The cast of The Hobbit- Misty Mountains R.E.M.- It’s The End of the World As We Know It

PB & Jason Issue 110: I Want U!

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 03:12:46 GMT

Not sure of what I'm talking about? Tune into the last few minutes of this PB & Jason to find out! Listen to earlier parts of PB & Jason to find out about streetpassing at Disney World, Pokémon iOS apps, SmartPhone troubles, and troubling Japanese sales for the Vita. Just a note: There will not be PB & Jasons produced in the next two weeks due to the Christmas and holiday season. Click through for the listening and download links! PB & Jason is recorded from the North Pole at Santa's Workshop. For stocking-stuffer issues, please contact jason@pixlbit.com.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 11: D-Generates

Fri, 07 Dec 2012 17:40:00 GMT

We’re back! After a month long hiatus, the Pantsless Ones return to entertain and inform on a variety of topics. We begin by catching up, which leads to a lot of comic book talk. Rob’s made a new addition to his legendary Comedian shrine, and he also may have a slight Dark Knight Rises hoarding problem. Don’t worry folks—an intervention is in the works. Unfortunately, technical difficulties plagued this episode, resulting in us splitting up our recording time. In that break, Rob got really sick and couldn’t make it for the rest of the show. Julian and Patrick soldier on and talk about TOO MANY GAMES. This discussion includes, but is not limited to, Assassin’s Creed 3, Need for Speed Most Wanted, NiNo Kuni, and Majin and the Forsaken Kingdom. After that, we talk about holiday gaming memories. With Black Friday and Cyber Monday behind us, we compare notes on any deals they stumbled upon. Patrick shares eerie similarities with the Nintendo 64 kid, and Julian shares an epic tale from the gaming retail trenches. We then close things out with some discussion about the second Grand Theft Auto V trailer that debuted recently. It’s good to be back! Tell us your holiday gaming and Black Friday stories in the comments below. Tell your friends about the Nerds Without Pants--it’s the gift that keeps on giving. Send us feedback to our Facebook fanpage, and please rate and review us on iTunes. Featured Music: Oh You Didn’t Know (New Age Outlaws)- Jim Johnston Kiss Me Sunlights (Zone of the Enders)- Heart of Air Skeletons (GTA V)- Stevie Wonder Are You Ready? (D-Generation X)- Jim Johnston

PB & Jason Issue 109: Half-Faked

Fri, 07 Dec 2012 02:26:04 GMT

This week in PB & Jason: THQ Humble Bundle is performing well. It's probably worth noting this week's PB & Jason highlights the deal and names each game. After that, there's more Vita discussion, specifically about buyer's confusion. What are the games worth buying for myself? Finally, we get to the fake parts of today's podcast. Make sure you tune in for them! Click through for the download and streaming links! PB & Jason is (usually) recorded in front of a live studio audience every Wednesday. For ticket information, please email jason@pixlbit.com.

Push Start to Continue Episode 1: Let Us Be Your Secret

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 17:00:00 GMT

PixlBit is proud to release the inaugural edition of Push Start to Continue, the new videogame podcast from long lost PixlTalkers Jesse and Mike! In this episode they clue you in to just what they’ve been up to in the months they were missing, discuss the Wii U launch, highlight the importance of the #1reasonwhy twitter phenomenon and much, much more. Indie Game Spotlight: Knights of Pen and Paper by Behold Studios Download the Android Version Download the iOS Version Music courtesy of... Intro: Densmore by Anamanaguchi Interlude: Another Winter by Anamanaguchi Outro: Your Secret Love by Luther Vandross

PB & Jason Issue 108: Mini Miiverse

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 02:35:09 GMT

This week's PB & Jason offers a question: What will it take for you to buy a PlayStation Vita? Oh, it also asks why you would buy a Wii Mini! Beyond those two consoles and the special deals available for them, PB & Jason 108 takes you on a journey of three Wii U launch titles -- Nintendo Land, New Super Mario Bros. U, and Disney Epic Mickey 2 -- providing definitive verdicts on each one. Click through for the download and streaming links! PB & Jason is recorded in front of a live studio audience every Wednesday. For ticket information, please email jason@pixlbit.com.

PB & Jason Issue 107: New Super PB & Jason U

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 04:54:17 GMT

This week's PB & Jason is another launch preview! What does that mean? Listen in to PB & Jason and you'll get a little bit of information about each and every Wii U launch title. Ports or exclusives, you'll find out why you should buy (or avoid) specific games come this Sunday. When the focus is on a ported title, expect to hear what makes the Wii U version of the game stand out from the other versions. For the Wii U exclusives, I cover why a game might stand out from the rest! If you're even considering buying a Wii U at launch or before Christmas, this week's PB & Jason is a must-listen! Click through for the download and streaming links! PB & Jason is recorded in front of a live studio audience every Wednesday. For ticket information, please email jason@pixlbit.com.

PB & Jason Issue 106: A Very Spooky PB & Jason

Wed, 31 Oct 2012 23:44:33 GMT

This week's PB & Jason features a list and description of game titles just perfect for Halloween! Games with costumes, games with suspense, and even games that feature ghosts and never-ending mazes! That's right, PB & Jason is chock full of various games fit for Halloween. Even better? The list fore-goes the normal Halloween survival-horror fare. Stay tuned after all the Halloween candy to hear about a few announcements involving spaceships and dragons, respectively, as well as a little bit of talk involving gaming on a Windows 8 machine. Click through for the download and streaming links! PB & Jason is recorded in front of a live studio audience every Wednesday. For ticket information, please email jason@pixlbit.com.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 10: Halloween Havoc

Mon, 29 Oct 2012 16:00:00 GMT

Welcome to the Halloween spectacular of Nerds Without Pants! Fear not boys and ghouls, the Pantsless Ones always hand out full sized candy bars. We’ve got tons of podcasting goodness to fill your sacks with as well, so have a listen, won’t you? We kick things off with what we’ve been playing, including Happy Wars, 007 Legends, and XCOM: Enemy Unknown. We also have a moment of silence and pour one out for Patrick’s dearly departed PS3. Hopefully he doesn’t bury it in an ancient Native American burial ground…we know how that ends. After that, Rob guides the crew as we discuss our deepest and darkest fears. Look into our souls as we talk about irrational fears of sea monsters (that damn giant eel in Mario 64!), feelings of hopelessness, abandonment, and failing to amount to anything in life. It’s an oddly deep episode, but we keep things light as we weave video games into our personal fears, running the gamut from Super Metroid to Silent Hill 3 to Closure. We had a lot of fun with this one, and enjoy all of the spooky music, as well as a guest appearance from a clown that enjoys Dancing Mad, if you know what I mean. Let us know your biggest fears and what games invoke them in the comments below, or at our Facebook fan page. Stay safe out there, and if you’re going to TP a house, make sure it’s two ply. Featured Music: John Carpenter- Theme from Halloween Nobuo Uematsu- Cry in Sorrow Bobby “Boris” Pickett- Monster Mash Wednesday 13- I Walked With a Zombie Mike Oldfield- Tubular Bells Nobuo Uematsu- Dark World Koh Ohtani- Demise of the Ritual Mao Mamamoto- Corpse Party Chapter 5 BGM Nightwish- Scaretale

PB & Jason Issue 105: Jason Costs a Buck O' Five

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 01:41:14 GMT

This week on PB & Jason: Borderlands 2 Xbox 360 save disasters! Tune in to find out all the details about how you (or your children) (or your children's children) could lose characters if you play Borderlands 2 online on the Xbox 360! Oh, I've also finally beaten the game, so you can tune in to find my thoughts on what extra features would have really benefited the title this time around. After all the Xbox and Borderlands talk, PB & Jason goes into detail about Wii and Wii U things. Bundles, microphones, and costs are discussed. Click through for the download and streaming links! PB & Jason is recorded in front of a live studio audience every Wednesday. For ticket information, please email jason@pixlbit.com.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 9: Cinema Verite

Fri, 19 Oct 2012 16:00:00 GMT

Welcome to NWP at the Movies! This week, the pantsless ones are joined by film critic, actor, artist, and all around good dude, John Gholson. Movies are the topic of the day, but as always we begin with what we’ve been playing and listener mail. This week, we talk about Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater HD, Patrick’s intro to iOS games, XCOM, and Julian’s existential gaming crisis. John attended the Fantastic Fest movie festival in Austin recently. This particular film fest focuses on quirky horror, action, and sci-fi movies, and John clues us in on Dredd, Cloud Atlas, and My Amityville Horror among others. We get deep into recent films as well, such as Argo and Seven Psycopaths, along with Rob’s recent trip to the Hamptons International Film Festival. We close out this episode talking about movies based on video games. Yeah, they all kind of suck, but there’s some fun to be had, as well. Enjoy Rob and John as they sit as polar opposites on nearly every movie! Thrill to Rob condemning Patrick and Julian’s favorite gaming flicks! Try not to fall asleep as we talk for far too long about the Resident Evil films! We hope you enjoyed this movie-centric episode. Join us in two weeks for our Halloween spectacular. Tell us your favorite scary games on our Facebook fan page and we’ll work them into the show. Featured Music: Hans Zimmer- Theme from The Critic Brendan Small- Jazz Fight Tomoyasu Hotei- Battle Without Honor or Humanity Utah Saints- Utah Saints Take on the Theme From Mortal Kombat

PixlTalk Special - Silent Hill: Revelation 3D Interview with Michael J. Bassett

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 17:29:31 GMT

On October 26, the latest video game movie and second Silent Hill film, Silent Hill: Revelation 3D will arrive in theaters. Given the impending release of the film, I had an opportunity to talk with writer and director, Michael J. Bassett about the film. Though it continues the story arc of the first film, it also roughly chronicles the events of Silent Hill 3 and protagonist Heather Mason. Like previous director, Christophe Gans, the film is a work of passion for Bassett who loves the games and the unique horror of the series. Michael and I had an opportunity to talk about his history with the series, how he came to work on the film, another game to movie adaptation he'd love to do, preserving the integrity of Heather Mason's character, and what exactly would be chasing him through the town of Silent Hill, along with much more. To listen, either update your PixlTalk feed through iTunes, or use the download link or player to the right. Headphones are suggested as the interview was conducted over the phone and Michael's voice can be tough to hear given the background noise. A big thanks goes out to PR representative Kelly Byke for the interview opportunity as well as PixlBit staff members, Julian Titus, Travis Hawks, Daniel Iverson, Patrick Kijek, and Chessa DiMola who helped prepare interview topics.

PB & Jason Issue 104: Over-Speculating the Price of Gold

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 03:48:31 GMT

Over the last few years, Microsoft has touted the increasing number of features introduced to Xbox Live Gold. Unfortunately, most of these features come at a price. Literally. Many of the newer Xbox Live Gold features, like Hulu Plus, Verizon FiOS, and Amazon Prime, as well as several older features, require outside subscriptions to other services. At the same time, Microsoft has pointed to the increase in features as a reason to raise the subscription price of Xbox Live Gold from $50 to $60. Much of this week's PB & Jason is on this issue. The rest? Pokémon Black and White 2, Borderlands 2, and New Super Mario Bros. 2 DLC. Click through for the download and streaming links! PB & Jason is recorded in front of a live studio audience every Wednesday. For ticket information, please email jason@pixlbit.com.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 8: Femme Fatales

Fri, 05 Oct 2012 16:00:00 GMT

After weeks of teasing and scheduling conflicts we finally bring you the Femme Fatales episode of Nerds Without Pants! Games and tech writer for the International Business Times Lisa Eadicicco joins us to talk about our favorite polygonal ladies, but we start off with what we’ve been playing. This week the crew covers Tekken Tag Tournament 2, FIFA ’13, FTL, Borderlands 2, and Resident Evil 6 among other things. We begin the conversation with our thoughts on female protagonists in media as a whole. Can women be strong and still be sexy? Is the tendency to sexualize women in video games any different than the way they are portrayed in film? These questions lead us to a discussion on our favorite female leads and supporting roles in video games. The selections may surprise you! We take a detour into some more serious talk, bringing up male harassment of female gamers, with examples like the Street Fighter x Tekken Cross Assault fiasco and the vitriol over Anita Sarkeesian’s “Tropes vs. Women in Video Games” series. We also bring up the upcoming Tomb Raider reboot and that controversial attempted rape scene. Things go to a dark place, so we wrap things up with the female characters we’re embarrassed to admit we love. We hope you enjoy this episode, and we really want some feedback on it, especially from any ladies in the audience. Comment below or head on over to our Facebook fanpage to participate. Featured Music: Shivaree- Goodnight Moon The Hit Girls- Bad Reputation Bjork- Army of Me

PixlTalk Episode 79: Good Vault Hunting

Fri, 05 Oct 2012 03:30:00 GMT

Well, it's official. Nick and Chessa now have their copy of Borderlands 2 and have spent quite a bit of time online with fellow PixlTalker, Jason Ross, hunting vaults. Joaquim, despite not having Borderlands 2, still joins in on the Borderlands fun with his GOTY copy of the original game. The crew serves up some comparisons of the two games, talks their experiences with both, and for good measure, Nick even throws in his 2 cents on the latest from Team Ninja, Dead or Alive 5. Following the extensive Borderlands 2 discussion comes some heavy discussion on the odd decision to release Mass Effect 3 on the Wii U, instead of the Trilogy that's planned for both the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. We round things out with the media's polarizing reaction to Resident Evil 6. No one has played the game, but demos and gameplay videos are enough to dissuade the entire crew from touching the latest entry with a ten foot pole. After checking out the episode, hit the comments section below and tell us your thoughts on Borderlands 2, the Mass Effect Trilogy, Resident Evil 6, or anything else that might be on your mind. We'd love to hear it!

PB & Jason Issue 103: Fools' Gold?

Thu, 27 Sep 2012 00:49:11 GMT

Borderlands 2 season is upon us! But wait! While trying to play online with PixlBit's own Nick and Chessa, we hit a snag! Hear more about the problem in PB & Jason 103! Also in this issue: A massive Mass Effect mistake, a super Super Smash Bros. Melee tournament, Wii U launch pros and cons, and something I'd like to call "A fraction of a quarter of Kingdom Hearts 1.5 and two-thirds." Click through for the download and streaming links! PB & Jason is recorded in front of a live studio audience every Wednesday. For ticket information, please email jason@pixlbit.com.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 7: The Daily Planet

Fri, 21 Sep 2012 16:00:00 GMT

You were probably expecting a really entertaining discussion about our favorite female video game characters with a real life lady guest. Sadly, this episode of Nerds Without Pants is another sausage fest. We hope we can bring that topic to you in the future, but for now please enjoy this free form episode. It’s only been a week since we last recorded, and Rob and Patrick haven’t gotten up to much in the gaming department. Rob brings some movies and books to the table, and Patrick got Child of Eden for his birthday. Julian’s got you covered though, with Way of the Samurai 4, Mutant Mudds, and Double Dragon Neon. After that, we go into some news. We rarely talk about the headlines, but there was some big things in gaming since our last episode, including the announcement of the iPhone 5, the Wii U launch details, and the oddly timed sacking of the creator of Plants vs. Zombies…right after a sequel is announced. Sit back and let your pantsless newshounds give you the straight scoop. We wrap things up with a question from a listener that leads into Julian’s personal story of failure with the ladies. Thanks for listening, and please comment below or at our Facebook fan page. Featured music: Selections from the Double Dragon Neon soundtrack by Jake Kaufman.

PixlTalk Episode 78: Wii U Kindly

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 20:46:46 GMT

After making a few predictions last week, Jason and Nick sit down to discuss the results of Nintendo's Wii U Press Event and the events that have followed. Nintendo TVii gets some air time and its potential operability is discussed in detail. The conversation also covers the pricing structures of the system, as well as the strength of the launch line-up and window. After the basics are covered, the Bayonetta 2 fiasco is discussed in detail as well as the current perception of Nintendo in the marketplace. We finish things off with Jason badgering Nick about Borderlands 2 and Nick's near-complete progress of Xenoblade and how significant of a grind is left to finish up the game. Tune in for this informative and insightful episode of PixlTalk by using the links or player to the right! Please send any reader mail or comments to pixltalk@pixlbit.com or sound off in the comments!

PB & Jason Issue 102: South of the Borderlands

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 00:42:46 GMT

This week's PB & Jason is summed up by the abstract above. Hear about the PC version of Borderlands 2! Brave the face of people seriously unhappy over the idea that Bayonnetta 2 will be released only on the Wii U! Learn more about the deals for Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate! Oh, also, if you're willing, keep listening to learn a smidgen about what's going on between Amazon and Nintendo. Those of you who make it all the way to the end of PB & Jason will be able to hear a smidgen more about the setting for the RPG I'm planning to consider creating! Click through for the download and streaming links! PB & Jason is recorded in front of a live studio audience every Wednesday. For ticket information, please email jason@pixlbit.com.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 6: Vice City

Fri, 14 Sep 2012 16:00:00 GMT

Nobody’s perfect. We all have our inner demons—those things that we do even though we know we shouldn’t. That’s what this episode of NWP is all about: vices, and how they work into our video games. Since this is technically the second part of episode 5, we skip what we’ve been playing and jump into the discussion. First up, Patrick brings up the subject of gambling, and how prolific it is in our games. Even at a young age we’ve been exposed to this vice in gaming, and we look at how it’s affected us, even without our knowledge. We gamble all the time, including crafting in MMOs or just taking a chance on a game we’ve never played. We also look at the insidious rise of “mystery items” in games—random virtual goods that cost real world cash. Next, Rob takes us into the slippery slope of substance abuse. We look at games that glorify drugs and alcohol, such as Narc and Catherine, and Julian tells a personal story about how GTA IV ensured he would never drink and drive…ever. Then we get onto an amazing discussion about how technology is the new dangerous addiction, especially since it’s totally legal. Last but certainly not least, Julian makes us atone for our sins and talks about death in video games. Does the fact that death is used as a failure mechanic take away from the impact of story related character death? What about that Aeris death, anyway? When we lose a character in a game are we sad because a friend is gone, or because we lost a valuable battle asset? What are the benefits of permadeath? We hope you enjoy this episode, and that it was worth the wait. We have another topic you’ve been waiting for in two weeks, when our special guest Lisa Eadicicco comes on to talk about our favorite ladies of gaming. Let us know your favorite digital femme fatales either in the comments below or at our Facebook fan page. Featured Music: Grand Theft Auto Vice City- Theme Kenny Rogers- The Gambler Third Eye Blind- God of Wine Melissa Williamson- Room of Angel Kavinsky- Nightcall (featuring Lovefoxxx)

PixlTalk Episode 77: Girlfriend Mode

Fri, 14 Sep 2012 02:23:17 GMT

This past Monday night, Jason, Nick, and Joaquim sat down to record the latest episode of PixlTalk after the crew took a week off for the holidays. We talk Xenoblade, Mass Effect 3, and Borderlands 2. As the title indicates, we take on the "Girlfriend Mode" controversy head on and discuss just how ridiculous the outrage of the comments were. Later in the show, the Wii U is a hot topic yet again as the crew speculates what they were expecting of today's Nintendo press conference. Click through, hear the thoughts of the crew and see how close they were to making the mark on Episode 77 of PixlTalk! Use the comment space below to tell us a bit about your thoughts on Wii U, Borderlands 2, or any of the topics of this latest episode. Also, feel free to let us know what you think of the show and offer up some reader mail for discussion points during the next episode. Check back next week for our thoughts on the announced Wii U news and our plans for the system launch.

PB & Jason Issue 101: Forest of Illusion

Fri, 14 Sep 2012 01:09:30 GMT

...It's my illusion! But really, this PB & Jason is about the Wii U. There's no two ways about it. If you're just looking for flat-out details on the Wii U, check out PixlBit's news post, but if you want some color commentary on the entire deal, you're looking for this Week's PB & Jason! Click through for the download and streaming links! PB & Jason is recorded in front of a live studio audience every Wednesday. For ticket information, please email jason@pixlbit.com.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 5: 'Til All Are One!

Fri, 07 Sep 2012 16:00:00 GMT

Well, we goofed. Due to circumstances beyond our control, this episode of NWP is woefully lacking a second segment. Worry not though, true believers! We’ll be bringing you the intended topic of this episode (vices and video games) next week. So sit back and enjoy what we’ve been playing and some bloopers. Julian can’t contain his inner fanboy for Transformers, and even though Fall of Cybertron isn’t his idea of a perfect TF game you get to hear him discuss it at length. Patrick vents his frustration over the ending of Dead Space 2 (no spoilers) and talks some Starhawk, while Rob manages to rave about Counter Strike: Global Offensive without yelling “BOOM! Headshot!” And that’s it! Check out the work of Ken Knudtsen that Rob was talking about here, and be sure to follow us all on Twitter, since we didn’t get the chance to beg for new followers this week. Rob is @robertottone Patrick is @someboss Julian is @julian_titus Join our Facebook fan page, and tune in next week as we go to some dark places with our vices. Featured Music: Stan Bush- The Touch Vince DiCola- Autobot/Decepticon Battle N.R.G.- Instruments of Destruction Lion- The Transformers (theme)

PB & Jason Issue 99: PAX & Chris

Thu, 06 Sep 2012 02:31:19 GMT

Join Jason and Chris as they discuss the games and shows at PAX prime. Those of you who listen in can expect Epic Mickey 2 impressions, and quite a bit of hands-on Wii U talk, as well. Listening deeper into the show will provide a bit of a breakdown on the indie titles available to play at PAX. Those curious about the indie title of which Chris could not recall the name should know the game is called "AntiChamber." After the talk about the games on the expo's floor, Chris mentions his experiences with the shows and panels at PAX. As a bonus for my loyal listeners, the beginning of the podcast includes new information about that albino GameCube controller featured last week! Click through for the download and streaming links! PB & Jason is recorded in front of a live studio audience every Wednesday. For ticket information, please email jason@pixlbit.com.

PixlTalk Episode 76: The World Ends With JD

Fri, 31 Aug 2012 12:30:41 GMT

It has been quite an uneventful week, but we're still playing video games. JD, Jason, and Joaquim talk about their experiences with what they're currently playing. We then introduce a new segment which rumors say is called "Rumor Mongering," and then head on to discuss the iOS release of "The World Ends with You", and end the podcast with a quick chat on the supposed Wii U release date leak by PDP.

PB & Jason Issue 98: Elusive Albino Controllers

Thu, 30 Aug 2012 03:07:57 GMT

This week's PB & Jason deals with stores. Online stores specifically. Online stores and odd things with box arts, pricings, and, of course, the white GameCube controller I've recently discovered. Beyond that, there's mention of the upcoming PAX Prime, coming next weekend. PlayStation Vita firmware updates abound, as well. Now you can play PlayStation titles on your PSV! Oh, that's if it's on a specific list of nine games or you have a PlayStation 3 to send over some games. Also, the ability comes at the cost of one PSN account per PSV memory card. Wuh oh. Click through for the download and streaming links! PB & Jason is recorded in front of a live studio audience every Wednesday. For ticket information, please email jason@pixlbit.com.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 4: In Statham We Trust

Fri, 24 Aug 2012 16:00:00 GMT

We may have missed an episode, but we’re making it up to you this week with a bonus episode that gets us back on track. Even though we only recorded a week ago we have some games to talk about, including Sleeping Dogs, Final Fantasy VII PC, and Kingdom Hearts: Dream Drop Distance. It’s a pretty loose episode this week, with a little bit of everything. Rob talks about watching the Will Ferrell movie The Campaign and Julian gushes all over The Expendables 2. Is a Statham Sighting in your future? All signs point to yes. Rob gives us a peek into the depths of his soul, and we close things out with a rant about a recent shooting that leads into a brief discussion on that whole “violence in video games” debate that keeps popping up. Come back in two weeks when we talk about video games and vices. It’ll be a nice gritty look at the seedy side of gaming, as well as your pantsless nerds. Join the Facebook fan page and also weigh in on the violence discussion in the comments below. STATHAM! Featured Music: Streets of Rage 2-Slow Moon Castlevania- Bloody Tears Mega Man 2-Intro (Over Clocked Remix)

Nerds Without Pants Episode 3: The Hardest Trophy

Fri, 17 Aug 2012 16:00:00 GMT

And we’re back! Scheduling problems and technical difficulties can’t keep your favorite nerd trio from removing their pants and talking about some awesome video games. We kick it off as always with what we’ve been playing, including PlayStation All-Stars, Little Big Planet Karting, Dyad, and Robot Rob’s hatred of Batman: Arkham City. Julian confesses his new nerd addiction: table top games! The topic this episode is everything trophy and achievement. Gamers have been addicted to these little pieces of digital flair for years now, and Patrick wants to know how we feel about them as a group. Rob spends the episode in complete denial of his achievement lust, while Julian and Patrick completely admit to their addictions. We talk about our first achievements, the ones we tried the hardest for, and the ones that seemed particularly lame. We also talk about Rob’s atavistic fear of Disney’s Cars before closing things out with some shameless self-promotion. Join our Facebook fanpage and let us know what you want to see in upcoming episodes. We’ll be back next week with a free-form bonus episode, and after that we hope to have a very special guest for you all. Featured Music: Survivor-Eye of the Tiger Joe Cafferty-Hearts on Fire Joe “Bean” Esposito-You’re the Best

PB & Jason Issue 97: The Amazon Horned Frog Does Not Sell the 3DS XL

Thu, 16 Aug 2012 03:32:06 GMT

Want to purchase a 3DS XL directly from Amazon? That's not going to happen. Maybe Amazon can fulfill the purchase from another website, but it just isn't the same. What's going on? There are a few rumors, and you'll have to listen to PB & Jason #97 to find out! By listening, you'll also learn about the pre-E3 "Judges Week" all those video game media outlets aren't talking about! Don't forget some impressions of the Sega Vintage Collection: Streets of Rage title I'm currently playing. All this and more are found in PB & Jason #97! Click through for the download and streaming links. PB & Jason is recorded in front of a live studio audience every Wednesday. For ticket information, please email jason@pixlbit.com.

PB & Jason Issue 96: Imagine Wii and U, and U and Wii

Thu, 09 Aug 2012 03:09:45 GMT

The Wii U box art template has been confirmed by Nintendo and outside sources. Rumors are flying 'round about release dates of games and the console. What does this mean for the prediction made last week about a late September launch of the Wii U? Also inside: A discussion of what's not necessarily right regarding PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale preview coverage, 5th Cell troubles with Hybrid servers, and Dragon Quest IX and X talk! Click through for the show's download and listening links! PB & Jason is recorded in front of a live studio audience every Wednesday. For ticket information, please email jason@pixlbit.com.

PB & Jason Issue 95: Judgment Day

Thu, 02 Aug 2012 02:34:19 GMT

Today's PB & Jason is filled with news and opinions. What does the Mandatory Binding Arbitration clause in Steam's Terms of Use mean? Which Square Enix RPG will be available on the Ouya? Where in the world is E3 2013? Spoiler alert: The answer is in the site's recent news. Are buttons a huge barrier to video games? What crazy prediction for the Wii U launch has Jason come up with now? All these answers and more can be found in PB & Jason #95! Click through for the show's download and listening links! PB & Jason is recorded in front of a live studio audience every Wednesday. For ticket information, please email jason@pixlbit.com.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 2: Strange Love

Fri, 27 Jul 2012 16:00:00 GMT

Sex. Now that I have your attention, why is it something that gaming podcasts don’t talk about very often? Sex sells, and game developers have used it more and more in their games over the years. Your favorite nerdy trio takes off their pants, turns on their mics, and talk at length about sex in vidya games. But before that we talk some recent games, including Theatrhythm: Final Fantasy, Slender, and Unchained Blades. We kick things off with a little of our sexual histories, and pontificate for a bit on just who would make it onto our Freebie Five lists. Things then turn to how sex impacts our games and the industry. Did Hot Coffee destroy the potential for sex in games? Did BioWare lose their nerve after the Fox News Mass Effect debacle? Can gamers even handle sexuality in video games in a mature manner, or can we just not have nice things? We explore games that handle sexuality in interesting or subtle ways, as well as highlight some of the inherent problems with trying to tackle these issues. Throughout the show we take some of our listener’s Kinsey Report questions, and Rob continues his desperate advances towards Patrick. Enjoy all of this and more in this (surprisingly) mature look at getting it on in the virtual space. And don’t worry ladies: unlike Christian Grey we can give you more than a paragraph’s worth of pleasure. Liked the episode? Hated it? Want to submit ideas for topics? Join our Facebook Fanpage! Featured Music: Marcy Playground-Sex and Candy P!nk featuring Peaches-Oh My God Paula Cole-Feelin’ Love Friendly Fires-Strange Love (Depeche Mode cover)

PB & Jason Issue 94: The Konion?

Thu, 26 Jul 2012 03:04:01 GMT

You've probably already heard the rumor about Final Fantasy Versus XIII's cancellation. You've probably even heard the news about the rumor being false. I've another rumor: A major videogame media outlet has taken my idea about reporting fake video game news! Oh, and they forgot to outright tell people it was fake. Anyway, in this week's PB & Jason, we talk about the Final Fantasy Versus XIII debacle, the Borderlands formula, and we learn of a possible reason why EA's former COO is "Former" and not "Current." Want to listen to PB & Jason? Click through to the embedded player and download links! PB & Jason is recorded in front of a live studio audience (almost) every Wednesday. For dates and ticket information, please email jason@pixlbit.com

PB & Jason Issue 93: The Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses

Thu, 19 Jul 2012 02:34:53 GMT

It shouldn't be very difficult to guess the main subject of today's PB & Jason. I'll give you three hints: There was cosplay, I said the name of this topic in the title of Issue 93, and the beginnings of this event were announced during Nintendo's E3 2011 press conference. Give up? Ok, ok. This issue of PB & Jason is based mostly on the Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses concert! Spoiler alert: It's good. Of course, there's a little bit of other information about things like the sales numbers of the PlayStation Vita in Japan, but you'll have to give this issue of PB & Jason a listen to hear all of them by clicking through to the embedded player and download links. PB & Jason is recorded in front of a live studio audience (almost) every Wednesday. For dates and ticket information, please email jason@pixlbit.com.

Nerds Without Pants Episode 1: Origin Stories

Fri, 13 Jul 2012 16:00:00 GMT

Greetings, true believers! Welcome to the first episode of Nerds Without Pants. Do join us for some generally nerdy talk about games, movies, and comics...sans pants. We kick things off with a quick discussion about what we've been up to since ending our run on PixlTalk, including Ghost Recon, Final Fantasy XI, The Amazing Spider-Man movie, and entirely too much talk about Spec Ops: The Line. If you listen carefully, you can catch a very rare Statham Sighting, as well. Julian asks the listeners for some help with his backlog. Check it out here, and let him know what you think he should play! Then we move on to our special comic book themed topic, wherein we share with you our video game origin stories. We each talk about our earliest gaming memories, what game first made us realize that this was to become our hobby of choice, and why we still game today. We also wrap up each story with a comic book pick, just for you, and at no extra charge. Patrick closes things out with a story about his recent trip to Europe, in typical metaphysical Patrick style. We're excited to have you on board for this new edition of our special kind of madness. A reboot, if you will. Let us know your gaming origin stories in the comments section, and come back in two weeks when we talk about all things sexual in gaming. It's sure to be saucy, and you definitely won't want your pants on for that episode. -Excelsior! Featured Music: Nobuo Uematsu- Zanarkand Danny Elfman-Theme From Batman: The Animated Series John Williams-Main Theme (From Superman) Smashing Pumpkins-The Beginning is the End is the Beginning

PixlTalk Episode 73: Blast From the Past

Fri, 13 Jul 2012 04:07:23 GMT

The original (well, sort of) crew of PixlTalk is back this week as they reclaim the podcast that has been under the loving care of our previous two crews for the past few months. Coming back into the show we wanted to do something new and fresh that would shake up the original format and keep things moving at a steady rate. The new show is broken down into segments, which include What's in the News, The Rant, and a Retro Spotlight, among many others, and the list of segment ideas keeps growing! Each week the crew, consisting of Nick and Chessa DiMola, Jason Ross, and Joaquim Mira will be choosing from a handful of these new topics in the hopes of keeping it interesting and (more honestly) to prevent us from hopelessly wandering off-topic into mindless banter...we make no promises on keeping it together at the end, however. Just a warning. This week we start off with four segments, What are You Playing, What's in the News, Retro Spotlight, and a bit of Trivia. We explore the 3DS XL reveal, Halo 4's staggering memory requirement, discuss A Link to the Past, and even get to hear Jason being attacked by his cat. Please let us know what you think about the show and the new format, and leave us ideas for new segments if you happen to have them. Also, don't forget to check out the brand new podcasts from the previous PixlTalk crews, Push Start to Continue and Nerds Without Pants (debuting tomorrow!).

PB & Jason Issue 92: Vidalia Edition

Thu, 12 Jul 2012 02:37:06 GMT

This week, the news on Jason's radar has been pretty weak. There has been some conversation about a small handful of major topics, but just about everyone has discussed and editorialized said topics to death. The alternative? When there is no news worth talking about, why not create fake news to share? Join Jason as he rambles off several fake headlines. Maybe you'll have a laugh, maybe you'll shed a tear. Maybe you'll make up a few fake stories of your own. Who cares? Whatever you do, be sure to listen to PB & Jason by clicking through to the embedded player and download links. PB & Jason is recorded in front of a live studio audience (almost) every Wednesday. For dates and ticket information, please email jason@pixlbit.com.

PB & Jason Issue 91: Bang! Boom! Fireworks!

Thu, 05 Jul 2012 03:11:07 GMT

This week's PB & Jason has a focus on fireworks! Well, maybe not fireworks exactly, but rather the Fourth of July, the USA's Independence Day. Expect to hear of a handful of video games that really get in the July 4th spirit with fireworks and, in the case of Metal Gear Solid 2, convoluted plots! For those of you looking for a little more than holidays, don't worry! I've packed PB & Jason 91 with a lot more, mostly centered around what video games I'd like to see in the future! Spoiler Alert: I mention the Ice Climbers. A lot. There's also some hype for the Zelda: Symphony of the Goddess concert I'll be attending in less than two weeks, as well as a little bit of discussion about a not-so-retro game I'm replaying: Dragon Quest IX. Click through to find listening and download links! PB & Jason is recorded in front of a live studio audience (almost) every Wednesday. For dates and ticket information, please email jason@pixlbit.com.

PB & Jason Issue 90: Jason & Hobbes

Thu, 28 Jun 2012 01:33:13 GMT

Tonight: MAME cabinets, Zeboyd RPGs, and Pokémon. For whom is the 3DS XL the right choice? Earlier, I interviewed producers behind the Zelda: Symphony of the Goddess tour. Find out my thoughts on their interview before it hits the site! All this and more in PB & Jason #90. Click through to find listening and download links! PB & Jason is recorded in front of a live studio audience (almost) every Wednesday. For dates and ticket information, please email jason@pixlbit.com.

PB & Jason Issue 89: Where in the World is E3 2013?

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 02:51:56 GMT

The show dates for E3 2013 have not yet been announced! Neither has the location! Did Carmen Sandiego literally steal next year's show? No? Oh. Well, looking at this year's E3, perhaps that's a bad thing. More on topic, this week's PB & Jason talks about the things that went wrong with E3 2012. As the show exited, most gamers were left with at least mild disappointment at the lack of coverage and announcements. Why? Find out inside! Also featured? Kirby's 20th anniversary collection and a tiny bit of Epic Mickey 2. Click through for the show's download and listening links! PB & Jason is recorded in front of a live studio audience every Wednesday. For ticket information, please email jason@pixlbit.com.

PB & Jason Issue 88: PB & E3

Thu, 31 May 2012 01:07:33 GMT

That's right, this week's PB & Jason talks about E3. The big event is coming up next week. How will you prepare for all the press conferences, demos, pictures, videos, and interviews? By listening to PB & Jason, of course! Long lines are covered, tiny bit of swag, a question of parties, too. The 90's shows are discussed, as are the later shows and micro-E3s of years gone. Hear the technicalities behind receiving a media badge and attending the show in this very exciting PB & Jason! Oh, right. There's a little bit of talk about the Zelda Symphony tour (Guess who's attending?), Mario Tennis Open, and Diablo III, too, so stay tuned for that near the end! PB & Jason is filmed in front of a live studio audience. For ticket information, please email jason@pixlbit.com.

PB & Jason Issue 87: Super Street Fighter IV Arcade Edition '13

Wed, 16 May 2012 23:54:42 GMT

This issue of PB & Jason is about downloadable content. Specifically, Capcom fighting game DLC. If you're not familiar with Capcom and their recent fighting game issues, let me paint the picture: They've conditioned many of their fans to hold out on buying the first edition of a title, since an upgraded version with bug fixes, balance adjustments, and new characters is often on the horizon. More than that, they've locked content on discs behind pay-walls, then reacted with surprise when they learned gamers weren't happy buying a game and then being charged a second time for content already on the disc. In PB & Jason, I take a look at a serious alternative, suggesting a few benefits that could be had for all involved. Oh, and don't forget all the talk about Tales of Graces f and new, used, and backwards-compatible PlayStation 3s! Join me for the best PB & Jason for this week ever! Click through for the download links. Of course, those with listener mail can always contact me by sending email to jason@pixlbit.com. Come back next Wednesday for Issue 87! I'm sure it'll be next week's best ever PB & Jason, too!

PixlTalk Episode 66: Dogma

Thu, 10 May 2012 21:00:00 GMT

It's time for another Tri-Force edition of PixlTalk! This week, we read your questions, spend some time talking about The Avengers, Call of Duty Black Ops 2, and Diablo III. Then, we head into the tabernacle and discuss the Holy of Holies. Well, not exactly, but we do talk about religion, gaming, and personal beliefs and mantras that we go to when we play video games. Deep stuff for sure, but we keep things light, with amusing anecdotes about addictive gaming loops, games we play to exorcise our demons (read: games we play when we're pissed off), the portrayal of religion in video games, and much much more. Like, WAY much more! It's an epic edition of PixlTalk that flirts with the 3 hour barrier. If you can get through this podcast in one go, blessings be upon you, my child. We hope you enjoy this more thoughtful look at a rather taboo subject. Check back in two weeks for our discussion on digital distribution. Amen. Featured Music: Team Teamwork- M.O.P.-Ante Up (Battle!) Florence + the Machine- Bedroom Hymns R.E.M.-Losing My Religion

PB & Jason Issue 86: Tales of Jason r

Thu, 10 May 2012 00:30:23 GMT

This week on PB & Jason: Tales of Graces f and Tales of Symphonia comparisons, the case of Miyamoto vs. the PlayStation Vita, disappointment with the PlayStation Suite program Sony is initiating, Capcom woes, Xbox subscriptions, and more! Join Jason in the best PB & Jason for this week ever! Click through for the download links. Of course, those with listener mail can always contact me by sending email to jason@pixlbit.com. Come back next Wednesday for Issue 87! I'm sure it'll be next week's best ever PB & Jason, too!

PixlTalk Episode 65: The Sound that Resonates

Thu, 03 May 2012 21:00:00 GMT

I think it’s safe to say that most of us love music. Regardless of age, culture, or region music plays an integral part in our lives. It evokes such strong personal emotions yet appeals to such a wide audience. Why is it then – with music being such an important facet of our lives – that it often goes unnoticed when attached to other media forms? This week we look to rectify that, discussing the importance of video game soundtracks. We discuss the brilliance of older 8-bit classics, and our thoughts on more contemporary pieces. Has there been a decline in the use of musical scores in games? Or has the industry/technology simply gotten better at naturally melding music and gameplay? What about music rhythm games, what role do they play in the industry? Are they past their heyday, or is resurgence possible given time? We share a lot of our favorite tracks and the memories they bring back. Please feel free to share some of your favorite tracks and memories as well. Also be sure to check out JD’s and Esteban’s blog posts as they’re both great reads. Esteban’s Blog: http://www.pixlbit.com/blog/126/the_music_sensory_trigger JD’s Blog: http://www.pixlbit.com/blog/34/the_power_of_a_good_video_game_ost

PB & Jason Issue 85: PB & Jason All-Stars Battle Royale!

Thu, 03 May 2012 00:41:05 GMT

The Sony fighter has been announced! Will it live up to its Nintendo counterpart? No one knows! That doesn't stop me from speculating. The important thing isn't whether or not it's a rip-off. What matters is that it's fun to play. Oh, right. I do talk about other things in this PB & Jason, I almost forgot. Remember Issue 84? In that issue, I talked a little bit about the fear of incentivizing game reviews on websites like Amazon.com with DLC. This week, I expand on the idea, presenting a few clearer reasons why such a thing could become harmful. I also discuss my take on the next-gen console rumors that they'll be made to prevent used games. You'll be surprised at the level of reason I can achieve when I can remain level-headed! You'll have to listen to learn the conclusion I draw, though. Click through for the download links! Of course, those with listener mail can always contact me by sending email to jason@pixlbit.com. Come back next Wednesday for Issue 86! I'm sure it'll be next week's best ever PB & Jason, too!

PB & Jason Issue 84: Half-off Mutant Simpsons in the Mushroom Kingdom for Pikmin Review-bought DLC

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 01:58:44 GMT

This week's PB & Jason covers a lot of ground. It starts with the shock of a popular two-month-old game that can be found at half its original retail price. It ends with a twisted DLC idea that could become the follow-up to retailer-exclusive DLC. In the middle? Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, The Simpsons, PlayBits, New Super Mario Bros. Mii, Pikmin 3, and Nintendo's approach to DLC with the Wii U. To hear the podcast, you'll have to click through to find the podcast's download links. Of course, those with listener mail can always contact me by sending email to jason@pixlbit.com. Come back next Wednesday for Issue 85! I'm sure it'll be next week's best ever PB & Jason, too!

PixlTalk Episode 62: The People's Podcast

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 21:00:00 GMT

What? We have to record another one of these already? Um, I guess that means you guys get to hear us talk about random geek crap, because we’re officially out of ideas. The Tri-Force crew played some games since last time, so enjoy our discussion on Closure, Rage, Silent Hill HD Collection, and more. After that, enjoy this raw, uncut, and unscripted version of the podcast. We talk about which mobile game developer will become the next Activision, Spyro fever dreams, the Virtual Boy, Gamestop gripes, tabletop games, and geek speed dating. Oh, but we’re not done, no sir! Julian gets deep into his Wrestlemania weekend before Patrick and Rob put him to sleep with talk of something called base…ball? All this, and Rob somehow manages to gloat at least three times about his recent dating prowess. So…yeah. We’ll have something better for you next time, I swear! (Actually, this episode is pretty good) Oh, and if you want to see the posters Rob bought, check out Geekboy Press. Featured Music: The Guild-(I’m the One That’s) Cool Jim Johnston-If You Smell

PB & Jason Issue 83: A Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich is not a Podcast

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 01:33:37 GMT

Good thing, too, since you can find a lot of commentary on gaming news in this week's PB & Jason. Things like the real story of Peter Molyneux's departure from Lionhead Studios. Other things, like Sonic 4: Episode 2's Wii woes. Don't forget information on why Cliff Bleszinski thinks on-disc DLC is a necessary evil! Of course, there is more than all this in PB & Jason 83, but to hear the rest, you'll have to click through to find the podcast's download links. Of course, those with listener mail can always contact me by sending email to jason@pixlbit.com. Come back next Wednesday for Issue 84! I'm sure it'll be next week's best ever PB & Jason, too!

PixlTalk Episode 61: Gender in Gaming

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 21:00:00 GMT

Gender in Gaming has been the controversial hot button topic as of late, garnering attention from big name media outlets like Forbes and Maxim. However, despite the ample attention directed toward this issue, few discussions manage to address the real problems at hand. Instead we often opt for reactionary attacks that continue to drive a wedge between our community, silencing intelligent discussion. This week we hope to stray away from the media’s click-bait perspective of gender issues in gaming, in favor of a more controlled discussion. We tackle issues with both female and male representation in the video game industry, along with the current state of gender relations in gaming communities. There certainly are problems when it comes to gender representation in games, but it’s not always the cataclysmic travesty that some would have you believe. The industry is in need of change, but the current onslaught of belligerent hate-fueled rants is not the solution. So please sit down, relax, and join us for this informative edition of PixlTalk. As always we look forward to hearing your input/outlook so please feel free to let us know what you think in the comments below. Thanks again to Chessa and Sam for coming on this week, we hope you can join us again soon.

PB & Jason Issue 82: Mr. PB & Jason

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 01:58:05 GMT

This week on PB & Jason: Lies, deceit, evil twins, a wedding, and a funeral! No, no, not really. Instead, there's talk about Kid Icarus: Uprising! Nintendo's favorite angel takes on the armies of the underworld and also multiplayer vs. matches. What do I think about Pit's revival? Well, let's just say it inspired me to speculate about what could be done to bring back two other Nintendo franchises that are basically dead in the water at this point: Game & Watch and Balloon Fight. What kind of makeover would they get? You'll have to listen to find out! Of course, those with listener mail can always contact me by sending email to jason@pixlbit.com. Come back next Wednesday for Issue 83! I'm sure it'll be next week's best ever PB & Jason, too!

PixlTalk Episode 60: Pop Cast

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 21:00:00 GMT

Oh hey, didn’t see you there. It must be time for another edition of PixlTalk, Tri-Force style! This week, Patrick takes us on a pop culture journey into fantasy game development. Before that we spend some time talking about what we’re playing, including Kid Icarus: Uprising, Gotham City Impostors, and Silent Hill: Downpour. After that, we go into a round robin brainstorming session, talking about what pop culture properties we would love to see given the video game treatment. There are obvious ideas like G.I. JOE, eclectic ideas like a version of The Hunger Games with permadeath, and even a game idea based on TMZ. Yes, that TMZ. We also get heavy into comics, wanting games based on Powers and Sandman, and much much more! Things get a little…weird at the end. And that’s all I have to say about that. Featured Music: M: Pop Musik The Seatbelts: Tank! Cold Slither: Cold Slither Aqua: Barbie Girl

PB & Jason Issue 81: Magical Quest Starring Jason Ross

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 02:21:35 GMT

Short answer? Yes! Of course, you should click through and download this week's PB & Jason podcast to find out the reasons why. Also featured in this issue is more about Tom Chick and Quartertothree.com's Journey review. Mixed in are some great Kid Icarus Uprising impressions (SPOILER ALERT: Great game), and a quick list of ideal features for a co-op, (semi) turn-based RPG. Click through to find the download, subscription, and listening links. Of course, those with listener mail can always contact me by sending email to jason@pixlbit.com. Come back next Wednesday for Issue 82! I'm sure it'll be next week's best ever PB & Jason, too!

PixlTalk Episode 59: Konami Conundrum

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 21:00:00 GMT

We all know what the big story of this week, nay this month has been. To be honest, that which shall not be named has been reported on over and over again, and all of us were quite frankly a little sick of it. Thus, we decided to focus our sights on Konami instead. Konami has been a beloved development studio bringing us many classics including the beloved Metal Gear Solid franchise. However, as of late they have not been faring so well. With few new titles and even less worthwhile ones, what will it take to make this development studio top notch again? We sprinkle in some deviations to help lighten the mood and hopefully shed light on why people love HD collections so much. Do you love to buy remakes of games you already own or do you look to these HD collections to catch up on titles that you’ve missed? Let us know in the comments below. As always you can reach us at PixlTalk@Pixlbit.com with questions, comments, etc. Also feel free to add us on twitter to keep up to date with news, articles, and everything else gaming: Mike: TehWally Jesse: Id10t_Savant JD: aMythKnownAsJD Esteban: Colorwind P.S. Don't forget to wish Esteban a happy belated birthday. He's an old man now!

PB & Jason Issue 80: Flow, Flower, Flowest

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 02:51:56 GMT

This week's PB & Jason sees Jason's weigh in on thatgamecompany's latest title, Journey. Also featured? Discussion about the lowest review for the game currently posted to metacritic, as well as discussion of the comments left behind on said review. Once the topic of Journey is exhausted, PB & Jason moves into epic territory with talk about the latest official announcement that Epic Mickey 2 is in development! The podcast wraps up with a couple of minutes spent on Mass Effect 3's ending (again) and Dragon Quest VIII's changes to the franchise, for better or for worse. Click through to find the download, subscription, and listening links. Of course, those with listener mail can always contact me by sending email to jason@pixlbit.com. Come back next Wednesday for Issue 81! I'm sure it'll be next week's best ever PB & Jason, too!

PB & Jason Issue 79: Mass Disappointment

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 02:26:13 GMT

Remember last week when I said I didn't care about Mass Effect 3? I was wrong. Controversy has arisen over the game's endings, and said controversy is enough to make me care about the game, at least to a meager extent. If you're inclined to not know anything about the story and/or endings for Mass Effect 3, skip over a few minutes of the podcast, but be sure to listen to the rest! Why? Because there's Dillon's Rolling Western opinions, tons of Kid Icarus: Uprising information, a Club Nintendo update, more controversy with Tekken X Street Fighter and Sonic 4 Episode 2, and more! Click through to find the download, subscription, and listening links. Of course, those with listener mail can always contact me by sending email to jason@pixlbit.com. Come back next Wednesday for Issue 80! I'm sure it'll be next week's best ever PB & Jason, too!

PB & Jason Issue 78: PB & Jason Draws Near

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 03:42:31 GMT

I haven't been interested in this week's latest gaming news, nor have I picked up any new titles between this week and last week. So what do I do? Spend the week to talk about Dragon Quest titles and RPGs in general! This week's PB & Jason is filled to the brim about details of what I enjoy in RPGs, my experience with Dragon Quest games, and hypes up a title I'm sure to play over the upcoming week: Dragon Quest VIII, which I just received today. There's a lengthy discussion about a two year-old article about older RPGs and the differences between these games and newer ones, with some criticism for the new peppered along the way in this week's best ever PB & Jason issue. Click through for PB & Jason 78 podcast download links! Of course, those with listener mail can always contact me by sending email to jason@pixlbit.com. Come back next Wednesday for Issue 79! I'm sure it'll be next week's best ever PB & Jason, too!

PB & Jason Issue 77: Lucky 7s

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 03:00:04 GMT

How many sevens does it take to screw in a lightbulb? Seven! Don't worry. That's the only seven-related joke in PB & Jason 77. In fact, seven isn't really a factor in this week's PB & Jason at all! Instead, you get forty-eight minutes of piping hot ideas about the current future of Pokémon, the 3DS vs. PlayStation Vita sales debate, and quick impressions of one of the newest 3DS eShop games, Dillon's Rolling Western. Click through for listening and download links! Of course, those with listener mail can always contact me by sending email to jason@pixlbit.com. Come back next Wednesday for Issue 78! I'm sure it'll be next week's best ever PB & Jason, too!

PB & Jason Issue 76: PB & J Direct

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 02:56:44 GMT

Miss out on the Nintendo Direct show this morning? PB & Jason is here to deliver details on the important news of the day! Also in this issue: Talk about The Simpsons Arcade Game, Iron Brigade: Rise of the Martian Bear, and Rhythm Heaven Fever. Oh, and a little bit of Playstation Vita stuff, too. Click through to find the download links. Of course, those with listener mail can always contact me by sending email to jason@pixlbit.com. Come back next week for Issue 77! I'm sure it'll be next week's best ever PB & Jason, too!

PB & Jason Issue 75: From Army Corps of Hell to Wipeout 2048

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 03:28:39 GMT

What counts as a PlayStation Vita launch title? Is it any game that released today or in the past week with the Vita First Edition Bundle? What about those games coming next week, with the original, "true" Vita launch? And how about those games available for download? Have no fear! This week's best ever PB & Jason covers all three categories, in vein of previous launch specials, like with the PlayStation Move and the Xbox Kinect. Click through to find the PB & Jason podcast player and download links! Stay tuned to PixlBit over the following weeks for lots of Vita coverage, and remember to catch PB & Jason every week on Wednesdays!

PB & Jason Issue 74: Giant Bowling Balls Are Not Our Friends

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 01:03:34 GMT

This week's PB & Jason is full of great stuff. Inside, you'll find a certain PixlBit blog featured! Also discover news regarding things like NetFlix, PSN+, and Club Nintendo! Add in a bit of musing about Skyrim and Kingdoms of Amalur, then mix in a peck of an upcoming feature about what's in store for us with the Wii U, and you'll find this week's best PB & Jason issue, ever! Click through the article to find the podcast. Of course, those with listener mail can always contact me by sending email to jason@pixlbit.com. Come back next week for Issue 75! I'm sure it'll be next week's best ever PB & Jason, too!

PB & Jason Issue 73: Double the Fun?

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 02:33:47 GMT

When one thinks "PB & Jason," one likely thinks of sandwiches, yes. Second in mind comes a wonderful little podcast starring one Jason Ross, of about 30-40 minutes a week, and maybe just a little extra. This week's PB & Jason defies all expectations, offering twice as much of both PB and Jason as normal! Wow! Be sure to listen to catch all the talk about ambassador programs, 3DSs, Vitas, downloadable game giveaways, Wii Us, Cubed Xboxes, and more! There's a special surprise waiting for everyone, too, so don't miss PB & Jason #73! After all, it is this week's best issue ever.

PB & Jason Issue 72: Gamenomics

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 03:02:57 GMT

Have you ever been on YouTube to see a message that a video has been removed to protect someone's intellectual property or prevent copyright prevention? Yes? Well, have you ever seen that message when trying to view a promotional trailer released specifically to be placed on YouTube by various members of the media? Doesn't that sound a little mind-numbing? Click through to find a link to hear more about this particular issue, and how I reflect it to the SOPA & PIPA bills currently being talked about in the US Congress. Oh, but there's a lot more to PB & Jason than just those bills; click through to see the rest! Remember how last week had the theme "Pick on Nick!"? The theme is revisited, as I talk more about how Amy is just such a hard game to run into walls, and reference a few comments he and Jesse Miller left behind. Then, I jump into making a point: There's money to be saved on waiting to pick up games. Big savings, in fact. All this and general news in this week's best ever PB & Jason. Click the play button on the right to join the fun!

PB & Jason Issue 71: Staying OnLive

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 01:44:17 GMT

PB & Jason issue 71 is many things. Dignified is probably not one of them. Join me for a special week of PB & Jason, which includes things such as excerpts from Nick's Amy review, news of OnLive hitting all Google TVs, Club Nintendo downloadable titles, and more! Hooray! Of course, I should mention that near the end of the podcast, I source this andriasang page pretty heavily, so maybe check it out. Look to the right to see the download/player links for PB & Jason 71, which just so happens to be this week's best PB & Jason issue!

PB & Jason Issue 70: There's a Fly in My SOPA

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 03:46:37 GMT

Listen to this week's (best ever issue) of PB & Jason and find all you could ever want to hear about my thoughts of a sequel to Disney Epic Mickey. Spoiler alert: This is one 2012 release I'm not at all excited about. Afterward, hear a breakdown of the Avenger Controller/OceanMarketting/DanDave customer service fiasco. PB & Jason is basically wrapped up by providing my thoughts on the ESA support of the SOPA bill, as well as my thoughts on the ESA in general. Oh, and will I buy a PlayStation Vita at launch? The most likely answer is inside! Those who leave a comment with this issue's secret passphrase will win the satisfaction of leaving a comment! Hooray! Don't forget to join me next time, at the same PB & Jason time, same PB & Jason place, Wednesday evenings!

PixlTalk Episode 46: To 2011...and Beyond!

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 22:14:55 GMT

Welcome, faithful listeners, to the first official episode of PixlTalk Crew #2! Joaquim sits in with Patrick, Rob, and your new host, Julian. We talk about our personal picks for Game of the Year. Obvious games like Uncharted 3 and Batman: Arkham City are mentioned before we stop to give some love to underdogs like Dead Island and Dragon Age 2. Rob tells us his story of meeting the BioWare doctors during the launch event for Star Wars: The Old Republic, and tries not to gloat *too* much. After that, we look into 2012 and talk about what we're most looking forward to in the new year. It's a new day for PixlTalk, and we hope you'll take this journey with us as we get off to our (only slightly) rocky start. Excelsior! Related articles: BioWare Launch Event, Dead Island Review, Uncharted 3 Review, L.A. Noire Review, Dragon Age 2 Review, Game of the Year 2011

PB & Jason Issue 69: The Cost of Choice

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 02:02:46 GMT

This week's PB & Jason takes the idea of exclusive game content offered as retailer-specifc preorder bonus to the task, specifically in relation of Final Fantasy XIII-2. In short, I think the idea is ridiculous, and I'm surprised to see Square Enix using this tactic for a Final Fantasy title. Oh, and I talk about Jesse's Nano Assault review, Bastion & Nick, a certain PixlTalk commentor is taken to the task, I bring up the games I'll be playing over Christmas, suggest a few reasons against buying the Vita at launch, and finally, I wrap up with some thoughts on the recent 3DS update to the Mii Plaza. Enjoy this week's best ever issue of PB & Jason! Merry Christmas to all!

PB & Jason Issue 68: Best Issue Ever.

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 02:38:39 GMT

I could sit here and type out the things I talk about in this week's PB & Jason. I could tell you I go over my thoughts and opinions about the PixlBit Games of the Year. And yes, I could talk about how I mention the NXE and the PS3 lawsuit, or tell you another gift idea for the holidays. I could do all of that, but that would be boring. Instead, just listen to PB & Jason #68. I know it's what you want. At least, it's what I want. So be nice, and give it a try. Just like #67, and #66 before that, this week's issue is, of course, the best issue ever.

PB & Jason Issue 67: PB 'N' J

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:26:26 GMT

GamePro is gone! The once-popular gaming magazine is dead, and to talk about it, Nick joins me on this BONUS-SIZE issue of PB & Jason! Two PixlBit staff for the price of one! The GamePro news combines with talk of the conflicts behind preorders and reviews to make a media vs. PR-centric PB & Jason issue. Be sure to listen... TODAY!

PB & Jason Issue 66: Haven't We Been Here Before?

Thu, 24 Nov 2011 05:21:50 GMT

...And it isn't that I'm ranked #1 on the leaderboards for one of the stages. Hear what's up with Sonic Generations 3DS in this week's PB & Jason, and while you're at it, give a listen to this week's gift recommendation: Super Mario Galaxy. Beyond that, I talk about the review blogs I've been writing, and state my case about Super Mario 3D Land. Happy Thanksgiving!

PB & Jason Issue 65: Super Mario 3D Bland

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 02:33:22 GMT

This week's PB & Jason revolves mainly around Mario! That's right, I've gotten my hands on Super Mario 3D Land now that it has released stateside, and I've been playing it like crazy. What do I think? The title of this issue is a hint, but you'll be able to find all the details inside the podcast! Don't worry, though, issue 65 has more than just Mario inside. Click through to find the podcast and see the other topics of discussion! In this PB & Jason, I talk about a few multiplayer platforming titles released in this year and the last. Which ones? The ones where the multiplayer doesn't really work. Which games made the list? Donkey Kong Country Returns, Rayman Origins, and Ratchet & Clank: All4One. I go into a little more detail about why they don't work inside, so if you're curious to hear about it, be sure to listen! Other topics this week include Penny-Arcade's Super Mario 3D Land and Skyward Sword comics, the question of whether or not I should become an owner of a Playstation Vita, and the tenth anniversary of a few consoles! Be sure to listen and subscribe to get all the PB & J goodness every week!

PB & Jason Issue 64: PB & JASON SIXTY-FOUUUUUUUUR!

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 04:24:06 GMT

NeXtBoxes, Holiday Games, and Battlefield vs. Call of Duty. This week's PB & Jason has it all, so click through for the podcast and the details. As you saw above, this week's PB & Jason takes the newest and latest next Xbox rumor ("project loop") and runs with it. Want to hear my prediction? Then listen to the podcast! After that, I bring up a great holiday game to give this year for a gift. Expect to hear more suggestions in future issues! Ratchet & Clank HD and HD remakes make up the latter topic of discussion for this week's PB & Jason. The podcast rounds out with a brief mention of a Wii U rumor and a warning of the impending Zelda: Skyward Sword spoilers! Be careful! As always, send your listener mail to jasonATpixlbitDOTcom, just replace the AT with "@" and the DOT with a "." I think you know how to do it. Tune in next week for more PB & Jason!

PB & Jason Issue 63: Director's Cut

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 03:31:24 GMT

This week's PB & Jason is almost all about reviews! Expect to hear an expansion of my Dungeon Defenders review. Also, keep an ear open for a pre-review on Sonic Generations. Want more? How about a rantsplanation about why reviews are important and for whom I believe reviews are created? Not enough for you, brave listener? Well, if you make it all the way to the end of this week's PB & Jason, you'll get to hear the real reason why Capcom is pricing Resident Evil Revelations an entire $10 more than every other non-Skylanders 3DS title out there. Remember to tune in next week for another exciting edition of PB & JASON!

PB & Jason Issue 62: Kirbtastic

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 02:45:28 GMT

Oh, and there's also some Dungeon Defenders talk inside as well. The issue starts out with a dissection of Kotaku's gut. Should you buy Kirby's Return to Dream Land? For everyone that doesn't hate fun, the answer is a resounding "YES!" Afterwards, I get into the issues with Dungeon Defenders and its menus. And boy, are there issues. The podcast closes with a quick round up of some news I find interesting. Please note that due to yesterday's Return to Dream Land PlayBit, this week's PB & Jason arrived a day late. Expect next week's PB & Jason to hit the site Wednesday night, like normal. Enjoy the show!

PB & Jason Issue 61: All4None

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 04:23:19 GMT

...When will this guy get some editorial ideas, anyway? This week's PB & Jason has just about all the random news you can handle! Just try to guess what Jason thinks of Ratchet & Clank: All4One. Following that comes a mention of an upcoming Dungeon Defenders Review and PlayBit. Then there's news about Double Fine's Iron Brigade and its bear from Mars! After this, Jason explains the Herman Cain/Huffington Post 9-9-9 ordeal with a little bit of depth and clarity seemingly unfound elsewhere. Top it all off with a Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker 2 WiFi issue, a 3DS press conference, a PlayStation TV, and the Vita launch date, and baby, you got a stew podcast going on!

PB & Jason Issue 60: Bite-Sized Edition

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 03:55:57 GMT

What's in PB & Jason today? New Wii models, of course! Alongside those comes a preview of what to expect in upcoming PlayBits (*HINT* Ratchet & Clank All4One and Kirby's Return to Dreamland on next Tuesday and the following Monday, respectively). Afterward, the expect to hear Jason elaborate on all the details of the recent Playstation Network and Sony Online Entertainment hackings. Click through to see the rest and to listen to the podcast! Then, there's a quick shout-out to Chris's most recent article. Shortly after that mention, expect to have your wallets drained and your credit cards maxed for this holiday's MUST BUY franchise: Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure. Hear the details of how Activiation's latest update to the Spyro franchise could dominate some holiday sales. Finally, PB & Jason ends with Pixls, but the Twisted kind, not the ones that come with bits. Tune in next week for MORE PB & JASON!

PB & Jason Issue 59: Meta-Banned

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 03:57:29 GMT

Before it does that, Jason hits on some other recent news. Steve Jobs has passed away, and so the first few minutes of PB & Jason are devoted to some of the accomplishments he and Apple have made over the years, as well as his influence on the gaming industry. After a few minutes, the conversation shifts from Jobs to Apple's new iPhone 4S and what gamers should expect with it. Following all this, there's naturally some Club Nintendo criticism, and even the mention of the currently potential Republican presidential candidate and his relationship to Pokemon! Finally, after all this, Jason describes his perceptions of the competitive Brawl community and their impending ban of Meta Knight. PB & Jason 59 wraps up with the illumination of Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker 2's story mode. As always, send listener mail to JasonR@pixlbitDOTcom. Enjoy the podcast!

PB & Jason Issue 58: Go! VACATIONMON!

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 03:15:13 GMT

While the title is based off of Namco Bandai's upcoming October release, Go Vacation, don't be fooled! PB & Jason is more than a summer stay at a resort or a monster. Also covered? Trenched, aka Iron Brigade, R-Type and the virtual console, Pietriots and their wall of diversity, the upcoming Playstation Vita Japanese launch, and the Amazon Kindle Fire! Don't forget to give your opinion about next week's Monday Night PlayBit!

PB & Jason Issue 57: I Had a Fever

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 03:57:12 GMT

This week's PB & Jason is filled to the brim with exciting content! PixlBit is turning 2! There are more details out there about the Playstation Vita! Facebook is changing, and so is the iPhone. Super Mario RPG! TwinBee and the 3D Classics line! Star Fox 64 3D voice acting and online! Metroid: Other M! Click through to get all of this amazing PB & Jason content aaaaaaaaand MORE!

PB & Jason Issue 56: A Solution

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 03:52:17 GMT

While there's a lengthy discussion of how I believe Nintendo can genuinely find an audience in today's video game marketplace, don't be fooled: PB & Jason has a lot more than that! First up on the podcast is a mini-synopsis of StarFox 64 3D. I've bought the game, I've played through it once, I've tried the multiplayer. What do I think about it? Find out inside! Next up, some talk about the big 3DS pre-Tokyo Game Show press conference occurs. There's not much to say here, but expectedly, I poke fun at Square Enix's newly announced, upcoming 3DS game's name. Also, Mario Tennis 3DS! Following this, we hear a bit about the big Sony pre-TGS press conference! It's the Vita's turn, come Dec. 17th in Japan, so of course I've got something to say. And then there's the feature story. A real, long-term solution to Nintendo's issues with adoption rates, and how Nintendo can cut it in today's cell phone-filled world without resorting to producing cell phone games. Tune in and find out what I have to say inside!

PB & Jason Issue 55: Disappointment

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 03:34:48 GMT

But first, this week there is a bit of discussion on a few other topics: Team Meat! Fox News and "green" games! Rock of Ages! Will Dragon Quest X be pay to play? Find out Jason's thoughts on a few scenarios in the MMORPG regard inside! And then the real disappointment: The new 3DS Circle Pad attachment. Hear Jason's sadness in this PB & Jason issue, today!

PB & Jason Issue 54: First Anniversary Special!

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 03:02:06 GMT

Please note, contents of the celebration issue will be remarkably similar to the contents found inside any other PB & Jason, brief retrospection notwithstanding. After some fun reminiscing of all the rants I've gone on in the past year, this week's PB & Jason kicks into gear with the announcement of all the Nintendo Ambassador NES 3DS Virtual Console Titles! I mention my thoughts on each game, then enter speculation mode, as I rumormonger the reasoning behind the inclusions of Yoshi and Ice Climber on the list! Following this, I discuss a few different news items from the past week or two, including the exclusion of OnLive coupons in GameStop's boxes of the PC version of Deus Ex, the XBLA release of the Gunstringer demo, Little King's Story on the Vita, hacking the 360, and then, even a bit of Xenoblade Chronicles comes up. Wrapping up the true gaming-related discussions, I present an optimistic future for the game Disney Epic Mickey 2. Rumors are, it's on the way, and I believe it could maybe just be possible for Junction Point to right the wrongs present in the first title! However, this week's PB & Jason doesn't just end at the games. I delve into an interesting article from Destructoid that may expose more than what appears on the surface. Remember, you can always send in listener mail to jasonrATpixlbitDOTcom or simply use this form to send mail my way. Bon Anniversaire!

PB & Jason Issue 53: That's a Lot of Circle Pads!

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 00:51:04 GMT

A: None. Duh. Wake up and smell the PB & Jason, people. This week's issue of PB & Jason focuses on the rumor about a 3DS redesign and/or additional attachment to the 3DS to add a new slide pad. Nestled beside these rumors are rumors of issues with Wii U development. After that, I talk about more things, particularly those things unrelated to Nintendo. Hear my stance on Borderlands. Find out about a new trend with competitive gaming. Hear about a bad experience related to headphones and reviews! All this and more in PB & Jason Issue 53! Download it now!

PB & Jason Issue 52: Wii Were Right!

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 04:08:57 GMT

Oh, don't worry, that's not all this week's PB & Jason is about, but it does take up a substantial amount of airtime. With it is talk of the recently announced Europe-exclusive PSP model, the PSP E-1000, along with a little bit of analysis of what it means to drop the PSP's wifi capabilities. In the middle, there's a brief bit about actual video games! Did you know Kirby Returns to Dream Land will let all four players be Kirby now? I didn't until today, and now you do, too! Alongside this is a brief discussion of the upcoming 3DS Virtual Console games Metroid II: Return of Samus and Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins. I talk about my recent experiences with Super Mario Land to wrap up this segment of the podcast. The issue wraps up detailing a nice article written by Blake Snow over at CNN. Listen to what I have to say about it, and check it out for yourself if you're interested.

PB & Jason Issue 51: This is a Deep Issue

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 04:47:48 GMT

This week's PB & Jason is very deep. It has a great atmosphere. You can tell it's not one of those big fancy-shmancy industry podcasts, because those have color. Oh, wait, I confused PB & Jason for a topic in Issue #51: Limbo. The video game, not the game that involves bending over and a stick that's taking the youth across the nation by storm. Also in this issue? Basic news review, including such deep, thought-provoking, rich topics, as a Red 3DS, Nintendo Selects, Rock Band 3, Maroon 5, and Mega Man. Just remember, this PB & Jason is great for air and space travel: There are layers upon layers of atmosphere inside.

PB & Jason Issue 50: PB & J

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 03:40:22 GMT

It's the 50th issue of PB & Jason! Celebrate the show's mega-normal issue by listening, TODAY! On the Jason-based podcast docket? Differences between Sony and Nintendo! Most specifically, the differences in their upcoming pieces of hardware, after Sony stated the Vita can function as a controller for the PS3. Also explained are the differences between Sony's "Welcome Back" program and Nintendo's recently announced Ambassador program. Actually, for Issue 50, not much else is discussed, though there is a little bit of talk about a few upcoming 3DS titles, namely StarFox 64 3D and Mario Kart 7. The podcast ends with a little bit of a mention of a game Chris is playing, Infamous 2, along with some commentary about both titles. Enjoy this week's picture, and note that there's two jars. That means there's two of them, just like the Ice Climbers. Hooray!

PixlTalk Episode 33: Mulligan

Sat, 28 May 2011 03:44:41 GMT

Last night's podcast recording was doomed before it even began. After an hour and a half of complete and utter chaos, we were left with an unsalvageable mess that had to be scrapped as the official 33rd episode of PixlTalk. Instead, Nick and Chessa take a calm, rested, and sober approach for a much more organized and discussion-oriented recording. A recap of the PixlBit 2.0 launch starts the show, followed by talk of what's up next from the staff. Beyond that there's brief discussion of the latest Persona related announcement and discussion shifts quickly to the latest study trying to link violent behavior to video games. From there, Chessa segues into an angry rant on sexuality in gaming and the Hot Coffee scandal that plagued Rockstar a few years ago. Finally, both L.A. Noire and Portal 2 are heavily discussed and analyzed before closing out the show. Stay tuned in the coming days for the original unedited version of episode 33 to see just how crazy the staff was and just how awful PixlTalk can turn out when everyone is either tired, drunk, or a combination of the two.

PixlTalk Episode 32, Side A: 2.0 Launch Special

Mon, 16 May 2011 05:01:29 GMT

As you can plainly see, PixlBit 2.0 is now alive and well. To celebrate its launch, we went on podcasting overdrive last week, producing three distinct episodes, each of which feature different members from the PixlBit staff. Today's episode features Nick and Chessa, introducing the plans for the week and recent staff hires, Jon "JD" Lewis and Joaquim Mira. Both Joaquim and JD introduce themselves, talking a bit about what made them into gamers and what they do here at the site. Shortly thereafter, Nick gives a rundown of the how and why of the site's 2.0 incarnation before heading into general gaming discussion. E3 2011 is the main topic of discussion. What will we see? Is Project Cafe going to surprise launch either late this year or early next year? What do Microsoft and Sony have up their sleeve? Will the 3DS pick up steam? All of these topics and more are covered in the second half hour of the show. Stay tuned throughout the week for the subsequent two episodes!

PixlTalk Episode 26, Side B: Unit Handling

Mon, 04 Apr 2011 12:26:19 GMT

Side B has Nick, Chessa, and Jason discussing the merits of the 3DS. Initial discussion revolves around the system being a gimmick and quickly moves to discussion on the quality of the launch titles. The group discusses its comparative quality to other Nintendo handheld launches, as well as Nintendo home console launches. First party software is discussed as is Steel Diver. To hear everyone's opinions, be sure to check out the episode via the embedded player below, by downloading on the right, or subscribing in iTunes! Edited by Nick DiMola Music by Andy McKee

PixlTalk Episode 26, Side A: Launching at Midnight

Sat, 02 Apr 2011 03:16:06 GMT

As you all know the 3DS is now available worldwide and after Sunday's launch at midnight, Nick, Chessa, and Jason Ross have come together to discuss the new system and the process of procuring it. After discussing the midnight launch, discussion turns to discussion of the launch software, on board software, and the construction of the system itself. Did you grab a 3DS? Tell us what you think about the games and the new system in the comment thread below! On Monday, the group of three will conclude discussion with an in depth talk of how well the launch software stacks up against past handheld launches and if the latest gimmick (3D) is enough to set the system apart and make it feel like a massive improvement over the already phenomenal DSi. Edited by Nick DiMola Music by Andy McKee

PixlTalk E3 Day 5 - The Final Day of the Show and Beyond

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 02:39:41 GMT

Nick, Chessa, Jason R, Chris, and Rob are all present for a bit of post-E3 discussion and a general wrap-up of the show. The team talks about what they played on their final day on the show floor, what was exciting, and what we plan to cover going forward. On behalf of the staff of PixlBit, a big thanks goes out to our readers who stuck with us throughout the show and checked out our coverage. We had a huge out turn and couldn't have been happier with the liveliness of the site while we were at the show! Also, the iTunes feed has been updated, so if you listen via iTunes, go ahead and refresh to pull down all of our E3 podcasts. Download Here Subscribe to Our Feed!

PixlTalk Episode 19: CAPtivated

Wed, 05 May 2010 01:24:49 GMT

The crew talks about the games we've been playing and share what we anticipate most out of CAPtivate 2010. Jason R leads off with a discussion of two games he's played recently, Guitar Hero: Aerosmith and The Beatles: RockBand, and leads into a discussion about the differences between the two franchises. Jason H then takes over and shares a bit about his opinion of Batman: Arkham Asylum, and later, the StarCraft 2 beta. Chessa jumps in and brings her newly discovered opinions of stealth-based games with Splinter Cell: Conviction, and Penny-Arcade earns a shout-out for all the shout-outs. Nick brings everything together with a discussion about Final Fantasy XIII's faults and merits, and with it came another reference to Penny-Arcade. He concludes the first segment with a discussion of Just Cause 2 as well as its mystery zeppelin. Part two of the podcast begins with a discussion of CAPtivate and ends with a little bit of Urban Dictionary, so watch out! Download Here Subscribe to Our Feed! Edited by Jason Ross Music by Andy McKee

PixlTalk Episode 18: Fragile Spoilers

Tue, 27 Apr 2010 00:41:35 GMT

PixlTalk is back once again, this time with listener mail. In the first segment, the crew discusses what they've been playing most recently, while the second segment is dedicated entirely to listener mail. Luke informs us about Star Ocean The Last Hope: International for the PlayStation 3, while Jason talks up his two review copies, Bermuda Triangle and Ragnarok DS. Chessa talks a bit about Again, and finishes with a long winded discussion with Luke about Fragile. Nick closes the segment with his Red Faction: Guerrilla experiences. The second segment brings discussion of Natal and Move, third party game concept implementation failures, and if developers actually learn anything from GDC. Tune in next week for Episode 19 with Jason H and Jason R, Chessa, and Nick! Download Here Subscribe to Our Feed! Edited by Nick DiMola Music by Andy McKee

PixlTalk Episode 17: Better Than Mario Kart

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 03:37:52 GMT

Another few weeks have passed, but the crew has once again reunited to record another episode of the show. Jason Ross rejoins the crew, filling the staff in on his latest play experiences including Sonic and the Sega All-Stars Racing as well as Max & the Magic Marker and Mouse House. Jason Hillhouse on the other hand gushes over his new video card as he finally has the ability to play the coveted Crysis 2. The recently reviewed Zangeki no Reginleiv is also discussed as both Jason and Nick have had the opportunity to play it extensively. Chessa takes some time to talk about Resident Evil 5 and its DLC while Nick closes the fist segment with talk of everyone's favorite handheld synthesizer, KORG DS-10+. In the second segment, the crew focuses on a single topic: when a journalist should review a game. Each staff member mentions whether or not they believe that a reviewer should complete the game before review, or call it quits after a few hours. Any readers with a good second segment discussion topic, or a general question they would like answered on the show, just leave a comment in the section below, or email us via the site's contact form. Download Here Subscribe to Our Feed! Edited by Nick DiMola Music by Andy McKee

PixlTalk Episode 16: A Tale of Two Jasons

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 03:05:14 GMT

Given the addition of staff member, Jason Ross, the PixlTalk crew couldn't resist the opportunity to have him on the show. Those who have followed Nick and Chessa's marathons will be familiar with Jason's voice as he has spent an extensive amount on time talking live via Skype during said events. In today's show he discusses what he has been playing, a bit about himself, and what he's looking forward to in the near future. Jason Hillhouse, known as Jason Luigi for today's episode describes his time with the latest and greatest indy game, as well as his final thoughts on Mass Effect 2. Luke describes Shiren the Wanderer for Wii, Chessa talks about the latest in the Ace Attorney series, and Nick puts his No More Heroes 2 discussion to bed, while making a quick mention of Zangeki no Reginleiv. Given the extended crew and the long running discussions, no second segment was featured. Questions, comments, and compliments are welcome below! Download Here Subscribe to Our Feed! Edited by Nick DiMola Music by Andy McKee

PixlTalk Episode 15: Wild Tangent

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 03:06:56 GMT

Yet another week down, yet another episode of PixlTalk behind us. This week is not unlike many others, and features Nick, Chessa, and Jason Hillhouse. The first segment focuses on what everyone has been playing. Chessa talks about God of War III and Pikmin 2, while Jason fills us in on Mass Effect 2. Nick gives us the rundown on the rest of No More Heroes and talks shortly on No More Heroes 2. All the while the crew takes discussion on a number of wild tangents, hence the title of the show. The shutdown of Xbox Live on the original Xbox is the focus of the second segment. The crew discusses what that means in the long term for gaming and how it is affecting people now. Download Here Subscribe to Our Feed! Edited by Nick DiMola Music by Andy McKee

PixlTalk Episode 14: We're Alive!

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 02:42:31 GMT

Yes, you read right, we are alive and back in action. After a long and much needed break, the staff has reunited to produce the fourteenth episode of PixlTalk. Jason kicks the episode off with talk of his new PlayStation Network titles including the PixelJunk series, Braid, Critter Cruch, Flower and fl0w. Luke follows up with the lowdown on the Madcatz Tatsunoko fighting stick, as well as his impressions on the Wii fighter. Chessa talks about New Play Control! Pikmin 2 and Fatal Frame while Nick closes the segment with his impressions of the original No More Heroes. The show is ended with a short second segment full of news and rambling. Download Here Subscribe to Our Feed! Edited by Nick DiMola Music by Andy McKee

PixlTalk Developer Special 5: XSEED and The Sky Crawlers

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 00:18:21 GMT

As most of you know, PixlBit has talked with XSEED and more specifically Jimmy Soga before. On our fifth Developer Special, Jimmy revisits the show with James Whang, the localization lead on The Sky Crawlers: Innocent Aces. For this special we talk to both Jimmy and James about their start at the company, their favorite games, day-to-day in the office, and the entire localization process in great depth. We finish the show with discussion on future projects and what players can expect from the company. We thank Jimmy and James for their time and coming on the show! Please feel free to leave any comments or questions below. Download Here Subscribe to Our Feed! Edited by Nick DiMola. Music by Andy McKee.

PixlTalk Episode 13: That's Not What She Said

Sat, 26 Dec 2009 18:27:21 GMT

In an effort to avoid editing, Nick and Chessa host a special episode of PixlTalk from Albany, NY. The duo are joined by Sam Wakefield and Phil DiMola. Being that we are knee deep in the holiday season, holiday memories are the focus of the show. All participants offer anecdotal stories from their childhood, revealing a number of funny and sometimes heartfelt stories. Next week, the standard crew will reunite to produce a normal episode of the show complete with what we've been playing and some special topic. Happy Holidays form PixlBit! Download Here Subscribe to Our Feed! Edited by Nick DiMola Music by Andy McKee

PixlTalk Episode 12: The Seinfeld Episode

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 17:35:11 GMT

Jason rejoins us this week as does Chessa for what turned into a lengthy episode thanks to the second segment. As usual, in the first half everyone discusses the games they've been currently playing. Though things started off normal, they turned a bit crazy and nonsensical before the segment ended (hence the title). The second half starts with a shot and ends with a critical look at the industry as a whole. Nick and Jason isolate a few key points and ramble like crotchety old men about how it was "better back in the day" Check it out and share your thoughts with us about the episode below. Download Here Subscribe to Our Feed! Edited by Nick DiMola Music by Andy McKee

PixlTalk Episode 11: Ripping & Tearing

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 16:22:17 GMT

So, this week went down kind of interesting. Instead of the typical crew, Chessa stepped out to take care of studying for her finals, and Jason Hillhouse stepped in. Unfortunately, during the recording, the audio on Jason and Nick's end was up a little too high and as a result there is horrible clipping all over the recording. Additionally, Luke's audio could not be worked in, so he ends up sounding a bit on the softer side with his audio. Though the audio is not perfect, the rest of it is pretty damn funny, so you should listen anyway. We discuss the announcement of Mega Man 10, and everything that everyone has been playing. Next week everything should be back to normal with the audio, so bear with us and we'll have you set next week. Download Here Subscribe to Our Feed! Edited by Nick DiMola Music by Andy McKee

PixlTalk Episode 10: Falcon Goatse

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 14:00:00 GMT

This week's PixlTalk, we tried a little something different. Chessa's good friend, and new Contributing Writer, Sam Wakefield, has joined both Chessa and Nick for a Silent Hill inspired episode. The first segment proceeds as usual with discussion on what everyone has been playing. Sam is on a last gen kick, Chessa's kick flipping on the Tony Hawk Ride board, and Nick is still obsessing over Assassin's Creed 2, but manages to mention Madden NFL Arcade. In the second segment we discuss Silent Hill at large. Each member of the podcast talks about their history, likes, and dislikes of the series. Sam being the resident expert explains the story, characters, as well as some of what to expect in the upcoming title. Shattered Memories. Of course, the end of the podcast somewhat devolves into ridiculousness, but it's all in good fun. Download Here Subscribe to Our Feed! Edited by Nick DiMola Music by Andy McKee

PixlTalk Episode 9: PSP NoGo

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 14:00:00 GMT

This week's PixlTalk features the usual crew in the usual style. In the first segment, Luke gives us the rundown on Bit.Trip Void and the MAG beta. Chessa expands on Ratchet & Clank: A Crack in Time as she has now almost beaten the game. Nick closes the segment with his love for Assassin's Creed II. In the second segment the crew discusses the latest issue with the PSPgo. At a recent in Japan, it was revealed that currently, Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep would not receive a PSN release. The team discusses the ramifications of this as well as the cascading effects it has on the worth of the system at large. Before the close of the show, Luke revealed the game that he will be reviewing as a result of the poll. Check in next week for a special show on Silent Hill with Chessa and her friend, new PixlBit Contributing Writer, Sam Wakefield. Download Here Subscribe to Our Feed! Edited by Nick DiMola Music by Andy McKee

PixlTalk Developer Special 4: Team Meat

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 01:57:56 GMT

In our latest developer special, Neal Ronaghan chatted with both Edmund McMillian and Tommy Refenes, two of the developers of the upcoming WiiWare title, Super Meat Boy. The team, responsible for the original Meat Boy as well as the more recently released TimeFcuk, talk about everything under the sun. Things started off smooth with discussion of their origins and the upcoming title, but quickly digressed into aimless, random (hilarious) discussion. Given the coherency of the episode, regardless of the digression, little has been cut from the original recording. As such, all listeners beware - this episode is long. Clocking in at a little over 40 minutes, you'll get a healthy dose of Team Meat, laced with quite a bit of foul-mouthed hilarity. A big thanks to Team Meat and of course, Neal, for making this special happen before his departure. Download Here Subscribe to Our Feed! Edited by Nick DiMola. Music by Andy McKee.

PixlTalk Episode 8: Rare Form

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:00:00 GMT

Continuing the trend, this week the PixlBit crew talks about their latest review copies as well as a second segment focused topic. In the first segment, Luke talks about Creature Defense, Operation Flashpoint, and Pokemon Rumble. Chessa talks up Rabbids Go Home and Ratchet & Clank: A Crack in Time. Nick delves into Academy of Champions, Art Style: Digidrive, and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Reflex. Rare is our second segment topic of discussion - an offshoot of Nick and Luke's rambling conversation. As most know, the company is in a constant state of turmoil and as a result the company's products are quite hit or miss. Come participate in our discussion via the comment section below. As always we appreciate your feedback and would love to further the discussion below this article. If there's anything you as the readers would like to contribute please send us listener mail since you are guaranteed to have it read! We promise... as in if you're reading this right now send us reader mail. Also, we made it SUPER EASY. Hit up the new Email Form, fill out the info and send it over. Download Here Subscribe to Our Feed! Edited by Nick DiMola Music by Andy McKee

PixlTalk Episode 7: The Retro Revival

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 14:00:00 GMT

As is the norm, we each take turns discussing what we've been playing for the past week, and this week there was a fair amount to talk about. For a list of what games we talked about, see the details bar to the right of this article. We tried to keep it brief, and to avoid boring you to death, we once again dedicated our second segment to a specific topic. This week we discussed the revival of retro titles and what it means to the gaming world. There's speculation as to why the revivals are occurring, what it means to the future of gaming, and those darn kids nowadays who just don't appreciate the beauty of classic 8-Bit titles. As always we appreciate your feedback and would love to further the discussion below this article. If there's anything you as the readers would like to contribute please send us listener mail since you are guaranteed to have it read! We promise... as in if you're reading this right now send us reader mail. Also, we made it SUPER EASY. Hit up the new Email Form, fill out the info and send it over. Download Here Subscribe to Our Feed! Edited by Nick DiMola Music by Andy McKee

PixlTalk Episode 6: The Down-Low...dable Future

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:00:00 GMT

This week once again features just Nick and Chessa as they continue their search for reliable recruits. To kick off the show, they revisit titles played within the past week including those that have recently received a review. Chessa gives us the scoop on Nostalgia, while recalling her playtime with Fairytale Fights and Ju-On: The Grudge. Nick then goes through a list of several games including Chinatown Wars and Undead Knights, while providing a recap on Tekken 6. The second portion of the podcast deals with the issue of downloadable games in today's market. We discuss where we think the digital market is headed, how people will respond, and potential pros and cons associated with the retail shift. Please feel free to send us some listener mail at pixltalk@pixlbit.com. We'll without question read it on the show and probably have a discussion about it as well. So send 'em over. Download Here Subscribe to Our Feed! Edited by Nick DiMola Music by Andy McKee

PixlTalk Episode 5: Flying Solo

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 13:00:00 GMT

This week features just Nick and Chessa, as Neal and Lauren have departed from the site. As such, the duo discusses the Halloween Marathon of last weekend to kick off the show. This includes discussion of marathon gameplay as a whole and how Resident Evil and Eternal Darkness hold up all these years later. Chessa gives us the lowdown on Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story and Comet Crash, while Nick has a heftier segment going through all of his latest reviews as well as Jam Sessions 2 and Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars on the PSP. The show ends with a brief discussion of the most recent and notable news, including the announcement of the DSi XL. Please feel free to send us some listener mail at pixltalk@pixlbit.com. We'll without question read it on the show and probably have a discussion about it as well. So send 'em over. Download Here Subscribe to Our Feed! Edited by Nick DiMola Music by Andy McKee

PixlTalk Developer Special 3: Jimmy Soga of XSEED Games

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 02:43:36 GMT

PixlBit had the chance to talk with Jimmy Soga of XSEED Games. Though the Product Manager by title, Jimmy plays a crucial role at XSEED and has his hands in every part of the publishing process at the eleven person company. Jimmy walked us through localization starting with product selection, going straight through to release and marketing. Players were also given some insight into recently released titles as well as a little info on upcoming titles. We thank Jimmy for his time and will be seeing him on the show again at some point next year when XSEED plans to release the majority of their upcoming titles. Download Here Subscribe to Our Feed! Edited by Nick DiMola. Music by Andy McKee. If anyone is interested to see Ju-On in action, make sure to follow our Halloween Marathon this weekend. We are playing for St. Jude and need your help to donate to the children's hospital. Friday, October 23, we'll be kicking things off at 6PM EST/3PM PST with REmake, so make sure you're there when we get started!

PixlTalk Episode 4: Off the Charts

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 13:30:00 GMT

Our fourth episode turns out to be a long one. While Lauren wasn't able to add much, she gives us her final Deca Sports 2 impressions. Neal gushes over his shiny new PS3 slim, as well as all his great new Blu-Ray-based games. Chessa covers A Witch's Tale and the latest South Park title while Nick expresses his Uncharted 2 love (and is accompanied by both Neal and Chessa). The second segment covers both VGXPO 2009 and Namco Bandai's winter press event where Neal had the opportunity to play a few yet-to-be-released titles alongside Nick's younger brother Phil. Please feel free to send us some listener mail at PixlTalk AT PixlBit DOT com. We'll without question read it on the show and probably have a discussion about it as well. So send 'em over. Download Here Subscribe to Our Feed! Edited by Nick DiMola Music by Andy McKee

PixlTalk Episode 3: The Show in Toky-o

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 19:17:32 GMT

This week the PixlTalk crew is graced by the presence of special guest, Jason Hillhouse, a close personal friend of Nick and Chessa. In the first half, Jason tells us about iDOLM@STER DS and why it has swept Japan. Lauren discusses Deca Sports 2, particularly how it stacks up to Wii Sports and who should look into it. Chessa runs down Kingdom Hearts: Ridiculous Subtitle, Neal goes in-depth on Dead Space: Extraction, and Nick closes the segment with a drawn out explanation of Persona on PSP. In the second segment Jason shares his TGS experience and a couple fun stories and we close the show with some news. Download Here Subscribe to Our Feed! Edited by Nick DiMola Music by Andy McKee

PixlTalk Developer Special 2: Big John Games

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 16:17:54 GMT

Ken Patterson and Matt Heinzen of Minnesota-based developers Big John Games just put their most recent game, this week's DSiWare release Thorium Wars, to bed. We talked about their latest game and how it originated as a retail release. Patterson, president of the company, talked a bit about their history, while Heinzen talked about what they learned from Spitfire Heroes and the tricks they used for Thorium Wars. The Packers/Vikings Monday Night Football game also came up briefly (before it happened). Thanks to Ken Patterson and Matt Heinzen for coming on the show! Download Here Subscribe to Our Feed! Edited by Neal Ronaghan.

PixlTalk Episode 2: Settling In

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 12:30:00 GMT

With the introduction episode behind us, we jump right into our first full fledged episode. Neal gives us the lowdown on Square-Enix's Yosumin, what Scooby and the Gang are up to, and the lovechild of Left 4 Dead and Robotron, Zombie Apocalypse. Lauren explains why guys in lab coats aren't all that interesting, and gives us the inside story on Mario & Luigi 3. Chessa is on a roll, as she explains the intricacies of the fifth installment in the Katamari series. Finally, Nick has a brief rundown of Muramasa, and why up jumping flat out sucks. In the second segment, the staff discusses the conveniently timed announcement of Super Street Fighter IV as well as Nintendo's motion control competition as seen at TGS 2009. PixlTalk should be showing up in iTunes any day now, so keep an eye out for it! Download Here Subscribe to Our Feed! Edited by Nick DiMola Music by Andy McKee

PixlTalk Developer Special 1: Alex Neuse

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 19:00:02 GMT

Alex Neuse from Gaijin Games took some time out of Bit.Trip-making schedule to talk about the Bit.Trip series and a whole lot more, including his testing past with Grim Fandango and Star Wars Episode 1: Racer, and his designing work on Gladius. He also tells us about Michael Jackson and what recent games are catching his fancy. Thanks to Alex Neuse for coming on the show! Download Here Subscribe to Our Feed! Edited by Neal Ronaghan.

PixlTalk Episode 1: Introductions and Stuff

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 16:23:08 GMT

On the first episode of PixlTalk, we delve into the origins of ourselves. We also talk about our favorite games and a little bit of what we've been playing. Neal gets Wet (gross!), Lauren is playing Mario & Luigi Bowser's Inside Story, Nick is typing in Scribblenauts, and Chessa goes import friendly with Another Code R. Strangely enough, our two couples (Neal and Lauren; Nick and Chessa) both met in similar fashions, although one met at a McDonalds and the other met in college. Hope you enjoy the inaugural episode, and leave us any feedback. We'll be up in iTunes soon. Download Here Subscribe to Our Feed! Edited by Neal Ronaghan. Music by A Boy Named Earth