Listen Now

Bugsnax is probably the weirdest game of 2020. Part children's game, part adult body-horror, this game takes the saying "you are what you eat" to frightening conclusion. Join as we eat our way through Bugsnax.

This week, we (well, Jorge at least) put our money where are mouth is and talk about hands-on PS5 first impressions. Yes, it's big. Yes, it looks like a modernist art nightmare. But it's also the only place to play the Demon's Souls remake, so how could anyone resist?

The PS5 is officially release! Well, sort of. Most people couldn't pre-order one and stocks are still ludicrously low. Reviews are out, but are they selling systems or are we all just waiting? Oh, and if we keep giving rich Twitch streamers money, how are we going to afford a PS5 anyway!? Show Notes: - Runtime: 31 min 40 sec- Music by Brad Sucks

Hey, it's a hectic week for those of us living in the US (and many would argue the world at large) so we're going to try to keep it light by talking about something so innocuous that only true monsters would object: petting virtual dogs. Sometimes you need to just focus on mechanics whose entire point is just to provide some small amount of joy. We expand into a few other completely optional world-building mechanics and enjoy a short vacation into a world of totally pleasant digital interactions.

This week on the EXP Podcast, we introduce Scott's eldest to the legendary gaming progenitor Super Mario himself. And of course we celebrate Halloween with a spoopy discussion of Phasmophobia, an early-access co-op horror game.   Show Notes: Runtime: 35 mins 33 secs Music by Brad Sucks

Like Zagreus himself, we have risen and are ready to throw ourselves against Hades once again. This time, it's a full debrief with plenty of discussion about the late-game mechanics and the story. I'd say spoilers, but you should know by now that there is no escape. Crack open a pomegranate and take in all of the Underworld's delights.

Ever get the feeling that you're endlessly pushing a boulder up a hill? Or perhaps a self-important, washed up king won't stop blathering in your direction? Or maybe a bone hydra keeps mauling you? Well you're either in the year 2020 or in Hades (maybe both). This week we dive into Supergiant's latest game to compare our load outs and our interactions with all those weirdo relatives from Olympus!

Get your bombs, ropes, and jetpacks ready folks; it's time for Spelunky 2! This week on the EXP Podcast, we debrief one of this year's most anticipated games, get into the philosophy of getting good, and hate on the mole rats with a fiery passion. This game, like its predecessor, is nearly endless, so I fully expect to come back to this game as the months (and years) continue. Enjoying the game? Hating it? Sent us your own thoughts via email! Show Notes: - Runtime: 38 min 37 sec - Music from Spelunky 2

Look, let's be real: Jorge and I recorded this before Spelunky 2 came out because we knew we'd be doing nothing but playing Spelunky 2 by this point in the week. Furthermore, I'm highly confident that you, dear listener, are playing Spelunky 2 as well. In fact, at this point I just assume that everyone is playing it, so the best I can hope is that this show serves as a nice Spelunky 2 soundtrack. List closely though: if you need a Spelunky 2 break, we give some positive recommendations on Spiritfarer and The Last Campfire. Both games are quite charming and might be a good break from the adorable chaos in which we are all relishing.

Hard to believe that September is here. It's been a weird summer, probably because we haven't been able to go anywhere. On the bright side, we've had plenty of time to dive into some pleasantly-surprising video games. This week, we talk Fall Guys, If Found, and Paper Mario. We also wonder if we should pursue a new angle in which all reviews are haiku. The feasibility of that is to be determined.

This week on the podcast, we finish what we started and give our full review of Ghost of Tsushima from Sucker Punch. There is a lot to discuss in this pollen-packed open-world game, some of it new and exciting and some of it aggressively familiar. But it this particular stack of bamboo worth slicing into? Give this episode a listen and find out!

You know what's hard?  Writing something about George Orwell.  There's so much pressure to do justice to the talent you're describing.  He'd probably advise getting straight to the point, so here it is: this week, we review Orwell's famous style rules put forth in his essay, "Politics and the English Language," and try to apply them to video games.  I'm pretty happy with the results, so feel free to scroll down if you want a recap of where we landed.   Orwell's rules for writing:   Never use a metaphor, simile, or other figure of speech which you are used to seeing in print. Never use a long word where a short one will do. If it is possible to cut a word out, always cut it out. Never use the passive where you can use the active. Never use a foreign phrase, a scientific word, or a jargon word if you can think of an everyday English equivalent. Break any of these rules sooner than say anything outright barbarous.   Orwell's rules for games (as written by Jorge and Scott): Do not use a secondary system, mechanic, or sequence simply because players will recognize it. Never make a long game when a short game will do. If it is possible to cut an interaction, cut it. Never take control from the player when you can give control to the player. When faced with a narrative, design, or linguistic decision, prioritize accessibility. Break any of these rules in the pursuit of elegance.

This week on the EXP Podcast, we discuss the sometimes bizarre, sometimes optimistic, and very frequently disheartening realities of COVID-19 and how the pandemic impacts sports - both electronic and traditional. What do you think the future of e/t Sports looks like? Let us know by sending us an email!  Show Notes: - Runtime: 42 min 23 sec - "A Day Inside MLB's COVID Protocols," via ESPN - Music by Brad Sucks

A bright flash explodes in your eyes and the purified metal sings its deadly song as it tastes freedom. Something moves past you with uncanny speed and the wind seems to be chasing it, hoping to keep up. You look down and realize it's too late: this podcast has cut its way into your phone as if it were some sort of legendary blade forged from a comet. This week: we come dangerously close to becoming "sword people."

We're back in Japan this week with nothing but a horse and a samurai sword to our names. It's time for the much-anticipated Ghosts of Tsushima. This is a dense game that opens up quickly and offers a lot to discuss, so we are sharing our first thoughts on the game before we get too heavy into spoiler territory.   Show Notes: - Runtime: 39 min 22 sec - Music from the Ghosts of Tsushima OST

Duck and cover everybody: it's time to talk about video game reviews. Reactionary hot takes have been around forever, but the concept of "review bombing" is a special, terrible twist on the all-too-common public vitriol towards a video game that dares do anything other than pander directly to the most vocal fanatics. Metacritic (no stranger to controversy itself) recently introduced a short post-release moratorium on user reviews in an effort to blunt review bombing. But will it work and what's truly at play here. This week we put on our flak jackets and try to find out.

They did it. They did the impossible. The remade Final Fantasy VII. This week on the EXP Podcast, Scott and I follow up on our six-part FF7 review with a thorough review of the Final Fantasy VII Remake - which includes some HUGE surprises. If you were doubtful about this game like we were, definitely give this episode a listen! Show Notes: - Runtime: 1 hr 03 min 53 sec - Music from Final Fantasy VII Remake original soundtrack - Listen to our original Final Fantasy VII Debrief here.

Grab a brick and sharpen your shivs: This week, we do an in-depth debrief on The Last of us Part II.  It's strikes both of us as a bit odd that a game could simultaneously be so popular and so divisive, but at least it makes for some lively conversation.  As is always the case, we start off with general thoughts and purely mechanical analysis, but be warned that the back half of this show is all about the story in all it's violent detail.  Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go barricade my door and practice my guitar in preparation for society's collapse.

What makes "Making" good? This week on the EXP Podcast, inspired by a Kotaku article by Ian Walker, we discuss the act of creation, what makes destruction is so easy and satisfying, and how we might elevate otherwise tedious in-game acts. We also chat a little about The Last of Us 2, a game all about destroying - both yourself and others.  Show Notes: - "Games Should Make Creating Just As Satisfying As Destroying," by Ian Walker via Kotaku - Runtime: 39min 07sec - Music by Brad Sucks

It's a news-y sort of week around here, so let's dive right in. Don't look for this podcast on Mixer: we've already made the jump to hyperspace and are on our way to reclaim our Guinness World Record for podcasting and share one last chili dog with our favorite influencer.