Video Game Realness

Episode 34 – JRPG vs. WRPG: Round 1…FIGHT!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:42:00 — 70.1MB)

This week on VGRealness, the crew is all together for a JAM PACKED episode! Michael hosts (a relatively hashtag-less episode) this week and introduces a new segment, Review Corner. To kick off this new segment, he covers The Powerpuff Girls: Defenders of Townsville.

As always, the boys cover the news of the week, starting with some of the big news items out of GDC.

For the big discussion topic this week, the guys cover the similarities and differences between Japanese RPGs and Western RPGs. What are the main themes behind each and what are the things that we like and don’t like about each? Which do you prefer? Are you team JRPG or team WRPG?

To close out the episode, it’s the return of Phoenix Down — the segment where the crew talks about a game series that they want to see come back with a sequel!

DON’T FORGET! Our Smite God Pack contest closes on Wednesday March 26. See episode 33 for details.

Time stamps:
6:30 – Review Corner – Powerpuff Girls: Defenders of Townsville
18:00 – News
50:23 – JRPG vs WRPG
1:26:04 – Phoenix Down Segment

Break Music:
Grandia 2 – Middle Boss Battle
FFX – Hurry
Chrono Trigger – Boss Battle

Show Notes:
-Nintendo ON Hoax

Episode 33 – Smittenly Smited

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:39:58 — 68.7MB)

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This week on VGRealness, Cameron is in the driver seat to help us learn all about MOBAs! What are they? How do these games work? What makes them so popular? But of course, Delvin, Cameron and Michael talk all about Smite in preparation for the upcoming launch on March 25th!

Before the guys dive into the world of MOBAs, we talk about what games they’ve been playing over the past two weeks, and as always, cover the news of the past week: PS4 price increase in Canada, DK Tropical Freeze sales numbers, Smash Bros back at EVO and more.

Be sure to check out the episode as we are having a great giveaway this week for a Smite God Pack! Get all the characters of Smite and future gods all at once!

We want to know, If you could include one god/myth in SMITE, who would it be? Send us your responses via our Facebook Page, Twitter or posting a reply here on our website!

Contest closes Wednesday March 26. Winner will be chosen at random.

Good luck everyone and we can’t wait to hear your responses!

***All break music is from the game Smite, and does not belong to us, and is being used under fair use policy***

Time Outline:
1:55 Now Playing
24:09 News
56:14 MOBAs Discussion

Episode 32 – Charlie’s Angels

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:43:27 — 71.1MB)

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The trio of James, Michael and host Delvin are here this week and up to their usual shenanigans of weekly news and throwing shade! This week the guys discuss Square Enix’s Kingdown Hearts survey that is currently happening, Ouya’s new “Ouya Everywhere” service and what the company has planned with that.

The guys also have an in-depth conversation about DLC — is it getting out of hand? Is becoming too costly? Finally, in celebration of International Women’s Day, we talk about our top 15 favorite female characters in gaming!Who are your favourite female characters in gaming? We want to know! Tweet us or Facebook us with your top 5 gals in gaming!

Break Music:
Phoenix Wright – Mask DeMasque
Super Princess Peach – Boss Fight
Koda Kumi – Real Emotion (What Can I Do For You)

Show Notes:
-Azure Striker Gunvolt trailer

Episode 31 – Me & My Things

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:42:10 — 70.3MB)

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Can VG Realness get any more real? The answer is yes! This week join Cameron, James, Michael and Delvin as the crew discusses upcoming releases for the month of March and which games they’re most excited about.

In news, the guys talk about Twitch Plays Pokemon, the Xbox One Titanfall bundle, PS4 Japan launch numbers, Tony Hawk’s latest venture and Nintendo online. Other highlights include Michael rambling, Now Playing, and a discussion on games the guys enjoy playing over and over again.

Don’t miss this and the moment when we shout ARRRRRRIBA! on this week’s episode of Video Game Realness!

Show Notes:
-Beyonce playing Rhythm Heaven
-Twitch Plays Pokemon art
-Overdrive trailer

*Sorry for the delay in episode posting. Michael’s computer had a brain fart and died while attempting to upload the episode.

Episode 30 – Two Lonely Gays Part 2: Double Trouble

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:14:58 — 51.6MB)

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This week on VGRealness, it’s just James and Delvin giving you the T on the news of the past week. From new patch news in Killer Instinct to Sega’s plans with Atlus, the duo also discusses Activision’s plans for the Tony Hawk series and which system game developers are in favor of developing for in the console space. Joystiq.com also had a discussion with Square Enix Producer Kitasae and we dissect the juicy morsels that came out of that interview.

To close out the show, in a new monthly segment for Video Game Realness, James and Delvin discuss games that we miss. This month’s game is Gauntlet!

Check it out and more on this week of Video Game Realness!

Show Notes:
–Bravely Default concert
–GaymerX2 Kickstarter
–Super Chibi Knight Kickstarter
–PBS Game Show about Angry gamers

Break Music:
Bravely Default Concert – Tiz’s Theme
Sonic 2 – Emerald Hill Zone
FF XIII – Blinded by Light 8-bit remix
Gauntlet Dark Legacy – Mountain Valley

Episode 29 – Hashtag Brayvlee Defawlt

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:24:27 — 38.8MB)

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It’s time for a little role reversal. Michael hosts this week’s episode with James, Cameron and Delvin and let’s just say things are a little different, but in a #fun way.

The gang discusses what they’ve been playing, including a lengthy discussion about Bravely Default — or as Michael likes to call it, #BrayvleeDefawlt. Have you been playing? Let us know your thoughts by using the aforementioned hashtag.

Following Now Playing, the guys move on to the news of the week, including Halo 2 anniversary rumours, Zero Escape 3 woes, and a smattering of Nintendo news following their latest Ninja Direct. Notable moments include #YouShutYourBitchMouth, #Caligribrush, and #OverTheDrip.

Hilarity ensues this week, so don’t miss out! Yes, it’s a little hashtag crazy, but it’s all in good fun. Plus, the ending of the episode is one you won’t want to miss!

Show Notes:
-Zero Escape 3 fan support

Episode 28 – Love?

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:17:19 — 53.2MB)

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This week on VGRealness, the crew takes a look at iconic relationships in gaming. Whether it be a school girl crush, a bond that grows, or just cookie cutter romance, we take a look at them. We chose a list of our favorites and most memorable. What are some of your favorite and iconic relationships in the gaming universe?

Also this week, news regarding Flappy Bird and the creator shutting it down; Activision makes a 3rd dev company to produce more COD. Also, Double Helix was bought out by Amazon!?!?! What does this mean for Killer Instinct? We take a look at that and more this week on Video Game Realness.

Break Music
Bravely Default – Land of Light and Shadow

Show Notes:
Megaman X4 – Iris’ Death
Sonic Boom Photos

Episode 27 – The Roomies Are At It

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:30:27 — 62.2MB)

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Old roommates Cameron and Delvin are at the helm of this weeks episode of Video Game Realness. The two discuss the games they have been playing of the week. Did Cameron play Smite again this week? Did Delvin find an Xbox One yet? Tune in to find out!

In a new segment for this month, we take a look at all the big title releases coming out for consoles this month and discuss which ones we’re looking forward to.

Of course as always, VGRealness brings you the news items of the week and the big discussion topic this week is Nintendo’s financials. Check it all out!

1:50 – Cameron’s Now Playing
11:50 – Delvin’s Now Playing
32:48 – On the Horizon
47:00 – News Elder Scrolls Discussion
1:02:38 – News Nintendo Financials Disccussion

Break Music:
Killer Instinct 3 – Orchid’s Stage
Mario Kart Double Dash – Rainbow Road

Episode 26 – January Jams Part 4: The Conclusion

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:43:18 — 70.9MB)

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It’s our final episode of January Jams and we’re bringing you more trivia — this time about sound effects!

But first, James, Michael, Greg and Delvin discuss the drama and controversy surrounding the Machinama deal for paying YouTube broadcasters more for positive Microsoft content. Is this OK? Is the Internet over reacting? The crew hashes it all out at the top of the show.

The guys also discuss more news including Blizzard’s Hearthstone open beta news, Ubisoft and Capcom hiring more people, the release of Monster Hunter 4G and much, much more!

To close things out, the guys have another trivia episode for the history books full of great laughs and lots of feels!

Be sure to listen to the episode that concludes our celebration of January Jams!

Also, don’t forget our contest for a $20 eShop card for last week’s episode! Check out the details here!

Time stamps:
4:45 – Alienware Steam Machine News
11:05 – YouTube Controversy
24:25 – Hearthstone News
1:03:25 – Sound Effect Trivia

Break Music:
Megaman X2 – Bubble Crab
Megaman X5 – Duff McWhalen

***DISCLAIMER: All music used in this episode does not belong to Video Game Realness and is being used under Fair Use Policies.

Episode 25 – January Jams Part 3: The Trivial Pursuit of Realness

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:03:33 — 84.8MB)

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It’s a jam-packed episode this week on Video Game Realness. James, Michael and Delvin (back from vacation) have some in depth conversations about some news topics of the week. The guys discuss the upcoming release of Alienware’s Steam Machine — who are these consoles for? What about the controller? — as well as Playsation Now details that were released and the future potential of the service. The trio also talks about Nintendo’s financial woes and what they might try to do to recover from a poor 2013 for WiiU.

Finally, for VG Realness’ celebration to music in gaming, the guys have a Trivia game where James and Michael go head-to-head and try to guess an array of different songs. Who will come out victorious? You gotta tune in to find out!

Special Giveaway!!!

Tweet us @VGRealness or Post on our Facebook Page with the number of times James, Michael and Delvin say “Bravely Default” in this weeks episode for your chance to win a $20 Nintendo eShop Prepaid Credit Code**! #VGRealnessBravelyDefault

Contest Closes Thursday February 7th @ 11:59pm ET

**Code only Valid in the Canadian eShop.

BravelyDefault_pkg

6:30 – Steam Machine Discussion
22:30 – Playstation Now Discussion
36:40 – Elder Scrolls Pay Structre
53:55 – Console Financials Discussion
1:21:35 – Music Trivia

Break Music
Super Mario Land 2 – Star Maze
FF6 – Terra’s Theme

***DISCLAIMER: All music used in this episode does not belong to Video Game Realness and is being used under Fair Use Policies.

Episode 24 – January Jams Part 2: Electric Boogaloo

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:20:17 — 55.1MB)

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This week, join Cameron, Michael and James as they continue the Video Game Realness month-long celebration of music in video games. Michael shares his Top 5 soundtracks of all time, as well as his faves from 2013.

The trio also takes some time to share listener tweets who tweeted at us with their favourite soundtracks of all time. Donkey Kong Country is high on a lot of lists; who knew?! The guys discuss the news of the week, including updates from CES, and finally move into this week’s January Jams topic: how does music influence/affect storytelling and atmosphere in games? What games do this the best? You’ll have to listen to find out! Also, be sure to tweet us with your opinions!

(Michael also wrote a story about this for 1UP.com a couple years back and you can check it out here.)

Show Notes:
-The Wind Waker video James mentioned
-Below is a Storify of all the game soundtrack tweets we received. Be sure to get in on the action this week!

***DISCLAIMER: All music used in this episode does not belong to Video Game Realness and is being used under Fair Use Policies.

Episode 23 – January Jams

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:43:30 — 71.1MB)

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Video Game Realnees is back for 2014 and we’ve got a JAM packed month! All this month, we are celebrating music in video games! Each week we will discuss or have a different feature celebrating music in games.

At the top of the episode, Cameron, James and Delvin go over what games they were playing over the holiday break, as well as their Top 5 games of 2013. Next up, they go over the news that happened over the break, such as the Nintendo Direct announcing some hidden gems, as well as Square Enix rumors.

And in celebration of January Jams, the crew discuss their Top 5 Gaming Soundtracks and what makes them enjoyable for them.

It’s a JAM packed episode you are sure to love! Check it out!

6:30 – Now Playing and Top 2013
34:54 – News
1:17:13 – Delvin’s Top 5 Games
1:26:00 – James’s Top 5 Games
1:31:10 – Cameron’s Top 5 Games

Break Music
Killer Instinct 2 – Tusk’s Theme
Smash Bros Melee – Hyrule Temple

***DISCLAIMER: All music used in this episode does not belong to Video Game Realness and is being used under Fair Use Policies.

Episode 22 – Zelda Time Warp

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:37:50 — 67.2MB)

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In the final episode of Video Game Realness for 2013, Greg, Delvin and Michael discuss the Zelda Timeline. The guys discuss the flow of the timeline and what might come next in the series. Check out the recent BuzzFeed post that breaks down the timeline as well with some nice visuals.

***Spoiler Alert in the Podcast*** For the Zelda Timeline, we do discuss the endings for each game EXCEPT A Link Between Worlds. So if you haven’t beaten the others and don’t want it spoiled, please skip this section.

In the rest of the podcast, the guys discuss the news of the week, including console sales numbers, Tales of Zestiria and and a light dash of Rayman shade, because they just can’t resist. All this and more on the final 2013 episode of Video Game Realness!

The show will return the week of January 5th, 2014.

(Also, we did have a giveaway planned, but due to some technicalities and limitations being in Canada and most listeners from the US, we will need to postpone the giveaway until we’ve worked it out at a later date.)

Time Stamps:
02:15 – Now Playing
28:50 – News
1:03:00 – Zelda Timeline

Break Music:
-Final Fantasy 4 – Dreadful Fight
-Legend of Zelda – Ganon’s Tower

Show Notes:
-Zelda Timeline on BuzzFeed
-Lightning Returns Collector’s Edition
-Mega Man Board Game
-Read Only Memories Kickstarter

Episode 21 – Player 2 Press Start

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:23:42 — 57.5MB)

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On the 21st episode of Video Game Realness, Delvin and Greg have a discussion about two-player games, and the games that they have enjoyed in the past. They go into a brief history evolution of co-op and competitive games and the introduction of online play and how it evolved multiplayer games.

The duo also discusses the news that broke out over Riot Games and their now overturned decision to not allow contracted players to stream a list of specific games. Will Greg and Delvin have an eSports throw down again? Tune in to find out!

All this, the Jane Austen MMO, VGX awards, Nintendo Shade, and more on Episode 21 of Video Game Realness.

Time Stamps:
01:40 – Jane Austen MMO
18:40 – Nintendo Shade
32:00 – VGX Awards
41:15 – Riot eSports discussion
53:25 – Two-Player Discussion

Break Music: Megaman X Spark Mandrill Theme Music

Show Notes:
-Jane Austen MMO

Episode 20 – A Walk Down Mario Lane

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:19:47 — 54.8MB)

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On this week’s episode of Video Game Realness, Delvin and Greg are back with James to discuss Super Mario 3D World and taking a look back on the previous Mario console releases and how they contributed to 3D World. Lots of elements from past games make an appearance in this game and you can find them out all here.

The guys discuss the games of the week that they’ve been playing, or lack thereof in some cases. They also go over some news tid bitties of the week, so strap yourself in and check out episode 20 of Video Game Realness!

Time References:
04:20 – Now Playing
23:16 – News
49:50 – Mario Retrospective

Show Notes:
-Blog about Super Mario Bros 2
-Waiting in line Black Friday game