2008 - 2009. Featuring Chris Remo, Jake Rodkin and Nick Breckon.
1
October 10, 2008
Let the Games Begin
Throw away your bifocals and burn your books. Why rely on reading comprehension when you can sit on your ass and listen to us talk? Idle Thumbs is back, now with 100% fewer articles, and we've been hitting the preview events just for you.
Games Discussed: Fallout 3, Mega-Man 9, Gears of War 2, Wario Land: Shake It!
2
October 15, 2008
The Fanboy's Lament
Tokyo Game Show and BlizzCon may be over, but they live on in our hearts, and our podcast. Stay awhile and listen for hands-on reports, commentary, and the heart-rending ballad of a once-proud console warrior. This episode probably not sponsored by Gamer Grub.
Games Discussed: Diablo III, Starcraft II, LittleBigPlanet, Fable II, World of Goo, Hinterlands, Scene It? Box Office Smash, Gears of War 2
3
October 22, 2008
Field of Dreams
Did you hear BioWare is working on a Star Wars MMO set in the KOTOR universe? Oh, you did? Nick and Chris talk about their day at the Old Republic reveal event, Thumbs alum and BioShock 2 designer Steve Gaynor of 2K Marin joins us as a special guest, Jake turns into an old man, and more. Listen in!
Games Discussed: Star Wars: The Old Republic, Fable II, Far Cry 2, BioShock 2, Yakuza 2, Diablo II, Oblivion
4
October 28, 2008
The Fable of Love
We're a day early and possibly still a dollar short. Weeks of Fallout 3 coverage culminate with Nick's full completion-informed opinions. (Mutants allowed.) Chris and Jake dive into the polarizing world of Far Cry 2, and Fable 2's bizarre romances are set to heart-wrenching song. Join us, for this relatively subdued cast. To your face.
Games Discussed: Fallout 3, Far Cry 2, Dead Space, Empire: Total War (maybe)
5
November 6, 2008
The Wizard
This week, Nick was left for dead at Valve's offices where he played some kind of video game, Chris and Jake have experienced what's so amazing about LittleBigPlanet, and we keep attempting to cajole you into playing Far Cry 2. Plus: Will Gears of War 2 blow you away? We investigate. There may be a wizard.
Games Discussed: Left 4 Dead, Elemental: War of Magic, Gears of War 2, Far Cry 2, LittleBigPlanet, Empire Total War, Diablo III
6
November 12, 2008
Explode Mode
Your old Xbox is about to become your new Xbox, but that might mean you just start using your Netflix account again. Special guest Brad Shoemaker of Giant Bomb gently guides us through the minefield of this week's industry scandals, helps us finally close the book on Far Cry 2, and rekindles our love of J. Allard.
Games Discussed: Rock Band 2 ION Drum Rocker, Far Cry 2, Left 4 Dead, Space Giraffe, New Xbox Experience
7
November 17, 2008
Stop Doing Interviews
Special guest Steve Gaynor of 2K Marin, last seen in Idle Thumbs 3: Field of Dreams, joins us once again as we drop hot scoops about the Ensemble Studios closing, wrap up discussion of Steve's favorite game ever Fallout 3, and debate bizarre Left 4 Dead tactics. Plus: our giveaway contest is announced, and a new segment is possibly introduced.
Games Discussed: Fallout 3, Left 4 Dead, Halo Wars, World of Goo, Illbleed
8
December 4, 2008
Green Lantern is the Blindfolded Fool
Idle Thumbs U.S. returns from vacation fists a'swingin, battering you senseless with tales of lives reconsidered (and rewound), friends (lists) lost, and having to sit and watch someone else really suck (at your favorite game).
Games Discussed: Brothers in Arms (iPhone), Fieldrunners, Tony Hawk 10, Mortal Kombat vs. D.C. Universe, Braid, The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, Grand Theft Auto IV PC... Fallout 3
9
December 10, 2008
The Confestabaloo
Our co-hosts sedated themselves a bit this week in deference to special guest Chuck Jordan, Telltale designer and veteran of Grim Fandango and Curse of Monkey Island. Amidst discussions of Disneyland and ARG-based PR, we start to plan for Games of the Year and indulge in some pomposity about Game Narrative.
Games Discussed: Resident Evil 5, Treasure Troves, Army of Two, Dead Space, Mirror's Edge, Grand Theft Auto IV, Mr. Payback
10
December 17, 2008
The Ballad of John Riccitiello
As the CEOs of EA and Activision engage in an epic battle for the hearts and souls of gamers, our co-hosts consider Spike VGA-related game unveilings, fool significant others into buying consoles, look at some IGF 2009 entries, and propose Netflix achievement whoring.
Games Discussed: Prince of Persia, Mafia 2, Dante's Inferno, Spheroid, Atmosphir, Dyson, Retro/Grade, Defense Grid, Ghostbusters, Ghost Tycoon
XI
December 23, 2008
Extremes
Last week, Thumbs invited 2K Marin's Steve Gaynor to help pre-record a low- key cast on nuclear plant sims, traffic sims, sewage construction sims, bus sims, boat sims, and ghosts. Riveting stuff.
Games Discussed: Persona 4, Minotaur China Shop, Hitman: Blood Money, The Last Express, Penumbra, SimCity iPhone, Retro/Grade, Cities XL, Sonic & the Black Knight, Three Mile Island, Energy Czar, Ship Simulator 2010: Extremes
December 30, 2008
The Legend of Big Bird's Bones
Concluding our trio of podcasts recorded two weeks ago due to holiday issues, the crew remains joined by 2K Marin's Steve Gaynor to discuss psychopathic murderer Gordon Freeman, John Madden getting a government bailout, classic network sitcom Coach, and the love affair between the Japanese people and Wizardry.
Games Discussed: Half-Life 2, The Dark Spire, Bangai-O Spirits, DinoPark Tycoon, Burnout Paradise, Fallout 3, Far Cry 2
13
January 7, 2009
Manipulated Through Time
We loudly ring in Year of the Video Game with a double episode of post-holiday potluck warmth. Like a worried mom, we lecture about driving under the influence of video games. Like a drunk uncle, we can't shut up about "ol' Spelunky." You know (wink), "the Tomb Raider?"
Games Discussed: Prince of Persia (2008), Tomb Raider Underworld, Tomb Raider, Prince of Persia (1989), Nobi Nobi Boy, Osmos, Brainpipe, Spelunky, Bus Driver
14
January 14, 2009
Interface with the Animus
BioShock 2 lead level designer JP LeBreton joins us for this accidentally retro-filled episode to recount the rich tapestry of game music, talk up the LucasArts classics, and dream of a world where Grand Theft Auto was reimagined as a 1930's Warner Bros. cartoon.
Games Discussed: BioShock, Monkey Island 2, Gravity Hook, Assassin's Creed, Tomb Raider: Underworld
15
January 21, 2009
I'll Kill the Last Alien
Kaz Hirai says you'll truly appreciate the complexity of this podcast in about nine and a half years. What's that? Gonna cry? Nick Breckon says you're a baby who likes baby games. And a cheat, too, I bet.
Games Discussed: Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II (Beta), StarCraft II, Mirror's Edge, Bit.Trip Beat, Crysis: Warhead, Assassin's Creed
16
January 28, 2009
The Sources' Duel
Confidential informants collide and megatons are dropped in this week's high-speed episode. We talk about gaming narrative as a pastiche of tone and suggestion, but you just want your damn cutscenes. Plus: Wired's Chris Kohler joins us to dismember your naked form with a samurai sword. Replayability: 3.7.
Games Discussed: Afro Samurai, Eat Lead: The Return of Matt Hazard, Assassin's Creed, Mirror's Edge, Full Throttle
17
February 4, 2009
War of the Broses
Grab a brew and waste the Space Fuhrer with your friends from the quad. Chris weighs in on Killzone 2, Nick weighs the good and bad of two upcoming strategy titles, and Jake weighs the importance of a polished first play experience... with your mom. How many times have you heard a dictionary say "penis?"
Games Discussed: Killzone 2, Halo Wars, Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II, World of Goo, Left 4 Dead
!!
February 5, 2009
With Joe Pesci
Special Report! Duck for cover, commandeer a Jeep, and man a turret: Resident Evil is back, and Idle Thumbs is blasting through the gates of a midnight embargo. With Joe Pesci. Sometimes something comes up mid-week that we want to talk about. This time we actually did. We may do more of these in the future.
Games Discussed: Resident Evil 5
18
February 12, 2009
Citizen Killzone
Following modern trends, this episode eschews its core gameplay for a series of scattered but crowd-pleasing showpieces. Hop in a Big Stompin' Mech with F.E.A.R. 2, use a mandatory turret to defend your favorite FPS titles, and perform an overly-animated finishing move on "opinions."
Games Discussed: F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin, Wanted: Weapons of Fate, Watchmen: The End is Nigh, Quake Live, Left 4 Dead, Killzone 2
19
February 18, 2009
Upping the Majesty
Special guest Steve Gaynor joins us as we sail over grassy dewswept mountains resplendent with gaming's bounty, then crash-land into an F-bomb laden cutscene. Plus: Watch your cursor drift towards the "buy" button as Nick fills us in on the Dawn of War II single-player.
Games Discussed: Flower, House of the Dead: Overkill, Onechanbara: Bikini Zombie Slayers, Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II, Burnout Paradise
20
February 25, 2009
Idle Thumbs 2000
Has your desire to explore and investigate given way to a guided experience that just wants to hold your hand? Find out at the next waypoint. Join us as we offer up impressions from the DICE Summit, discuss this week's surprise assault of great games, and eat our own butt.
Games Discussed: Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II, Noby Noby Boy, Empire: Total War, Tom Clancy's HAWX, Grand Theft Auto: The Lost and The Damned
21
March 4, 2009
The Hypersonic Effect
Virtual worlds fall around you. Objectives appear before your eyes, cluttering your vision. Everything falls silent. As tears stream down your space visor you realize, too late, that it has you. Welcome to The Hypersonic Effect.
Games Discussed: League of Legends: Clash of Fates, Empire: Total War, The Chase: Felix Meets Felicity, Tabula Rasa, Mass Effect, TIE Fighter, FreeSpace 2, Independence War
22
March 11, 2009
Put On the Top Ghost
Sometimes a game blows up in your face, 106 moves in. Sometimes a tutorial man tells you the controls backwards, just because. Sometimes, no matter what you try, the old man just can't kill that snake. When the world's got you feeling down, do what we do, and put on the top ghost.
Games Discussed: Empire: Total War, Tom Clancy's HAWX, Up, Mirror's Edge Pure Time Trials, Team Fortress 2, Super Mario World, Half-Life Episodes
23
March 19, 2009
At the Mountains of Money
You lie on the ground, the last breaths leaving your body as you look up into the glowing, burlap sack-wrapped eyeholes of the man who ended your life. As voices recede and the world drifts away, you realize your dying thought will be "I wish I'd spent the 99 cents on that rocket launcher," and are disappointed.
Games Discussed: Merchants of Brooklyn, Resident Evil 5, Team Fortress 2, Diablo III, Puffins: Island Adventure
!!
March 25, 2009
GDC '09: A Fish Called Xtreme
GDC is warming up, and so are we. Idle Thumbs alums Marek Bronstring, Duncan Fyfe, and Lawrence Bishop join in for an look at GDC's first days of Indie-focused content, our anticipated panels, fabricated sex scandals and more. We love GDC this much.
Games Discussed: Jason Rohrer, WiiWare, OnLive, Neil Young, Peter Molyneux, Carmack's Reverse Revenge
!!
March 27, 2009
GDC '09: Don't Look at Me, I'm Hideo
Partake in a virtual luncheon with a pantheon of gaming greats. Witness the changing of Will Wright's mind. Scream as you are wholly seared into the fourth dimension of experimental gaming. We're joined by guests Alex Ashby, Lawrence Bishop, and B. M. Bronstring.
Games Discussed: Experimental Gameplay Sessions, Hideo Kojima, Dave Perry's Lunchstravaganza, Keita Takahashi
!!
March 30, 2009
GDC '09: Morality, the Medical Surprise
Steve Gaynor and Duncan Fyfe join us for the penultimate Conf Grenade, blasting through GDC's midsection at a rate so fast, you might not survive the trip. Put on your game designer hat and buckle up.
Games Discussed: Zeno Clash, Far Cry 2, Punch Out!!, The Maw, the Game Design Challenge, Peter Molyneux, Dr. Robotnik, Steve Meretzky, Margaret Robertson, Clint Hocking, Talking, Stalking
!!
April 1, 2009
GDC '09: [Transmission Lost]
The final Conf Grenade pops and fizzles its way into your ear, offering our closing thoughts on the Game Developers Conference. Join us for some last words before the GDC book slams closed for another 51 weeks.
Games Discussed: OnLive, Games for Windows Live, Alex Hutchinson Live, Army of Two: The 40th Day, Left 4 Dead, World of Warcraft, Jeff Kaplan
24
April 8, 2009
Shadow and Colossus: Back in Action
Like good games on the DS, we are back. With GDC a fond and distant memory, we tackle the surprising stack of good new titles for Nintendo's handheld, learn some new moves from a hobo, see the latest from BioWare and Double Fine, and shed a tear as Wander goes Hollywood.
Games Discussed: Rhythm Heaven, Henry Hatsworth in the Puzzling Adventure, Brütal Legend, Dragon Age, Bully, Tap Tap Revenge, Shadow of the Colossus
25
April 15, 2009
Pause Theme from Battletoads
With the fight against Robo-Manus safely on hold, our co-hosts are free to discuss the love/hate battle with ruthless games, the slow decline of the mod community, and the science gone mad of achievements paired with grinding, all with a funky back beat you can dance to.
Games Discussed: Six Days in Fallujah, bit.trip beat, Henry Hatsworth in the Puzzling Adventure, Flock, World of Warcraft, Battletoads
26
April 28, 2009
Raising the 'Bargo
We return from break full of questions. Why are all the best games about America made in Europe? Does your game dialog sound more like Steven Seagal or John McClane? Is there going to be a twist? We don't know, but we really want to tell you why the Moon is awesome.
Games Discussed: BioShock 2, Mafia 2, WET, Rogue Warrior, 6 Days in Fallujah, Nintendo DSi, StarCraft: Ghost, BioShock 5: To The Moon
27
May 6, 2009
What is Game?
This week you, the readers, take control, as we spend the entire episode with our grubby mitts elbow deep in the Idle Thumbs mailbag. With special guests Steve Gaynor of 2K Marin, and each and every one of you readers listening along at home.
Games Discussed: Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars, Zeno Clash, Dante's Inferno, Mario 64, American McGee's Alice, Idle Thumbs: The Game
28
May 20, 2009
Other People Get It
After taking a week off in silent honor of the Duke, we return. Lawsuits fly and franchises fall as they try to get you to ride around on a fake skateboard. E3's coming back. I probably have Swine Flu. Don't worry, other people get it.
Games Discussed: Team Fortress 2, Duke Nukem Forever, Plants Vs. Zombies, Defense Grid, Killing Floor, Blade Runner, The Last Express, Outcast, Prince of Persia: Sands of Time
29
May 27, 2009
Dreaming of Gillen
Sometimes the past is just as good as you remember it. Sometimes it's better. Nick turns back the clock ten years to explore the less traveled branching paths of adventure gaming, Jake is revamped and thrown back by Nintendo's latest offerings, and Chris? Chris dares to dream.
Games Discussed: The Last Express, Blade Runner, PiCTOBiTS, Punch-Out!!, Team Fortress 2, Grand Theft Auto: The Ballad of Gay Tony, Nintendo DSi Sound
30
June 10, 2009
Idle Thumbs E30
We're back from E3, filled with hands-on impressions, tales of awkward industry encounters, and an important question: Who needs a motion wand when you have a ten year old boy trapped in your TV?
Games Discussed: Project Natal, Unnamed Sony PS3 Wand, Milo, 'Splosion Man, Star Wars: The Old Republic, Left 4 Dead 2, APB: All Points Bulletin, God of War III, Heavy Rain, Brink, Scribblenauts, the Beatles Rock Band, Mafia 2
!!
June 18, 2009
With Cheese Plate
Where we come from the games beat themseles. There's a shaved Muppet around every corner, and Samus Aran can't shut up. It will please you, with a depth that might surprise you. Featuring Steve Gaynor as Mr. Dream.
Games Discussed: Cryostasis, Metroid: Other M, Shadowgrounds, Penumbra: Overture, Blueberry Garden, Dead Space: Extraction, Peggle (iPhone), Doom 3, Nintendo Help
31
June 26, 2009
The Future of Games
You can't shut your eyes. A small child spots you, waves eagerly. You try to reach him, but are stopped short as the cables restraining your fingers go taut. Struggling against wires and straps binding your shoulders and feet, you get one last glimpse of the boy before he's dragged screaming into Max Payne's departing van.
Games Discussed: Overlord II, Max Payne 3, King's Bounty: TL, Blueberry Garden, Dawn of War II, StarCraft II, Pikmin 2
!!
June 29, 2009
With StarCraft II
Special Report! Nick's back from Blizzard's preview event, ready to offer up his hands-on impressions of the StarCraft II multiplayer beta. Also, lots of side topics and diversions you can't do without. But mostly StarCraft II. And a gay pride parade.
Games Discussed: StarCraft II, Unreal Tournament, Quake III Arena, Chapter Honour, Urban Terror, Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II
32
July 1, 2009
The Stuff Dreams Are Made Of
Ingredients: Co-op grappling-based wizard platforming, never-ending falling blocks, Peter Molyneux, Pyramid Head. Season to taste or until awakened screaming.
All but two of these are real: Trine, Lumines, Dragon Age, Doom Resurrection, 1 vs. 100, Dungeon Keeper II, Milo: Dungeon Keeper III, Super Casts 'n' Blasts, Zool, AaaaaAAaaaAAAaaAAAAaAAAAA!!! -- A Reckless Disregard for Gravity, The Black Onyx, King's Bounty: The Legend
33
July 8, 2009
"The Kane of Lynch" or "This Crazy Robot" or "Rock the Mouse"
Lengthy discussions abound in this cast-and-a-half. We go off on the experiences unique to shorter, tighter games, the dying art of an equal player vs CPU ruleset, the American Civil War, and what it really feels like being the king. Plus: More video game dreams.
Games Discussed: Trine, King's Bounty, Call of Juarez, Trine, GUN, Civilization IV, Trine, Civilization Revolution, Far Cry 2
34
July 15, 2009
The First Age of Extreme
Thumbs accidentally traveled back in time to an age when beards reigned, in this arcade- and strategy-flavored episode.
Games Discussed: Dawn of Discovery/Anno 1404, Battlefield 1943, Klax, Amusing Educational Telequiz, Major Havoc, Tank 8, Stronghold Crusader Extreme, Castles, Castles II, The Three Stooges in Brides is Brides, Slappers! 64, King's Bounty: The Legend, Mega Man 9, Far Cry Instincts: Paradise Lost, The Act, Street Fighter IV
35
July 22, 2009
A Great Way to Have Fun
Join us as we take a safely-secured look at Wii Sports Resort, and spoil exclusive food news. A connection to the Internet is required to listen to this episode.
Games Discussed: Wii Sports Resort, Dawn of Discovery/Anno 1404, Command & Conquer 4, Alan Wake, League of Legends, StarCraft, Insanely Twisted Shadow Planet, Castles, Castles II, The Game Conference Game, Rock Band Network, Guitar Hero Fruit Roll Strawberry Whammy
36
July 30, 2009
Shambling, Goofy
After an earlier attempt to record goes down in flames, we bring you this tale of mice and mods and Miyamoto, of nerds, their noises and Neo Tokyo, of DOTA clones and questions asked, of adventures past and pods cast. Enjoy.
Games Discussed: NeoTokyo, Epic Mickey, Fat Princess, Halo Wars, Command & Conquer 4, Dark Void, Heroes of Newerth, League of Legends, Pikmin 2, Full Throttle, King's Quest VI
!!
July 31, 2009
Surprise!
Sometimes a podcast goes off the rails and is killed for the betterment of mankind. People occasionally ask why. Hopefully this provides an answer. Freshly exhumed from the lot out behind Chris' apartment, enjoy the moist wreckage of the Idle Thumbs Episode 36 that wasn't. Won't titillate or offend, but might.
Games Discussed: Dragon Age: Origins, Dante's Inferno, Research & Development, Eets, Left 4 Dead 2, Bookworm Adventures
37
August 5, 2009
You Gotta Have Spice
A 386 perfectly captures his slam dunk. Looking down from space, you see the Earth and smile. Mid-swing, the game asks you to recalibrate, and you do it just this once. Sometimes, you gotta.
Games Discussed: Fallout 3: Mothership Zeta, Left 4 Dead Crash Course, Dawn of Discovery, Wii Sports Resort, Fat Princess, IL-2 Sturmovik, Subversion, Team Fortress 2: Brotherhood of Arms, Crash Bandicoot, Rebel Assault, TIE Fighter
38
August 12, 2009
Up On This Boss
This week on the Thumb we dive into the many meanings of Nintendo's mysterious inflatable horse peripheral, reel at how many GameCubes are turned on right now, and debate whether "Castroid" is a game genre or horrible medical condition.
Games Discussed: Shadow Complex, Civilization Revolution (iPhone), Punch-Out!!, Bionic Commando, Batman: Arkham Asylum (Demo), Mass Effect, Waluigi's Waluland, Nintendo Horse Bag
!!
August 13, 2009
With Brutal Legend
Chris and Nick got a chance to sit down with the multiplayer component of Double Fine Productions' upcoming Brutal Legend and are ready to share their hands-on impressions with you. Will Chris describe it in terms of Pikmin 2's versus mode? Will Full Throttle be mentioned? Grab your axe, your axe, and probably your axe, and listen in.
Games Discussed: Brutal Legend, Pikmin, Pikmin 2
!!
August 17, 2009
With StarCraft II 2
With fleeting, ghostly visions of long- decommissioned Dragoons still haunting their minds, the Thumbs crew attempts to discuss StarCraft II while staving off the effects of sleep deprivation. Jake draws pictures. Plus, rumor has it Far Cry 2 makes its triumphant return--and there's only one way to find out. (Read the games discussed list.)
Games Discussed: StarCraft II, World of Warcraft, Far Cry 2
39
August 20, 2009
Video Game Baby
Following a double-barreled podblast assault, this week's baffling episode sees the Idle Thumbs valiantly but vainly struggle to stay on topic and discuss a new video game, despite dubious double entendres and threatening voice mails. How's our driving? Take a wild guess.
Games Discussed: Osmos, Dust 514, Mass Effect, League of Legends: Clash of Fates, Crazy Inventors, The Beatles: Rock Band, Rock Band 2, Burnout Paradise, Far Cry 2
40
August 26, 2009
Idle Thumbs 40,000
(Nobody Beats the Blizz)
We're back from BlizzCon, abuzz with the latest biz from the Blizz. Also sampled: The Monk, The Wiz(ard).
Games Discussed: StarCraft II, Diablo 3, World of Warcraft: Cataclysm, Battle.net, Mass Effect, Dragon Age: Origins, EVE Online, Trials HD, Trials 2: Second Edition, Action Supercross, WarCraft: Orcs and Humans, Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots, Time Donkey
41
September 2, 2009
Space Boss: The Lord of Space
We play catch-up this week, clearing out both our backlog of nearly-current games, and our overflowing bag of reader mail.
Games Discussed: Batman: Arkham Asylum, Spider: The Secret of Bryce Manor, Spider Solitaire, Time Donkey, Wander Donkey, Mass Effect, Gratuitous Space Battles, AaaaaAAaaaAAA!!! - A Reckless Disregard for Gravity, Novint Falcon
!!
September 6, 2009
PAX 09: Ron Gilbert
Idle Thumbs kicks off its PAX coverage and continues its trend of interviewing Monkey Island creator Ron Gilbert on a bidecennial basis with this hastily-edited affair. Enjoy.
Games Discussed: DeathSpank, The Secret of Monkey Island, Monkey Island 2: LeChuck's Revenge, World of Warcraft, EVE Online, Animal Crossing
!!
September 7, 2009
PAX 09: Valve's Chet Faliszek
Nestled amongst rowdy board game players, the Idle Thumbs crew pins down Chet Faliszek of Valve to discuss Left 4 Dead 2 and how Madden offers but small comfort to Browns fans.
Games Discussed: Left 4 Dead 2, Civilization 4, Civilization Revolution, Open-World Crazy Chain Weapon Big Claws, Madden NFL 10, football
!!
September 8, 2009
PAX 09: BioWare's Mac Walters
Idle Thumbs brings its PAX 2009 coverage to a close with a quick talk with Mass Effect 2's lead writer, Mac Walters. In Space.
Games Discussed: Mass Effect 2, Mass Effect
42
9 . 9 . 09
The Dreamcast
For just one night, into your face we cast not pods, but dreams. Our dreams are powered by robot hands with pistol grips, three part harmonies and too many microphones, but we're thinking you'll find something you like.
Games Discussed: The Beatles: Rock Band, Left 4 Dead 2, DeathSpank, Shank, Torchlight, Mass Effect 2 (spoiler free!), Supreme Commander 2, Mass Effect: Pinnacle Station, Novint Falcon, dreamcast, nights into dreams
43
September 18, 2009
Jeff "Gone" Goldblum
This week Chris and Nick don some custom callsigns to check out Modern Warfare 2's multiplayer, become terrified by the high definition frog face of Zuma's Revenge, and almost steal Jeff Goldblum's shoes. As for Jake? He is only good at keeping people focused on the deep depression.
Games Discussed: Modern Warfare 2, Mini Ninjas, Batman: Arkham Asylum, Resident Evil 5, The Beatles Rock Band, Zuma's Revenge, Guitar Hero Cereal Prize, King Arthur's World, Gameloft's Entire Library, Fire Guy
44
September 25, 2009
Salacious Thumb
With Nick Breckon out on assignment, things go a little bit wrong. 2K Marin's Steve Gaynor joins us for this week's descent into a tempest of hard-boiled corruption and deceit, where no one knows who to trust or where to turn. We're pretty sure ODST is like a film noir, so we took some cues from that.
Games Discussed: Halo 3: ODST, Scribblenauts, Policenauts, Dante's Inferno, Flame-Sim, Dora the Explorer: Dora Saves the Snow Princess, Cabela's Monster Bass
45
September 30, 2009
Episode Forty-Five
Bred in a top secret government lab, or maybe an orphan or a robot or something, this episode hopes to punch you in the face and call you a bitch. Our marketing research shows that this appeals to you. Really, though, we talk about some games.
Games Discussed: Mass Effect 2, Halo 3: ODST, Left 4 Dead: Crash Course, The Shivah, Majesty II: The Fantasy Kingdom Sim, Blaster Master, Perfect Dark
46
October 7, 2009
First Annual Year
The Idle Thumbs podcast turns one year old on Saturday, and to celebrate we bring you a regular episode. This week we wipe a curmudgeonly tear from our classic PC gaming eye, and find yet again that making fun of something we thought could never exist only seems to bring it to life. Plus: "Video game stories are serious business," says madly hopping, car-flipping, building-smashing man.
Games Discussed: Red Faction: Guerrilla, The Ripper, Tales of Monkey Island, Metal Gear Solid, Mass Effect 2, Stargoose
47
October 14, 2009
"The Lord of the Donk" or "And That's Who the Lord of the Donk Was"
All rise. At his command, Chris and Jake play a bunch of Brutal Legend, while Nick frantically stockpiles gas cans to make it through Left 4 Dead 2's Scavenger mode, all the while trying to come to grips with his feelings on Borderlands. Plus a song about video games, but probably not what you're thinking.
Games Discussed: Brutal Legend, Left 4 Dead 2, Diablo, Borderlands, Risen
48
October 21, 2009
In Space
As the darkness draws in and the last days creep ever closer, we're joined by 2K Marin's Steve Gaynor for a rousing discussion of video games in the outer reaches of space. While there, we discuss the PS3's recent trips to polar opposites of the hand-holding spectrum, lament the disappearance of Modern Warfare 2's dedicated servers, and are paid a surprise visit by an asshole.
Games Discussed: Demon's Souls, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, Uncharted 2: Among Thieves, Far Cry 2, God Hand, Half-Minute Hero, Red Faction: Guerrilla, Dragon Age: Origins, Crimson Skies (PC), Sim Mars, The Beatles Rock Band: Abbey Road, Rock Band 2: Queen DLC
!!
October 27, 2009
With Max Schaefer
After putting the finishing touches on Torchlight, Runic Games co-founders and Diablo co-creators Max and Erich Schaefer did what game industry luminaries always do after wrapping a project: drive over to the Idle Thumbs podcast. We chat at length with Max about the new action RPG, the Blizzard North days, and unreleased football games. And Erich pipes in at the end.
Games Discussed: Torchlight, Diablo, Diablo II, Justice League Task Force, Unnamed Condor NFL game
49
October 28, 2009
Bargo Busters
For all your bustin' needs, we present: video games. We create a scale and proceed to visit both ends, taking gentle, guided adventures with famed explorers and robot pals, while our asses are gingerly handed to us by murderous hoards and off-brand knockoff platformers. Note: No bargos were busted in the making of this episode.
Games Discussed: Torchlight, Uncharted 2, Machinarium, Super Mario 86, Diablo II, Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (Game), Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (Film), and of course Far Cry 2
50
November 6, 2009
"Farewell, Video Games" or "The Shitty Wizard"
Idle Thumbs goes out with some attempt at a bang, by way of a two and a half hour mega episode. The unrelenting Dragon Age revokes Nick's gamer card, Chris can't stop playing Torchlight, and Jake keeps spinning around on the floor. Also featuring farewells aplenty, Dreamcast 2, exclusive Steve Ballmer DLC, and good news.
Games Discussed: Dragon Age: Origins, Mass Effect, Far Cry 2, Torchlight, Fate, Star Control II, Shattered Horizons, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, Hammerfight, Trine
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September 8, 2010
Burnin' Down the Wolfman
Recorded in front of a live audience at PAX 2010's Wolfman Theater, Idle Thumbs presents what is either its third "final episode," or its first "reunion episode," available to the public for the first time in MP3 form. Hear us intermittently forget the audience exists as we share impressions of PAX's finest offerings, fear an exploding microphone, sing songs, and tell the tale of handling Germany's finest wines. With special guests Sean Vanaman and Steve Gaynor.
Games Discussed: Torchlight 2, Duke Nukem Forever, Dante's Inferno, Little Big Planet 2, Weinhändler, Imperial 2030, Far Cry 2
