We start with the rumors flying around about the successor to the Xbox 360. Will it use Blu Rays, will it have some sort of measures in place restricting gamers from playing used games on the console, and will it actually use a stupid name like Xbox 720? Then in our main topic we address ludology vs. narratology. Does story or interactivity take precedence or does it truly depend on the game? Watch as Brian and Landon duke it out in this extra long episode!

The dark one George Lucas has officially announced his retirement from ruining our childhood in film. We take a look back at his career and the future of his popular franchises. Then in our main topic we ask are video games the new TV? With video game consoles turning into all in one entertainment devices, will it dethrone TV or merge into one ball-o-media goodness? All this and more in Issue #27 of Boomzies!

After an impressive launch, the PS Vita has experienced a bit of a slump in sales in Japan. Does this spell disaster for the fledgling handheld or is it too early to tell? Then Landon and Brian talk about the games, music, movies, and all things geek they are excited for in the fabled year of doom, 2012.

An episode of unequaled e-drama, Brian and Landon discuss the SOPA bill, how it could change the internet as we know it, and why you should be concerned. Then in our main topic we duke it out over the five best and five worst games of 2011. Some we agreed on, others we disagreed on, while still others we fought over like cats and dogs. Don’t miss the epic battle in the last normal Boomzies of 2011!

Tell us your best and worst games of 2011 in the comments below.

In our biggest episode yet we start things off with a special look at the Video Game Awards Show. Which essentially is Brian drolling over the epic and amazing Metal Gear Rising Revengance trailer. Then we talk about the rumors surrounding Shigeru Miyamoto stepping down from his position at Nintendo. What does this mean for the future of the company and Miyamoto? Finally in our main topic we talk about the science of video game sound. From sound effects, music, and voice acting, sound plays a huge role in video games. How has sound evolved and where is it going in the future?

After decades in print, Gamepro is going away. We talk about how this happened and our memories of this once great gaming journalism juggernaut (try to say that three times fast). This is our main topic we talk about the video game graphic ceiling. What will happen if we hit this fabled fidelity and how will it change the industry? Join us as Brian and Landon battle each other for the crown of geekdom!

It’s Black Friday the most deadly time of the year. Brian and Landon share our deals, steals, and tears from the busiest shopping day. And since it’s Thanksgiving weekend, what more appropriate subject than the video games we are thankful for. We look at those games that changed the industry, personal favorites, and influenced future generations of interactive entertainment.

Plus watch as our phone glitches and fails us miserably live on cast.

We have a live Q&A session with Richard Ross of Operation Rainfall to get their side of the story and how this organization of dedicated Nintendo fans is seeking the international localization of three Wii games. Then in our main topic we talk about World of Warcraft vs. Star Wars: The Old Republic. With Star Wars The Old Republic beginning beta testing, there’s a lot of buzz surrounding the release of this game. Will WoW retain its’ throne or will Star Wars usurp the the reigning MMORPG king?

Also we talk about bums, how to keep you bum fresh, and how to properly care for your bum……BUM!

Could 3DS titles be getting a $10 price hike? Then in our main topic it’s Operation Rainfall vs. Nintendo and all the issues surrounding this sore subject. What’s all the fuss over Last Story, Xenoblade, and Pandora’s Tower? Why isn’t Nintendo bringing these games Stateside and should they? Tune in to find out!

A new study proves video games just might make you more creative. Then in our main topic we talk about defunct video game grammar. What happened to codes, cheats, passwords, and all those other bits of gaming lexicon we grew up with? Are they dead or have they simply changed? Watch as the epic battle ensues and we even get trolled by an earthquake!

It’s the Boomzies Halloween Horror Cast! We talk about the nerd megafest that is Blizzcon. The changes in WoW that have people up in arms plus all the other big news. Then we gather ’round the campfire and talk about our Halloween memories. The video games that made us wet ourselves, the movies that made us weep like little babies, and everything else that frightens us. Plus watch us botch both of our contests because of our own incompetence. Oh yes it’s that bad.

What is going on with Netflix? First Netflix, then Qwikster, now back to Netflix. Has Netflix lost its’ touch? Then in the main topic it’s the evil of online passes in video games. More and more video game publishers are putting these in games. What does this mean for used games sales and how can it be combated? Pick up your torch and pitchfork and join the battle.

We talk about the life and legacy of Steve Jobs. His impact upon not only Apple, computers, or technology, but the way he changed our everyday lives. Then in our main topic of debate we stoke the fires of the age old debate: console versus PC. Who’s the best in the video game old west? Join the debate as Landon and Brian shoot it out and see who’s the victor once the dust settles!

The fur flies when Brian and Landon claw it out over the new Catwoman costume in ‘The Dark Knight Rises’. Are these new duds the cat’s meow or a chocking fur ball of suck? But wait there’s more! In our main topic we’re sorting out the laundry list of video game pre-order bonuses. With all these pre-order bonuses from countless retailers, how far does a gamer have to go and has it gotten just a little ridiculous? So take arms soldier and join the battle for truth, justice, and all things geek!

In part two of Boomzies #14 we continue to take a look at the highly anticipated Dragon Quest X. With the announcement of a required internet connection and usage fees, has the Dragon Quest series strayed too far? Then in the main topic we talk about the anatomy of video games. What makes a video game a video game and what’s the most important element?

In part one Boomzies #14 we take a look at the highly anticipated Dragon Quest X. With the announcement of a required internet connection and usage fees, has the Dragon Quest series strayed too far? Then in the main topic we talk about the anatomy of video games. What makes a video game a video game and what’s the most important element?

The 2011 Tokyo Game Show has finally come to a close. What games are we excited for and what were we disappointed in? Then in the main event we talk about the recent rash of HD video game rehashes. Are these worthwhile additions or just a quick cash in relying on gamer’s fuzzy happy memories? You tell us!

DC’s comics has pulled a redux with it’s newly rebooted franchises: Action Comics. Is this new interpretation of Superman true to form or a lack luster retelling of the original? Then in our main topic were talking about the sports game genre. In a world dominated by a boatload of Madden and sports simulation titles, has this genre stagnated into the same tired routine?

After years of resisting, George Lucas is finally releasing the Star Wars films onto Blu Ray. But there is a disturbance in the force as even more changes are being made! Then in our main topic we talk about genre distinction in video games. With so many more genres and games mixing elements from varied genres, have the lines between genres been blurred too much?

Gamestop is receiving a lot of heat over the removal of OnLive coupons from PC copies of Deus Ex: Human Revolution. Has Gamestop gone too far or is this just a case of stopping competition before it happens? Then in our main topic we’re hashing it out about video game prices. In light of the recession, is $60 too much for video games? Can this price be justified with the advent of digital downloads at a fraction of the price and what makes a video game worth $60?

The Nintendo Wii is getting a fresh coat of paint with a brand new re-design. What is Nintendo thinking? Then in our main topic we’re talking about music based video games. What happened to the once mighty gaming behemoth and what’s the future for rhythm based games? The good, the bad, we cover it all!

Samus Aran, Nintendo’s original femme fatale, celebrates her 25th birthday. Though what’s with Nintendo doing jack squat to commemorate one of their biggest franchises, Metroid? Then the main event is the terrible plague of video game sequelitis! Are video game developers and publishers more keen on a guaranteed hit by pumping out sequel after sequel? Have sequels become excessive in the video game industry? Will this be the death of creativity and originality? How many licks DOES it take to get to the center of a Tootsie Roll Pop?! These questions and more answered live on Boomzies!

As always, your comments and criticisms are welcome. We’re always looking for ways to make Boomzies more awesome.

BioWare has given the fairer sex a makeover for Mass Effect 3. Then we move onto the main topic for the night. In an ever changing world of portable devices, what does the future hold for handheld gaming? More importantly, what does this mean for both Nintendo and Sony’s portable offerings?

Our Spider sense is tingling as we start things off by talking about Spiderman’s new threads for his 2012 flick. Then in our main topic we’re talking about collectible video game crap. Does limited, special, or collector’s mean anything, or is is just another way for publishers to make a quick buck? Let the epic battle begin!

The rumor mill is buzzing with rumors of the PS4 in Issue #4 of Boomzies. Then it’s onto the crisis in Japanese gaming. Have Japanese developers lost thier touch or have they simply been surpassed by thier Western counterparts?

Capcom’s got some drama over the controversial permanent game save in Resident Evil Mercenaries for the 3DS. Then it’s onto our main discussion of co-op gaming. What happened to local co-op gaming and is it on its’ way out?

Can Sonic Team turn things around with the highly anticipated Sonic Generations? Then we take a look at Halo Combat Evolved. It’s been ten years since it was released on the original Xbox. With the release of Halo Anniversary Edition, has the original aged like a fine wine or is the infamous green armor rusting?

It’s been over 15 years and Duke Nukem Forever is finally out! Was it worth the wait or just an empty promise? Then for our main event we talk about the Nintendo’s foothold in the handheld market. Is the 3DS keeping the same standard or is Nintendo losing its’ grip on the portable market?

The very first episode of Boomzies were Landon and Brian cover all aspects of the 2011 E3 conference. From the things we loved, to the things we were surprised by, and even the things we hated. All the while we make sure to include plenty of awkward pauses, sexual innuendo, and other politically incorrect behavior.

As promised, episode 11 is out! As previously mentioned, we cover Shinobi III for the Sega Genesis. We also take a look at Klonoa 2 for the Playstation 2. You know how I mentioned we had a big game up for review, well I wasn’t lying. Substance TV has the exclusive first video review of the brand new shmup from our boys at Cave, Mushihimesama Futari Ver. 1.5.

We’ve made a few additions and improvements to the show to make it more enjoyable and viewer friendly. Give us your feedback on the show. We always strive to make it better and better each episode, and your comments and criticisms help in that.

BTW: Right click the icon below to download the Windows Media version instead of streaming it. Doing so will allow you to watch the episode in the highest quality running at 60 frames per second.

DOWNLOAD:

After months and months of work, episode 10 of Substance TV is finally out! Up for review this month is Donkey Kong Jungle Beat (Gamecube & Wii), Castlevania Dracula X (SNES), Astra Superstars (Sega Saturn). It’s been awhile since the last episode, but we think you’ll think, or at least we hope you think, it was all worth the wait.

Both Erik and I want to thank all of you who have supported us this far. We’ve been up countless hours getting this all ready. Though at about 5 A.M. on Saturday morning, Premiere was screwing up, so I wasn’t even sure if it would come out. I was this close to saying screw it, but I hunkered down and kept at it. Luckily it started behaving and allowed me to export the show later that afternoon.

If you dig the show, and I would guess as much if you’re here on the website, then spread the good word that is Substance TV. Host a dinner party with friends, hold a Substance TV bingo party, or even invite friends and family for a Substance TV ice cream social. However you celebrate, we condone and wholeheartedly support you.

Now that we have all the new graphics and such done, we can focus back on getting the show out every month. Well, ummmm, that’s about it, so enjoy!

Download (HQ MP4 added!)

After much delay, the third dose of Pixel Pill is ready for your consumption. In this episode we talk about our fond memories of arcades. This isn’t so much about one particular game, although we do talk about the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles beat em up quite a bit, it’s more of what we remember best. From the social aspect, to vultures, kinds of arcades, food, the decline of arcades, and everything in between, we pretty much yap about it all. Enjoy and make sure to take on a full stomach.

BTW: Since things have been delayed, the fourth episode will be out within the next week in order to catch up a bit.

P.S. If you enjoyed the show, subscribe to us on iTunes. Even better you could rate the show and leave comments. Why? Well, because we’re egotistical self loving sick guys.

[podcast]http://www.substance-tv.com/pixelpill/PixelPill3.mp3[/podcast]

Pixel Pill: dose 3: arcades

As stated before, this episode we cover Project Justice (Dreamcast), R-Type Delta (Playstation), and Y’s Ark of the Napishtim (Playstation 2). Plus episode nine is now available for download in high quality in both Windows Media and Quicktime formats. Umm, well, I have really nothing more to say, but enjoy the goodness that is Substance TV.

Top picture is a good old ninja theft from Pineconeattack

Download

In dose 2 of Pixel Pill we cover the rise, fall, and ressurection…errrr….well rise back to something above suck, of a little company known as Sunsoft. Who were they, what games did they makes, and what happened to them? From Platoon to Majong, we cover it all. Clocking in nearly two hours (yessshh!), this is what you call a horse pill. Enjoy and make sure to take it on a full stomach.

BTW: Thanks again to 2600 and Nick for thier patience in getting these episodes out. It’s good to have a group of guys who understand life and family come before this and allow me to do so.

[podcast]http://www.substance-tv.com/pixelpill/PixelPill2.mp3[/podcast]

Pixel Pill: 2nd dose

Whew, it’s finally finished. The premiere episode of Pixel Pill is up and ready to go. This episode, or dose as we like to call it, we cover the video game company Cave, one of the finest makers of shoot em ups (shumps). Not sure who Cave is, then listen to this podcast. Heard about Cave but know very little about them, then listen to this podcast. Do you know everything about Cave and love them like the son you never had, then listen to this podcast.

This took a little bit longer then I expected, but the process should be faster as time goes by. So lay back, relax, get yourself a tall glass of water, and enjoy the smooth goodness of Pixel Pill.

UPDATE – iTunes link is up!

[podcast]http://www.substance-tv.com/pixelpill/PixelPill1.mp3[/podcast]

Pixel Pill: 1st dose

First of all, I have to say thank you for the warm welcome over at RetroWare TV. Episode 8 was a big hit. I’d also like to thank all you folks here on the website for your support in this time of transition. I know it may be a bit weird for some that Substance TV is no longer premiering on this website, but that’s all the more reason to go check it our over at RetroWare TV. It’s been a great move and we’re excited to be a part of it all. Plus they’ve got a lot of other good shows you might just enjoy.

That being said, you get exclusive access to something none of the other websites have, full quality downloads of episode 8 and all past episodes. So I’ll dispense with the pleasantries for now and let you have at it. Enjoy!

Download

It’s no secret that I do loves me the boys at www.pineconeattack.com. Why’s that you ask? Well, they play a mean game of Left 4 Dead co-op and versus (that is when the other team isn’t using t4h haxors!), they heart pinball, they have some great articles about anything and everything, but most importantly, they were one of the first websites that gave Substance TV some lovin’.

Now the boys have gone into the land of podcasting with their show “PineKast”. Even in the first podcast, they cover some interesting topics from Street Fighter 4 and one of the member’s obsession with multiple consoles. So enjoy!

EDIT: Now the show is up on iTunes and ready for your listening pleasure.

www.pineconeattack.com

Well, you’ve all been good little girls and boys. I’ve been checking my list, and I thought and thought of a gift worthy of my fans. What could I get them that I know they love. I was so afraid of getting something the wrong size, or color, or smell. And as I pondered, it came to me, why not give a gift I already know they’ll love. So I give you the gift of Substance. Substance TV 7 that is. Below are the links to this blessed goodness.

Enjoy it my little tikes, but don’t eat up too much. You’ll rot your teeth.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Download

As promised, Substance TV Episode 6 is out! Although it’s technically a day or so late, we’ll just say it came out on time for kick and giggles. I had a small technical problem which held up production for a day, but that was quickly resolved. Up for review is Jackal (NES), Ninja Warriors (SNES), and Gradius 5 (PS2). I could go on and on, but it’s pretty much pointless. Go and download the goodness.

Youtube

Download

Now you can enjoy full quality versions of Substance TV for download. All episodes are available in both Windows Media and Quicktime formats. No longer are you slaves to the poor encoded Youtube slop. You now have a choice. Substance TV 5 is the first episode up for download. Through the coming months, other previous episodes will be available as well. Enjoy!

Substance TV 5 – SNK special
Quicktime
Windows Media