Episode 603: Blizz Connection

This month seems to be full of conferences, as Nintendo Direct was streamed the previous week, BlizzCon 2021 aired this week, and Sony’s State of Play is due next week. The announcement of Diablo II Remastered was only the highlight of the BlizzCon show.

The news this week includes:

  • BlizzCon 2021 announcements
  • Xbox will reportedly hold an event related to Bethesda next month
  • Skullgirls 2nd Encore’s new fighter Annie out in March
  • Stardew Valley: The Board Game sells out in one day
  • Watch Dogs: Legion‘s online mode is coming in March
  • Minecraft Dungeons ‘Flames of the Nether’ arrives alongside a free endgame update

All this plus Listener Feedback. Let us know what you think at the Facebook page.

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Episode 331: Videogame Music TimeEpisode 331: Videogame Music Time

This week’s episode has a long discussion on videogame music of the past, while Jonah discusses Batman: Arkham Origins and iPad adaptations of board games.

This week’s news includes:

  • Surprises found in the PS4 FAQ
  • Xbox One will support DLNA, MP3 and audio CD
  • Valve working to make offline mode indefinite
  • Nintendo: We have failed to establish Wii U as a “worthy” Wii successor
  • Wii U bundle announced

This week’s Question of the Week is: “What was your favorite videogame music?”

Wii vs. PS3 in Japan: The Console SlaughterWii vs. PS3 in Japan: The Console Slaughter

Famitsu Magazine is reporting the Nintendo console, Wii, has managed to sell 7-million units in Japan. This is roughly three times the number of Sony’s PlayStation 3, the console with superior graphics and power.

Japan isn’t about graphics and power or they’re not a fan of the high priced PlayStation 3. The three times factor seems odd, still, considering the PS3 isn’t three times the cost and really isn’t that bad of a console. Unless the titles on Japan’s console are just not as inviting, the PS3 should be keeping pace with the tiny Wii console. Sony is a Japanese company as is Nintendo and both have a very good grasp of the games the Japanese culture is attracted to buying. What’s happening here!?

“The Wii’s 7 million sales put it far ahead of its foes in the ongoing console conflict in Japan. According to Enterbrain figures quoted by GameDaily, Japanese sales of the PlayStation 3 numbered just 2.37 million units as of September 30, when the Wii had sold around 6.83 million units in the territory. Sony estimates the PS3 sold nearly 17 million units worldwide by the same date.” (gamespot)

The Xbox 360 still can’t compete against the PS3 or Wii in overall numbers, regardless to boosts when they put out a game the Japanese actually find interesting. If Microsoft and Sony learn anything from this generation of consoles, it’s that simple makes better. No, we’re not telling the developers to end the goals of hardcore gaming… we’re just wondering if branching out a bit to scoop up some casual gaming interest.

Episode 306: Batman ReturnsEpisode 306: Batman Returns

The crew bemoans the decline of handheld gaming as it gets dominated by mobile platforms like Apple iOS, while they rejoice at Justice League being available on Netflix Streaming. There’s no Gaming Flashback or Gaming History, but there is some Reader Feedback.

This week’s news items include:

  • Batman: Arkham Origins confirmed for PC, consoles
  • Domains for Mad Max videogames registered by Warner Bros.
  • Report: Xbox 720 not always online, doesn’t block used games, supports backwards compat
  • Jade Empire as an Xbox 360 launch title “would have been massive
  • Zeschuk: Old-school gaming in “sick market” right now, digital ‘not filling gaps’

Gamers can read Jordan’s “Death of Handheld Gaming” article here.