Destination Unknown Podcast

The gang examines the history of music and rhythm-based games and discuss the highlights from the early days of Mario Paint to the cultural phenomenon of Guitar Hero. Why were these games so damn popular and why did they eventually go away? Also this week, the gang puts one of the most influential series to ever exist under the microscope: Half Life. Will we ever see a third installment? Will it still be relevant to gamers if and when it comes?

Happy New Year! The gang welcomes two new voices to the podcast this week as they discuss the speed run phenomenon. What compels players to try and get through a game as fast as humanly possible? Is it the desire to exploit design flaws to their advantage, or is it loving a game so completely that they know it like the back of their hand? Maybe it’s a combination. Also this week: How all dominant game franchises eventually lose their #1 position; the hybridization of genres; and more!

The gang examines the legacy and lasting impact of one of the most important franchises in gaming history. Is Master Chief still relevant today or has the Halo fanbase moved on? Also this week: What makes for great level design? From Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater to Dragon Age: Inquisition, the gang discusses some of their favorites. Plus: Which video game soundtrack is currently on Gabe’s phone? Is Travis a Psi-Op? And can Dave make it a full episode without mentioning Mass Effect?

The gang challenges each other to name the best game of all time, plus their picks for favorite game, most important game to the industry of all time, and their “desert island” game. Also this week: remember when you could just buy a complete game? The gang discusses the problems with DLC, pay walls, and in-app purchases, which somehow leads to a lengthy conversation about Mass Effect 3.

The gang has played many games over the years, and this week they shake some trees and turnover some stones to unearth a selection of their lesser-known favorites. Also, a “spirited” discussion about the roots and future of the survival horror genre. Plus, are there any developers left synonymous with quality? The gang nominates their champions.

This week, the gang tackles the relatively small question of: What are the top three greatest consoles of all time? Their answers may surprise you. Also up for discussion: What was the greatest year for video game releases, and what were some of the best multiplayer experiences from a pre-internet world? Plus, listener emails!

The Destination Unknown Podcast begins with a roundtable discussion about topics including: Should Nintendo stop making hardware; Street Fighter vs. Mortal Kombat; and why going to game stores isn’t fun anymore.