So, like many others on these forums I've taken the plunge and started myself a podcast! It's called The Upper Memory Block and it is all about PC gaming in the DOS and pre-Windows XP era (roughly 1988 - 2001-ish). In each episode I'll cover a single game, game series, game company or technology of the time.
The podcast site can be found here: http://umbcast.com/ (http://umbcast.com/)
Right now I have a small "beta" episode 0 up to listen to from the site. It's a short clip of me chatting about what I intend to do with the show and a little about myself and my background. I'm planning to put up the first full episode this Wednesday. It will cover the 1993 LucasArts adventure game, Sam & Max Hit the Road.
I also hope to have the podcast RSS feed at the very least submitted to iTunes by then. I thought I should start getting the word out to my friends here first :)
I'm excited to finally throw my hat into the podcasting ring and I'll let everyone know when the first "real" episode goes live!
Wow this sounds great, looking forward to listening! Let me know if you wan't a guest or some comments if you plan to cover the Wizardry series, any of the Sierra/Infogrames text adventures like Zork or Hitchhikers Guide etc., and/or any of the Star Trek Anniversary games.
They are on the list! Right now I think ep 2 will be about 1998's Independence War (or I-War in the UK).
http://www.gog.com/gamecard/independence_war_deluxe (http://www.gog.com/gamecard/independence_war_deluxe)
Also I definitely need to thank Rick Moyer for my intro/outtro/bumpers which you'll hear starting in episode 1.
Best of luck Joe!
Ah, another podcaster joins the fold! Good for you Joe. Just don't blame me when podcasting starts to consume your life! ;)
Nice one Joe!
And a very interesting subject too :)
I'll be listening.
Thanks guys, the Sam & Max episode is already "in the can" so to speak, I had a really good time researching and recording it.
Cool, this is more in my era of gaming! Starflight, Ultima 1 - 10, Leisure Suit Larry, Space Quest, Wing Commander, Secret Weapons of the Luftwaffe, Kings Quest.....
Yeah, there's definitely a lot of great games in the timeframe. I played quite a few of them but defintiely not all! For example, I haven't played any of the Ultimas nor have I ever played Wizadry. I wouldn't be opposed to a rotating second chair filled by someone that has specific memories of the games.
Gonna get a few solos under my belt to find my feet but then the possibilities are endless :)
Of course emails and audio comments will always be welcome at podcast@umbcast.com
Hmm, I'll check it out when I can, bit unfamiliar with games of that time so it should be interesting!
King
Well I hope people that haven't ever experienced some of these older games might want to give them a whirl! The advantage is that they are either very cheap or free. Most games on Good Old Games (gog.com) are around the 3 - 5 dollar mark.
Quote from: billybob476 on March 27, 2012, 11:47:51 AM
Well I hope people that haven't ever experienced some of these older games might want to give them a whirl! The advantage is that they are either very cheap or free. Most games on Good Old Games (gog.com) are around the 3 - 5 dollar mark.
If I wasn't so busy I'd say yes I would, but....yeah ;).
King
I just heard about a completely free, fan-made Wing Commander game with a storyline, over fifty unique missions, multiplayer dogfighting, made on the Freespace 2 engine. Supposedly takes place between Wing Commander 2 and Wing Commander 3. Wish I had bootcamp running Windows, I'd be downing some Kilrathi tonight!
Yeah I heard about that, it looks pretty good! I'm thinking of doing a little "old games news" section where I cover things like that at the top of the show. There's also that free to play Mechwarrior online video that I posted in the Battletech podcast thread. Lots of older franchises are coming back in different forms.
Listened to your betacast and most of Ep. 1 this morning on my drive to work. Great job Joe. I think your earlier practice guest hosting is showing. Very organized and complete job on the "Sam and Max" game. I'm a big nostalgia game guy too so this type of podcast really takes me back to the days of DOS and configuring autoexec.bat and config.sys files to get my latest game to run right. Keep the cool casts coming! :)
Thanks Rico! My guest spots and skype calls certainly made me feel more comfortable off the bat. I find the hardest part (especially solo) is kicking off the show. It's tough having a conversation with yourself and not coming across awkward.
I used to love fiddling with settings and drivers to try and eke out a few more kilobytes of conventional memory. I'm certain I'm going to have a tech focus on boot disks in the near future. I'm pretty sure all that mucking about in autoexec.bat and config.sys is what initially got me interested in programming and system administration. :)
Also, change of plans, episode 2 will cover the original Wing Commander. Independence War will move to ep 3. This way I can talk a bit about the new WC fan project that release recently at http://www.wcsaga.com/ (http://www.wcsaga.com/)
...and episode 1 is live! The feed has been submitted to iTunes, just waiting on approval from there.
http://umbcast.com/episode-1-sam-max-hit-the-road/ (http://umbcast.com/episode-1-sam-max-hit-the-road/)
---
Hello Upper Memory Blockers!
In our first official episode we cover the 1993 LucasArts adventure game Sam & Max Hit the Road. First off, I introduce myself for those that didn't get a chance to listen to episode 0. Then we talk a bit about the adventure game genre in general. We get into a fun in-depth discussion about the game itself, including some clips, a review of the plot, fun facts and stories from its development and much more.
In our tech focus segment, we discuss the SCUMM game engine that was used to build Sam & Max Hit the Road and other LucasArts adventure games.
Direct download:
http://umbcast.com/podcast/001-UMBCast-Sam_and_Max_Hit_the_Road.mp3 (http://umbcast.com/podcast/001-UMBCast-Sam_and_Max_Hit_the_Road.mp3)
iTunes link coming soon!
(http://umbcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/sam-max-box-art.jpeg)
This is awesome Joe.. welcome to the podcasting family.
Of course I'd love to play a promo on my podcasts so when you have one ready please feel free to email it to me.
Thanks Kenny! A promo is next on the docket to record.
Wow! I disappear for a week to move house and all sorts of things take place. Congratulations on the new endeavour.
Thanks, right now I'm playing the waiting game with iTunes. Approve my feed!
You got an RSS URL Joe?
Yes sir, feel free to add manually if you swing that way :)
http://umbcast.com/podcast/The_Upper_Memory_Block.xml (http://umbcast.com/podcast/The_Upper_Memory_Block.xml)
I plan on making some tweaks to the site this weekend to add contact info, feed urls, etc.
Speak of the devil! Just got the email from iTunes, I'm in!
http://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-upper-memory-block/id514800844 (http://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-upper-memory-block/id514800844)
Just recorded myself a fancy promo. If anyone wants a copy just let me know! I'd love to grab promos from everyone here too! Just send 'em to podcast at umbcast dot com
and to continue spamming my own thread...I have a twitter account!
https://twitter.com/#!/umbshow
(umbcast was taken by some guy named umberto who's never tweeted)
What about umbpodcast???
Quote from: QuadShot on April 02, 2012, 08:27:55 AM
What about umbpodcast???
I thought it would be too long :)
But it accurately describes what you want it to. Like @talespodcast, or @fastforwardtar. It's your preference of course, just tossing a suggestion out.
I'm always open to suggestions and I definitely see your point!
Already listed in Pocketcasts.
Listening right now, great job Joe! :)
Thanks Dan!
Quote from: Dangelus on April 02, 2012, 10:06:48 AM
Already listed in Pocketcasts.
Listening right now, great job Joe! :)
Same here, though it might take me a while, podcast list is a bit long atm :)
King
Quote from: KingIsaacLinksr on April 02, 2012, 10:55:16 AM
Quote from: Dangelus on April 02, 2012, 10:06:48 AM
Already listed in Pocketcasts.
Listening right now, great job Joe! :)
Same here, though it might take me a while, podcast list is a bit long atm :)
King
I'm grateful to everyone who takes the time to listen, no matter when it is :)
Quote from: billybob476 on April 02, 2012, 09:48:18 AM
I'm always open to suggestions and I definitely see your point!
Did you consider you're only a typo away from "bumcast"? ;)
Quote from: Dangelus on April 02, 2012, 11:07:11 AM
Quote from: billybob476 on April 02, 2012, 09:48:18 AM
I'm always open to suggestions and I definitely see your point!
Did you consider you're only a typo away from "bumcast"? ;)
spinoff show? I could think of some topics, though I think I'd lose my 'clean' tag pretty quick!
Lol :)
Also if anyone likes the show enough to throw up an iTunes review on their respective stores I'd of course appreciate it greatly.
Now I have broadband back I'm listening to cast 0. It's very well presented for a 'Beta' cast.
Thank you sir!
Gonna put a post about this on the blog, but I've decided to add an ongoing 'side project' to the show. Playing games in DOSBox is all well and good but I'm gonna be scavenging parts to build a native DOS/Win98SE gaming machine. I asked around at work and I might be getting my hands on an old Pentium 2. Another guy at work has a bunch of old ram and hard drives and he might even have an old Roland MPU-401 midi interface. I even still have an old 15" CRT monitor :)
I'll talk about the progress of the part gathering and the build as it progresses in a little section of each show. Think it might be a lot of fun and a challenge to try and source the old parts.
Hmmm I might take a crack at running a full Win98 VM instead myself.
Just put up a little blog post about a kickstarter trying to fund a remake of the original Leisure Suit Larry: http://umbcast.com/leisure-suit-larry-kickstarter/ (http://umbcast.com/leisure-suit-larry-kickstarter/)
Sam and Max running on the iPad using iDOS (got it before they pulled it!) :)
Very cool! I know SCUMMVM also has an iOS version but it only runs on jailbroken devices. I think these point and click adventure games are ideally suited to tablets.
Yeah iDOS was pulled from the app store because it used iTunes to side load DOS games and even Windows 3.1!
The developer then plugged that hole but because 3rd party apps like iExplorer could still side load software to the app Apple pulled it again. Glad I got it when I did :)
It functions and controls great. I'm going to install some more things on it.
Good show, I like it!
I put a link to the umbcast on a couple of other forums.
Nostalgia for early computing is a growing and it won't be long before you have a big audience.
Another of my weekly favs, http://retromaccast.ning.com/ (http://retromaccast.ning.com/)
Quote from: davekill on April 04, 2012, 01:04:22 PM
Good show, I like it!
I put a link to the umbcast on a couple of other forums.
Nostalgia for early computing is a growing and it won't be long before you have a big audience.
Another of my weekly favs, http://retromaccast.ning.com/ (http://retromaccast.ning.com/)
Thanks! I'm having a lot of fun with it so far and I'm itching to get episode 2 recorded.
Just read recently there's an iOS version of Baldur's Gate coming out soon, this summer? That would be a great topic for your show particularly with Mass Effect so hot right now.
Very cool and added to the list. Interestingly I always attributed Baldur's Gate more to Interplay then to BioWare even though BioWare were the actual developers.
I don't remember if they called themselves Bioware at the time, but the two guys that went on to make all those great Bioware games were the primary creative force behind the Baldur's Gate PC games.
By the way, if anyone wants to send in comments about the original Wing Commander I'd love email or audio files to podcast at umbcast dot com. The opportunity to be the first commenter on the show ever is up for grabs :)
Comments on Sam & Max or whatever else are great too.
Didn't play either so I wouldnt have anything to comment on :)
King
Just subscribed via the trail in the Free Enterprise podcast I'm listening too (catching up).
Look forward to listening to yours a bit later.
Gearing up to record episode 2! At this point I'm aiming for it to be up on the feed Thursday evening.
Already tweeted at you, but yeah good stuff. :0)
Wing Commander was one of my favourite games - I had it on the Amiga but I remember it well.
Heads up in case you have not seen it yet - Retro Gamer magazine features 8 and 16 bit micros (that were popular in the UK) but it does cover DOS games too. They have had really good articles on Maniac Mansion and other SCUMM games http://www.retrogamer.net/ (http://www.retrogamer.net/).
Finally got round to Ep 1 on the drive today. I don't really remember this one but then you're younger than I am!
Some of the description actually seemed familiar so I suspect I've run across it somewhere but I've certainly never played it. It will be interesting to see what else I missed out on in what looks like a blank era in my game playing.
annnnd episode 2 is live! Dreamhost is acting up for me at bit today so if things don't work right away come back in a few minutes and al should be well. Thanks everyone for your feedback so far.
http://umbcast.com/episode-2-wing-commander/ (http://umbcast.com/episode-2-wing-commander/)
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Hey Blockers!
Welcome to episode 2, where our main topic is Origin Systems' 1990 hit game, Wing Commander. We start off the show with a few news items. I discuss the Leisure Suit Larry Kickstarter project that I previously blogged about. I also found out that Firaxis Games is developing a new X-Com game in the turn-based strategy spirit of the original game. Finally, I've started gathering parts for a DOS/Windows 98SE gaming rig. This will be an ongoing project to try and play some games on a system close to what they were meant to be played on. Should be an interesting project!
(http://umbcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/wc1front-207x300.jpg)
We then get to our main topic, the original Wing Commander. I go over the very groundbreaking gameplay, technical items like graphics, sound and other details of the game itself. We then talk a little about the development story and close out the show. Hope you all enjoy it and meet me here again in two weeks when we talk about the great Maxis game, SimCity 2000.
Direct download:
http://umbcast.com/podcast/002-UMBCast-Wing-Commander.mp3 (http://umbcast.com/podcast/002-UMBCast-Wing-Commander.mp3)
Great podcast Joe! WOW, brought back a ton of memories! Especially about sound cards and how they changed my world too!
Thanks Rick! Yeah, I remember the day I got that crappy sound blaster clone like it was yesterday. It was incredibly exciting! Glad you enjoyed the show.
Well, step 1 of my DOS gaming machine build project is successful. The Pentium II I got off my coworker POSTed!
(http://distilleryimage11.instagram.com/92cf601085b511e18cf91231380fd29b_7.jpg)
Oh yeah! Nice "post." ;)
"Keyboard error or no keyboard present"
"Press F1 to continue..."
I love computers :)
Quote from: billybob476 on April 13, 2012, 04:09:44 PM
"Keyboard error or no keyboard present"
"Press F1 to continue..."
I love computers :)
I don't know. It sort of makes sense... You need to fix the keyboard in order to continue :)
Yeah it does, from a certain point of view :)
I also wonder how effective that on board chipAway virus is these days!
I added a 20 gig hard drive, optical drive and got Win98SE installed on it. Now the fun part: Trying to find working Win98 drivers for the Riva TNT video card and getting my hands on some type of sound card. I have a Sound Blaster Audigy 2 ZS I popped in but it's too new :)
Loving the show so far Joe! :)
Lol I had an old PII in an old damp cellar for years. For a laugh I hooked it up before throwing it out a couple of years ago and it posted! They are hardy little boxes! Wish I'd kept it now lol.
Quote from: Dangelus on April 16, 2012, 08:25:55 AM
Loving the show so far Joe! :)
Lol I had an old PII in an old damp cellar for years. For a laugh I hooked it up before throwing it out a couple of years ago and it posted! They are hardy little boxes! Wish I'd kept it now lol.
and of course, since I was working with a jagged old computer case, I had to cut myself :)
It adds to the authenticity! Hehe
That's why computers today aren't as fun to play with, there's no blood in them :)
A good PC build always requires some scraped skin and blood on the case or motherboard. :)
Quote from: billybob476 on April 16, 2012, 08:49:05 AM
That's why computers today aren't as fun to play with, there's no blood in them :)
Yeah I can't believe how easy CPU and heat sinks are to install these days. Push and fit...
I remember trying to seat a CPU, pressing too hard and bending quite a few pins, it was fun going in with tweezers and trying to bend them straight again :)
Were you trying to do that remove the finger trick? :o
Z
Quote from: Zarabeth32 on April 16, 2012, 10:16:27 AM
Were you trying to do that remove the finger trick? :o
Z
Not on purpose!
After a chat with Mr. Moyer and a few other folks, I added the show to Stitcher Radio, find it here: http://www.stitcher.com/listen.php?fid=22759 (http://www.stitcher.com/listen.php?fid=22759)
Yeah, Wing Commander! I loved this game. I'll be checking out your cast tonight. I am seriously behind on catching up to the casts I follow.
Looking for listener comments regarding SimCity / SimCity 2000 or anything else anyone feels like talking about!
podcast@umbcast.com
I too was a big fan of the King's Quest series. It was maddening trying to come up with the right things to say. I also hated the 3rd one trying to walk down the mountain. I was constantly saving because I was constantly dying. Couldn't see around the big rock. Then if I didn't get the spells quite right, I would turn into a cat or a fly or something else would happen. Then when I finally finished that game and played King's Quest IV, I couldn't figure out the whole deal with the guy in the cabin. He always got me. So years later I downloaded the game on my laptop and got some "help" online. My dad used to play Hero's Quest and I used to watch him play that. The Sierra games were always fun. In college I played one of the Phantasmagoria games with the couple in the castle. That was freaky!
Z
Sierra adventures are my all time favourites, gonna have lots of fun when I cover them!
I am another that played Leisure Suit Larry when I was way too young :)
SimCity! I've had that in various flavours I think and always got hooked on it.
A version is still on my iPhone to this day.
Quote from: Dangelus on April 20, 2012, 11:11:45 AM
I am another that played Leisure Suit Larry when I was way too young :)
Yeah a lot of it went over my head at the time :)
Quote from: Feathers on April 20, 2012, 11:22:22 AM
SimCity! I've had that in various flavours I think and always got hooked on it.
A version is still on my iPhone to this day.
I'd love your thoughts! I plan on covering the series in general with a bit more special attention paid to SC2000.
I'll see what I can do. Recording of comments has taken a nosedive since work moved to Crawley. When do you record?
Probably Monday or Tuesday.
Just hit subscribe!!!
Z...Captain Z
Still time to get in SimCity comments, looks like I'll be recording tomorrow night. Got some great comments from King, hope to get more. Emails are just fine too! :)
Quote from: billybob476 on April 24, 2012, 09:37:00 AM
Still time to get in SimCity comments, looks like I'll be recording tomorrow night. Got some great comments from King, hope to get more. Emails are just fine too! :)
Are you telling me I still haven't missed the deadline???
Hmmm...
Recording tonight, there's still time!
Simcity memory #1: FUNDS
That is all.
Joe, can you send me a promo so i can put it in one of my podcasts :)
Done and done via PM.
:D
Say hello to Episode 3 - SimCity! Special thanks to King for getting me my very first voicemail :)
http://umbcast.com/episode-3-simcity/ (http://umbcast.com/episode-3-simcity/)
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Hello Blockers!
Episode 3 is here! The big discussion topic this week is Maxis' groundbreaking game series, SimCity. Before we get into that I talk a little bit about my half-marathon training and my resultant sore legs. Then on to a bit of news, I revisit the Larry Kickstarter which has now reached its funding goal, give you guys some details about finding the podcast on Stitcher Radio and finally cover what's going on with my DOS gaming box build.
Then we get to our main topic, SimCity! We discuss the genre and the history of both the original game and SimCity 2000. We then do a quick review of SC2000, listen to my very first voicemail and much more! I hope you enjoy.
Thanks for downloading and stay tuned for the next show where we'll talk about the great strategy game, X-Com: UFO Defense.
Direct download:
http://umbcast.com/podcast/003-UMBCast-SimCity.mp3 (http://umbcast.com/podcast/003-UMBCast-SimCity.mp3)
Very good podcast! I got to listen to it tonight in front of the others to see how it turned out :D.
On a side note, I would be more excited about SimCity (5) if it wasn't being released by EA. Just not enthusiastic about what I've heard about it.
Anyway, very informative podcast about SimCity, thoroughly enjoyed it :D
King
Glad you enjoyed it and thanks again for the comment. As for sim city 5, I know EA isn't always the greatest, hopefully they'll leave the team to their own devices to some degree.
Yup, I missed the cut.
It's not impossible that I'll get you a retrospective on Sim City for the next show but don't rely on me...
No worries! Two weeks until the X-Com show comes out (which is helpful to me since I didn't play much X-Com in the day).
Quote from: billybob476 on April 27, 2012, 04:51:51 AM
Glad you enjoyed it and thanks again for the comment. As for sim city 5, I know EA isn't always the greatest, hopefully they'll leave the team to their own devices to some degree.
Looking at what EA did to ME3, I have little hope that EA will leave the team alone. But I'm going to watch and see what happens. Not going to get my hopes up, but its worth watching in any case. Actually, just checked and its available only through Origin and I will not buy any Origin-tied game. So this is a no-buy game, I do not trust EA with my computer, as their Origin service is well known for scanning your hardrive without permission.
I don't have any personal experience with X-Com, I know someone who does, but he doesn't listen to podcasts. *Shrug*
King
Great show, I enjoyed very much! THANKS GUYS!
Joe - just dropped you a review on iTunes.
Thanks Rico!
I found a cool little article about the history of Sierra On-Line. Thought it was a fun read :)
http://umbcast.com/a-brief-history-of-sierra-on-line/ (http://umbcast.com/a-brief-history-of-sierra-on-line/)
Yes Rick, they talk about Space Quest :)
I put it in the other thread but for completeness I'll cross post here, if you want to join up to the Facebook group it can be found here: http://www.facebook.com/groups/145718588893050/ (http://www.facebook.com/groups/145718588893050/)
Gave me a good laugh before lunch!
http://youtu.be/QH-NmmPFWv0 (http://youtu.be/QH-NmmPFWv0)
heh, there were certainly a lot of ways to die in that game! It's actually an issue some people had with it. LucasArts prided itself on the fact that you'd never die or get stuck in the majority of its adventure games to try and one up Sierra.
I actually liked it. I mean we got frustrated, but we would all laugh our butts off and then try and figure out how to solve the problem. Plus the humor was so great.
That would be a fun video to post in the facebook group if you wanted to Rick... :)
Hey billybob!
Thought this was very informative. You're doing a great job with this podcast. It was interesting to learn about the scenarios such as the San Francisco earthquake and the Godzilla scenario. I've never played SimCity but I am familiar with the concept. I thought it was funny everytime you said Raid on Bungling Bay. It sounded like a tongue twister! ;D
Looking forward to hearing more!
Great job!
Captain Z :o
Caught up with Umb podcast yesterday. Loved the original Sim City so was great to reminisce about it.
Thanks guys!
If anyone has anything to say about X-Com, fire me off an email or audio comments!
Quote from: billybob476 on May 03, 2012, 08:21:56 PM
Thanks guys!
If anyone has anything to say about X-Com, fire me off an email or audio comments!
Sorry, it's a new one on me. I'll be listening to learn.
Tech snag resolved and episode 4 is live! Check it out.
http://umbcast.com/episode-4-x-com/ (http://umbcast.com/episode-4-x-com/)
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Hey there Blockers!
Welcome to episode 4. This time we're looking at our first turn-based strategy game series, X-Com.
To start, the news: Two Kickstarter projects that have come out since the last show. The first one belongs to Jane Jensen, of Gabriel Knight fame. The second is huge news for me as it's being put on by the creators of Space Quest! Check it out, it's looking pretty cool. I update everyone on the DOS gaming box project and finally we listen to a voicemail about last show's topic, SimCity.
Then, the main topic: 1994′s X-Com: UFO Defense (a.k.a. UFO: Enemy Unknown). We cover all the usual suspects for this unique game, story, gameplay, graphics/sound, development story and some opinions about the first game and the series in general.
Hope you all enjoy!
Next week, a much-demanded topic: Space Quest!
Direct download:
http://umbcast.com/podcast/004-UMBCast-X-Com.mp3 (http://umbcast.com/podcast/004-UMBCast-X-Com.mp3)
As added motivation to listen, you get to hear Mike's dulcet tones! Thanks for the voicemail Mr. Feathers :)
Ahhh - X-COM! :)
Thought this one might be up your alley, Rico.
Quote from: billybob476 on May 11, 2012, 05:49:44 AM
As added motivation to listen, you get to hear Mike's dulcet tones! Thanks for the voicemail Mr. Feathers :)
A pleasure. I needed to break my recent silence and you got the honour. Need to check the future TrekSF episode thread for more comment topics now :)
Still a lot of time but I thought I'd put out the request for Space Quest comments/emails. So much to say about this incredible game series.I already burned through Space Quest 1 (original EGA version) over the weekend!
Cool - I'll try to get a comment in for this one. Love the series.
I have never even heard of Space Quest, but it shall be interesting to listen to.
Haven't listened to your latest episode yet, I have a long queue to go through atm :)
King
Posted this over on Facebook, I was able to find the clip from The Computer Chronicles where I first saw Space Quest 4. I was blown away by how good it looked and sounded!
The Computer Chronicles - Space and Astronomy Software - Space Quest IV (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-6gUKZG3nEc#)
Still a few days to get in your comments on Space Quest! I'll be recoding Wednesday! So excited for this one, been having a blast playing the games. I'm up to SQ4: Roger Wilco and the Time Rippers!
I'm fairly sure I had a go at at least one of these but I remember absolutely nothing about to the point where I'm wondering if I'm making the whole thing up!
I'll have to listen and learn again this time around.
Writing the show now! Gonna be tough to keep focused!
I watched a little bit of that SQ marathon this weekend. It was sooo long ago that I played this game - but it was a lot of fun. I'll try to get a comment in.
Cool!
Episode 5 is live!! Had a really great time doing this one :)
http://umbcast.com/episode-5-space-quest/ (http://umbcast.com/episode-5-space-quest/)
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Greetings Blockers!
Welcome to episode 5! This week I've got a big topic to cover, the Space Quest series by Sierra Online!
Since we have six games to cover in a single show, the news is quick this time: Firstly, Jane Jensen's kickstarter funded, exceeding their 300,000 dollar goal. Secondly, I came across news of a Tex Murphy kickstarter. Tex Murphy isn't a game series I played, but go check out their project page if you're interested!
We then get into the main topic, the Space Quest series. I cover how Sierra's adventure game paradigm differs from the LucasArts one we already covered and then I get into Space Quest's development story. The bulk of the show is going through each of the six games talking about plot, technology and some fun facts and features of each.
I play a great audio comment from Rick Moyer where he interviews a friend that he used to play Space Quest with. Thanks Rick!
With regard to the future of the Space Quest series I talk about the new SQ2 remake and remind everyone about the Two Guys kickstarter.
To close out the show, I came across a really great cover medley of Space Quest 4 music by Brandon Blume, you can go grab it and see his other work at his site, http://brandonblume.com/ (http://brandonblume.com/) and his YouTube channel.
Next week: A bit of a different show, I won't be covering a game. I'm going to talk about ways to get old games working on modern systems. General talk about virtualization, DOSBox, ScummVM, etc. Should be interesting! Hope to see you!
Direct download:
http://umbcast.com/podcast/005-UMBCast-Space-Quest.mp3 (http://umbcast.com/podcast/005-UMBCast-Space-Quest.mp3)
Can't wait to give it a listen.
Where does your intro music come from? It's really cool!
Z :o
Quote from: Zarabeth32 on May 25, 2012, 04:08:11 AM
Can't wait to give it a listen.
Where does your intro music come from? It's really cool!
Z :o
Straight from the brain of Mr. Rick Moyer. He does great work :)
Really enjoying these shows Joe. Brings back so many cool memories too. Now, when are you doing the Commodore 64 show? :)
That was even better than I had hoped for Joe! SUCH A GOOD PROGRAM! Great job! And thanks for helping me connect with my friend Don. He was a lot of fun back in the day.
@Rico:
Glad you're enjoying the show! This one actually took quite a bit more research then previous shows. My cousin had a C64, I played a few games on it but I was a bit too young to have any specific memories of it. I vaguely remember cartridges!
@Rick:
It was cool you could get Don on Skype. I really appreciate you taking the time to send in your conversation!
You know what is funny? I plugged my iPhone into my sound board and called him on his way to work the other day! Hehehe. Ah the modern day we live in....
Actually looking back at these games really does show you how far we've come in such a short time. It's really incredible if you think about it :)
Quote from: billybob476 on May 25, 2012, 10:31:48 AM
Actually looking back at these games really does show you how far we've come in such a short time. It's really incredible if you think about it :)
Yes - definitely agree. Got my first real PC around 1991. It's amazing what we can do now. I predict holograms for gaming in the next 20 years!
That's why I find this stuff so interesting. Honestly we have no idea what will come and what will go. As an example, who knew that in 2012 no one would have joysticks? They were a huge thing way back with companies like Thurstmaster making joystick/throttle combos for hundreds of dollars.
Pretty much true (I had several joysticks). But they still make joysticks for some Flight sim folks. The other thing people seem to do is use XBOX controllers these days for certain PC games.
Who would have thought we would have had DR_I mean MMOs such as WoW or Eve Online, a single shard that everyone logs into from all over the world, that in itself, is mindblowing.
King
Just started listening to the Space Quest podcast. I was just curious if the intro came from a classic computer game. "Join the resistance." "Join" "Die." It sounds really cool and eerie at the same time.
I've only played a little bit of the SpaceQuest series. I've played a few of the King's Quest and my dad was into Hero's Quest. Always liked the bits of humor that was put into the games.
The typing always got a bit frustrating for me but it really made me have to think about what to say. And you had to make sure you typed the words in correctly or it would question what you were saying. If you got really cheeky or naughty with the words, the responses were pretty funny! ;D
Love the show! Sounds great! Can't wait to hear some more! Thanks for the podcast!
Z :o
It's from Fallout if I'm not mistaken.
Yeah, the typing helped me learn to spell properly when I was a lad! I also know for a fact from my research that these games helped a lot of non-english speakers learn the language!
Thanks for the feedback, I continue to be amazed at the response I'm getting.
I remember when "massively multiple online role playing game" meant a few of my friends and I dialing into the local Sceptre of Goth (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scepter_of_Goth (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scepter_of_Goth)) server on our 1200 baud modems. Imagine multiplayer Zork. Or perhaps an early MUD, if you're more familiar with those. But before the client side "helper" apps with hotkeys and all that - you only survived by how fast you could type "kill troll with sword" over and over again...
Many good nights spent trying to level up in that game...
I spent a lot of my early 'online' gaming days playing BBS door games like Barren Relams Elite, Legend of the Red Dragon and Trade Wars 2002. Those were all hotkeyed, I live in the future!! :)
I came across a mention of the Space Quest Kickstarter onTechCrunch today. Looks like they are ramping up the PR machine to try and increase backing. I really do hope this project finds, it looks so fun!
QuoteIf you're an older gamer, you will remember the holy trinity of Sierra RPGs – King's Quest, Space Quest, and Police Quest. All three of these games used something called "imagination" and "storytelling" to immerse early gamers in an Ad Lib sound card-induced gaming coma.
Now you can re-live those heady days with a new game by the makers of Space Quest, Scott Murphy and Mark Crowe (aka "The Two Guys from Andromeda"). Their new game, called SpaceVenture, is a refresh of the old Sierra series and promises spills, chills, and horrible jokes. It's getting funded on Kickstarter as we speak.
http://techcrunch.com/2012/05/28/the-authors-of-space-quest-are-back-with-another-adventure/ (http://techcrunch.com/2012/05/28/the-authors-of-space-quest-are-back-with-another-adventure/)
From the description in the podcast, it looks asthough I must have played at least some of Space Quest 3 since I recognise the opening plays of the story.
I can't imagine when I played it (and I'm pretty sure I never bought it...)
Now that you mention it, I seem to have some hazy memories of Police Quest too but couldn't tell you anything about it (I've married and had kids since - the 'time before' is a bit of a blur).
I'm sure I'll be covering the rest of the Sierra "Quest" games over the course of things. I played all the Police Quest games, most of the King's Quest and I dabbled a bit in Quest for Glory.
Actually I remember using the storyline for Police Quest 3 as a creative writing assignment in grade school (it came out in 1991, I must have been in 4th or 5th grade). We had to write a "police story". Most of the kids wrote about police helping children after losing their parents in the mall, saving a cat or some such. My story was about a cop who had recently lost his partner investigating satanic drug cartels and dealing with the added pain of his wife recently being stabbed in a parking lot by said cartel to discourage him from continuing his investigation.
I can't recall if I had a letter sent home to my parents or not.
I'll bet a letter was considered even of it wasn't sent! Poor, disturbed child...
Episode 6 is out! Let's talk emualtion :)
http://umbcast.com/episode-6-emulation/ (http://umbcast.com/episode-6-emulation/)
---
Hey there blockers! It's yet again time for another show!
This week, something a little bit different. Instead of covering a specific game, we're gonna get techie and discuss some ways to play all these great old games I've been covering on our modern, ultra-fast, multi-core gaming rigs.
But first, some news. I follow up once again on both the Tex Murphy and SpaceVenture kickstarters. Check em out and give your support if you think they're worthwhile! Also, the E3 show has been going on this week where trailers were released for the next SimCity and the new X-COM: Enemy Unknown game in development.
I wanted to let everyone know about The Blackwell Bundle, a cool adventure series done in the style of classic VGA adventure games that I've been playing since the last show. Check it out!
The main topic for the week is how to get old games running well on modern systems. We cover some background, what difficulties we encounter trying to get this all running. Then I start the discussion of emulation, define what it is and where it's used. I then get into details of two different applications that are used to run DOS games in emulation, DOSBox and ScummVM.
Finally we listen to an audio comment from Dan where he talks about his experience with retro gaming and DOS emulation on iOS.
That's that! Enjoy the show and see you all next time when we talk about Wolfenstein 3D!
Direct download:
http://umbcast.com/podcast/006-UMBCast-Emulation.mp3 (http://umbcast.com/podcast/006-UMBCast-Emulation.mp3)
Really great show Joe! LOVED it. What a trip down memory lane, and then I found it fascinating on how emulators worked. Awesome. Thanks!
Thanks Rick. Glad some of that stuff I learned back in university could come in handy!
The SpaceVenture kickstarter has just over 20 hours left and they're just under 10,000 dollars from funding. Looks like this may go forward and we'll eventually see an new game from the Space Quest guys!
http://tgakick.com (http://tgakick.com)
and they've hit their goal! Wooo!
That was fun. I'm not really playing anything on PC now but understanding how the old stuff is being integrated onto the new hardware will always interest me.
Thanks! I was worried it'd be too "techy" but I think it came off relatively well.
Well, I am techy so it wouldn't matter but I think it came off OK.
If anyone has any thoughts on Wolfenstien 3D or anything else, I record tomorrow night! I'd love to have some different voices on the show.
Episode 7 is out! Enjoy!
---
Hail blockers!
It's time for episode 7! This time around we're talking Wolfenstein 3D.
But first we talk some news: Both the SpaceVenture and Tex Murphy Kickstarters have funded, but they are both trying to make their stretch goals. Check them out if you haven't already.
I played through the Space Quest 2 remake from Infamous Adventures. The creators of this remake have a kickstarter named Quest for Infamy, who's goal is to create a new game in the spirit of the Quest for Glory series.
Then we get to Wolfenstien 3D. As usual, we talk about the genre, story (such as it is), gameplay and the development story. I then read a listener e-mail and I decide if the game holds up today.
Next week, get ready for some RTS action with Command and Conquer!
Listen and enjoy!
Direct download:
http://umbcast.com/podcast/007-UMBCast-Wolfenstein-3D.mp3 (http://umbcast.com/podcast/007-UMBCast-Wolfenstein-3D.mp3)
Yay! :)
Man, that game was so amazing for the time. Can't wait to listen to this show.
Great show and thanks for playing my promo Joe! :)
Thanks! Glad to play the promo.
Since I'll be away next week I'm going to record the next podcast early, so if anyone has anything to say about the Command and Conquer series drop me a line by Sunday!
3D? I remember when Castle Wolfenstein was only 2D...
I can't wait to check it out, though. I spent a lot of time looking for all the damn secret doors in that thing...
I really should have something to say about C&C. I think that game was responsible for the closest thing to diverse we ever reached!
Sunday's a bit of a stretch though. I'm so focused on job interviews and such like that I think I'll struggle to remember :(
No worries, I'm happy to take them after the fact as well (as you know) :)
Yeah, but I don't want to do that every time!
C&C episode is in the can all ready for release on Thursday while I'm hiking up a mountain! I'm really happy with the way this one came out.
Episode 8 all about Command & Conquer is out! Dowload and enjoy!
---
Hey Blockers!
Time for episode 8, where I talk all about the long-lived Command and Conquer series. But, first things first, a bit of news:
GoG.com has begun selling Telltale games titles. Telltale has done some great work in continuing on some great older adventure franchises like Monkey Island and Sam & Max.
Also, I was able to get my new Roland MT-32 and give you my thoughts on it thus far.
(http://umbcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/CommandAndConquerBoxArt-300x294.jpg)
Then on to the main topic, Westwood Studios' 1995 game: Command and Conquer. I run down the usual suspects (genre, gameplay, plot, dev story) and also talk about a few followup games in the series.
Download the Command and Conquer for free (legally, I promise!)
Buy Command and Conquer: The First Decade on EA Origin or Amazon.
Stay tuned for the next show where we travel back to World War I in Red Baron.
Direct Download:
http://umbcast.com/podcast/008-UMBCast-Command-and-Conquer.mp3 (http://umbcast.com/podcast/008-UMBCast-Command-and-Conquer.mp3)
Ooooh the memories....Downloading to listen tomorrow! I remember getting that song stuck in my head..."I am a a mechanical man..."
That was a good one! I preferred Hell March from the first Red Alert.
Recording the Red Baron episode this coming Wednesday! If anyone has any comments about that, Command & Conquer or anything else send them to podcast@umbcast.com
Episode 9 is out!
http://umbcast.com/episode-9-red-baron/ (http://umbcast.com/episode-9-red-baron/)
---
This week we travel back to World War I with the great 1990 Dyanmix/Sierra combat flight sim, Red Baron.
Before we get to that, it's news time:
GameTrailers.com is reporting that the original Wasteland will be included with the upcoming Wasteland 2. Pre-orders are available from the developer's site.
The Steam Summer Sale is on! Lots of great deals to be had here including quite a few games I've covered on the podcast. It runs until July 22nd socheck it out while it lasts.
Finally on to the main topic, Red Baron. As usual, I talk genre, story, gameplay, tech specs and a bit of development story. I also inadvertently provide a lesson on the basic mechanics of flight!
Download Red Baron for free from Wings of Honour.
Buy the Red Baron Pack on GoG.com.
Next week, by popular demand, we return to 1995 to talk about the Descent series by Parallax Software. Hope to see you then!
Direct download:
http://umbcast.com/podcast/009-UMBCast-Red-Baron.mp3 (http://umbcast.com/podcast/009-UMBCast-Red-Baron.mp3)
Wow guys, playing Descent again reminded me how fun it is (once I got used to the controls again)!
I know this is a popular one with a lot of folks so send in those comments! Deadline to make it into the next show is Wednesday, August 1st.
Of course comments on any previous topics (or anything else really) are also welcome.
podcast@umbcast.com
Just a suggestion, and I know you're extremely busy with all you do here and for your podcast. I'd love to participate more but haven't played alot of these PC games because my computers were always 3-4 years out of date and not gaming rigs, so I always focused on console titles. But if there are ways to play these games on current hardware, either through GOG or other means, it would help alot if you could post that info ahead of time. I'd love to be able to play some and have time to comment for the show...keeping in mind alot of us are on Macs as well ;)
That's a great suggestion. I was thinking of maintaining an upcoming podcast list. I actually posted a link to Descent on the facebook group yesterday and I'll start cross posting that here as well.
Descent 1 & 2 on GOG: http://www.gog.com/en/gamecard/descent_1_descent_2 (http://www.gog.com/en/gamecard/descent_1_descent_2)
They say PC only but it's really just a prepackaged install using DOSBox so I can't imagine why it wouldn't work with a mac install of DOSBox as well.
Also, if you'd like to give me a little kickback you can purhcase via the podcast site (I won't post my affiliate links on Rico's forums, don't think that's proper). There's a GoG banner on the right sidebar on http://umbcast.com (http://umbcast.com) that will give me credit via their affiliate program.
Looking for some Descent comments! Deadline is Wednesday. Send email or audio to podcast@umbcast.com
Descent level 1 insane walkthrough (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C34f77Ovh88#)
Of course I'd also love comments about any other topics I've covered or any other relevant news, etc.
Suggestion for a future cast: Bioware's classic Baldur's Gate is being repackaged and re-released on current hardware (PC/Mac and iOS) with new content and characters as well as the old classic content. I think release date is near the end of September, plenty of time for a podcast!
Oh, that was on my list but I may move it up the schedule!
Awesome! It's one of my favorite games of all time.
That's one of the things I'm really enjoying about this show. I'm getting to play a lot of games I didn't experience back then. I wasn't much into RPGs at the time aside from Fallout. I didn't even play Descent very much. Getting to re-experience my old favourites is fun but experiencing games I've heard of but never played is really awesome.
After Descent I'll probably be covering Loom and then I may slot Baldur's gate in after that.
I'll be working on the audio comment after work today. :)
Looking forward to it!
I'd love to have a few personal memories of the game from lots of folks (sequels are fine too) since I didn't play a ton of it myself. I know this game was special to a lot of people.
Done and done, sent it to you, let me know if you didn't get the email/file :)
King
Got it, thanks!
Episode 10 all about Descent is out!
http://umbcast.com/episode-10-descent/ (http://umbcast.com/episode-10-descent/)
---
Hey hey Blockers!
Welcome to episode 10! This time around we go deep into the mines with Parallax Software's amazing 1995 FPS, Descent.
As usual, before we get into that, a bit of news:
First of all, I joined the GoG.com affiliate program. So, if you were planning to pick up any of the games I talk about on the show, I'd really appreciate it if you went to GoG via the show site as it gives me a small kickback that I can use to cover some of the show's expenses. You can get there by clicking the GoG banners in the right hand column!
Aside from that, last week's Red Baron show led me to check out some current games in the flight sim genre and I came across Microsoft Flight. It's free to play so I'll definitely be giving it a whirl in the near future.
Finally, I blogged about a really cool article earlier in the week. In it, one of the original developers of Warcraft: Orcs vs. Humans talks about the very beginnings of that seminal game. It's a great read!
I read an email from BJ, where he provides a bit of additional info on emulation, which I talked about back in episode 6.
Then, on to the main topic, 1995′s Descent. I cover the usual suspects and talk about some cool and different ways to play it today ending off with some listener voicemails.
Buy Descent from GoG.com
Descent source port downloads: DXX-Rebirth and D2X-XL.
Next time, I'll be talking about the unique LucasArts adventure game from 1990, Loom. Hope to see you then!
Direct download:
http://umbcast.com/podcast/010-UMBCast-Descent.mp3 (http://umbcast.com/podcast/010-UMBCast-Descent.mp3)
Gearing up for next week's show on the very cool and unique 1990 adventure game, Loom.
You can grab it on steam alone for 5 bucks: http://store.steampowered.com/app/32340/ (http://store.steampowered.com/app/32340/)
or as part of the LucasArts adventure pack with 3 other amazing games (including 2 Indy games) for 10 bucks: http://store.steampowered.com/sub/2102/ (http://store.steampowered.com/sub/2102/)
Wow, some of these things sound fascinating but you're well into territory I know nothing about with these few. Too old I guess ;)
Loom is defintiely a more niche game. Most people I've talked to haven't heard of it. I knew of it but hadn't played it until I started my "research" for the show :)
Oh, I'm writing the show right now and listening to the awesome soundtrack, I'm excited for this one, people. :)
I asked over on the FB group and I'll ask here too...having some trouble deciding which game to cover next, should I do 1990's Railroad Tycoon or 1994's Transport Tycoon? I'll cover them both eventually just not sure which I want to do first.
Epsiode 11 all about Loom is out!
---
Hello to all the Blockers!
Welcome to episode 11. This time around, we're heading back to the adventure genre with a great LucasArts game from 1990, Loom.
First though, some news:
Shortly after the last show, strange rumours started popping up about a new Rise of the Triad game by Apogee software. Turns out they are true!
Some more info about the new X-COM: Enemy Unknown game has come out. We're talking competitive multiplayer and a release date! You can also pre-order at their site.
Finally, some sad news: 3D modelling pioneer Paul Steed, who worked on games like Strike Commander and Quake, passed away suddenly this week.
After the news we read a few listener emails covering a few topics.
Business aside, I then start to delve into the fantastic and wonderful world of Loom. As usual we cover all the aspects of story, gameplay, development and more relating to this truly unique adventure game from Lucasfilm Games.
If you want to give Loom a go, it can be purchased on Steam.
Next week, we put on our conductor's hat when we look at yet another game from 1990, Sid Meier's Railroad Tycoon.
Direct download:
http://umbcast.com/podcast/011-UMBCast-Loom.mp3 (http://umbcast.com/podcast/011-UMBCast-Loom.mp3)
I played and finished Loom back in the day when it first came out. It was very innovative for it's time. Looking forward to listening to this cast.
Holy cow - LOOM! Wow - that's a blast from the past. Looking especially forward to this podcast.
Hope everyone enjoys it! Had a lot of fun with this one.
Loving these podcasts, i'm a bit behind at the moment and only just listened to the one about Wofenstein and had to go and find it and as Joe said right on their site is a free game. Spent about an hour playing it. Thanks Joe :)
Thanks meds! It'd actually pretty impressive how many of these games you can legally get free today.
Really great sale on GoG.com, the whole Ultima series for 50% off. That's all the official Ultima games for 18 dollars, or 30% off individual games. Defintiely gonna be covering there one of these days.
http://www.gog.com/en/promo/ultima_series_promo (http://www.gog.com/en/promo/ultima_series_promo)
Wow! Thanks, I am going to grab them. I loved this series.
Episode 12 is out!
http://umbcast.com/episode-12-railroad-tycoon/ (http://umbcast.com/episode-12-railroad-tycoon/)
---
Hey Blockers!
The time has come for episode 12! This time around, we look into our first game from the king of simulation, Sid Meier's Railroad Tycoon.
Before we dive into the business simulation pool, some news:
Command & Conquer: Generals 2 will apparently not be a traditional retail boxed game. Initially, it will be released as a free to play multiplayer online game with a single player campaign to follow.
In Kickstarter news, the creator of the Broken Sword series has started a campaign with the goal of funding a new game in the Broken Sword series. There's still quite a bit of time left so check it out!
Finally, Chris Pope of the Guys from Andromeda podcast recently interviewed Lori and Corey Cole, creators of the original Quest for Glory series. In the great audio interview they discuss memories of working at Sierra and also discuss their new project, The School for Heroes.
We then get on to the main topic, the very deep, detailed and challenging 1990 business simulation game, Railroad Tycoon. As usual we talk genre, gameplay, dev story and the rest.
Download Railroad Tycoon Deluxe for free
Get Railroad Tycoon 2 and 3 on Steam.
Next time, we join the clans with Mechwarrior! Hope to see you then!
Direct download:
http://umbcast.com/podcast/012-UMBCast-Railroad-Tycoon.mp3 (http://umbcast.com/podcast/012-UMBCast-Railroad-Tycoon.mp3)
If you're not tired of hearing my voice yet, episode 13 all about Mechwarrior is online!
http://umbcast.com/episode-13-mechwarrior/ (http://umbcast.com/episode-13-mechwarrior/)
---
Hey there Blockers!
Time for episode 13! This week we delve into the world of Mechwarrior and Battletech.
Since I'm such a big fan of this series, I've got too much to say, so I forego the news except for one small item: Over the weekend I guest hosted Treks in Sci Fi episode 401. There I talk about two 90s Star Trek adventure games by Interplay. Check it out if you'd like!
Then we quickly get into things. I talk about both Mechwarrior and Mechwarrior 2. I cover quite a bit of Battletech backstory, how the games differ, gameplay, tech focus on each and a great development story.
In current Mechwarrior news, I discuss the upcoming game, Mechwarrior Online.
I discuss how to get these games running using the community-made source port, MechVM.
Finally, we listen to a great voicemail, I give my verdict as to whether or not Mechwarrior holds up today and close out the show.
Next week: The really cool Sierra adventure game series, Gabriel Knight.
Enjoy episode 13!
Direct download:
http://umbcast.com/podcast/013-UMBCast-Mechwarrior.mp3 (http://umbcast.com/podcast/013-UMBCast-Mechwarrior.mp3)
Quote from: billybob476 on September 13, 2012, 08:20:30 PM
If you're not tired of hearing my voice yet, episode 13 all about Mechwarrior is online!
This was my game! I'm going to love hearing your take on it.
Quote from: X on September 14, 2012, 06:04:43 AM
Quote from: billybob476 on September 13, 2012, 08:20:30 PM
If you're not tired of hearing my voice yet, episode 13 all about Mechwarrior is online!
This was my game! I'm going to love hearing your take on it.
One of my personal favourites too, quite the story behind it that I had no idea about!
Ahh, Mechwarrior. Man, why can't they make a new game in this franchise with modern graphics?!
You mean like this? http://mwomercs.com (http://mwomercs.com)
MechWarrior Online - Gameplay and Interview [HD] (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76abFui4lx4#ws)
MechWarrior Online Video Preview (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmNRN-l-BJw#ws)
Yay, someone put me on Reddit. I think that comment is a compliment...
http://www.reddit.com/r/mechwarrior/comments/zwah9/upper_memory_block_podcast_covers_mechwarrior/ (http://www.reddit.com/r/mechwarrior/comments/zwah9/upper_memory_block_podcast_covers_mechwarrior/)
For those of you that don't check the FB group, due to illness this week's show covering Gabriel Knight will release over the weekend.
Extra time to get in comments on this really great game!
http://www.gog.com/en/gamecard/gabriel_knight_sins_of_the_fathers (http://www.gog.com/en/gamecard/gabriel_knight_sins_of_the_fathers)
Quote from: billybob476 on September 17, 2012, 07:39:07 AM
Yay, someone put me on Reddit. I think that comment is a compliment...
http://www.reddit.com/r/mechwarrior/comments/zwah9/upper_memory_block_podcast_covers_mechwarrior/ (http://www.reddit.com/r/mechwarrior/comments/zwah9/upper_memory_block_podcast_covers_mechwarrior/)
Hmm, I wonder if I've ever been put on Reddit. Meh, probably not.
I think it's a compliment though :).
Quote from: billybob476 on September 27, 2012, 07:07:28 AM
For those of you that don't check the FB group, due to illness this week's show covering Gabriel Knight will release over the weekend.
Extra time to get in comments on this really great game!
http://www.gog.com/en/gamecard/gabriel_knight_sins_of_the_fathers (http://www.gog.com/en/gamecard/gabriel_knight_sins_of_the_fathers)
:(
I've run out of podcasts to listen to.
(OK, I have run out but I don't hold you responsible) :)
Just think of the fun you'll have next week when you have too many to listen to!
Better late then never, episode 14 all about Gabriel Knight is out!
http://umbcast.com/episode-14-gabriel-knight/ (http://umbcast.com/episode-14-gabriel-knight/)
---
Welcome Blockers!
A little late, but here I am with episode 14! This time around we chat about the great paranormal mystery adventure game series, Gabriel Knight.
As usual though, the news:
Project Eternity is a kickstarter RPG made in the vein of late 90′s PC RPG's like Icewind Dale and Planetscape: Torment. If you like that style of game, check it out!
Sword of Fargoal 2 is an attempt (again on kickstarter) to bring back the Sword of Fargoal roguelike dungeon crawler from the Commodore 64. Again, if this type of game is your bag, give it a look!
Finally, in Steam news, the demo for the new X-COM: Enemy Unknown game is available for download. The full game is due to release on October 9th, 2012.
We then have two great listener emails where we go back and chat a bit about Command & Conquer.
Now, on to our main topic for the week, Sierra's Gabriel Knight series. I go into great detail about the first game, Gabriel Knight: Sins of the Fathers. We talk story, gameplay, tech focus and the rest. In dev story I go into the rest of the games in the series as well.
I end off with a live performance of some soundtrack music from the first game.
You can get all three GK games on GoG.com:
Gabriel Knight: Sins of the Fathers
The Beast Within: A Gabriel Knight Mystery
Gabriel Knight 3: Blood of the Sacred, Blood of the Damned
Next time, we check out an interesting 1993 tactical strategy series, Syndicate. Hope to see you then!
Direct download:
http://umbcast.com/podcast/014-UMBCast-Gabriel_Knight.mp3 (http://umbcast.com/podcast/014-UMBCast-Gabriel_Knight.mp3)
Arrgh! How did I miss this one. I would have sent in a comment. Loved this game, and the sequel - although I never played the 3rd and final game.
I'll listen during the commute on tuesday.
Feel free to send in a comment for the next show, I'll play it at the start!
I thought I'd played one of this but I don't recognise the stories. Weird.
Good episode though... :)
Been catching up on the UMB casts and don't recall if you mentioned a few shows ago that Space Core has actually made it to space in your discussion of Portal 2.
Sorry if this is old news, I think it's still very cool!
"An anonymous NASA employee has added a little customization to a panel for the International Space Station, adding an image of the Space Core from Portal 2."
http://www.egmnow.com/articles/news/nasa-launches-portal-2-character-into-space/ (http://www.egmnow.com/articles/news/nasa-launches-portal-2-character-into-space/)
Quote from: davekill on October 08, 2012, 11:16:19 PM
Been catching up on the UMB casts and don't recall if you mentioned a few shows ago that Space Core has actually made it to space in your discussion of Portal 2.
Sorry if this is old news, I think it's still very cool!
"An anonymous NASA employee has added a little customization to a panel for the International Space Station, adding an image of the Space Core from Portal 2."
http://www.egmnow.com/articles/news/nasa-launches-portal-2-character-into-space/ (http://www.egmnow.com/articles/news/nasa-launches-portal-2-character-into-space/)
Very cool! I little tidbits like that!
On another note, if anyone has comments regarding Syndicate, anything else I've covered or that you'd like me to cover, as usual I'm always looking for emails/voicemails to podcast@umbcast.com
Deadline this week is Thursday evening eastern time.
Also, if anyone has given the new X-COM game a whirl, I'd love any thoughts you may have!
http://store.steampowered.com/app/200510/ (http://store.steampowered.com/app/200510/)
Episode 15 all about Syndicate is out!
http://umbcast.com/episode-15-syndicate/ (http://umbcast.com/episode-15-syndicate/)
---
Hi Blockers!
Welcome to episode 15! This week we talk about Bullfrog's 1993 game, Syndicate.
Before we get to that though, lots of news this week:
Pledge Quest, the fan game supporting the Two Guys SpaceVenture released a second part. Give it a look!
X-Com: Enemy Unknown has released to great reviews!
In SimCity 5 News, it appears the game will not allow you to restore or delete your cities.
Wing Commander's Chris Roberts launched a crowdfunding campaign to create an ambitious new space sim called Star Citizen / Squadron 42.
Finally, Mechwarrior Online is going to open beta, giving everyone a chance to give the game a try.
After all this news and an email, we get to the main topic of the show, 1993′s Syndicate. Lots of great info here.
Get Syndicate on GoG:
http://www.gog.com/en/gamecard/syndicate/?pp=1106a1dda2d680438ecfb0bb70fd479c55a1791f (http://www.gog.com/en/gamecard/syndicate/?pp=1106a1dda2d680438ecfb0bb70fd479c55a1791f)
Get Syndicate 2012 on Origin:
http://store.origin.com/store/ea/en_US/pd/productID.108004900 (http://store.origin.com/store/ea/en_US/pd/productID.108004900)
Next week, we take a look at another game from 1993, Star Control. Hope to see you then!
Direct download:
http://umbcast.com/podcast/015-UMBCast-Syndicate.mp3 (http://umbcast.com/podcast/015-UMBCast-Syndicate.mp3)
Good show, thanks for playing my comment. Didn't realise you were a fan of the Fable series, it's always nice to hear someone enjoying them :)
Funny you should mention the Baked Bean thing, for Creative Day one of the other teams did a parody of that using the Fable III tools and engine... http://www.develop-online.net/features/1197/Not-Lionheads-next-project (http://www.develop-online.net/features/1197/Not-Lionheads-next-project) :)
It was a great comment, thanks for sending it in. Nice to get thoughts from someone "on the inside" :)
Based on the last few weeks, I'm going to be changing my targeted release date to every second Sunday instead of Thursdays, the weeks have been getting busy! So, look for the next show all about Star Control this coming Sunday! Get those comments in!
http://www.gog.com/en/gamecard/star_control_1_2/ (http://www.gog.com/en/gamecard/star_control_1_2/)
New show all about Star Control is out!
http://umbcast.com/episode-16-star-control/ (http://umbcast.com/episode-16-star-control/)
----
Hello again Blockers!
The time has come for episode 16 where I cover the great 1990 game series from Toys fr Bob, Star Control.
Before I even get to the news, a small program note: From now on, the show will be releasing on Sundays instead of Thursday as it has been in the past.
Housekeeping aside, news time!
Hero-U, the new game project from Lori and Corey Cole, creators of Quest for Glory now has an active kickstarter! If you want to give to this project, go check out their page.
Big news over at GoG.com, they have released over 50 games with native mac support! OSX-ers rejoice! The developer of Boxer, who is working with them also posted a great article talking details of his work.
Finally, SimCity 5 now has a release date!
After an email, we get to the main topic, the great Star Control series. I cover all the usual suspects for the first two games in the set. We end off with an email and a cool look into the lego community with a set of Star Control ships competing to be made into a real licensed lego set! If you want to see these happen put in your vote.
Buy Star Control on GoG: http://www.gog.com/en/gamecard/star_control_1_2/ (http://www.gog.com/en/gamecard/star_control_1_2/)
Get the open source Ur-Quan Masters: http://sc2.sourceforge.net/ (http://sc2.sourceforge.net/)
Check out Project 6014: http://code.google.com/p/project6014/ (http://code.google.com/p/project6014/)
Direct download:
http://umbcast.com/podcast/016-UMBCast-Star-Control.mp3 (http://umbcast.com/podcast/016-UMBCast-Star-Control.mp3)
Just to let everyone know, being away all last week messed me up good, so the show will be delayed by 1 week. Just more time to get me some memories on Doom!
And episode 17 all about DOOM is out!
http://umbcast.com/episode-17-doom/ (http://umbcast.com/episode-17-doom/)
---
One week late, but here's episode 17 where I cover the iconic first person shooter series from id software, DOOM.
There's so much to say here that I don't spend much in the way of time on news, I only mention that Chris Roberts' Star Citizen project has concluded its funding campaign successfully. They are still collecting for stretch goals so check it out!
I then read a quick email and jump right into things with the main topic, id software's DOOM series. I cover the story (such as it is), gameplay, get reasonably deep into the design of the game engine and look at the very interesting development story.
Play DOOM for free online: http://www.kongregate.com/games/mike_id/doom-1 (http://www.kongregate.com/games/mike_id/doom-1)
Buy Doom 3: BFG Edition on Steam: http://store.steampowered.com/app/208200/ (http://store.steampowered.com/app/208200/)
Next week, we cover a very interesting game series: Alone in the Dark. Hope to see you then!
Direct download:
http://umbcast.com/podcast/017-UMBCast-DOOM.mp3 (http://umbcast.com/podcast/017-UMBCast-DOOM.mp3)
Just a reminder: Even though the Doom show came out, I always accept comments about the games after the fact! Got a few stories from folks for next week, I'd love more!
Emails/voicemails to podcast@umbcast.com as usual! Also you can use the send a voicemail tab on umbcast.com.
I love feedback!
Here comes episode 18 all about Alone in the Dark!
http://umbcast.com/episode-18-alone-in-the-dark/ (http://umbcast.com/episode-18-alone-in-the-dark/)
---
Hey there Blockers!
Time for episode 18. This time around, we're talking about the grandaddy of 3D survival horror games, 1992′s Alone in the Dark.
But first, there's lots of news this week!
Hero-U, the new game from Quest for Glory's Lori and Corey Cole has successfully funded! They just made it to their 400,000 dollar goal. Congrats!
I wasn't quite correct last show when I said Chris Roberts' Star Citizen had funded. It had a day or so left and instead of raising 5 million dollars, they raised 6.5 million! Incredible.
A new remake of 1998′s Baldur's Gate is already out and ready for purchase.
Peter Molyneux has launched a kickstarter to bankroll a new god game in the vein of Populous. I'll be keeping an eye on this one.
I also found a new site where you can play an online version of Dune 2. This is a really great port to the web.
Finally, if anyone is interested in health, fitness and nutrition, check out this cool new podcast, Fit for Radio! It's awesome.
Whew! After all that news, we get to the meat of the show, Infogrames' 1992 game, Alone in the Dark. We take a look at all the usual suspects here and cover a lot of cool info.
Buy Alone in the Dark 1, 2 and 3 on Steam:
http://www.gog.com/gamecard/alone_in_the_dark (http://www.gog.com/gamecard/alone_in_the_dark)
Next time I'm doing something a little different. I'll be doing an in-depth review of the new game X-COM: Enemy Unknown. Kind of a look at an old series in a new incarnation.
Enjoy!
Direct download:
http://umbcast.com/podcast/018-UMBCast-Alone-in-the-Dark.mp3 (http://umbcast.com/podcast/018-UMBCast-Alone-in-the-Dark.mp3)
Nice! That game was hard and creepy! Can't wait for the Xcom show...Enemy Unknown was just about my favorite game of 2012!
I'm happy I found a way to sliude a modern game review in every once in awhile. Excited to talk about this one, lots to say. Feel free to send in your own thoughts!
We're well into territory I know little about with some of these but the format of the show still makes for quite compelling and informative listening.
Love the genuine French accent by the way, you've obviously practiced for years!
Yup, growing up in Québec forced me to practice whether I wanted to or not! Glad you're finding it fun to listen even if you haven't played the games.
I was working by the 90's - didn't have time for games ;)
I was in France last week and am stunned at how much I've forgotten. Even being asked if I wanted coffee in the morning was a struggle :(
The interest lies as much in the back story and tech focus bits as in the game content itself. You cover it all very well.
and episode 19 all about XCOM: Enemy Unknown is out!
http://umbcast.com/episode-19-x-com-enemy-unknown/ (http://umbcast.com/episode-19-x-com-enemy-unknown/)
---
Welcome once again Blockers!
A little early, episode 19 is here. This week we change gears a bit and talk about a new and current game, XCOM: Enemy Unknown.
First things first though, a bit of news:
The remake of the original Leisure Suit Larry has been submitted to Steam Greenlight, give it a vote so they can make it onto Steam for distribution!
The new Baldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition is now available for iPad both from the app store.
GoG.com's winter sale is currently under weigh, over 450 games are on sale including many great games I've already covered. Some great deals to be had on both old and new games.
Then, on to our main topic, XCOM: Enemy Unknown. I don't cover the history of the whole series, I do that back in episode 4. I try to keep to the standard format as much as possible, we talk genre, story, gameplay ad dev story.
Buy XCOM: Enemy Unknown on Steam:
http://store.steampowered.com/app/200510/ (http://store.steampowered.com/app/200510/)
Next time I'll be talking about the 1999 space sim, Independence War.
Enjoy!
Direct download:
http://umbcast.com/podcast/019-UMBCast-X-COM-Enemy-Unknown.mp3 (http://umbcast.com/podcast/019-UMBCast-X-COM-Enemy-Unknown.mp3)
Very disappointed that the Baldur's Gate Enhanced Edition couldn't get a working build for the iPad 1. They had said all along it would be playable on all iPads and it was possibly the game I was most looking forward to playing on my iPad ever. But they couldn't get it to work, and that was aparrently the cause of all the delays with the release of the game as they tried and tried to get it playable. Oh well, I guess I'll wait until I upgrade, whenever that is...
It is unfortunate. I mean, I understand from a development point of view, but it's be interesting to know what the issue was. Is it purely a performance issue or is there some other major stumbling block programming for iPad1 vs others.
The game runs great on my iPad 2.
According to the devs it's because the iPad 1 has half as much memory and they were getting unavoidable crashes at certain points in the game
Episode 20 all about Independence War it out!
http://umbcast.com/episode-20-independence-war/ (http://umbcast.com/episode-20-independence-war/)
---
Happy new year Blockers!
Welcome to 2013 and episode 20 of the show where I discuss the 1997 Particle Systems/Infogrames space sim, Independence War.
Not much in the way of news over the holidays aside from Steam and GoG both having their holiday sales. Check them out if they are still on!
Then we read some emails including a fun one from Martin where he tells us about an attempt to release Wing Commander 2 on the SNES.
Then on to Independence War, I cover all the usual suspects and give my verdict on the series!
Buy Independence War on GoG:
http://www.gog.com/gamecard/independence_war_deluxe (http://www.gog.com/gamecard/independence_war_deluxe)
Buy Independence War 2 on GoG:
http://www.gog.com/gamecard/independence_war_2 (http://www.gog.com/gamecard/independence_war_2)
Next time, we're going to discuss the great 1995 LucasArts adventure, Full Throttle.
Enjoy!
Direct download:
http://umbcast.com/podcast/020-UMBCast-Independence-War.mp3 (http://umbcast.com/podcast/020-UMBCast-Independence-War.mp3)
Forgot to post this one! Ep 21 came out last Thursday!
http://umbcast.com/episode-21-full-throttle/ (http://umbcast.com/episode-21-full-throttle/)
---
Hi Blockers!
Time for episode 21! This time around, I'm covering the great 1995 Lucasarts adventure game, Full Throttle.
But first, a bit of news:
It's the new year which means it's time for CES. I talk a little bit about some things announced there and my hopes for the upcoming Steam Box.
A kickstarter campaign who's aim is to remake the original space trading game, Elite successfully funded. Check it out!
Finally, it seems the remake of Leisure Suit Larry is on schedule for a Q1 2013 release.
A quick voicemail from Rick Moyer all about the creation of the show's intro song.
Then on to the main topic, Full Throttle. I cover all the usual topics and play a lot of clips from the game.
Next time, I'll be talking about the 1999 business sim, Rollercoaster Tycoon.
Direct download:
http://umbcast.com/podcast/021-UMBCast-Full-Throttle.mp3 (http://umbcast.com/podcast/021-UMBCast-Full-Throttle.mp3)
Interested to hear the Elite news in this last show. I was never too big a player but I still sank a far few hours into that game (probably on Sinvlair ZX Spectrum...). I've occasionally done a trawl of the App Store for anything like an iDevice version without much luck but, in one sense, that's probably good for me and my free time budget. It may be something I have to avoid trying out!
It does look pretty cool. Obviously a much more graphical game then the oroginal but I do hope they keep the falvour of the original. I wasn't a huge Elite players myself (a touch before my time) but I'm a big fan of the genre. I sepnt waaay too much time playing Trade Wars 2002 with my friends in the BBS days.
Episode 22 all about Rollercoaster Tycoon is in the can!
http://umbcast.com/episode-22-rollercoaster-tycoon/ (http://umbcast.com/episode-22-rollercoaster-tycoon/)
---
Howdy Blockers!
Welcome to episode 22 where we talk about the 1999 Microprose game, Rollercoaster Tycoon.
Before that though, there's quite a bit of news this week:
Leisure Suit Larry Reloaded's Greenlight campaign was a success. It was approved along with other games in the fourth round of Greenlight inductees.
In addition, Leisure Suit Larry's Greatest Hits and Misses is now available on GoG. This compilation includes Larry 1 – 6 and is a mere 10 dollars.
Back to Greenlight, a cool game called Pinball Arcade is trying to get approved. Looks like a very cool reproduction of some classic pinball tables. Check it out!
In SpaceVenture news, former Sierra star composer Ken Allen is now confirmed to be on board to do the music for the game. This is awesome news.
n addition, Ken Allen himself has launched a Kickstarter. Under the Half Dome will be a modernized compilation of some of Ken's best game music work.
Finally, in beta news:
The Elder Scrolls online beta signup is open.
SimCity 5 closed beta has begun.
After all that news, we get into our main topic, Microprose's 1999 game, Rollercoaster Tycoon. We talk about the game, dev story, listen to a voicemail and all the rest!
Buy Rollercoaster Tycoon on GOG:
http://www.gog.com/gamecard/rollercoaster_tycoon_deluxe (http://www.gog.com/gamecard/rollercoaster_tycoon_deluxe)
Buy Rollercoaster Tycoon 2 on GoG:
http://www.gog.com/gamecard/rollercoaster_tycoon_2 (http://www.gog.com/gamecard/rollercoaster_tycoon_2)
Buy Rollercoaster Tycoon 3 on GoG:
http://www.gog.com/gamecard/rollercoaster_tycoon_3 (http://www.gog.com/gamecard/rollercoaster_tycoon_3)
Next time, I'll be covering a big series, Sierra's King's Quest adventures. This series is a cornerstone of gaming history. I'm looking forward to covering it!
Direct download:
http://umbcast.com/podcast/022-UMBCast-Rollercoaster-Tycoon.mp3 (http://umbcast.com/podcast/022-UMBCast-Rollercoaster-Tycoon.mp3)
Awesome, looking forward to some more Joe chat.
I won a copy of Roller Coaster Tycoon from PC Gamer magazine, for submitting an entry to a contest they were running to develop a game idea in 100 words or less. The actual grand prize for the contest was a trip, and a meeting with a game publisher, and some other stuff. My entry was apparently too risque for actual consideration in the contest (my game idea was an open world third person game a la Grand Theft Auto called "Crack Ho") but some editors thought it was funny and clever enough to warrant an unofficial prize of some games they had lying around the office...Rollercoaster Tycoon and some other swrods and sorcery game I forget...
Episode 23 is out!
http://umbcast.com/episode-23-kings-quest/ (http://umbcast.com/episode-23-kings-quest/)
---
Hello Blockers!
Welcome to episode 23. This time around we're talking about the huge Sierra adventure series that started back in 1984, King's Quest.
Before we get into this huge topic, we have a few small items of news to cover:
Ken Allen put out a very interesting podcast where he discusses how he came up with the music for Space Quest 4. Also, it turns out that he will be able to rearrange his own creations despite the fact the rights are owned by Activision through mechanical licensing.
Secondly, big news on the GoG.com front. System Shock 2 is now available for purchase for 9.99 USD. I definitely need to give this one a whirl since I didn't get a chance to play it when it originally came out.
So that's that for the news, now we get on to our main topic, Roberta Williams' King's Quest series. I talk about the history of the series and cover some interesting points of each of the eight games in the series.
Buy King's Quest 1, 2 and 3 on GoG:
http://www.gog.com/gamecard/kings_quest_1_2_3 (http://www.gog.com/gamecard/kings_quest_1_2_3)
Buy King's Quest 4, 5 and 6 on GoG:
http://www.gog.com/gamecard/kings_quest_4_5_6 (http://www.gog.com/gamecard/kings_quest_4_5_6)
Buy King's Quest 7 and 8 on GoG:
http://www.gog.com/gamecard/kings_quest_7_8 (http://www.gog.com/gamecard/kings_quest_7_8)
Next time around, I'll be covering my first puzzle type game, Dynamix's The Incredible Machine.
Enjoy the show!
Direct download:
http://umbcast.com/podcast/023-UMBCast-Kings-Quest.mp3 (http://umbcast.com/podcast/023-UMBCast-Kings-Quest.mp3)
Ahh, King's Quest. Love those games!
Yes - they were classics. Loved all the Sierra games. Anyone else remember that brief experiment with 'Sierra On-line'? The Prodigy like BBS service to play games, etc.
Do you mean Sierra's Imagination network? I believe it was bought by someone.
Quote from: billybob476 on February 19, 2013, 07:36:02 AM
Do you mean Sierra's Imagination network? I believe it was bought by someone.
That might be it. I recall being able to create an avatar, and playing chess, backgammon, etc. You could also chat and get hints for games.
Yeah that was it.
Episode 24 all about The Incredible Machine is out!
http://umbcast.com/episode-24-the-incredible-machine/ (http://umbcast.com/episode-24-the-incredible-machine/)
---
Howdy Blockers!
This time around, we're talking about Dynamix's 1992 puzzle game, The Incredible Machine.
This week in the news:
Death Inc Kickstarter
Mage's Initiaition Kickstarter
Back in February, the Guys from Andromeda podcast interviewed Jim Walls, creator of Police Quest and he announced his intention to kickstart a new Police Quest style game.
Finally, Lord British has something to say at http://www.lordbritishpresents.com/ (http://www.lordbritishpresents.com/)
A few links from listener emails:
BJ Used to read this interesting eductionial software magazine:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Club_Kidsoft (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Club_Kidsoft)
King's Quest fan remakes from Father Beast:
1, 2 and 3 from AGD Interactive:
http://www.agdinteractive.com/games/games.html (http://www.agdinteractive.com/games/games.html)
Episode based remake:
http://www.tsl-game.com/episodes.php (http://www.tsl-game.com/episodes.php)
IA King's Quest 3 remake:
http://www.infamous-adventures.com/kq3/ (http://www.infamous-adventures.com/kq3/)
Finally, on the The Incredible Machine. We discuss all the usual suspects and cover the whole series of games.
Buy The Incredible Machine on GoG:
http://www.gog.com/gamecard/the_incredible_machine_mega_pack (http://www.gog.com/gamecard/the_incredible_machine_mega_pack)
Next time we're going to cover the awesome LucasArts space sim: X-Wing. I'm super excited for this one!
Enjoy!
Direct download:
http://umbcast.com/podcast/024-UMBCast-The-Incredible-Machine.mp3 (http://umbcast.com/podcast/024-UMBCast-The-Incredible-Machine.mp3)
Just FYI everyone, my next show will be covering the X-Wing series from LucasArts. That's X-Wing, TIE Fighter, X-Wing vs. TIE Fighter and X-Wing: Alliance. I know some of us here definitely have some fond memories of these games being the Star Wars fans that we are!
As always, comments can be sent to podcast@umbcast.com
Big one this week! Episode 25 all about X-Wing is out!
http://umbcast.com/episode-25-x-wing/ (http://umbcast.com/episode-25-x-wing/)
---
Hi Blockers!
This week, we're talking about the incredible space sim series, X-Wing.
Before we talk about that, the news:
The team that brought us the original Planetscape: Torment are kicksarting a new game, Torment: Tides of Numenera.
Lord British told us what he meant to. Check out his new game on kickstarter, Shroud of the Avatar: Forsaken Virtues.
Finally, the developers working on the new Shadowrun Returns game, which raised 18 million dollars last year, released 20 minute of alpha gameplay footage. Looks like they're on track.
Next, a quick email talking about Humungous games and where you can get them today.
Finaly we get to X-Wing. We talk about the story, gameplay and tech focus. In dev story, we go through the history of the series and a bit about each of the sequels. Then we hear a few listener memories of the games.
Buy X-Wing on eBay
Buy X-Wing on Amazon
Next time, not only is it the podcast's 1 year anniversary, but we will also be discussing the awesome Fallout series!
Enjoy!
Direct download:
http://umbcast.com/podcast/025-UMBCast-X-Wing.mp3 (http://umbcast.com/podcast/025-UMBCast-X-Wing.mp3)
Man, I loved that game and Tie Fighter too. I want a modern version of the game that holds on to the game play, but just updates the graphic engine.
For sure, there was something about the gameplay of X-Wing and TIE Fighter that other space sims just couldn't capture.
Episode 26 all about Fallout is out! It like it was fate that I got delayed releasing to the day the Lucasarts news came out.
http://umbcast.com/episode-26-fallout/ (http://umbcast.com/episode-26-fallout/)
---
Happy anniversary Blockers!
Yes, it's the one year anniversary show where we are talking the great 1997 Interplay game series, Fallout.
First though, lots of news this week.
A cool film kickstarter focusing on the history of the UK gaming scene.
Tim Schafer's Double Fine Adventure has an actual name, meet Broken Age.
Retronauts is trying to reboot themselves outside of 1up.com.
Larry reloaded is scheduled to release in May!
Telltale Games is no longer working on their previously announced King's Quest game.
In business news, Disney shuts down Lucasarts.
Father Beast points out some fun Star Wars based arcade games found at http://www.bruneras.com/ (http://www.bruneras.com/)
Finally, we get to our main topic, the Fallout series. I get deep into the gameplay, dev story and all the rest.
Buy Fallout on GoG:
http://www.gog.com/gamecard/fallout (http://www.gog.com/gamecard/fallout)
Buy Fallout 2 on GoG:
http://www.gog.com/gamecard/fallout_2 (http://www.gog.com/gamecard/fallout_2)
Buy Fallout 3 on Steam:
http://store.steampowered.com/app/22370/ (http://store.steampowered.com/app/22370/)
Buy Fallout New Vegas on Steam:
http://store.steampowered.com/app/2028016/ (http://store.steampowered.com/app/2028016/)
Next time, I'll be covering the 1993 Origin game, Strike Commander.
Direct download:
http://umbcast.com/podcast/026-UMBCast-Fallout.mp3 (http://umbcast.com/podcast/026-UMBCast-Fallout.mp3)
brilliant - Fallout is one of those holes in my gaming history and having it covered like that was very informative :)
THanks Paul, Fallout was a fun one to cover.
Before tomorrow's show on Strike Commander, I sat in the 4th chair for the Elder Geek Game Club where we talked about the indie adventure game Primordia. It was a lot of fun!
Game Club - Primordia (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3vK2tKEDiM#ws)
And episode 27 all about Strike Commander is out!
http://umbcast.com/episode-27-strike-commander/ (http://umbcast.com/episode-27-strike-commander/)
---
Hello Blockers!
For episode 27, we talk about the 1993 Origin Systems flight sim, Strike Commander.
Before that though, the news:
In light of the closure of LucasArts, Raven software has released the source code for their two great Star Wars games, Jedi Outcast and Jedi Academy.
The Two Guys SpaceVenture released a short alpha preview video.
I sat in on an episode of the Elder Geek Game Club where we talked about the indie adventure game, Primordia.
We then chat about Strike Commander. Genre, story, gameplay, tech focus, dev story, all the usual stuff.
Buy Strike Commander on GoG:
http://www.gog.com/gamecard/strike_commander (http://www.gog.com/gamecard/strike_commander)
Next week, a bit of a different show, I'll be talking about the new 2013 release of SimCity By Maxis/EA.
Direct download:
http://umbcast.com/podcast/027-UMBCast-Strike-Commander.mp3 (http://umbcast.com/podcast/027-UMBCast-Strike-Commander.mp3)
This week I jump into current times and cover the newly released SimCity.
http://umbcast.com/episode-28-simcity-5/ (http://umbcast.com/episode-28-simcity-5/)
---
Hail Blockers!
This week we time travel to the present day and cover EA's newly released SimCity 5.
In the news:
Jane Jensen's new game, Moebius, will be out by the end of 2013.
Chris Roberts' Cloud Imperium Games opens a new office in Santa Monica, CA.
The X-COM FPS has undergone some changes and is now being developed as a realtime tactical shooter called The Bureau.
We then get into the review of the new SimCity 5 (or SimCity 2013 or whatever you'd like to call it). I talk quite a bit about gameplay and how the guts of he game work. I also discuss some of the continuing issues with the game and finally give you my verdict on whether it's worth buying or not.
Buy SimCity 5 on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Electronic-Arts-41018ted-Edition2-SimCity/dp/B007VTVRFA/ (http://www.amazon.com/Electronic-Arts-41018ted-Edition2-SimCity/dp/B007VTVRFA/)
Buy SimCity 5 on Origin: http://store.origin.com/store/ea/html/pbPage.SimcityNA (http://store.origin.com/store/ea/html/pbPage.SimcityNA)
Direct download:
http://umbcast.com/podcast/028-UMBCast-SimCity-5.mp3 (http://umbcast.com/podcast/028-UMBCast-SimCity-5.mp3)
Forgot to post the last ep! One episode 29 I cover Myst.
http://umbcast.com/episode-29-myst/ (http://umbcast.com/episode-29-myst/)
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Howdy Blockers!
Time for episode 29 of the podcast where we're discussing the 1993 Cyan adventure/puzzle game, Myst.
As usual though, the news:
Disney and EA have entered an exclusive multi-year deal to develop a series of new Star Wars games.
Maxis has announced The Sims 4 and opened up registration for a mailing list.
Bethesda has announced a new Wolfenstein game taking place in an alternate version of the 60′s where the Nazis won the war.
We then get to the main topic, Myst. Gameplay, story and get a little deeper with tech focus and dev story.
Buy Myst on GoG:
http://www.gog.com/gamecard/myst_masterpiece_edition (http://www.gog.com/gamecard/myst_masterpiece_edition)
Buy Myst on Steam:
http://store.steampowered.com/app/63660/ (http://store.steampowered.com/app/63660/)
Next time, I'll be revisiting Peter Molyneux with 1997′s Dungeon Keeper.
Direct download:
http://umbcast.com/podcast/029-UMBCast-Myst.mp3 (http://umbcast.com/podcast/029-UMBCast-Myst.mp3)
Great show this week - really liked it!
I was so taken with the graphics in this game when it came out, I learned to use Strata 3D software... Hypercard too.
Thanks! It was fun to get into Hypercard a little bit in the show.
oh cool! I loved myst back in the day (though if memory serves, never did finish it).
Some of my best video game memories involved this type of adventure/puzzle game...King's Quest, sam and max, full throttle
Episode 30 all about Dungeon Keeper is out!
http://umbcast.com/episode-30-dungeon-keeper/ (http://umbcast.com/episode-30-dungeon-keeper/)
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Welcome Blockers!
It's episode 30! This time around we're talking about the unique 1997 Bullfrog franchise, Dungeon Keeper.
As usual though, news first:
The creators of The Incredible Machine are coming out with a new game called Contraption Maker.
A movie project called Video Games: The Movie attempts to communicate the love of video games from the people that made them.
A unique adventure game project called Armikrog has some cool looking graphics and an interesting voice cast.
Finally, the new Leisure Suit Larry has been delayed by a month due to bug fixes.
Finally, we get on to the main event: Dungeon Keeper. We cover all the bases of this fun and unique game series.
Buy Dungeon Keeper on GoG:
http://www.gog.com/gamecard/dungeon_keeper (http://www.gog.com/gamecard/dungeon_keeper)
Buy Dungeon Keeper 2 on GoG:
http://www.gog.com/gamecard/dungeon_keeper_2 (http://www.gog.com/gamecard/dungeon_keeper_2)
War for the Overworld on Steam:
http://store.steampowered.com/app/230190/ (http://store.steampowered.com/app/230190/)
Next time, I'll be covering the infamous Duke Nukem series.
Direct download:
http://umbcast.com/podcast/030-UMBCast-Dungeon-Keeper.mp3 (http://umbcast.com/podcast/030-UMBCast-Dungeon-Keeper.mp3)
Almost forgot to put this up! Episode 31 about DUKE NUKEM is out! This is a fun one.
http://umbcast.com/episode-31-duke-nukem/ (http://umbcast.com/episode-31-duke-nukem/)
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Hail to the Blockers, baby.
Welcome to episode 31 where we talk about the long running Apogee/3D Realms series, Duke Nukem.
In the news:
E3 week! We heard all about the new XBox One and PS4, in addition to iOS 7 at Apple's WWDC. Busy week in the tech world!
A few weeks ago, Tim Schafer's DoubleFine Productions has launched its second Kickstarter campaign for a tactical strategy game called Massive Chalice.
A remake of Shadow Warrior appears to be in the works from 3D Realms for release this fall.
In mobile news, I am totally obsessed with Ron Gilbert's Scurvy Scallywags. Check it out.
Interplay repurchased the Descent Freespace IP from now defunct THQ. maybe a new Freespace? Hmmm...
Then we talk Duke Nukem. I cover Duke 1, 2, 3D and a little about Duke Nukem Forever. Story (such as it is), gameplay, tech focus, dev story, all of it!
Buy Duke Nukem 1 & 2 on GoG:
http://www.gog.com/gamecard/duke_nukem_12 (http://www.gog.com/gamecard/duke_nukem_12)
Buy Duke Nukem 3D on GoG:
http://www.gog.com/gamecard/duke_nukem_3d_atomic_edition (http://www.gog.com/gamecard/duke_nukem_3d_atomic_edition)
Buy Duke Nukem Forever on Steam:
http://store.steampowered.com/app/57900/ (http://store.steampowered.com/app/57900/)
Next time, I'll be covering the 1998 Activision game, Interstate '76.
Direct download:
http://umbcast.com/podcast/031-UMBCast-Duke-Nukem.mp3 (http://umbcast.com/podcast/031-UMBCast-Duke-Nukem.mp3)
Episode 32 covering Interstate 76 is out!
http://umbcast.com/episode-32-interstate-76/ (http://umbcast.com/episode-32-interstate-76/)
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Hello Blockers,
It's episode 32 we're talking the groovy 1997 Activision game, Interstate 76.
Before that though, we've got some news:
DoubleFine Productions has announced two new game projects backed by IndieFund.
Fans of Total Annihilation should check out Planetary Annihilation, now in early access alpha on Steam.
Some more news about Jane Jensen's Mobeius project has come to light.
The last Larry backer up went out stating the game will be shipping very shortly, on schedule for their revised date at the end of the month.
Finally, the Retro Game Music Bundle contest is ongoing. Just drop an email to podcast@umbcast.com with the subject "game music bundle". I'll randomly pick an entry on the next show.
Now on to the main topic of the show, the vehicular combat sim, Interstate 76. We talk all about this under appreciated game.
Buy Interstate 76 on GoG:
http://www.gog.com/gamecard/interstate76 (http://www.gog.com/gamecard/interstate76)
Buy Interstate 82 on GoG:
http://www.gog.com/gamecard/interstate_82 (http://www.gog.com/gamecard/interstate_82)
Next time, we'll be talking pirates with Monkey Island.
Direct download:
http://umbcast.com/podcast/032-UMBCast-Interstate-76.mp3 (http://umbcast.com/podcast/032-UMBCast-Interstate-76.mp3)
Hey guys! I posted a quick little 10 minute test stream on Twitch where I played some Lemmings.
Check it out!
http://www.twitch.tv/umbcast/b/447182008 (http://www.twitch.tv/umbcast/b/447182008)
For you viewing pleasure, I streamed a bit of my Thief "research" for the next show, still fiddling with my streamign setup. I might go back to a two screen setup since it's tough to tell when you're streaming.
http://www.twitch.tv/umbcast/b/456961223 (http://www.twitch.tv/umbcast/b/456961223)
New video is up of some Tex Murphy research for the upcoming show!
Mean Streets Research (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdmm3vFj3Nw#)
Keep forgetting to post in here, this one is especially noteworthy for TrekSF...in episode 40 I cover the Dark Forces series!
http://umbcast.com/episode-40-dark-forces/ (http://umbcast.com/episode-40-dark-forces/)
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May the Force be with you, Blockers!
It's time for episode 40, where I am covering the 1995 LucasArts FPS series, Dark Forces/Jedi Knight.
Dark Forces box artBefore that though, the news:
Damon Slye has launched and retracted a Red Baron Kickstarter.
Rock, Paper, Shotgun has done an interesting compare/contrast review of Dungeon Keeper vs. War for the Overworld.
Trilobyte Games has launched a kickstarter to develop the third game in the 7th Guest series.
From Blizcon 2013, Blizzard has a team working on bringing the original two Warcraft RTS games to modern PCs.
We then discuss the four games in Dark Forces / Jedi Knight series. All the usual suspects and a ton of your emails!
Buy the Jedi Knight collection on Steam:
http://store.steampowered.com/sub/2103/?snr=1_7_15__13 (http://store.steampowered.com/sub/2103/?snr=1_7_15__13)
Next time, we'll be covering the 1993 horror adventure, the 7th Guest.
Direct download:
http://umbcast.com/podcast/040-UMBCast-Dark-Forces.mp3 (http://umbcast.com/podcast/040-UMBCast-Dark-Forces.mp3)
Youtube research sessions: http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2whCuUnKwYBVD9hR5dQHkKuXVtuIqsDY (http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2whCuUnKwYBVD9hR5dQHkKuXVtuIqsDY)
Oooh, love those games! I used to play lots of online in Jedi Academy...with lots of custom skins. Pretty fun!
For sure! I dabbled in a bit of multiplayer myself. It's a great series.
Looking at the cover, i might have even owned a copy of that. From memory it made my best man ill (motion sick!) on the night before my wedding. (Yeah, we stayed in and played Star Wars games...)
Best to keep out of trouble!