We’re back on our normal schedule as this week we get to play Chair Entertainment’s “Shadow Complex” for the Xbox Live Arcade.  A great take on the “metroidvania” games, this one would be better off with a take on Super Metroid’s opener: “The Last Liberal is in Captivity.  The Nation is at peace”.  Political arguments aside, for a game that doesn’t present a great amount of story to the player, a solid experience, live leaderboards, and a fantastic return to gameplay of old really drove this game home for the crew.  We tangent (as always) on the Metroid of old, the changes good and bad, and debate whether or not the hand-holding experience the “metroidvania” games give us these days make the game too easy.  So, join us – as we play through our first Xbox Live Arcade game and come out feeling refreshed with our experience.

After an extended break due to 2/5 of the cast being at E3, the F.U.D.Cast returns with our take on Sam Fisher’s third game, Ubisoft’s Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory.  While it was a game that was mostly liked by the crew, some of us felt that a game like Metal Gear might be a better entry in the stealth genre.  We also muse on our favorite takedowns, the need to interrogate everyone (one of our members is very OCD when it comes to games like this), and whether or not this game takes itself too seriously.  So join Curt, Javier, Ryan, Jeremy and Drew as we continue down the spiral that is the F.U.D.Cast.

Our first PS3 exclusive episode finally hits with Sucker Punch’s “Infamous”.  Curt, Javier, Ryan, Jeremy, and Drew debate how open this game really is, whether or not we like being magnetic to what seems like everything, and how much of completionist whores some of us are.  We also try and figure out if Cole is a dick or Zeke is just a moron, does the final twist at the end really do it for any of us, and if Jeremy really knows that there was a leveling system in the game – made to make things easier as you got better.  Also, we announce an upcoming pay-per-view you won’t want to miss!

Fenix.

Cole.

With special guest referee: Michael Ironside – it’s the

GRUFF-OFF 2010.  BE THERE.

Halo 3: ODST is the topic of our most recent F.U.D.Cast and surprisingly, Jeremy didn’t hate it!  Overall, the game as a whole is a rather approachable FPS, if not viewed by members of the show as “Baby’s first FPS”.  Past that, we comment on the acting, whether or not having the big names (and pretty much an important chunk of the Firefly cast) helps a game or hurts it, if the storytelling compares to a game like Half-Life 2, if too much gamma on your monitor causes you to see green (Jeremy’s does), and much more.  Curt wanders around, Drew chases after him, Jeremy has a music issue, Ryan can’t find his bearings, and in the end, as we all knew, Javier is a loner.  So join us as we find our way around New Mombasa and find that no – elevators aren’t made for explaining story, they’re used for traveling to the final stage.

In what could easily be called the most “mature” of games we’ve played so far, not only for graphic and sexual content, but in general theme, we bring to you CD Projekt Red’s “The Witcher”.  Based completely on Andrzej Sapkowski’s novels of the same name, the game brings forth some very adult themes that surprised quite a few of us.  The sexual content wasn’t really that huge, but the other things, such as racism, sexism, and abuse really surprised a few of us, not only in how it was portrayed but how it was readily shown and meant for mature audiences.  We muse on the game itself, it’s comparisons to many point-and-click games, how uneducated many of us were on the alchemy system, and overall strength of the story brought forth.  We were pleasantly surprised at CD Projekt Red’s first outing and came out ready to play the forthcoming sequel, The Witcher 2: Assassin’s of Kings.

Episode 4 comes to you care of the Vortigaunts, as we explore City 17 in Valve’s Half-Life 2.  What’s considered by many to be the pinnacle of FPS games (even now by some standards), Gordon Freeman gets thrown into a mix of trouble once again as the G-Man decides it’s time to put his hired gun into action.  Even now, the FUDCast Crew has trouble finding flaws with this classic, other than the fact that Valve seems to want to take their sweet time delivering the third episode of their continued series.  When we do find fault, we come to a bit of a roadblock as lines are drawn – the “spoon fed” storyline fans and the “search for it” storyline fans.  In the end – the game still blows us away with what it can do graphically, and we’re still having fun to this day (well, except for the vehicles.)

The F.U.D.Cast returns to an African setting as we work our way through Capcom’s survival horror, Resident Evil 5.  For a series that’s had over eight games, the game continues to evolve and continues the ever convoluted story.  While dismissed by critics for it’s supposed racial bias – the game itself comes out strong and rather well liked by the F.U.D.Cast crew.  That’s not to say all was roses, technical issues, online play issues, and general annoyance with the mechanics of what looks like a 3rd person shooter – but really plays like a classic survival horror.  So join Curt, Javier, Ryan, Jeremy, and Drew as they explore Africa in a new light – and come out somewhat more pleased (although further confused on Africa.)

The F.U.D.Cast continues on, this time fumbling many an assassination attempt in Assassin’s Creed.  This show, we end up getting annoyed with our inability to properly assassinate someone – generally due to external forces that had nothing to do with us playing the game “incorrectly”.  Drew joins us full-time as of this episode, and Javier doesn’t appear as he would be better served speaking underwater as compared to how his microphone was treating him for this show.  We muse on “vertical gameplay”, moves that we thought we should be able to do (but can’t until the sequel), and really enjoy the views – as long as we’re not at the edge of a city.  Join us as we help Desmond realize that the animus can make him much more than who he is already.

After a few months off – the F.U.D.Cast returns for it’s second season!  While the title of the show might seem like we completely disliked the game, that’s anything but the case – but we all feel like we were duped by the hype for this game, returning us to the fact that hype rarely meets expectations.  Kyle returns as a guest on this episode, as well as a truncated crew of Curt, Ryan, and Jeremy.  We dive into the pure annoyances with the decision to use 90′s online gaming tech (Gamespy), a thought from Jeremy that really kind of blew us all away, and a general feeling that we were duped into thinking this was going to be one of the best “RPS” games ever.  So join us, as we all reach back into the pit of anger and give this game the F.U.D.Cast treatment.

Want to be on the show?  Check out the thread here for more info!

The F.U.D.Cast rolls on – to it’s first anniversary!  We’ve made it through our first year and while we’ve had our ups and downs – we hope you’ve enjoyed our discourse over the last year – we thank all who have listened so far – we look forward to bringing you all many more shows!

This episode, we finally end the joke and bring you the Dead Space episode we planned around 18 episodes ago – no joke, it’s really here.  Curt, Ryan, Jeremy, Javier, and our returning guest, Drew, debate the worthiness of whether or not this game ups the ante in the horror genre, if the game provided those scare moments it was intended for – and uncover a cyborg in our midst.  Those things and whether or not we actually liked it in this episode of the F.U.D.Cast.

Want to be on our show?  Drop us a line – fudcast@gameradio.us

We’re twenty!  Nearly a year later and the FUDCast rolls on with Crytek’s Crysis.  For a game that is aging – the graphics hold up, but is that all that Crysis is, one big tech demo?  Does it have the gameplay that stacks up with the gorgeous engine they’ve created?  Is there really more than one way to kill enemies in this game?  Join Curt, Javier, Ryan, and Jeremy as they play through, punch a gas tank or two, and go into what it really might be like to be in an action film by playing.

Want to be on the show?  Drop us a line at fudcast@gameradio.us

Also – we mention that we’re going to head to the Borderlands for our next show.  We’re actually going to bring you… well, you’ll have to listen to our next show to find out what’s next!

We all get a little emo this week with Jupiter’s “The World Ends With You”.  Rob (better known as Mightbe) joins our usual crew of Ryan, Jeremy and Curt for this episode as they tap, slash, and drag their way through TWEWY.  While it may have started out annoying for Jeremy – he actually ends up enjoying a decent portion of the game, although not so much of the music.  We all ended up playing this one heavily at PAX (read: Leveled up our pins via wireless with thousands of people around), and enjoyed it that much more.  While a couple of us sent our DSes flying through the air – all-in-all, a pretty damn good experience for us.  So join us as we figure out how the hell these people put any food into their pea-shaped stomachs, and enjoy the special performance by Jeremy!

Want to be on the show?  Drop us a line!  fudcast@gameradio.us

The F.U.D.Cast returns after the PAX break and invites Colony of Gamers’  Kyle (also known as Wackman3000) to the show.  We join the hyper-man fight of the Space Marines in Relic Games’ “Dawn of War II”.  We cover all sorts of aspects of this game, focusing heavily on the cooperative play and the experiences we share during that time.  Kyle and Jeremy give Primarch difficulty a go and come back with some interesting revelations about what they thought of the “difficulty increase”.  Jeremy also lets us all know even more of the lore, leveling Kyle up in the process, adding a +1 modifier to his nerdhood.  Join us, won’t you, as we go through this and so much more in Dawn of War 2.

Want to be on the show?  Drop us a line!  fudcast@gameradio.us

First of all, let me apologize for the horrid audio quality – when you’ve got limited options for audio, you make due.  With that out of the way, PAX 09 was a huge success and the Colony of Gamers crew wanted to get together to record a show about their thoughts on the games they saw, the deeds and misdeeds of the booth workers, and the shenanigans of the CoG crew during the show.  Ryan, Jeremy, and I want to thank all that took the time to join our show and give your thoughts, burning over an hour of time you could’ve been at the show – so thank you.

CoG members on the show (starting with cast members): Mot Wakorb (Curt), UWCrash (Ryan), Ghostbear (Jeremy), Shodan2020 (Nate), mightbe (Rob), Sandman (Josh), Thrak (Ross), Kielaran (Corey), Suave Peanut (the other Ryan), Pronounconnoun (Joey), Jackel (Dan), and Goronmon (Tim)

Thanks to everyone involved, it was a great time!

The F.U.D.Cast crew is finally back after a bit of a wait and they return with their pre-PAX impressions of Hothead Games’ Penny-Arcade Adventures: On the Rain Slick Precipice of Darkness, Episodes 1 & 2.  Drew (TrackZero) joins our show once again as we get together to end the lives of many Hobos, Mimes, Clowns, and the forever loved Fruit Fucker.  From the mini-games that look like they were stolen out of the calibration screen of Rock Band to the classic JRPG stylings and gameplay – we get right down to enjoying the short but sweet games.  As it always is, if you’re a fan of Gabe and Tycho’s humor, this game isn’t one to be missed.
Want to join us on the show?  Drop us a line!  fudcast@gameradio.us

FINALLY!  We’ve found a platformer that Jeremy actually LIKED!  Join Curt, Javier, and Jeremy as they play through a game that while pretty, wasn’t without it’s flaws.  We muse on price for playtime, did this game have the substance we had hoped for, and is they hype that’s seemingly everywhere really justified?  Join us, won’t you, as we dive into these questions, hit random tangents, and get ready for our pre-PAX show!

Want to be a part of the PAX show?  Going to PAX?  Drop us a line – fudcast@gameradio.us

The F.U.D.Cast rolls on, this time with lights, sirens, and a Muon trap as we cross the streams while playing Terminal Reality’s Ghostbusters.  Curt, Javier, Ryan, Jeremy, and our guest Peter (iHap) power through the rather short game with positive impressions – ones that without the Ghostbusters license might feel like a mediocre action game, but with the Ghostbusters license, end up being a great experience all-around.  For us – the game is a rather positive one and one we hope you’ll play along with us as we dabble in writing, the moments that really brought us back to our childhoods, and at some points, downright gushing about the game.  Thanks for listening – we hope you’ll enjoy.
Comments?  Concerns?  Have your own opinion?  Want to be on the show?  Write us!  fudcast@gameradio.us

The F.U.D.Cast crew takes on Patriot City’s worst enemies in Irrational Games’ Freedom Force.  We have a lot to say about what we really think of the game, but can’t quite seem to stay completely on topic as we meander our way through the ups and downs of our experiences.  We may not have been completely impressed with the game, but it’s one we’d at least ask you to give a try, so won’t you join us as we slowly find our way to our conclusions, losing our minds (and nearly a G5 Mouse) along the way.

Want to be on the show?  Have a suggestion?  Hit us up: fudcast@gameradio.us

We ride again with the F.U.D.Cast as we hit our 13th episode with Condemned: Criminal Origins.  Join Curt, Javier, Ryan, and Jeremy as they trudge through what ultimately is viewed as a rather mediocre game to all of us.  From the forgotten soundtrack (so much that I had to use music from other games to bookend the show), to the downright annoying use of melee weapons, we can’t honestly say this is one we love.  Have questions/comments/concerns for us?  Hit us up at fudcast@gameradio.us – if you’d like, let us know if you’re interested in being on the show – we love having guests!  Thanks for listening!

Curt, Javier, Ryan, Cesar, Jeremy, and our guest host, Suave Peanut (Ryan) continue down the path that is the F.U.D.Cast – join us as we have what might be our most insightful commentary on gaming yet as we tangent our way through the game Ratchet and Clank.  From some quite awesome guns (with awful aiming) to the soundtrack, we seem to somehow find our way through the game, even taking every path off the main road that is the game.

Our next show will be on Condemned: Criminal Origins – if you’d like to join us or have comments or suggestions for the show, write us at fudcast@gameradio.us

We’re a little late this week with the show, but alas we’re back with Raven Software’s Marvel Ultimate Alliance.  Join us as we fumble our way through our first Xbox Live game, listen to Jeremy speak of his nerd boner during the game, and generally get lost listening to the pure geek-love bond that Jeremy and Cesar share.  Some of us get the game, some of us never felt like we were drawn in, and some of us are just generally confused.  We’re back next week with Ratchet and Clank – thanks for listening!

Questions/comments/concerns?  Hit us up at fudcast@gameradio.us or follow us on twitter!

We’re 10… Episodes old, that is.  We cross paths with Lionhead Studios’ Fable 2.  Join Curt, Javier, Ryan, Cesar, Jeremy, and our special guest Drew (TrackZero) as we buy our way through the struggles of good versus evil.  From the evil deeds of doubling your rent, to a single shot ringing out at the end of the game, we all pretty much figure that this game could’ve been so much more that what it is.  Join us as we tear through the campaign and side-quests to our ultimate goal of bringing our opinions to you.

Interested in being on the show?  Want to drop your opinions to us or recommend a game?  Drop us a line at fudcast@gameradio.us.  Thanks for listening!

What’s this?  Two podcasts in the same week?  That’s right, the F.U.D.Cast returns this weekend to the testosterone-fueled love story, Gears of War 2.  Join Curt, Javier, Ryan, Cesar, and Jeremy as they dive into the world of Sera is Marcus and Dom continue to battle their way through the hordes of Locust.  Listen as Cesar finds himself terribly taken with the locust queen, Ryan has his experience ruined by Curt, and Jeremy just loses his mind, thinking he’s Marcus Fenix.  More of the same is perfectly acceptable with us as we debate whether or not we’re playing Gears 1.5 or 2.  Thanks for listening – drop us a line at fudcast@gameradio.us with any questions or comments for us!

We’re finally back with our 8th Episode as we investigate EVERYTHING in Funcom’s Point-and-Click adventure, The Longest Journey.  Join Curt (Mot Wakorb), Javier (violent), Jeremy (Ghostbear), Ryan (UWCrash), and Cesar (Gasherman) as they explore the two worlds that encompass this largely beautiful but somewhat dated PnC adventure.  From the surprise ending to trying to figure out if the genre is dead or experiencing a revival, we get deep into this conversation and come out largely impressed.  Thanks for listening and as always – catch us at fudcast@gameradio.us if you have any comments or questions for us!

Ghostbear’s rage boils over the top in this episode of the F.U.D.Cast.  Join Mot, Violent, UWCrash, Gasherman and Ghostbear as they drive into Africa and lose their minds in Far Cry 2.  From the fires we enjoyed to the magical ratchets that fix all damage to cars, we pretty much don’t understand how this game earned the praise it did.  As always, please contact us at fudcast@gameradio.us and give us some feedback.  Thanks for listening!