Famicom Dojo Podcast

39: Games of the Mundane

podcast@famicomdojo.tv (FamicomDojo.TV) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 10:00:00 -0500

Video games aren't just about blowing up bad guys, pretending to be a secret agent, or saving galactic civilization from moon-sized cuttlefish. Sometimes they're about everyday, ordinary things, like stock brokering! Or newspaper delivery! Or making dinner!

Vinnk and Sean discuss these more "mundane" titles, and how surprisingly fun they can actually be. Haven't you ever wanted to be a lawyer? Or start your own football league? With the power of video games, this could be you!

As always, read our show notes at FamicomDojo.TV for a list of the games we've talked about, as well as links to excellent referential videos, PLUS the new Powet.TV Game News show hosted by SeanOrange:
http://famicomdojo.tv/podcast/39

This episode is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo web series.
Head over to FamicomDojo.TV your copy of the Season 1 DVD today!:
http://famicomdojo.tv/store/fdojos1.php

38: Rampant Speculation

podcast@famicomdojo.tv (FamicomDojo.TV) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 09:00:00 -0500

The Wii U is set to launch by the end of 2012... but is it really? We've been seeing the same tech demo since E3 2011, but no actual titles running on Wii U hardware. Will Nintendo make the projected launch date, or is it all smoke and mirrors?

Sean and Vinnk disagree about what this means, encourage Sony to get out of the hardware market since the PS3 has never gotten above third place in North America, the PS Vita's launch has been a larger thud than the one for 3DS, and rumors that the Next Xbox from Microsoft will somehow ban used games. RAMPANT SPECULATION!

Read Kotaku's rumor mill, and find out mor about the Neo Geo Pocket 2 in our show notes:
http://famicomdojo.tv/podcast/38

This episode is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo web series.
Head over to FamicomDojo.TV your copy of the Season 1 DVD today!:
http://famicomdojo.tv/store/fdojos1.php

37: HudsonSoft 16-Shot Salute

podcast@famicomdojo.tv (FamicomDojo.TV) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 02:00:00 -0500

What is the amazing truth behind the Bungeling Empire, Sim City, Bomberman, and Choplifter? You'll be surprised! No, really! It's pretty surprising! But you'll have to listen to the podcast to find out. Hint: they're all connected by HudsonSoft, makers of the TurboGrafx-16, PC Engine, countless awesome 8-bit peripherals, and home of the honeybee -- may they rest in peace.

Vinnk and Sean reminisce about the company that they thought they knew, but clearly didn't, and now will miss more than they thought possible.

See Takahashi Meijin perform his 16-shot in our show notes:
http://famicomdojo.tv/podcast/37

This episode is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo web series.
Head over to FamicomDojo.TV your copy of the Season 1 DVD today!:
http://famicomdojo.tv/store/fdojos1.php

36: Played to Death

podcast@famicomdojo.tv (FamicomDojo.TV) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 08:00:00 -0500

Gaming can be deadly. Oh, we're not preaching about violence in games becoming violence in real life. More about self-inflicted injury -- like playing Starcraft in an internet cafe for 36 hours straight until your heart gives out.

Sean and Vinnk discuss their narrow brushes with that big game pad in the sky by way of a variety of titles mobile, PC, and console.

Think you can handle some of these addictive games? Check out the links in the show notes:
http://famicomdojo.tv/podcast/36

This episode is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo web series.
Head over to FamicomDojo.TV your copy of the Season 1 DVD today!:
http://famicomdojo.tv/store/fdojos1.php

35: User-generated Content

podcast@famicomdojo.tv (FamicomDojo.TV) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 11:00:00 -0500

Does allowing gamers to create their own worlds within a game make that game better, or does it just excuse the developers from having to create any content themselves?

Vinnk and Sean discuss their first experiences with user-generated content (on the NES!), the wonders of the Famicom Data Recorder, and which games they thought were helped or hampered by being able to draw dongs on the sides of racecars.

Check out the Famicom Data Recorder, MAGFest 2012, NamcoBandai's lament, and more in our show notes:
http://famicomdojo.tv/podcast/35

See our MAGFest videos, including VinnkCon 2012:
http://famicomdojo.tv/magfest/2012

This episode is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo web series.
Head over to FamicomDojo.TV your copy of the Season 1 DVD today!:
http://famicomdojo.tv/store/fdojos1.php

34: We Can't Breathe

podcast@famicomdojo.tv (FamicomDojo.TV) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 11:00:00 -0500

It seems like it's getting harder to play video games all the time: an especially embarrassing realization when you've gone halfway across the country to attend the tenth annual Music and Gaming Festival aka "MAGFest"

Sean is joined by guest panelists Justin "JewWario" Carmichael (@JewWario), Brenna "Sindra" Wilkes (@TastesLikeSin), and Powet.TV founder Zac Shipley (@ZacShipley) discuss the potentials and pitfalls of the Wii U, the events of the first day of MAGFest, ruminations on the seeming necessity of the waiver policy in light of ninja refrigerator attacks, and the importance of personal hygiene -- even if in Pikachu form. Also, Vinnk (unable to attend due to living on the other side of the planet) regales is with HIS version of a fun convention!

See just how a hidden fridge managed to attack Sindra in our show notes:
http://famicomdojo.tv/podcast/34

See our MAGFest 2012 videos:
http://famicomdojo.tv/magfest/2012

This episode is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo web series.
Head over to FamicomDojo.TV your copy of the Season 1 DVD today!:
http://famicomdojo.tv/store/fdojos1.php

VinnkCon 2012

podcast@famicomdojo.tv (FamicomDojo.TV) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 22:00:00 -0500

Sean has gone to MAGFest 2012, but since Vinnk is in Japan and can't participate, he's at an exclusive even of his own!

See the whole thing at FamicomDojo.TV:
http://famicomdojo.tv/magfest/2012/potpourri/vinnkcon-2012

33: Can't Wait for 2012

podcast@famicomdojo.tv (FamicomDojo.TV) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 17:00:00 -0500

What a year! 2011 brought its share of good games, bad weather (including a tsunami that devastated parts of Japan), and lots of changes for Famicom Dojo.

Sean and Vinnk discuss what games they're looking forward to in 2012, if the PS Vita is already a failure before it's even been released in the US, and if the Wii U will be making its appearance before the end of the year.

We mentioned a LOT of sweet videos in this show; check them out in our show notes!:
http://famicomdojo.tv/podcast/33

This episode is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo web series.
Head over to FamicomDojo.TV your copy of the Season 1 DVD today!:
http://famicomdojo.tv/store/fdojos1.php

32: Why Christmas Games Are Terrible

podcast@famicomdojo.tv (FamicomDojo.TV) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 08:00:00 -0500

The Christmas season, in the video game industry, is more about big sales of blockbuster titles, console launches, and a bit of rubbing-it-in-the-face for people who perennially spell Nintendo's doom. (The 3DS is already outpacing sales of the DS in its first year.) If you're a kid, subsequently, it means new video game time!

Vinnk and Sean talk about their favorite Christmases, the games they got, their favorite Christmas games (yeah, there are a few), their most HATED Christmas games (there are even more), and more!

Check out our show notes for clips of some of the games we discussed:
http://famicomdojo.tv/podcast/32

Take our survey, and be entered into a drawing for a fee Famicom Dojo Season 1 DVD!.
http://famicomdojo.tv/survey

31: Used Games Are Not Evil

podcast@famicomdojo.tv (FamicomDojo.TV) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 03:00:00 -0500

With a slow shift to digital-only content, and the inability to share such content like you would lend a book or a disc, and publishers deliberately devaluing their game content through the use of activation codes and central server authenticaion, will there ever come a time when used games become a thing of the past?

Sean and Vinnk explore why console games cost so much, why iOS games cost so little, and the ruin that would be visited upon the gaming industry if no one could lend out their games or buy used ones ever again.

Watch the Second Annual Powet.TV Awards in our show notes:
http://famicomdojo.tv/podcast/31

Take our survey, and be entered into a drawing for a fee Famicom Dojo Season 1 DVD!.
http://famicomdojo.tv/survey

Second Annual Powet.TV Awards (Promo) - Censored

podcast@famicomdojo.tv (FamicomDojo.TV) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 02:00:00 -0500

The Powet.TV crew hold the second installment of their annual awards show. 2010 was a banner year at the Powet Entertainment Network, and we can't wait to share it with you. (Never mind that we DID wait -- long story):

Awards for:

Best Mascot
Best Guest host
Best New Spinoff Series
Best New Series
Best Video

See the whole thing at Powet.TV:
http://powet.tv/powetblog/2011/12/14/second-annual-powet-tv-awards-ceremony/

30: Tales of Same Plot

podcast@famicomdojo.tv (FamicomDojo.TV) — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 02:00:00 -0500

Operation Rainfall is so far one third successful, but the only way we'll be getting Xenoblade Chronicles is through GameStop or the Nintendo online store.

Sean and Vinnk explain their misgivings with GameStop, why they're sure Nintendo expects Xenoblade to fail (or at least doesn't care if it succeeds), and actual precedents that should exonerate Nintendo for being so cautious.

Preorder your copy of Xenoblade Chronicles, and see a video comparison between Elite Beat Agents and Ouendan in our show notes!:
http://famicomdojo.tv/podcast/30

Take our survey, and be entered into a drawing for a fee Famicom Dojo Season 1 DVD!.
http://famicomdojo.tv/survey

29: iOS Ascendant

podcast@famicomdojo.tv (FamicomDojo.TV) — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 23:00:00 -0500

Should Nintendo be scared? Since the launch of the iPhone -- which encouraged the rise of the Android platform -- smartphone gaming is set to become a majority of the handheld market, eclipsing Nintendo for the first time since the release of the Game Boy in 1989.

Vinnk and SeanOrange take a look at the data, how the mobile gaming pie is growing, why smartphone gaming has been so successful, and what (if anything) Nintendo can do about it.

See the complete graph of handheld dominance, and read Steve Yegge's rant about platforms versus products in our show notes:
http://famicomdojo.tv/podcast/29

Take our survey, and be entered into a drawing for a fee Famicom Dojo Season 1 DVD!.
http://famicomdojo.tv/survey

28: A Touching Tale of Touchscreens

podcast@famicomdojo.tv (FamicomDojo.TV) — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 10:00:00 -0500

Is the Wii U touch controller a naked attempt to try and compete with the iPad, and if so does it stand a chance to succeed?

Sean and Vinnk go through a brief history of touch panels in consumer devices, from the Apple Newton to the Tiger Game.com, the Nintendo DS, and -- of course -- Apple's iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad.

See examples of each of these devices, plus an Apple Newton reference in the Simpsons, in our show notes:
http://famicomdojo.tv/podcast/28

This episode is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo web series.
Get your Season 1 DVD in time for the Holidays for only $6.95!:
http://famicomdojo.tv/store/fdojos1.php

27: PapaCast - How Young is Too Young?

podcast@famicomdojo.tv (FamicomDojo.TV) — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 02:00:00 -0500

Is there a right way to introduce your child to the world of video gaming? It might be a more difficult proposition for the children of adult gamers, whose boundaries are a bit less clear on the subject, but their non-gamer spouses (if indeed they are non-gamers) might keep them in check. Maybe.

With Vinnk already a father of a 2 year old daughter, and Sean a father-to-be in 2012, we try to tackle those questions. How young is too young? How much is too much? What's appropriate, and what's deemed okay? Plus, in an audio bonus exclusive to the website, Sean tells the tale of how a camcorder gave birth to Puppy Star Trek, and helped to shape the rest of his life.

Relive Square One TV and Mathnet, see a Puppy Star Trek episode, buy a Woogie for your iPhone, and watch Michael J. Fox rock out to Johnny B. Goode in our show notes:
http://famicomdojo.tv/podcast/27

This episode is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo web series.
Celebrate our four year anniversary with promo code NOSHAME to get the Season 1 DVD for only $6.95!:
http://famicomdojo.tv/store/fdojos1.php

26: Chiptunes and Totaka's Song

podcast@famicomdojo.tv (FamicomDojo.TV) — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 08:00:00 -0500

After a recent performance of Video Games Live, Sean and Vinnk talk about the merits of bleeps and bloops, the chiptunes musicians who still love them, hidden music in Nintendo's titles (including one hidden for the last nine years in the GameCube menu screen), and the more symphonic offerings of the 16-bit age and beyond.

Check out the full video on Totaka's Song, DJ Cutman, and more in our show notes:
http://famicomdojo.tv/podcast/26

This episode is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo web series.
Celebrate our four year anniversary with promo code NOSHAME to get the Season 1 DVD for only $6.95!:
http://famicomdojo.tv/store/fdojos1.php

25: The Fanwank Episode

podcast@famicomdojo.tv (FamicomDojo.TV) — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 02:00:00 -0500

Six months on, how is the Famicom Dojo Podcast doing?

Vinnk and Sean take some time out to answer listener mail, reflect on some of their past episodes, and give updates on some of the information that may have gone out of date or had developments since the original episodes were released. Also, Vinnk got a 3DS.

Get the skinny on some Halloween gaming, and watch great videos in our show notes:
http://famicomdojo.tv/podcast/25

This episode is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo web series.
Celebrate our four year anniversary with promo code NOSHAME to get the Season 1 DVD for only $6.95!:
http://famicomdojo.tv/store/fdojos1.php

24: Hale to the Spectre

podcast@famicomdojo.tv (FamicomDojo.TV) — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 02:00:00 -0500

Women in gaming have made tremendous strides, both onscreen and off, behind the scenes, or playing the games. Fans of the Female Shepard in the Mass Effect series -- male and female alike -- encouraged BioWare to finally put her in their advertisements and materials just so that other gamers would know she exists. It's 2011; are women still being overlooked in gaming?

Sean talks to guest panelists Sindra and Megan about what it's like to be such a minority in gaming culture, and discuss their favorite heroines from the aforementioned Shepard, to "Lady Hawke" from Dragon Age 2, Samus in Metroid, Alex Roivas in Eternal Darkness, and more! And Sean tries to avoid saying "that's what she said" for almost an entire hour.

Check out the FemShep and LadyHawke Facebook groups, videos, and other links we discussed during the episode in our show notes:
http://famicomdojo.tv/podcast/24

This episode is brought to you by the KEEP PLAYING: Rewind web series.
Check out Sindra's show over at Powet.TV:
http://powet.tv/powetblog/category/powettv-show/keep-playing/keep-playing-rewind/

23: Apples to Apples

podcast@famicomdojo.tv (FamicomDojo.TV) — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 12:00:00 -0500

The recent passing of Steve Jobs has left us to reflect on how he and his business ventures have affected our lives and the rest of the world. For us retro gamers (at least our age), that means looking back on the Apple ][, Apple //e, and that line of PCs that literally made "computer" a household name.

Sean and Vinnk recall a time when "Apple" was still synonymous with "gaming" -- before the iPhone, before the Macintosh, and (in some cases) before Nintendo. Also, a history of Apple's rise to dominance, Steve Jobs' gig at Atari, and why the original iPod came with free copies of Breakout.

Play Apple games like it's 1983! Check out our show notes for links to Virtual Apple 2, and other sites:
http://famicomdojo.tv/podcast/23

This episode is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo web series.
Celebrate our four year anniversary with promo code NOSHAME to get the Season 1 DVD for only $6.95!:
http://famicomdojo.tv/store/fdojos1.php

22: Nostalgia Goggles

podcast@famicomdojo.tv (FamicomDojo.TV) — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 09:00:00 -0500

It's difficult to admit, but we all wear them. Maybe it's because something made an impression on us at a young age. Maybe it's because we just can't admit flaws in the things that we love. It often takes seeing something through someone else's eyes to finally see the things you refuse to see for yourself.

Vinnk and Sean examine the games and movies of the '80s where they must admit, sometimes painfully, that their nostalgia goggles are firmly in place. Even so, are there specific games (or movies) that are actually immune to the march of time?

Reminisce some more by reading our fabulously-preparted show notes, and watch a video about how spiders aren't so bad:
http://famicomdojo.tv/podcast/22

This episode is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo web series.
Celebrate our four year anniversary with promo code NOSHAME to get the Season 1 DVD for only $6.95!:
http://famicomdojo.tv/store/fdojos1.php

21: Get N or Get Out

podcast@famicomdojo.tv (FamicomDojo.TV) — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 08:00:00 -0500

It's been 15 years since the Nintendo 64 was released. Before that we knew it as the Nintendo Ultra 64. Before that, Project Reality. How does Nintendo's last catridge-based system stack up?

Vinnk and Sean take a look back across the turn of the millennium, and how the Nintendo 64 fulfilled some of its promises, but also how it lead both of them to discover the broader world of gaming: both domestically and overseas.

Check out the Player's Choice videos in our show notes:
http://famicomdojo.tv/podcast/21

This episode is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo web series.
Celebrate our four year anniversary with promo code NOSHAME to get the Season 1 DVD for only $6.95!:
http://famicomdojo.tv/store/fdojos1.php

20: Learning Japanese Through Gaming

podcast@famicomdojo.tv (FamicomDojo.TV) — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 07:00:00 -0500

Japanese retro games can't help you learn a new language, but if you're a motivate collector you might find it's a good way to keep your skill sharp if you don't follow Vinnk's recommendations: 1) Move to Japan, 2) Marry a Japanese person, 3) Take (or audit) a Japanese class.

Sean and Vinnk tease their interview on Zoom In!! Saturday, and get sidetracked by their time searching Akihabara for some awesome video game deals.

Learn some new Japanese words, and see videos on Zoom In!! Saturday, Super Potato, and How to Learn Japanese without (hardly) Saying a Word in our show notes:
http://famicomdojo.tv/podcast/20

This episode is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo web series.
Celebrate our four year anniversary with promo code NOSHAME to get the Season 1 DVD for only $6.95!:
http://famicomdojo.tv/store/fdojos1.php

19: TGS 2011 - 3DS vs PS Vita

podcast@famicomdojo.tv (FamicomDojo.TV) — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0500

While the 3DS was cleaning up at Tokyo Game Show, Sony announced that the PS Vita would be region-free -- unlike its Nintendo competitor. The war is heating up! Who will win the holiday season this year? Will it be enough to turn things around for Sony?

Sean and Vinnk reflect on the final two public days of Tokyo Game Show, if mobile devices and "the cloud" are really the future of the gaming industry and the current oneupsmanship between Nintendo and Sony is really all for naught.

Read more about our sweet post-TGS adventures in the show notes:
http://famicomdojo.tv/podcast/19

This episode is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo web series.
Celebrate our four year anniversary with promo code NOSHAME to get the Season 1 DVD for only $6.95!:
http://famicomdojo.tv/store/fdojos1.php

18: TGS 2011 - You Might Get a T-shirt

podcast@famicomdojo.tv (FamicomDojo.TV) — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 11:00:00 -0500

Instead of being productive these last few days, all we did was play video games. Well, that�s not entirely (or even slightly) true. Find out all about our first 2 (of 4) days at the Tokyo Game Show.

We will talk about games we played, people me met, sights we saw, and a new life philosophy that will make you a better person (or at least maybe get you a T-Shirt)

Learn more about our first two days in the show notes:
http://famicomdojo.tv/podcast/18

This episode is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo web series.
Celebrate our four year anniversary with promo code NOSHAME to get the Season 1 DVD for only $6.95!:
http://famicomdojo.tv/store/fdojos1.php

Imari Tones - RPG

podcast@famicomdojo.tv (FamicomDojo.TV) — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 03:00:00 -0500

Find out more about this song in the Famicom Dojo Podcast:
http://famicomdojo.tv/podcast/17

Lyrics:

When I was a boy everyday was an adventure
I was shooting monsters with my spaceship
View from my spaceship window always shining
256 colors meant infinite

Goblins, Ghosts, Extra Guys
Mushrooms, Music, and Magic Swords
Strategies and secret codes
We learned everything at Famicom Dojo

(Bokura wa minna)
RPG, RPG, RPG, RPG
(Itsu de mo kitto)
RPG, RPG, RPG
Rocking Playing Game

When I was a boy everyday was a sweet romance
I was fighting with my sword for the princess
Rockets, Romance, Racing Cars
Potions, Pellets, and Bonus Points
We didn't care if it was
Real or fantasy at Famicom Dojo
(Bokura wa minna)
RPG, RPG, RPG, RPG
(Itsu de mo zutto)
RPG, RPG, RPG
Rocking Playing Game

See more by the Imari Tones:
Website:
http://imaritones.net

Facebook:
http://facebook.com/imaritones

Twitter:
http://twitter.com/imaritones

17: Rocking Playing Game at TGS

podcast@famicomdojo.tv (FamicomDojo.TV) — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 02:00:00 -0500

Vinnk and SeanOrange preview their trip to Tokyo Game Show 2011, reminisce about their previous coverage in 2007, and discuss what wonderful things can be done with their new theme song!

What are you looking forward to at Tokyo Game Show?

Watch our previous Tokyo Game Show coverage in our show notes (or the latest SegaScope 3-D video), and listen to a full version of "RPG" by the Imari Tones in our show notes:
http://famicomdojo.tv/podcast/17

This episode is brought to you by the Imari Tones.
Check them out on Facebook:
http://facebook.com/imaritones

Or Twitter:
http://twitter.com/imaritones

And of course their website:
http://imaritones.net

SegaScope 3-D Special (Promo)

podcast@famicomdojo.tv (FamicomDojo.TV) — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 17:00:00 -0600

The SegaScope-3D came out at the same time as Nintendo's Famicom 3D System, but Sega saw fit to release their peripheral in the US as well.

Also in stark contrast to Nintendo, Sega developed all of its own 3D games. Check them out in Part 2 of our Retro 3D Special!

Watch the full episode at FamicomDojo.TV:
Season 2 Special: SegaScope 3-D

16: A World Without Mega Man

podcast@famicomdojo.tv (FamicomDojo.TV) — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Retro games may be beloved (if not exceedingly difficult), but do their descendants still have a place in the modern gaming world? When the original creator of a franchise moves on, is it time for the publisher to move on to something else? What about the fans?

Phil Bond joins Sean and Vinnk this week as we discuss the cancellation of Mega Man Legends 3, and what nearly 50,000 people are trying to do about it.

Read the show notes to find out how to support Mega Man Legends 3:
http://famicomdojo.tv/podcast/16

This episode is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo web series.
Celebrate our four year anniversary with promo code NOSHAME to get the Season 1 DVD for only $6.95!:
http://famicomdojo.tv/store/fdojos1.php

15: Should Nintendo Go Third Party?

podcast@famicomdojo.tv (FamicomDojo.TV) — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 23:00:00 -0500

In a word, no, but don't worry: we'll totally qualify that position.

Nintendo's financial troubles in 2011, and initially slow sales of the 3DS, followed by its steep price cut have renewed perennial calls for the company to forego the hardware market and release its titles on other platforms.

SeanOrange and Vinnk discuss whether or not such a move would be vialbe for Nintendo, and if the company is leaving a lot of money on the table by not embracing the iOS market.

Read the show notes to check out the Famitsu report, and the Mega64 Sonic video:
http://famicomdojo.tv/podcast/15

This episode is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo web series.
Celebrate our four year anniversary with promo code NOSHAME to get the Season 1 DVD for only $6.95!:
http://famicomdojo.tv/store/fdojos1.php

14: Too Much of a Good Thing

podcast@famicomdojo.tv (FamicomDojo.TV) — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 10:00:00 -0500

In our younger days, we couldn't have all the games we wanted. We had to play what we were given (or could afford), and we often played those games to death. Now? It's incredibly easy for anyone young or old to buy more games at bargain-basement prices than they could ever hope to play in a lifetime. How much is too much?

Vinnk and SeanOrange talk about their trip to Chicago Comic Con 2011, taking photos with Felicia Day, what we expect to see at the upcoming Tokyo Game Show, and more!

See our Chicago Comic Con 2011 photos (including that one with Felicia Day) in our show notes:
http://famicomdojo.tv/podcast/14

This episode is brought to you by Flashback Vintage Electronics, who graciously donated many of the materials we used in our Retro 3D Special.
Check out their website at http://AtariUSA.com to fill the holes in your retro gaming collection today!

13: Welcome to Die

podcast@famicomdojo.tv (FamicomDojo.TV) — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 01:00:00 -0500

When did video games start using "lives"? More importantly, when and why did they stop? With this changing, what does it mean to die in a game?

Vinnk and SeanOrange examine the games that pioneered this mechanism, and take a look at when and why it started changing. Was it with games like Myst, or did adventure-style games always buck this trend? Has the fall of arcade gaming lead games to be easier, and therefore no longer need "lives"?

Leave us your thoughts, and find out more in our show notes:
http://famicomdojo.tv/podcast/13

This episode is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo web series.
Celebrate our four year anniversary with promo code NOSHAME to get the Season 1 DVD for only $6.95!:
http://famicomdojo.tv/store/fdojos1.php

12: 3DS Price Drop? We Called It

podcast@famicomdojo.tv (FamicomDojo.TV) — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 09:00:00 -0500

Nintendo's steep price cut of the 3DS may have taken some news outlets by surprise last week, but we called it way back during E3. When Sony introduced the PSVita at the same price point as Nintendo's new handheld that was already struggling in sales, we knew a price cut could not be far behind. It looks like Nintendo agreed!.

SeanOrange and Vinnk discuss the 3DS Ambassador program, the wisdom of deciding not to release the GBA Virtual Console games to the general public, and whether or not these 20 free games will entice us (or anyone) to buy the system at $250 before the price cut goes into effect next Friday, August 12th.

Find out the details of the 3DS Ambassador Program program in our show notes:
http://famicomdojo.tv/podcast/12

This episode is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo web series.
Celebrate our four year anniversary with promo code NOSHAME to get the Season 1 DVD for only $6.95!:
http://famicomdojo.tv/store/fdojos1.php

11: Movies About Video Games

podcast@famicomdojo.tv (FamicomDojo.TV) — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 00:00:05 -0500

Nintendo's steep price cut of the 3DS may have taken some news outlets by surprise last week, but we called it way back during E3. When Sony introduced the PSVita at the same price point as Nintendo's new handheld that was already struggling in sales, we knew a price cut could not be far behind. It looks like Nintendo agreed!

SeanOrange and Vinnk discuss the 3DS Ambassador program, the wisdom of deciding not to release the GBA Virtual Console games to the general public, and whether or not these 20 free games will entice us (or anyone) to buy the system at $250 before the price cut goes into effect next Friday, August 12th.

Check out trailers for all the films we talked about, and their RottenTomatoes.com scores at our show notes:
http://famicomdojo.tv/podcast/12

This episode is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo web series.
Celebrate our four year anniversary with promo code NOSHAME to get the Season 1 DVD for only $6.95!:
http://famicomdojo.tv/store/fdojos1.php

10: Never Played Pokemon

podcast@famicomdojo.tv (FamicomDojo.TV) — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 00:00:05 -0500

It's hard for the average gamer to play absolutely EVERYTHING, even everything that's good. But is that any excuse? Should gamers be shamed for failure to expose themselves to certain kinds of games?

In our first Video Game Confessional, Vinnk and SeanOrange talk about the game franchises we should have played, but didn't. And for good measure, we also discuss a few games we love to death, but have no business liking.

After all that fun is over, head back to http://famicomdojo.tv. for the Lost Rebel in Japan: The Pokemon Days of Summer, exclusive to the Famicom Dojo Podcast! (You know, since it was lost and all.)

This episode is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo web series.
Celebrate our four year anniversary with promo code NOSHAME to get the Season 1 DVD for only $6.95!:
http://famicomdojo.tv/store/fdojos1.php

Listen to Pokemon Days of Summer and read the complete show notes only at:
http://famicomdojo.tv/podcast/10

09: A History of Console Region Locking

podcast@famicomdojo.tv (FamicomDojo.TV) — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 02:00:20 -0600

Region locking is nothing new. Though it hasn taken many different forms, it wasn't always deliberate. Many handhelds were exempt from this scheme (including the Game Boy and DS series), but with time all things change.

SeanOrange and Vinnk discuss the very state of affairs that necessitates the existence of organizations like Operation Rainfall, how they came to be, and where they might go from here.

Also, another Rebel in Japan! "An Open Letter to Nintendo" is only available on http://famicomdojo.tv. Why not head over there now and take a listen?

This episode is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo web series.
Use promo code "NOSHAME" to receive a sweet discount on the Season 1 DVD:
http://famicomdojo.tv/store/fdojos1.php

Get a complete rundown of console region lockouts in the show notes:
http://famicomdojo.tv/podcast/9

08: Operation Rainfall

podcast@famicomdojo.tv (FamicomDojo.TV) — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 02:00:00 -0600

Xenoblade, Pandora's Tower, and The Last Story have been released in Japan and Europe, but the US has been passed over. That's where Operation Rainfall comes in: to urge Nintendo of America to release these games that have already been localized for the major languages spoken in North America. At a time when the Wii is suffering a drought of games -- let alone good ones -- don't we deserve better?

SeanOrange and Vinnk interview Chris Ward from Operation Rainfall to discover their goals, headway they've already made through Amazon.com and a reply from Nintendo, and why it's a bad idea to send raw meat through the US Post Office.

This episode is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo web series.
Use promo code "NOSHAME" to receive a sweet discount on the Season 1 DVD:
http://famicomdojo.tv/store/fdojos1.php

Find links to support Operation Rainfall in the show notes:
http://famicomdojo.tv/podcast/8

07: Video Game Movies

podcast@famicomdojo.tv (FamicomDojo.TV) — Fri, 1 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0600

Can a movie based on a video game ever be any good?

If their Rotten Tomatoes scores are to be believed, these films are never critical darlings. Some find fans in niche places, but many are just... you know... BAD.

Vinnk and SeanOrange plumb their memories of video game movies to find out if either of them belong to the "so-SO-bad-but-I-still-love-it-even-though-geez-it-sucks" club!

This episode is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo web series.
Use promo code "NOSHAME" to receive a sweet discount on the Season 1 DVD:
http://famicomdojo.tv/store/fdojos1.php

Check out the show notes to see the trailers for these films, JewWario's Mario Monologues, and maybe leave a comment or two:
http://famicomdojo.tv/podcast/7

06: Bleak Games of the Cold War

podcast@famicomdojo.tv (FamicomDojo.TV) — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 05:00:10 -0600

Did the Cold War make early video games unintentionally bleak? Or was the "kobiyashi maru" style of gaming in the 1970s and '80s more a function of limited memory space and the need for arcade machines to get kids to keep pumping in the quarters?

Vinnk and SeanOrange chew over these questions, and how the era of home consoles allowed an escape from this repetitive experience, allowing games to finally, sometimes mercifully, end.

Also in this episode: Rebel in Japan "Poop is Funny", and the premiere of the first audio version of Famicom Denshimail!
Leave us a question at denshimail@famicomdojo.tv, and we may answer it in a future episode!

This episode is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo web series.
Use promo code "NOSHAME" to receive a sweet discount on the Season 1 DVD:
http://famicomdojo.tv/store/fdojos1.php

Leave a comment and read the complete show notes (including additional video!) over at:
http://famicomdojo.tv/podcast/6

05: Dreamcast Final Days

podcast@famicomdojo.tv (FamicomDojo.TV) — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0600

If Sega were still making consoles today, what would they have brought to E3?

When we last left off, SeanOrange had quasi-seriously prophesied that the Wii U might be the next generation's Dreamcast. With rumors of a new Microsoft console being announced by E3 2012, will those fears come to pass? And would that be such a terible thing?

Vinnk and Sean reminisce about the final days of the Sega Dreamcast, and what a current-day Sega system might be like.

This episode is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo web series.
Use promo code "NOSHAME" to receive a sweet discount on the Season 1 DVD:
http://famicomdojo.tv/store/fdojos1.php

Leave a comment and read the complete show notes (including additional video!) over at:
http://famicomdojo.tv/podcast/5

04: Ooh! Wii U

podcast@famicomdojo.tv (FamicomDojo.TV) — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 04:00:00 -0600

The Wii HD rumors are true! (For once...)

At this year's E3, Nintendo announced its next console: Wii U.

The system's major innovation is its new controller with a touch screen that can be used to stream video content, but will it be enough? Should Nintendo be worried about connectivity between the PS3 and PSVita stealing their thunder a year before they even launch Wii U?

Vinnk and SeanOrange tackle these questions, and clear up rumors about the Wii U's functionality.

This episode is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo web series.
Use promo code "NOSHAME" to receive a sweet discount on the Season 1 DVD:
http://famicomdojo.tv/store/fdojos1.php

Leave a comment and read the complete show notes (including additional video!) over at:
http://famicomdojo.tv/podcast/4

03: Retro HD Gaming

podcast@famicomdojo.tv (FamicomDojo.TV) — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 01:00:00 -0500

How good do retro games look on your HDTV set?

SeanOrange and Vinnk talk about the perils of interfacing 8-bit systems with current technology, how to cope with some of the technical challenges, and what alternatives exist for the modern gamer interested in the titles of the previous millennium.

This episode is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo web series.
Use promo code "NOSHAME" to receive a sweet discount on the Season 1 DVD:
http://famicomdojo.tv/store/fdojos1.php

Leave a comment and read the complete show notes over at:
http://famicomdojo.tv/podcast/3

02: OUTATIME

podcast@famicomdojo.tv (FamicomDojo.TV) — Fri, 27 May 2011 01:00:15 -0500

Despite an infamous history of poor titles to overcome, TellTale Games has pulled Back to the Future out of the movie tie-in gaming doldrums to create a worthy addition to the mythos. SeanOrange and Vinnk talk about their experiences with all of the episodes released so far.

At least, as many as they've been able to play. Thanks to the PSN Store being down most of May, not many have been able to play Episode 4 yet (which is no excuse for Sean, since he bought his copy on PC). Just in time for the riveting conclusion! BTTF Episode 5 will be released in June 2011.

This episode is brought to you by the Famicom Dojo web series. (Strange, right?)
Use promo code "NOSHAME" to receive a sweet discount on the Season 1 DVD:
http://famicomdojo.tv/store/fdojos1.php

Leave a comment and read the complete show notes over at:
http://famicomdojo.tv/podcast/2

Famicom 3D System Special (Promo)

podcast@famicomdojo.tv (FamicomDojo.TV) — Tue, 24 May 2011 01:01:25 -0600

Almost 25 years before the 3DS, Nintendo released another 3DS... for the Famicom!
Find out how the same technology you use to watch Avatar at home made your 8-bit games pop out of your screen.

Watch at FamicomDojo.TV:
Season 2 Special: Famicom 3D System

Angry PC Engine Nerd (Promo)

podcast@famicomdojo.tv (FamicomDojo.TV) — Tue, 24 May 2011 01:01:20 -0600

The Dojo is paid a visit by a big, BIG fan of the PC Engine (although not so much the TurboGrafx-16).
Can NEC's entry into the 16-bit wars hold up against Sega's Mega Drive and Genesis?

Watch at FamicomDojo.TV:
Season 2, Episode 2: Angry PC Engine Nerd

What Nintendon't (Promo)

podcast@famicomdojo.tv (FamicomDojo.TV) — Tue, 24 May 2011 01:01:15 -0600

Sean is... "indisposed", so self-appointed Sega guru Sindra teams up with Vinnk to explain Sega's rise to de-throne Nintendo and its Famicom (oh, and NES) as the reigning video game super power. Can it truly do what Nintendon't?

Watch at FamicomDojo.TV:
Season 2, Episode 1: What Nintendon't

01: The DLC Apocalypse

podcast@famicomdojo.tv (FamicomDojo.TV) — Fri, 20 May 2011 01:00:20 -0600

Sean's bad experience trying to reauthorize downloadable content for his new Xbox 360 turns into a horrifying realization that modern downloadable games will not leave behind any artifacts for future generations. Is retro game collecting in trouble? Assuming we all survive the more literal apocalypse on 5/21/2011, that is...

Vinnk and SeanOrange discuss the pros and cons of this brave new service-based world for this premiere episode of the Famicom Dojo audio podcast.

NOTE: We recorded this episode the week before PlayStation Network went down, which means we will have MUCH more to say about this topic in the near future.

Use promo code "NOSHAME" to get a sweet discount on the Famicom Dojo Season 1 DVD:
http://famicomdojo.tv/store/fdojos1.php

Complete show notes at FamicomDojo.TV:
http://famicomdojo.tv/podcast/1