The MaldenCast Episode 515

The Better Never Than Late Edition

This episode Chad, Mike and Steve talk Olympic fever, Nintendo and speculate about Ian’s where-a-bouts. Then we learn that game developers have feelings too. Also we have a rather lengthy and spoiler free discussion about Heavy Rain.

And then there’s Goblin.

Additional links and notes after the jump.

Click below to listen.

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Direct Download

Have questions or comments? Email us at themaldencast[at]gmail[dot]com and have your letter read and answered, on the show!

XBLA Watch List

By Steve

Hey guys. I played a couple of recent XBLA entries that you might get a kick out of. First up:

Matt Hazard: Blood  bath and Beyond

I don’t know if you guys remember the first Matt Hazard game, likely because really no one does, but the premise sounded humorous. Take a Duke Nukemesque bald space marine type and go “Behind the Music” style  as he relives his career of being cast in 8-bit, cart racing, and Goldeneye clones. From what I could gather it did such a good job paying tribute to these games that it even played like them, even the crappy parts.  With BBB it looks like they just concentrated on making a fun game and just throw you around different game settings like pirates, some japanese type place, and a mishmash full of Mario homages and the like. It’s never quite as funny as it thinks it is but, eh, still seems like a blast. Also 2 player Co-Op helps.

Next up: 0 day Attack on Earth

I guess Squareenix wanted to get into the twin stick shooter race and, well they sure took their time with it. 0DAOE you pilot a variety of aircraft (some that magically hover) versus some crazy War of the Worlds walkers.  Now why would anyone want to play this after Super Stardust, Geometry wars and any of the other entries in the crowded twin stick genre? Actually im not sure BUT the demo is eh pretty fun. You know not bad. Also it has 4 player co-op. Thats nothing to sneeze at. Maybe if you guys try the demo and get a kick out of it we can all go in on it. But also maybe not. I wouldn’t be heartbroken.

The MaldenCast Episode 511

This week Mike, Steve and… well, that is it.

Still, they talk about tuna pies; they take hostages; and they can’t be stopped. Their army is small but oh, is it fierce!

The Games: Excitebike: World Rally, New Super Mario Bros. Wii, Muramasa, Dragon Age: Origins.

The Music: Animal Collective, Real Estate and Evahn with an OCRemix.

The Links: Tuna Pies! Chocolate eating, Japanese sissy boys! Canabalt!

Click below to listen.

Subscribe on iTunes Please, pretty please take a minute to rate and review on iTunes. We’re just looking for quantity not quality.

Direct Download

Microsoft E3 2009 Press Conference

Microsoft drops the Beatles, Metal Gear, Alan Wake, Splinter Cell, Halo 3: ODST, Motion Camera, FFXIII hammer!

Yep, Kojima, Spielberg, Ringo and McCartney shared the same stage! Peter Molyneux played with his virtual boy. Project Natal will give you a new opportunity to look like an ass in front of your TV. And heaps of new dashboard functionality like Facebook and Twitter integration. Also you can watch movies with your friends and shush them from 2000 miles away.

Sooo check out all the details at your favorite video game news outlet (like this one, or this one, or maybe this one here or perhaps this one. Just don’t let me catch you at this one).

Go, check out the details, come back and then post your “Ooohs”, “Ahhhs” and “Mehs”.

Street Fighter IV: Are We Serious?

I imagine we’re all excited that the release date for SF4 is next week, but are any of us actually going to buy it?

Personally, I’m happy it’s coming but I’m not sure I will fall in love with this game. And that has nothing to do with my perceived quality of the game ( I think it will rule your face!). I just wonder do fighting games in general compel me anymore even one that has characters I absolutely adore?

I hope so but I’m unsure…

So how about you? Do you really want this game? And if so which platform? Because if it’s the 360 I have to get a fight pad.

I remember SF2 pizza parties on the SNES when I was in junior high, and our Third Strike nights which now seems like a lifetime ago. SO the social aspect is obviously what made Street Fighter for me. Can those moments be recreated over XBL or PSN?

I’m not so sure but if you’re all in I’ll give it a go…

…but I’m getting too old for this shit.