The Rumble Pack

Budding level designers, your time to shine has arrived. LittleBigPlanet is out (even if its servers aren’t quite ready), but the Rumble Pack isn’t sure whether the mainstream media knows how to cover the seedier side of the game’s user-generated content. Also, Kaz delivers the scoop on the latest batch of plastic instruments shipping alongside the new Guitar Hero, while Tony seeks out the internet’s most pretentious games (with a few gems in between)

 

 Episode 67: Burlap Dance [95:41m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

 This week, the ‘Pack ventures into Dead Space to hunt down tentacled babies and other cranky aliens. There are no monster-closets on this spaceship, but does EA’s survival horror debut deliver the chills? Justin “proverbially” poop-socks the English translation of Mother 3 - we’re not sure what proverb that’s derived from - while Kaz finds the Carcassonne crowd still welcoming. De Blob and Age of Booty are also discussed.

After the break, we discuss the implications of “LittleBig-Gate.” Was Sony right to delay arguably their biggest game of the year? Not everyone is in agreement here, but we try to keep it classy.

 

 Episode 66: The Dead Space Between Our Ears [80:38m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Unfortunately, most of our Tokyo Game Show coverage was lost due to technical difficulties, but we still have plenty to keep us busy here in the states. Nicolo delivers the full scoop on the “interactive-art” download Linger in the Shadows for the PS3, while Tony finally explores Cave Story. Afterwards, Kaz’s Kar Talk leads into a discussion of contextual learning, and Justin brings back details from his trip to Volition, Inc.

 

 Episode 65: Half Baked [56:09m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

The entire Rumble Pack convenes a meeting of the mindless to namedrop Kongs and listen to Nick’s vacation tales. Tony embarks on Lock’s Quest and slogs through Haze for reasons unknown, while Tom enters the world of HD gaming, inches away from his huge TV. Justin is disgusted by Sonic’s first (and hopefully last) RPG foray.

After the break, Nicolo brings us moment of zen. Then, the whole crew launches into a lengthy discussion of all the recent Nintendo news. Is a DSi going to be worth your money? Why is Nintendo’s storage “solution” so disappointing? Tune in for the Rumble verdict.

*After the credits, get the early word on our “viral” marketing campaign.

 

 Episode 64: Nintendo Power [96:52m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Due to the mortgage crisis and impending legislation, The Rumble Pack crew starts off the episode with insightful economic analysis…or not. After that, Tom awards WipEout HD the gold, Kaz drops bombs in BattleField: Bad Company, Tony revisits his childhood in Kirby Super Star Ultra, and Justin defends WarioLand Shake It from a misguided Retronaut.

After the break, the Pack casually discusses some of the bigger stories of the week. “Have you heard about”: Bungie’s mysterious announcement, Zach Snyder’s EA deal, or the rumors of a new DS? Wait, you have? Well, at least stick around for extended reminiscing of retired soft drinks like Fruitopia and Pitch Black II. Now accepting applicants for Tom and Tony’s Mountain Brewery!

 

 Episode 63: Keep It Thrifty [86:35m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download