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)
Month: October 2008
 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.
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.
Earthbound fans, the moment you probably forgot you were waiting for is finally here! The fine folks at Starmen.net have finally completed an English patch for the import-only Mother 3.
But herein lies the problem: in order to take advantage of this translation, I need to infinge upon Nintendo’s copywrights. Now, longtime listeners know that I do not support gaming piracy and the vast majority of emulation out there, but just this one time, I’m officially breaking my own moral code. I’m sorry, Nintendo. I’d much prefer to see an official Treehouse localization, but by expressing zero interest in bringing the sequel to one of my all-time favorites to our shores, you have forced my hand. You’ve teased me too much with the “Porky” cameos in the last Smash Bros. for me to back down. I need this ROM.
*Fellow fans, do you think I’m wrong? Should I sit tight and keeping praying for a miraculous domestic release of “Earthbound 2,” or is this a worthy exception?
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.
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!