The Sophistimicated Gaming Podcast

A brief history of console wars

Kirk Mackenzie — Thu, 03 Sep 2015 01:47:23 +0000

Steve and Kirk delve back into their gaming past to look at the big trends of previous console generations. We pick our winner (not based on sales) of each generation, name our stand out game of each era and completely forget to mention the Wii (sorry Wii Sport fans).

Episode 15: Steve is a dad = indie love

Kirk Mackenzie — Sun, 16 Aug 2015 04:15:54 +0000

Steve has had a kid recently and Kirk has had a second. This change in life stage has brought on a new love for indie games as we list our top three games from the podcast break.

Episode 14: We're back

Kirk Mackenzie — Sun, 16 Aug 2015 01:02:48 +0000

After over 18 months away the podcast is back. We had some rubbish recording software for this one, quality should improve from here on in.

Episode 13: Man with a Gun

Kirk Mackenzie — Mon, 26 May 2014 05:37:47 +0000

We're back after a very long holiday. This episode we catch up on what's made news in gaming for early 2014 and reflect on the way indie games are shining a light on the sameness of triple A blockbusters like COD. Let us know what you'd like from our less frequent episodes this year.

Episode 12: Can a game be perfect?

Kirk Mackenzie — Mon, 21 Oct 2013 21:29:17 +0000

Can any game truly deserve a perfect 10/10? We discuss how game mechanics are perhaps one area of game design that developers can get perfect. Our segment asks for your favorite gaming moments.

Episode 11: Movie and TV tie ins

Kirk Mackenzie — Thu, 10 Oct 2013 04:28:00 +0000

First up, if you have the bass turned up you might hear some muffled banging from time to time. We're still working out our new microphone so it should be gone for next time but apologies if it annoys in this episode (it comes and goes a bit). This week we talk about the often tragic history of movie and television tie ins with video games. There are some bright sparks in amongst all the doom and gloom though. Our segment asks which games everyone else seems to love but you just don't. Some cracker answers from our listeners.

Episode 10: Console Wars

Kirk Mackenzie — Thu, 03 Oct 2013 23:32:17 +0000

We were tight for time this week so just a mini episode. We discuss new consoles, how we feel about them and how we might learn from history.

Episode 9: Difficulty Levels

Kirk Mackenzie — Wed, 25 Sep 2013 06:28:42 +0000

Do you prefer to cruise through a game or clench a fist in victory at the end of every level? Are games too easy these days? This week we discuss difficulty levels and how they influence the experience of playing a game. Our Segment: Where do you get your video game news from?

Episode 8: Open vs Linear

Kirk Mackenzie — Thu, 19 Sep 2013 02:13:21 +0000

Do you prefer choices or story? Do you want 15 missions at a time or just one clear goal? This week we compare and contrast open world games and games with a more linear structure. Our segment is about the games we and you thought were "almost" awesome.

Episode 7: Religion in Games

Kirk Mackenzie — Wed, 11 Sep 2013 05:34:49 +0000

Games often have religious aspects to their stories or game mechanics. Bioshock Infinite recently caused a stir with a baptism scene the main character participates in. This week we discuss that scene and religion in games generally. Our segment is about our greatest time sink games of all time.

Episode 6: Realistic vs Fun Violence

Kirk Mackenzie — Thu, 05 Sep 2013 04:28:00 +0000

This week we compare The Last of Us with the Saints Row series, in particular their approach to violence. We also introduce 'The Segment', this episode we talk our greatest games of all time.

Episode 5: Story Telling vs Plot

Kirk Mackenzie — Thu, 22 Aug 2013 06:36:53 +0000

We pick up on last week's conversation and delve into some key story telling moments from our gaming career. How important is the plot that runs through a game? Does it matter or is a decent premise and compelling game environment enough? Do some games crow bar a story in at the expense of fun? Let us know your thoughts on our Facebook page.

Episode 4: Story Telling

Kirk Mackenzie — Thu, 15 Aug 2013 05:13:06 +0000

Steve's been playing The Last of Us and is very impressed with the level the story has been engaging him. We use this as a springboard to talk about story telling in games. To be honest, we could probably talk about this one for a few more episodes so think of it as a start and post your thoughts/questions on our Facebook page.

Episode 3

Kirk Mackenzie — Wed, 07 Aug 2013 05:05:45 +0000

We recorded this early in the morning, hence we greet you as if it's the morning, even if you're listening to this at night. This episode we talk technological advances that have rocked our world as well as the prevalence of anger in the video game community.

Episode 2

Kirk Mackenzie — Wed, 31 Jul 2013 04:56:11 +0000

We're back. At least three people requested a second episode so here it is. This time we chat about our hopes and shattered dreams around the new consoles.

The Pilot

Kirk Mackenzie — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 09:33:12 +0000

Kirk and Steve have their first crack at a gaming podcast. It goes pretty well all things considered. We basically give a bit of background as to what the purpose of the podcast is and talk some of our gaming habbits. Sound quality is not amazing so we'll seek to improve that as we do future episodes.