Agreed, Vrikk. Are these guys laying pipe or what?

Awesome. I'll be listening along while I eat my breakfast

Great episode.

All the best for the holiday day season everyone. Hope you don't have to scoop too many sidewalks up there in Canada.

'Passage' sounds a lot, mood wise, like the later stages of Shenmue 2 (spoiler alert ) where Ryo wanders through the countryside with another character. It's a long sequence and I found it incredibly atmospheric.

None violent gameplay wise, I used to love herb collecting in World of Warcraft. I'd spend hours riding round looking for new herbs and 'enjoying the countryside.' Perhaps that type of gameplay works best mixed in with other gameplay elements.

I have an idea for the rating system. How about: three green rings for 'brilliant,' three orange rings for 'ok' and three red rings for 'bad.' Or would that bring people out in a cold sweat?

You can also move up and down in Passage. It's actually a maze with all sorts of treasure chests that you can pick up that boost your score. You can even dodge the girl, which lets you get into narrower spaces. Of course, just exploring the landscape nets you points too, and you get twice as many if you're not alone.

It's probably a metaphor.

Also, you should've given Fletcher grief for his failed 360 predictions and not shaving his balls. Or is that considered an impolite thing to do to guests?

I'd thought Russ might show up for episode 50, but then they had that other guy - whatzhisname? - Ken Levine.

Looking forward to listening.

And, before anyone says it, no we didn't do any better this week at remembering to keep making it clear which games we're talking about.

It's going to be my New Year's Resolution.

"Hi! How ya doing? Great to have you here. So, shave your balls?"

Half the crap Certis says he will link to doesn't end up linked.

I haven't been this excited since Escape Radio got announced.

People wonder why I don't buy a camera for my 360. This podcast just adds validation to that belief.

Edit: "Grab some bench?" What is this, the 1920s? Try using this patented phrase, courtesy of San Francisco Giants broadcaster Mike Krukow: "Grab some pine, meat!"

Double edit: And Russ does a mean impersonation of Scott the Dick. And yes, I'm drinking as I'm listening to this.

Odd timing. I had just finished Fletcher's "TechTV Employee Number One" articles and was wondering what he was up to. It was a great conference call episode and very funny. I recommend prepending a consumer warning to this episode. Something akin to: "While listening to this podcast it is highly recommended that the listener is not engaging in any of the following scenarios: driving on the highway, drinking a tasty, hot beverage, and/or having sex. The ensuing hilarity of this podcast could cause bodily harm or even death in the above scenarios." I am just saying. My car only swerved a little bit on the highway, drinking my hot chocolate while my.. Look Elvis!

I don't know how you can quote Carrie Brownstein and not mention that she was in Sleater-Kinney. Seriously. I award you all no points, and my G-d have mercy on your souls.

*Double post*
To make this space more useful, here's a link to the show Rob mentioned near the end.

Rise of the Video Game

I apparently spoke to soon about Rock Band. I can't get the full game until the 28th at the earliest!

I am livid right now. You ever get into one of those situations where your helpless. There is something you want really badly and it just keeps getting snatched away at the last moment and your helpless to do anything about it?

Oh how I wish I could be face to face with the person in charge of delaying the game in Canada. At least than I could haul off and kick the living crap out him or her. I am seriously that frustrated and angry right now, it's not even funny! Although I can understand if my anger gave you all the warm fuzzies inside.

Oh and as an added slap in the face the game is now 199 Canadian, instead of 179 as originally advertised!