QCF: Max Payne 3

In São Paulo, Brazil, we find the former lawman Max Payne wallowing in his usual grizzled disposition towards life and the current state of affairs he finds himself in. Payne is providing his services as direct high-end security for the illustrious Branco family against any who mean them any harm.

Picking up nine years since the last entry to the series, Rockstar Vancouver plans to take Max to new grounds and deliver features, both familiar and new for the modern generation. However, with the absence of Sam Lake’s writing and a new studio taking the reins, one has to wonder if Max Payne is long for this world, one that’s been overwhelmingly saturated with shooters during his leave of absence.

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PPR 57

After massive Games Clubs and special event shows such as PAX East and GDC, Press Pause Radio finally returns to normal with Episode 57. On the show this week the group discusses several games that have been reviewed recently such as Fez, The Witcher 2 and Bloodforge. We also speak at great lengths about the Illuminati and Korean Robocop; we tend to go off the rails often. The featured topic is about game endings. How important is the ending to the overall experience of the game? Also which games have done game endings right, and oh so terribly wrong? Listen and find out, and don't forget to join in the discussion and tell us your favorite game endings. 

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Versus: Dark Souls

James

Dark Souls is the spiritual successor of the love-it-or-hate-it game Demon's Souls on the PS3. And when I say “love it or hate it,” I cannot stress that enough. You either fall in love with Dark Souls, or it becomes the bane of your existence. I have pumped more than 100 hours into Dark Souls across multiple characters and different play styles, and have every intention of jumping back in again soon.  This is a game for old school players who remember how games used to be.

Andrew

When Demon’s Souls was released for the PlayStation 3 in October 2009, critics and fans alike praised the title, stating that it was “the first truly great Japanese RPG of this generation”. However, whenever I heard about Demon’s Souls, its brutal difficulty and uncompromising mechanics were mentioned in the exact same breath. At the time I didn’t own Sony’s console, so I never experienced this so-called “classic.” That changed in 2011, when Dark Souls made its multiplatform debut. After only an hour of this pixilated poison, I realize that this title is for the most hardcore gaming masochists.

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Gundemonium Collection Review (PSN) -- Bullet Heaven HD, Episode 50

In the landmark Episode 50 (!!) of Bullet Heaven, we dive into the Gundemonium Collection for PS3. In the past, I dismissed these game because of lackluster sound, but upon closer inspection...

As always, questions and comments are not only welcome, but recommended! Here's to 50 more episodes!

Video Games and Contractual Business Models

The video game industry used to be very flexible. You bought a game, popped it into your console, and let the magic begin. If you wanted to, you could invite a friend over for some two-player action. No restrictions, no subscriptions, and no DRM since it was unneeded. The internet, however, changed how we play, purchase, and pay for our games -- for better or worse.

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QCF: Botanicula

Doomed to be eaten, one lonely seed was all that remained from the menacing spider’s appetite -- at least until the hapless group of Mr. Twig, Mr. Feather, Mr. Poppy-Head, Ms. Mushroom, and Mr. Lantern encountered it. So begins the newest point and click adventure from Amanita Design known as Botanicula.

Debuting on the newest Humble Bundle promotion, Botonicula stirred some excitement after turning heads at GDC 12. But when the dust settles, Botanicula truly pushes the standards of the modern point-and-click adventure in surprising ways.

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Bullet Heaven HD Giveaway! -- Bullet Heaven EX

Episode 50 of Bullet Heaven is coming this coming Monday, and Rockin' Android has hooked us up with some great prizes to celebrate! Want in? Watch the video below to find out how! 

NOTE: If you're interested in entering, make sure to enter the contest via the comments section of the YouTube video above! Like what you see here? As always, questions and comments are not only welcome, but encouraged. Remember: Like, Subscribe, Follow and Spread the word!!

PPR Games Club: The Mass Effect Trilogy

Press Pause Radio has returned from their PAX experience with an all new super sized Games Club, this time discussing the entirety of the Mass Effect trilogy. BioWare has created a space opera like no other in video game history, masterfully weaving together decisions and characters from each title to create a unique story and experience for the gamer to control. George and Toast welcome the newest writer to Press Pause Radio James to the show along with his wife Dana, two of the biggest Mass Effect fans we personally know. We will leave no details behind, and the entirety of Mass Effect, Mass Effect 2 and Mass Effect 3 will be discussed. Join us on this lengthy and informative journey as we travel together through space and beyond. 

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